Japanese business sentiment in RP, Asean region improves

The overall outlook of Japanese business sentiment in the Philippines and the Asean region has improved in March as the index rose to 4.1 points due to improved economic condition in the region.

A survey by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) showed that the overall current business sentiment for the ASEAN countries showed little improvement, with the index gaining just 0.2 points in February.

"This reflects a continued slow overseas demand for electric and electronic equipment.

By country, current indices for all locations with the exception of Singapore and the Philippines, remained depressed in the March survey."

The Jetro index for Thailand sank below February’s already record low, due mainly to stagnant domestic demand for transport equipment such as automobiles and worsened performance in construction and real estate sectors, as housing demand fell off, the JETRO survey said.

JETRO noted that the overall current business sentiment for China and North Asia fell into a negative territory in March, with the index declining 2.8 points over February to stand at -0.3.

By country, the index for mainland China remained strong at 11.6, although continuing on the downward trend that began in October 2006.

The index for the country’s electric and electronic equipment sector remained depressed, reflecting decreasing overseas demand.

The index for the electric and electronic sector in Southern China declined 39.9 points to -25.0.
Overall, the indices for Taiwan and South Korea in these sectors remained depressed, standing at 27.4 and -16.7 respectively.

JETRO said the overall forward business sentiment for China and North Asia remained unchanged in March, holding tight at 0.3, reflecting continued depressed sentiment in Taiwan and ROK, where indices stand at -17.9 and 16.7 respectively.

Declining sentiment was also recorded for mainland China, where the index slipped 4.9 points to 6.7 in March.

In Southern China, where there are a number of export companies, saw worsened sentiment in this latest survey, due mainly to weak demand for IT products such as personal computers and LDC monitors.

However, the sentiment in the region, is expected to recover by May.

The monthly survey of JETRO on the Japanese companies and affiliates operating in 12 countries of East Asia revealed that the overall current sentiment remained depressed in the ASEAN region and showed little sign of recovery.

The index for Thailand continued on its downward trend, dropping to its lowest level since the survey began in June 2001.

The current sentiment for Hong Kong and mainland China continued solid, while the index for mainland China continued on the gradual downward trend that started in October 2006.

The overall current sentiment for China and North Asia fell into a negative territory, as firms in

Taiwan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) showed no signs of recovering sentiment.

Global Filipinos,Beyond Remittances:Meddling or Caring

National and local elections this May will continue to occupy most Filipinos, including those living and working abroad.

The importance of the results, in terms of reversing or reducing graft and corruption in government, cannot be overemphasized.

FILGLOBAL, via the internet, has deemed it a duty to remind voters back home to choose candidates wisely, and right or wrong, boldly recommends 12 senatorial candidates.

Many, specially the early OFWs, reminisce those bygone days when the Philippines was second to Japan and choose only to sulk in disgust now that economically and militarily, we are the Sick Nation of Asia, perceived to be the most corrupt in the region.

For an overseas Filipino, to simply shrug this off goes against the grain of love of country, patriotism and duty.

Global Filipinos can do something!

They must not ignore the call to make a difference.

Someday, many will likely go home to retire. Even from distant shores Global Pinoys can help make the Philippines a better place.

There is no better time to start than NOW!Remitting $12-14 billion annually to family and relatives has not really changed anything insofar as reducing graft and corruption in government, or instilling discipline among the populace.

If we care economically, why can稚 we care in more fundamental ways beyond curbing corruption, such as teaching relatives those courteous, disciplined ways we learned abroad?

Like it or not, the 10 million overseas Filipinos ARE the new middle class.

Historically, it bocomes our obligation to push for positive changes.

And remember, underneath that brown skin, Filipino caring blood flows no matter what country or citizenship we have adopted.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

‘Let’s focus on doing what is right, and results will follow’

I will endeavor to briefly share with you, if I may, my humble views gathered from various sectors in the U.S. about Philippine development.

This, I believe, would be germaine given that the U.S. is cumulatively our largest foreign investor and is at the same time our largest trading partner.

The U.S. also provides us with the highest level of official development grant assistance, and is home to the largest Filipino community abroad with the highest disposable income, contributing about 60% of the total remittances to the Philippines.

In any discussion on Philippine development, all of us must join in praising the admirable success in our fiscal reforms which has resulted in a strengthened peso, increased international reserves, a vibrant stock market, a reduced budget deficit, lower interest and inflation rates along with record remittances and respectable GDP and GNP growth rates.

To achieve a broad-based growth however, the most major challenge we now face is how to aggressively increase employment in all sectors encompassing agriculture, industry and services.

Without the necessity of citing statistics, our performance in terms of meeting employment targets is falling short. We are, for instance, graduating more students than there are new jobs being created.

Thus, we need to create many more jobs.

To create more jobs, we need to increase overall investment and continue to improve the investment climate.

Whereas FDIs are on a significant upswing, total investments have also been falling short as local investors appear to be sitting on the sideline.

We need to validate this and, if it so, we need to know why.

Since it is my intention to focus on the potential for more investments from the U.S., let me articulate, if you will, certain notable sentiments from the private and public sectors in the U.S.

One great observation is that nearly everyone wants this administration to succeed.

A second great observation is there exists a huge reservoir of American goodwill for the Filipino people.

Everywhere you go, you find this to be true, including the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. Government.

I have been to 40 states and many more cities, and it was so gratifying.

The not so great observation is that we have not been fully successful in tapping this goodwill.

In order to do this, we must show more political will to do what is right in addressing our country’s problems.

We are expected to do what is right: (1) in defending our democracy; (2) in continuing to reform the economy; (3) in improving governance through addressing corruption and inequality; and (4) in fighting terrorism and maintaining peace and order.

