Around Australia, Philippines and the world, RFA serves Filipino-Australians and friends of the Filipino-Australian and Filipino global community.
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#181 RFA Interview: (2019)
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Her Excellency, Philippine Ambassador to Australia, Hellen De La Vega, recently took up her post as the Philippines' top official in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Canberra at the end of 2018.
The Ambassador brings to Australia a great level of energy and dynamism with a focus on furthering the excellent historical relations between the great nations of the Philippines and Australia. During the interview with RFA, Ambassador De La Vega talks about her background growing up and being educated in the Philippines. The Ambassador graduated with |
Cum Laude honors at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila with a Bachelor’s Degree in Asian Studies.
With such impressive qualifications and a desire to serve her country, she joined the Philippine Foreign Service. Over time ...
[Read and see more]
With such impressive qualifications and a desire to serve her country, she joined the Philippine Foreign Service. Over time ...
[Read and see more]
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#180 RFA Interview: (Sept 2018)
Bro Rene Velarde, El Shaddai Leader
The Son Rises Within El Shaddai Catholic Faith
as Bro Rene Tours Australia
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Bro Rene Velarde [left] is the son of the founder of the El Shaddai (God Almighty) movement, Bro Mike Velarde [below].
The El Shaddai movement is a charismatic Catholic group within the Philippines. It's considered one of the Philippines' largest charismatic religious groups. |
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The number of followers for El Shaddai have been estimated to be in the many millions, such as ten million. However when asked in the RFA Interview about this, Bro Rene replied in a humble manner, saying that the number could be more or less, as he did not want to put an exact figure on it.
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Bro Rene's father, Bro Mike Velarde is possibly the most recognised charismatic religious leader in the Philippines... [Read and see more]
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#179 RFA Interview: (Sept 2018)
Daniel de Tablan
PRASIA Band Leader:
Christian Missionary Band Visits Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church, Canberra
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Bro Daniel de Tablan is a Christian missionary band leader who tours the globe.He was recently in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Canberra city, to visit the local chapter of the Jesus is Lord (JIL) church in the suburb of Kaleen.
Bro Daniel received his calling as a music missionary at the age of ... Read and see more |
Photo above: The latest touring band members, consisting of the de Tablan and Torrevillas families.
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#178 RFA Interview: (Sept 2018)
Commander of the Philippine Fleet,
Rear Admiral Danilo R. Rodelas, AFP
Philippine Warship Visits Australia to Make Big Waves as Part of a Global Naval Armada for International War Games whilst the Philippine Navy's Strategic Modernisation Program Increases its Nautical Speed
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The Commander of the Philippine Fleet, Rear Admiral Danilo Rodelas was in Darwin, Australia, recently as part of the Kakadu war game exercises, which has drawn an impressive naval armada from around the world for one of the globe's largest naval exercises.
This comes at a time when the Philippine Navy is fast growing in size and capability, as it continues to obtain new modern ships with state-of-the-art weapon systems, including ship-to-ship missiles. Rear Admiral Rodelas mentions new war ships which the Philippines is purchasing from South Korea, as well as considering the purchase of submarines. Rear Admiral Rodelas uses this as an example to describe how the Philippine Navy will be "strong and credible".
This overall modernisation drive will indeed make the giant archipelago nation of more than 7,000 islands and 100 million people a potent naval power with the objective of...
Read and see more
This comes at a time when the Philippine Navy is fast growing in size and capability, as it continues to obtain new modern ships with state-of-the-art weapon systems, including ship-to-ship missiles. Rear Admiral Rodelas mentions new war ships which the Philippines is purchasing from South Korea, as well as considering the purchase of submarines. Rear Admiral Rodelas uses this as an example to describe how the Philippine Navy will be "strong and credible".
This overall modernisation drive will indeed make the giant archipelago nation of more than 7,000 islands and 100 million people a potent naval power with the objective of...
Read and see more
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Filipino-Australian Pearl Diver Who Won Lottery and Became Independence
Martyr in 1897
(Independence Day Story 12 June 2018)
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Winning the lottery can change one's life. It definitely had a major impact for Candido Iban, son of a lowly farmer, as well as for the Filipino independence fight at the turn of the ...
Read and see more
Read and see more
CASH IN A FLASH!
Fast Reliable Online Money Transfer
within seconds to anywhere in the
Philippines with Western Union
Great money transfer features of Western Union allow you to:
- Transfer online via mobile phone or desktop to the Philippines for immediate cash pickup.
- Transfer money directly into another person's bank account in the Philippines.
- Earn WU rewards points.
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Lolo and Lola's Restaurant
Is there cross-border rivalry developing to get more of
Lolo and Lola?
Many groups make the
two and a half hour journey from Sydney, (NSW) to
eat in Canberra (ACT)
whilst wishing that the
Lolo and Lola Restaurant
would spread around Australia
Lolo and Lola?
Many groups make the
two and a half hour journey from Sydney, (NSW) to
eat in Canberra (ACT)
whilst wishing that the
Lolo and Lola Restaurant
would spread around Australia
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Basketball at
Australia's Olympic Training Facility -
FILCOM
Scores
with a
Lennock Motors
revved up
sponsorship deal.
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FilOz Children's Bookstore
Sydney-Based
bookstore
delivering
Australia-Wide
and
Internationally.
Jed Quiambao Gerona
Founder
and Director
FilOz
Children's Bookstore
Founder
and Director
FilOz
Children's Bookstore
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Exchange
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Top Stories
Visit and talk by NASA Apollo Astronaut Charlie Duke and Mission Control Flight Director Gerry Griffin in Canberra, May 2018
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Photo above: Charlie Duke standing on the moon.
Canberra, the home of one of NASA's only three deep space stations, was privileged last week to be graced by the visit of Charlie Duke, Apollo astronaut and Gerry Griffin, NASA's Mission Control Flight Director ...
Read and see more
Canberra, the home of one of NASA's only three deep space stations, was privileged last week to be graced by the visit of Charlie Duke, Apollo astronaut and Gerry Griffin, NASA's Mission Control Flight Director ...
Read and see more
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Sleeping Beauty Filipino Princess
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Rare Red and Blue Supermoon Eclipse Ready to Dazzle!
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[With permission from RFA, this story has been republished in full by the Philtimes in Melbourne: www.philtimes.com.au
(The highly respected and well-read Philippine Times print edition is the longest-serving Filipino newspaper in Australia)] The catwalk in the Federation Ballroom of the Canberra Hyatt, considered by many as Canberra's premier hotel, next to Capital Hill, was running hot on Monday evening 19th June, with national and international models showcasing the best of Philippine traditional and... Click to see and read more ... |
To gain a greater understanding of the financial world they live in, sometimes people may ponder upon or ask questions such as how much money wealth is in the world.
Before answering such questions, one must first define the parameter of the key term such as monetary wealth. In this instance, when talking about monetary wealth, we are only referring to ... Click to see and read more... |
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Robonaut to Shake Up the Australian Oil and Gas Industry:
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Lolo and Lola's Restaurant: They're Bigger, They're Better and They're Back!
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LOLO AND LOLA'S
RESTAURANT WHERE FILIPINO FOOD DREAMS ARE MADE DAY AND NIGHT! Highly Qualified & Experienced 5 Star Chefs 3 Watson Place, Watson, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Phone: 0412929780 @loloandlolacanberra |
SPECIAL LUNCH DEAL
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Wow!!!
Kanto-Style (Corner-[store]-style) Ensaymada (Filipino cheesecake) (photo on left) Smell It, Eat It and Enjoy It Filipino Style! Soooo Good Naman! (Just Awesome!) |
3 Watson Place, Watson, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Phone: 0412929780 | @loloandlolacanberra
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Left: Halo Halo (a popular Filipino layered dessert consisting of shaved ice, evaporated milk, ice cream, and variety of different mix-ins. This one from L&Ls has the best in a variety of lovingly picked fruits.
Above: Spiced vinegar - Awesome for your health. |
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Interviews:
(The "Interview Archive" tab of this website provides a world-class written and historical record of every RFA interview.)
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#175-RFA Interview: (April 2018)
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Community
Crowning On The Capital Catwalk For the
Mutya Ng Kalayaan (Miss Pearl of Freedom) Beauty Contest, (October 2017)
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The ACT Filipino Australian-Social Cultural Association (ACTFA-SCA) is renowned over the decades for putting on fantastic events and they ...
Read and see more
Read and see more
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Philippine Independence Ball 2017
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Philippine-Australian History, Culture, Music, Dance and Food Extravaganza Heritage Day Proves to be Great Success.
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Sports and Entertainment
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FILCOM ALL-STAR BAYANIHAN 2017, All Stars Basketball, at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Olympic Training Venue, AIS Basketball Hall,
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Science and Technology
Revolutionary Quantum Chip Breakthrough by Sub-Atomic Physicist Engineers at the
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
(January 2018)
Photo: Professor Michelle Simmons, a quantum computing physicist at the UNSW.
[Note: Professor Simmons was named Australian of the Year 2018, just after and within the same month that this story was published.]
In 1899 at the turnover from the 19th to 20th century, the Commissioner of the US Patent Office, Charles H. Duell is attributed to have uttered "Everything that can be invented has been invented." Really ... ????
Read and see more.
[Note: Professor Simmons was named Australian of the Year 2018, just after and within the same month that this story was published.]
In 1899 at the turnover from the 19th to 20th century, the Commissioner of the US Patent Office, Charles H. Duell is attributed to have uttered "Everything that can be invented has been invented." Really ... ????
Read and see more.
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World's First Phone Call Using Hand-Sized Nanosatellites Conducted by Australian Listed Perth-Based Company which Plans to Beam to the World's Most Remote Locations (Nov2017)
The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) listed Perth-based company called Sky and Space Global (ASX-SAS) just buzzed into the world-record books.
Using recently launched nanosatellites the size of a hand, SAS successfully made phone communications such as a voice call, sending an instant ... Read and see more -----------------
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Self-Healing and Self-Energising Lamborghini Terzo Millennio Prototype Uncovered - One Small Step for Cars and One Giant Step for Humankind's Environment! (Nov 2017)
The future of technology and its impact on the environment continues to look brighter. Who wants to look on the "Dark Side" of technology when there is so much on offer for the "Bright Side"?
When it comes to cool in the auto industry the Lamborghini is... Read and see more. ---------------------
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Travel and Tourism
Quintessential Quokka Quirkiness (QQQ) Factor: Rare Evolutionary Cute Show Off on Island Paradise Lunging for Attention
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HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS FOR THIS SPECIAL WILD PRIZE NEWS FLASH EMBASSY ANNOUNCEMENT ...
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Literature and Academic
Books by Dr Reynaldo Dante G. Juanta,
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Dr Merlinda Bobis, One of Australia's Highest Literary Award Winners talked at the Australian National Library to a national audience, including Filipino-Australian Josie Musa,
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Gross National Happiness and Happy New Dear Year 2017!
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The word happy is a powerful 'Holy Grail' type word with great depth of meaning.
Gross National Happiness (GNH) is a term which denotes the measurement of happiness within a nation. It was first coined in 1972 by the Dragon King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in the Kingdom/Nation of Bhutan. This was to be an economic, cultural and spiritual measurement tool for the development of the Bhutanese nation in the Himalayas. It was considered to be a more holistic form of national development compared to Gross National Product (GDP) which focussed on material development in a somewhat monopolistic game of who, or which nation could accumulate the most capital regardless of the environmental and personal costs. |
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GNH, is a socio-economic development model which gives great emphasis to the person, culture and environment in the pursuit of economic development.
There are four pillars of GNH:
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GNH does not try to replace or eradicate the GNP measurement model, but rather enhances it by bringing the person and environment into main focus along with economic development which is and always has been an important part of human endeavour, development and achievement.
To look at GNH and GNP in their acronym forms, the top horizontal stroke of the final letter in the latter can be removed and added to the bottom right leg of the final letter in the former to give GNH a solid vertical foundation which symbolises a better stabilised socio-economic development measurement tool. |
On the eve of a new year for 2017, it's important to remember that to measure happiness, a person, group, community, nation and even global humanity needs to consider if their economic development and activity, which forms the basis of daily life, is beneficial to a person's individual spirituality, a society's positive cultural traditions, a nation's common character, and a planet's wise guardianship.
All this should remain dear to the mind and spirit for each new year if it is to be truly a happy new year, or Happy New Dear Year!
All this should remain dear to the mind and spirit for each new year if it is to be truly a happy new year, or Happy New Dear Year!
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ASEAN Diplomatic Party at the Iconic
Old Parliament House of Australia (September 2016)
Photo: Solidarity as the ambassadors of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), link hands along with Australian Attorney-General and Government Senate Leader, Senator George Brandis, Queen's Counsel (QC), in the middle. The Philippine Ambassador to Australia, Her Excellency Minda Calaguian-Cruz is pictured third from the left.
Canberra based diplomats from countries representing the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) celebrated ASEAN day recently at the iconic Old Parliament House. The official function, included a welcome by the ambassadors as people walked in the door, speeches and plenty of food and drinks to celebrate the evening.
There was a warm friendly atmosphere amongst the diplomats, high ranking military officials, and many invited guests from the many different Southeast Asian countries. Southeast Asia is strategically, socially and economically important to Australia as its northern neighbouring region which contains close to half a billion people.
Canberra based diplomats from countries representing the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) celebrated ASEAN day recently at the iconic Old Parliament House. The official function, included a welcome by the ambassadors as people walked in the door, speeches and plenty of food and drinks to celebrate the evening.
There was a warm friendly atmosphere amongst the diplomats, high ranking military officials, and many invited guests from the many different Southeast Asian countries. Southeast Asia is strategically, socially and economically important to Australia as its northern neighbouring region which contains close to half a billion people.
Photo above: High ranking military officials from different countries in Southeast Asia watch on and listen as the official speeches are underway. Colonel Connor Anthony D Canlas, of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Philippine Assistant Defence Attaché to Australia is pictured front middle wearing a traditional Philippine Barong Tagalog.
Photo above: Philippine embassy officials and family members based in Canberra proudly stand in front of the flags of ASEAN at Old Parliament House Australia.
Photo below: A unique Capital Hill view, as ASEAN guests chat next to a window in the dining area of Old Parliament House, looking out to the front of Australia's current palatial Parliament House, which is one of the most recognisable and largest parliament houses in the world.
Photo below: A unique Capital Hill view, as ASEAN guests chat next to a window in the dining area of Old Parliament House, looking out to the front of Australia's current palatial Parliament House, which is one of the most recognisable and largest parliament houses in the world.
Photo above: The front of Old Parliament House where the ASEAN Day Celebration evening event was held.
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Great Success of Philippine Update Conference at the Australian National University: Academics and Specialists from around the world converged on Canberra in large numbers to discuss
diverse topics on the Philippines (2nd and 3rd September 2016)
Photo: Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU conference and lecture theatre.
There was a large audience on both days of the Philippine Update Conference at Australia's premiere university for international relations and Asian studies. Canberra is home to students from all around the world, and there is a large contingent of Filipino students studying at the Australian National University (ANU).
There was a large audience on both days of the Philippine Update Conference at Australia's premiere university for international relations and Asian studies. Canberra is home to students from all around the world, and there is a large contingent of Filipino students studying at the Australian National University (ANU).
Photo: Dinner in one of the ANU's grand dining and function halls for Philippine Update invited guests.
The range of topics discussed was truly impressive. Some major and associated themes were economic and sustainable development, natural resource management, the situation in the Southeast Asian Sea between China the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries, conflicts and conflict resolution, aid, trade, gender issues, environmental change issues, as well as transmigration and international migrants.
The range of topics discussed was truly impressive. Some major and associated themes were economic and sustainable development, natural resource management, the situation in the Southeast Asian Sea between China the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries, conflicts and conflict resolution, aid, trade, gender issues, environmental change issues, as well as transmigration and international migrants.
Photo: A happy group of conference attendees and presenters at the cocktail party after the Philippine Update 2016 event.
This event was strongly supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) amongst many other entities and organisations. It was truly inspiring to see the depth of talent and expertise which this conference attracted from around Australia, the Philippines and the world.
Congratulations to all who took part.
This event was strongly supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) amongst many other entities and organisations. It was truly inspiring to see the depth of talent and expertise which this conference attracted from around Australia, the Philippines and the world.
Congratulations to all who took part.
Photos above and below: Dr Merlinda Bobis, one of Australia's highest literary award winners, and Elin Anisha C. Guro, former Vice Chancellor of Mindanao State University, Marawi City, as well as former Masters student in New York and PhD student at Melbourne University. Elin Anisha Guro was also interviewed by RFA in June 2014. Audio:
(RFA Interview #061 in the "Interview Archive 2014".)
(RFA Interview #061 in the "Interview Archive 2014".)
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Recognition of Filipino Professionals in the
Northern Territory (NT) of Australia,
Darwin, 2016.
Photo above: Honourable (Hon) Peter Styles Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) NT, and NT Minister for Asian Engagement and Trade, centre, stranding next to Philippine Consul General to the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia, Januario John R. Rivas, Member of the Order of Australia (AM), Justice of the Peace (JP), surrounded by NT professional heroes who have contributed an enormous amount to NT society since arriving in the 1970s.
Philippine Consul General to the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia, Januario John R. Rivas, Member of the Order of Australia (AM), Justice of the Peace (JP) has informed RFA of a recent high level awarding/recognition ceremony of Filipino professionals who came to the NT in the early 1970s. They were honoured by the NT Government for their full term service in their own respective field of profession.
In attendance was Honourable (Hon) Peter Styles Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) NT, and NT Minister for Asian Engagement and Trade were honoured by the NT Government for their full term service in their own respective field of profession.
Philippine Consul General to the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia, Januario John R. Rivas, Member of the Order of Australia (AM), Justice of the Peace (JP) has informed RFA of a recent high level awarding/recognition ceremony of Filipino professionals who came to the NT in the early 1970s. They were honoured by the NT Government for their full term service in their own respective field of profession.
In attendance was Honourable (Hon) Peter Styles Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) NT, and NT Minister for Asian Engagement and Trade were honoured by the NT Government for their full term service in their own respective field of profession.
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"PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR’S MESSAGE
(Delivered by Consul General Januario John R. Rivas AM a.h.) Hon Peter Styles MLA, Minister for Asian Engagement and Trade Officials of Northern Territory Government The Honourees Members of the Filipino Community Ladies and gentlemen, |
As we mark the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Australia, we take the opportunity to commemorate the deep historical ties of our two countries and the people who have contributed to the development of our bilateral relations.
Today, 29 July 2016, we honour 26 Filipino professionals who chose the Northern Territory as their adoptive home since the 1970s and responded to the call for service in their respective fields. They are teachers, medical practitioners, a meteorologist, a nutritionist and an accountant who have meritoriously served for 37 years or longer until the time of retirement. We know your journey has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. We recognize the many sacrifices you have had in building a life far away from home. We commend you for successfully pursuing your careers in the Northern Territory. I hope the second-generation Filipino-Australians will be inspired by your work ethic and will continue your efforts to support nation-building back home.
We honour your contributions to all facets of Australian society and for demonstrating the very best of Filipino culture – our ability to build strong and lasting connections with people around us no matter where we are in the world.
Our tradition of friendship between the Philippines and Australia started with the Manilamen that made up the first wave of Filipino migration to Australia and such friendship has continued to flourish since. With Filipinos in Australia numbering around 250,000 of which more than 7,000 are in the Northern Territory, I believe our friendship will reach greater heights and bring even more benefits to both the Philippines and Australia.
We wish to thank the Northern Territory Government for recognizing the contributions of Filipinos to the Northern Territory. I especially thank Hon Peter Styles MLA, Minister for Asian Engagement and Trade, Mr. Rod McGrath Ministerial Adviser and Philippine Consul General Januario John Rivas, ad honorem, for making this recognition possible and for making the celebration of 70 years of relations between the Philippines and Australia more meaningful in the Northern
Territory.
To our honourees, your lives’ work is part and parcel of the history of strong and steadfast friendship and partnership between the Philippines and Australia. Be proud of your Filipino roots, inspire others and continue to be part of the unfolding story of the Philippines and Australia in the years to come.
Congratulations and Mabuhay!
H.E. MINDA CALAGUIAN-CRUZ Philippine Ambassador to Australia"
Today, 29 July 2016, we honour 26 Filipino professionals who chose the Northern Territory as their adoptive home since the 1970s and responded to the call for service in their respective fields. They are teachers, medical practitioners, a meteorologist, a nutritionist and an accountant who have meritoriously served for 37 years or longer until the time of retirement. We know your journey has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. We recognize the many sacrifices you have had in building a life far away from home. We commend you for successfully pursuing your careers in the Northern Territory. I hope the second-generation Filipino-Australians will be inspired by your work ethic and will continue your efforts to support nation-building back home.
We honour your contributions to all facets of Australian society and for demonstrating the very best of Filipino culture – our ability to build strong and lasting connections with people around us no matter where we are in the world.
Our tradition of friendship between the Philippines and Australia started with the Manilamen that made up the first wave of Filipino migration to Australia and such friendship has continued to flourish since. With Filipinos in Australia numbering around 250,000 of which more than 7,000 are in the Northern Territory, I believe our friendship will reach greater heights and bring even more benefits to both the Philippines and Australia.
We wish to thank the Northern Territory Government for recognizing the contributions of Filipinos to the Northern Territory. I especially thank Hon Peter Styles MLA, Minister for Asian Engagement and Trade, Mr. Rod McGrath Ministerial Adviser and Philippine Consul General Januario John Rivas, ad honorem, for making this recognition possible and for making the celebration of 70 years of relations between the Philippines and Australia more meaningful in the Northern
Territory.
To our honourees, your lives’ work is part and parcel of the history of strong and steadfast friendship and partnership between the Philippines and Australia. Be proud of your Filipino roots, inspire others and continue to be part of the unfolding story of the Philippines and Australia in the years to come.
Congratulations and Mabuhay!
H.E. MINDA CALAGUIAN-CRUZ Philippine Ambassador to Australia"
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The Professional Chef Couple, JAY and KIM (LOLO and LOLA) with Honours Culinary Chef Qualifications, Extensive Experience, Sophistication, Celebrity Looks and Bubbly Personalities.
Gracing the Canberra Community in the Prime Lakeside Heart of the
Australian Capital between Parliament House and the City Centre. (August 2016)
Photo: The stunning and sophisticated celebrity looking couple of Kim and Jay, who between them have a lifetime of experience in restaurant work and Philippine cuisine.
Profile description from Facebook: (Lolo and Lola By Waterhouse Bakers)
"Jay and Kim Prieto are dedicated Filipino-Australian Chefs whose main mission is to share, showcase and raise awareness of Filipino cuisine by focusing on honest and traditional Philippine flavours. As Filipino Food Ambassadors in Canberra, Australia, they continuously strive to create and celebrate the culture, traditions and flavours of their homeland's 7,107 islands through their food."
Chef Kim (Lola):
"Kim has been in the food industry for almost 15 years and has worked every position in the kitchen, from kitchen hand to Head Chef. She had her apprenticeship in Melbourne and Sydney, before graduating with high honours from the Center for Culinary Arts Manila, with a Diploma in Culinary Arts and Technology Management. As a way of giving back to the community and her alma mater, she became a chef-instructor for CCA's Continuing Education Programs, teaching various cuisines, while working as the Executive Sous Chef at one of the most prestigious events place in the Philippines. Kim has held various positions at some of the country's best restaurants before moving to Western Australia and becoming Head Chef of a popular Italian Restaurant in the Southwest Region. Her passion for beautifully crafted food has led to a diverse career working amongst some of the world's leading chefs. Her Professional Management certificates include certificates in Professional Cooking, Supervision in the Hospitality Industry, and Hospitality Marketing Management, all certified by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation of America."
