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Some Medical Facts on RH/Contraception
Related to country: Philippines

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Some Medical Facts on RH/Contraception
as shared by Francisco M. dela Tonga, Chairperson, RHAN-Youth



1. Maternal Mortality in the Philippines is worrisome.



Although there are inherent difficulties in measuring maternal deaths accurately, due to non-recording or inaccurate recording (NSO 2004: Deaths in the Philippines 2000; WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF 2000: Maternal Mortality Estimates for 2000), there is agreement among DOH and international authorities that the absolute number in the Philippines—about 4,000 a year—and the very slow decline of the maternal mortality ratio as evidenced between 1990 and 2007—(3% decline)—is problematic and will likely result in the Philippines not meeting the Millennium Development Goal 5 in 2015. In fact, the NEDA Midterm Progress Report on the MDG for 2007 identified maternal mortality reduction as short of target and the DOH has developed a program called Rapid Reduction of Maternal and Neonatal Mortality to cope with the problem.



Since NSO’s Vital Registration, which is the source of DOH’s estimates of mortality, including maternal mortality, is incomplete by their own account (i.e. "no adjustment for under-registration or for delay in the submission of certificates…" NSO 2008: Maternal Death Statistics 2004), it is not advisable to base estimates on these records but on surveys or statistical models. In 2000, the WHO estimated maternal mortality to be at around 4,100 for the year (WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA World Bank 2000: Maternal Mortality in 2000. On this scale, Maternal Mortality ranked among the top 10 causes of female mortality for all ages—higher than kidney diseases!



Leading Causes of Female Mortality in 2000 (DOH website)



1. Diseases of the Heart 26,061

2. Diseases of the Vascular System 21,074

3. Malignant Neoplasm 16,817

4. Pneumonia 16,088

5. TB, all forms 8,967

6. Accidents 6,346

7. Perinatal conditions 6,015

8. Diabetes Mellitus 5,600

9. Chronic Lower Resp. diseases 5,134

10. Nephritic/nephritic synd., nephrosis 3,321



The only reason maternal mortality is not monitored and counted carefully in the Philippines is because it does not belong to the "notifiable diseases" list of the DOH. In other countries like the UK , South Africa and Malaysia , every maternal mortality is studied through various maternal death reviews, such as the Confidential Inquiry (WHO 2004: Beyond the Numbers). This is because almost all maternal deaths are preventable by current maternal care modalities and every death thus constitutes a violation of women’s right to life.



The persistence and high levels of maternal mortality worldwide is a testament to the failure of global development strategies, hence its inclusion in the MDGs. It also basically reflects the strength/weakness of countries’ health systems and the systems’ attention to women, esp. poor women.



2. Maternal survival and health affects the survival and health of children, especially newborns.



"In developing countries, a mother’s death in childbirth means that her newborn will almost certainly die and that her older children are more likely to suffer from disease. Moreover, when mothers are malnourished, ill or receive inadequate care, their newborns face a higher risk of disease and premature death. Almost ¼ of newborns in developing countries are born low birth weight, largely due to their mothers’ poor health and nutritional status which results in increased vulnerability to infections and a higher risk of developmental problems.



The quality of care that both mother and newborn receive during pregnancy and delivery and in the early postnatal period is essential to ensuring that women remain healthy and that children get a good start." (Save the Children and Population Bureau 2006).





3. Contraceptives are life-saving to women and children (WHO: Health Benefits of Family Planning)



a. Women’s health

Contraceptive use reduces maternal mortality and improves women’s health by preventing unwanted and high risk pregnancies and reducing the need for unsafe abortions. An estimated 100,000 maternal deaths could be avoided each year if all women who said they want no more children were able to stop childbearing. "



"Some contraceptives also improve women’s health by reducing the likelihood of disease transmission and protecting against cancers and health problems."



"Contraceptives: safe, effective and protective



* Barrier methods, like condom play an important role in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, which can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and in some cases, death. Although no contraceptive is 100% effective at preventing disease transmission, condoms can greatly reduce the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus.
* Hormonal methods, specifically combined oral contraceptives offer significant protection against
o life-threatening diseases such as ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, ectopic pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease
o health conditions that impair quality of life such as iron deficiency anemia, benign breast disease, painful menstruation, heavy menstruation, premenstrual syndrome, pelvic pain, and functional ovarian cysts

Progestin-only contraceptives reduce monthly blood loss and therefore help protect against anemia and also have been reported to protect against some STDs and pelvic inflammatory disease. For some conditions, the protective effect remains even after the method is no longer being used.

* Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) or breastfeeding –provides important benefits for nursing infants. Breastfeeding provides special nutritional benefits to the infant and protects against diarrhea, coughs and colds, and other common illnesses."
* Copper-bearing intrauterine device (IUD) may protect against cancer of the lining of the uterus (WHO, USAID, Johns Hopkins, 2007: Family Planning – A Global Handbook for Providers)
* Fertility Awareness-Based Methods or NFP help women learn about their bodies and fertility.. It is also used to identify fertile days by both women who want to become pregnant and women who want to avoid pregnancy. (WHO, USAID)



"Unsafe abortions and their complications are a major cause of maternal death and illness." In the Philippines an estimated 800 women die each year as a result of unsafe or incomplete abortion, and almost 80,000 are hospitalized for complications (Guttmacher- UPPI 2006: Unintended Pregnancy and Induced Abortion in the Philippines). "Infertility due to tubal infections resulting from unsafe abortion is common in some areas. Using contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies helps to reduce the toll of unsafe

abortion."



Pregnancy, itself, is attended with risks, as mentioned in the 1st part of this paper. The risk of dying from each pregnancy, reflected by the maternal mortality ratio, is about 200 per 100,000 (WHO, 2000 estimate), or 2 per 1000, or 1 death per 500 livebirths. This risk increases with additional pregnancy, so a woman with 5 pregnancies will have 5 in 500 o 1 in 100 risk.



These inherent pregnancy risks are compounded by risks due to pre-existing medical conditions like: moderate hypertension, complicated valvular disease, ischemic heart disease, stroke, tuberculosis, moderate diabetes, hepatitis, renal disease, anemia, some sexually transmitted infections, and others. (WHO, USAID…,WHO: Health Benefits)





b. Children’s health

"It had been estimated that expanding contraceptive services to meet the needs of couples who wish to avoid pregnancy but currently not using contraception could prevent as many as 850,000 deaths per year among children under age 5 (World Bank, 1993).



When used to space births at least 2 years apart, contraceptives save children’s lives. When births are spaced less than 2 years apart, particularly less than 18 months, infants are more likely to be premature and to have low birth weigh, 2 factors that lead to increased mortality.



Short birth intervals also decrease the survival of the preceding child. The arrival of a new baby means that breastfeeding stops suddenly and the mother has less time to devote to caring for the older child. A birth interval of less than 12 months raises the overall average risk of death for the preceding child between the ages of 1 and 5 by at least 70 to 80%; a birth within 18 months raises the risk by 50% or more (Hobcroft, 1987).



Postponing first births until the mother is at least 18 years of age is another important factor in reducing child deaths. An infant born to a teen-age mother is more likely to be born early and weigh too little at birth and is 24% more likely to die in the 1st month of life than is an infant born to a mother aged 25-35 years; the increased risk continues until early childhood (Hobcroft, 1991).



Having too many children also places the children’s health at risk. Births of order 4 and higher are associated with higher infant mortality in Latin America and Asia (Ross and Frankenber, 1993). A study in Bangladesh showed that the infant mortality for women who had 5-6 children was about 3x the rate for those with only 2 children (Rahman and Nessa, 1989). A study in Egypt found 38% higher infant mortality among 5th and subsequent births than among 3rd and 4th order births.