In terms of defending our democracy, our many friends are expecting that we will do what we can to ensure clean and credible elections.

There are now unfortunately new concerns that the military may be involved in electioneering.

In the halls of U.S. Congress, there are deep concerns about alleged human rights violation against journalists and political activists.

In terms of continuing economic reforms, it is essential for us to improve infrastructure and productivity.
We must also lower the cost of doing business, address red tape, and have a working national policy on competitiveness.

There is an equal urgent need for more programs to cascade economic benefits to the countryside.

For example, there is a U.S. Digital Freedom Initiative for Apec developing member countries for the transfer of information and ICT to benefit entrepreneurs and small businesses in the countryside.

This has not been offered to the Philippines but should be pursued.

There may be also an opportunity to have Filipinos in America buy dollar-denominated retail bonds to benefit microfinance initiatives in the countryside.

Given our familiarity with various leaders of the Filipino American community, Ms. Loida Nicholas Lewis and I will be honored to help if a roadshow were to be organized.

In terms of good governance, we need to continue addressing the problem of corruption by accelerating effective programs against smugglers and tax evaders.

The full force of the law should be applied to those found guilty and a message must be established that no one is above the law.

Successfully addressing corruption will yield its own dividends in the form of revenues for increasing government investments.

In terms of addressing inequality, we must invest more in the livelihood, education and health of our people.

This fortunately has began as a result of improved fiscal performance.

In terms of fighting terrorism and maintaning peace and order, the signing of the anti-terrorism law has strengthened our ability to take a position against terrorism.

We must stay on course in reforming the AFP and the PNP.

We must also endeavor to finalize the elusive peace process with the MILF, which will serve to unleash the total potential of Mindanao.

Given the aforementioned challenges, we must fully focus on doing what is right and the results will come.

Even local investors who may be currently on the sidelines would surely see this as an encouragement to invest more in our country.

I recall in one of our roadshows in the not too distant past, that we had been complimented for excellence in our rhetoric.

In the same breath, however, it was also suggested that our ability to execute needed to be reinforced.

To respond to this constructive criticism, the government should resolve to move into other reform areas on the strength of its successful execution of fiscal reforms.

In terms of execution, there are countless opportunities for public and private sector cooperation.

On marketing the Philippines as a preferred ICT outsourcing location, the Philippine Embassy in Washington was able to invite the private sector, more specifically PLDT, towards a successful partnership in working with the Embassy, and the DTI.

On another successful partnership, the Philippine Embassy organized with 15 Philippine property developers as a roadshow in six U.S. cities which served to increase remittances from the U.S. to the Philippines.

In closing, if we are to achieve broad-based growth through higher investments, there must be a strong concurrence on our part to do what is right in defending our democracy, in continuing to reform our economy, in improving governance through addressing corruption and inequality and in fighting terrorism and maintaining peace and order.

Without a doubt, these are challenges which we must address to enable the country to move ahead quickly.What remains is for us to join together in doing what needs to be done.

‘Let’s focus on doing what is right, and results will follow’

I will endeavor to briefly share with you, if I may, my humble views gathered from various sectors in the U.S. about Philippine development.

This, I believe, would be germaine given that the U.S. is cumulatively our largest foreign investor and is at the same time our largest trading partner.

The U.S. also provides us with the highest level of official development grant assistance, and is home to the largest Filipino community abroad with the highest disposable income, contributing about 60% of the total remittances to the Philippines.

In any discussion on Philippine development, all of us must join in praising the admirable success in our fiscal reforms which has resulted in a strengthened peso, increased international reserves, a vibrant stock market, a reduced budget deficit, lower interest and inflation rates along with record remittances and respectable GDP and GNP growth rates.

To achieve a broad-based growth however, the most major challenge we now face is how to aggressively increase employment in all sectors encompassing agriculture, industry and services.

Without the necessity of citing statistics, our performance in terms of meeting employment targets is falling short. We are, for instance, graduating more students than there are new jobs being created.

Thus, we need to create many more jobs.

To create more jobs, we need to increase overall investment and continue to improve the investment climate.

Whereas FDIs are on a significant upswing, total investments have also been falling short as local investors appear to be sitting on the sideline.

We need to validate this and, if it so, we need to know why.

Since it is my intention to focus on the potential for more investments from the U.S., let me articulate, if you will, certain notable sentiments from the private and public sectors in the U.S.

One great observation is that nearly everyone wants this administration to succeed.

A second great observation is there exists a huge reservoir of American goodwill for the Filipino people.

Everywhere you go, you find this to be true, including the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. Government.

I have been to 40 states and many more cities, and it was so gratifying.

The not so great observation is that we have not been fully successful in tapping this goodwill.

In order to do this, we must show more political will to do what is right in addressing our country’s problems.

We are expected to do what is right: (1) in defending our democracy; (2) in continuing to reform the economy; (3) in improving governance through addressing corruption and inequality; and (4) in fighting terrorism and maintaining peace and order.

In terms of defending our democracy, our many friends are expecting that we will do what we can to ensure clean and credible elections.

There are now unfortunately new concerns that the military may be involved in electioneering.

In the halls of U.S. Congress, there are deep concerns about alleged human rights violation against journalists and political activists.

In terms of continuing economic reforms, it is essential for us to improve infrastructure and productivity.
We must also lower the cost of doing business, address red tape, and have a working national policy on competitiveness.

There is an equal urgent need for more programs to cascade economic benefits to the countryside.

