Surely the Dizons had a tough time during the competition with the span of time given to conceive their plans. In fact the younger Dizon mentioned that the competition was extremely challenging as opening a restaurant in 24 hours is impossible. However the father and son were determined to win the challenge. As the battle takes place one can easily tell that they have the heart of a true Filipino by serving Filipino dishes. Their menu consisted of lumpia as appetizer, oxtail Kare-Kare, beef tongue Lengua, ampalaya stuffed with shrimp and banana turon ice cream for dessert. Mostly they used ‘NOY’ as the fictional name of their restaurant that is obviously short for “Pinoy.

As judging time revealed the Filipino-American father and son reign as best chefs and bagged $10,000. The Dizon’s not only became $10,000 richer but they also give pride to the Filipino community for showing their cooking skills and what Filipino food is all about on national TV.

The Prince
Prince Andrew, Duke of York currently at age of 50 is the second son of Queen Elizabeth II. He married Sarah Ferguson producing two daughters Princesses Beatrice, 22, and Eugenie, 20. But the marriage ended to divorce on 30 May 1996. However the separation was friendly and Prince Andrew spoke fondly of his ex-wife. Currently, the Duke of York works with UK Trade & Investment as Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.

The Filipina Model
Alexandra Escat is a 25 year-old Filipino-Spanish commercial and ramp model with numerous appearances on TV advertisements in the Philippines. She grew up in Madrid with a Spanish father and a Filipina mother. She became a friend to KC Concepcion when she studied at the International School of Manila. Ms. Escat is often spotted at fashion events in Spain and Philippines. She is also a columnist at Estilo De Madrid, a Spanish website and has been invited to some exclusive events in the UK.

The Yachting
UK’s Daily Mail news said Filipina model Alexandra Escat was seen yachting with Prince Andrew. Humors follow that the model is the Duke of York’s new girlfriend, after the news.  But denials came fast as those close to the prince claim they are just friends and the Filipina model was married to another guest on the yacht. But controversy arose as it turns out that the 25-year-old pinay model is in fact single. Hence, most did not buy the excuse following the photos as it expressed the opposite.

On the 154-foot super yacht Prince Andrew had captivated conversations and touches with half his age Filipina model. Caught in the photograph, Ms. Escat was obviously giggling as Prince Andrew kisses her hand. The Daily Mail also showed photographs of the prince and pinay-model having lunch in Porto Cervo in Sardinia. The pair was later spotted boarding a private jet flying out of Olbia Airport for an unknown destination.

However, Christine did not receive the amount as her salary but an inheritance from her late employer.Reported from a Singaporean newspaper, the Filipina domestic helper inherited P200 million and a posh apartment after serving with devotion and a good heart to her recently deceased employer whom she had served for more than 20 years.

The Filipina accounts that she was in service for more than two decades to Quek Kai Miew, a medical doctor and philanthropist who died a year ago at age of 66. The Filipina has been serving the family since 1986 in fact she was also in-charge for taking care of the doctor’s mother. The death of Dr. Queck was devastation to Christine as the two were inseparable. To find solace from distress of her employer’s lost, the Filipina domestic helper moved to the doctor’s nephew.

The Filipina’s inheritance of cash and luxury apartment near the shopping area of Orchard Road, was not a surprise to her since she was already aware of being a beneficiary to her employer’s last will before it passed away. “There were no secrets between us. I was not surprised at all when she told me how much I was going to get,” the maid recalled. The doctor’s memories still flashes in the Filipina’s mind that her emotion crashed every time she recalls.

As of now the Filipina domestic helper would be applying for a permanent residency in Singapore. But even with the new-found wealth she has right now, Christine promised that it will not change her lifestyle. “I do not really think much about the money I got. I just live my life as I did before, and not as a rich person,” as she relay to the Singaporean newspaper.

Indeed the story of the 47-year old Filipina domestic helper working in Singapore is inspiring to someone finding his or her utmost luck abroad. It proves not only of having a new life for a hopeful Filipino working abroad but a global portrayal in the goodness of every Filipino working abroad.

The Filipino Seaman abroad is considered as one of the overseas workers abroad or the OFW. Regardless of your job for as long as you work abroad, you belong to the OFW. However, not all have the same life experience in life. The only experience every life of the Filipino Seaman has in common is that every one remits money towards the country, the Philippines.

In order to achieve what you want to be in life is that you need something. As to the life of the Filipino Seaman abroad, it requires knowledge, effort, patience and perseverance. The life of the Filipino Seaman abroad should be equipped with these values. Otherwise, it will be a lot of questions wether or not one blends towards the life of the Filipino Seaman abroad as each value holds its importance. Wherever you may be outside the country, the knowledge helps a lot. It serves as your weapon to deal with other nationalities. See how the effort pays? It is your effort that keeps you strong to compete with other seaman across the nation.