4. Contraceptive risks and side effects are real but few.



Like all drugs and medical devices, contraceptives have associated risks and side effects. This way it is not unlike paracetamol, one of the most effective pain and fever-lowering drugs that "no home should be without" or ampicillin, the most "widely prescribed antibiotic." Yet the complete drug literature for paracetamol includes the information that one can have "skin rashes, blood disorder, swollen pancreas, and severe liver damage that can be fatal." The same with the literature on ampicillin which warns about "nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, abdominal pain, allergic reaction, shock and even death." (Bupa Health Care Organization, Medicinenet) The words of caution attached to these 2 drugs do not mean they are per se dangerous, but that they should be used correctly.



"In general, contraceptives pose few serious health risks to users.. Moreover, the use of contraceptive methods is generally far safer than pregnancy. Unintended pregnancies unnecessarily place women at risk. Women in many developing countries will experience an even greater advantage in using contraceptive methods than those in the developed world because pregnancy-related mortality is higher. Nonetheless, use of some contraceptive methods may entail potential risks: such as the risks of serious outcomes like pain, hospitalization, surgery, medical side effects, infections loss of reproductive capacity or in rare cases death. There is also the risk of contraceptive failure – pregnancy in which case a woman needs to asses the dangers that a pregnancy would pose. Then there is the risk to future fertility due to choice of contraceptive method." J. Trussel, Contraceptive Technology, Ch.3, 18th ed?)



Comparative Risks of Different Activities vs Use of Contraceptives in the US (Trussel)



From an accident: 1: 2,900

From being stuck by lightning 1: 2,000,000

Nonsmoker, 35-44 using combined contraceptives 1: 33,000

Smoker, 35-44 using combined contraceptives 1: 5,200

Undergoing sterilization 1: 66,700

Pregnancy 1; 8,700



"Other major health risks from contraceptive use are not only uncommon, but they are also most likely to occur in women who have underlying medical conditions.



"Cardiovascular Disease"



"The combined pill has been associated with and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. This is particularly true in women over age 35 who smoke. However, nonsmoking, nonhypertensive, nondiabetic women of any age who use combined OCs are not at increased risk for MI. The risk of stroke in nonsmoking women under age 35 is not increased use of OCs with less than 50micrograms of estrogen…" (50 mcg is hi dose).



"Cancer"



"…Use of the combined OCs is associated with an increased risk of cancers of the cervix and liver, an increased risk of breast cancer in young women, and a decreased risk of of colorectal cancer. However, there is great uncertainty regarding the causal link if any, between, if any between combined OC use and liver and colorectal cancer, and recent evidence suggests no association between current or former combined OC use and breast cancer. Regardless, the net effect of combined pill use on cancer is negligible.





"Side Effects"



"Side effects can be hormonally, chemically or mechanically induced. Headaches, nausea, dizziness and breast tenderness can be side effects of hormonal methods. Menstrual changes such as spotting and decreased or increased bleeding can be caused by hormonal methods and IUDs. Physical sensations such as decreased penile sensitivity, pressure on the pelvic walls or uterine cramping may be caused by mechanical methods. Other chemically-induced side effects include allergic reactions to latex or copper."



With the great majority of these side effects, instruction and patient education can help users accept and understand what is happening. The appearance of side effects that are not serious is not a medical reason to preclude use of a method.



5. The WHO IARC (InternationalAgenc y on Research on Cancer) classification of combined hormonal contraceptives as "carcinogenic to humans" (Group 1) does not mean that these contraceptives are unsafe.



IARC and its classification of contraceptives



The IARC or International Agency on Research on Cancer is an intergovernmental agency that is part of the WHO that conducts and coordinates research into the causes of cancer. In 1999, the IARC classified COC’s as "carcinogenic to humans" (Grou1) and combined hormonal menopausal therapy as "possibly carcinogenic" (Group 2B).



In 2005, IARC review confirmed the classification of COCs and changed the classification of combined hormonal menopausal therapy to "carcinogenic in humans" (Group 1).



Group 1 category, according to IARC "refers only to the strength of the evidence that an exposure is carcinogenic and not to the extent of its carcinogenic activity (potency) nor to the mechanisms involved. Group 1 is simply used as a category "used when there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans.



Other "agents. mixtures and exposures in Group 1 are: alcoholic beverages, acetaminophen, mineral oil, salted fish (Chinese style), salted fish (all styles), furniture and cabinet making and second-hand.





Criticisms Against the IARC



From SOGC (Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada ):



"Summary Statements



1. Review of relevant studies by SOGC experts indicates that oral contraceptives reduce the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer while slightly increasing the risk for cervical cancer and premenopausal breast cancer.



2. For the majority of women, the benefits of oral contraception outweigh the risks.



3. …The risk for premenopausal breast cancer is seen largely in women who use the pill before 1st term pregnancy. Compared to other reproductive tract and lifestyle factors that affect breast cancer risk (e.g. 1 alcoholic drink/day, failure to breastfeed, 1st child after age 35), the increase in risk associated with oral contraceptive is very small. The public impact of this slight increase in risk is small due to the very low background rates of breast cancer in women of this age group.



4. …Use of oral contraceptives in women with positive family history of breast cancer does not increase their risk for breast cancer above that related to their genetic risk. In women with these genetic mutations, use of an oral contraceptive will reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.



5. Cervical cancer may progress more rapidly in women infected with cancer–causing strains of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) if they also use oral contraceptive users. This emphasizes the usefulness of comprehensive cervical cancer screening programs and the usefulness of HPV vaccines. In developed countries where effective screening is in place for years and rates of cervical cancer are low, this is likely to have little public impact.



6. Oral contraceptives have been proven to reduce rates of endometrial and ovarian cancer by 50% or more. This benefit increases with duration of use and persists for up to 20 years after oral contraceptives are stopped.



7. Oral contraceptives have numerous non-contraceptive benefits ( see section 3)





SOGC thinks the IARC is "walking a slippery slope" with its decision to label natural reproductive hormones –estrogen and progesterone –as carcinogens.



"To declare a naturally occurring hormone as carcinogen raises the question: Are all other endogenous hormone growth factors that play a role in the development of cancers now to be labeled as carcinogens? Estrogen causes the growth of epithelial cells in the breast and uterine lining. This stimulation increases the number of cell divisions and indirectly may increase the likelihood of cell mutations that lead to cancer. Whether these hormones should be classified as carcinogens is clearly debatable



"To term any substance carcinogen, let alone a naturally occurring hormone over which women have little control has the potential to generate fear and misunderstanding.…(In Canada), the risks of pregnancy are substantial and failure to use contraception due to unfounded, ill advised fears about side effects of hormones may do far more harm to women than any of the purported adverse effects of the contraceptive methods.





From other ObGyns (SchmidenHPG, Menck and Kulb, Climacteric Issn 13-69-7137 2005 Vol 8



" IARC’s disctinction is to identify potential carcinogens in nutrition. environment and pharmaceutical products. They do not produce risk/benefit analysis for an country or population. Their conclusions are highly controversial in that no proof is presented for a causal relation of estrogen with reproductive cancer be it plausibility according to mechanism of action or experimental evidence in animal model. Equating natural compounds like estradiol with definite carcinogens like asbestos, tobacco smoke as well as indispensable drugs like aspirin and tamoxifen is of no substantial clinical relevance. Thus there is to reason to change current principles with combination contraception and therapy.



From the UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/ Worls Bank HRP, Sept. 2005





…"It is important to note that IARC do not evaluate the over-all risk-benefit profile of compounds in public health terms, even in terms of over-all cancer risk for compounds that have a protective effect on some cancers and increase the risk of some others.



As stated in IARC’s review, the use of COC’s modifies slightly the risk of cancer, increasing it in some sites (cervix, breast, liver), decreasing it in others (endometrium, ovary). Some of these data refer to older higher dose COC preparations.



Assessments based on the risk-benefit calculations are carried out by different teams within WHO. Several WHO committees work on creating evidence-based family planning guidelines and on keeping them up-to-date on a continuous basis. They regularly review the safety of COCs and assess the balance of risks and benefits of COC use and they have determined that for most health women, the health benefits clearly exceed the health risks.