For example, there is a U.S. Digital Freedom Initiative for Apec developing member countries for the transfer of information and ICT to benefit entrepreneurs and small businesses in the countryside.

This has not been offered to the Philippines but should be pursued.

There may be also an opportunity to have Filipinos in America buy dollar-denominated retail bonds to benefit microfinance initiatives in the countryside.

Given our familiarity with various leaders of the Filipino American community, Ms. Loida Nicholas Lewis and I will be honored to help if a roadshow were to be organized.

In terms of good governance, we need to continue addressing the problem of corruption by accelerating effective programs against smugglers and tax evaders.

The full force of the law should be applied to those found guilty and a message must be established that no one is above the law.

Successfully addressing corruption will yield its own dividends in the form of revenues for increasing government investments.

In terms of addressing inequality, we must invest more in the livelihood, education and health of our people.

This fortunately has began as a result of improved fiscal performance.

In terms of fighting terrorism and maintaning peace and order, the signing of the anti-terrorism law has strengthened our ability to take a position against terrorism.

We must stay on course in reforming the AFP and the PNP.

We must also endeavor to finalize the elusive peace process with the MILF, which will serve to unleash the total potential of Mindanao.

Given the aforementioned challenges, we must fully focus on doing what is right and the results will come.

Even local investors who may be currently on the sidelines would surely see this as an encouragement to invest more in our country.

I recall in one of our roadshows in the not too distant past, that we had been complimented for excellence in our rhetoric.

In the same breath, however, it was also suggested that our ability to execute needed to be reinforced.

To respond to this constructive criticism, the government should resolve to move into other reform areas on the strength of its successful execution of fiscal reforms.

In terms of execution, there are countless opportunities for public and private sector cooperation.

On marketing the Philippines as a preferred ICT outsourcing location, the Philippine Embassy in Washington was able to invite the private sector, more specifically PLDT, towards a successful partnership in working with the Embassy, and the DTI.

On another successful partnership, the Philippine Embassy organized with 15 Philippine property developers as a roadshow in six U.S. cities which served to increase remittances from the U.S. to the Philippines.

In closing, if we are to achieve broad-based growth through higher investments, there must be a strong concurrence on our part to do what is right in defending our democracy, in continuing to reform our economy, in improving governance through addressing corruption and inequality and in fighting terrorism and maintaining peace and order.

Without a doubt, these are challenges which we must address to enable the country to move ahead quickly.What remains is for us to join together in doing what needs to be done.

New seed-starting mix available in market

A new seed-starting mix food for flower and vegetable seeds is now available in the market, particularly in the garden section of Ace Hardware.

This is the Homegrown Seed Starting Mix from GreenHearts The Garden Shop.

It is an all-natural soilless mix formulated specifically for growing plants from seeds right at home.

It is an all-natural soilless mix made up of varying proportions of organic matter and other naturally-occurring materials that have been pre-measured to give the perfect levels of aeration, drainage and moisture retention for maximum seed germination.

It has a mild formulation that gives the delicate seeds the right blend of nutrients and a healthy environment as compared to plain garden soil that may just do more harm than good to seeds.

Since Homegrown is ready-to-use, it makes sowing as easy as 1-2-3.

All you need are a packet of seeds, a seedling tray or small pots, and Homegrown soilless potting mix in which to sow the seeds and you are all set!

The sooner you start, the sooner you get to enjoy a more colorful garden.

And the best part is, growing your own flowering delights can easily be worked into your hectic schedule.

Here are some tips to help you start your very own easy-does-it Garden of Eden.

GO FOR ANNUALS.

Annuals are flowers that grow and bloom quickly from seed, and then die within a relatively short period of time.

Examples are petunias, cosmos, four o’clock, zinnias, vincas, celosias, marigold, mums and several others.

Some people prefer just growing perennials – such as bougainvilleas and roses – plants that live on for years and years.

But annuals provide a unique kind of reward for busy gardeners because of the plants’ quick life cycles.

Fulfillment comes quick and easy as these flowers provide dazzling burst of color in their short but colorful lives.

After they mature, the dropped seeds can actually return as new plants.

GROWING SEEDS IN CONTAINERS.

Although you can choose to just scatter the seeds straight into the ground, sowing seeds in pots and trays gives the seeds a safe and healthy start.

Instead of taking risks by exposing them to the harsh environment, away from strong wind and rain, until they are ready enough to be placed in the garden.

Where you plant the seeds is highly important.

Growing them on a warm surface helps speed up germination.

Your pot or growing container also matters.

It needs proper holes for good drainage.

Too much moisture can make the seed rot.

USE SOILLESS SEED STARTING MIX.

Ordinary garden soil is generally made up of loam, clay, silt, stones, organic matter, a multitude of organisms (both good and bad), soil-borne diseases, weed seeds, and even bits of trash.

Seeds and seedlings are very delicate and need a more hygienic environment in which to get started.

For best results, sow your seeds in Homegrown Soilless Seed Starting Mix.

Homegrown is an all-natural soilless mix made up mainly of well aged coconut dust and the right amounts of other organic matter to give your seedlings the healthiest start in life.

It is available nationwide at the lawn and garden section of Ace Hardware.

SOWING BASICS.

Seeds will not germinate if they are buried too deeply.

Generally, seeds should just be covered to twice their diameter; fine seeds should not be buried at all but just pressed firmly into the seed starting mix.

Some seeds also require light to germinate while others prefer total darkness.

That’s why it is important to read directions found on the seed packet.

It is also advisable to cover the pots or trays with a clear plastic sheet or wet newspaper to conserve moisture.

As long as the potting mix is well moistened upon sowing, you will not need to water until the seedlings emerge.

