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December 2006 I OFW Guardian

Away Home Christmas

from
heres nothing more rewarding for an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) than being able to come home for Christmas to be with his / her family. But there are times when sacrifices have to be made. That shouldnt stop anyone from being able to spend Christmas with family even when they are miles apart.

warming when you can really converse with someone across the miles knowing that the words arent coming from a tape recording. Newer technologies allow for video telephony so you could see each other while you are talking.

both parties. For a more instantaneous way of communicating, theres always text messaging.

Instant Messages

Audio and Video

Youve Got Mail

The simplest form of communicating home would be sending a letter. It takes time for envelopes with letters and pictures to reach loved ones, but it is the simplest way to say you love them and in your own handwriting. For a faster way, theres email. That would require computers with internet connections for

A common practice is sending recorded voice messages on cassette tape back and forth. It takes communicating to a higher level than letter-writing. With this way its more than just your handwriting, its your voice that could be heard. You can take this one step further by using videocams so you could also be seen and heard onscreen.

With the internet being more accessible and affordable for everyone, technologies have emerged that could shorten the distance especially this Christmas. Instant messaging, chat, voice, webcam and video applications and services like Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, Skype, Stickam, etc. are already common. Imagine sitting in front of your webcam and being able to celebrate Christmas with friends and family wherever you are in the world. Distance need not be a hindrance. With all these solutions, OFWs all over the world can celebrate the holidays and make their Christmases more meaningful this time around.

Call Me

Showing your love is just a phone call away. Its heart-

Shopping Tips
ere are some Christmas shopping tips that will help you save money while minimizing stress. 1. Come up with a list. Santa Claus has a list of people who would be getting Christmas gifts. You should too. You should also have a budget for each gift. Being organized saves you time and money. It also makes sure you remember everyone you wish to give a gift to. 2. Do your research. Find out how much items are selling for at various stores and buy from the store with the lowest price. Also try to be on the look out for unique gifts or special deals. 3. Try smaller specialty stores, where you might actually be served by a salesperson, before you succumb to the big, busy department stores. Its easier to get to know the manager of a small store, which helps for volume discounts, free gift-wrapping and other special treatment. 4. Shop in bookstores and large drugstores. Almost everyone on your list would be happy with a book or calendar, and the range of prices will fit your budget. Drugstores are also great hunting grounds; they are filled with treasures this time of year, from unique holiday gifts to electronic gadgets. 5. Always keep receipts. Some of the gifts you give (especially clothes which dont fit) may need to be returned. Some stores even have a gift receipt, which doesnt show the price but allows the recipient to easily exchange or return your gift. 6. Timing is everything. Do not shop when the stores are crowded with people. Avoid Saturdays at all costs. Avoid the lunch hour and the two hours right after work. Early, late and during the dinner hour are good. Check for holiday hours; stores may open earlier or close later than usual, which people might not realize. Youll have the store and the salespeople all to yourself. 7. Use the telephone. If youve chosen an item, why not call the stores from the comfort of your home or office? Is the item in stock? Whats the best price? 8. Think security. Unfortunately, pickpockets and thieves take advantage of the Christmas season. Be aware of this and dress down when shopping. Leave jewelry and expensive watches at home. When walking to your car after a day of gift shopping, remember where you parked. Try not to shop alone (70% of all shoppers victimized by theft were shopping alone).

The Holiday Season in the Philippines

Aguinaldo or the Midnight Mass. During the mass, the young couple who played Joseph and Mary in the Panunuluyan, together with a group of children portraying angels, hold a procession to a manger. As soon as Mary lays the image of the baby Jesus in the manger, the congregation sings the Gloria accompanied by the tolling of church bells. A Christmas Feast Food is an integral part of the Christmas tradition. During the Simbang Gabi, churchgoers are treated to a wide array of native delicacies which make their appearance during the season. Some churches serve the parishioners salabat (ginger tea) and pandesal (bread). But there are also a lot of vendors selling the traditional desserts like bibingka, kakanin (rice cakes) and puto bumbong (a purple rice cake cooked in bamboo tubes). An early morning meal is also heavenly with steaming hot local cocoa. Some mix in peanut butter for a sweet, nutty concoction great for dipping pandesal in. After the Misa de Aguinaldo comes the most anticipated meal of the season, the Noche Buena. The meal isnt complete without the Christmas ham, the queso de bola (a big ball of cheese) and roast chicken. A week later, amid the loud firecrackers said to scare away evil spirits, the Media Noche or meal after the New Years eve mass, includes pancit (noodles) for long life and round fruits like apples, grapes and oranges in the hopes of ushering in a prosperous year. The End of the Season Other than the New Year celebrations which come a week after Christmas, there are also Nios Inocentes and The Feast of the Three Kings Nios Inocentes or Holy Innocents Day is celebrated on December 28. It is the equivalent of April Fools Day in the country so dont lend out any money on that day. The innocents referred to are the children who were massacred on the order of King Herod. The Philippines is said to have the longest Christmas celebration and it officially ends on the Feast of the Three Kings or Tres Reyes. It is also known as the Feast of the Epiphany.

here really is no place like home. This is most especially true when Christmas is just around the corner. A lot of Pinoys outside the country choose to return home for the holidays because nothing compares to spending Christmas and New Year in the Philippines. Tis the Season The Christmas season in the Philippines unofficially starts when the -ber months kick in. When September comes, the air starts to chill. Radio stations start to play Christmas carols, jockeying for the bragging rights of being the first to greet their listeners a Merry Christmas. October and November ushers in Christmas shopping. By November 3, malls take down their spooky Halloween decor in favor of the festive decorations of Christmas. Towns and cities start decorating their lamp posts too, adding to the holiday spirit all throughout the Metro. Proudly, in the Philippines, Christ is not forgotten in the word Christmas. The most common decoration associated with the season would be the parol. This lantern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem which led the shepherds and the wise men to the manger where the child Jesus lay. That manger / the nativity scene is also a popular decor theme more commonly known as the belen.

The Voices of Angels You know the season is upon you when you start hearing Christmas carols in the air, be it on the radio or from carolers singing at your porch or by your car window. Arguably the most popular local song associated with the season is Gary V.s Pasko Na, Sinta Ko. And the most popular local Christmas album would be Jose Mari Chans Christmas in Our Hearts. For the Masses One of the most memorable Catholic Christmas traditions is the Simbang Gabi. The Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo means waking up early to hear mass. For nine days, beginning December 16th, Filipinos flock to the church for the traditional dawn masses usually at four oclock in the morning. This tradition traces its roots to Spanish friars who wanted farmers to hear mass before going to the fields early in the morning before the roosters crow. Gallo by the way, is Spanish for rooster. The simbang gabi will continue right up to Christmas Day. On Christmas eve, there is the Panunuluyan (also called the pananawagan and pananapatan). Held on the night of the 24th of December, the Panunuluyan reenacts the search of the parents of Jesus for an inn. A young couple playing the parts of Joseph and Mary roam the streets, knocking at the doors of houses, asking the occupants if they have room for the night. The couple are able to seek refuge in the church just in time for the beginning of the Misa de