September 22, 2009 | 9:49 PM Comments  0 comments

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"Sexting" Distinguishing between Nudity and Child Porn
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

AFP - Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Yahoo! News

OTTAWA (AFP) - - Youths exchanging nude photos of themselves over cellphones, known as "sexting," should not face child pornography charges, as some have in the United States, a humanities conference heard Tuesday.
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Peter Cumming, an associate professor at York University in Toronto, presented a paper on children's sexuality at the 78th Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences defending the practice as a modern variation on "playing doctor or spin-the-bottle."

"Technology does change things, and there can be very serious consequences" Cumming said.

"But that obscures the fact that children and young people are sexual beings who have explored their sexuality in all times, and all cultures and all places.

"A distinction has to be made between nudity and child porn," he added.

The annual conference, held this year at Ottawa's Carleton University, brings together 8,000 researchers from around the world to discuss the latest social trends.

Sexting -- a combination of the words "sex" and "texting" -- made headlines earlier this year after students in a dozen US states were charged with child pornography for sharing nude and semi-nude photos with friends and classmates.

In March, three teenage girls sued a Pennsylvania prosecutor who accused them of peddling "child pornography," after a teacher discovered a waist-up image of two girls covered just by a bra, and another image of a girl topless.

District Attorney George Skumanik called for the girls to undergo five weeks of behavior courses and take a drug test or face prosecution, according to a letter apparently sent to the teenagers' parents.

The American Civil Liberties Union, a cosignatory to the complaint, said Skumanik's threat was unconstitutional, and prosecution could have landed the girls on the sex offenders register, blighting future job prospects.

In other cases, a "bored" Florida boy was charged for sending a photo of his genitalia to a female classmate, while another was listed as a sex offender for emailing nude photos of his 16-year-old girlfriend to her family after an argument.

According to a survey by a US family planning organization, published in December, 20 percent of American teenagers said they had participated in sexting.

Cumming said that to consider labeling a teen a sex offender because of a sexting incident -- a label that will stick for life -- defies common sense.

"It would be very unlikely to see dozens of news stories announcing that some children were caught playing spin-the-bottle, or doctor, or strip poker," he said in his presentation.

"Yet many of the cases brought forward have been on the same level of innocence and experience as those activities. In other words, kids are playing spin-the-bottle online."

Cumming also argued that such online activities are safer than traditional sexual games because there is no immediate physical contact and thus are less likely to lead to pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.

September 22, 2009 | 9:48 PM Comments  0 comments

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From Rizal to RH - Michael Tan, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Related to country: Philippines

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

From Rizal to RH

By Michael Tan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:40:00 09/23/2009

Filed Under: Legislation, Churches (organisations), Inquirer Politics, Family planning, Eleksyon 2010, history, Education

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A few weeks ago, some Catholic bishops began to threaten Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III that they would not back his presidential candidacy if he continued to support legislation in Congress that would allocate government money for reproductive health (RH) services. One bishop even suggested mobilizing Catholics to vote as a bloc and, presumably, stop Noynoy from becoming president.

Admirably, Noynoy did not budge, saying he would continue to support RH legislation. That gained him points among RH advocates.

A few days ago, the administration’s candidate, Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, also reiterated his support for RH legislation.

One all, I thought to myself, if we’re going to give scores to the current presidential aspirants. It looks like RH issues will keep cropping up and the candidates in the 2010 elections will have to be ready to state their stand. It’s probable too that Catholic bishops and conservative Catholics will be more vocal and aggressive in demanding that the candidates give their position on RH.

Those advocating RH should be gearing up as well and ask, more politely than the bishops, that the candidates share their views not just on RH legislation but also other RH-related issues. Not content with delaying the passage of the Magna Carta for Women because of provisions on family planning, conservative Catholics are now realizing, belatedly, that the new law also forbids schools from firing single pregnant women, which is a common practice among Catholic schools. They say they will oppose this provision.

The candidates’ position on such issues will be most revealing, allowing us to probe into their views about gender, women, motherhood, public health, even national development.

Rizal Bill

I’ll continue to write about the candidates and the RH battles, but for today I thought we should look to another battle fought between legislators and conservative Catholics. This was fought way back in 1956, when Sen. Jose Laurel proposed Senate Bill 438 requiring all schools to teach about Rizal and his works. The bill also proposed that Rizal’s two novels, “Noli” and “Fili,” be made compulsory reading. It specified these had to be “unexpurgated” (meaning uncensored) versions of the two novels.

My account of the 1956 events comes from an article, “The Controversial Rizal Bill,” which appeared in the December 1956 issue of a magazine called Rizaliana, published by Kislap. From the title of the magazine alone, you can tell it was a publication that venerated Rizal.

Catholic bishops and conservative groups quickly protested the Laurel bill with three senators—Decoroso Rosales, Mariano Cuenco and Francisco Rodrigo—registering the strongest opposition. Opponents of the bill said Rizal was anti-Catholic and his books contained “errors of church dogma.” Students, they said, were still immature and unprepared for the books. Catholic schools said their academic freedom was being violated.

Other public figures came out to support the bill. Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson spoke on radio and criticized Filipinos who regarded Rizal only as “a face on a P2 bill.” Two weeks after the radio statement, Lacson walked out of a Mass when the priest began to read a circular from their archbishop opposing the bill.

Judge Guillermo Guevarra said opposition to the bill was indirect support for Rizal’s Spanish prosecutors. He said Rizal was only attacking abusive members of the Catholic Church.

Heretics and the Inquisition

On April 22, a week after the bill was proposed, the Sunday papers carried a statement from the Catholic bishops describing Rizal’s works as violating Catholic canon law on heresy and schism. Voting on the bill had to be delayed so that public hearings could be held.

The organizations coming out against the bill included the Catholic Action of the Philippines, the Holy Name Society of the Philippines, the Legion of Mary, the Knights of Columbus and the Daughters of Isabela. Catholic schools said they would close down if the Rizal bill was enacted into law.

Sen. Claro Recto responded by saying that the Catholic schools would be nationalized if they closed down.

In the University of the Philippines, 100 faculty members signed a manifesto asking Congress to pass the law. Other organizations that spoke out in favor of the bill included the College Editors’ Guild, the Knights of Rizal, the Women Writers of the Vernacular and Magtanggul Asa. One Catholic priest, Fr. Joaquin Jaromillo, spoke up in support of the bill, but the Catholic Welfare Organization immediately declared that the priest was not authorized to appear before the Senate.

Bishop Manuel Yap of Bacolod City threatened to “punish” pro-Rizal bill legislators in the next elections. Claro M. Recto called the bishop the modern version of Torquemada, a member of the Spanish Inquisition responsible for the execution of some 10,000 “heretics.”

Passions boiled over at a hearing on May 11, when Laurel walked out in protest of “filibustering.” At the House of Representatives, Cebu Rep. Ramon Durano and Pampanga Rep. Emilio Cortez were so agitated that they ended up in a boxing bout.

All kinds of compromises were proposed, from expanding the courses to include several heroes to putting Rizal’s novels under lock and key in school libraries.

There were all kinds of maneuvering in both houses of Congress, but on May 17 it was finally approved. Despite all the fiery debates, the bill’s approval was swift, taking only about a month. The final version allowed students to seek exemption, for religious reasons, from reading “Noli” and “Fili,” but they would still be required to take Rizal courses. On June 12, President Ramon Magsaysay signed the bill as Republic Act 1425.

More than 50 years after the “Rizal law,” Catholic Ateneo de Manila is at the forefront of Rizal studies, especially with fellow columnist and Rizalist Ambeth Ocampo teaching there. Ateneo’s main library is named after Rizal.

Over at “progressive” UP, there is more ambivalence about Rizal, with some professors and students looking at him with disdain because he is considered too “reformist.”

Provisions in the law mandating the translation of Rizal’s novels into other Philippine languages as well as government support for “cheap, popular editions” were never implemented. Two years ago, Ambeth Ocampo noted in one of his columns that no student ever asked for exemption from reading “Noli” and “Fili.”

http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20090923-226467/From-Rizal-to-RH

September 22, 2009 | 9:44 PM Comments  0 comments

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Let's Support Leih Ann Arcales for the 2009 Leyte IDOL!