The quality of the plant also lies with the freshness of the seed.

The longer it takes for seeds to be planted, the greater the risk of growing low quality plants, or worse, they may not germinate at all.

If you are not planting your seeds right away, store them in an airtight container in the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator.

AFTER GERMINATION.

After seedlings appear, remove the clear plastic or newspaper cover and transfer the container to a cooler environment where the sunlight is not too harsh.

This is the tender stage when many gardeners lose their seedlings to damping off which is the sudden collapse of seedlings; also the time when home gardeners most appreciate the use of a high quality soilless potting mix that is free from soil-borne diseases and pests.

Growing plants that you have sown from seeds yourself gives a unique sense of fulfillment.

And knowing the basics in sowing, with patience and determination, you are on your way to finding the great gardener in you.

The Growing Overseas Factor in Philippine Electoral Politics

With national elections just a few months away, election fever is heating up in the Philippines.

Two major parties are the Administration's Team Unity and the Estrada-backed Genuine Opposition have pulled away from the pack and both groups seem poised for the "slugfest" that is elections "Pinoy Style."


For the average "Pinoy on the street" however, elections are still somewhat of an afterthought.

The daily struggle to put food on the table relegates campaigning politicians and their radio and TV ads to the background.

And luckily, for Metro Manilans, there is now a law prohibiting the posting of election material except in specially designated areas.

This has kept Manila from the blight of years past when campaign posters were plastered everywhere.


In our forum discussions however, election fever is in full swing.

Overseas Filipinos seem to be placing greater importance on this election than their counterparts in the Philippines.

A group of concerned PNL readers have even banded together to form FILGLOBAL and cobble together a slate of twelve chosen Senatorial bets--then disseminate the information via the web.


Can overseas Pinoys make a difference? With the increasing number of dual citizens eligible to vote, the political clout of overseas Filipinos is on the uptrend.

And who knows, they may be the driving force that finally tips the balance in favor of qualified candidates getting elected into office, and not the entertainers and media personalities that voters in the Philippines seem to prefer.

Church day!.

Good afternoon!

Today I go to church and I'm so exited..

Hope we all have a great day!.

Thank you!.

March

March 17, 1521

Magellan accidentally arrived in the archipelago that would be known as the Philippines.

Holy Week

Holy week is commemorated either in March or April.

It is also called the Lenten Season, a time for spiritual cleansing and a time to commemorate Christ's death on the cross. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday.

The peak of the occasion are Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, and Easter Sunday.

Once,there was a pencil maker.

When he was packing them in their boxes,the pencil maker told the pencils five important lessons.

1st,everything you do will always leave a mark.

2nd,you can always correct the mistakes you make.

3rd,what is important is what is inside you.

4th,in life you will undergo painful sharpenings which will make you a better pencil.

And the most important is,to be the best pencil you can be,you must allow yourself to be held and guided by the hand that holds you....GOD

Geography

The Philippine archipelago lies off the southeastern coast of the Asia mainland.

It consists of 7,107 islands and islets, making it one of the largest archipelagos in the world.

The islands are grouped into three sections: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

There are eleven main islands: Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Mindoro, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol and Masbate.

For administrative purposes, the country is divided into 15 regions (listed below).

The regions are further divided into provinces, the provinces into cities and municipalities, and these into barangays (the smallest political unit).

REGION
I – Ilocos
II – Cagayan Valley
III – Central Luzon
IV – Southern Tagolog
V – Bicol
VI – Western Visayas
VII – Central Visayas
VIII – Eastern Visayas
IX – Western Mindanao
X – Northern Mindanao
XI – Southern Mindanao
XII – Central Mindanao
National Capital Region (NCR)
Cordillera Administrative Region
Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

The Philippines has a varied topography.

It has a coastline of 18,411 kilometers.

Many islands have extensive coral reefs that attract tourists from everywhere.

The larger islands have rugged, mountainous interiors, mostly ranges running north to south.

Its four major lowland areas – central plain of Luzon, Cagayan valley, Agusan and Cotabato river valley – contrast sharply with the high mountain areas of Central and Eastern Cordillera and Zambales.

Three major mountain ranges traverse the country to form natural barriers: the Sierra Madre, the Cordillera, and Caraballo ranges.

There are about 221 volcanoes, 21 of which are active.

The Philippines lies on the volatile Pacific “Ring of Fire,” and most of the highest mountains are volcanic in origin.

It had its share of natural disasters in recent years, but two major eruptions Mt. Pinatubo and Mayon Volcano caught the attention of sightseers.

Mt. Pinatubo in the central plain of Northern Luzon erupted on June 12, 1991, after 600 years of silence, rendering almost 50,000 people homeless.

The great rivers of volcanic lava devastated the once fertile central plains of Luzon.

Mayon Volcano, called “the perfect cone,” almost lost its mystique when it erupted on February 2, 1993, spewing volcanic debris several miles into the air and destroying fertile farmlands around the city of Legaspi.

The Philippines is no stranger to earthquakes.

The worst earthquake in the recent past occurred in 1990.

With an intensity of 7.7 on the Richter scale, it damaged thousands of buildings and resulted in widespread casualties.

Fortunately, the damaged areas of Baguio, Cabanatuan and Pangasinan have recovered.

Manila had minimal damage, making it the refuge of those who were left homeless by the earthquake.

Population growth and Philippine development

Rapid growth in the Philippine population poses a challenge to economic development but, at the same time, is a source of new opportunities.

The population of the Philippines has increased fourfold in the last 50 years, from about 20 million in 1050 to today’s almost 80 million Filipinos.