But being strong is not enough. For you also need protection, that is patience. It is your patience that serves as your shield. It keeps you away from harm from whatever it is thrown to you. But what about the perseverance? How does it help towards the life of the
Filipino Seaman abroad? Well, it moulds you to become the real you as it makes you courageous no matter how long and how much it takes.

One might ask, are these all enough that a Filipino Seaman abroad should have? No, there are things that a Filipino Seaman working abroad should have to consider . For the life of the Filipino Seaman abroad is susceptible to experience some things which are beyond his knowledge or expectation. Those things beyond the control of the Filipino Seaman working abroad, those things he doesn’t want to happen but it simply happen.

The life of the Filipino Seaman abroad is not a piece of cake. It is accompanied with tests and trials. But despite of those, the Filipino Seaman abroad doesn’t simply give up. He doesn’t care though how far he may go. He dares to venture the seas. The angry waves and the stormy days don’t threaten him. Even the sleepless nights and boredom don’t weaken him. He does nothing but just keep working. The Filipino Seaman abroad does it for no other reason than to provide the goodness for his family. This is the only thing where the strength of the Filipino Seaman abroad originates. Nothing can shatter him except to have a problem on his health. As it is his health that matters most to continue working.

The Filipino Seaman abroad is looking after for the happiness of his family. It is his pleasure to provide his family’s needs. But sometimes, the family goes beyond the limit. The family comes out of bounds and ends up with a high expenditures. So the Filipino Seaman abroad takes vacation and ends up in chaos financially. He has nothing but debt that forces him to go back to work abroad again. The worse thing that comes secondly with the health problem is that if this scene comes again and again each year.

This is the life of the Filipino Seaman abroad. So how do you see him? Does he deserve this after all, doesn’t he?

Submitted by:
Totskie- a Filipino Seaman Abroad

Duplication restricted under A-list copyright, inc.

Courageous Filipinos keep on fighting not only for the country’s freedom, for religion and territory but also to escape from hunger as a result of poverty.

The current economic crisis, high unemployment rate, graft and corruption, the highest reported cases of swine flu in Southeast Asia, and other national problems and concerns are seriously tightening up almost 90 million Filipinos into severe bondage.

Despite predicaments and labor issues, we never lose hope and determination to uphold the sovereignty of our motherland as we become more global, coping with the challenges confronting us.

For years, we have proven our worth for our talents and developed the skills we possess for others.

We are highly recognized through world-class performers like Lea Salonga, Charice Pempengco, Freddie Aguilar and the phenomenal pound-for-pound champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, all of whom have conquered the world of entertainment and sports, identifying us for our hard work. They have helped the world regard us as becoming a global partner in the world’s economic development.

As we commemorate the declaration of Philippine Independence, we greatly honor the unconditional sacrifices of our living heroes spearheaded by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and expatriates, who keep on bringing so much pride and glory despite considerable reported cases of abuse, prejudice and mistreatment.

Also, the “bayanihan,” or a communal unity in the spirit of volunteerism, still exists among Filipinos working overseas.

Here in Korea, Filipino workers joined with one another to empower their small groups wherever they belong ― an organization of migrants with a common goal: to help fellow migrants.

Korea has been regarded as an ideal destination for Filipinos engaged in various professions such as engineers, factory workers, traders, domestic helpers and entertainers, with the total about 51,000.

Civic groups, religious leaders, Korean spouses, fellow workers as well as conscientious Koreans are helping distressed workers, regardless of their gender, religion, visa status and educational background.

Moreover, the recent visit of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to Seoul and the ASEAN Commemorative Summit in Jeju Island have significantly strengthened the relationship between the two countries in trade, education and tourism. One such accomplishment is the continuous hiring of more than 5,000 OFWs under the Employment Permit System, for which a memorandum of understanding has been signed anew.

As we celebrate our independence day, themed “One Philippines,” in Korea, we also commemorate the 60th year of diplomatic ties between Korea and the Philippines with pride and joy. In this vein, pageantry of culture, tourism and beauty has been showcased in Seoul through music, dances, artwork and movies ― reaffirming the friendship between the two countries in the course of recognizing each other’s contribution toward global democracy and economic development.

Such privileges and opportunities greatly helped to free us from poverty.

To reciprocate the valuable contribution of OFWs to the economy of this country, the government should provide more concrete and immediate livelihood programs to elevate and support the living conditions of some displaced workers and those who opted to stay for their employers during the economic downturn.

In celebration of our 111th anniversary of the Philippine Independence and 14th Philippine Migrants’ Day in Korea, albeit retroactively, let us band together to support the OFWs to be more productive and make us show the local community the talents, skills and unity that we Filipinos have become famous for.