Chef Jay (Lolo):
"Jay graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce Major in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from one of the best colleges in the Philippines, prior to graduating with highest distinction from the Center for Culinary Arts Manila, with Diploma in Culinary Arts and Technology Management. He has worked in numerous restaurants and events places in Manila before working as a full-time Academic Chef-Instructor at CCA, where he taught fundamental, advance and cuisine courses. He then moved to Western Australia and broadened his horizons by working at the famous Casellas Wine, Tapas and Grill as the Executive Chef. Under his leadership, Caseallas was included in the top 50 Restaurant Guide of Western Australia's The Gourmet Godfather's and was the RCIA Savour National "Award of Excellence: winner for Best Tapas Restaurant in the whole country of Australia in 2009 and 2014. With a professional career spanning more than a decade, Jay has shown versatility both in Culinary and Pastry fields."
Profile description from Facebook: (Lolo and Lola By Waterhouse Bakers)
"Jay and Kim Prieto are dedicated Filipino-Australian Chefs whose main mission is to share, showcase and raise awareness of Filipino cuisine by focusing on honest and traditional Philippine flavours. As Filipino Food Ambassadors in Canberra, Australia, they continuously strive to create and celebrate the culture, traditions and flavours of their homeland's 7,107 islands through their food."
Chef Kim (Lola):
"Kim has been in the food industry for almost 15 years and has worked every position in the kitchen, from kitchen hand to Head Chef. She had her apprenticeship in Melbourne and Sydney, before graduating with high honours from the Center for Culinary Arts Manila, with a Diploma in Culinary Arts and Technology Management. As a way of giving back to the community and her alma mater, she became a chef-instructor for CCA's Continuing Education Programs, teaching various cuisines, while working as the Executive Sous Chef at one of the most prestigious events place in the Philippines. Kim has held various positions at some of the country's best restaurants before moving to Western Australia and becoming Head Chef of a popular Italian Restaurant in the Southwest Region. Her passion for beautifully crafted food has led to a diverse career working amongst some of the world's leading chefs. Her Professional Management certificates include certificates in Professional Cooking, Supervision in the Hospitality Industry, and Hospitality Marketing Management, all certified by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation of America."
Chef Jay (Lolo):
"Jay graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce Major in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from one of the best colleges in the Philippines, prior to graduating with highest distinction from the Center for Culinary Arts Manila, with Diploma in Culinary Arts and Technology Management. He has worked in numerous restaurants and events places in Manila before working as a full-time Academic Chef-Instructor at CCA, where he taught fundamental, advance and cuisine courses. He then moved to Western Australia and broadened his horizons by working at the famous Casellas Wine, Tapas and Grill as the Executive Chef. Under his leadership, Caseallas was included in the top 50 Restaurant Guide of Western Australia's The Gourmet Godfather's and was the RCIA Savour National "Award of Excellence: winner for Best Tapas Restaurant in the whole country of Australia in 2009 and 2014. With a professional career spanning more than a decade, Jay has shown versatility both in Culinary and Pastry fields."
Photo above: The Westside Acton Park area at night.
Map below: Location of the "Lolo and Lola" Bakery and Eatery. This regularly has the longest queues of any food business in the West Acton Park area of Canberra, because the food is world class and the service is always with a friendly smile.
Map below: Location of the "Lolo and Lola" Bakery and Eatery. This regularly has the longest queues of any food business in the West Acton Park area of Canberra, because the food is world class and the service is always with a friendly smile.
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Ph: 0412929780
[email protected]
Westside Acton Park, No. 3 Barrine Drive,
Acton, ACT, 2601
By Lake Burley Griffin between Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and City Centre
[email protected]
Westside Acton Park, No. 3 Barrine Drive,
Acton, ACT, 2601
By Lake Burley Griffin between Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and City Centre
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Filipino-Australian Atty. Jessica Adelan-Langford, born to parents from Cebu in the Philippines to contest Australian Capital Territory (ACT) election after putting up a strong electoral vote in
her bid at the recent Federal election 2016.
Attorney (Atty.) Jessica Adelan-Langford contested the recent federal election for the Liberal Party in a Labor Party stronghold seat within the ACT. Despite failing to win the seat she put up a strong electoral vote. Atty Adelan-Langford is now a more recognisable face and identity within the ACT.
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It has been announced that Atty Adelan-Langford will swap to contest the ACT Legislative Assembly Seat at the upcoming ACT wide election. She is being billed as having a good chance at winning the seat.
Atty. Adelan-Langford has a mix of good looks, confidence, education, professional background and high level intelligence to make a good politician. She also, just as importantly, has the people-touch-type personality which common folk from across society can identify with. |
RFA Photo above:
Atty. Adelan-Langford with her husband in the middle and mother and father from Cebu who drove up from Melbourne to be at the Philippine independence event in Canberra. This was held at the National Convention Centre, in the central business district of Canberra. The Philippine Independence Day Gala Ball was organised by the Filipino Community Council of the ACT (FCCACT). RFA Photo right: Atty Adelan-Langford's election poster in Canberra City, for the recently held Federal Australian 2016 election. |
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Atty. Adelan-Langford also recently attended the Philippine Independence Day Ball Gala Event at the National Convention Centre, organised by the Filipino Community Council of the ACT (FCCACT).
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Lolo and Lola, Filipino Cuisine Delights, by Jay and Kim, at the Waterfront in Canberra City Centre. Professional Filipino Chefs Make their Move from Perth to Canberra: 2016
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Lolo and Lola - Jay and Kim - two wonderful, fun, professional chefs and community role models who are a great example of a hardworking Filipino couple making it good in Australia.
Now moved from Perth to Canberra. Drop by, say hello and eat the great Filipino food. This eatery is one of the most popular, if not the most popular restaurant in the Westside Acton Park. |
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Click Menus
Above to Zoom in and Print. Ph: 0412929780 [email protected] Westside Acton Park, No. 3 Barrine Drive, Acton, ACT, 2601 By Lake Burley Griffin between Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and Canberra City Centre |
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Peace Talks For the Southeast Asian Sea:
The US backs bilateral peace talks between China and the Philippines over disputed Islands after UNCLOS determination
(27th July 2016)
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A ray of hope, rainbow, and sunshine has metaphorically risen over the Southeast Asian Sea as talks between the Philippines and China could be on the immediate horizon.
All sides seem willing to calm tensions and step back from the brink of confrontation. It has been reported that China asked the US to give its encouragement to the Philippines to engage in bilateral talks. The US agreed. |
As reported by the China Economic Review on 27th July 2016:
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"The U.S. said it would support talks between China and the Philippines to resolve a territorial dispute in the South China Sea, as the two powers tried to calm tensions following a recent ruling against Beijing’s maritime claims there. According to The Wall Street Journal, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday said that he would encourage Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to negotiate bilaterally with China when the two meet in Manila on Wednesday. “This could be a very important moment of shifting how this discussion is taking place,” Mr. Kerry said in the Laotian capital. He added that China’s foreign minister conveyed to him in a meeting the night before that China seeks to “move away from the public tensions and to turn the page.”
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This is great news for the Philippines, China and all countries involved in helping maintain the global order of peace and sustainable development free from war. The US and China, being the world's two largest superpowers, should work together and respect each other. Both nations will continue to grow stronger in the 21st century and both should avoid the useless destructive wars which plagued the 20th century. Also, both nations have a noble history and civilisation, just like the Philippines.
The lesson here is that countries have the choice of focusing on the positive rather than the negative, and that is what every nation should try to achieve. Mutual respect, rather than rivalry should rule in the international framework, which respects international law and the principle of good-willed diplomacy. Talk is far more preferable and civilised than aggression.
The ancient Chinese noble philosophical idea, dating back more than 3,000 years, called the "Mandate Of Heaven" ("天命"), which relates to a higher spiritual universal mandate of ruling with fairness and justice, and can also be applied to how different countries treat each other, would be a part of a happy balance with the ancient Chinese Ying Yang principle. All countries can follow this practical principle which would help ensure that order and harmonious relations can be maintained by not becoming too extreme on either side of the relationship spectrum. Diplomacy through respectful dialogue and a good international spirit is compliant with such philosophy.
The lesson here is that countries have the choice of focusing on the positive rather than the negative, and that is what every nation should try to achieve. Mutual respect, rather than rivalry should rule in the international framework, which respects international law and the principle of good-willed diplomacy. Talk is far more preferable and civilised than aggression.
The ancient Chinese noble philosophical idea, dating back more than 3,000 years, called the "Mandate Of Heaven" ("天命"), which relates to a higher spiritual universal mandate of ruling with fairness and justice, and can also be applied to how different countries treat each other, would be a part of a happy balance with the ancient Chinese Ying Yang principle. All countries can follow this practical principle which would help ensure that order and harmonious relations can be maintained by not becoming too extreme on either side of the relationship spectrum. Diplomacy through respectful dialogue and a good international spirit is compliant with such philosophy.
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CLARA to Revolutionise Australia with Huge Bullet Train Infrastructure Project and new 21st Century
NEV Land Funding Construction Model. (July 2016)
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Clara is a common name derived from the famous and revered St Clare of Assisi in Italy (1194 to 1253) who founded a monastic order of hard working poor ladies. However, fast forward 800 years in time to 21st century Australia and the name Clara is now used as an acronym for Consolidated Land and Rail Australia (CLARA) Pty Ltd.
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A new high speed rail network is being planned for Australia, initially between the cities of Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, based on the fastest bullet trains in the world. This could get people from Canberra to Sydney in just 45 minutes, making the two cities virtual day time commuting suburbs for working people or those who just want somewhere else to shop for a day and return home quicker than a Sydney traffic jam.
Likewise, Canberra to Melbourne would be just a little over 1 hour. Sydney to Melbourne would be approximately two hours, making it almost as fast as a plane which takes 1 hour and 35 minutes. However, without the airport waiting queues and baggage carousels the train would be quicker at delivering a person into the heart of each city business district (CBD).
As reported by News.com.au on the 14th July 2016, a video released spruiking the long-awaited proposal by private company CLARA, which has partnered with international companies to develop the proposal, claims bullet train network will “place citizens in our capitals in less time than a morning commute”.
Land deals have been struck in regional areas, and if CLARA receives support form three levels of government - local, state and federal - the company says construction could begin within a few short years. But who will pay for all this project worth in the 100s of billions of dollars?
Likewise, Canberra to Melbourne would be just a little over 1 hour. Sydney to Melbourne would be approximately two hours, making it almost as fast as a plane which takes 1 hour and 35 minutes. However, without the airport waiting queues and baggage carousels the train would be quicker at delivering a person into the heart of each city business district (CBD).
As reported by News.com.au on the 14th July 2016, a video released spruiking the long-awaited proposal by private company CLARA, which has partnered with international companies to develop the proposal, claims bullet train network will “place citizens in our capitals in less time than a morning commute”.
Land deals have been struck in regional areas, and if CLARA receives support form three levels of government - local, state and federal - the company says construction could begin within a few short years. But who will pay for all this project worth in the 100s of billions of dollars?
Here lies the real revolution behind the CLARA funding model. From the 18th to the early 20th century the government mostly paid for all major infrastructure. Then, due to concerns about ballooning public debt, a new late 20th century model became popular called Public-Private Partnership (PPP), where both public and private sectors share the development expenses and profits.
However, CLARA's model is radically different from the first two models. CLARA will pay all the money through a value added or New Elevated Value (NEV) land system.
However, CLARA's model is radically different from the first two models. CLARA will pay all the money through a value added or New Elevated Value (NEV) land system.
NEV has become CLARA's model partner in this proposed multi-billion-dollar infrastructure marriage. The relationship would operate like this:
This Spirit of Australia would further strengthen the country as a global economic and social powerhouse, as it reaches its potential and beyond...
On the southern outskirts of Sydney in Campbelltown, where many Filipino-Australians live and where there is the largest statue outside of the Philippines of Dr Jose Rizal - the Philippine national hero - there is the Poor Clares of Bethlehem Monastery. The CLARA bullet train would pass nearby Campbelltown and maybe the nuns from the nearby order of St Clare may also give their blessing for such a noble nation building effort.
- CLARA buys the land for the bullet train corridor.
- CLARA develops 8 new regional cities from greenfield sites - never before developed - near the outskirts of major regional cities and towns between Sydney and Melbourne.
- These new 8 city hubs become hi-tech cities of the future where the train stops on its journey.
- People living in these new hi-tech cities can easily travel to Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne comfortably within a day for work, shopping or leisure and return home.
- The greenfield land purchased by CLARA is originally purchased cheaply in large farm chunks at a good price for the seller.
- Once the rail line is built the land around the new high-tech cities can be subdivided into small inner city size blocks like that in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne which already has the most expensive inner city blocks in Australia.
- This subdivided land in the new cities can now be sold at premium inner city type prices which easily funds the infrastructure cost of the bullet train for CLARA in a super-fast amount of time.
- Thus, the relationship between NEV and CLARA would be a financially, socially, politically and spiritually happy one as this deal goes to the heart of the Spirit of Australia's hardworking and positive innovative talent.
This Spirit of Australia would further strengthen the country as a global economic and social powerhouse, as it reaches its potential and beyond...
On the southern outskirts of Sydney in Campbelltown, where many Filipino-Australians live and where there is the largest statue outside of the Philippines of Dr Jose Rizal - the Philippine national hero - there is the Poor Clares of Bethlehem Monastery. The CLARA bullet train would pass nearby Campbelltown and maybe the nuns from the nearby order of St Clare may also give their blessing for such a noble nation building effort.
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History by the Book, Officially Speaking...
Formal UNCLOS, Philippine and Chinese Documents
regarding the arbitration case in the Southeast Asian Sea. (July 2016)
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The decision by UNCLOS on 11th July 2016 which ruled in favour of the Philippines, stated:
"The Tribunal found that China had violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone by: (a) Interfering with Philippine fishing and petroleum exploration; (b) Constructing artificial islands and (c) Failing to prevent Chinese fishermen from fishing in the zone. |
The Tribunal also held that fishermen from the Philippines (like those from China) had traditional fishing rights at Scarborough Shoal and that China had interfered with these rights in restricting access. The Tribunal further held that Chinese law enforcement vessels had unlawfully created a serious risk of collision when they physically obstructed Philippine vessels."
[page 2 of the full 11 page UNCLOS Press Release as detailed below].
This story has created a high level of interest around the world. Further to this, for your convenience, RFA has now uploaded to its website the following official documents regarding the UNCLOS Arbitration case, and responses from both the Philippines and China regarding the international tribunal's ruling:
These documents provide a brief but fascinating diplomatic and detailed legal look into the language and world of international politics and the international arbitration-dispute-resolution process.
[page 2 of the full 11 page UNCLOS Press Release as detailed below].
This story has created a high level of interest around the world. Further to this, for your convenience, RFA has now uploaded to its website the following official documents regarding the UNCLOS Arbitration case, and responses from both the Philippines and China regarding the international tribunal's ruling:
These documents provide a brief but fascinating diplomatic and detailed legal look into the language and world of international politics and the international arbitration-dispute-resolution process.
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| 1-philippine_official_notification_of_claim_to_china_on_west_philippine_sea-2013.pdf |
| 2-unclos-ruling-official-pressrelease-12july2016.pdf |
| 3-official-response_to_ruling-secretary-philippine-foreign-affairs-12july2016.jpg |
| 4-official-full-text-response-by-china-12july2016.pdf |
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Dr. Merlinda Bobis author of "Locust Girl: A Lovesong"
won one of the most prestigious and highest prize money
literary awards in Australia. Dr Bobis will give a
performance-lecture at the Coombs Extension Building,
Australian National University, 6-9 pm Friday, 29th July 2016.
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NEWS FLASH: 12th July 2016
United Nations Decision in Southeast Asian Sea a Momentous Historical Moment for the Rule of International Law
as Philippines Wins Case
DEVELOPING STORY: (8pm, 12 July 2016)
In the last hour the International United Nations Tribunal for the Law of the Sea passed a decision in favour of the Philippines.
In the last hour the International United Nations Tribunal for the Law of the Sea passed a decision in favour of the Philippines.
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Photo left: A group of Filipinos led by congressmen Roque Alban and Jose Yap in 1997, planting the Philippine flag on the reef of Scarborough Shoal, off the Philippine Luzon coastline near Manila Harbour.
Photo above: Children running proudly, freely and happily with the Filipino flag. A healthy sense of nationalistic self-identity is strong in the Philippines and it's important all countries respect each other's territorial integrity with peaceful intent and a good international collective spirit. |
Photo: A proud modern Manila, capital of the Philippines, overlooking the Manila Golf Course with the Makati hi-rise business district in the background. The Scarborough Shoal near Manila is part of the Philippine nation in the West Philippine Sea.
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Excerpt from Rappler Media Online (12 July 2016)
"MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) on Tuesday, July 12, said an arbitral tribunal has ruled in favor on of the Philippines in its historic case against China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
"[The] Tribunal concluded that, as between the Philippines and China, there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources, in excess of the rights provided for by the Convention, within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line’," a press release from the PCA said.
According to the tribunal, "all of the high-tide features in the Spratly Islands (including, for example, Itu Aba, Thitu, West York Island, Spratly Island, North-East Cay, South-West Cay) are legally “rocks” that do not generate an exclusive economic zone or continental shelf."
In a statement, Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr said the Philippines “welcomes” the award from The Hague.
“Our experts are studying the Award with the care and thoroughness that this significant arbitral outcome deserves. In the meantime, we call on all those concerned to exercise restraint and sobriety,” Yasay said."
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Excerpt from Rappler Media Online (12 July 2016)
"MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) on Tuesday, July 12, said an arbitral tribunal has ruled in favor on of the Philippines in its historic case against China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
"[The] Tribunal concluded that, as between the Philippines and China, there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources, in excess of the rights provided for by the Convention, within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line’," a press release from the PCA said.
According to the tribunal, "all of the high-tide features in the Spratly Islands (including, for example, Itu Aba, Thitu, West York Island, Spratly Island, North-East Cay, South-West Cay) are legally “rocks” that do not generate an exclusive economic zone or continental shelf."
In a statement, Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr said the Philippines “welcomes” the award from The Hague.
“Our experts are studying the Award with the care and thoroughness that this significant arbitral outcome deserves. In the meantime, we call on all those concerned to exercise restraint and sobriety,” Yasay said."
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Is This The End of Car Gridlock?
Flying Cars Set for Takeoff As the Sky is the Limit for Traffic Lanes!
US FAA Gives Regulatory Green Light to Flying Car (July 2016)
Photo: Start-up Terrafugia is working on this flying car, the TF-X, while the Terrafugia Transition model has already been approved by the US FAA to take to the skies, in addition to the roads.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US which is primarily responsible for the advancement, safety and regulation of civil aviation, as well as overseeing the development of the air traffic control, just gave approval for the world's first flying car, the "Terrafugia Transition" model. The Terrafugia could do for the flying car world in the early 21st century what the first famous Model T Ford did for the terrestrial ground based automobile business just a little over 100 years ago in 1908 at the beginning of the 20th century.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US which is primarily responsible for the advancement, safety and regulation of civil aviation, as well as overseeing the development of the air traffic control, just gave approval for the world's first flying car, the "Terrafugia Transition" model. The Terrafugia could do for the flying car world in the early 21st century what the first famous Model T Ford did for the terrestrial ground based automobile business just a little over 100 years ago in 1908 at the beginning of the 20th century.
Could this be the end of gridlock?
Could this also be the end of expensive land-based road, bridge and tunnel infrastructure which never seems to keep up with the demands of a seemingly never ending supply of cars?
Who knows?
However, one thing is for sure and that is the world is not stopping with its new technological innovations. In fact the innovations just seem to be coming out faster and faster. One of the themes of RFA has been about the opportunities which new technology is providing within society and how it can be used positively. This will definitely have large effects on national economies around the world. Those nations which embrace innovation and allow the free flow of new ideas, knowledge and ultimately technology into their economies will benefit greatly.
An archipelago nation such as the Philippines possibly has the most to benefit from a flying car industry, because it has so many islands and too many bridges to build. There will be much regulation and organisation which needs to take place before flying cars can take to the skies in the Philippines - particularly for safety reasons - however the technology is already ready and waiting.
The current gridlock in Manila is horrendous, and, unfortunately, possibly one of the worst in the world. If the Philippines continues to embrace new technology as it has in the past then the Philippines could one day be in the ranks of the world's most economically powerful nations, particularly considering it has the 12th largest population in the world.
The following video clip provides a Hollywood insigt into what the world of flying cars could look like in downtown Manhattan, New York. Who better to show this than blockbuster-action-Hollywood-star Bruce Willis as a taxi driver in the classic cult movie "Fifth Element"!
The scene in the video clip below shows retro car chassis, interiors and facade - imitative of the style of the recent past - mixed with the latest in hi-tech flying capability. The scene is a police car chase which will go down as one of Hollywood's great police car chases. In comparison, one of the greatest police car chases of all time, on land at least, was in the other cult classic "Blues Brothers" movie, which was a 1980 American musical crime comedy film.
Come along for the Fly By ride!
Could this also be the end of expensive land-based road, bridge and tunnel infrastructure which never seems to keep up with the demands of a seemingly never ending supply of cars?
Who knows?
However, one thing is for sure and that is the world is not stopping with its new technological innovations. In fact the innovations just seem to be coming out faster and faster. One of the themes of RFA has been about the opportunities which new technology is providing within society and how it can be used positively. This will definitely have large effects on national economies around the world. Those nations which embrace innovation and allow the free flow of new ideas, knowledge and ultimately technology into their economies will benefit greatly.
An archipelago nation such as the Philippines possibly has the most to benefit from a flying car industry, because it has so many islands and too many bridges to build. There will be much regulation and organisation which needs to take place before flying cars can take to the skies in the Philippines - particularly for safety reasons - however the technology is already ready and waiting.
The current gridlock in Manila is horrendous, and, unfortunately, possibly one of the worst in the world. If the Philippines continues to embrace new technology as it has in the past then the Philippines could one day be in the ranks of the world's most economically powerful nations, particularly considering it has the 12th largest population in the world.
The following video clip provides a Hollywood insigt into what the world of flying cars could look like in downtown Manhattan, New York. Who better to show this than blockbuster-action-Hollywood-star Bruce Willis as a taxi driver in the classic cult movie "Fifth Element"!
The scene in the video clip below shows retro car chassis, interiors and facade - imitative of the style of the recent past - mixed with the latest in hi-tech flying capability. The scene is a police car chase which will go down as one of Hollywood's great police car chases. In comparison, one of the greatest police car chases of all time, on land at least, was in the other cult classic "Blues Brothers" movie, which was a 1980 American musical crime comedy film.
Come along for the Fly By ride!
Disclaimer:
Unlike the Blues Brothers movie scene below, which crashed more cars than possibly any other movie in history, there were no "real" cars harmed during the making of the police car chase scene in the "Fifth Element" - just a lot of fatigued animators. This car chase scene in the Fifth Element starts with a policeman and his partner in a "McDonald's Fly By". Half way through the scene they also happen to crash into a delivery train full of McDonald's burgers. It is not known if McDonald's contributed any funding towards this futuristic movie in order to become part of the action.
Unlike the Blues Brothers movie scene below, which crashed more cars than possibly any other movie in history, there were no "real" cars harmed during the making of the police car chase scene in the "Fifth Element" - just a lot of fatigued animators. This car chase scene in the Fifth Element starts with a policeman and his partner in a "McDonald's Fly By". Half way through the scene they also happen to crash into a delivery train full of McDonald's burgers. It is not known if McDonald's contributed any funding towards this futuristic movie in order to become part of the action.