Although the country’s population growth rate declined from 3% in the 1960s to 2.3% in the 1990s, it is still considered high compared to neighbors like Thailand (at 1.4%) and Indonesia (at 1.6%). Over 1.8 million Filipinos are born yearly.

As a consequence, there are over 28 million more people today in the Philippines than in South Korea and 15 million more than in Thailand, when in 1965 these countries had about the same population size.

How many islands are there?

There are 7,107 islands that make up the country of the Philippines.

Amazingly though, there are only a few hundred of these islands that have people living on them.

Some people say that the number of islands in the Philippines depends-- it depends on if you count at high tide or low tide!

The Filipino Compared to the Bamboo

There is a popular saying, "The Filipino is as pliant as a bamboo."

The bamboo is a tree found in tropical and subtropical regions.

It is known for its flexibility and versatility.

It can be used in making furniture, kitchen utensils, and other items for practical use.

There is even a organ made from bamboo at the Las Piňas church, the only one of its kind in the world.

The properties of bamboo, according to Tomas Andres in Positive Filipino Values (1989), are "low modules of elasticity, poor bond with concrete, tendency to absorb moisture, high absorption strain, and variations in mechanical properties."

The bamboo is generally considered pliant, and symbolically it has been compared to the Filipino character. Why so?

The Filipino character is similar to the bamboo because it has flexibility, endurance, and harmony with nature.

It bends with the wind, but can survive a storm. Just like the bamboo, the Filipino nation goes along with the forces of nature and politics.

It copes with "fate" rather than fights against it.

The Filipino mind is pliant in the sense that it is open to new ideas.

Although the Filipino is trusting, he is also capable of standing up for his own beliefs.

He will not tolerate betrayal and oppression.

Filipinos in general are protective of their hard-won independence, and they will fight for their freedom at all costs.

Population Growth

The Philippine population in the early 1990s continued to grow at a rapid, although somewhat reduced rate from that which had prevailed in the preceding decades.

In 1990 the Philippine population was more than 66 million, up from 48 million in 1980.

This figure represents an annual growth rate of 2.5 percent, down from 2.6 percent in 1980 and from more than 3 percent in the 1960s.

Even at the lower growth rate, the Philippine population will increase to an estimated 77 million by the year 2000 and will double every twenty-nine years into the next century.

Moreover, in 1990 the population was still a youthful one, with 57 percent under the age of twenty.

The birth rate in early 1991 was 29 per 1,000, and the death rate was 7 per 1,000.

The infant mortality rate was 48 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Population density increased from 160 per square kilometer in 1980 to 220 in 1990.

The rapid population growth and the size of the younger population has required the Philippines to double the amount of housing, schools, and health facilities every twenty-nine years just to maintain a constant level.

Language

The Philippines has two official languages, Filipino and English.

Filipino is based primarily on the Tagalog language.

Most Filipinos are either bilingual or trilingual.

About 70 native languages are spoken all over the archipelago.

Climate

The Philippines is located just above the equator on the upper torrid zone of the globe.

Thus, the country experiences an average temperature ranging from 24˚ Celsius (about 75˚ Fahrenheit) to 31˚ Celsius (about 88˚ Fahrenheit) and humidity varies from 70% to 85% depending on the time of year.

The warm and humid climate all year round accounts for one of the healthiest tropical climates.

There are two distinct seasons: wet and dry.

The time of year for each season depends upon the local climate in each region.

In Baguio, the “summer capital” of the Philippines, temperature averages 18.3˚ Celsius (or 65˚ Fahrenheit).

Nights all over the country are decidedly cold in the months of December and January.

The different parts of the country experience varied weather conditions because of the general air streams that cross the islands: the northeast monsoon that moves from north to east from October to January; the trade winds that come from the tropical high-pressure area of the Pacific from February to April; the southwest monsoon that originates from the tropical high-pressure area below the equator from May to September.

Typhoons may occur anytime of the year, but their peak of occurrence coincides with the rainy season. The number, path, and strength of typhoons differ each year.

They are measured by signals according to strength and length.

An average of 25 typhoons comes each year to different regions of the country.

Filipino Characteristics

Common Traits

There is no doubt that the Filipino spirit is alive and strong.

The Filipino's identity is evident in the traits, traditions, passions, and attitudes of a people with a diverse and unique culture.

Filipinos are generally known for their hospitality.

Although they are not the only people in the world who can be friendly, warm, and welcoming, their attitude toward other people is said to be unique.

The foreigner will experience being "at home" almost anywhere in the Philippines.

If he happens to drop by a Filipino home, the family will normally offer him something to eat.

The host will not complain that he's being disturbed and will not boast that he has offered the best that is available under the circumstances.

Another important Filipino Trait is close family ties.

In a conventional Filipino family, the father is the head and the mother is the "light," the teacher and manager of the household.

Due to the closeness that this unit maintains, the grandparents live with the family for as long as they like.

More than that, the Filipino values the relationship of their relatives, even down to their third cousins.

Another major trait incomparable to other races is respect for elders.

In the Filipino setting, the parents are accorded the highest respect in the family.

Hence, it is a moral rule for children to talk and behave respectfully.

The constant use of the words po and opo is a sign of respect for the elderly.

Even parents are obliged to use these words when talking to their elders.

If you want a Filipino friend, it would not be hard for you to gain loyalty, which is another strong trait among the people.

The term utang na loob implies a strong sense of gratitude and loyalty to a person who did a good thing for someone. Filipinos treasure their friendships under any circumstances.

The Filipino's trust becomes evident when he shares with you both his joys and sorrows.

A Filipino friend is someone you can lean on.