Vote for Catbalogan City's Finest!
Vote for a Samarnon!


Vote for Ms. Leih Ann M. Arcales for the 2009 Leyte IDOL Solo Category!

To register type:
REGName/Age/Address and send to 0919-512-9777

To vote type:
ICOTIDOLANN and send to 0919-512-9777

Visit also the website below for the online voting and click on Leih Ann's name to vote:

www.leytesamardaily.com


You can only vote once per week! So vote now!
You can also browse thru youtube to watch her performances.


February 28, 2009 | 6:02 AM Comments  0 comments

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WARAYA's Post-Valentine Concert Flags RH Support!
Related to country: Philippines

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

WARAYA gears up for another advocacy and benefit concert to close in the Valentine season. The organization, being the pioneer youth advocate on Adolescent Reproductive Health in Catbalogan City and in the Province of Samar has sought the need to address relevant issues that affects the young people of today. One of which is the much talked about and controversial House Bill 5043, which is more commonly known as the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill. WARAYA among other organizations and agencies supports this RH Bill for it is in this firm belief that this bill comprehensively addresses a wide scope of issues that include gender equality, women and youth empowerment, human rights and health. Hence, its passage in the House of Congress will be a step towards ensuring every Filipino’s rights to information, choice and a quality way of life.

With that concern, WARAYA will be staging their post-valentine concert, which carries the message of support for RH Bill entitled, “We ♥ RH! A Post-Valentine Advocacy & Benefit Concert” on February 28, 2009 at the Catbalogan City Port, Catbalogan City.

Home-grown talents will be highlighted during the concert as it always has been for WARAYA, believing in the capacities of Catbaloganons and Samarnons. In honing their talents, skills and personalities, WARAYA contributes to the development of young people in hopes of better making them responsible members of the society and potent partners of nation-building. Apart from showcasing young people’s talents, the advocacy concert also aims to raise and solicit support from the different stakeholders for the organization’s sustainability of its programs and activities as well as its soon-to-be-transferred Resource Hub.

WARAYA’s Resource Hub has been serving young people for more than a year since its opening last December 2007 serving as facility that is conducive to self expression and interaction among young people. With the mainstream plight of sustainability of every organization, WARAYA has also been vulnerable. That is why WARAYA conducts low cost and high yield activities that utilizes the least possible resources but reaches and achieves significant results. WARAYA is in continuous efforts to keep afloat amidst crisis while still keeping the fire burning for youth empowerment thru advocacy activities.


_______________________________
WARAYA was founded on 2004 as the youth arm of Family Planning Organization of the Philippines – Samar Chapter (FPOP-Samar) and has recently been ranked as one of the 2008 National Finalist during the 6th Search for the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) of the National Youth Commission.

February 24, 2009 | 11:56 AM Comments  0 comments



Roses and their meanings... A Post-Valentine Offer

ROSE: Love, passion, perfection. The rose was named for the Latin word rosa which means red. It has been a symbol of love since ancient times. Associated with the fifthteenth wedding anniversary. It is also known as the birthflower of June.

ROSE, BURGUNDY: Beauty within.

ROSE, CORAL: Desire.

ROSE, DARK CRIMSON: Mourning.

ROSE, HIBISCUS: Delicate beauty.

ROSE, LAVENDER: Love at first sight, enchantment.

ROSE, LEAF: You may hope.

ROSE, MOSS: Confessions of love.

ROSE, ORANGE: Fascination, display feeling of enthusiasm.

ROSE, PEACH: Desire, gratitude, apprecation, admiration, sympathy, modesty.

ROSE, PINK: Happiness, appreciation, admiration, friendship, sympathy.

ROSE, DARK PINK: Thankfulness.

ROSE, LIGHT PINK: Grace, gladness, joy, perfect happiness, please believe me, gratitude, admiration, gentility.

ROSE, RED: Love, passion, respect, courage, I love you, beauty, pure and lovely, prosperity.

ROSE, DEEP RED: Un-selfconscious beauty.

ROSE, SINGLE, FULL BLOOM: I love you, I still love you, new love.

ROSE, BUD, SMALL: Pure and lovely, beauty and youth, a heart innocent of love, confession of love.

ROSE, THORNLESS: Love at first sight.

ROSE, WHITE: Innocence, purity, secrecy, I am worthy of you, silence, friendship, truth, virtue, girlhood, humility spiritual love, but of the soul, reverence, charm, happy love.

ROSE, WHITE, DRIED: Death is preferable to loss of virtue.

ROSE, YELLOW: Joy, friendship, true love, decrease of love, jealousy, try to care, freedom, slighted love, shows "I care", gladness.

ROSES, BOUQUET, MATURE: Gratitude.

ROSES, RED & WHITE TOGETHER: Unity, flower emblem of England.

ROSES, YELLOW & RED TOGETHER: Happiness, congratulations.

ROSES, YELLOW & ORANGE TOGETHER: Passionate thoughts.

http://marriage.about.com/od/flowers/a/flowermean_3.htm


February 15, 2009 | 2:02 AM Comments  0 comments

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My 25 Things: Odd and Even c",)

Copied this from my facebook account.
This really was hard for me! It took me more than a day to finish this, two settings. A tough call to remember 25 random and sometimes odd things about me. hehehe...

So feast on guys! hehehe...

1. I like Fridays and I hate Sundays (not really hate, i guess despise. heheh). Since highschool, Fridays mean end of classes and the start of weekend fun; Sundays signal another week to start and another week of pressure, homeworks etc. tsk tsk tsk...

2. I like theatre plays and musicales. I so love “Moulin Rouge” and even bought a cassette tape of the soundtrack way back in college. And my all-time favorite is the story “Romeo and Juliet”, the play version, the old movie with play lines version, and “Shakespeare In Love” version.

3. I'm more of a bag fan than a shoe person. Whether if it’s from a mall rack or from ukay-ukay stands, as long as I like the style, the color, the "feel" of it, then it's in the bag for me and as long as the price is within the budget. :)

4. It only takes me 5-10minutes to check my 4 yahoomail accounts, 2 googlemail accounts, 1 multiply account, 3 friendster accounts, 2 ning sites, and 1 hi5 account (if there are updates). Checking would mean seeing if there are emails and deleting read and unimportant messages; and responding to whatever updates on any site. The rest of my internet surfing would just be editing accounts; uploading photos, blogs and videos etc; and chatting with whoever online. hehehe...

5. I so love my Moto phone! camera's superb, my 512mb memcard carries my important files, and texting with it is smooth. Been holding it for nearly 2years already.

6. I use to fit 30-32 jeans, but lately I'm into 34" and sometimes more than that. huwwaaat!!! scary! huhuhu...

7. I use to have skin allergies on my elbows and arms during elementary and I had to apply some gooey ointment and wear long socks on my arms so as not to transfer the application to my bedcover during nights. And now, bwala! healthy and supple skin. hehehe

8. I’m a Christian Bautista fanatic! As in! I bought all his cds and super memorized his songs! I even attended one of his concerts in Cebu at SM Cinema 1 when I was still working there and take note, ALONE! Hehehe... I didn’t care at that time, as long as I get to see my idol singing live. But my first escapade was when he judged a singing competition in Tacloban City before and even rendered some songs before the announcement. But what so funny was Lourdes, one of my college friends, was holding then my camera (not the digi yet but the old click film) but it was on night mode so it was super sensitive, but what she kept doing when taking pictures of Christian during his songs was shouting and moving her hands while taking pictures. Later, developing the film and found out that not one good shot was made, such a waste of film. eheheh... And another thing, when Christian was going out of the venue, a friend of mine overheard that Christian and his entourage was going to one of the resto in Tac and what we did was we went straight and waited outside the resto. They got inside but we never really had the guts to go in, but we kept passing by outside to be able to get a glance. heheh... we even planned to wait at the airport when he leaves but we got hold of ourselves. hahaha... such an experience!