By Elizer Penaranda

Source: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2009/07/137_48001.html

Most of the people who ask are professionals in their own countries who could not find a suitable opportunity in her or his profession in their homeland. Once they are in Canada and they find that in Canada, like in many Western countries, abound with opportunities for anyone who is willing to work hard and has the right education – they decided that Canada is the place for them to be in for the rest of their working life.

Now, their question is this – Is it possible to obtain a work permit while inside Canada as a visitor?

The answer to that is – Yes! it is possible, but it is tricky and the individual will have to go through difficult hurdles, but not impossible to achieve.

Below is one situation wherein a visitor in Canada can apply for a work permit while inside the country and have proven to work effectively:

Apply as a caregiver.

A visitor to Canada may apply while inside Canada as a caregiver, perhaps to take care of an elderly or disabled relative. In fact we know of a lot of visitors from other countries who have availed of this and have successfully obtained a work visa.

But be careful, though, because it takes strategy and preparation to become a working permit holder in this category.

First of all, you have to have a caregiver training if you plan on applying as one. Please note that your caregiver training must have been obtained in your own country or outside Canada and the school which provided the training has to be an approved training facility by HRSDC.

If you did not obtain that training before coming to Canada then it’s unlikely that you will be able to take the course inside Canada because you will need a student permit before Canada can allow you to study inside the country. Do not attempt to take the caregiver course inside Canada without the proper student visa otherwise it will only be a total waste of time and money because your training will not be honored as a valid caregiver training upon your application.

To apply as a caregiver while inside Canada, you must have someone willing to sponsor you as a caregiver (like a relative or friend), extend your visitors visa – then apply for a work permit as a caregiver in the nearest Canadian consulate inside the U.S. (you will need to apply for a visa to enter the United States).

It’s difficult but it’s doable.

Visit the website of Immigration Canada to get more information on immigration and work permit laws.

It is understandable for our OFW’s, balikbayans and Pinoy expats to vacation in other countries. The world is truly beautiful and majestic. But please spend some of your vacation time and some of your dollars in our Philippines. Every dollar that you bring into our country will help build our Philippines. It will help our tourism industry. It will mean more sales and more jobs for our local industries. It will mean an increase in our country’s international dollar reserves. It will help stabilize the peso. And ultimately, it will help stabilize our economy.

2. Encourage and teach your relatives back home to be good citizens & good Filipinos.

Whether or not you are sending money to your relatives in the Philippines, you are one of their heroes. They look up to you as a role model. They listen to every word you say. Please teach them to become good Filipinos, to become good citizens. They can start with my book, 12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do To Help Our Country. Please ask them to help me spread the message of the book. In particular, please ask them to “Buy local. Buy Pilipino.” A recent article in TIME Magazine said that the most crucial factor for economic progress is not foreign investments, but economic nationalism – i.e., when people learn to support their own country’s products.

3. All OFW’s, Balikbayans and Pinoy Expats should do more during elections in RP.

In the next and all future elections, OFW’s, Balikbayans and Pinoy expats should do more by helping your relatives back home in choosing the right leaders – the national ones especially – for our country. Your relatives at home will listen to you. This means that as OFWs and expats, you need to surf the Internet and read the news so you’ll know which candidates should be elected to offices. There are organizations and websites which can help you decide.

If it is true that there are at least 8 million OFW’s all over the world now and if it is also true that every Filipino has at least 4 relatives, then the 8 million OFW’s have at least 32 million relatives back home in the Philippines. This means that the OFW’s and their families alone can determine the political leadership in the Philippines, our government, and eventually our nation as a whole.

4. Buy Pilipino, wherever you are in the world.

If you look at the Japanese and the (South) Koreans, wherever they are in the world, they buy and patronize their own products. They are like that too in the Philippines. That’s why there are so many Korean stores sprouting all over the country now. The Chinese, Thais and Malaysians are almost like them too, but in a less passionate manner.

We Filipinos have a preference for imported products – the so-called “colonial mentality” – believing that Spanish and American products, ideas and ways were better and superior and that ours were inferior.

But that’s history. Our Philippines is different now. There are many good Filipino companies with equally good Filipino products or brands. Look at Bayo, Kamiseta, Bench, Penshoppe, Jollibee, among others. In fact, some of the best branded products you see in New York, London and Italy are made in our Philippines.

Please be an ambassador of the Filipino, by wearing Pilipino. Show to your foreign spouses and officemates and to the world, the elegance of our culture and beauty of our people. All these things begin with each one of us.