December 2006 I OFW Guardian

3 KUWENTONG OFW

Balikbayan Business Fair for OFWs at

Mega Christmas Expo 2006

FWs and Balikbayan who are looking for business opportunities when they return to the country can now look forward to the Mega Christmas Expo 2006, slated this December 15, 16 and 17 at Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong. The event offers franchising, dealership, distributorship and business start-up ideas for OFWs who wanted to invest their hard earned money and savings. The event have more than 130 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) participating. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is forecasting that an all-time high of US$ 8 billion dollars in remittances will be achieved by the years end, as reported last October 26 in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Philippines Meat Processing Guru of Ultima Entrepinoy Forum will provide free lecture to the public on Pinoy Ham Making & Christmas Goodies Making in Mega Christmas Expo 2006 on Dec. 15-17, in Megatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall. For details: call EX-LINK Corp. 6433887 / 6407439 / 0920-9242532

Universal Motors Corporation Ipadala Mo Negosyo of Nissan Urvan is co-presenting the Balikbayan Business Options Fair. One of the event highlights of Mega Christmas Expo 2006, Dec. 15-17, 2006, Megatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall. For details: call EX-LINK Corp. 6433887 / 6407439 / 0920-9242532

This fact is the driving force of Mega Christmas Expo 2006 to act as a venue for OFWs and balikbayan so that a bigger part of their remittances can go to business ventures. Other co-located events of Mega Christmas Expo 2006 includes Christmas Bargains Expo, Gawang Pinoy Christmas Bonanza Fair, Food & Beverage Fair and Kids Expo. Mega Christmas Expo also features Christmas presentations of Center for Arts Foundation, Center for Pop, Phil. Pitbull Club All Breed Dog Show, Business Seminars & presentations and many more. The event is organized and produced by EXLINK Management and Marketing Services Corporation. Interested participants may call at tel # 6433887 / 6401280 / 6422769 / 0920-9242532 and email via info_exlink@yahoo.com.

December 2006 I OFW Guardian

YOUR MONEY
CURRENCIES
Peso Country Unit Equivalent Australia 38.4543 Dollar Bahrain 131.8400 Dinar Canada 43.5207 Dollar EMU 64.3555 Euro Hong Kong 6.3866 Dollar Japan 0.4274 Yen Korea 0.0534 Won Saudi Arabia 13.2534 Rial Singapore 32.0812 Dollar Switzerland 40.5871 Franc Taiwan 1.5161 NTDollar UAE 13.5324 Dirham UK 95.2224 Pound United States Dollar 49.7050
As of November 24, 2006

INFORM, INSPIRE, INVOLVE

www.ofwguardian.com email: info@ofwguardian.com P.O. BOX 13840, Ortigas Center Post Office 1605 Pasig City

Editorial Board EDGARDO G. LACSON Chairman JOSE RAMON ALBERT MANUEL AYALA LEONARDA CAMACHO FERDINAND DIAZ Fr. ARNOLD ERAMIZ EMMANUEL MERCADO DANTE TIGA, JR. JESUS B. VARELA Publisher JOHANN FREDERICK CABBAB Managing Editor ARTHUR M. CERDEA Design Director DONNA INOSANTO-PAHIGNALO Publishing Assistant VLADIMIR JONES III ROHN ROMULO Contributors SUIEE SUAREZ Contributing Photographer MALOU TAYAG ANN N. TAMONTE Marketing Services Business ISKO CATIBAYAN Marketing Director GERARD ESTRELLA Overseas Marketing Director MARIANNE MIRANDA Administration FREDERICK CRUZ Credit & Collection REUBEN RAVAGO Technology Advisor

Equivalent of 1 US$ 1.2926 0.3770 1.1421 0.7723 7.7827 116.2900 930.4000 3.7504 1.5593 1.2247 32.7850 3.6731 0.5220 1.0000

Equivalent of 1 Euro 1.6736 0.4881 1.4787 1.0000 10.0766 150.5665 1204.6354 4.8558 1.9966 1.5856 67.5989 4.7557 0.6758 1.2948
Source: BSP

Peso-Dollar Rate

49.710
November 24, 2006 Closing

OPEN 49.720 HIGH 49.700 LOW 49.800 AVERAGE 49.755 VOLUME $366.50 M

Source: BSP

Get as Much as 99% Discount on the Latest Hi-Tech Gadgets this Christmas season with Suns Lowest Bid!
hinking of getting a flat screen TV for your family back home? Or maybe buying a laptop for your panganay this Christmas? Sun Cellulars Lowest Bid gives your family and friends back home the chance to buy the coolest and latest hitech gadgets at unbelievably low prices through a text auction with a surprisingly pleasant twist! This one-of-a-kind auction in the Philippines allows the bidder with the lowest unique bid at the end of the auction to purchase the item up for sale at the price of his or her winning bid. Its so easy to join Suns Lowest Bid. This is open to new and existing Sun Cellular Postpaid and Prepaid subscribers above 18 years of age. Interested bidders need to register via SMS to qualify for the promo. To register for free, text REG <NAME>/<ADDRESS>/<AGE > and send to 2242. To start bidding, text <Item keyword> <Space> <Bid> send to 2243 e.g. (IPOD 251 to 2243). PhP2 will be charged per bid. Winners will be determined on the last day of each corresponding item auction and will be notified via SMS, telephone call, or registered mail. Suns Lowest Bid launched its first auction week last September 13 20, and the first item for auction was an iPod Video 60GB! The very ecstatic winner of this cool gadget is Mr. Hervie Fajardo of Makati City, who bought it with his lowest unique bid of PhP260.45! The next winner, Mr. Devin Metante of Cebu City, was able to buy a Nokia N93 Cellphone with his lowest unique bid of only PhP335.04!!! Other winners of Suns Lowest Bid are as follows: Ms. Imelda Repollo who brought home a Playstation Portable for only PhP165.77; Ms. Jane Castor who submitted the lowest unique bid of PhP235.38 for the Canon Ixus iZoom Package; Mr. Dennis Dela Cruz, winner of not one but two auctions a Sony Ericsson P990i for only PhP346.20 and an iPod Video 80GB with Bose Sound Dock for PhP373.40; and Ms. Joan Dades who bought a Nokia N73 phone for only PhP402.76! There are more prizes to be auctioned off, including 7 iPod Shuffles, Nokia N73, a laptop and a Flat screen TV! So hurry and join Sun Cellulars Lowest Bid! Start bidding and get a chance to become one of the lucky winners of the latest hi-tech gadgets by submitting the lowest unique bid! For more information on Suns Lowest Bid, call the 24/7 Hotline at 395-8000 or 200 using your Sun phone. You may also visit any of The Sun Shop branches nationwide.

Distribution Partners
Philippine Airlines National Bookstore Commission on Filipinos Overseas Department of Foreign Affairs AWARE Foundation Sanrys Makati Greenbelt Guadalupe Robinsons Galleria Unimart Greenhills Glorietta EVA Air Korean Air Malaysia Airlines Air Philippines Thai Airways Emirates Airlines Becmen Services Exporter Centennial Transmarine, Inc. MRH Global Personnel Services San Marcelino Medical Clinics S.M. Lazo Medical Clinics Gen. Med Health Services

We here at the OFW Guardian

would like to establish links and open communication lines with you, our readers. If you have any comments, questions and suggestions for any of our columnists and writers, please do feel free to email us at info@ofwguardian.com. You can also write us at P.O. BOX 13840, Ortigas Center Post Office, 1605 Pasig City.