9. I love Baguio and would love to keep coming back there! I just love the weather, the cold breeze, the uphills, the beautiful sites and sceneries, and most importantly, the way your skin would seem to glow when in Baguio!

10. I collect stamps. It started during high school but it dissipated during college. Heheh... And now, it just one of my old hobbies.

11. I love travelling and experiencing different cultures, foods and meeting new people. And every time I travel, I bring with me new fragrances to remind me of the experience and the place I’ve been to everytime I would smell that scent.

12. I collect perfumes, colognes and scents. I have so many bottles and cans stacked at my room. Some got used and some I just bought coz it was on sale.

13. I love sales! As in, 70% offs, discounts galore and others. I just feel like those red and white prints of the announcement always call me to get in. It has that enchanting feel about it. heheh...

14. I really don’t have any favorite color. But I do love bright colors like green, pink, yellow, red, light shades of blue, purple and so many more. I kinda noticed it one time when I washed my tshirts and left it hanging to dry them, and saw that I seem to have a rainbow collection. literally. hehehe....

15. I hate going out when it rains, I’d rather stay home, sip a hot choco and stare blankly at the window while listening to some sad music. char! hehehe... And I would love doing the same while riding a bus or a van, listening to music while raining minus the hot choco. Hehehe...

16. I shut up when I’m angry. People would know that I am feeling bad over something or over someone when I sit silently and say sarcastic responses. heheh...

17. I love Coke! Buksan ang Saya. Coke lang syempre. heheh... But sometimes I would prefer iced tea when on diet and when my health-conscious side of me kicks in.

18. I so love chocolates! Whether cakes, ice creams, or pastries. I have a sweet tooth.

19. I’m a Penshoppe and Lacoste endorser. Heheh... For my shirts and jeans, I find Penshoppe designs so like me and Lacoste polo shirts just fit any occasion. Mapa-binyag, party night out, formal or casual occasions and many more. hehehe... But for my underwear, I’m a Bench endorser and I collect their many colors and designs.

20. I love ukay-ukays! My philosophies when rummaging an ukay-ukay store are: “choose choose fit later and then choose again which to buy finally”; and “never rely with your first round of rummaging, always take a second round or even a third.” heheh...

21. I usually never go out without my Clean & Clear Oil Control Film. It removes my oil in an instant and now, I’m ready for my close-up shot. hehehe...

23. The story of how I was able to get rid of my stubborn pimples and usual breakouts was a long one. High school time during my 1st and 2nd year, I had a baby face (ayaw na kamo pagkontra!) but it was during my 3rd and 4th yr that pimples on my cheeks started to get noticed. I used one of those astringents but it never really did any justice. My high school graduation picture was a nightmare then. Then college came, and I think it recurred during my end of college days. During college, I was using St. Yve’s Apricot Scrub and even Likas Papaya Soap but later switched to Pond’s Facial Scrub and Facial Wash for Oily Skin. During my work days in Cebu with Unilever, I started using Pond’s Detox as my moisturizer and noticed that my ponds season was helping clearing out the pimples. I matched it with Sebo de Macho that really helped clear the scars and all those blemishes. And then I switched to MaryKay during my FPOP days and up until now, I sticked to my MaryKay, it really had a dramatic change on me. Char! Hehehe...

24. Everybody thinks I’m vain. Am I? Hehehe...

25. I’m a Youth Advocate (even though I’m nearing my 25 this October, which according to WHO would be beyond the age bracket for the “young people” though NYC defines youth as being up to 30 years old so pasok parin. c”,), a Community and Events Organizer, a Resource Mobilizer, and a cute, bright, witty person. wahahaha...


February 5, 2009 | 10:02 AM Comments  0 comments

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The Haydee Bofill Yorac Leadership Award
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

About the award:

The Haydee Bofill Yorac Leadership Award* is given to one female student leader selected from any law school all over the Philippines . It is given to honor our well-loved alumna, Prof. Haydee Bofill Yorac, who has been a model not only of academic excellence, but also of integrity in public service, selflessness, and love for country.


The award aims to recognize excellence and discipline—two Portian virtues—among female youth leaders, and to prove that it is never too early to serve the country, or to harbor a better vision for it.


Eventually, the U.P. Portia Sorority aims to expand the Award to include leadership workshops and immersion activities for female students in law schools, undergraduate colleges, and out-of-school- youth.

*This is different from the Gawad Haydee Yorac for Outstanding Public Service given by the MERALCO and the University of the Philippines to leaders in the private sector, government service and volunteer organizations.
This year’s theme:

“Making a difference is enough.”

Who can be nominated:

1. Filipino citizen

2. At least 18 years old

3. Female law student from any accredited law school.

4. Student leader

5. Good academic standing

6. Highly involved in her community

7. Resident Portians of the U.P. College of Law are disqualified from being nominated for the award and from nominating any candidate.

Nomination:

1. Any person, group of persons, organization, or school may send in a nomination. The official nomination form is available with your college secretary, or may be downloaded from www.upportiasororit y.org (or send an e-mail to HYLA.2009@gmail. com).

In addition to the official nomination form, the following must also be submitted:

a. testimonial from the group nominating the person (maximum of 500 words);

b. certification from the College that the nominee is its bona fide student as of January 2009; and

c. other documentary proof of achievement (may be in electronic format, videos, photos, etc.)

2. To signify her acceptance of the nomination, the nominee is also required to submit an essay regarding the theme (maximum of 500 words), which is a quote from Prof. Yorac herself.

3. From among the nominees, one female youth leader will be chosen.

4. Deadline for submission will be on February 14, 2009, Saturday.

5. Please send all nominations and accompanying documents to:

The Secretariat, Haydee Yorac Leadership Awards

U.P. Portia Sorority Room, 2/F Malcolm Hall,

U.P. College of Law, Diliman, Quezon City
Judging:

1. The Board of Judges will be comprised of Portians from different sectors: the Judiciary, Government, Private Practice, and the Academe. The current LP will be the youngest member of the Board.

2. Judging will be conducted on February 16-22, 2009.

Awarding:

1. The awarding will held on March 2009 during the Annual Portia Ball.
2. The Awardee will receive a plaque and P20,000.

"A hundred times a day I remind myself that my inner and outer life depend on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving" - Albert Einstein

January 31, 2009 | 8:06 PM Comments  0 comments

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My 2009 Predictions (Year of the Ox)

The Wood Rat ( 2nd February 1984 – 19th February 1985)

The Wood Rat has a friendly, outgoing personality and is popular with his colleagues and friends. He has a quick, agile brain and likes to turn his hand to anything he thinks may be useful. His one fear is insecurity, but given his intelligence and capabilities, this fear is usually unfounded. He has a good sense of humour, enjoys travel and, due to his highly imaginative nature, can be a gifted writer or artist.

Prospects for the Wood Rat in 2009

This will be a significant year for the Wood Rat and there could be some key developments, particularly in his personal life, while at work there will be good opportunities to make more of his skills. The Ox year will require effort and a willingness to take action, but the results can be
substantial.

The Wood Rat's relations with others will be especially important and many Wood Rats will have cause for a personal celebration during the year. For some this could involve getting enagaged or married, settling down with a partner, seeing an addition to the family or achieving a personal goal.
The aspects are on the Wood Rat's side this year and someone very special will often make a difference to his life.

For those Wood Rats who are unattached and would welcome romance, this is also a year of encouraging developments. In many cases, someone met by chance in the early months of the year could quickly become important. Any Wood Rats who have had problems in a relationship and are currently alone will find that this is a time to look ahead. A key feature of the Ox year is that it is supportive of endeavour and if they are active and willing to move forward, these Water Rats will find that a lot can open up for them.

The Wood Rat will also value his social life over the year and with possible work changes as well as his own interests, there will be plenty of opportunities for him to get to know others. The months from April to early June and late July to September could see a great deal of social activity. Another positive aspect of the year will be the level of support the Wood Rat enjoys and by being forthcoming and sharing his hopes and concerns with those he trusts, he will often be assisted in more ways than he anticipated. Indeed, sometimes just by mentioning a certain idea, he can obtain support and plans can be set in motion. Similarly, in his career or with his personal interests, if he gets to know others he can often gain assistance. This is a good year for networking and meeting others.