Another trait of the Filipino is pakikisama, which can be roughly translated as comradeship or being cooperative.

It has many manifestations in Philippine society, one of which is extending support or offering help to neighbors who are in need. Pakikisama reflects the bayanihan spirit, which involves cooperation among fellow men to come up with a certain idea or accomplish a certain task.

While bayanihan refers to a community-support deed, pakikisama has a more individualized sense.

Filipinos too are known for being sensitive to insults, criticisms (constructive and destructive), racial discrimination, and other small issues cropping on occasion.

Amor propio, or pride, connects the traits pakikisama, hiya (or shame), and utang na loob (or debt of honor).

All of these affect his amor propio.

If you have helped him in a way that cannot be repaid materially, he will constantly thank you for the favor done.

The pride to return the good deeds he received nurtures his amor propio, which sometimes leads to showing off especially in the presence of peers and subordinates.

His amor propio propels him to be overly of sensitive.

Religion

Majority of Filipinos—about 83% of the national population—are Roman Catholics.

The religion was introduced to the natives by the Spanish colonizers in the 16th century.

About 95% of the people are considered Christians, more than in any Asian country.

Thus, the Philippines is considered the only Christian country in Asia.

The Philippine Constitution guarantees freedom of worship.

Every Filipino can choose which organized religion to join.

Protestants, Muslims (especially in the South), and members of other minor religions can openly practice their faith.

Summer hot

Good evening everyone!.

The weather here in the Philippines is still hot..

Yes its summer...

Thank you once again for dropping at my page!.

See you!.

Bayanihan

Bayanihan (pronounced as bah - yah - nee - han) is a Filipino term taken from the word bayan, referring to a nation, town or community.

The whole term bayanihan refers to a spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective.

The origin of the term bayanihan can be traced from a common tradition in Philippine towns where community members volunteer to help a family move to a new place.

The process involves literally carrying the house to its new location.

This is done by putting bamboo poles forming a strong frame to lift the stilts from the ground and carrying the whole house with the men positioned at the ends of each pole.

A mural by Filipino National Artist Carlos "Botong" Francisco and painting by Joselito E. Barcelona illustrates the whole process.

The tradition also features a small fiesta hosted by the family to express gratitude to the volunteers.

†One of the first groups to use the term is a world acclaimed dance group (Bayanihan Dance Company) which travels different countries to perform the various traditional folk dances of the country with the objective of promoting Philippine culture.

Today, the term bayanihan has evolved into many different meanings and incorporated as codenames to projects which depict the spirit of cooperative effort involving a community of members.

Examples of these projects are:

Bayanihan has also been adopted as a term to refer to a local civil effort to resolve national issues.

Have anice day!

Hello!.How are you today?

Hope you all fine!..

Have anice day!..

Tinikling the Philippine National Dance

Tinikling involves two people hitting bamboo poles on the ground and against each other in coordination with one or more dancers who step over and in between the poles in a dance.

It originated in Leyte among the Visayan islands in central Philippines as an imitation of the tikling bird.

Once taught simply as a folk dance from the Philippines, it has recently become popular in the sports curricula of elementary schools as it involves skills similar to jumping rope.

It's now a new, fun form of aerobic exercise that also improves spatial awareness, rhythm, foot and leg speed, agility, and coordination.

Butterfly

A butterfly is an insect of the order Lepidoptera, from either of the superfamilies Hesperioidea (the skippers) or Papilionoidea (all other butterflies).

Some authors have also suggested the inclusion of the superfamily Hedyloidea, the American butterfly moths.

They are notable for their unusual life cycle with a larval caterpillar stage, an inactive pupal stage and a spectacular metamorphosis into a familiar and colourful winged adult form.

The diverse patterns formed by their brightly coloured wings and their erratic-yet-graceful flight have made butterfly watching a popular hobby.

Good Morning

Good morning!.

Today I'm not feeling well..

But I have to do my duties....

Hope you all have a good time...

Thank you so much!.

Coconut

The Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the Family Arecaceae (palm family).

It is the only species in the genus Cocos, and is a large palm, growing to 30 m tall, with pinnate leaves 4-6 m long, pinnae 60-90 cm long; old leaves break away cleanly leaving the trunk smooth.

The term coconut refers to the fruit of the coconut palm.

The coconut palm is grown throughout the tropical world, for decoration as well as for its many culinary and non-culinary uThe origins of this plant are the subject of controversy, with some authorities claiming it is native to southeast Asia, while others claim its origin is in northwestern South America.

Fossil records from New Zealand indicate that small, coconut-like plants grew there as long as 15 million years ago.

Even older fossils have been uncovered in Rajasthan and Maharashtra, India.

Regardless of its origin, the coconut has spread across much of the tropics, probably aided in many cases by sea-faring peoples.

The fruit is light and buoyant and presumably spread significant distances by marine currents.

Fruits collected from the sea as far north as Norway have been found to be viable (and subsequently germinated under the right conditions).

In the Hawaiian Islands, the coconut is regarded as a Polynesian introduction, first brought to the islands by early Polynesian voyagers from their homelands in the South Pacific.

They are now ubiquitous to most of the planet between 26ºN and 26ºS.

A man climbing a palm to harvest coconuts.

Behind the palm a young plant is visible.

The coconut palm thrives on sandy soils and is highly tolerant of salinity.

It prefers areas with abundant sunlight and regular rainfall (750 to 2,000 mm annually), which makes colonizing shorelines of the tropics relatively straightforward.

Coconuts also need high humidity (70–80%+) for optimum growth, which is why they are rarely seen in areas with low humidity (e.g. the Mediterranean), even where temperatures are high enough (regularly above 24°C).