PNB Broker Accreditation Program

Are you a Licensed Real Estate Broker in the Philippines? Do you want an opportunity to earn unlimited income? Are you adept with the ins and outs of the real estate business in the Philippines? IF YOU ARE ALL OF THE ABOVE, PNB NEEDS YOU! What is the PNB Broker Accreditation Program? PNB Asset Management Sector (PNB AMS) is incharge of managing and selling of PNBs diverse portfolio of properties. PNB AMS wanted to expand its efforts by tapping local markets and consumers thru licensed real estate brokers. This can only be accomplished by making real estate brokers an active marketing and sales force of PNB. PNB Broker Accreditation Program presents a good foundation for profit thru our competitive commission rates and an opportunity to earn unlimited income by selling our over 14,000 properties with a value of almost PHP 39 billion. WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU? 1. NATIONWIDE PROPERTIES Wide array of choices We have it all residential properties such as vacant lots, houses, house and lots condominiums, and resorts, as well as commercial, industrial properties such as warehouses, office spaces and agricultural lots, scattered all over the Philippines. 2. EASY ACCESS TO OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Availability of 320 PNB Branches nationwide with client friendly employees to entertain you and your clients needs. With 67 Overseas PNB Branches and Remittance Centers. 3. OPPORTUNITY TO EARN The Philippine National Bank authorizes duly licensed real estate brokers to market and sell the PNBs acquired assets. Brokers could earn as much as PHP 1.297 Billion worth of commissions! RATE OF COMMISSION * Selling Price up to P5 MM - 5% Selling Price up above PHP 5 MM up to PHP 10 MM - 4% Selling Price above PHP 10 MM - 3%. (*) These are subject to PNBs existing polices governing commissions. (**) The above commission scheme is subject to change without prior notice. INTERESTED TO BE PART OF OUR GROWING NETWORK OF PROFESSIONAL BROKERS? 1) Submit the following requirements to PNBAsset Management Marketing Division Duly Accomplished Broker Information Sheet (AMS Marketing Form 002) ** Photocopy of valid license as a Real Estate Broker issued by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB). Photocopy of Certificate of Registration jointly issued by the HLURB, Department of Trade and Bureau of Trade Regulations and Consumer Protection. Photocopy of TIN ID Photocopy of one of the following valid IDs (SSS ID, GSIS ID, Drivers License) Duly accomplished and signed copy of the PNB Broker Accreditation Terms and Conditions (AMS Marketing Form 003) ** 1 pc. 2 x 2 ID Picture with White Background. ** Note: These forms are available at AMS Head Office and all AMS Regional Desks located nationwide. 2) Wait for notification from the Marketing Division on the status of your application for accreditation. FOR BROKER ACCREDITATION DETAILS: Asset Management Sector-Head Office 9F PNB Financial Center, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. Pasay City Marketing Division (02) 891-6040 local 2305 (02) 573-4052 amsmarketing@pnb.com.ph

Why Invest Your Money in Real Estate?

nyone would want to put his/her money on worthwhile investments for the future. One of the best investment options available is buying real estate. Who can purchase real properties in the Philippines? A. Filipino citizens B. Corporations organized in the Philippines, 60 % of which must be Filipino-owned. C. Foreigners who have acquired Filipino citizenship D. Foreigners / Foreign-owned corporations limited to purchase of condominium units provided the buyers total ownership does not exceed 40% of the condominium building or corporation. Why invest your money in real estate properties? Real estate properties are more likely to increase in value over time. Real Estate properties are good sources of income. A vacant lot may have many uses. A house / apartment may be built and have it leased or rented. It could be used for growing crops. It may be used as a parking space which is one of the growing businesses in the countrys commercial districts. The possibilities or options are endless. What to consider in buying real estate? 1. Use Why do you want a particular property? Do you need it for your own home, for building a home for your loved ones or for starting your very own business? 2. Location Where do you want to put up your home / business? Why do you consider that area? Do you want your home located in a Subdivision / Village or your business in the city or grow your crops in the province? 3. Quality of Property What are the things that you should ask the seller in purchasing a property? The following are the basic things to consider regarding the quality of property you are about to purchase. Consolidated (The title should be registered in the name of the actual seller) Unoccupied No Legal Cases 4. Where to Buy? There are a lot of property developers that offer and pre-sell properties. Aside from real estate developers, Banks may also be tapped for their foreclosed properties. Although the general public is unaware of this, Banks are a good source of affordable properties. 5. Payment and Convenience (After Sale Service) - One of the important things to consider in buying a property is your financial capacity. Will you be able to consistently pay the monthly amortization of the property you bought on installment? If in cash, will you need bank financing?

What are the benefits and risks involved in buying properties? Buying from Property Developers Advantages Usually no problem with illegal occupants. Wide range of choices. There are many developers that offer units for your different needs and requirements. Property is fit for occupancy upon completion. Very ideal for vacation and themed homes. Disadvantages Pre-selling activities are common here in the Philippines. Be sure that you buy from reputable real estate developers. If the developer did not complete the project / development, the buyer will have a difficult time at recouping his/her paid amortization if even possible. Developers usually require limitations on design and layout of the units. Properties are clustered on certain areas only. Buying from Banks Advantages You have the option of bank financing. The properties are more affordable than developed properties. Banks are reliable. Convenience. You can make payments to any of your Banks Branches and Affiliates. Disadvantages It is imperative that you or a trusted member of your family inspect and visit the property you are planning to purchase. Make sure that the property is unoccupied, has no legal cases and the titles are already consolidated to the Banks name prior to submitting your intent to purchase. Bank properties are sold on as is, where is basis. PNB Asset Management Sector Who are we? PNB Asset Management Sector (PNB AMS) is responsible for managing PNBs (the Bank) diverse portfolio of nearly 14,000 real properties with a value of nearly PHP 39 Billion. PNB acquired assets are classified according to residential properties, commercial retail/office, industrial, hospitality such as resorts, hotels, serviced apartments, and land. PNB AMS is managed by real estate specialists who have complementary professional background in the real estate industry which ensures the dynamic management of the PNBs asset portfolio to create long term value for investors, developers, and buyers of the Banks real properties. Why buy from PNB? PNB Asset Management Sector provides its clients with numerous properties, at

affordable prices with flexible and easy payment schemes. PNB AMS seeks to fulfill the following benefits that are important to their customers: 1. Selection: PNB AMS has a wide array of properties the clients can choose from it ranges from residential houses lots, house and lots, subdivisions, condominium units and buildings ; commercial properties for retail, and office; industrial properties estate, subdivisions, buildings, condominiums; and hospitality hotels, resorts and serviced apartments. 2. Affordable Prices: PNB AMS offers properties ranging from less than PHP 1 MM to those above P10 MM in which the clients can choose from. 3. Flexible Payment Terms: PNB AMS allows the clients to purchase the property easy payment terms that can fit within their budget. Cash Deposit of 10% upon submission of purchase proposal. Balance of 90% within 30 days from receipt of the Notice of Approval. Installment Down payment of 10% upon submission of purchase proposal. Payment of 15% upon receipt of Notice of Approval. Balance of 75% can be paid from one (1) to five (5) years with a 12% interest rate per year, and from six (6) to ten (10) years with a 15% interest rate per year. 4. Convenience. Payments can be made at any PNB Branches and Affiliates nationwide. 5. Accessibility: PNB has almost 300 branches nationwide providing accessibility to clients nationwide and over 60 overseas branches and remittance centers. Products and Services Offered A. Property Sales May be done thru negotiated sale or thru public and private sealed bidding. B. Property Auctions Bank-acquired real properties are also offered during the various auction events organized by PNB AMS. C. Property Leasing PNB AMS leases out commercial assets to qualified parties at market-competitive rates in order to maximize the value of the properties and at the same time generate income from these assets. D. Property Development and Joint Venture PNB AMS is open to Joint Ventures with interested developers to develop the Banks acquired properties for sale and/or for operating projects for continuous income stream. For Property Information, please contact: AMS Customer Service (02) 891-6040 local 4115 or 4713. (02) 573-4115 amscustomerservice@pnb.com.ph