As far as work prospects are concerned, this is a year of steady progress. Results will need to be worked for, however, and the Ox year could present some stark warnings to any Wood Rat tempted to slack or take situations for granted. Wood Rats, do take note and be prepared to make the effort. For those Wood Rats who are well established in their career, there will often be good opportunities to develop their role as new initiatives are introduced, changes in personnel lead to new openings or training is offered. By making the most of the chances that arise, the Wood Rat can do himself a lot of good. Also, by being an active member of any team he is involved with, he will get to impress many people and gain encouragement and advice from some more senior colleagues.
March, June and late September to November could see some positive career developments.

For those Wood Rats who feel they could get more experience by moving on from their current position, the Ox year can again bring important developments. However, to benefit these Wood Rats need to remain focused and persistent. By contacting agencies and those with the knowledge and contacts to help, however, many Wood Rats will benefit from the advice and information they are given as well as be advised of possibilities to pursue. Even if initial applications do not go their way, by keeping alert and remaining persistent, many will find their efforts rewarded. As with so much this year, effort backed by the support of other will be a significant factor.

This also applies to Wood Rats seeking a position. While securing one will take time, by being persistent and making the most of the information, support and any training and guidance available to them, many Wood Rats will be successful in thier quest.

The advances that so many Wood Rats will make in their work over the year will lead to an increase in income. However, the Wood Rat's outgoings will be considerable this year and could be made all the greater by new commitments. As a result, the Wood Rat will need to manage his finances very carefully and if entering into any new agreement, check the obligations he is taking on and make allowance for them in his budget. Financially, this is a year for careful control. Wood Rats, do take note.

The Ox year may be a busy one, but the Wood Rat should not let his interests, recreation or level of exercise suffer as a result. By setting time aside for recreation, he will not only derive pleasure from what he does but also be able to relax and bring balance to his lifestyle. Any interests that take
him out of doors, give him the chance of additional exercise or allow him to meet others will be particularly beneficial.

In many respects the Ox year is encouraging for the Wood Rat, but to get the best out of it he will need to put himself forward. For the determined, what is achieved now can be an important foundation that can be built on in following years.

Overall, the Wood Rat will benefit from the encouragement of those around him and many will enjoy some very special times in their personal life.

TIP FOR THE YEAR

Believe in yourself and be persistent. With your strengths and support, you can achieve a great deal this year, but it does rest with you to act determinedly and move forward.



From "Your Chinese Horoscope 2009" by Brian Sommerville. Published 2008 by HarperElement in London, (an imprint of HarperCollins). ISBN-10 : 0-00-726444-5 .


January 22, 2009 | 10:01 AM Comments  0 comments

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The world has gone crazy... (A Repost)
Related to country: Philippines

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

--repost---

Do not underestimate the relevance of blogs.

Last December 26, 2008, the 56 year old father and 14 year old brother of blogger Bambee dela Paz wasbeaten up by Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr., Mayor of Masiu City, Lanao del Sur.

Everyone, if you have a blog, a plurk, or whatever online journal or micro-journal, please repost this incident.

It's better to get it straight as it is before it gets fabricated or altered by those under higher power.

This is a matter of proving that justice still exists in our system. PLEASE REPOST.

Leaders like this do not deserve the support of their people who gave them their position. Disturbing and improper acts, especially by a politician who serves our country and implements laws, must not be tolerated.


JUSTICE.


Below this, in full quote, is Bambee's entry regarding the incident in her journal.

---

The world has gone crazy.
So, I just had the worst day of my life.

At around 1:30 PM today, at Valley Golf and Country Club, Antipolo City, Mayor Nasser Pangandaman, Jr., Mayor of Masiu City, Lanao del Sur, his father, Secretary Nasser Pangandaman of the Department of Agrarian Reform, and company, beat my defenseless 56-year-old dad and my 14-year-old brother to a pulp because of some stupid misunderstanding on the golf course.

This is a golf course. I have been a golfer all my life, and I have never seen anything like this. NOTHING. This is hard to comprehend. And it happened to my own father and my own brother too. Right in front of my eyes.

My brother and I were playing golf at the South Course of Valley. We were on the 3rd hole, and we see two golf carts going past us, overtaking our flight, and setting up to tee off on the next hole. My dad goes up to them and asks them why they would do that, why they would overtake us without even asking for our permission. Golf etiquette 101. One of the guys says that they're with the flight in front of us. (So what? That doesn't give them the right to just pass us WITHOUT asking.) So, we go to the 5th hole. The flight behind us catches up with us, and asks us what caused the hold up. We said that this flight just slipped in front of our flight. So we complained to the marshall. We play the 5th hole and walk towards the next hole, where there is a teehouse, and both the flights in front of us were there, talking with the marshall. The mayor of Masiu City, Lanao del Sur talks with my dad. Things get heated up. Voices were raised. But never, in my wildest dreams, did I ever imagine that someone would pull out a punch. Apparently not. He attacks my father. His flightmates, maybe 2 or 3 of them, rush to his aid and beat up my father. My 56-year-old father. My younger brother and I could not just watch. We rushed to break the fight. My younger brother pleads to the mayor to please stop it. To not hurt my dad. To just stop. His words still ring through my head..."Sorry na po, sorry na po...tama na...tama na po..." With his hands in front of his chest in a praying position. PLEADING. The mayor socks him in the face. My brother defended himself. My dad is still on the ground getting clobbered. My brother is the same way. I try to stop the fight, but all I can do is stop one person. There were 4 or 5 of them attacking now.

Someone breaks up the fight. I thought it was all over. The mayor shouts to his caddy: "Hindi nila kami kilala! Sabihin mo nga sa kanila kung sino ako!" And believe me, I had no idea who this person was. But now I know. He's the person who, with 4 other men, beat up my 56-year-old father and my 14-year-old brother. He's the person who sacks a pleading 14-year-old kid in the face. He's a person who, I am sure, is gonna rot in hell.

I lash out, but my dad held me back. I was screaming my lungs out, shouting to this mayor, telling him about what he had done. I said:"Nakakahiya kayo. Singkwenta'y sais anyos ang tatay ko. And kapatid ko kakatorse anyos. Anong ilalaban nila sayo?"

The mayor looks at my brother, point to his face, and says, "Tatandaan kita!" And he tells me that my brother has a bad attitude and that I need to watch him. WHAT THE HELL?! So, my brother's bad for defending his father?!

We leave. We walk to the clubhouse to file a complaint. My brother asks for a doctor. My dad could barely walk. Their group comes to the clubhouse, sees my brother. Once again my brother pleads, says sorry, and is crying. He was CRYING, for crissakes. But no. The relentless mayor still punches him in the face, and then sees my dad and goes after my dad again. Him and his friend pull my dad to the ground, pulls at his feet, and steps on him like he's dirt. I run to him and try to hold him back, holding him back by his shirt, while this other guy and this girl tries to stop me. She tells me to just stop it. I scream in her face "they're beating my father up and you want me to stop?!" I pull at his shirt--I don't let go. All I can see was my dad being trampled on. I didn't even see my brother getting beat up.

People pull them away. I get my dad, and I saw my brother. His right ear was bleeding. I freaked out. I told the receptionists to bring my brother to the clinic. I pull my dad away. People were separating us.

My mom and my older brother come. I tell her Bino's right ear is bleeding. They both look like they could kill. My dad holds my brother off, I hold off my mom. When I finally got my mom under control, my older brother gets away and I hold him off. Two of the mayor's bodyguards pull out guns. I embraced my brother from the back, just holding him back, crying. The receptionists came to us, crying, hugging me, my dad, and my mom, whispering to us to just leave. "Maam, umalis na po kayo, may mga baril sila...Maam...umalis na po kayo please..."