They are very hard to establish in dry climates and cannot grow there without frequent irrigation.

They may grow but not fruit properly in areas where there is not sufficient warmth, like Bermuda.

Coconut palms are intolerant of freezing weather.

They will show leaf injury below 34ºF (1ºC), defoliate at 30ºF (-1ºC) and die at 27ºF (-3ºC).

There are rare reports of coconut palms surviving (with severe damage) to 20ºF (-7ºC). One night of freezing weather can set the growth of a coconut palm back about 6 months.

The only two states in the U.S. where coconut palms can be grown and reproduce outdoors without irrigation are Hawaii and Florida.

Coconut palms will grow from Bradenton southwards on Florida's west coast and Melbourne southwards on Florida's east coast.

The occasional coconut palm is seen north of these areas in favored microclimates in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area and around Cape Canaveral.

They may likewise be grown in favored microclimates on the barrier islands near the Brownsville, Texas area.

They may reach fruiting maturity, but are damaged or killed by the occasional winter freezes in these areas.

While coconut palms flourish in south Florida, unusually bitter cold snaps can kill or injure coconut palms there as well.

Only the Florida Keys provide a safe haven from the cold as far as growing coconut palms on the U.S. mainland.

The farthest north a coconut palm has been known to grow outdoors is in Newport Beach, California along the Pacific Coast Highway.

In order for coconut palms to survive in Southern California they need sandy soil and minimal water in the winter to prevent root rot, and would benefit from root heating coils.

The flowers of the coconut palm are polygamomonoecious, with both male and female flowers in the same inflorescence.

Flowering occurs continuously, with female flowers producing seeds.

Coconut palms are believed to be largely cross-pollinated, although some dwarf varieties are self-pollinating.ses; virtually every part of the coconut palm has some human use.

Carabao

The carabao is Carabaos are indigenous to Southeast Asia; as waves of migration into the Philippines occurred, the carabao were captured and domesticated.

The carabao is considered as a national symbol of the Philippines.

Also, the mascot of the Philippine Daily Inquirer is Guyito, a carabao.usually considered a subspe.

Description

Adults weigh seven to eight hundred kilograms—almost 2,000 pounds—and have fairly long gray or black hair thinly covering their huge bodies.

They have a tuft of hair on their forehead, and at the tip of their tail.

Normally, they are silent, but they will give a trembling snort if they are surprised.

Both males and females have massive horns.

Since carabao have no sweat glands, they cool themselves by lying in waterholes or mud during the heat of the day.

Mud, caked on to their bodies also protects them from bothersome insects.

Carabao eat grass and other vegetation, feeding mainly in the cool of the mornings and evenings.

In some places of the world carabao are used for milk just like a cow, or they may be slaughtered for their hide and their meat.

They live to age 18 or 20 and have one calf each year.cies of B. bubalis.

The Narra-Tree - Neglected National Symbol

It is somewhat astonishing that the Narra-Tree (Pterocarpus indicus / Red Sandalwood tree), belongs to the national-symbols of the Philippines, especially because in the past the tree could be found in most deeper and middle regions of South East Asia and because nowadays the Philippines have only small, scattered and endangered remainders of the tree.

What kind of a tree is it? The Narra-Tree is a deciduous, relatively short-stemmed tree.

In case of good growth-conditions it can reach a height of over thirty meters and a trunk-scope of two meters – in the lower parts up to seven meters through buttresses.

In the rule however these maximum-dimensions are seldom. The treetop shows long, somewhat disarranged side-branches, that first rise upward and then bends downward.

The smooth, feathered, oval-elliptical leaves are 7–11 cm long, 3–5 cm wide and have a distinctive top. It is reported that the young leaves and blooms of the tree should be edible. In the Philippines, the tree mostly blooms in the months of February until May - often before the leave flushing.

The blossoms on panicles are brightly yellow and fragrant. Mostly they open after a shower and bloom only one day. The multitude of falling blooms can make streets slippery. After 4–6 months we can see the development of hairy, 4–6 cm disc-shaped pods with 1 -2 cm broad wings. They are dispersed by the wind and can also float in water.

After two or three years – as can be seen in some avenues - settlings can grow up to decorative, shadow spending and relatively wind-solid trees.

The colour-qualities make the very durable hardwood of the Narra-Trees attractive. The heartwood has a yellow-rose to brown scented colour with an ornamental texture that is in some aspects more decorative than such of teak-tree. It darkens upon exposure.

The younger, water-transporting sap-wood has a lighter colour. The wood is moderately hard and heavy and has good processing-qualities. If it is dried well, it hardly shrinks, does not tend to crack-formation and is very resistant to fungi and insects.

The wood has a pleasant, long persistent cedar-smell. Very smooth surfaces with fine shine can be generated by planning and polishing procedures.

An author is writing, furniture’s from Narra-wood are delighting each homeowner. „In durability, in beauty of its grain, and in the beautiful finish it takes, it ranks with the best cabinet woods in the world"(1).

It is used in the manufacture of high-quality furniture’s, peels and veneers, panelling and parquet-floors. But also the arts and crafts prefer this kind of wood – if it is available - , for example for the manufacturing of inlays, music-instruments, clocks, piece-works, billiard tables, piano cases and sculptures.

Tea prepared from the leaves of Narra-Tree has been since old days a remedy against boils and diarrhoea in traditional medicine.

But now the extracts of the Narra as remedies are discovered again by the classical medicine and are subject of a new renaissance and commercial exploitation-boom. The former airplane-pilot Virgilio V. Ecarma is the head of this new discovery and marketing.