5. Adopt a poor child as a scholar back home.

According to government sources, around 40% of our people are poor. But according to our bishops from CBCP, the figure is much higher than that, possibly at 53%. Since we have a population of almost 86 million now, imagine how many of that is 53%. Most of the poor are children, a great many of whom are out there in the streets, because their parents cannot afford to send them to school. My proposal is this – let’s adopt scholars among our poor street children.

World Vision is an international foundation which offers scholarship for poor children. It has been operating in the Philippines for years. It looks for 2 groups of persons – the first are those poor children who really want to study hard, and the second are those who have extra funds and are willing to sponsor 1 scholar for only P450 per month.

Yes, for only P450 a month, you can sponsor 1 scholar under World Vision. World Vision can give you the name, age, address and personal profile of your scholar so you can even mentor, visit, talk, or write to your scholar.

If there are 5 million Filipinos and OFW’s today who are all wiling to sponsor 1 child each under World Vision, that would mean 5 million poor children can be adopted as scholars. These scholars will have a better future and will someday become our partners in building our nation.

This could be one of the fastest paths to progress and social transformation in our country. And this is a very Christian way. Even Jesus Christ, who was born very poor in a manger, had to be adopted by Joseph.

6. Support a charitable organization.

There are many good charitable organizations that truly help build our Philippines to become a better place for all of us. Gawad Kalinga, Pondo ng Pinoy, Caritas Manila and World Vision, among others. These groups are beyond the dirt and mirth of politics.

Like most of us, you too are busy. Often, you will have not the time to help others. Charitable organizations are there to allow us to help others while we are busy. Every little help that you send will help one poor Filipino, often one poor child, in our country.

7. Teach your children about the Philippines, and to love it and its people.

Teach your children and your foreign spouses, wherever you are in the world, about our Philippines – the home of the Filipino people, and the birthplace of our race. Let your children and your foreign spouses hear it from you – that you appreciate and love our Philippines. Because if they hear and see it from you, their beloved, they too will appreciate and love our Philippines. Or they will find a way, sooner or later, to appreciate and love it, because of you. I see that all the time, everywhere, in practically all the fathers and mothers in this world. Their sons and daughters often carry and continue their parents’ loves, causes and advocacies.

If you make your children see and hear that you love our Philippines, believe me, someday your children will grow up with love and admiration for the Philippines in their hearts and minds.

8. Speak positively about our Philippines and our people.

Sure, there are things that will disappoint and dishearten you in the Philippines, especially if you look at our government and the politicians who run it and those businessmen whose companies earn so much but who pay very little to their employees.

But there are also many good things in our Philippines. We are a race capable of greatness and excellence, and you see this in the likes of Lea Salonga, Dr Josette Biyo, Diosdado Banatao, Efren Reyes, Ninoy Aquino, Jose Rizal, among many others. We are essentially a breed of honest people, and you see this in the likes of Nestor Sulpico, the Filipino driver in New York who, on 17 July 2004, drove 43 miles from New York to Connecticut, USA to return the US$80,000 worth of rare black pearls to his passenger who forgot it at the rear back seat of his taxi. We are a people of truly good hospitality even to strangers.

We are a very caring and forgiving people. There is so much humanity and Christianity in us as a people. I really believe that, someday, we can be one of the most beautiful peoples on earth.

Let us focus on our beauty and strengths, and build from there. You and all the Pinoy expats and OFW’s should be, and could be, the best ambassadors for our home country and people. Rafael Salas, the founder of the United Nations Population Fund, said that every Filipino is an ambassador of our country.

9. If you are remitting funds to your relatives in the Philippines, teach them to save 15% or 20% of the funds.

If you are remitting funds to your relatives in the Philippines, please teach them to save at least 15% or 20% of the funds. Please teach your relatives the importance of savings. These savings seem small at the start, but even only after 2 years of savings, they will see the growth of their savings and how fast these are growing.

Also teach them to take their savings away from reach and put them in high- yielding investments like mutual funds or treasury bonds. There are many good financial advisers in this area. Teach your relatives to consult one on a regular basis. The book Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki is good start. The book Pera Mo, Palaguin Mo by Filipino author Francisco Colayco is also very good.

These savings, if handled and invested wisely, could mean the financial independence of your relatives from you in the future, or even from themselves. Teach your relatives to live simply and not to spend so much on unnecessary consumer items. There is so much beauty in simplicity. There is so much elegance in modesty.

10. Invest in the Philippines.

Finally, if you have extra funds and are looking for ways to invest them, please invest in our Philippines. There are good investment advisers who can help. The Philippines is a growing market – an emerging market, in the language of international banks and financial institutions. If you have investment ideas that can cater to the basic needs and desires of these 86 million Filipinos, you will make it big in our Philippines.

But more than that, every cent or dime that you invest in the Philippines will help our people and our country. And when you do it, you become our partner in building our nation. You become a good Filipino. You become a hero of our country.