I am pretty sure the Secretary of DAR did not take part in the fight, but he just watched all this happen. He watched two of his sons, as we figured out, the other guy was his son, too, beat up my father and my 14-year-old brother. He didn't do anything to stop it. And this person is what now? A cabinet member. A politician.

Sounds like something out of a movie, doesn't it? But this is what happened. TODAY. The day after Christmas. To my family. And all I ask for is JUSTICE. The people at Valley Golf did not seem to want to help us. None of the security guards even tried to stop the fight. Right in the clubhouse. I came back after the fight was over and talked to the receptionists. They say they did not see anything. The general manager of Valley Golf would not give us the names of the men who made my brother's ear bleed. It took him an hour. Maybe even more than that. He seemed to not want to help us. Because, we were against the SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM and the MAYOR OF MASIU CITY, LANAO DEL SUR. They were all scared.

The world has gone crazy. Two politicians beat up a defenseless 56-year-old father and his 14-year-old son. At a golf course. I swear to God, I thought golfers were decent people. You would think politicians were decent people. I guess not. I guess they gang up on 56-year-old men and beat up pleading 14-year-old kids.

Please pray for my dad, my brother and for my whole family. Please pray that we get JUSTICE. Oh God, please, give these people what they deserve.

http://vicissitude-decidido.blogspot.com/2008/12/world-is-fucked-up.html

December 31, 2008 | 4:21 AM Comments  0 comments

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MDG Advocacy Training in Samar and Leyte: Reaching Further and Farther!

MDG Advocacy Training in Samar and Leyte: Reaching Further and Farther!

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight goals to be achieved by 2015 that respond to the world's main development challenges. They include reducing extreme poverty, reducing child mortality rates, fighting disease epidemics such as AIDS, and developing a global partnership for development. The MDGs encapsulate the development aspirations of the world as a whole. But they are not only development objectives; they encompass universally accepted human values and rights such as freedom from hunger, the right to basic education, the right to health and a responsibility to future generations.

Waray-Waray Youth Advocates (WARAYA), the leading youth organization in the Province of Samar in its efforts to mobilize young people for different advocacies that concerns them, took the lead in organizing the MDG Advocacy Training in Samar at Samar State University thru their Supreme Student Council in partnership with the United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP). UNYAP envisions it as a community of young Filipino leaders, who are globally competitive, guided by Filipino values in pursuing the standards and ideals of the United Nations towards the sustainable development of the Philippines. The major aim of UNYAP is to inspire young people to adopt the ideals and objectives of the United Nations, recognising it as the only global organisation that maintains the hope of world peace. We advocate for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set by the United
Nations.

The activity was conducted on December 05, 2008 at Maceda Gymnasium, Samar State University, Catbalogan City with more than sixty (60) participants coming from the College of Arts and Science and College of Education as well as from SSU's Laboratory High School. The speakers during the said training were no less than UNYAP's National President Mr. Bertch Ian N. Ranis and UNYAP's Visayas Advocacy Organizer Dr. Emmanuel L. Galor, Jr. who came all the way from Dumaguete City to discuss and train participants on the MDGs. Ms. Grace D. Nube, SSU's Supreme Student Council President and Mr. Dennis G. Cosmod, WARAYA's President and a Professor at the College of Arts and Sciences welcomed the guests and the opportunity to capacitate the student of SSU. The training was made possible through a fellow WARAYA member, Mr. Ador L. Hurtado where Mr. Ranis and Mr. Hurtado are both members of UNFPA Youth Advisory Panel.

As part of the MDG SL series, the same training was conducted in the Province of Leyte specifically at Easter Visayas State University (EVSU), Tacloban City on December 06, 2008 in partnership with Y-Konek (Youth Connect)—another member of the UNFPA Youth Advisory Panel thru Ms. Jessa Kristia F. Soledad. Y-Konek is the leading youth organization in EVSU that advocates for Gender and Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Rights. The training conducted at EVSU was able to reach more than forty (40) students both coming from tertiary and secondary levels. Ms. Kareen Liez E. Datoy, the former President of Y-Konek initially oriented the participants on HIV and AIDS before Mr. Ranis and Dr. Galor discussed the topics for the MDG Training. Included in the training was the discussion abouth UNYAP as well as about UNFPA YAP and the contact details on all the information about
the organizations.

In the Philippines where the young people comprise a third of the national population and where the youth of today are the future leaders of our country, mobilizing them for a cause such as on the MDGs would enable them to be involved on addressing the issues that affects them. Inspiring them to create ripples of change emanating
from their respective communities and in turn affecting the greater part of the society would be a noble cause to be advocating for.


Information, Media and Networking Committee
Mr. Ador L. Hurtado
Mr. Bertch Ian N. Ranis
Ms. Jessa Kristia F. Soledad


PS
photos during the training can be viewed on the following links:

http://adhor.multiply.com/photos/album/121/MDG_Samar-Leyte_Series
www.friendster.com/adorleanda
www.friendster.com/waraya
http://unfpayouth.ning.com/photo/album/lis


December 13, 2008 | 7:12 AM Comments  0 comments

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2008 World AIDS Day Celebration Launching: A Speech

This was my speech during the launching of the 2008 World AIDS Day Celebration in Catbalogan City, being the Chair on Advocacy and Networking of SPAC on November 24, 2008 at Catbalogan City Plaza.

________________________________________

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen.

The Samar Provincial AIDS Council or SPAC, since its creation in 2007 has been the lead network on HIV and AIDS advocacy in the Province of Samar. The task of SPAC, being the network of different organizations and agencies advocating for the education and awareness on HIV and AIDS has been a great task to accomplish. I, myself, being a representative of Waray-Waray Youth Advocates or WARAYA, the pioneer youth organization on Adolescent Sexuality Reproductive Health and Rights, has been one of the many organizations that stood up for the education on HIV and AIDS in hopes of eradicating the stigma and discrimination that it carries.

According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.2 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world.

World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people, with an estimated 33.2 million people living with HIV, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history.

Leadership is the theme for World AIDS Day 2007 and 2008, promoted with the campaigning slogan, “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.” Leadership encourages leaders at all levels to stop AIDS. Building on the 2006 theme of accountability, leadership highlights the discrepancy between the commitments that have been made to halt the spread of AIDS, and actions taken to follow them through. Leadership empowers everyone – individuals, organisations, governments – to lead in the response to AIDS. People have offered their leadership – now it is time to deliver. Promises must be kept, and people must feel empowered to act.

World AIDS Day began in 1988 when health ministers from around the world met and agreed on the concept of the day as an opportunity for all of us to come together to demonstrate the importance of AIDS and show solidarity for the cause. In 2008, this underlining principle of solidarity and awareness remains the same. We have only two years to go for “the goal of universal access to comprehensive prevention programmes, treatment, care and support by 2010” To achieve this goal, leadership and action is needed now. Governments must deliver on the promises they have made. Communities must encourage leadership of its members. Individuals must feel empowered to access treatment, to know their rights and take action against stigma and discrimination, and to know and use methods of prevention against receiving and transmitting HIV.

Now, more than ever is the time to lead – empower – deliver. So, as we have lined up activities in partnership with the different organizations up until December 01 to commemorate World AIDS Day, may we not stop only on December 01 but let us make every day as an opportunity to educate people on how we can avoid the disease, eradicate the stigma, and eliminate the discrimination.


November 24, 2008 | 5:11 AM Comments  0 comments

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Mga Payo ni Bog Ong and Miong

the following have been copied from miong21's blogspot "http://miong21.blogspot.com"

these just made sense and so i posted it...




MGA PAYO NI BOB ONG
:

"Kung hindi mo mahal and isang tao, wag ka nang magpakita ng motibo para mahalin ka nya.."

"Lahat naman ng tao sumeseryoso pag tinamaan ng pagmamahal. Yun nga lang, hindi lahat matibay para sa temptasyon."

"Gamitin ang puso para alagaan ang taong malapit sayo. Gamitin ang utak para alagaan ang sarili mo."

"Huwag mong bitawan ang bagay na hindi mo kayang makitang hawak ng iba."