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Homes in Sydney Delivered Through Community Spirit and Hard Work for Filipino-Australians and All Those in Need (28 June 2016)
Award winning Filipino-Australian Kapit-bahayan (Neighbourhood) Coop Ltd (KCL)
continues to proudly work together with great spirit in Sydney.
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The Kapit-bahayan provides housing services which meets the needs of the community.
It owes its success on having passionate, talented and skillful leaders who are capable and committed in serving its members with vigilance and integrity. 
Photo above:
This Canley Vale Housing Project in Western Sydney is built on the land bought by the KCL and designed with tenants' active participation. Among the KCL projects and activities that greatly contribute to the multicultural community are: |
1. KCL coop houses are rented out to low and medium-income families at very affordable socialised rates in the Auburn, Berala, Wentworthville, Merrylands and Canley Vale of Sydney.
2. KCL caters to various nationalities because of the need for stable, affordable and comfortable accommodation, which is a universal need. KCL also actively engages with the mainstream community.
3. The tenant-members are encouraged and supported to participate in community building activities of APCO Inc and multicultural ASCON Inc., both of which are also lead by KCL members. Among APCO-organised activities are the massive emergency relief operations to assist victims and survivors of Super typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda and the recent Pista sa Nayon. ASCON is an aggrupation of several small and emerging non-funded ethnic groups based or operating in the AUBURN LGA.
2. KCL caters to various nationalities because of the need for stable, affordable and comfortable accommodation, which is a universal need. KCL also actively engages with the mainstream community.
3. The tenant-members are encouraged and supported to participate in community building activities of APCO Inc and multicultural ASCON Inc., both of which are also lead by KCL members. Among APCO-organised activities are the massive emergency relief operations to assist victims and survivors of Super typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda and the recent Pista sa Nayon. ASCON is an aggrupation of several small and emerging non-funded ethnic groups based or operating in the AUBURN LGA.
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4. The common area and facilities in the various housing clusters are being used for free by community groups. Many other facilities are being proposed for funding and construction to assist non-funded groups in their various community and social development activities.
Note: RFA previously interviewed Ruben Amores, President of KCL, President of the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations (APCO) Inc, and 2015 New South Wales (NSW) Premier's Multicultural Awardee [pictured right]. This interview, on the 8th August 2015, can be found and listened to in RFA's extensive online "Interview Archive". |
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Space Feature Story Part Two:
Luxembourg's Economy Getting Ready To Go Ballistic With
Multi-Trillion-Dollar Space Mining Industry (June 2016)
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As covered in the first part of this space feature story, the tools for space work have already been made and are being prepared for operation, such as NASA's Valkyrie humanoid female robots which are now poised to be mother avatars for the evolutionary birth of space civilisation, starting on Mars. And humans could soon be building giant- orbiting spaceships in the future capable of holding city populations.
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But where would such resources come from?
Asteroids, from the inner solar system of course, and Luxembourg - officially called the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg - is now the leader in the birth of an asteroid mining industry.
Geologists believe asteroids are packed with iron ore, nickel and precious metals at much higher concentrations than those found on Earth, making up a market valued in the trillions of dollars. In addition to this, ice water and ingredients for fuels can be found on asteroids. In regard to fuels, which can become a trillion dollar business by itself, Planetary Resources says:
"The catalyst for rapid expansion into every frontier in history has been access to cheap, local resources. And in space, access to rocket fuel is currently neither cheap, nor local. But on asteroids, abundant quantities of hydrogen and oxygen can be used to create rocket fuel, the same stuff used by the Space Shuttle. This allows companies like Vivisat fuel spacetugs that will be used to keep satellites in their Geostationary slots, or fuel up your spacecraft before zooming off to Mars. The possibilities are endless!"
Credit: [http://www.planetaryresources.com/2014/06/fuelspace/]
Luxembourg, one of the smallest countries in Europe - with a population and area size approximate to that of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) of which Canberra is its city - is ready for a greater level of expansion into space. Luxembourg is investing heavily in space mining which it believes has virtually limitless resources. Another similarity between the two hi-tech inland cities of Luxembourg and Canberra, which inhabit opposite ends of the globe, is that Canberra also has a significant space industry with the NASA deep space tracking centre.
Asteroids, from the inner solar system of course, and Luxembourg - officially called the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg - is now the leader in the birth of an asteroid mining industry.
Geologists believe asteroids are packed with iron ore, nickel and precious metals at much higher concentrations than those found on Earth, making up a market valued in the trillions of dollars. In addition to this, ice water and ingredients for fuels can be found on asteroids. In regard to fuels, which can become a trillion dollar business by itself, Planetary Resources says:
"The catalyst for rapid expansion into every frontier in history has been access to cheap, local resources. And in space, access to rocket fuel is currently neither cheap, nor local. But on asteroids, abundant quantities of hydrogen and oxygen can be used to create rocket fuel, the same stuff used by the Space Shuttle. This allows companies like Vivisat fuel spacetugs that will be used to keep satellites in their Geostationary slots, or fuel up your spacecraft before zooming off to Mars. The possibilities are endless!"
Credit: [http://www.planetaryresources.com/2014/06/fuelspace/]
Luxembourg, one of the smallest countries in Europe - with a population and area size approximate to that of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) of which Canberra is its city - is ready for a greater level of expansion into space. Luxembourg is investing heavily in space mining which it believes has virtually limitless resources. Another similarity between the two hi-tech inland cities of Luxembourg and Canberra, which inhabit opposite ends of the globe, is that Canberra also has a significant space industry with the NASA deep space tracking centre.
This Hobbit-type-paradise of Luxembourg, is sandwiched between France, Germany and Belgiam. However, outside appearances are deceptive as it already has:
The European Space Agency (ESA) have already landed a satellite on a comet. Also, there are a seemingly endless supply of resources and precious metals on asteroids and humans now know how to get to them.
Robots could be used to build large space stations in space from the raw materials of asteroids. Autonomous robot trucks - the biggest trucks in the world - are already used on remote Australian mine sites which has helped drive extraction costs down and improved safety, and this successful robot mining in Australia has been one of the inspirations for asteroid mining.
Almost any construction that can be made on earth, including computer circuitry, can be made in space much easier with the correct robotic tools, including NASA Valkyrie humanoids. One of the biggest drawbacks to construction on earth, as compared to space, is gravity. Asteroids virtually have no gravity and as such the limitations of massive construction weight on earth do not apply in space. This means large constructions can be moved together with greater ease as if it's floating on an ocean of water, but rather, in this case, it would be floating in a universe with no limiting atmospheric planetary or close solar gravity.
- The second highest national-per-capita income in the world;
- Some of the best global data centres and information technology infrastructure.
- A long-standing space industry, particularly in the area of satellite communications.
The European Space Agency (ESA) have already landed a satellite on a comet. Also, there are a seemingly endless supply of resources and precious metals on asteroids and humans now know how to get to them.
Robots could be used to build large space stations in space from the raw materials of asteroids. Autonomous robot trucks - the biggest trucks in the world - are already used on remote Australian mine sites which has helped drive extraction costs down and improved safety, and this successful robot mining in Australia has been one of the inspirations for asteroid mining.
Almost any construction that can be made on earth, including computer circuitry, can be made in space much easier with the correct robotic tools, including NASA Valkyrie humanoids. One of the biggest drawbacks to construction on earth, as compared to space, is gravity. Asteroids virtually have no gravity and as such the limitations of massive construction weight on earth do not apply in space. This means large constructions can be moved together with greater ease as if it's floating on an ocean of water, but rather, in this case, it would be floating in a universe with no limiting atmospheric planetary or close solar gravity.
Well, what has Luxembourg done recently to generate such space-based interest? It has taken many giant steps for humankind with some of the following legal, fiscal and logistical activities:
- Set up a legal and regulatory framework for the mining of asteroids. Basically, no one country is allowed to own an asteroid or rock, but all humanity is able to mine their resources for the benefit of the planet, space settlements or further explorations.
- Announced, just last week, that it had opened a 200 million Euro currency line of credit for entrepreneurial space companies to set up their European headquarters in Luxembourg [great for real estate prices in Luxembourg].
- Reached an agreement with a US-based company, Deep Space Industries, which will be conducting missions to prospect for water and minerals in outer space. Both parties are currently developing Prospector-X, a small and experimental spacecraft that test technologies for prospecting and mining Near Earth Asteroids (NEOs)
- Invested in the company Planetary Resources.
Pictures above and right:
The main asteroid belt of the inner solar system between Mars and Jupiter. Over 200 asteroids in this belt have been found to be over 100km in diametrer and millions more are over 1km in diameter. |
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Whose rock is it anyway?
Importantly, such law does include a notable clause, as it clarifies that US citizens are not granted “sovereignty or sovereign or exclusive rights or jurisdiction over, or the ownership of, any celestial body”, just because they happen to be the first to see them, map them, go to them, mine them or settle them. This will become a major bedrock of international-celestial law which Luxembourg is helping frame and which will apply to all nations on earth, just like the global commons law of the high seas and open oceans which international law currently views as belonging to all nations, by calling it international waters.
It's possible that the world's first trillionaires could come from one of Europe's tiniest nations if Luxembourg's economy goes ballistic with space mining.
One thing for certain is that those countries which innovate in the 21st century, and which develop closer technological and economic relations with each other, will be those countries whose economies will be top global performers.
Importantly, such law does include a notable clause, as it clarifies that US citizens are not granted “sovereignty or sovereign or exclusive rights or jurisdiction over, or the ownership of, any celestial body”, just because they happen to be the first to see them, map them, go to them, mine them or settle them. This will become a major bedrock of international-celestial law which Luxembourg is helping frame and which will apply to all nations on earth, just like the global commons law of the high seas and open oceans which international law currently views as belonging to all nations, by calling it international waters.
It's possible that the world's first trillionaires could come from one of Europe's tiniest nations if Luxembourg's economy goes ballistic with space mining.
One thing for certain is that those countries which innovate in the 21st century, and which develop closer technological and economic relations with each other, will be those countries whose economies will be top global performers.
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Space Feature Story Part One
Female Robot Warriors Pushing the Limits to
Maternally Operate on Humanity's Outer Rim (June 2016)
Photo above:
A NASA Valkyrie humanoid robot. |
Valkyrie is a name from Norse/Viking mythology which refers to female supernatural figures associated with fate and battle. The Valkyrie can also be referred to as daughters of royalty.
It seems NASA has now struck up a working relationship with the Valkyrie daughters of fate and royalty by creating four humanoid robots with human-like dexterity. These Valkyrie-Stars-Wars-type humanoids stand a proud 6 feet tall, as well as having lean and fit female features with a robotic weight of 135kg (over 20 stone or 300 pounds) which would be ideal for the lighter Martian gravity. They can walk and do construction work just like a human. Valkyries are now poised to be mother avatars for the evolutionary birth of space civilisation. Another part of the American government, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) - the creator of the Internet in 29th October 1969 when the first networked message was sent - has now further created the humanoid Atlas robot which can walk on uneven surfaces, run, fall over and immediately get back on its feet. Thus in less than 50 years, humanity has progressed from sending a basic networked digital text message to creating humanoids. The speed of change is now getting even faster. |
NASA wants to set up construction on Mars and the best, most cost effective and safest way to do this is to send robots to do the initial work, and for humans to join the robots later. There is already a NASA robot on the planet Mars. It is called Rover. The Rover robot is controlled by signals sent from NASA's three deep space centres, such as the one in Canberra, which is, crucially, also the only one in earth's southern hemisphere.
The deep space centre in Canberra is currently being upgraded and is eventually set to become NASA's largest deep space communications facility. Canberra was famous in 1969 for receiving the signal from the Apollo II mission with Neil Armstrong and Buz Aldrin, where Armstrong was the first human to set foot on the moon.
Now with more robots being prepared to be sent to Mars to construct settlements, the Canberra Deep Space Centre will become even busier as a communications hub for humanoids, or networked space avatars such as the Valkyrie which are pushing the limits of humanity's outer rim civilization to new celestial horizons. In 2015 NASA also made the revolutionary announcement that it found evidence of subsurface water on Mars trapped as ice.
Within the space of a decade, computing and networking power is set to become far greater than today's current technology limits. Innovation will continue to be at the forefront of 21st century human civilisation. It is envisaged, with the assistance of robots, that humans can expand their civilisation to other planets, as well as living in giant orbiting space station colonies or celestial tourist cruise ships with self-generated-earth-type gravity which could allow for space agriculture and city-type living. These space station cruise ships could be placed in orbit around the Earth, Moon, Mars, or follow the path of an asteroid around the solar system past Jupiter and Saturn, whilst everyone can get a room with a view.
Now with more robots being prepared to be sent to Mars to construct settlements, the Canberra Deep Space Centre will become even busier as a communications hub for humanoids, or networked space avatars such as the Valkyrie which are pushing the limits of humanity's outer rim civilization to new celestial horizons. In 2015 NASA also made the revolutionary announcement that it found evidence of subsurface water on Mars trapped as ice.
Within the space of a decade, computing and networking power is set to become far greater than today's current technology limits. Innovation will continue to be at the forefront of 21st century human civilisation. It is envisaged, with the assistance of robots, that humans can expand their civilisation to other planets, as well as living in giant orbiting space station colonies or celestial tourist cruise ships with self-generated-earth-type gravity which could allow for space agriculture and city-type living. These space station cruise ships could be placed in orbit around the Earth, Moon, Mars, or follow the path of an asteroid around the solar system past Jupiter and Saturn, whilst everyone can get a room with a view.
Photos above and below: Artistic impressions of a giant spinning space station. Spun at the correct speed it could generate gravity the same as that on earth - just as a fun park ride can generate gravity to its outer edges. Humans living on the outer enclosed edges of the spinning space station could therefore live in cities with their bodies accustomed to the gravity, whilst also enjoying oxygen, water resources and agriculture. To experience some temporary weightlessness, free from gravity, they could travel to the centre of the orbital spinning space wheel.
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Details for purchasing "Locust Girl: A Lovesong" by Merlinda Bobis. This book won one of the most prestigious and highest
prize money literary awards in Australia. (May 2016)
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'Locust Girl. A Lovesong' was published in Australia by Spinifex Press, which is celebrating its
25th anniversary of publishing this year. The Philippine edition was published by
Anvil Manila. Copies can be bought in both countries by
ordering through local bookstores, or directly in Australia from the
Spinifex Press Website: http://www.spinifexpress.com.au/Bookstore/
Merlinda will be doing a Reading with other Spinifex authors at Collected Works bookstore in Melbourne on 9 July and a Conversation on 'Locust Girl' with her publisher Susan Hawthorne at the
Readings Carlton bookshop on 11 July. She will also be participating at the
2016 Canberra Writers Festival on 26-28 August.
25th anniversary of publishing this year. The Philippine edition was published by
Anvil Manila. Copies can be bought in both countries by
ordering through local bookstores, or directly in Australia from the
Spinifex Press Website: http://www.spinifexpress.com.au/Bookstore/
Merlinda will be doing a Reading with other Spinifex authors at Collected Works bookstore in Melbourne on 9 July and a Conversation on 'Locust Girl' with her publisher Susan Hawthorne at the
Readings Carlton bookshop on 11 July. She will also be participating at the
2016 Canberra Writers Festival on 26-28 August.
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The Philippines Witnesses a Big Increase in Tourism Over 5 Years and Could Become a Tourism Superpower (April 2016)
The Philippines has been one of the fastest growing economies in the world over the last few years. In addition to this, during the same time frame, the Philippines has seen a massive jump in international arrivals. Despite other political problems, this has been a bright spot on the national horizon.
Photo: Monaca Suites de Boracay Hotel.
Latest data from the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), as reported by the Philippine Star newspaper last week, showed international tourists for the month of February rose by over 20% to just under 550,000 up almost 100,000 from the same period last year. This was the highest result in the past 62 months. Since the beginning of 2016 there have already been more than 1.1 million arrivals.
Of course DOT and the Philippine nation is proud of this. It shows a vote of confidence in the Philippines from around the world. Receipts are also up by more than P8 billion.
Latest data from the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), as reported by the Philippine Star newspaper last week, showed international tourists for the month of February rose by over 20% to just under 550,000 up almost 100,000 from the same period last year. This was the highest result in the past 62 months. Since the beginning of 2016 there have already been more than 1.1 million arrivals.
Of course DOT and the Philippine nation is proud of this. It shows a vote of confidence in the Philippines from around the world. Receipts are also up by more than P8 billion.
Photo: A world class swimming pool and view on Boracay Island.
Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. - also known as Monet or Mon Jimenez, said:
“This unprecedented growth we are now experiencing did not happen overnight. In only a few years’ time, we have achieved an enhanced orientation for the DOT as the country’s primary marketing and selling unit. We have restored confidence in the Philippines through a professional, well-planned, and well-supported tourism industry.”
The efforts of DOT with its highly successful "It's More Fun In The Philippines" campaign has had a big impact, along with other marketing strategies. This proves that the Philippines possesses a great talent pool of professional tourism marketing people who can compete with the best in the world.
DOT demonstrates what a wonderful place the Philippines is to visit. And why not? The Philippines has over 7,100 beautiful islands, with some of the most pristine beaches, best diving spots, and natural habitat in the world. In addition to this the Philippines also has some of the friendliest and most welcoming people in the world.
Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. - also known as Monet or Mon Jimenez, said:
“This unprecedented growth we are now experiencing did not happen overnight. In only a few years’ time, we have achieved an enhanced orientation for the DOT as the country’s primary marketing and selling unit. We have restored confidence in the Philippines through a professional, well-planned, and well-supported tourism industry.”
The efforts of DOT with its highly successful "It's More Fun In The Philippines" campaign has had a big impact, along with other marketing strategies. This proves that the Philippines possesses a great talent pool of professional tourism marketing people who can compete with the best in the world.
DOT demonstrates what a wonderful place the Philippines is to visit. And why not? The Philippines has over 7,100 beautiful islands, with some of the most pristine beaches, best diving spots, and natural habitat in the world. In addition to this the Philippines also has some of the friendliest and most welcoming people in the world.
Photo: Diving with the biggest fish in the world, Filipino inhabitants of the deep blue sea, the Whale Sharks of Sorsogon. The province of Sorsogon is an environmental tourism haven in the Philippines. The Philippines has some of the most amazing marine resources and scenery in the world, stretching from its territorial waters and internationally recognized Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) waters in the West Philippine Sea facing towards Vietnam to the Pacific Ocean in the east and north, and the Sulu and Celebes Sea in the south.
The Philippines also earned the sobriquet of the "Pearl Of The Orient". This is even enshrined in the "Lupang Hinirang" ("Chosen Land") the title for the Philippine National Anthem, as the Tagalog version of this phrase was included as the translation from the original Spanish. Filipinos can also be very proud that their revered national independence hero, martyr and intellectual genius, who cared dearly for all Filipinos, Dr. José Rizal referred to the country with this name in his last poem Mi último adiós (My Last Farewell).
More tourists means more money and jobs for Filipinos, and consequently a greater spread of wealth. It also attracts more foreign investment, which other countries in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, have benefited from. Tourism also gives others from nations around the planet earth, which we all share as equal human beings, a better understanding of the great many positives in the magnificent Filipino culture and its history.
The Philippines also earned the sobriquet of the "Pearl Of The Orient". This is even enshrined in the "Lupang Hinirang" ("Chosen Land") the title for the Philippine National Anthem, as the Tagalog version of this phrase was included as the translation from the original Spanish. Filipinos can also be very proud that their revered national independence hero, martyr and intellectual genius, who cared dearly for all Filipinos, Dr. José Rizal referred to the country with this name in his last poem Mi último adiós (My Last Farewell).
More tourists means more money and jobs for Filipinos, and consequently a greater spread of wealth. It also attracts more foreign investment, which other countries in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, have benefited from. Tourism also gives others from nations around the planet earth, which we all share as equal human beings, a better understanding of the great many positives in the magnificent Filipino culture and its history.
Photo: Filipino children proudly running with the Philippine flag.
Therefore, the Philippines should a continue to give a thought about keeping the welcome mat out to the rest of the world so the international community can choose with confidence and a sense of respect that it really is more fun, as well as safe, in the Philippines!
Therefore, the Philippines should a continue to give a thought about keeping the welcome mat out to the rest of the world so the international community can choose with confidence and a sense of respect that it really is more fun, as well as safe, in the Philippines!
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Launch of First Filipino-Made Satellite
Propels the Philippines into the
Prestigious International Space Club (March 2016)
The Philippines’ first microsatellite Diwata-1 successfully reached the International Space Station (ISS) in late March 2016. It was launched by NASA from Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA.
Photo: Scientists and officials of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) watch a livestream of the launch of Diwata-1, the Philippines' first satellite. In the photo, seated, are engineer Mark Edwin Tupas of University of the Philippines-Diliman’s geodetic engineering department; Carlos Primo David, Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development executive director; and Gay Jane Perez of UP-Diliman’s Institute for Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM).
Diwata-1 was assembled by a team of nine Filipino engineers from the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) and the University of the Philippines (UP), in collaboration with scientists and engineers from Tohoku and Hokkaido universities in Japan. It was handed over to NASA on January 18, after conducting a series of test by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in Tsubaka Space Center (TSC) in Japan.
Diwata-1 was assembled by a team of nine Filipino engineers from the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) and the University of the Philippines (UP), in collaboration with scientists and engineers from Tohoku and Hokkaido universities in Japan. It was handed over to NASA on January 18, after conducting a series of test by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in Tsubaka Space Center (TSC) in Japan.
Photo: International Space Station.
At the ISS, Diwata-1 will be placed inside the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD), nicknamed “Kibo.”
Toward the end of April, Kibo will release Diwata-1 into space at an altitude of 400 kilometres from the earth’s surface.
The Executive Director of the DOST's Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) Carlos Primo David, pointed out that the UP in Diliman, Quezon City will be waiting for Diwata-1 to prove its worth by sending satellite images of the Philippines’ land and waters from outer space a week or so after its release into orbit.
At the ISS, Diwata-1 will be placed inside the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD), nicknamed “Kibo.”
Toward the end of April, Kibo will release Diwata-1 into space at an altitude of 400 kilometres from the earth’s surface.
The Executive Director of the DOST's Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) Carlos Primo David, pointed out that the UP in Diliman, Quezon City will be waiting for Diwata-1 to prove its worth by sending satellite images of the Philippines’ land and waters from outer space a week or so after its release into orbit.
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The Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia Jr said at the time of the launch:
“The launch today of the Philippines’ first microsatellite “DIWATA-1” from Cape Canaveral in Florida is a historic and proud milestone for Philippine science and technology.” |
Furthermore, according to the ambassador, the launch of Diwata-1 into orbit was the culmination of a research program of DOST that begun in 2014 to develop the necessary local expertise in space technology and allied fields in science and engineering.
Diwata-1 will be able to capture 3,600 images daily using a High Precision Telescope and a Space-borne Multispectral Imager (HPT-SMI).
Uses will include disaster preparedness and response, environmental conservation and analysis as well as, among others, security purposes. The Diwata's receiving station, the Philippine Earth Data Resource and Observation (PEDRO) will be based in Subic municipality, Zambales province, north of Metro Manila.
DOST Secretary Mario Montejo stated:
“The satellite will also aid the rest of the country in terms of agriculture and tourism, with the satellite giving data that will help farmers decide what crops to plant and where, while also capturing the country’s natural wonders.”
In addition to the DOST Secretary's above statement, the DOST Undersecretary Rowena Guevarra, indicated she is hoping the Philippine Congress will support the establishment of a space policy and space agency, which has already been done by regional peers Indonesia and Vietnam.
Diwata-1 will be able to capture 3,600 images daily using a High Precision Telescope and a Space-borne Multispectral Imager (HPT-SMI).