The Philippine National Bank

Offers the Following Properties for Sale/Lease

Interested?
Call us now at 891-6040 locals 4115/4713 or email us at amcustomerservice@pnb.com.ph

December 2006 I OFW Guardian

UPDATES FROM HERE AND ABROAD

low interest rates, and rising middle-class demand, according to a report by UBS investment bank. In Region I, which is home of many Filipino migrants in the United States, a new building boom is also being experienced as many Ilocano balikbayans are building vacation and retirement homes. (Renee F. De Guzman / PIA La Union) The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has denied claims by a nongovernment organization that a recruitment agency continues to operate even after the cancellation of its license. POEA Administrator Rosalinda DimapilisBaldoz said the POEA has cancelled the license of Emeville Manpower Services on May 25, 2006 for recruitment violations and since then Emeville has ceased to operate as a licensed recruitment agency contrary to claims by the paralegal officer of Kanlungan Center Foundation, Inc Center for Migrant Workers. The POEA also issued a closure order against the recruitment agency on February 17, 2006. Baldoz said the POEA has assisted victims of the agency in the filing of charges against the recruitment agency and has ordered Emeville to pay a total of PhP991,614.84 to some 30 applicants as refund of application and placement fees. Baldoz advises the victims to pursue criminal cases against Emeville even after they have already recovered their money. The applicants paid from PhP20,000 to PhP100,000 to the agency as placement fees. Applicants for overseas jobs must be vigilant and must not be blinded by promises of high paying jobs. They must check from POEA if the agency has a valid license and existing job orders, and must not pay any amount unless they have a legally binding employment contract already, Baldoz said. (POEA)

OFW ALERT

Traveling across the country especially in Luzon one will observe the proliferation of attractive newly built homes and on-going construction of residential houses. The same scenario is noticeable across Metro Manila and suburbs. Chances are these new houses are owned by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) including balikbayans. Thankfully to the migrant Filipino workers, their remittances through the formal banking system which now reached a record of US$10.7 billion had not only made the country stayed afloat especially during the l997 Asian financial crisis but also continues to help strengthen the peso and boost economic growth. Motivated by the improving outlook of the Philippines, the OFWs, especially the diaspora of wealthy professionals are fueling a consumption boom back home that is now spilling over to longer-term investments such as property. These are now the main target of the sales pitches abroad by big property developers organized by the government. Big developers like Ayala Land and MegaWorld saw a remarkable net profit rise of 92 percent from last year, driven by strong sales of residential condominium projects, residential houses and rental revenue from its shopping malls. The exciting prospects in the residential market are being boosted by rising demand from migrant workers, improving affordability,

OFWs Boost RP Construction Industry

POEA Sets The Records Straight

Expecting another record-breaking inflow of dollars this Christmas season, Vice President Noli Kabayan De Castro, also the presidential adviser OFWs, reiterated his proposal for a practical approach to reward OFWs on their remittances by lowering the banking charges and service fees imposed on their remittances and the institution of a raffle promotion as an added attraction that would be appreciated by the OFWs and their families. In his follow-up letter to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Armando Tetangco, Jr., Vice President De Castro asked for an update on his suggestions relayed through an earlier letter that aimed to further encourage OFWs to remit their valued earnings through the formal banking system that would undoubtedly redound to the benefit of the country. While acknowledging the measures being undertaken by the BSP in promoting the bank-

Kabayan Calls for OFW Rewards and Lower Remittance Charges

ing system as the primary remittance instrument among the OFWs, the Vice President, nevertheless, cannot ignore the fact that a great number of OFWs and their families continue to remit and exchange their dollars through informal means. Sa laki ng tulong sa ating ekonomiya, nararapat na hindi lamang pagaanin ng pamahalaan ang gastos ng pagpapadala ng pera pabalik dito sa ating bansa kung hindi dapat ding asikasuhin ng pamahalaan kung paano mabibigyan ng kahit pakunswelo lamang ang ating mga OFW at kanilang mga kapamilya sa kanilang pag-remit ng pinaghirapang sweldo sa pamamagitan ng ating mga bangko at private remittance companies, the Vice President said. At the same time, the Vice President De Castro, who is also the concurrent chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), recognized that these much needed remittances greatly helped mitigate OFW-dependent families not just in their everyday needs but in their housing project needs as well. Figures show that about 30 to 40 percent of the sales of the real estate developers come from OFW purchases (directly or indirectly). (OVP)

ENTERTAINMENT
by Rohn Romulo

Kristine Hermosa

Wishing for a

econd Christmas na magkasama sina Kristine Hermosa at Diether Ocampo. Sa paskong ito ay pangarap nila ang mas maging masaya. Sa katunayan, dapat sanay sa London sila magsi-celebrate ng Pasko, pero biglang nang nagkaroon ng pagbabago dahil sa mga commitments ni Kristine. Actually, ini-expect na kami ng nang best friend ko sa London, dahil medyo nakapangako na ako sa kanya. Pero nahihiya ako dahil magbabago ang plan namin this Christmas. Ang dami ko kasing trabaho dahil sa Enteng Kabisote 3 na kasali sa Metro Manila Film Festival, kailangan kasama ko sa parade of stars at sa pagpo-promote ng movie. Hindi ko talaga na-forsee na meron palang ganun. So, after Christmas pa ako magiging free. Pagdating naman ng January mag-i-start na kami ng taping ng new TV show namin ni Diet, so baka hindi na talaga kami makaalis. Its our second Christmas together and I hope na mas maging masaya ang Christmas namin ni Diet. Last Christmas, medyo complicated, kasi hindi pa siya puwedeng tumuntong sa bahay namin. So, nag-spend ako ng Christmas sa bahay namin, siya naman with his mom. Tapos, after ng noche buena, nagpunta si

Diet sa labas ng bahay to greet my family, tapos naghiwalay na rin kami. This year, ang wish ko, gusto kong magkasama ang family niya at family ko,

Christmas

Happier

maganda sana na magkasama-sama kaming lahat. Kaya sana hayaan kami ng mga pamilya namin na mangyari yun. Kasi hindi naman puwedeng pilitin, kung ayaw pa ng family ko. Gusto ko kasi pag nangyari yun na magkasamasama kaming lahat, yung totoo at tanggap na tanggap na nila si Diet, seryosong pahayag ng magandang aktres. Sa tingin niya, ano ang dahilan ng kanyang pamilya kung bakit hindi pa rin nila matanggap nang lubusan si Diether? Hindi ko talaga alam and I dont want to speak for my family. Unfair naman kung sasabihin ko ang iniisip nila. Although, alam kong medyo okey na, kaya lang meron pa ring humahadlang. Kaya kung ano man yung iniisip nilang naba-bother pa rin sila until now. Gusto ko silang i-assure, pero kung hindi naman nila ako hahayaang i-assure sila at ipaintindi sa kanila, wala talagang mangyayari. At kung hindi nila iwi-welcome at tatanggapin ang explanation ko, so time na lang talaga ang makakasagot ang makakasagot. Dinadaan ko na rin sa prayers. Saka hindi naman ako nagkukulang na ilapit sa kanila si Diet. Kampante naman ako pagdating sa puntong yan, hanggang sa dumating na ako sa