Even on the internet he is offering his ECARMA HERBAL PRODUCTS, praising his teas and capsules as „The Philippine Forest´s Outstanding Gift To Mankind"(2).

First with own experience – now more and more with control-group-experiments – he tries to prove the immune-strengthening and -regulating, metabolic, anti-infectious effects of his products.

The list of indications is so long that doubts about the effectiveness can rise again. Ecarma is recommending his patented teas and capsules in case of: HIV-concomitants, tumour- and leprosy-illnesses, menstruation-disturbances, arthritis, diabetes mellitus, kidney- and bladder-stones, asthma-illnesses, cysts and colds.

Next to his pharmaceutical factory, he built a wellness-centre. A day with cure treatments is offered for 100 $. „A full refund is guaranteed if the patient does not undergo measurable improvement ".

In 1985 the Philippines still exported 3,000,000 kg of Narra-wood. But in the last decades the enormous demand for status-symbols made from Narra caused a considerable diminution of trees in the forests of the Philippines.

Therefore the Philippine government decided in 1987 to prohibit the felling down and collecting in natural stands as well as the export of Narra. The forest-cultivation for industrial purposes is excluded from this regulation.

But the high prices are still luring wood-poachers and export-smugglers. Often, legal tree-felling is connected with illegal felling of Narra-Trees. Today, remainders of Narra-Trees are especially only located at the coast of the province Isabela, that Sierra Madres, in Bicol, Mindanao and the forests of Cagayan.

Data from a nationwide inventory are not available and we don’t know major recultivation-projects of the tree.

However – sometimes wood-dealers still offer in Manila Narra-wood in different quantities at fluctuating prices. In 2000, a „Boardfoot ", (30 cm wide, 30 cm long, 2.5 cm thick) was offered at prices between 1.70 and 2.60 US$ (3). In the internet 2003 a cubic meter was offered at prices between 600 and 700 US$ (4). Its clear, that the price is depending on the texture of wood, width and length.

In the eighties, efforts from sides of the wood-processing industry have been made to replace Narra-wood by the bright-yellow Gmelina-wood. Gmelina-trees are fast-growing in the forest and the wood costs only one sixth of the price of Narra-wood.

Gmelina-wood dries however more irregular and is less durable. Now it seems that the Gmelina-wood has become already popular alternative, but it does not reach the status-qualities of Narra-wood.

Let's hope that the substitution will succeed and that we could find again in greater numbers the beautiful, ecologically valuable Narra-tree in the Philippines.

Sampaguita perfume

Several years ago a Filipina "Balikbayan" asked the founder of ASIA, Ken Brown, why ASIA smelled more like another expensive perfume she couldn’t quite remember rather than the Sampaguita Flower Lei she bought in the streets of Manila many years before.

Here’s Ken’s answer and the story of ASIA:

During 1985 I made the investment of bringing to the Philippines, in my judgement, one of the top perfumers in the world and some say the absolute best.

This perfumer had a track record of creating many successful new perfumes that I am not at liberty to name as it is part of our confidential agreement.

This individual was the chief perfumer for an American based company with operations in about twenty countries where they manufacture flavors and fragrances.

The company is the leader in the perfume industry producing many top fragrances for Este Lauder, Dior, Jean Patou and Ralph Lauren, as well as many other internationally known fragrances.

We need to remember that a perfumer is no different than any other artist, and a good perfumer can store in his mind about 3,000 different types of scents.

Our perfumer went directly to the Sampaguita fields in Laguna, Philippines where he worked with the Sampaguita flower in a portable laboratory.

He then finalized the scent in his laboratory in Hong Kong.

This accomplishment took almost three years as many different parts of this unique fragrance had to experience the criteria that was set as mandatory for the quality of this fragrance.

Part of that criteria was blind panel testing with both men and women who live in the Philippines as well as people of other nationalities who live outside the Philippines.

Every Filipino male group, both high income and low income groups, quickly recognized the scent and were quite amazed to know that someone had developed the scent as a fragrance.

Filipina women from lower income groups that did not wear a fragrance regularly also recognized the scent.

However, some Filipina women who were from higher income groups consistently named other very expensive fragrances like you have done.

Therefore, what you are sensing is the quality of the product and you are trying to compare it to other quality fragrances.

Also, I do not know your experience with the Sampaguita in the Philippines.

If you know the scent from the vendors who sell the flower you must remember when you smell "that scent" the flower is just about dead.

The Sampaguita starts the dying process instantly once it leaves its environment.

This is the reason why other companies have never developed the fragrance.

The industry is located only in New York and Paris which is too far away from the Sampaguita fields in Laguna.

Our Sampaguita scent is the precise scent of the Sampaguita at sunrise when there is just a little bit of morning dew remaining on the flower during the rainy season in the Philippines.

Additionally, we sophisticated the jasmine floral scent to be used with the body pulse point temperature so when you wear our fragrance please follow our wearing instructions and please don't try to critique our fragrance when sprayed in the air.

Our fragrance was made for the body not the air. Getting this message out to our users is our one single biggest marketing problem.

Most fragrances today are made for the air so when you walk by the fragrance counter in you local store everything is great from the tissue paper testing but, it's never the same once you wear the product because it can't be.

It can only be one way or the other...a fragrance either smells great "in the air" or "on the body."
I recommend applying Asia as follows:

- Apply to the back of each knee and the inside of each wrist.

Touch the back of each earlobe with the inside of each wrist before the fragrance dries down.

- Allow about five minutes for the dry down to experience the radiating floral softness of Asia.

The very best way for you to judge our fragrance is to wear it as we recommend and simply observe how other people react to your presence when you are in their space.