Uses will include disaster preparedness and response, environmental conservation and analysis as well as, among others, security purposes. The Diwata's receiving station, the Philippine Earth Data Resource and Observation (PEDRO) will be based in Subic municipality, Zambales province, north of Metro Manila.
DOST Secretary Mario Montejo stated:
“The satellite will also aid the rest of the country in terms of agriculture and tourism, with the satellite giving data that will help farmers decide what crops to plant and where, while also capturing the country’s natural wonders.”
In addition to the DOST Secretary's above statement, the DOST Undersecretary Rowena Guevarra, indicated she is hoping the Philippine Congress will support the establishment of a space policy and space agency, which has already been done by regional peers Indonesia and Vietnam.
Photo: An image promoting the setting up of a Philippine Space Agency (PSA).
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Meanwhile, there are nine Filipino engineers in Japan already working on Diwata-2 which will be launched in 2017, according to current reports.
The program is supported by the Japan Space Exploration Agency (JAXA). It will help aid a Japanese-led initiative of establishing the Asian Microsatellite Consortium (AMC) which already includes micro-satellites from Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. |
Professor Yukihiro Takahashi of Hokkaido University's Space Mission Centre, said:
"We want to have better coverage. We can establish, one day, the common methodology and we can use it together. If we use separate type of sensors, we cannot share the data."
This consortium of Japan partnering up with Southeast Asian countries will be of great benefit to all countries in the region. The Philippines has been one of the fastest growing economies in the world over the last few years. Philippine scientists are becoming far more skilled and capable on the world stage, and this is demonstrated by the launch of its first 'Made in the Philippines' satellite.
The Philippines needs to continue on with this great success by allocating more financial and human resources to technology and education sectors, as well as developing international partnerships. This will ensure the Philippines stays at the cutting-edge of 21st century innovation.
"We want to have better coverage. We can establish, one day, the common methodology and we can use it together. If we use separate type of sensors, we cannot share the data."
This consortium of Japan partnering up with Southeast Asian countries will be of great benefit to all countries in the region. The Philippines has been one of the fastest growing economies in the world over the last few years. Philippine scientists are becoming far more skilled and capable on the world stage, and this is demonstrated by the launch of its first 'Made in the Philippines' satellite.
The Philippines needs to continue on with this great success by allocating more financial and human resources to technology and education sectors, as well as developing international partnerships. This will ensure the Philippines stays at the cutting-edge of 21st century innovation.
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Profile of Perth: One of the most beautiful, liveable
and environmentally diverse cities in the world. (March 2016)
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Perth is a city on the move. It is home to many of Australia's richest millionaires and it also provides many employment opportunities for the working class. Perth residents love their city because of its great environment with a beautiful river, some of the best white sandy beaches in the world on the Indian Ocean and an urban city which offers most of what any major city of the world can offer by way of modern conveniences.
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The magnificent Swan River, one of Australia's great rivers, meanders through the centre of the the eastern suburbs of Perth, through the central business district of the glistening high-rise glass towers, and past millionaire's row of the western suburbs of Perth, and down to the sparkling blue Indian Ocean coastline near historical and world-famous Freemantle, home of some of Australia's, and the world's best yachts and yachts people.
From the mouth of the river, some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in Australia stretch north and south, further than the eye can see, which is overlooked by some of the most expensive private mansions in Australia. From the Freemantle coastline can be seen the sandy low lying sandstone-base tiny 19 square kilometres (7.3 sq. miles) Rottnest Island. |
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This island is best known for the evolutionary fame of being the only place in the world with a significant species of marsupial called the quokka, which is the only member of the genus setonix, a macropod the size of a small domestic cat (Kangaroos are also a marsupial species).
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Photos above: A quokka - an evolutionary one of a kind, perhaps looking like a cross mix between a bouncy kangaroo, cute koala, wandering wombat and a curious cat, with an island of its own protected by its caring human environmentalist friends.
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Photos above: A sprawling golf course nestled next to lakes on the east side of Rottnest Island closest to Perth, and comfortable island accommodation next to luxury yacht berths.
Rottnest Island was separated from the Australian mainland approximately 7,000 years ago, and has aboriginal artefacts which date back at least 30,000 years ago. It is such a popular eco-tourist island that it receives approximately half a million visitors a year.
With a pristine environment and such a wonderful community of confident, highly-skilled and industrious people who make up all parts of Perth's well-adjusted population, Perth is one of the most liveable and enjoyable cities in the world. It's good to see that Filipinos and their friends are a positive and proactive part of the overall well-adjusted multicultural nature of cosmopolitan Perth.
Rottnest Island was separated from the Australian mainland approximately 7,000 years ago, and has aboriginal artefacts which date back at least 30,000 years ago. It is such a popular eco-tourist island that it receives approximately half a million visitors a year.
With a pristine environment and such a wonderful community of confident, highly-skilled and industrious people who make up all parts of Perth's well-adjusted population, Perth is one of the most liveable and enjoyable cities in the world. It's good to see that Filipinos and their friends are a positive and proactive part of the overall well-adjusted multicultural nature of cosmopolitan Perth.
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Photo above left : Black Swan with baby cygnet. The cygnet is born with soft white-grey feathers which turn black after one month. Cygnet swans, who love to ride on the back of their mother. Above right: The official Coat of Arms for Perth city. Below: Two swans swanning about on the Swan River, prove - if there was any doubt - why they are the official symbol and environmental caretaker spirit of Perth city. |
Australian map, with Perth in the south-west corner of the nation which is a green oasis of farm lands and forests. Some karri trees in this broad and diverse corner of Australia are so tall that one area is called "The Valley of the Giants". A walking path in this area beneath the towering canopy is also called the "Ancient Empire" walk.
Want a nice modern and eco-friendly holiday?
Go to Perth and Swan About!
Want a nice modern and eco-friendly holiday?
Go to Perth and Swan About!
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Fortress Australia Girt By a Ring of Hi-Tech Steel!
Defence White Paper Signals Biggest Peacetime Increase in Australia's Military Budget History Ready for any Scenario from
Big Power Conflict to Mad Max Manoeuvres. (Feb 2016)
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Australia's national anthem notes that Australia is girt by sea, which is rather axiomatic considering Australia is an island continent. Girt is considered archaic in English, deriving from the old English verb gird, meaning to surround or encircle.
Australia's latest top level defence white paper provides a massive multi-billion-dollar boost to Australia's already substantial capabilities. |
This will keep Australia at the leading military edge of 21st century military technology and will further girt the nation with a considerable force field of naval, air, land-based and cyber intelligence. This could be considered the "Great Military Steel Wall of Australia".
Photo: Australian submarines off Perth, Western Australia.
Australia has been considered as a middle rank military power, however with this defence budget along with new permanent US base sharing agreements, and other alliances, including growing relations with regional neighbours such as India and Japan, Australia could now be regarded as an upper-middle power.
Australia has been considered as a middle rank military power, however with this defence budget along with new permanent US base sharing agreements, and other alliances, including growing relations with regional neighbours such as India and Japan, Australia could now be regarded as an upper-middle power.
Photo: Australia's largest war ships, the troop and aircraft carriers, HMAS Canberra and HMAS Adelaide which can also be used for large scale disaster relief operations to remote areas in the Indo-Pacific region.
Capability enhancement
Some of this enhanced capability includes, and allowed for, but not limited to are::
Capability enhancement
Some of this enhanced capability includes, and allowed for, but not limited to are::
- 12 new submarines to complement and replace the existing submarines.
- Destroyer fleets with ballistic missile defence capabilities including new 21st century technology of lasers and Mach 7 projectile speed electromagnetic railguns.
- Surveillance and attack drones, such as the Triton, Reaper and Predator drones.
- Tanks to acquire new long range rockets.
- New cyber warfare capabilities.
- Surveillance and intelligence capabilities from space, with military satellites.
Photo: Triton drone based at Royal Australia Air Force (RAAF) base Edinburg, Adelaide, South Australia.
West Philippine Sea issue and response from China
The defence white paper which criticised Beijing's island building activities in the disputed South China Sea [West Philippine Sea], made news in China and caught the attention of the Chinese government and its military. China accused Australia of harbouring a "Cold War" mentality and in unusually frank comments, the Chinese Ministry of Defence said Australia should stay out of China's territorial disputes.
"China expresses serious concern about Australia's remarks on the South China Sea in its White Paper," said a spokesman for the Defence Ministry at a scheduled press conference.
In addition to this China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China was "dissatisfied" with what it saw as "negative" comments about the South China Sea in the document.
The White Paper called on all South China Sea [West Philippine Sea] claimants to halt land reclamation and construction activities and said Australia opposed the militarisation of the area.
Australia forging regional alliances and friendships
Japan, known for its expertise in submarine building, could win the bid for Australia's new fleet of 12 submarines, which the White Paper said would cost $150 billion to build and maintain over the next 30 years. Australia is developing closer relations with Japan and this is apparent in the Australian Defence White Paper.
Australia, along with Japan, is also developing a closer relationship with the Philippines on military matters, as India is developing a closer military relationship with Vietnam, even sharing military satellite live-time intelligence and training Vietnamese submarine crews. Australia also continues to develop closer relations with India with which it shares an Indian Ocean shoreline.
China has increased its defence budget massively over the last two decades which many experts now say is leading to a regional arms race, with countries such as Vietnam, Philippines, Japan, Australia and now even India - which now has a regular naval presence in the West Philippine Sea - spending more on their big ticket defence items.
West Philippine Sea issue and response from China
The defence white paper which criticised Beijing's island building activities in the disputed South China Sea [West Philippine Sea], made news in China and caught the attention of the Chinese government and its military. China accused Australia of harbouring a "Cold War" mentality and in unusually frank comments, the Chinese Ministry of Defence said Australia should stay out of China's territorial disputes.
"China expresses serious concern about Australia's remarks on the South China Sea in its White Paper," said a spokesman for the Defence Ministry at a scheduled press conference.
In addition to this China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China was "dissatisfied" with what it saw as "negative" comments about the South China Sea in the document.
The White Paper called on all South China Sea [West Philippine Sea] claimants to halt land reclamation and construction activities and said Australia opposed the militarisation of the area.
Australia forging regional alliances and friendships
Japan, known for its expertise in submarine building, could win the bid for Australia's new fleet of 12 submarines, which the White Paper said would cost $150 billion to build and maintain over the next 30 years. Australia is developing closer relations with Japan and this is apparent in the Australian Defence White Paper.
Australia, along with Japan, is also developing a closer relationship with the Philippines on military matters, as India is developing a closer military relationship with Vietnam, even sharing military satellite live-time intelligence and training Vietnamese submarine crews. Australia also continues to develop closer relations with India with which it shares an Indian Ocean shoreline.
China has increased its defence budget massively over the last two decades which many experts now say is leading to a regional arms race, with countries such as Vietnam, Philippines, Japan, Australia and now even India - which now has a regular naval presence in the West Philippine Sea - spending more on their big ticket defence items.
Photo: Land-based combat troops.
Photo: A US electromagnetic rail gun which can shoot projectiles at 7 times the speed of sound. This provides additional ant-ballistic missile capabilities for ships. It could also replace reliance on traditional chemical explosive projectile systems. Rail guns are cheaper, do not require explosive ordnance to be stored making them safer for ships, and can shoot projectiles at Mach 7, faster than a Tomahawk cruise missile at Mach 5.5. "Star Wars" type laser systems to shoot down missiles have also been deployed to US ships.
Need for respect of international law and diplomacy to help maintain it
Despite the world of realism which is the driving force behind the fact that all or almost all countries have a defence force of some sort, every effort should always be made to solve international issues in accordance with international law through diplomacy and the legal mechanisms provided. This assists in the development of mutually respectful international friendships.
Consequently, all countries, big, medium and small, whose culturally diverse citizens belong to the same human race, and are one amongst equals without prejudice, can live more prosperous and fulfilling lives through the maintenance of the international order and respect for international maritime law free from aggression.
Need for respect of international law and diplomacy to help maintain it
Despite the world of realism which is the driving force behind the fact that all or almost all countries have a defence force of some sort, every effort should always be made to solve international issues in accordance with international law through diplomacy and the legal mechanisms provided. This assists in the development of mutually respectful international friendships.
Consequently, all countries, big, medium and small, whose culturally diverse citizens belong to the same human race, and are one amongst equals without prejudice, can live more prosperous and fulfilling lives through the maintenance of the international order and respect for international maritime law free from aggression.
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May the Gravitational Wave Force Be With Einstein!
One of the Biggest Theories of the Universe is
Now a Proven Reality. (February 2016)
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Albert Einstein is considered to be one of the most intelligent persons, if not the most intelligent person to grace the planet earth during the planet's so far short human history when compared to the earth's enormous evolutionary time scale of close to 5 billion years.
His gravitational wave theory went way beyond the capabilities of the actual technology of his own 76-year time span, which was, consequently, unable to provide the empirical evidence to make his hypothesis a scientific reality. In 1915 Einstein detailed his famous Theory of Relativity. All of this theory had been proven, except for gravitational waves which was the last piece of the puzzle. Einstein believed they were real, but he was sceptical if they could ever be detected because of the massive technological advances and infrastructure required to measure it. Gravitational Waves can bend the fabric of space and time causing space ripples. They can roll through the universe similar to how waves roll over earth's oceans of water. |
Fast forward to the 21st century in 2016, 101 years after Einstein's theory, and a team of over 1,000 international scientists have now proven the theory.
Two Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatories (LIGOs) were built located at two sites. One LIGO was in Hanford, Washington state, in the north-west of the USA and the second was located at the opposite end of the country in Livingston, Louisiana, South-East USA, approximately 3,000 km apart.
The aforementioned international team was the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) of international physics institutes and research groups dedicated to the search for gravitational waves.
Two Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatories (LIGOs) were built located at two sites. One LIGO was in Hanford, Washington state, in the north-west of the USA and the second was located at the opposite end of the country in Livingston, Louisiana, South-East USA, approximately 3,000 km apart.
The aforementioned international team was the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) of international physics institutes and research groups dedicated to the search for gravitational waves.
Research for the discovery was done by leading scientists located throughout the world, with large and significant participation from Australia, from universities located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Victoria (VIC), South Australia (SA) and Western Australia (WA).
The best way to give a semblance of summarised descriptive justice to this incredibly complex process is to let the scientific experts define it as they do. Not all scientific explanations are equal in common-touch journalistic flair for the masses, however the following is a 'down-to-earth' extract from "The Conversation global media service" which uses content sourced from the academic and research community.
"At each LIGO site, a single, very high-power laser beam is split in two, and travels down two perpendicular-four-kilometre-long vacuum tunnels.
At the ends of these tunnels the laser hits large, 40-kilogram mirrors suspended by an intricate series of pendula to reduce shaking from external forces.
The laser light returns along the same tunnel, and recombines. Gravitational waves cause the actual length of each arm to change. The way the laser light recombines is used to determine this change."
[Source: The Conversation, Academic rigour, journalistic flair, February 12, 2016]
The above Einstein inspired operational schema was used at the two LIGO observatories located thousands of kilometres apart and they were both able to detect an identical gravitational wave just mere seconds apart which hit earth from space. Scientist say that this gravitational wave was the result of two large black holes which had collided.
The best way to give a semblance of summarised descriptive justice to this incredibly complex process is to let the scientific experts define it as they do. Not all scientific explanations are equal in common-touch journalistic flair for the masses, however the following is a 'down-to-earth' extract from "The Conversation global media service" which uses content sourced from the academic and research community.
"At each LIGO site, a single, very high-power laser beam is split in two, and travels down two perpendicular-four-kilometre-long vacuum tunnels.
At the ends of these tunnels the laser hits large, 40-kilogram mirrors suspended by an intricate series of pendula to reduce shaking from external forces.
The laser light returns along the same tunnel, and recombines. Gravitational waves cause the actual length of each arm to change. The way the laser light recombines is used to determine this change."
[Source: The Conversation, Academic rigour, journalistic flair, February 12, 2016]
The above Einstein inspired operational schema was used at the two LIGO observatories located thousands of kilometres apart and they were both able to detect an identical gravitational wave just mere seconds apart which hit earth from space. Scientist say that this gravitational wave was the result of two large black holes which had collided.
Photo: A time-exposure representation of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), in Livingston, Louisiana. Instrumentation inside the tunnels can detect infinitesimal wave forces that might deflect lasers.
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The most exciting thing about this discovery is that it now gives scientists a third window to look into and measure the universe.
The two other windows are telescopes which can be used to view the universe closer with the human eye, and the two way transmitting and receiving command and control process of radio signals of radio antennas. |
NASA's deep space tracking centre in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is one of the biggest radio transmitter and receiver tracking stations in the world, and the only one in the southern hemisphere.
Photo above: Len Ricardo, Operations Manager at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) in his office with a window and ear to the universe.
The other two deep space centres are located in Spain and the USA. Canberra became famous as the first place on Earth to receive the signal from the first landing of the man on the moon in 1969, which it then relayed to the command centre in the USA for distribution to the whole world.
The deep space centre in Canberra, currently relays the command and control signals for the robotic rover on the planet mars and the probe which recently flew past Pluto at the edge of earth's solar system. Thus the centre in Canberra is working for the benefit of humanity as a whole, particularly in regard to humanity's ever increasing universal knowledge.
The deep space centre in Canberra, currently relays the command and control signals for the robotic rover on the planet mars and the probe which recently flew past Pluto at the edge of earth's solar system. Thus the centre in Canberra is working for the benefit of humanity as a whole, particularly in regard to humanity's ever increasing universal knowledge.
Photo: A map to surf with the gravitational waves back to earth if one gets lost, imaginary or otherwise, in space. From this perspective, terrestrial territorial disputes among people, who are all one amongst equals of the same human race, are very puzzling. This is particularly so when valuable time could be spent productively helping each other - big and small, young and old - in more civilized and intelligent endeavours. Hence good spirit, respect and diplomacy - rather than possessive aggression - should rule such an intelligent and interdependent universe.
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Staggering Global Real Estate Statistics Sliced and Diced:
Total Value of Measurable Landed Property Shines Higher than Combined Global Equities and Financial Instruments
Photo: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia tourism promotion photo. The majority of the high rises in the background are situated within Surfers Paradise section of the much larger Gold Coast city metro which stretches to the Queensland/ New South Wales (NSW) border to the south, the boundary line of Brisbane city metro to the north, and into the beautiful highland mountain Gold Coast hinterland areas of Australia's Great Dividing Range.
Here's some detailed measurable information for the family and friends' dining table chats, workplace coffee gossip, academic lectures to keep people awake, quiz nights, or just random Forrest-Gump-type-bus-stop-bench conversations.
This information is from leading global real estate agency Savills, which was established in 1855. Savills has an impressive corporate footprint of more than half a thousand offices around the world. Yolande Barnes, is the head of Savills' world research.
The majority of the statistics below were also reported by Michael Bleby of the Australian Financial Review on the 28th January 2016 who analysed and concluded from the statistics that real estate is the pre-eminent asset class.
This information is from leading global real estate agency Savills, which was established in 1855. Savills has an impressive corporate footprint of more than half a thousand offices around the world. Yolande Barnes, is the head of Savills' world research.
The majority of the statistics below were also reported by Michael Bleby of the Australian Financial Review on the 28th January 2016 who analysed and concluded from the statistics that real estate is the pre-eminent asset class.
Photo: Sydney at night with one of the world's most uniquely famous pieces of real estate, The Opera House, in the foreground.
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-Photo: Surfers Paradise, central Gold Coast City, Australia, has close to 100 storey skyscrapers rising off the sands' edge of the south-western Pacific Ocean, with the crystal clear blue waves almost lapping at its doorsteps. For residents and tourists living on the coastal strip, life is a beach. The concentration of real estate in this city along the coastal strip is very dense. Gold Coast City is only 83 km south of the state capital city of Queensland, Brisbane, which has its own impressive skyscraper skyline and a population more than 4 times larger than the Gold Coast.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Developing world data disclaimer: The calculations have not taken into account developing world informal structures such as small business shops and residential structures without proper registration, but which can still play crucial roles in economic development. As developing world economies mature with the rise of properly regulated real estate markets, this will further add to the measurable global stock. |
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A Googol, Googolplex, Google and Googleplex
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The above heading may seem like a modern English language dyslexia nightmare, leaving one goggling in dismay. Consequently, a person will need to look closely as each word has a different meaning.
A googol, is 10 to the 100th power. A googol is presumed in the scientific community to be larger than the number of atoms in the known universe, which is approximated to amount up to only 10 to the 80th power. The name googol was invented by a nine-year-old boy called Milton Sirotta, the nephew of mathematician Edward Kasner, who had asked his nephew, whilst on a walk with him in New Jersey in 1920, to name the nicely rounded off exponential computation. Such a huge mind numbing number was too much to get serious about for Milton, so he said it should be called "something silly". Consequently, he named it Googol. |
Photo: Prominent American Mathematician, Edward Kasner, dated 1907.
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Later, Kasner defined the term googolplex for 10 to the power of a googol. Forget about trying to write all the zeros in a googolplex, because if a person could write two digits a second it would still take a longer amount of time than the known age of the universe.
Photo: Outside the Googleplex, which is the global headquarters of Google, in Santa Clara County, San Francisco Bay area, California, USA.
One of the world's largest companies, Google, the global internet search engine goliath, derives its name from googol. The founders of Google misspelt googol, and after having done marketing using the name Google they decided to stick with the misspelling.
They also decided to name their global headquarters, which is located in Santa Clara County of the San Francisco bay area, the Googleplex.
This topic about names only needs to be as serious as one wants it to be, which is why 9 year old Milton Sirotta did not seem to give it a second thought when inventing what he thought was a silly name.
The founders of Google did not mind either as they floundered on their lack of spelling prowess. They consequently managed to add some extra proprietary words to the global dictionary, which became so famous that googling became a verb for searching the internet, whilst they indeed would have goggled in awe at what they had created without getting too serious about the connection between googol and Google.
Selected extract from short scale U.S. and modern British number naming standard.
Unless a person is a scientist or mathematical prodigy then anything past quadrillion would probably never be used.
They also decided to name their global headquarters, which is located in Santa Clara County of the San Francisco bay area, the Googleplex.
This topic about names only needs to be as serious as one wants it to be, which is why 9 year old Milton Sirotta did not seem to give it a second thought when inventing what he thought was a silly name.
The founders of Google did not mind either as they floundered on their lack of spelling prowess. They consequently managed to add some extra proprietary words to the global dictionary, which became so famous that googling became a verb for searching the internet, whilst they indeed would have goggled in awe at what they had created without getting too serious about the connection between googol and Google.
Selected extract from short scale U.S. and modern British number naming standard.
Unless a person is a scientist or mathematical prodigy then anything past quadrillion would probably never be used.
- Million (10 to the 6th power)
- Billion (10 to the 9th power)
- Trillion (10 to the 12th power)
- Quadrillion (10 to the 15th power)
- Quintillion (10 to the 18th power)
- Sextillion (10 to the 21st power)
- Septillion (10 to the 24th power)
- Octillion (10 to the 27th power)
- Nonillion (10 to the 30th power)
- ... ... ... ... ... ...
- Centillion (10 to the 303rd power)
* Note: The famous googol - 10 to the 100th power - is not included in this standard because its name was invented separately as a rounded off exponent which did not fit into an exponent standard which increases by three.
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FilOz Children's Bookstore, Sydney:
Excellent source of bilingual Filipino and English books.
Check it out!
Photo below: Jed Quiambao Gerona, Founder, FilOz Children's Bookstore and her beautiful daughter.
Jed is also the sister of Miriam Quiambao, 1st Runner-Up Miss Universe 1999, who is also a Filipino inspirational speaker, author, entrepreneur, actress and television host.