point na hayaan ko na lang siguro. Kasi parang masyado ko nang pinu-push si Diet sa kanila, kaya siguro nagkakasira-sira na ang diskarte ko. Kaya, this time, pabayaan ko na lang kung ano man ang gagawin ni God para maging maayos kaming lahat. At least alam kong diskarte na ni Lord yun, paniwala pa ni Kristine. Samantala, patuloy pa rin ang tsismis tungkol sa pagpapakasal nila sa 2007, na posible raw itapat sa kanyang birthday sa September. Baka hindi pa talaga sigurado yun. Kasi kung next year, dapat nagpi-prepare na kami by now dahil December na, parang short yun nine months. At ako lahat ang mag-aasikaso nun, kaya medyo malabo talaga ang balitang yan, paglilinaw pa ni Kristine. Gusto pala niya uling mag-pose sa Uno Magazine, na pag-aari nina Diether, na kung matutuloy ay gusto niyang pang-January issue. Alam ni Diet na gusto kong mag-pose uli. Pero sabi niya, Wag na lang siguro, Hon, pero gusto ko talaga. Ayaw nga niyang sabihin ang rason niya kung bakit ayaw niya. Sana nga matuloy, kasi hindi ko pa alam kung papayagan ako ng Star Magic, dapat nga may concept na at makapag-pictorial na kami, dahil gusto ko nga pang-January 2007, para ako ang opening salvo ng magazine, nakangiti pang pagtatapos ni Kristine, na tiyak naming mas magiging masaya sa pagsapit ng Pasko. For more entertainment stories, visit www.ofwguardian.com.

Armando O. Bartolome-GMB Franchise Consultants

The Entrepreneurs Education column is a public service effort of the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) and the OFW Guardian. Please email your questions to editor@filfranchisers.com. For more info, please visit www.filfranchisers.com.

Q: I would like to ask if there are laws Investing. Simply put, this means learning all about
that protect franchisees in our country. I am interested to get a franchise but I need to do my homework regarding laws that would protect the franchisees. I look forward to your kind response. Thank you. Anthony

A: Thank you for your feedback, Anthony.

Currently, there are no laws that regulate the Franchise Businesses in the country. The laws that help safeguard the welfare of franchisees and franchisers as well as other business owners are those that pertain to contractual laws and other similar in any business transaction. Since this is the case, a person or a group desiring to get a franchise should exercise what I call the IFBI or Investigate First Before

the franchise before sinking a single centavo into the venture. This includes getting to know the complete details of the franchise such as: the franchise company the owner and/or the franchisor the total cost of investment including particulars like rental deposits and advances, cost of permits, forms of assistance before and during start of business. the concept the target location. Take note that not only the franchisee but also the franchisers needs to be protected. As such, the franchiser will evaluate the suitablity of a franchisee based on his qualifications to run a business.

Franchisees should be prepared to show that they have the time, money and experience for the franchise. They should also commit to a long term relationship and not just learn the ropes and copy the franchise. To make sure franchisees manage the business well, they should have the headcount for each function of operations, particularly the dayto-day management. Lastly, it is in everyones best interest to carefully study the franchise agreement. Never assume one knows everything. If there are parts that need clarification, ask the franchiser before you sign the dotted line. Show the contract to your legal and business advisers to make sure you are joining the business with full understanding of what you are getting into. Hope this helps.

December 2006 I OFW Guardian August 2006 I OFW Guardian

TECHNOLOGY COVER STORY

December 2006 October 17-23, 2006 I OFW Guardian April 24-30, 2005

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December 2006 I OFW Guardian

Smart Roamers Get to Fly for Free

un V. Fruto has been a SMART subscriber for two years now, and often uses his cell phone to communicate with business counterparts, suppliers, and manufacturers abroad, usually from Asian countries such as Japan and Singapore. As general manager of JVF Commercial and Project Development Support Services, a company that deals with distribution, trading, and servicing of trucks and heavy equipment, it is very important for Fruto to keep in touch with his people even when traveling abroad. This is why he has been an avid user of SMARTs International Roaming service. It is very essential to my line of work, he enthuses. Fruto was recently named one of the winners in SMARTs Roam and Win promo. In line with the relaunch of the Asia Mobility Alliance (AMI), the Roam and Win with

SMART and AMI raffle promo allows all SMART prepaid and postpaid subscribers to get a chance to be among 10 monthly winners of 25,000 Mabuhay Miles points, each equivalent to a Philippine Airlines roundtrip ticket to most destinations within Southeast Asia. Promo runs until December 31, 2006. To earn raffle points, SMART subscribers need to use participating AMImember networks when roaming internationally - Celcom in Malaysia, DTAC in Thailand, Mobile One (M1) in Singapore, and XLCom in Indonesia. AMI is the alliance of operators that share wireless services to over 30 million subscribers across the Asia Pacific region. Fruto is very pleased with the free mileage he won, saying he doesnt usu-

ally participate, all the more win, in promos and contests. The timings perfect, because I have an upcoming business trip in Singapore, he says. Now I wont have to buy a ticket, Ill just use the free miles I won.

Im constantly connected to the people I work with, no matter where I am in the world.

SMART subscriber Jun V. Fruto

As a single proprietor, Fruto says he always has to be on top of whats going on in his company. Even when Im abroad, its almost as if I havent left the office, because I still get to keep track of my business, thanks to International Roaming, Fruto says. Im constantly connected to the people I work with, no matter where I am in the world. I dont have to be stressed about how leaving the country would limit me from taking care of matters here, he explains. Fruto expresses the reliability of SMARTs International Roaming feature. The service is easy-to-use, plus the connection is clear, he says. Its easy to talk to clients. I can make coordinations and even close deals while Im traveling. International roaming also allows Fruto to keep in touch with his wife, Mrs. Nora Luisa Fruto, and his five kids whenever he needs to go abroad. Im a very family-conscious man, he shares. I can feel secure whenever I leave the country, knowing I can easily call or text my family anytime and anywhere. SMART International Roaming gives you the best coverage worldwide plus easy access to the widest array of international roaming partner networks whenever you travel. For SMART subscribers, using the International Roaming service couldnt be easier. To activate International Roaming on your prepaid SMART or Talk n Text cellphone, just key in ROAM ON and send to 333 at least one hour before your departure.

OFW NEGOSYO

December 2006 I OFW Guardian

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Gayaos Furniture
Abra

ayaos Furniture started in 1993 as a hobby of Arturo S. Gayao, a mechanical engineer who retired from his employment at the young age of 45. Since he had many portable power tools, he seriously considered maximizing the use of these tools in a business using sift and hard wood as raw materials, which are abundant in the area. The firm is engaged in the manufacture of furniture and other wood-based products as well as the installation of wood parquet, staircase and balusters, built-in cabinets, French windows, doors and jambs, cornices, baseboards, and others. The business got started with initial capital of PhP80,000, five workers and a makeshift shed. When Abra was devastated by a strong typhoon in 1994, hude slabs of wood drifted to the Gayao property, located along the bank of Ikmin River. Taking advantage of these raw materials, Mr. Gayao purchased heavy-duty word working equipment and machineries, which he later supplemented with other equipments and tools to improve his products and meet the demands of walk-in buyers. The firm started availing of DTI assistance in 2002 in the form of market development, product development conducted by the PDDCP and regular consultancy services. It also received financial assistance from SB Corporation in the amount of PhP500,000.00, which was used to acquire transport facility. It began participating in various regional and provincial trade fairs, culminating in the NTF 2006, where it became top seller for furniture and furnishings. In 2002 and 2003, it won the PADAYA award for Best Dressed Booth, and for Best Product in 2004. It was also cited for Regional Award in the 1st Business Excellence Awards for SMEs in 2004, given by the Philippine Small and Medium Business Development Foundation (PHILSMED). Because of these exposures, Gayaos products have already reached Manila, Baguio, and other provinces in Northern Luzon. The firm now has assets close to PhP3 million, and has 16 employees. For more information on small business corporation loans, visit www.sbgfc.org.ph. For more Negosyo articles visit www.ofwguardian.com .