"Huwag mong hawakan kung alam mong bibitawan mo lang."

"Huwag na huwag ka hahawak kapag alam mong may hawak ka na." (Wehehe! ~ Miong21)

"Parang elevator lang yan eh, bakit mo pagsisiksikan ung sarili mo kung walang pwesto para sayo. Eh meron naman hagdan, ayaw mo lang pansinin."

"Kung maghihintay ka nang lalandi sayo, walang mangyayari sa buhay mo.. Dapat lumandi ka din."." (Ay, wow! ~ Miong21)

""Pag may mahal ka at ayaw sayo, hayaan mo. Malay mo sa mga susunod na araw ayaw mo na din sa kanya, naunahan ka lang."

"Hiwalayan na kung di ka na masaya. Walang gamot sa tanga kundi pagkukusa."


"Pag hindi ka mahal ng mahal mo wag ka magreklamo. Kasi may mga tao rin na di mo mahal pero mahal ka.. Kaya quits lang."

"Bakit ba ayaw matulog ng mga bata sa tanghali? Alam ba nilang pag natuto silang umibig e hindi na sila makakatulog kahit gusto nila?” (Or magsisi sila kasi pagtanda nila puro work, work work na lang! No time for sleep! ~ Miong21)

"Hindi lungkot o takot ang mahirap sa pag-iisa kundi ang pagtanggap na sa bilyon-bilyong tao sa mundo, wala man lang nakipaglaban upang makasama ka."

"Kung nagmahal ka ng taong di dapat at nasaktan ka, wag mong sisihin ang puso mo. Tumitibok lang yan para mag-supply ng dugo sa katawan mo. Ngayon, kung magaling ka sa anatomy at ang sisisihin mo naman ay ang hypothalamus mo na kumokontrol ng emotions mo, mali ka pa rin! Bakit? Utang na loob! Wag mong isisi sa body organs mo ang mga sama ng loob mo sa buhay! Tandaan mo: magiging masaya ka lang kung matututo kang tanggapin na hindi ang puso, utak, atay o bituka mo ang may kasalanan sa lahat ng nangyari sayo, kundi IKAW mismo!" (Ikaw at ikaw lang talaga! ~ Miong21)


October 27, 2008 | 7:10 AM Comments  0 comments

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71% of Filipino adults favor passage of the Reproductive Health Bill


Seventy-one percent of Filipino adults favor the passage of the Reproductive Health Bill, while 76 percent want family planning education in public schools, the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed.

The Reproductive Health, Responsible Parenthood, and Population Development Act of 2008 or House bill No. 5043 makes artificial contraceptives more accessible to the public through health programs and calls for sex education in schools, among others.

The bill, which has received strong opposition from the Catholic Church and other pro-life groups, needs 120 votes to be approved on second reading in Congress.

"Seven out of 10 Catholics (71 percent) and non-Catholics (68 percent) favor the passage of the RH Bill," the SWS said in a statement. The non-commissioned survey was conducted from Sept. 24 to 27.

"Support for the RH Bill is an overwhelming 84 percent among those previously aware of the bill, and a majority 59 percent among those who became aware of it on account of the survey," the SWS said. -- Helen Flores(Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)


October 17, 2008 | 12:10 PM Comments  0 comments

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She's Out of My Life

[ 1st Verse ]
She's out of my life
She's out of my life
And I don't know whether
to laugh or cry
I don't know whether to live or die
And it cuts like a knife
She's out of my life

[ 2nd Verse ]
It's out of my hands
It's out of my hands
To think for two years she was here
And I took her for granted
I was so cavalier
Now the way that it stands
She's out of my hands

[ Bridge ]
So I've learned that
love's Not Possession
And I've learned that love won't wait
Now I've learned that
love needs expression
But I learned too late

[ 3rd Verse ]
She's out of my life
She's out of my life
Damned Indecision and cursed pride
Kept my love for her
locked deep Inside
And it cuts like a knife
She's out of my life


October 1, 2008 | 6:10 AM Comments  0 comments

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My Wedding Speech

this is a late posting of my speech during Steph's wedding last August 08, 2008.

Good evening everyone. Good evening to our newlyweds!

I have been asked to share a message about the couple, their love for each other, their story, their marriage. I may have been a witness to their story but I guess the best tellers of their story are they themselves. So what I’m about to share now is what I know, what I think I know, and probably what you already know, being friends and relatives of the couple.
Step, as we usually call her, is the eldest of four siblings of supportive and loving parents, Sir Coefredo Uy and Ma’am Evelyn Madriaga. Step and I grew up together, almost. From grade school to high school, up to college, and even up to now with her career on public service. Through those years, I’ve been a witness to her ups and downs, to the change in her waistline and the secrets behind it, which I may reveal during this speech or probably not, a witness to her change of boyfriends, from forgettable to memorable, in the end finding Jimboy through it all.

Jimboy, or Stephen James or Baby James and many other nick names, was found to be the perfect partner for Step. I never really witnessed how they met and how their relationship started since it was in college when the couple found each other in Cebu, at that time I was in Tacloban taking my studies, although we get to meet during semestral breaks and Christmas vacations. During those vacations, we get to be updated on their story, their happy moments, their tampuhans and all. We never really thought, us barkadas, that the two would end up tying the knot. But we liked Jimboy for her. Jimboy was simple, down to earth, would make libre sometimes, but most especially, Step changed during their relationship. Step changed for the better. So we thought, diri mag-iiha, mag-aasawa na gud talaga ini hira. Their relationship was not all bliss. The constant pull of different forces, the never-ending tests of love, loyalty, friendship and many other things. But they came through it all, holding hands, loving each other, and eager for the future that waits.

Then the next thing we knew, Step was pregnant. Soon as I found out she was pregnant, I had my little investigation on when the conception was, latter finding out it was when we were in Cebu for the Sinulog 2006. But anyways, now we have baby KayKay as a blessing to all of us, especially me being one of the ninongs. Baby Sky is a testament of their love for each other and a test as well, for raising a family is never that easy. With each other, with Baby Sky, with all their families and friends ever supportive, I’m sure they’ll make a great family.

Tonight is a great occasion, the marriage of two families as one, with all the relatives and friends being witnesses to this union. The marriage of Stephen James Tee Tan and Stephany Madriaga Uy is as special as the 8-8-8 today but mainly because of the love they have for each other.

Before I make this even longer, let me share to you all a few lines I remember most from the movie “Shall we Dance” starring Susan Sarandon, Richard Gere, and Jennifer Lopez. A character asked Susan Sarandon on why people do get married and she answered, “We need a witness to our lives. There's a billion people on the planet... I mean, what does anyone’s life really mean? But in a marriage, you're promising to care about everything. The good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things... all of it, all of the time, every day. You're saying 'Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go un-witnessed because I will be your witness'."

So as an ending, Jimboy and Step, be each other’s witnesses as you raise your family with the right values and with God being the center of your relationship. It may come tough sometimes but hey, who said it’ll be easy. Cheers to the bride and groom!


September 25, 2008 | 9:09 AM Comments  0 comments

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Philippines' RH Bill Online Petition
Related to country: Philippines

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Dear friends,

Greetings! The struggle for the passage of the Reproductive Bill (RH) in Congress rages on. The Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN) initiated an online petition that we request you to support by attaching your signature. Please go to http://www.PetitionOnline.com/rhan2008/petition.html to do this.

We hope to gather ONE MILLION SIGNATURES to show our legislators that there is a wide support base for the bill's passage despite what the opposition says. We will present the signatures both to the House of Representatives (HOR) and Senate within September as we are waiting for the schedule of plenary deliberations in the HOR and the release of the Senate Committee on Health's report.

Please support the petition. It will not take more than 5 minutes of your time. More than 10 women die daily due to pregnancy and childbirth-related causes. The big bulk of those who die are poor
women at the prime of their lives. This is simply unacceptable and must be stopped. Congress has the power to do this.

Kindly forward this mail to all your friends.

Thank you very much

August 26, 2008 | 12:23 PM Comments  0 comments



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