Jed's daughter may also one day be a beauty queen like her famous aunty as she is already a little beauty princess. With her mum Jed's help, she will be good in talking both Filipino and English.
Jed is also the sister of Miriam Quiambao, 1st Runner-Up Miss Universe 1999, who is also a Filipino inspirational speaker, author, entrepreneur, actress and television host.
Jed's daughter may also one day be a beauty queen like her famous aunty as she is already a little beauty princess. With her mum Jed's help, she will be good in talking both Filipino and English.
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Order from the bookstore now and you too can have your children benefit from being bilingual.
"My name is Jed. I live in Sydney, Australia with my husband and our 1 year old daughter... I founded this company with the intention of supporting Filipino families living in Australia and New Zealand. The books will serve as a helpful resource for parents who want to raise bilingual children." Ph: 0401 414 050 Email: [email protected] Website: www.filozchildrensbookstore.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/filozchildrensbookstore |
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Sydney Blue Sox Versus Melbourne Aces Major League Baseball Game and Filipino Day, at Blue Sox Stadium,
Blacktown Sportspark, Sydney,
4pm Sunday 24 January 2016 (Gates open 11am)
Photo: Jared Cruz, Melbourne Aces Team, Major League Baseball (MBL)
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The main event at 4pm will be an Australian Major League Baseball (MBL) game between Sydney’s Blue Sox and arch rivals Melbourne Aces. Gates open at 11am.
Playing for the Aces is the only Filipino-Australian in the national MBL competition, second-baseman Jared Cruz. As a prelude to the Philippines’ participation in the 2016 World Baseball Qualifier Classic in Sydney next month, the Sydney Blue Sox major league baseball team is holding a ‘Filipino Day at the Baseball’ on Sunday, January 24. It will be a celebration of Filipino fare at Blacktown Sportspark’s Blue Sox Stadium with food and display stalls, hip-hop dancing, and a mixture of entertainment numbers. The Filipino Support Group coordinator for the day’s activities will be Josie Musa: 0404631438. |
- 11:00AM GATES OPEN
- 12:00PM GAME ONE BEGINS
- 3:00PM (approximately) GAME ONE ENDS. Time to peruse the market stalls, whilst busking style music and performances take place in the forecourt area.
- 3:15PM - 3:35PM ON FIELD PERFORMANCES TAKE PLACE ON FIELD
- 3:35PM ANTHEM SINGER/S TO 1ST BASE DUGOUT AREA
- 3:58PM NATIONAL ANTHEM
- 4:00PM GAME TWO BEGINS
- 7:00PM (approximately) GAME TWO ENDS
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Bonifacio Global City (BGC) - Manila's Manhattan -
The Feng Shui of the Big Golden Apple
Feature Story Part 2 (12th January 2016)
BGC continues to grow ever bigger whilst still maintaining its unique sophistication and green open spaces which are carefully manicured with plants, trees and plenty of grass.
In addition to the ground level garden parks, there are sky gardens and parks at the top of buildings like this massive sky garden in the photo below with a boldly coloured larger-than-life carabao (Tagalog - kalabaw) (water buffalo) sculpture by internationally-acclaimed-Miami-based-Filipino-American artist Jefrëy Figueras Manuel which is located above the SM Aura Premier mall, in the heart of BGC's mega shopping district.
In addition to the ground level garden parks, there are sky gardens and parks at the top of buildings like this massive sky garden in the photo below with a boldly coloured larger-than-life carabao (Tagalog - kalabaw) (water buffalo) sculpture by internationally-acclaimed-Miami-based-Filipino-American artist Jefrëy Figueras Manuel which is located above the SM Aura Premier mall, in the heart of BGC's mega shopping district.
RFA photo: Giant sculpture of a Filipino carabao (water buffalo) in the sky garden above SM Aura Premier shopping mall.
In addition to the red carabao, other animal art by Jefrëy Figueras Manuel at SM Aura which have a special place in Philippine culture are rendered yellow and blue, which along with a white equilateral triangle are the different colours of the Philippine flag.
As this global city continues to grow ever denser with more mixed-use commercial, government, retail and residential skyscrapers, one still gets to maintain a sense of spaciousness due to smart master planning of the city which maintains a balanced tranquillity with the principles of feng shui (harmonising people with the surrounding environment). This also reveals itself in the display of monuments throughout the city which engage a mixture of new and old art to celebrate traditional and modern culture and history.
As this global city continues to grow ever denser with more mixed-use commercial, government, retail and residential skyscrapers, one still gets to maintain a sense of spaciousness due to smart master planning of the city which maintains a balanced tranquillity with the principles of feng shui (harmonising people with the surrounding environment). This also reveals itself in the display of monuments throughout the city which engage a mixture of new and old art to celebrate traditional and modern culture and history.
RFA photo: Traditional sailing boat statue Balanghai at the roundabout of 23rd and 4th Ave. A Balanghai, which originated from the Austronesian word balangay meaning sailing boat, is a large planked boat adjoined by a carved-out plank edged through pins and dowels. It is known as the oldest watercraft found in the Philippines and is evidence of early Filipino craftsmanship and seamanship skills. The name barangay - which means village in Filipino - originated from the Austronesian spelling of balanghai. On the plaque the inscription reads: "The kinetic sculpture celebrates our unity in diversity."
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Condominiums in this premium section of Metro Manila have been purchased by people from around the world.
Philippine law allows for non-Philippine citizens to purchase condominiums, as long as within any given project controlled by a condominium body corporate there is not more than 40% foreign ownership of the total amount of units. Condominiums are popular with many multinationals and Filipinos such as investment bankers, diplomatic staff, business executives, tourists and overseas foreign workers (OFWs). |
RFA photo: A statue of traditional fishermen in BGC on the three-way junction of 26th Street, 3rd Ave and Rizal Drive.
The majority of the most expensive condominiums can be found along the edge of the Manila Golf Club facing the Makati city business district. These 'condos' maintain some of the best, if not the best inner big city green views in all of Asia and possibly the world.
RFA photos above and below: The beautiful swimming pool at a condominium on Forbestown Road, BGC overlooking the Manila Golf Club.
Promotional photo above: A condominium on Forbestown Road, BGC from the Manila Golf Course.
RFA photo below: Walking around the city side of the large sky garden of a condominium at Forbestown Road, BGC (as also pictured above from its golf course side).
RFA photo below: Walking around the city side of the large sky garden of a condominium at Forbestown Road, BGC (as also pictured above from its golf course side).
Photo below: Manila Golf Club with Makati business district in the background, from a condominium in BGC.
Wider metro Manila has been ranked by City Metric as the fourth largest city in the world - and almost in a statistical tie for third place - with approximately just under 25 million people (after Tokyo 38 million, Jakarta 31 million and New Delhi also almost 25 million). Consequently, considering the size of Manila's huge sprawling and densely packed urban area, BGC is like a master planned oasis which can compete with the premium districts of any big city in the world for its liveability, lifestyle, available city services and world class views, particularly those facing the Golf Club and Polo Club.
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RFA photos above: Early morning exercise and fun in Manila's Manhattan before the start of another workday as the skyline continues to grow.
RFA photo above: Many people walking, jogging and stretching in the early morning (approximately 7am), with the long morning shadows coming from the east near 27th Street and 9th Ave.
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RFA photo above left: One of the many cool looking green public places in BGC, located on High Street.
RFA photo above right: These state-of-the-art bicycles outside a BGC McDonald's restaurant at 26th, 3rd and Rizal Drive, are tyred up with some serious rubber tread for a smooth riding experience around BGC to make any rider look cool!
RFA photo above right: These state-of-the-art bicycles outside a BGC McDonald's restaurant at 26th, 3rd and Rizal Drive, are tyred up with some serious rubber tread for a smooth riding experience around BGC to make any rider look cool!
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New Year 2016 Message of Support from
Aquilino "Nene" Quilinging Pimentel, Jr.,
Former President of the Senate of the Philippines
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Thanks to former Philippine Senate President "Nene" Pimentel, Jr., for the following nice feedback addressed to Gloria Ross, RFA Director, regarding the RFA global media service.
"Thanks for keeping the Filipino spirit alive..." Also: "Great service to the nation that somebody like you takes the trouble of disseminating positive data regarding our country from abroad." RFA is proud to promote Filipino culture, history and language whilst providing up-to-date news and analysis. RFA is also happy that former Philippine Senate President Pimentel and many others around the world enjoy and value the service. |
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Sinulog Fiestas around Australia (2016)
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Sinulog is a dance ritual in honour of the Santo Niño (a title for Jesus Christ associated with a statue of the infant Jesus). The vibrant dance moves to the sound of loud drums and this resembles the water current (sinulog derived from the Cebuano word sulog) of what was then known as Cebu's Pahina River.
The Philippines is a country which is home to many festivals which are amongst the most colourful, spirited and culturally diverse in the world. |
The legendary costumes are bolder than Bollywood, more intricate and cultural than Hollywood - welcome to Filywood as the streets energetically come to life.
Philippine Tourist Slogan: "It's More Fun In The Philippines!"
RFA believes festivals are definitely more fun in the Philippines, and Australia as well!
Support your local communities around Australia by attending the Sinulog fiestas and keeping the spirited Filipino culture alive!
RFA believes festivals are definitely more fun in the Philippines, and Australia as well!
Support your local communities around Australia by attending the Sinulog fiestas and keeping the spirited Filipino culture alive!
1) Sydney, New South Wales (NSW)
Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 130 Hyatt Road, Plumpton, NSW, triduum mass, 7pm, 13th, 14th and 15th January,and concelebrated mass followed by procession, Sunday 17th January. Includes entertainment program, dinner sharing and raffle.
2) Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding New South Wales (NSW) capital country
- Sat 16 Jan: 10:00am St Raphael's Church, Church Lane, Queanbeyan, NSW.
- Sun 17 Jan: 12:00pm, St Francis Xavier Church, Hall, ACT/NSW border, Sinulog celebration
- Sun 7 Feb: 11:00am, St Christopher's Cathedral, Manuka, near Capital Hill, ACT.
3) Perth, Western Australia (WA)
Thanksgiving Mass of the Holy Infant and Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our Lady of Mercy Church, Girrawheen Ave, Girrawheen, Perth, 9.30am, Sunday 31st January. Contact Dante Maribbay: 0404038483.
Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 130 Hyatt Road, Plumpton, NSW, triduum mass, 7pm, 13th, 14th and 15th January,and concelebrated mass followed by procession, Sunday 17th January. Includes entertainment program, dinner sharing and raffle.
2) Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding New South Wales (NSW) capital country
- Sat 16 Jan: 10:00am St Raphael's Church, Church Lane, Queanbeyan, NSW.
- Sun 17 Jan: 12:00pm, St Francis Xavier Church, Hall, ACT/NSW border, Sinulog celebration
- Sun 7 Feb: 11:00am, St Christopher's Cathedral, Manuka, near Capital Hill, ACT.
3) Perth, Western Australia (WA)
Thanksgiving Mass of the Holy Infant and Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our Lady of Mercy Church, Girrawheen Ave, Girrawheen, Perth, 9.30am, Sunday 31st January. Contact Dante Maribbay: 0404038483.
Photo above: Sinulog fiesta in Cebu City, Central Philippines.
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A Global City, Within a Business City, Within a Mega City:
Welcome to Manila's Manhattan - The Big Golden Apple!
Feature Story Part 1 (5th January 2016)
Standing on the corner of 26th Street and 5th Avenue on dusk one evening in November 2015, the traffic flows past along with many yellow cabs heading in both directions.
Looking west down 26th can be seen a 7-Eleven store. Back south along 5th Avenue can be seen the familiar crowned mermaid logo of Starbucks, which is near a Rolls-Royce showroom. Further north along 5th Avenue, against an impressive skyline backdrop of densely packed business, hotel and residential condominium skyscrapers is an Aston Martin showroom which was recently 'licensed to thrill' on its opening day in September 2015. Down 32nd near 5th is a Jaguar showroom to supercharge the competition. A nearby walk to the grassed amphitheatre on High Street proves to be a good place to relax.
Looking west down 26th can be seen a 7-Eleven store. Back south along 5th Avenue can be seen the familiar crowned mermaid logo of Starbucks, which is near a Rolls-Royce showroom. Further north along 5th Avenue, against an impressive skyline backdrop of densely packed business, hotel and residential condominium skyscrapers is an Aston Martin showroom which was recently 'licensed to thrill' on its opening day in September 2015. Down 32nd near 5th is a Jaguar showroom to supercharge the competition. A nearby walk to the grassed amphitheatre on High Street proves to be a good place to relax.
RFA photo: A beautiful evening with plenty of space at the High Street grassed amphitheatre in the heart of BGC.
Welcome to Manila's Manhattan - The Big Golden Apple! The Philippine flag, with its radiant golden sun in the corner, claims possession of this economically assertive and high achieving city. This city is called Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Locals fondly refer to it just by its acronym BGC where streets run east to west and avenues run south to north just like in Manhattan, New York City (NYC).
According to City Metric, Manila, with approximately 25 million people, is the fourth largest city in the world measured by its entire metro population, also referred to as an urban footprint within which the population resides and which can be seen as a continuous built-up area from above. In comparison, NYC, the USA's largest, ranks in distant 9th place with just over 20 million.
According to City Metric, Manila, with approximately 25 million people, is the fourth largest city in the world measured by its entire metro population, also referred to as an urban footprint within which the population resides and which can be seen as a continuous built-up area from above. In comparison, NYC, the USA's largest, ranks in distant 9th place with just over 20 million.
RFA photos above and below: BGC city view from a shopping mall in High street.
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The story of BGC is really a tale of three 'standout' cities making up a major part of the much wider urban footprint.
The first high-rise city is downtown Manila, renowned for its tourism and rich history, which is where Palasyo ng Malakanyang (Malacanang Palace) sits on the Ilog Pasig (Pasig River) before it flows into Manila Bay. This part of Manila is a tourist's delight where old and new live comfortably in a symbiotic relationship. |
Heading southwest along Roxas Boulevard, which hugs the shoreline of Manila Bay, one comes to the corner of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Filipino: Abenida Epifanio de los Santos), commonly referred to by its acronym EDSA, which is a twelve-lane-divided-circumferential freeway. At this corner is one of the largest shopping malls in the world, The Mall of Asia.
Heading west along EDSA past the Metro Manila Skyway intersection, you come to Makati which is the famous glitzy high-rise business centre of Manila. Makati is a formidable sight once in amongst what seems to be endless forest of modern skyscrapers. Makati is home to many international business people, financial institutions and huge world-class hotels.
Heading west along EDSA past the Metro Manila Skyway intersection, you come to Makati which is the famous glitzy high-rise business centre of Manila. Makati is a formidable sight once in amongst what seems to be endless forest of modern skyscrapers. Makati is home to many international business people, financial institutions and huge world-class hotels.
RFA photo: Blue skies at the start of the 2015 APEC conference, Makati business centre can be seen in the background with the Manila Golf Club, and the leafy suburbs of Manila's rich and famous in a section of Forbes Park in the foreground. This photo was taken from the top of the Fairways Tower condominium in the south-east corner of BGC.
BGC is close to Makati which can be accessed from the south along McKinley Road, which runs through Forbes Park, where many of Manila's rich and famous live. After passing by the Manila Golf Club and Polo Club, BGC starts on the corner of McKinley and 5th Avenue where the Fairways Tower condominium is located. To the north of the golf course, BGC can be accessed by turning onto the Kalayaan Flyover (Freedom Flyover) from EDSA.
RFA photo: On the night of the world leaders APEC conference, Makati City can be seen lit up in the distance from the top of the helipad of Fairways Tower in the south-eastern corner of BGC.
BGC is truly amazing with its fast rising skyline, expanding business, commercial and retail district, its luxury hotels and condominiums, leading established international schools, along with a fast expanding number of embassies which are relocating here. This is all a big vote of confidence for BGC, which has turned this area into a united nations global city to make it true to its name. The Philippine Stock Market and Supreme Court of the Philippines are also to be relocated to BGC.
Photo: The view of the beautiful south-eastern area of BGC with its luxury condominiums and hotels overlooking the Manila Golf Course.
BGC is a master-planned city with wide avenues and plenty of green space. This is definitely metro Manila's upmarket city where street prices for many goods and services are also higher to reflect higher income levels.
BGC has its own friendly police and security force, often referred to by local Filipinos and multi-nationals as the BGC cops. At times it seems there is almost a policeman, guard, traffic official or street cleaner on every corner. This would be one of the most security patrolled places in Asia, if not the world. There is a sense of order, organisation and cleanliness around BGC where people can feel safe day and night, as compared to other parts of metro Manila, or for that matter safer than most other cities in the world.
BGC has its own friendly police and security force, often referred to by local Filipinos and multi-nationals as the BGC cops. At times it seems there is almost a policeman, guard, traffic official or street cleaner on every corner. This would be one of the most security patrolled places in Asia, if not the world. There is a sense of order, organisation and cleanliness around BGC where people can feel safe day and night, as compared to other parts of metro Manila, or for that matter safer than most other cities in the world.
RFA photo: BGC high-rise view from the World War II Manila American Cemetery and Battle Monument, which is the largest World War II cemetery in the world, and the largest American military cemetery outside the USA.
During the day one can see many young ladies and their house helpers from nearby luxury condominiums pushing prams. Upon closer look, these prams do not have babies in them, but rather poodle puppies. These poodle prams are a distinct feature in the many luxury shopping malls and the generous outdoor public spaces which BGC has to offer. Also, in one famous part of BGC, near Forbestown Road is a popular two storey McDonald's restaurant nestled amongst some of the most expensive condominiums in the Philippines which many locals, such as cyclist groups with their impressive looking bicycles, use as a gathering point.
This is BGC which can claim to be at the forefront of a bourgeoisie revolution now happening within the Philippines. Bourgeoisie can at times be a lose term referring to the middle class, the ruling class or those who control the means of production, depending upon which economic and/or political definition one wishes to choose.
The late 19th century and 20th century saw a bourgeoisie revolution take place in many societies across Europe, the Americas and Australasia with the rise of the middle classes through greater spending power and rising education levels. On these two measurements BGC is definitely undergoing a socio-economic revolution which many cities such as NYC before it have undertaken.
This is BGC which can claim to be at the forefront of a bourgeoisie revolution now happening within the Philippines. Bourgeoisie can at times be a lose term referring to the middle class, the ruling class or those who control the means of production, depending upon which economic and/or political definition one wishes to choose.
The late 19th century and 20th century saw a bourgeoisie revolution take place in many societies across Europe, the Americas and Australasia with the rise of the middle classes through greater spending power and rising education levels. On these two measurements BGC is definitely undergoing a socio-economic revolution which many cities such as NYC before it have undertaken.
RFA photo: BGC, a city that rarely sleeps, is on the move at night, on the busy corner of 26th and McKinley Parkway with SM Aura Premier shopping mall in the background.
Economic power in the 21st century has moved away from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the shores of the Western Pacific Ocean, where countries such as the Philippines and Australia are located. Despite global economic uncertainty, the Philippines is still on the move with a strong economy, supported by a highly educated and professional workforce with a very strong command of English, the global language of commerce.
Due to the successful example of BGC there is now talk of creating other smaller scale master-planned business and residential communities around different provincial cities of the archipelago nation proudly flying the Philippine flag of the golden sun representing over 100 million people.
Due to the successful example of BGC there is now talk of creating other smaller scale master-planned business and residential communities around different provincial cities of the archipelago nation proudly flying the Philippine flag of the golden sun representing over 100 million people.
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Happy New Year 2016 and
Take Care of the Environment
Filipinos love their festivities and they know how to put on a great show for the celebration of a New Year.
The photo below from the Manila Bulletin in December 2013 shows a dazzling fireworks display combined with festive music at the SM Supermall behind the famous Mall of Asia, Pasay City, in metro Manila, which is one of the largest shopping complexes in the world. "Malling" (walking around malls) is a national pastime and cultural tradition all across 21st century urban Philippine cities.
The photo below from the Manila Bulletin in December 2013 shows a dazzling fireworks display combined with festive music at the SM Supermall behind the famous Mall of Asia, Pasay City, in metro Manila, which is one of the largest shopping complexes in the world. "Malling" (walking around malls) is a national pastime and cultural tradition all across 21st century urban Philippine cities.
One provincial city which has a totally unique firework display unmatched anywhere else in the world is Legazpi City, in Albay Province, Bicol region at the southern end of the main Philippine island of Luzon.
Here a person can see human firework displays in symbiosis with a far more powerful force of nature which is the towering and always active Mount Mayon, the world's only perfectly cone shaped volcano.
In the picture below you can see the red glow near the top of the volcano as the plasma sits close to the top of the cone which rises close to 2,500 metres directly from sea level. This is near the Philippine Trench which is one of the deepest ocean trenches in the world, deeper than Mount Everest is high, due to the collision of tectonic plates which have created the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Here a person can see human firework displays in symbiosis with a far more powerful force of nature which is the towering and always active Mount Mayon, the world's only perfectly cone shaped volcano.
In the picture below you can see the red glow near the top of the volcano as the plasma sits close to the top of the cone which rises close to 2,500 metres directly from sea level. This is near the Philippine Trench which is one of the deepest ocean trenches in the world, deeper than Mount Everest is high, due to the collision of tectonic plates which have created the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Mayon, which is the short version of magayon, means beautiful in the native Bicolano regional language, and this mountain, which attracts many thousands of tourists every year, is truly staggering and awe-inspiring in all its alluring charm, showing just how beautiful the Philippines and planet earth is in all its natural diversity.
A good new year's resolution would be to respect, take care of and admire planet earth which is a common home to all of us.
A good new year's resolution would be to respect, take care of and admire planet earth which is a common home to all of us.
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Frocks, Shocks and Biblical Confusion as
Miss Philippines Wins Miss Universe 2015
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Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, born 24th September 1989, is now officially Miss Universe 2015. She is of mestiza (mixed) Filipino-German heritage. She is also an actress, model, host, TV personality, chef, beauty writer, stylist and makeup artist. She is intelligent, confident, graceful, articulate, has stunning good looks and possesses a warm personality. Filipinos around the world, as well as many others from different countries are very proud of her.
Unfortunately, however, this event was somewhat overshadowed by a monumental mistake by the host Steve Harvey who initially named Miss Colombia as the winner. Miss Colombia was crowned, but then had the crown taken back off her on live television which was telecast worldwide from Las Vegas. At least the organisers could have done this removal of the crown backstage to demonstrate some professional sensitivity. It was shown on the card that Steven Harvey had in his hand that Miss Colombia was clearly the first runner up and not Miss Universe. This mistake was tragic to watch. Not only was it cruel to Miss Colombia who basked in the spotlight for at least 2 minutes, it also took some of the shine off the glory of the moment for Miss Philippines who is now Miss Universe. However, the true good spirit of both Miss Colombia and Miss Philippines was great to witness as both ladies remained courageous and gracious in that very difficult and rare circumstance. |
Video of Miss Universe humbly talking about title mix up.
Steve Harvey's confusion did not stop there. In an apology on twitter he wrote:
“I want to apologize emphatically to Miss Philippians and Miss Columbia. This was a terribly honest human mistake and I am so regretful.”
He misspelt both countries' names, even referring to the Filipinos as an entirely different people. The Philippians, as opposed to the country of the Philippines, were famous in the New Testament Bible as the people from Philippi in Greece who St Paul visited as part of his numerous journeys around the lands controlled by the then vast Roman empire to convert people to Christianity with his message about the life of Jesus. Philippi became the first Christian community established in Europe.
It may seem somewhat safe to suggest that Steve Harvey could know about the Christian bible, but, with respect, he still needs to brush up on his oriental geography skills to properly locate and then spell the Philippines, a much larger country with over 100 million people located between the Pacific Ocean and West Philippine Sea, as compared to Greece with its extensive Mediterranean, Ionian and Aegean Sea continental and island coastlines.