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December 2006 I OFW Guardian

SPORTS
Individual glory is insignificant when compared to achieving victory as a team.
by Vladimir Jones III

Retired Celtic Numbers

Walter Brown Arnold Red Auerbach Dennis Johnson Bill Russell JoJo White Bob Cousy Tom Heinsohn Tom Satch Sanders John Havlicek Dave Cowens Don Nelson Bill Sharman Ed Macauley Frank Ramsey Sam Jones K.C. Jones Cedric Maxwell Kevin McHale Larry Bird Reggie Lewis Robert Parish No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 6 No. 10 No. 14 No.15 No.16 No. 17 No.18 No.19 No. 21 No. 22 No. 23 No. 24 No. 25 No. 31 No. 32 No. 33 No. 35 No. 00

ed Auerbachs coaching philosophy was simple: Only one statistic mattered. At the end of the game, he wanted the number next to his team to be greater than that next to his opponent. The individual players werent the ones who made the difference. It was the team as a whole. Just being a member of a winning team was part of the Auerbach mystique. Born to Win Auerbach guided the National Basketball Associations Boston Celtics through their dynasty, the greatest in NBA history. With Auerbach at the helm as coach or in the front office, the Celtics won 16 championships. They captured nine titles during his last 10 years as coach, including a record eight straight from 1959 to 1966, when Red, at only 48, stepped down to concentrate on being the general manager. He retired as the winningest coach in NBA history with 938 victories (against 479 defeats) in his 20-year career, the last 16 with the Celtics. Boston fans reveled when Auerbach lit a cigar to signify that another victory was secure. Auerbach moved on to the Celtics front office where he served first as General Manager and then President. His shrewed front office moves helped bring the Celtics another 7 championships, the last one in 1986. Probably his most notable attribute was that Auerbach was colorblind. He didnt see black or white players on the court; he just saw players who could help him win. In 1950, he became the first to draft an African-American: Chuck Cooper, a second-team All-American from Duquesne, in the second round. He was first to start five blacks and first to hire a black coach (Bill Russell) in the NBA. He also hired two other African-American coaches after Russell stepped down - Satch Sanders and K.C. Jones, both former Celtics.

Regarded as a coaching genius, Auerbach was known for picking the right players, coaching them and keeping them in line with his system. Employing a then revolutionary fastbreak offense in the early 1950s that often led to easy baskets, he ran only seven basic set plays throughout his entire Celtics coaching career.

Celtic Pride

Immigrant Achieves the American Dream Arnold Auerbach was born on Sept. 20, 1917 in Brooklyn, New York., the son of hard-working immigrants from Minsk, Russia. His father, Hyman, had left Russia when he was 13 and migrated to the United States. When Auerbach was born, his father and American-born mother Marie owned a deli in Brooklyn. Auerbach longed to be a teacher and coach. After a year at Seth Low Junior College, the Brooklyn arm of Columbia University, he transferred to George Washington University, where he was a standout basketball player. Auerbach left George Washington in 1941 with an M.A., to go with the bachelors degree he had earned earlier at the school. Auerbach got his coaching wings at St. Albans Prep School and Roosevelt High School in Washington, D.C., before serving in the US Navy from 1943 to 1946. He came out of the service and began his professional coaching career with the Washington Capitols, piloting the team to a league-best 49-11 regularseason record in 1946-47, the first campaign of the Basketball Association of America (the forerunner of the NBA). In Boston owner Walter Brown needed a coach in 1950 after the Celtics finished last in the East with a 22-46 record. Not knowing much about basketball, he had an informal advisory board make a recommendation. The boards conclusion: Auerbach was the best coach available. Auerbach then moved

to Boston and proceeded to build one of the greatest dynasties in all of sports. A Coaching Original Auerbachs areas of expertise were spotting talent and getting the most of his players. He said that his kind of player had the ability to absorb coaching. He wanted a kid who was great yet never stopped being nice. Examples in his career with the Celtics, as either a coach or in the front office, are Russell, Bob Cousy, Frank Ramsey, Tommy Heinsohn, Sam Jones, John Havlicek, Dave Cowens, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parrish. Also, Auerbach didnt focus on the individuals on his teams. He looked at the whole package. While many of his players were outstanding, the Celtics were the first organization to popularize the concept of the role player. Thats a player who willingly undertakes the thankless job that has to be done in order to make the whole package fly, Auerbach said. In addition,

while most coaches view the starting five as their best players, Auerbach often kept his best players on the bench at the beginning of games to keep them fresh for the finish. The sixth man (the first player off the bench) was another Auerbach tactic. While other teams players were getting tired, Auerbachs fresh reserve was expected to provide a boost. The sixth man became a prestigious assignment in Boston, with Ramsey being the first to star in the assignment. Later sixth men included Havliceck and McHale. Auerbach said that the Celtics represent a philosophy that in its simplest form maintains that victory belongs to the team. Individual honors are nice, but no Celtic has ever gone out of his way to achieve them, he said. We have never had the leagues top scorer. In fact, we won seven league championships without placing even one among the leagues top 10 scorers. Our pride was never rooted in statistics. In recent years, Auerbach had been in and out of hospitals for unspecified health problems. (Auerbachs family has requested that information on his condition not be released.) In the summer of 2005, he was unable to attend his own basketball camp and in September he was hospitalized again, but he was released from the hospital in October. Auerbach died after a heart attack in front of his home in Washington, D.C. on October 28, 2006, some five weeks after his 89th birthday. A private ceremony was held and attended by 150 close friends and family members. Auerbachs view of competition was summed up when he said, Show me a good loser and Ill show you a loser. With that attitude, it is no surprise Red Auerbach is a winner, the best coach ever in the NBA For more sports stories, visit www.ofwguardian.com.

December 2006 I OFW Guardian

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December 2006 I OFW Guardian

Overseas Placement Association Of The Philippines

Jobs on this page were taken from OPAP members. For manpower pooling only. No fees to be collected.

Visit www.trabahoabroad.com for more job openings.