Maybe some sort of sabbatical break in Philippi may help clear Mr Harvey's mind with quiet reflection, as well as balancing this off by talking to the Philippians as St. Paul did more than two thousand years before him. Also, whilst there, finding a non-flippant Philippian doctor to do a medical check on his eyesight could be a good side benefit for any future on-stage live telecast career he may still have left.
Steve Harvey's confusion did not stop there. In an apology on twitter he wrote:
“I want to apologize emphatically to Miss Philippians and Miss Columbia. This was a terribly honest human mistake and I am so regretful.”
He misspelt both countries' names, even referring to the Filipinos as an entirely different people. The Philippians, as opposed to the country of the Philippines, were famous in the New Testament Bible as the people from Philippi in Greece who St Paul visited as part of his numerous journeys around the lands controlled by the then vast Roman empire to convert people to Christianity with his message about the life of Jesus. Philippi became the first Christian community established in Europe.
It may seem somewhat safe to suggest that Steve Harvey could know about the Christian bible, but, with respect, he still needs to brush up on his oriental geography skills to properly locate and then spell the Philippines, a much larger country with over 100 million people located between the Pacific Ocean and West Philippine Sea, as compared to Greece with its extensive Mediterranean, Ionian and Aegean Sea continental and island coastlines.
Maybe some sort of sabbatical break in Philippi may help clear Mr Harvey's mind with quiet reflection, as well as balancing this off by talking to the Philippians as St. Paul did more than two thousand years before him. Also, whilst there, finding a non-flippant Philippian doctor to do a medical check on his eyesight could be a good side benefit for any future on-stage live telecast career he may still have left.
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APEC FEATURE STORY PART 2:
Philippines hosts a successful conference of
world leaders and lays the groundwork for future
development and prosperity.
Manila was once considered one of the most important global cities during the time of the Spanish Galleon trade - a period lasting for 250 years from 1565 to 1815. Manila was the central hub in the trade between China, the new world in America, and the old world in Europe.
Fast forward another 200 years to today in 2015, Manila and the Philippines looks like it has rediscovered its international economic mojo (magic charm/influence). If the Philippines stays true to the logo at the Manila APEC conference "Building Inclusive Economies: Building a Better World", as seen in the picture of the world leaders above, then the Philippines is on the road to future economic glory.
The APEC conference in Manila last week was an important moment in Philippine history. The world came to Manila and Manila organised a successful event which has furthered the cause of free trade and greater co-prosperity for the countries in the Asia Pacific region.
World leaders are now recognising the Philippines as a big regional player and they wish to do more business with this great country of over 100 million people flying the Golden Sun flag located between the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippines has further enhanced its relationships with the USA, Australia, Japan and Vietnam in particular, including with a host of other countries. Some of the agreements focussed on the delivery of new military equipment to the Philippines to assist in its modernization efforts, trade training opportunities for students, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programs to build infrastructure, and the prospect to join the multilateral Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) which aims to open up greater free trade between participating countries by eliminating tariffs across many economic sectors.
Fast forward another 200 years to today in 2015, Manila and the Philippines looks like it has rediscovered its international economic mojo (magic charm/influence). If the Philippines stays true to the logo at the Manila APEC conference "Building Inclusive Economies: Building a Better World", as seen in the picture of the world leaders above, then the Philippines is on the road to future economic glory.
The APEC conference in Manila last week was an important moment in Philippine history. The world came to Manila and Manila organised a successful event which has furthered the cause of free trade and greater co-prosperity for the countries in the Asia Pacific region.
World leaders are now recognising the Philippines as a big regional player and they wish to do more business with this great country of over 100 million people flying the Golden Sun flag located between the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippines has further enhanced its relationships with the USA, Australia, Japan and Vietnam in particular, including with a host of other countries. Some of the agreements focussed on the delivery of new military equipment to the Philippines to assist in its modernization efforts, trade training opportunities for students, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programs to build infrastructure, and the prospect to join the multilateral Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) which aims to open up greater free trade between participating countries by eliminating tariffs across many economic sectors.
Photo: Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, centre left talking to Philippine President Benigno Aquino III across the table.
Australia in particular has continued its own mission to further integrate its economy into the Asia Pacific. The Philippines is a significant and important partner for Australia, as Australia is to the Philippines. Both countries are close friends and share much in common in regard to their respective open democratic societies and the social, political and economic values they cherish.
Photo: Australian PM, Malcolm Turnbull with Philippine President, Benigno Aquino III.
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The Philippines signed a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (CPA) with Australia, its long term strategic ally.
President Aquino said: "The Prime Minister and I are committed to continue working closely towards more substantive and meaningful activities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Australian Defense Force to build trust and confidence and enhance interoperability." |
Australia along with the USA are currently the only two countries to have a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the Philippines, as stated by President Aquino to the Japanese Press Club on his Presidential visit to Tokyo in early June 2015. Aquino also used the opportunity to state that Japan and the Philippines would soon start talks regarding a third VFA for Japan. The Philippines also signed a Strategic Partnership deal with Vietnam on the sidelines of the APEC conference. Consequently, the APEC conference delivered a substantial strategic harvest for the Philippines.
Australia and the Philippines also agreed on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for greater cooperation in regard to Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The pact was signed by Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, William Thomas Ross Tweddell.
President Aquino said of the pact:
"This will allow us to share knowledge, information, and best practices with each other, particularly in areas of mutual interest, and collaborate on significant projects that will enable both the Australian and the Filipino peoples to take hold of their own destinies."
By signing deals and agreements with Australia and many other countries in the region, the Philippines is back on track again to become a major international economic player. In the days of the Spanish Galleon trade there was much investment into the Philippines. Now in the 21st century if the Philippines can once again attract significant foreign investment and help the region open up its trade then the Philippines will remain on track to becoming one of the world's great economies.
Australia and the Philippines also agreed on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for greater cooperation in regard to Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The pact was signed by Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, William Thomas Ross Tweddell.
President Aquino said of the pact:
"This will allow us to share knowledge, information, and best practices with each other, particularly in areas of mutual interest, and collaborate on significant projects that will enable both the Australian and the Filipino peoples to take hold of their own destinies."
By signing deals and agreements with Australia and many other countries in the region, the Philippines is back on track again to become a major international economic player. In the days of the Spanish Galleon trade there was much investment into the Philippines. Now in the 21st century if the Philippines can once again attract significant foreign investment and help the region open up its trade then the Philippines will remain on track to becoming one of the world's great economies.
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APEC Hot Gossip Filipino Style: A Tale of Three 'Hotties'!
Filipinos are a fun loving people and they had some fun in the last week commenting about the 'hot' looks of two international leaders and the diplomatic duties of their own unofficial first lady (first sister) of the Philippines at this year's APEC conference.
The Manila Times in an article on the 17th November by Christina Alpad ran with a head-turning headline question: "Nieto or Trudeau? Who's the APEC hottie?". Christina was referring to 49-year old Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and 43-year-old Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The Manila Times in an article on the 17th November by Christina Alpad ran with a head-turning headline question: "Nieto or Trudeau? Who's the APEC hottie?". Christina was referring to 49-year old Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and 43-year-old Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Photo: Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.
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Photo: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
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Christina commented: "One winked himself into Filipino hearts. The other only had to wave to make the women swoon."
It seems Christina herself had to cool her own fluttering heart down after writing the article.
Some countries may have had their own hot looking male leaders, however the Philippines had its own Filipina 'hottie' to match them.
President Benigno Aquino's sister, Kris Aquino, is one of the Philippines' most famous celebrities with legendary popularity.
It seems Christina herself had to cool her own fluttering heart down after writing the article.
Some countries may have had their own hot looking male leaders, however the Philippines had its own Filipina 'hottie' to match them.
President Benigno Aquino's sister, Kris Aquino, is one of the Philippines' most famous celebrities with legendary popularity.
Kris Aquino has beautiful looks, is assertive, bubbly, jovial and is highly articulate. She also comes from one of the most famous political pedigrees in the Philippines.
She first came to the attention of the Philippine public as a young girl after her father was assassinated as he stepped off a plane in the Philippines to challenge the Marcos dictatorship. Then during the people power revolution which swept the Philippines in 1986, her widowed mother, Cory Aquino, became the first female president of the Philippines.
Kris took centre stage with the leaders from other countries at APEC this week. Because her president brother is single, Kris, with great splendour and style took on a first lady role during the visit of international leaders.
She first came to the attention of the Philippine public as a young girl after her father was assassinated as he stepped off a plane in the Philippines to challenge the Marcos dictatorship. Then during the people power revolution which swept the Philippines in 1986, her widowed mother, Cory Aquino, became the first female president of the Philippines.
Kris took centre stage with the leaders from other countries at APEC this week. Because her president brother is single, Kris, with great splendour and style took on a first lady role during the visit of international leaders.
Photo above: Kris Aquino. Right: Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto walking with Philippine First Lady/Sister, Kris Aquino.
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Photo: President Obama, President Benigno Aquino III and sister of the Philippine President (unofficial first lady) Kris Aquino. The late parents (Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and President Cory Aquino) of the incumbent Philippine President and Kris Aquino would be very proud of this photo. Despite the great looks and cool charm of President Obama he did not make Christina Alpad's very competitive Manila Times 'hotties' hall of fame list which went to two leaders on the northern and southern borders of the USA.
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The Mexican leader made a special request to see the beautiful Kris Aquino.
Kris, dressed in yellow, the colour of the Philippine People Power Revolution, happily showed the Mexican President around with great Filipino hospitality. The pair looked so good together that the Filipino press couldn't resist having some fun hinting about whether they were attracted to each other or flirting with each other. The other so-called 'hottie' leader of APEC international affairs was Justin Trudeau, the new young, good-looking leader from Canada. He seemed to escape the fun gossip swirling around Kris Aquino and the Mexican President. In any case the Philippines got their chance to get excited about some light-hearted fun. This would make for great TV viewing in any country and it gave many people who do not understand high level economics something else to focus on. |
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APEC FEATURE STORY PART 1:
MANILA FOLDED INTO MAMMOTH LOCKDOWN:
PHILIPPINE AIR, LAND, SEA AND POLICE FORCES
MOBILIZED FOR APEC LEADERS' SUMMIT.
A circle of steel has folded in on Manila by land, sea and air. Public holidays have been declared closing off the major arterial highways to all traffic and pedestrians, leaving it to the preserve of numerous armoured diplomatic convoys. The APEC world leaders summit has arrived in Manila to take place on the 18th and 19th of November 2015. The Philippine government is taking no security chances and has mobilized one of its biggest peacetime air, land and sea military and police operations in history.
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The Philippines is now considered to be one of Asia's "Awakening Tigers".
It has awoken and it is showing it to the world for the APEC conference. According to CityMetric website Skylines page, Manila is ranked as the fourth largest city in the world. CityMetric measures city sizes by their continuous built-up geographical area and density, which can best be thought of as an "Urban Footprint". On this measure Tokyo is number one with approximately 38 million people, Jakarta 31 million, Delhi 24.9 million and Manila close by with 24.1 million. In comparison New York City is in distant 9th place scraping it just over 20 million. |
Photos above and below: Sea patrols in Manila Bay, loaded, locked in and alert.
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Photo above: One of many heavy land to air machine gunnery positions for perimeter air defence.
Below: Philippine Bell 412EP helicopters enroute to Villamor Air Force Base, named after
decorated World War II Philippine Air Force pilot Jésus Villamor, in Manila.
Below: Philippine Bell 412EP helicopters enroute to Villamor Air Force Base, named after
decorated World War II Philippine Air Force pilot Jésus Villamor, in Manila.
The Philippines has been a star economic performer on the world stage in recent years. Looking at the skyline in Manila is quite a staggering experience. It is also currently undertaking a major military modernization.
Many of the world's most powerful leaders will be in attendance. President Barack Obama and President Xi Jinping, the leaders from the world's two biggest superpowers, USA and China respectively, will attend. There are currently tensions between the USA and China over the nearby Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea which the Philippines, along with other countries in the South East Asian region have competing claims with China. The USA recently sailed a Missile Destroyer and flew a B52 bomber close to artificial islands created by China in the Spratly Islands. The Bangkok Post, on the 16th of November, ran a headline "Obama Set To Challenge China at APEC Summit".
Many of the world's most powerful leaders will be in attendance. President Barack Obama and President Xi Jinping, the leaders from the world's two biggest superpowers, USA and China respectively, will attend. There are currently tensions between the USA and China over the nearby Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea which the Philippines, along with other countries in the South East Asian region have competing claims with China. The USA recently sailed a Missile Destroyer and flew a B52 bomber close to artificial islands created by China in the Spratly Islands. The Bangkok Post, on the 16th of November, ran a headline "Obama Set To Challenge China at APEC Summit".
Photo: US Marine One helicopter takes off in preparation for the APEC 2015 conference, in
front of a hotel in Manila which may be hosting US President Barack Obama.
front of a hotel in Manila which may be hosting US President Barack Obama.
Also, on the big speech table will be statements regarding challenging global terrorism, which concerns all the world's nations and which APEC countries such as the USA, China, Russia, Indonesia, Australia and the Philippines, just to name a few, can find common cause through the common possession of shared intrinsic civilised human values and spirit.
The new Australian leader, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who last week received a popular 'rock star' like reception from the Indonesian people and press in the world's second biggest city of Jakarta, will be coming to Manila at the end of his overseas tour - which has included Indonesia, Germany, and Turkey - and he will be focussing on economic modernisation in the new world digital economy. As mentioned in a previous RFA story the partnership between the Philippines' San Miguel and Australia's Telstra to build and deliver a state-of-the-art 4G phone and data network in the Philippines will have major positive spin-offs for the Philippines in particular which will be significant in giving the Philippines the capability of possessing one of the best networks in the world.
The new Australian leader, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who last week received a popular 'rock star' like reception from the Indonesian people and press in the world's second biggest city of Jakarta, will be coming to Manila at the end of his overseas tour - which has included Indonesia, Germany, and Turkey - and he will be focussing on economic modernisation in the new world digital economy. As mentioned in a previous RFA story the partnership between the Philippines' San Miguel and Australia's Telstra to build and deliver a state-of-the-art 4G phone and data network in the Philippines will have major positive spin-offs for the Philippines in particular which will be significant in giving the Philippines the capability of possessing one of the best networks in the world.
Photo: Looking north west towards a portion of the Makati business district skyline from a high rise helipad in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), with downtown Manila further in the distance. Metro Manila is so large and spread out that it's not possible to take a land based photo encompassing its whole high rise skyline. Helipads are common on many of the hotels, office blocks and residential condominiums
in the vast high rise concrete forrest of the Philippine capital city.
in the vast high rise concrete forrest of the Philippine capital city.
APEC is about generating greater wealth, prosperity and common good for its member nations. The military and police ring of steel which has now descended on the giant metropolis of Manila is there to protect the Asia Pacific's regional leaders in a world of many asymmetrical threats so as the leaders can help deliver the important goals and objectives of APEC.
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Robotic industrial revolution and
economic opportunities for the Philippines.
Feature Story - The Global and Philippine Economy: Part 3
One generally accepted understanding is that there has already been three industrial revolutions.
The first industrial revolution occurred in Britain in the late 18th century with the birth of the mercantile factory for the textile industry.
The second revolution came in the early 20th century when the Ford motor car company introduced a moving assembly line ushering in the age of mass production.
The third revolution was the digital revolution which had its beginning just before the onset of World War II when the pioneering British computer scientist Alan Turing created the first digital computer, famously known as the Turing Machine, in 1936. The subsequent invention of the Internet by the U.S. Department of Defense which resulted in the first message being sent between interconnected networks using the ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) on 29th October 1969, and the advancement of digital computers and mobile digital devices since this time has been astounding. One of the many economic industries this has given rise to is the global Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) sector which has benefited the Philippines in particular with the global "offshoring" of service jobs.
The world in 2015 is on the threshold for the fourth industrial revolution, which could be considered the age of the networked robots. This involves the rise of robots utilising the global Internet infrastructure as its communication backbone.
The first industrial revolution occurred in Britain in the late 18th century with the birth of the mercantile factory for the textile industry.
The second revolution came in the early 20th century when the Ford motor car company introduced a moving assembly line ushering in the age of mass production.
The third revolution was the digital revolution which had its beginning just before the onset of World War II when the pioneering British computer scientist Alan Turing created the first digital computer, famously known as the Turing Machine, in 1936. The subsequent invention of the Internet by the U.S. Department of Defense which resulted in the first message being sent between interconnected networks using the ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) on 29th October 1969, and the advancement of digital computers and mobile digital devices since this time has been astounding. One of the many economic industries this has given rise to is the global Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) sector which has benefited the Philippines in particular with the global "offshoring" of service jobs.
The world in 2015 is on the threshold for the fourth industrial revolution, which could be considered the age of the networked robots. This involves the rise of robots utilising the global Internet infrastructure as its communication backbone.
Photo: Driverless Mercedes car in San Francisco [11th March 2015, reported by Action News, PA, USA].
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In particular, countries such as South Korea are preparing to roll out a 5G mobile network trial by 2017 with full rollout by 2020. 5G will be hundreds of times faster than the existing 4G technology and more reliable. This will greatly assist factories with their networked specialist automation. "Smart cities" will be able to run more efficient traffic systems and driverless cars will become more common.
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Australia has already successfully started using robotic driverless mining trucks - which are among the largest trucks in the world - at mine sites which has lowered the cost of production. An engineer from Perth, Western Australia has also invented the world's first robotic bricklayer called Hadrian which can erect the brick frame of a house within 2 days.
Also, robotic medics will be able to carry out remote surgery with specialist doctors conducting the surgery from the other side of the world, thus saving many lives.
Also, robotic medics will be able to carry out remote surgery with specialist doctors conducting the surgery from the other side of the world, thus saving many lives.
Photo: An industrial robot at a factory on the outskirts of Tokyo which is helping make Japan a leading manufacturer of goods once again.
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Cheap labour will no longer have the same powerful competitive edge it once had.
Lowering industrial production costs will continue to be observed in countries with leading- edge robotic technology, in addition to a well-educated workforce, as well as use of cheaper, sustainable energy sources. |
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Another commercial example of robots lowering operational costs is in warehouse storage. Amazon has deployed tens of thousands of robots in their warehouses to reduce delivery times by assisting humans. In the video on the left, Kiva warehouse robots run like an advanced traffic control system with no crashes. This type of tried and tested intelligent system could be a blueprint for future motorcar traffic control systems.
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Click on picture above to view video.
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Countries such as the Philippines can also benefit from the upcoming fourth industrial robotic revolution. To take full advantage of this it needs to continue with its economic reform program by opening itself up to the outside world to a greater extent. This will create the conditions for more ideas and technology to flow into the country. It is most likely the Philippines BPO sector will become even bigger due to increased communication demands which requires human intelligence and decision making to service a more digitally-integrated world economy. However, the Philippines should also endeavour to be a country of inventors and producers by continuing to invest in education, modern infrastructure and the latest in communication and industrial technology.
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Philippine Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
and continued economic progress (2015 and beyond).
Feature Story - The Global and Philippine Economy: Part 2
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The world is living in a new economic paradigm since Monday 24th August 2015, merely a week ago, which is now historically referred to as the "Great Fall of China".
As mentioned previously in an RFA part 1 feature article on the Philippine economy, those countries which will be the economic success stories of the future will be those which start thinking about and planning for the long-term now. |
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The world in the early 21st century is effectively a global economic village as information, capital and people traverse the globe with greater speed and freedom from political and administrative barriers. This will continue to get better over the next decade which will mean that large countries such as the Philippines - 12th largest by population in the world with over 100 million people - will need to continue to modernise and integrate with the outside world in order for its economy to maintain sustainable long-term growth and prosperity.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), over the coming years will be a hotly contested commodity. It is a limited resource and it needs proactive encouragement with a professional strategic plan which the government is responsible for providing. China for example will seek to encourage more FDI as it changes from an export orientated economic model to one which focuses more on generating domestic consumerism. In the past Singapore and Hong Kong in particular are two success stories which have become more prosperous by bringing world business to their doors. Australia, has also attracted to its shores foreign investment and people from possibly every country on the planet which has made its economy more robust in difficult times whilst benefiting from the many dynamic positives which cosmopolitanism brings to a society.
In this new economic environment the Philippines should endeavour to make its country more attractive to FDI. The Philippines has already proven over the last few years how it can be a star economic performer on the global stage. It must continue to focus on economic reform to maintain global competitiveness. Most notably, investment regulations and business legal processes need constant review, whilst simultaneously addressing the issues of corruption, as well as the modernisation and upgrade of physical and social infrastructure.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), over the coming years will be a hotly contested commodity. It is a limited resource and it needs proactive encouragement with a professional strategic plan which the government is responsible for providing. China for example will seek to encourage more FDI as it changes from an export orientated economic model to one which focuses more on generating domestic consumerism. In the past Singapore and Hong Kong in particular are two success stories which have become more prosperous by bringing world business to their doors. Australia, has also attracted to its shores foreign investment and people from possibly every country on the planet which has made its economy more robust in difficult times whilst benefiting from the many dynamic positives which cosmopolitanism brings to a society.
In this new economic environment the Philippines should endeavour to make its country more attractive to FDI. The Philippines has already proven over the last few years how it can be a star economic performer on the global stage. It must continue to focus on economic reform to maintain global competitiveness. Most notably, investment regulations and business legal processes need constant review, whilst simultaneously addressing the issues of corruption, as well as the modernisation and upgrade of physical and social infrastructure.
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An excellent highly detailed resource to read in regard to the investment climate in the Philippines is a publicly available 24 page report from the US State Department titled: "2014 Investment Climate Statement - Philippines".
It must never be forgotten, however, that the benefits of FDI must be balanced between the common good of the Philippine people and that of the foreign business entities making the investment. For example, social responsibility must always be exercised by foreign investors, which includes respecting the local environment and Philippine people. The regulatory responsibility to ensure that this happens lies with the Philippine government. |
Photo: Makati Business District, Metro Manila
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There can be very positive and productive partnerships between the Philippine government and foreign investors particularly if the Philippines always maintains a focus on good governance, transparency and accountability.
| 2014-investment-climate-statement-philippines-by-us-state-dept.pdf |
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Nuestra Senora De Penafrancia,
Archdiocese of Sydney, Silverwater Park
Saturday, 12th September 2015
Photo Below: The famous Lady of Penafrancia fluvial procession on the Ilog Bicol (Bicol River) near Naga City, Camarines Sur Province, Bicol Region, Philippines, home of the Penafrancia Festival.
Note: Millions of pilgrims, devotees and tourists arrive in Naga City, known as the Pilgrim City and the Queen City of the Bicol region, every September for nine days of festivities. The shrine in Naga gathers more than five million devotees every year and is known as one of the biggest Marian pilgrimage sites in the world. The celebrations are indeed big, colourful and exciting in the Philippines.
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Penafrancia Festival, Penrith,
Fluvial Procession Nepean River
Saturday 19th September 2015
Australian Devotees of Our Lady of Penafrancia (ADOLP) Inc. will be celebrating its 10th Penafrancia Festival in Penrith, on the western fringe of metro Sydney. which is delineated by the beautiful Nepean River.
The following are the highlights of the activities for the day:
For more information please contact: Jun 0419233643, Norma 0481115316, Evelyn 0410511745 & Au 0402739605.
RFA Photos Below: The 2014 Fluvial Procession of the Feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia at the Nepean River.