URGENTLY NEEDED
Employers Interview mid-November (tentative) for prospective employer in Al-Aflaj, KSA AL - DERA PHARMACIES & MEDICAL CLINIC Female Registered Nurses Female Radiologists Female X-Ray Technicians Female Laboratory Technicians With PRC license / With at least 2 years hospital or clinic experience URGENTLY NEEDED FOR SINGAPORE For our principal TRI-E International Pte Ltd. (Reg. No.10100970) 100 DOMESTIC HELPERS Female / 23 years old but not older than 30 years old At least High School graduate, preferably College level / At least 5 feet tall Speaks good English / Physically fit and hard working Interested applicants may report for personal interview with the ff: 3 sets of Resume/CV (with detailed job description); Certificate of Employment; College Diploma; Transcript of Record; PRC Board Certificate Rating/ID; Training/Seminar Certificate; Valid Passport; NBI Clearance; Barangay/Police Clearance; 8 pcs. 2x2 or passport size photo. BML WORLDWIDE INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER SERVICES, INC.
G/F & Basement, Kassel Condo., 2625 Taft Ave. cor. Vito Cruz Malate, Manila 1004 Telefax No.: 551-4477 / Tel. No.: 551-4478 bmlworldwide@gmail.com / bmlworldwide@yahoo.com.ph
BEWARE OF ILLEGAL RECRUITERS / MANPOWER POOLING ONLY / NO FEES TO BE COLLECTED

December 2006 I OFW Guardian

WORKERS URGENTLY NEEDED FOR OMAN BC LLC, a leading manpower services in OMAN is in URGENT need of: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NETWORKING GRAPHICS DESIGN E-SECURITY COMPUTER HARDWARE DATABASE MATHEMATICS ENGINEERING MECHANICAL OIL & GAS ELECTRICAL POWER TELECOMMUNICATIONS ELECTRONICS AUTOCAD DESIGN - MECHANICAL COMPUTER ENGINEERING AUTOCAD DESIGN - CIVIL CIVIL ENGINEERING ARCHITECTURE AUTOCAD DESIGN - ELECTRONICS / ELECTRICAL SCIENCE BIOLOGY LABORATORY CHEMISTRY LAB ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE TERM: Two Years Contract, Extendable to Three Years FOR MALAYSIA - A. P. A. SDN BHD, a leading manpower services provider in KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA is in URGENT need of: DOMESTIC HELPERS - Female, 21 - 35 years old, Of Good Moral Character, Pleasing Personality, Knows Household Chores, with One Year Experience as Housemaid and Can Speak English BABYSITTERS / NANNY / YAYA - Female, 21 - 35 years old, Of Good Moral Character, Pleasing Personality, With One Year Experience Taking Care of Infant or Children, and Can Speak English FLY NOW PAY LATER. Please submit bio-data/resume/CV, I.D. picture (passport size), 4 x 6 whole body picture, passport (copy) TERM: Two Years Contract

WORKERS URGENTLY NEEDED FOR OMAN BC LLC, a leading manpower services in OMAN is in URGENT need of: COLLEGE / UNIVERSITY LECTURERS QUALIFICATIONS: With a Masters or Doctorate degree in their respective field, must have at least 2 years of university or college teaching experience after completing PhD or 4 years college teaching experience for Masteral Degree holder. Industrial experience is an added advantage. Fluency in spoken (aside from written) English is a MUST. Candidate must be willing to be deployed last week of December 2006. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NETWORKING COMPUTER WEB DESIGN INTERNET & E-SECURITY MULTI-MEDIA OPERATING SYSTEM INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MATHEMATICS ENGINEERING ELECTRICAL POWER MECHANICAL CIVIL/ARCHITECTURE CHEMISTRY PHYSICS GEODETIC or LAND SURVEYING TELECOMMUNICATIONS & ELECTRONICS BUSINESS STUDIES H.R. MANAGEMENT E-BUSINESS / COMMERCE ECONOMICS OFFICE MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING M.I.S. TERM: One Year Contract, Extendable to Three Years COLLEGE WORKSHOP/LABORATORY INSTRUCTORS QUALIFICATIONS: With a Bachelors degree in their respective field, must have at least 8 years experience mainly in the industry, preferably with 2 years college level teaching experience but not required, fluency in English.

INTERNATIONAL STAFFING REGISTRY, INC.

G/F Catalina Bldg., 9 New York St. cor. E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Cubao, Q.C.
POEA Lic. No. 051-LB-091905-PL

INTERNATIONAL STAFFING REGISTRY, INC.

G/F Catalina Bldg., 9 New York St. cor. E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Cubao, Q.C.
POEA Lic. No. 051-LB-091905-PL

POEA Lic. No. 097-LB-091106-PL

(02) 723-8646 Mobile:0915-202 8307 E-Mail: intl.staff@gmail.com URL: http//internationaljobscenter.com

Beware of Illegal Recruiters Manpower Pooling Only No Fees To Be Collected

(02) 723-8646 Mobile:0915-202 8307 E-Mail: intl.staff@gmail.com URL: http//internationaljobscenter.com

Beware of Illegal Recruiters Manpower Pooling Only No Fees To Be Collected

Share More Time with Your Loved Ones

This Christmas
With Suns Best Value International Services!

ouldnt it be nice to get in touch with your loved ones more often and longer this Christmas Season? For OFWs, theres no better gift than to share precious moments with family and friends back home. Now, Sun Cellulars bestvalue International Services gives OFWs and their loved ones the means to be in constant communication at pocket-friendly rates. Celebrate the season and share happy stories like you are together! With Sun IDD Top 10, your loved ones can enjoy more practical rates when making international calls to the USA (Mainland), China, Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Guam, and Macau only US$0.10 per minute using their mobile phone. With Sun Cellulars more affordable IDD Top 10 service, your

Sun recognizes all the effort and sacrifices that OFWs make for their families. Thats why Sun Cellular makes sure that the best value International Services are made available for OFWs, their family, and their friends.

loved ones can enjoy longer and more meaningful talk time with you when it matters the most. To enjoy this best-value service, Postpaid subscribers need to enroll their account by visiting any Sun Shop or dialing 200 on their mobile phone. Prepaid subscribers may avail of this service by purchasing Sun IDD Top 10 call cards or via e-Pin purchase, SMS purchase, Xpress Load or by accessing The Mall on their Sun Cellular phones. For calls outside the Sun IDD Top 10 destinations, your loved ones can use Suns Regular IDD Service for only US$ 0.30 / minute. This service allows users to call over 200 international destinations without operator assistance and at the lowest regular cellphone rate in the Philippines. Suns International SMS (iSMS), a standard texting service that covers major destinations around the world, allows your loved ones in the Philippines to continue the texting experience with you! Sun offers the best value in international text messaging by having the lowest iSMS rates available in the market (P9.00 for Postpaid and P10.00 for Prepaid). For special moments captured through video and photo, friends and family back home can send them to over 18 destinations overseas with Suns International MMS (iMMS). Rates for iMMS are P20 for non-video content messages and P25 per video content messages. Lastly, Sun International Roaming (IR) allows roamers to make and receive voice calls, send and receive data, or access other Sun services when traveling outside the country. With over 180 roaming partners in more than 100 foreign destinations, Sun International Roaming assures you of a wide coverage across the globe. Sun recognizes all the effort and sacrifices that OFWs make for their families. Thats why Sun Cellular makes sure that the best value International Services are made available for OFWs, their family, and their friends to help bridge the distance and allow for more meaningful connections. For more information on Sun Cellulars International Services, you can log on to www.suncellular.com.ph, call the hotline number at 395-8000, dial 200 using your Sun phone, or visit any Sun Shop nationwide.

Jobs on this page were taken from PASEI members. For manpower pooling only. No fees to be collected.

Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc.

December 2006 I OFW Guardian

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December 2006 I OFW Guardian

Visit www.trabahoabroad.com for more job openings.