The following are the highlights of the activities for the day:
- Concelebrated Mass – 9:30 AM, St. Nicolas of Myra Church, High St. Penrith
- Fluvial Procession – 12:00 Noon, Nepean River, Factory Road (Tench Reserve)
- Lunch Fellowship & Entertainment – 1:00 pm, Factory Road, Tench Reserve, Penrith
For more information please contact: Jun 0419233643, Norma 0481115316, Evelyn 0410511745 & Au 0402739605.
RFA Photos Below: The 2014 Fluvial Procession of the Feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia at the Nepean River.
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The 'Great Fall of China' (24th August 2015),
global restructuring and
long-term Philippine economic vision
Feature Story - The Global and Philippine Economy: Part 1
Monday 24th August 2015 earlier this week was a dramatic day on world stock markets. It is being termed by many in the world's media as the "Great Fall of China". Trillions of dollars in value were wiped off the price of global stocks. The regional Asia Pacific Australian and Philippine stock exchanges did not escape the mammoth sell off. Analysts agree that this 2015 share market shock is a 'Made in China' stock crash story, whilst in comparison the stock crash of 2008 was a 'Made in America' story.
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The economic miracle of China in the last approximate 38 years since Chairman Deng Xiaoping opened up the Chinese economy has been truly dramatic and extraordinary. This was largely built on the foundation of exporting Chinese manufactured products to the rest of the world. It was a successful post WWII model used before it by countries such a Japan. This model came to an end for Japan around 1990. After this the Japanese economy needed to restructure. America was forced to restructure after 2008 and its economy is once again on the rise and capital investment is flowing back in to the country.
The signs of China's historical turning point from an export-oriented economic model to one which focuses more on serving the consumer, transport, education and health needs of the growing Chinese middle class have been notable for many years. This may also mark a period of reduced Chinese spending on its military as government service fiscal responsibilities become more noticeable in these other aforementioned domestic sectors of the economy. Historians like to search for dates to mark on calendars to delineate between major societal directional changes. Consequently, Monday 24th August may be marked as the end of the old economic era and the beginning of a new one - not just for China but for the whole globe.
This has massive economic, social and political implications for countries in the region such as the Philippines just to the south of China in the West Philippine Sea. Today's world media will undoubtedly focus on the financial carnage of this global economic turning point over the short and medium term. However, the countries which are best able to plan for change are those which quickly adopt longer-term visions and stick to it.
The signs of China's historical turning point from an export-oriented economic model to one which focuses more on serving the consumer, transport, education and health needs of the growing Chinese middle class have been notable for many years. This may also mark a period of reduced Chinese spending on its military as government service fiscal responsibilities become more noticeable in these other aforementioned domestic sectors of the economy. Historians like to search for dates to mark on calendars to delineate between major societal directional changes. Consequently, Monday 24th August may be marked as the end of the old economic era and the beginning of a new one - not just for China but for the whole globe.
This has massive economic, social and political implications for countries in the region such as the Philippines just to the south of China in the West Philippine Sea. Today's world media will undoubtedly focus on the financial carnage of this global economic turning point over the short and medium term. However, the countries which are best able to plan for change are those which quickly adopt longer-term visions and stick to it.
Photo: A Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) worker with the Philippine flag in the background.
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The Philippines has been one of the fastest growing countries in the world in the last couple of years. The Philippines is an undisputed world superpower in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, which involves call centres, web design, software development, animation, many book-keeping operations for finance services, as well as preparing reports for legal and medical activities, just to name a few.
To zoom out to the larger picture, if the Philippines wishes to build further on its recent-found prosperity it must continue on its economic path of fighting corruption, investing more in its national energy, transport, social, health and educational infrastructure, whist also encouraging more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by opening up larger parts of the economy to global capital. |
Attracting FDI to a country is imperative in the long term for sustainable development in a global interdependent economy. Sustainable economic growth can help insulate the Philippines from the short and medium term financial shocks which are inevitable and beyond its control. FDI not only brings in cash to an economy, but it also brings in new ideas and new technology which in turn helps create a new economically-innovative and skillful mindset amongst the beneficiary country. Countries which don't proactively encourage FDI usually lose it.
The world is on the cusp of a new dramatic technological revolution which will last many decades and mark a clear distinction between the 20th and 21st centuries. This will involve dramatically enhanced computing power, network speeds, robotics and transport infrastructure, as well as notable advancements in the various fields of science. The Philippines is well placed to take advantage of these impending opportunities as it has a well-educated workforce with good technological know-how. English is the leading global language for commerce, science and technology and the Philippines has one of the best, if not the best English language speaking skill sets in the Asian region.
The world is on the cusp of a new dramatic technological revolution which will last many decades and mark a clear distinction between the 20th and 21st centuries. This will involve dramatically enhanced computing power, network speeds, robotics and transport infrastructure, as well as notable advancements in the various fields of science. The Philippines is well placed to take advantage of these impending opportunities as it has a well-educated workforce with good technological know-how. English is the leading global language for commerce, science and technology and the Philippines has one of the best, if not the best English language speaking skill sets in the Asian region.
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The Manila Golf and Country Club course with metro Manila's Makati business centre skyline in the background. |
Therefore, adopting a strategically focused and sustainable long-term economic vision for the Philippines will assist in riding over and through the inevitable bumps and obstacles which have now appeared on the global economic horizon. As such the Philippine economy will be able to stay on course ahead of par.
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Justice Antonio T. Carpio, Supreme Court of the Philippines, provides a detailed presentation on West Philippine Sea issue whilst in Australia (June 2015), and the International Tribunal begins maritime dispute hearing
in the Hague (July 2015)
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Click the link on right to view presentation by Justice Carpio, June 2015.
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Justice Antonio Carpio, an incumbent Justice in the Supreme Court of the Philippines, visited Australia last month and gave lectures on the West Philippine Sea (also referred to as the South China Sea on many international maps).
Justice Carpio's personal advocacy is to protect and preserve Philippine territorial and maritime sovereignty, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. During Justice Carpio's Australian tour he delivered a very detailed presentation about this topic. An electronic copy of this presentation was provided to RFA by Colonel (COL) Connor A. Canlas, Philippine Air Force (PAF), and Philippine Assistant Defence Attache to Australia and New Zealand. |
This very comprehensive presentation is meticulous in its historical research, with the use of maps and documents dating back many hundreds of years, gained from Chinese, Philippine and European sources which supports the legal claim of the Philippines to the West Philippine Sea. This 154 page document is a must read for anyone seriously interested in understanding the issues and legal arguments behind this maritime dispute between China and its many neighbours in the West Philippine Sea. It will provide the reader with a good balanced summary of the Philippines' more detailed legal case which it provided the International Tribunal in the Hague.
The Philippine legal team at the Peace Palace, which is the seat of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in the Hague, Netherlands, before the start of the oral arguments in connection with the arbitration case. [Photo courtesy Philippine Embassy, USA].
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The Philippines launched international legal action against China under Annex VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It argued its case in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague. It provided a "memorial" of ten volumes and nearly 4,000 pages to the International Tribunal. According to Tribunal's processes, China had to present its counter-memorial by 15th December 2014. China chose not to do so. The hearing of the maritime dispute between the Philippines and China in Hague opened approximately two weeks ago on the 7th July 2015. A decision by the Permanent Court is likely by the end of this year.
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The Philippines insists that it is using the UNCLOS International Court process to achieve a peaceful and durable solution to the issue, as it pursues the policy of a rules-based approach based on international law in resolving disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
Overall, the Philippines views arbitration as a friendly and peaceful process and wishes to maintain good relations with China based on mutual respect. Both the Philippines and China are great nations which have many positive interactions, particularly at the economic and people-to-people level. Consequently,respect for international law should always be a foundation cornerstone to continue to build ongoing friendship.
Overall, the Philippines views arbitration as a friendly and peaceful process and wishes to maintain good relations with China based on mutual respect. Both the Philippines and China are great nations which have many positive interactions, particularly at the economic and people-to-people level. Consequently,respect for international law should always be a foundation cornerstone to continue to build ongoing friendship.
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Fountain of Youth:
Centenarians who look on the brighter side of life! (June 2015)
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RFA was humbled recently listening to a story about a beautiful happy lady living in New South Wales, Australia who has reached 105 today and is still mentally sharp and socially active.
She has always maintained a positive attitude towards life and contributed to society in so many helpful ways. |
The photo above shows two such other Australian centenarians, Francis Ward and Ruth Richards, in a photo by Steven Stewert. The lively and happy personality they display speaks volumes. Ruth was turning 104 when this photo was taken.
What makes people live such long lives?
There are many reasons, but research shows that some of the more common ones are:
One of the big points we can note is the importance of staying socially connected. This can be through religious activities, charity groups and/or other general community oganisations. This is important for a person's spiritual, mental and physical health.
The Filipino-Australian community across Australia, which numbers in the many hundreds of thousands of people, is very active with its own diverse community activities. It is so noble that they take care of each other, including doing activities for our senior citizens. Some of these activities involve visiting them, taking them to social events such as singing, dancing, picnics and entertainment events, and even arranging bus trips to different parts of Australia so they can meet with each other and stay socially involved whilst being made to feel welcomed and valued as they should be, and as they deserve to be!
A round of applause for our senior citizens, centenarians and super centenarians!
What makes people live such long lives?
There are many reasons, but research shows that some of the more common ones are:
- Positive outlook on life.
- Eating well.
- Social connectedness within a person's community.
- Exercising every day and staying physically and mentally active.
- Sense of humour and laughter.
- Good lifestyle choices by staying away from social vices: such as not smoking cigarettes, not consuming excessive alcohol, and not taking illegal drugs.
- Genetics.
One of the big points we can note is the importance of staying socially connected. This can be through religious activities, charity groups and/or other general community oganisations. This is important for a person's spiritual, mental and physical health.
The Filipino-Australian community across Australia, which numbers in the many hundreds of thousands of people, is very active with its own diverse community activities. It is so noble that they take care of each other, including doing activities for our senior citizens. Some of these activities involve visiting them, taking them to social events such as singing, dancing, picnics and entertainment events, and even arranging bus trips to different parts of Australia so they can meet with each other and stay socially involved whilst being made to feel welcomed and valued as they should be, and as they deserve to be!
A round of applause for our senior citizens, centenarians and super centenarians!
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CeBIT World Global Business Technology Expo and Trade Fair, Sydney Olympic Park Exhibition Centre, 5th to 7th May, 2015.
This world class event, CeBIT (Centrum für Büroautomation, Informationstechnologie und Telekommunikation - English translation: "Center for Office Automation, Information Technology and Telecommunication") is open for the public at Sydney Olympic Park on the following days: Tuesday 5th May to Thursday 7th May.
RFA picture above: The CeBIT World Expo at Darling Harbour Sydney, 2013. Jose Mari ("Jomari") Mercado, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Business Processing Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) (centre), with fellow World ICT CeBIT delegates from the Philippines.
Exhibitors from Australia and around the world - from startup companies to the world's largest multinational companies - will showcase their innovations and technologies on the CeBIT expo show floor.
An amazing opportunity to connect with:
Members of the public are welcome to attend.
Exhibitors from Australia and around the world - from startup companies to the world's largest multinational companies - will showcase their innovations and technologies on the CeBIT expo show floor.
An amazing opportunity to connect with:
- 20,000 plus visitors with a shared interest in Business Technology.
- High Level Decision Makers: Almost 1/3 of visitors are Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), General Managers (GMs), Business Owners or other high ranking executive positions.
- 81% of the top 200 Australian blue chip companies will be represented.
- 100% of Federal Government Departments with major Information Technology (IT) budgets will be represented.
Members of the public are welcome to attend.
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Heartthrob Heaven – Up Close and Personal
Reo Brothers - "The Filipino Beatles"
Sing Up a Wild Music Storm in Sydney’s West
Large Crowd goes Dance Crazy (20th and 22nd March 2015)
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Top: The band together in action on stage in Burwood, Western Sydney. T.Y. OZ, means "Thank You Australia".
Above left: Raymart, the smooth talking front man guitarist. Above right: Ronjoseph "RJ" the attention-grabbing lead guitarist. Below left: Ralph, the guitarist with Hollywood handsome looks. Below right: Reno, the spirited drummer.
Above left: Raymart, the smooth talking front man guitarist. Above right: Ronjoseph "RJ" the attention-grabbing lead guitarist. Below left: Ralph, the guitarist with Hollywood handsome looks. Below right: Reno, the spirited drummer.
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The passion, the power and the performance hit Sydney’s west at Burwood with the Reo Brothers, also known as the Filipino Beatles, storming into the region, which is renowned for having one of the largest concentrations of overseas Filipinos in the world. Thousands of adoring fans attended big performances of Friday 20th and Sunday 22nd March. This was like watching the clock turn back to the 1960s with the emotion stirred up by the original Beatles Band from Britain.
The organiser of this event, Attorney (Atty) Kate Andres, a seasoned event coordinator who has consistently pulled in big acts over time at some of Sydney’s premiere venues, and her professional team, excelled themselves with events held on Friday and Sunday.
On Sunday, there was an impressive array of support entertainers on stage before the main event. Amongst these were crowd favourite, Brian Lorenz, who is able to pull in his own large crowds. There were many VIPs in attendance, including the Philippine Consul General for New South Wales Hon. Anne Jalando-on Louis who gave a motivational speech to the audience, as well as Hon. Kevin Conolly, Member of Parliament (MP), NSW, Liberal Member for Riverstone, who is always very supportive of Filipino-Australian community events turning up to many of their varied events over the years.
When the curtains opened on the Reo Brothers they did not waste any time, as they started loud and fast to the crowd’s delight. They knew how to make a good entrance and they just kept getting better as the show went on. They played many Beatles classics.
The organiser of this event, Attorney (Atty) Kate Andres, a seasoned event coordinator who has consistently pulled in big acts over time at some of Sydney’s premiere venues, and her professional team, excelled themselves with events held on Friday and Sunday.
On Sunday, there was an impressive array of support entertainers on stage before the main event. Amongst these were crowd favourite, Brian Lorenz, who is able to pull in his own large crowds. There were many VIPs in attendance, including the Philippine Consul General for New South Wales Hon. Anne Jalando-on Louis who gave a motivational speech to the audience, as well as Hon. Kevin Conolly, Member of Parliament (MP), NSW, Liberal Member for Riverstone, who is always very supportive of Filipino-Australian community events turning up to many of their varied events over the years.
When the curtains opened on the Reo Brothers they did not waste any time, as they started loud and fast to the crowd’s delight. They knew how to make a good entrance and they just kept getting better as the show went on. They played many Beatles classics.
They came from all around Sydney, as well as other parts of Australia to see this event, such as convoys of cars which drove down from Australia's largest inland mountain city of Canberra, in the capital country region, to Australia's largest city and the world's best and most spectacular harbour city.
The world-class Reo Brothers from Tacloban, who were blown from their family home in 2013 by the world’s largest typhoon to cross land in recorded human history continue to leave their positive mark wherever they go. They were shaken physically, but their spirits remained strong. Now the Reo Brothers shake-up their energetic crowds with their music. Note, this is a made in the Philippines story which has boomeranged to The Great Land Down Under, and which the Philippines is happy to share with the rest of the world so feel free to spread the word and the fame.
The world-class Reo Brothers from Tacloban, who were blown from their family home in 2013 by the world’s largest typhoon to cross land in recorded human history continue to leave their positive mark wherever they go. They were shaken physically, but their spirits remained strong. Now the Reo Brothers shake-up their energetic crowds with their music. Note, this is a made in the Philippines story which has boomeranged to The Great Land Down Under, and which the Philippines is happy to share with the rest of the world so feel free to spread the word and the fame.
Dance photos above: The crowd gets into some serious dance action towards the end of the show.
Below: Some of the Filipino crowd from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) who drove from Canberra to watch the performance in Sydney.
Below: Some of the Filipino crowd from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) who drove from Canberra to watch the performance in Sydney.
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Above left: Brian Lorenz, a support performer before the main event, sings as he sees the light.
Above: Brian Lorenz walks into the spotlight with his trademark confident style and grin. Left: One of the other great support performers. |
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Philippine economic growth now second best in the world and moving in on the top spot for 2015.
Journey on the rocky road to success, future international glory and interdependent sustainability.
Infogaphic credit: Bloomberg survey of global economists in February 2015.
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The Philippine economy is booming, and is only in narrow second place to China's economic growth. Whilst China has been experiencing slower growth, the economy of the Philippines has been growing. It is estimated that the Philippines may be the fastest growing economy in the world for 2015, increasing to 8%.
What is behind this growth story? In brief, we first need to look at the period after the end of World War II when the Philippines was considered one of the strongest economies with one of the best, if not the best English speaking population in Asia. However, post war history in the late 20th century marched on its own course producing the dramatic economic miracle stories of Japan rising spectacularly from the ashes of wartime destruction, the Asian economic tigers of Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, and more recently the dramatic rise of the Chinese economic dragon. |
The Philippines was unfortunately beset by problems of dictatorship and associated corruption for too long. This put the brakes hard on what were so many economic positives trying to drive its late 20th century economy. In the difficult transition period away from dictatorship there is now in the 21st century more proactive and praiseworthy progress in the fight against residual corruption at different levels of government and society. This requires ongoing vigilance, as rightly expected by a law-abiding democratic country with a rising aspirational middle class.
Since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) in 2008 the Philippines economy has performed very well. One of the big stories is a fall in energy prices which benefits the Philippine manufacturing sector in particular with even lower input costs. There is also a massive foreign reserve (cash) inflow into the Philippines from the Filipino Diaspora - one of the world's largest global diaspora. Furthermore, the Philippines has proudly proved itself dominant in the global Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, taking over that spot from India as the largest call centre provider in the world. The warm Filipino English accent, the friendly professional well-trained service, as well as the high level of organisation and skill in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector has made the Philippines the undisputed 'Global BPO Superpower'.
Whilst the Philippines is benefiting from its current stardom at the top of the global growth ladder with China, it is a good time to continue to strengthen relations with other countries in the region. For example, Australia, is already an advanced economically developed western democracy, which occupies an entire continent and which sits in the top dozen largest economies of the world by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - at 12th place. Australia has recently entered into profitable free trade agreements with China and Japan. Both the Philippines and Australia as regional neighbours could benefit tremendously from a robust free trade agreement which ensures a win-win solution for both countries. Such deeper economic relations would have positive spinoffs into the political, social, educational and strategic sectors. Free trade agreements with regional countries would have constructive economic boomerang effects for many years to come which further assists with healthy sustainable longer term economic growth for the Philippines and other countries with whom it conducts business.
Since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) in 2008 the Philippines economy has performed very well. One of the big stories is a fall in energy prices which benefits the Philippine manufacturing sector in particular with even lower input costs. There is also a massive foreign reserve (cash) inflow into the Philippines from the Filipino Diaspora - one of the world's largest global diaspora. Furthermore, the Philippines has proudly proved itself dominant in the global Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, taking over that spot from India as the largest call centre provider in the world. The warm Filipino English accent, the friendly professional well-trained service, as well as the high level of organisation and skill in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector has made the Philippines the undisputed 'Global BPO Superpower'.
Whilst the Philippines is benefiting from its current stardom at the top of the global growth ladder with China, it is a good time to continue to strengthen relations with other countries in the region. For example, Australia, is already an advanced economically developed western democracy, which occupies an entire continent and which sits in the top dozen largest economies of the world by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - at 12th place. Australia has recently entered into profitable free trade agreements with China and Japan. Both the Philippines and Australia as regional neighbours could benefit tremendously from a robust free trade agreement which ensures a win-win solution for both countries. Such deeper economic relations would have positive spinoffs into the political, social, educational and strategic sectors. Free trade agreements with regional countries would have constructive economic boomerang effects for many years to come which further assists with healthy sustainable longer term economic growth for the Philippines and other countries with whom it conducts business.
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Mega Battleship Musashi found in the Philippines
by Multi-Billionaire Microsoft Co-Founder on 1st March 2015.
Bigger than the Titanic shipwreck
Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft along with Bill Gates, has made the most significant shipwreck discovery since the Titanic was found in 1985. This discovery of the mighty Musashi IJN (Imperial Japanese Navy) on Sunday 1st March 2015, is much larger than the Titanic. The Musashi had a displacement weight of 73,000 tonnes fully loaded, whilst in comparison the Titanic was 52,000 tonnes. The largest military ships in the world today, the Nimitz-class supercarriers, which are a class of nuclear powered aircraft carriers have a displacement weight of approximately 100,000 tonnes. Therefore, the size of this find is the equivalent of a vessel approximately three quarters the weight of the world's largest aircraft carriers today.
The Musashi was a Yamato class battleship along with its sister flagship, named Yamato. The Musashi and the Yamato, were the heaviest and most powerfully armed battleships ever constructed, even on today's battleship standards. It projected a fearsome presence on the seas. The 46 cm guns, the largest ever bored guns fitted to a warship, could fire 1,500 kg armour piercing shells to a distance of 42,000 metres (42 kilometres).
Despite its power and size, it was sunk in the Sibuyan Sea, as part of what was termed the Leyte Gulf battle, near the island of Leyte and the main island of Luzon on the 24th October 1944. American and Australian forces participated in the battle of the Leyte Gulf against the Imperial Japanese Navy which has been described as the biggest naval encounter of World War II, and by some criteria, possibly the largest naval battle in human history. The Musashi was hit by 17 bombs and 19 torpedoes over a 9 hour period before it finally sunk.
Paul Allen, is one of the richest people in the world, with close to $20 billion dollars in personal fortune, and time to spare on grandiose activities such as investing in artificial intelligence, brain science, space exploration and searching for the long lost wreck of the world's largest and most powerful battleship. Mr Allen found the Musashi IJN with one of his super yachts, called Octopus. This super yacht, which is one of the largest and most technologically modern in the world, has multiple helicopter landing and storage decks.
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The Musashi was a Yamato class battleship along with its sister flagship, named Yamato. The Musashi and the Yamato, were the heaviest and most powerfully armed battleships ever constructed, even on today's battleship standards. It projected a fearsome presence on the seas. The 46 cm guns, the largest ever bored guns fitted to a warship, could fire 1,500 kg armour piercing shells to a distance of 42,000 metres (42 kilometres).
Despite its power and size, it was sunk in the Sibuyan Sea, as part of what was termed the Leyte Gulf battle, near the island of Leyte and the main island of Luzon on the 24th October 1944. American and Australian forces participated in the battle of the Leyte Gulf against the Imperial Japanese Navy which has been described as the biggest naval encounter of World War II, and by some criteria, possibly the largest naval battle in human history. The Musashi was hit by 17 bombs and 19 torpedoes over a 9 hour period before it finally sunk.
Paul Allen, is one of the richest people in the world, with close to $20 billion dollars in personal fortune, and time to spare on grandiose activities such as investing in artificial intelligence, brain science, space exploration and searching for the long lost wreck of the world's largest and most powerful battleship. Mr Allen found the Musashi IJN with one of his super yachts, called Octopus. This super yacht, which is one of the largest and most technologically modern in the world, has multiple helicopter landing and storage decks.
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Photo Top: Japanese Emperor Hirohito, middle front row, white uniform, with his staff (8 on either side) on board the Musashi, IJN, 24th June 1943.
Photo below: An artist's impression of the Musashi being attacked on the 24th October 1944 in the Philippines. This was part of the largest naval encounter of World War II, and possibly the largest naval battle in history.
Photo below: An artist's impression of the Musashi being attacked on the 24th October 1944 in the Philippines. This was part of the largest naval encounter of World War II, and possibly the largest naval battle in history.