ONE-DAY ONLY

MEGA JOBS FAIR

EMPLOYER ARRIVING NEXT MONTH TO DO FINAL SELECTION

NO PLACEMENT FEE

Date: December 10, 2006 SUNDAY Time: 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Venue: LTO Compound along Alabang-Zapote Rd., Las Pinas.
THOUSANDS OF OVERSEAS JOBS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO APPLICANTS FROM POEA LICENSED RECRUITMENT AGENCY MEMBERS OF PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF SERVICE EXPORTERS, INC. (PASEI). MEDICAL STAFF & HOSPITAL PERSONNEL, CONSTRUCTION WORKERS, I.T. PROFESSIONALS, MAINTENANCE WORKERS, DOMESTIC HELPERS, SKILLED AND TECHNICAL WORKERS, SERVICE WORKERS, HOTEL WORKERS, ETC... ETC... ARE NEEDED FOR OVERSEAS JOBS.
TEXT, CALL, NOTIFY, ADVISE YOUR FRIENDS, RELATIVES, BARKADAS, CO-WORKERS, EX-OCWs OF THIS JOBS FAIR.

KINGABDULAZIZ UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Accre. No. 73771-9)

150 NURSES
accommodation; 3 years working experience.

(All Areas)

EEG / ECG / ECHO NURSES RADIOLOGY NURSES RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTIONISTS
Benefits: 2 years contract, 45 days vacation for every 10 1/2 months free round trip ticket / free single

MIDWIVES X RAY TECHS CARDIAC CATH LAB. TECHS. PHYSICAL THERAPISTS PHARMACIST ASST. / TECHNICIANS (F)

CSSD TECHNOLOGISTS - Must be a Bachelors degree from accredited School of Nursing, 3 years clinical experience in Operating Room and 2 years experience in central supply services or medical material management.
Spend only for personal documentation/processing/miscellaneous

QULAEEDALDURR DENTAL HYGIENISTS

Dental / ASST. Center, AL HOFUF, K.S.A / TECHS. -

3 years experience with pleasing personality. 26-30 yrs. old.

BRING: Resumes, Bio-Data, 2x2 pictures, School Credentials, Training & Employment Certificates, NBI Clearance & Passport (if available)

CAREER PLANNERS SPECIALISTS INTL. INC.

E-mail address: recruit@pldtdsl.net; manpower@pldtdsl.net Website:www.careerplanners.com.ph 2/F David Building II, 561 Shaw Blvd., POEA Lic. Mandaluyong City, 1501 Philippines 409-LB Tel. 7230686 / 7238730 / 7184095 / 7248972 Fax: 7239083 021104-R CP: 09178553448 / 09178553452 BEWARE OF ILLEGAL RECRUITERS / MANPOWER POOLING ONLY / NO FEES TO BE COLLECTED

EVERYBODY IS WELCOME!!!
NO ENTRANCE FEE *NO APPLICATION FEE *NO REGISTRATION FEE

ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES

Local folks of this town are trying to make a record at the Guinness Book of Record by presenting their longest mat during their maiden Buri Festival on December 27-30, 2006. Mayor Benjamin Sarmiento told on Monday that his townmates had weaving a 4-kilometer mat that will be laid down along the streets during the opening of the festival on the 27th of December. Each mat weaver is set to make a five-meter long mat. Which will be connected to complete the 4 kilometers long mat. Our Buri Festival falls with the celebration of our town fiesta, which we usually dubbed as San Juan Christmas Festival. However, we realized that we need to focus our fest into one of our major products, so we have chosen the Buri Festival to promote our woven products and the same time, promote our tourism industry, Sarmiento said. Our fest for this year is different because we want to put our town in the world map as the producer of worlds longest mat, he added. Highlights of the activities of the 3-day Buri Festival include a grand parade and streetdancing competition dramatizing the technology in making woven products; opening & cutting of ribbons of the newly constructed public market; amateur boxing competition; coronation of Miss San Juan featuring the three winners from America, Europe and Asia. According to the mayor, a tax holiday will also be launched, wherein resident vendors and visiting vendors are entitled for free taxes in selling their productsduring the festival period. Mayor Sarmiento cited the town of San Juan as the wellknown producer of woven mats, hats and baskets in the Ilocos region due to its abundance of buri (silag) plants in its eastern barangays. Our residents from the eleven eastern barangays namely: Cacandungan, Darao, Lapting, Malammin, Labnig, Caronoan, Bannuar, Ressurecion, Camanggaan, Namuraya and Barbar are engaged in weaving of mats (banig), hat and baskets, he said. The Buri product was recognized by the Department of Trade and Industry as the One Town One Project (OTOP) of San Juan town. (Freddie G. Lazaro / PIA Ilocos Sur)

KAKAIBANG BALITA
Relova and Villasanta attended the launching of a book on Senator Edgardo Angara titled Ed Angara Seer of Sea and Sierra written by National Artist Nick Joaquin. Arroyo was special guest at the launch. During the event, the two hobnobbed with politicians, academic personalities, and socialites. They were seen, for one, interviewing designer Tessa Prieto-Valdes. Arroyo was seated with Angara and other politicians. As Arroyo stood up and was about to leave, Relova and Villasanta, flashing their oversized press cards, approached her and asked her to comment on Angara. Hes a giant of an intellect, Arroyo told the two. Then seeing that Arroyo was ready for more queries, they told her that it was the first time they saw her in person and that she looked very beautiful. Parang kade-debut niyo lang, maam [You look as if you just had your debut], they said. Arroyo, in yellow-gold pantsuit, smiled and thanked the two. They also told Arroyo that they have never been to Malacanang and asked her when they would be invited. Aayusin natin [Well fix it], Arroyo said. Arroyo was said to have been Relovas and Villasantas dream interview. And where Relova and Villasanta apparently succeeded, Palace reporters have not, as they continue to hound the President, hoping to get that elusive ambush interview. (PIA)

Worlds Longest Mat in Ilocos

Exploiting its edge in tourism, Cebu as the top tourist destination in the country along with Bohol is embarking on another crowd drawer, the Kabayo Festival, an annual horse racing sports event that is now on its second year. Department of Tourism (DOT-7) regional director Patria Aurora Roa in the launching of the festival this morning said they are promoting the Kabayo Festival slated on February 16 to 18 in Mandaue City as a tourism sports event. Roa urged horse afficionados, horse jockeys and other horse racing clubs to join the festival. The Kabayo Festival started last year. As governments priority thrusts are on tourism and agriculture, a member of the travel agency association suggested that the Corn Festival may also be simultaneously be conducted with the Kabayo Festival. Bobby Joseph of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS) said instead of celebrating the Corn Festival in the mountains, why not bring it down to coincide with the Kabayo Festival? The NAITAS together with the Mandaue City Government and the DOT-7 are working together to promote the Kabayo Festival with the NAITAS chipping in P30,000 for the Rodeo event as part of the festival attraction. Joseph declared their group is hoping to sign an agreement and submit the document to the Philippine Tourism Authority for their support so the promotion could get to the national level. (PIA-Cebu/FCR) The comic tandem of Maverick Relova and Ariel Villasanta got what many Malacanang reporters have in the past tried but failed to get from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo an ambush interview outside the Palace. And heres more, the two even managed to get themselves invited to Malacanang. Relova and Villasanta, hosts of ABC 5 networks Totoo TV , became popular television personalities with their witty man-onthe-street interviews, which have been conducted without scripts. The two have continued to hold spontaneous interviews, which they decided to do this time on politicians.

Cebus Kabayo Festival

GMA with Maverick and Ariel

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December 2006 I OFW Guardian