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Photo left: One of multi-billionaire Paul Allen's super yachts, Octopus, which has multiple helicopter landing decks and a large storage area for land, air and sea vehicles. This is now historically famous for finding the mighty Musashi battleship in Philippine waters in the Sibuyan Sea near the islands of Samar, Leyte and the main Philippine island of Luzon. The Musashi is larger than the Titanic making this one of the biggest wreck finds in history. Photo left: One of Paul Allen's many smaller sea vessels which can be loaded onto the super yacht Octopus. This modern and sleek speed boat looks like it could be from a 007 James Bond movie. |
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Filipino-Australian X Factor Australia Crowd Favourite
Mary Ann Van Der Horst releases music single (February 2015)
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The fabulous Filipino-Australian X Factor Australia contestant Mary Ann Van Der Horst, who recently performed back-to-back with Australian international singing superstar Dami Im, at Googong, New South Wales (NSW), has just released a single called Paradise.
Mary Ann has a great singing voice and a naturally warm genuine personality which endears her to the audience. This single will be available on iTunes. Mary Ann is from Melbourne, the capital city of the Australian state of Victoria. She rose to fame after appearing on X Factor Australia 2014 where she won the hearts of the judges and the crowd with an impressive singing performance. |
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Filipino performance and cultural attire parade at
Wrest Point Casino, Hobart and the
Tasmanian State Parliament House,
Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February 2015
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The Filipino community in the paradise island below the great continental land Down Under, also known as Tasmania (Australia's only island state), recently performed at the prestigious Wrest Point Casino Convention Centre, nestled on the edge of Hobart Harbour. This was part of the celebration for the Chinese New Year Lunar Festival. The following day, on the lawns of the Tasmanian Parliament House, the lovely couple Michael and Joanne Catubay participated in the international costume parade where they showcased Filipino attire. [Photo left: Michael and Joanne flanked left and right by ladies wearing Chinese traditional costume.] |
Photos above and below: Hobart in all its glory.
Top: Looking back at the city through the Tasman Bridge, one of Australia's largest and most iconic landmark bridges along with the Sydney Harbour bridge.
Below left: The yacht race which stops a nation over the Christmas and New Year period. Pictured is the multi-million dollar yacht and multiple line honours race winner Wild Oats bearing down on the finish line of Hobart city with arguably some of the best blue water racing sailors in the world.
Below right: The Wrest Point Casino Hobart prominently lit up in the foreground, famous for being Australia's first casino and still holding the title as being one of the most scenic located Casinos in the world with a revolving restaurant on the top floor.
Top: Looking back at the city through the Tasman Bridge, one of Australia's largest and most iconic landmark bridges along with the Sydney Harbour bridge.
Below left: The yacht race which stops a nation over the Christmas and New Year period. Pictured is the multi-million dollar yacht and multiple line honours race winner Wild Oats bearing down on the finish line of Hobart city with arguably some of the best blue water racing sailors in the world.
Below right: The Wrest Point Casino Hobart prominently lit up in the foreground, famous for being Australia's first casino and still holding the title as being one of the most scenic located Casinos in the world with a revolving restaurant on the top floor.
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Below left: The scenic lookout from the top of Mount Wellington, which towers above Hobart city, offers one of the best panoramic views of any city in the world.
Below right: Hobart is a major cruise ship destination with one of the deepest and scenic natural harbours in the world allowing the world's biggest ships to get up close and personal.
Below right: Hobart is a major cruise ship destination with one of the deepest and scenic natural harbours in the world allowing the world's biggest ships to get up close and personal.
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'Holy Thriller in Manila' January 2015:
Largest Papal Mass in World History with up to 7 Million People
Pulls No Moral Punches.
The Pope, The People and The Passion - A Philippine Parable
Photo Above: His Holiness Pope Francis is thrilled by estimations of 6 to 7 million people who turned out in the rain to welcome him.
The heavens poured with cleansing rain, however this did not prevent a passionate tide of humanity of up to 7 million people pouring into the city of Manila which created the largest Papal Mass in more than two thousand years of Christianity, and one of the largest human gatherings in history for a single day event. The Philippines is a country of 100 million people (12th largest in the world) and more than 80 million are Catholics. Filipinos, in the 'Land of People Power', are famous and unique for their very passionate brand of Catholicism, and they let it show this week in what can be described as 'Pope Mania'.
Photo above: In a country with a high level of poverty camera phones are still ubiquitous.
This event did turn into an absolute 'Thriller in Manila' for many reasons. Major global print, radio and TV news networks around the world gave the Papal visit daily blanket coverage as they reported the astonishing mammoth crowds.
Pope Francis is known as the 'People's Pope' and he got this tag from his naturally warm personality and straight-talking approach.
On his way to the Philippines he nobly preached that people should respect each other's religions without being provocative.
He also blamed humans for causing climate change: “I don’t know if it is all (man’s fault) but the majority is, for the most part, it is man who continuously slaps down nature,” he said.
After arriving, the Pope mentioned "scandalous social inequalities" which need to be fixed. There has already been some high profile victories against corruption under President Benigno Aquino III with his motto 'Tuwid Na Daan' (Straight Path), however, the Philippines still has much political and economic hard work to do to rectify decades of unresolved social issues.
During his visit to Malacañang Presidential Palace the Pope also said: "It is now more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good".
Furthermore, Pope Francis challenged "everyone, at all levels of society, to reject every form of corruption, which diverts resources from the poor".
The Pope also did not forget to mention one of the biggest diaspora of people in the world. He said: "I would also mention the oft-neglected yet real contribution of Filipinos of the diaspora to the life and welfare of the societies in which they live." Estimates of the Filipino global diaspora are approximately 12 million. This diaspora figure is much larger when including people of Filipino heritage born outside the Philippines - whether of full Filipino ethnicity or of mixed (mestizo) heritage.
Praise for the 'Peacemaker People's Pope' was also received from Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the southern Philippines for the Pope's blessing of the Bangsamoro peace plan which was agreed between the Philippine government and the MILF last year. Pope Francis said: “I express my trust that the progress made in bringing peace to the south of the country will result in just solutions in accord with the nation’s founding principles and respectful of the inalienable rights of all, including the indigenous peoples and religious minorities.”
Pope Francis is known as the 'People's Pope' and he got this tag from his naturally warm personality and straight-talking approach.
On his way to the Philippines he nobly preached that people should respect each other's religions without being provocative.
He also blamed humans for causing climate change: “I don’t know if it is all (man’s fault) but the majority is, for the most part, it is man who continuously slaps down nature,” he said.
After arriving, the Pope mentioned "scandalous social inequalities" which need to be fixed. There has already been some high profile victories against corruption under President Benigno Aquino III with his motto 'Tuwid Na Daan' (Straight Path), however, the Philippines still has much political and economic hard work to do to rectify decades of unresolved social issues.
During his visit to Malacañang Presidential Palace the Pope also said: "It is now more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good".
Furthermore, Pope Francis challenged "everyone, at all levels of society, to reject every form of corruption, which diverts resources from the poor".
The Pope also did not forget to mention one of the biggest diaspora of people in the world. He said: "I would also mention the oft-neglected yet real contribution of Filipinos of the diaspora to the life and welfare of the societies in which they live." Estimates of the Filipino global diaspora are approximately 12 million. This diaspora figure is much larger when including people of Filipino heritage born outside the Philippines - whether of full Filipino ethnicity or of mixed (mestizo) heritage.
Praise for the 'Peacemaker People's Pope' was also received from Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the southern Philippines for the Pope's blessing of the Bangsamoro peace plan which was agreed between the Philippine government and the MILF last year. Pope Francis said: “I express my trust that the progress made in bringing peace to the south of the country will result in just solutions in accord with the nation’s founding principles and respectful of the inalienable rights of all, including the indigenous peoples and religious minorities.”
Above: Crowd control, crowd crush, and mobile camera cravings.
Below: Part of the gigantic crowd which stretched as far as the eye could see and beyond...
Below: Part of the gigantic crowd which stretched as far as the eye could see and beyond...
Below: Peripheral participation in the big event spills beyond into the surrounding highways, byways and faraways. Once in the crowd crush it was difficult for anyone to get away.
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Pope Francis visits the Philippines
15th to 19th January 2015
Pope Francis, the popular "People's Pope" will visit the Philippines for 5 days. The Philippines is the 12th largest nation in the world with approximately 100 million people, 81% of whom are Catholic. The Philippines is considered Asia's bastion of Christianity due to its Spanish Catholic history.
The Executive Director of the Philippine Presidential flagship media service, Radio TV Malacañang (RTVM), Virgilio P. Nadal, Jr., contacted RFA recently and informed us of the cable TV broadcast details for the Pope's visit.
Please refer to the document below regarding cable TV details distributed by Executive Director Lito Nadal.
The Executive Director of the Philippine Presidential flagship media service, Radio TV Malacañang (RTVM), Virgilio P. Nadal, Jr., contacted RFA recently and informed us of the cable TV broadcast details for the Pope's visit.
Please refer to the document below regarding cable TV details distributed by Executive Director Lito Nadal.
| papal-visit-2015-cable-tv-broadcasting-details.pdf |
Executive Director Lito Nadal has been a long time supporter of RFA, providing an opening audio message of support in 2013 when RFA began broadcasting, originally as Radyo Filipino Canberra (RFC). Since this time, he has also provided permission for RFA to use RTVM material for RFA broadcasts.
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Photo above left: Pope Francis in the Pope mobile during one of his world tours.
Above right: Radio TV Malacanang (RTVM) official logo.
Above right: Radio TV Malacanang (RTVM) official logo.
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Message of support from
Former Senate President Nene Pimentel, Jr.
to RFA regarding coverage of Jose Rizal and Rizal Park (Dec 2014)
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"Thanks for the good reminder about who Rizal was, and what he did for our people.
God bless your efforts at keeping alive the values of patriotism and love of country especially for our youth..." Nene Pimentel, 26th December 2014 |
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Filipina-Australian, Marlisa Punzalan Wins X Factor Australia 2014
Live TV audience over 1 million people
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Congratulations to schoolgirl Marlisa Punzalan, a Filipina-Australian from Western Sydney who shot to national Australian fame 3 nights ago to win X Factor Australia.
More than 1 million viewers tuned in to watch Australia's new singing superstar. Marlisa is expected to attend the gala dinner for the Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA) national conference this Saturday evening at the Novotel Hotel, Parramatta, Sydney. |
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World Bank President says Philippines will be the
next Asian Economic Miracle.
There's More Work in the Philippines!
The President of the World Bank, Jim Yong Kim, in a meeting with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, Tuesday 15 July 2014, has stated he believes the Philippines will be the next Asian economic miracle. Mr Kim said,
“Can the Philippines be the next Asian miracle? [After] coming here,
I think there is no question that is the case.”
Mr Kim also announced an extra $119 million in World Bank funding to bankroll the construction of new farm-to-market roads, bridges, communal irrigation systems and potable water projects in the
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
In the last few years the Philippines has overtaken India as the world's largest country for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). There have also been large capital investment inflows into the country since the global economic crisis. In addition to this there has been sustained middle class confidence, as witnessed by credit growth, robust consumer spending, and property market growth.
“Can the Philippines be the next Asian miracle? [After] coming here,
I think there is no question that is the case.”
Mr Kim also announced an extra $119 million in World Bank funding to bankroll the construction of new farm-to-market roads, bridges, communal irrigation systems and potable water projects in the
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
In the last few years the Philippines has overtaken India as the world's largest country for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). There have also been large capital investment inflows into the country since the global economic crisis. In addition to this there has been sustained middle class confidence, as witnessed by credit growth, robust consumer spending, and property market growth.
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Photos: Top to bottom
Makati City, metro Manila, day and night. Philippine Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) operator. A graph of the recent uptrend in Philippine economic growth The stunning interior of world's third largest Shopping Mall, the "Mall of Asia" in metro Manila. |
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Canberra Weekly Magazine News Story on RFCA, 19June2014
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The Australian Capital Territory's (ACT's)
largest weekly magazine wrote a story on RFCA's community efforts. Click the document on the right to view a larger version of this article. |
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ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps)
Public Holiday, 25th April 2014
Let's remember Filipino ANZACs who fought for Australia in the Great War as well as Filipino-Australian military heroes who have served for Australia in different wars and peacekeeping operations.
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ANZAC day is one of Australia's most important public holidays. It's a national day of remembrance for those who gave their lives and service to Australia in different wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Filipino-Australians have a long tradition fighting for Australia. Click the documents on the right. These have been written by Major (Retired) Paul Rosenzweig, MA JP, former Assistant Defence Attache to the Philippines, who currently resides in Adelaide, South Australia. RFCA also acknowledges the Philippine Hon. Consul General, Northern Territory (NT) of Australia, John Rivas, in Darwin who promotes the remembrance and recognition of Filipino-Australian military personnel. |
Documents below by
Australian-Filipino War Historian Maj. (Ret.) Paul Rosenzweig, MA JP, Fmr Asst. Defence Attache to the Philippines
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Extra $100 million for two new giant antennae (dishes) at NASA's Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC), as NASA and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Chiefs visit Canberra for the
50th Golden Jubilee of the CDSCC, 19th March 2014
Photo above: Len Ricardo, Operations Manager at the CDSCC in his office with a window and ear to the universe.
Photo below: Left to right - Head of NASA and former astronaut Charles Bolden, and Dr. Charles Elachi, the director of the famous Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
Photo below: Left to right - Head of NASA and former astronaut Charles Bolden, and Dr. Charles Elachi, the director of the famous Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) nestled within the south west side of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is a jewel in the NASA crown. There are only three deep space communication centres in the world. One is in Goldstone, California, the second is in Canberra and the third is in Madrid, Spain. Canberra is famous for receiving the first signal from the moon landing in 1969 which was relayed to the USA. It has also played a major role in the landing of the Curiosity Rover robot on Mars and is still communicating with the Voyager craft in its transition into interstellar space. The satellite dish which received the famous historical moon landing communication from Neil Armstrong's first lunar "giant footsteps for mankind" can be seen at the front of the CDSCC.
Charles Bolden, the Chief of NASA, who attended the 50th anniversary of the deep space network in
Canberra, 19th March 2014, paid tribute to US-Australian space collaboration:
''For the past half-century you've provided a critical communications lifeline for numerous
NASA human and robotic missions.''
Dr. Elachi, the Director of the USA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) mentioned that he wants to develop an
"inter-planetary internet" so anyone can sit down and communicate with spacecraft.
The Australian National University (ANU) and the Canberra based Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Space Environment Management recently received news of an extra $150 million in funding for helping clean up space junk in low earth orbit. This additional money of approximately $100 million dollars to the NASA deep space complex, of which NASA has already invested close to a $1 billion for the CDSCC, further enhances Canberra's role as a global city which plays a crucial role for the continued safe operation of satellites and the success of
deep space inter-planetary explorations.
Charles Bolden, the Chief of NASA, who attended the 50th anniversary of the deep space network in
Canberra, 19th March 2014, paid tribute to US-Australian space collaboration:
''For the past half-century you've provided a critical communications lifeline for numerous
NASA human and robotic missions.''
Dr. Elachi, the Director of the USA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) mentioned that he wants to develop an
"inter-planetary internet" so anyone can sit down and communicate with spacecraft.
The Australian National University (ANU) and the Canberra based Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Space Environment Management recently received news of an extra $150 million in funding for helping clean up space junk in low earth orbit. This additional money of approximately $100 million dollars to the NASA deep space complex, of which NASA has already invested close to a $1 billion for the CDSCC, further enhances Canberra's role as a global city which plays a crucial role for the continued safe operation of satellites and the success of
deep space inter-planetary explorations.
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Philippines in the Picture!
Boracay Beach: A wonder of the Philippines
Voted Asia's best beach in 2013 by TripAdvisor
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Beautiful Boracay, with its shining porcelain-white fine sand and sparkling clear blue waters is a tropical tourist mecca in the Philippines and around the world. Here you can enjoy the best of both worlds - remote beaches with peaceful and quiet surroundings, as well as all the modern amenities, activities and entertainment that a 5 star tourist destination could offer. This self-contained island is a must-see for anyone wishing to visit the Philippines, or indeed anyone looking for a fantastic holiday in the Asian Pacific region. Hurry, Boracay is waiting for you with a warm friendly welcome!
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Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines
www.wowphilippines.com.ph
www.wowphilippines.com.ph
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Happy Birthday (Maligayang Kaarawan)
Medley Feature
Here is a lively and joyful birthday song which is sure to make you smile...
It's great for any parties; whether it's for the birthdays of children, or for adults who are still younger at heart than their calendar years, or number of candles on the birthday cake may suggest. Sing along and enjoy!
It's great for any parties; whether it's for the birthdays of children, or for adults who are still younger at heart than their calendar years, or number of candles on the birthday cake may suggest. Sing along and enjoy!
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Award to Radyo Filipino Canberra at the
Philippine Independence Day Celebration in the
National Convention Centre of Australia
In a surprise, RFC have received an award for our broadcasting service to the Canberra community, Australia and the world. We are pleased that the community values our service and as such we were honoured and humbled to receive this.
We have a dedicated listening base who like our content and broadcast formula and who keep listening week after week. We will continue to always serve the needs of our community with a well prepared high quality community, national and international news service, interesting interviews and great music. Refer below to the award pictures of our broadcasters on award night and in-studio..
We have a dedicated listening base who like our content and broadcast formula and who keep listening week after week. We will continue to always serve the needs of our community with a well prepared high quality community, national and international news service, interesting interviews and great music. Refer below to the award pictures of our broadcasters on award night and in-studio..
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Top Left: Award from FCCACT.
Top Right: Raul Ruiz, Misael Racines, Gloria Ross and Cecilia Flores (President of FCCACT)
Studio Photo Right (2nd down): Misael, Gloria and Raul.
Studio photo Right (3rd down):: Cy Rago, Gloria, Chrysnan Fraser, (back standing ) Raul and Alvin Mendoza.
Photo Below: Alvin, Cy, Gloria, Chrysnan, Raul.
Top Right: Raul Ruiz, Misael Racines, Gloria Ross and Cecilia Flores (President of FCCACT)
Studio Photo Right (2nd down): Misael, Gloria and Raul.
Studio photo Right (3rd down):: Cy Rago, Gloria, Chrysnan Fraser, (back standing ) Raul and Alvin Mendoza.
Photo Below: Alvin, Cy, Gloria, Chrysnan, Raul.
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Did you know?
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Although the land area
of the Philippines is roughly 1/30th of the United States, the Philippines has a total coastline of 36,289 kilometers while the total U.S. coastline is a modest 19,924 kilometers. [discoverphils.com] |
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LIVE
TIME & DATE CANBERRA |
ProgramRFC is dedicated to serving the needs of Australian Filipinos in the Canberra region through the provision of a Filipino language radio program. It's program focus will be on local Filipino community, national and international news, great music, guest speakers and education topics such as history, politics, science, geography, economics, culture ... and many more.
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Time slotPrime weekend time slot in the morning
whilst sitting at home, in the car, at a friend's place, or watching the 'kidz' at sports whilst listening on your mobile device. EVERY SATURDAY: 10-11am |
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RFCA Broadcast launch message
16th March 2013
Photo: Gloria Ross, during the launch of RFCA.
Thank you to everyone who turned up for the launch on the 16th March 2013. A special thank you also to Virgilio P. Nadal, Executive Director of the Philippine Presidential Radio and TV service, to Her Excellency Ambassador Belen Anota, and our seven distinguished community leaders for their support and participation in the broadcast. It was a very large turnout which exceeded our expectations. It was great to see the level of enthusiasm and energy within the Filipino Canberra community for this broadcast service.
Kind regards,
Gloria Ross, President and Main Broadcaster, RFCA
Thank you to everyone who turned up for the launch on the 16th March 2013. A special thank you also to Virgilio P. Nadal, Executive Director of the Philippine Presidential Radio and TV service, to Her Excellency Ambassador Belen Anota, and our seven distinguished community leaders for their support and participation in the broadcast. It was a very large turnout which exceeded our expectations. It was great to see the level of enthusiasm and energy within the Filipino Canberra community for this broadcast service.
Kind regards,
Gloria Ross, President and Main Broadcaster, RFCA
| official_radyo_launch_day_speech-gloria_ross-16march2013.pdf |
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RFC launch day 16th March 2013, covered on Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs site
RFC made the news in the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs for our broadcast launch on the 16th March 2013.
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RFC/RFCA program summary audio
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Filipino language introduction audio.
English language introduction audio.
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Above Filipino introduction music:
"Balita" by Asin "Lapit mga kaibigan at making kayo. Ako'y my daladalang balita galing sa bayan ko. Nais kong ipamahagi ang mga kwento at mga pangyayaring nagaganap sa lupang ipinangako." |
Introduction music, English version:
"News" by Asin (Salt) "Come near my friends and listen. I am bringing news from my land. I want to share the stories and the events unfolding in the promised land." |
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Endorsement for RFC from the Executive Director of the Presidential Flagship Broadcast Service: Radio TV Malacañang (RTVM)
Listen to RFC broadcast launch audio on the Broadcast Archive page for the wonderful message of support RFCA received from RTVM. We were proud to broadcast this as our opening message after the national anthem.
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Philippine Regional Administrative Map
These are our beautiful 7,107 islands... They are the exquisite island pearls of the orient shining in all their splendour under the golden Philippine sun which is the prominent symbol of the national flag (refer also to the lyrics of our jubilant national anthem on the "Global Links" page of this website which includes the line "Pearl of the Orient"). The colours indicate the different administrative regions of the Philippines. These regions also closely resemble the boundaries of major language groups within the Philippines (that will need to be discussed in more detail at a later date to do the substantial topic of dialects in the Philippines any justice).
The national language is Filipino, also referred to as Tagalog, which comes from the Manila region (Taga meaning "From" and Ilog meaning "River", which refers to the Pasig river that winds through Manila). The mega city of Manila, which includes the shiny modern business and banking district of Makati, with its high rise glass towers, is the capital city of the Philippines. This area is coloured yellow on the map and lies near the middle of the largest island of Luzon (105,000 square kilometres) on the bay of Manila. The amazingly diverse and crowded Luzon island stretches all the way from the Ilocos region (red) and Cagayan Valley region (blue) in the north to the Bicol region (purple) in the south.
The other main regions of the Philippines, particularly in terms of population, are the Visayan Islands, Cebu and Mindanao Island. Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines (95,000 square kilometers).
To learn more about this magnificent country of over 100 million people (12th largest in the world), which is also the mother land of the ubiquitous 10 million plus diaspora of Filipino people living outside the Philippines, RFC have included a more detailed administrative map in the education section of this website. This map includes names of the different regions and the component local government units. Click the "Education Central" page link to find this map.
The national language is Filipino, also referred to as Tagalog, which comes from the Manila region (Taga meaning "From" and Ilog meaning "River", which refers to the Pasig river that winds through Manila). The mega city of Manila, which includes the shiny modern business and banking district of Makati, with its high rise glass towers, is the capital city of the Philippines. This area is coloured yellow on the map and lies near the middle of the largest island of Luzon (105,000 square kilometres) on the bay of Manila. The amazingly diverse and crowded Luzon island stretches all the way from the Ilocos region (red) and Cagayan Valley region (blue) in the north to the Bicol region (purple) in the south.
The other main regions of the Philippines, particularly in terms of population, are the Visayan Islands, Cebu and Mindanao Island. Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines (95,000 square kilometers).
To learn more about this magnificent country of over 100 million people (12th largest in the world), which is also the mother land of the ubiquitous 10 million plus diaspora of Filipino people living outside the Philippines, RFC have included a more detailed administrative map in the education section of this website. This map includes names of the different regions and the component local government units. Click the "Education Central" page link to find this map.
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Sandy Pinoy, the Suave Site Surfer from San Miguel
This is Sandy, the suave site surfer from San Miguel who had a splendid time on our site. You too can become more savvy on many new interesting things about the wonderful Philippines and its amazing Filipino people who live here in Australia's Capital Country, around Australia, in the Philippines and around the globe. Click the navigation page links on the side to start.