EEC Now December

2 eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec

NEWS DECEMBER 2019

Start planning vacations: Palace bares list of 2020 holidays

President Duterte has proclaimed 10 April 9 and 10, Maundy Thursday and Good 31, last day of the year. The additional special Fitr and Eid’l Adha will be issued after the
regular and nine special non-working Friday, respectively; May 1, Labor Day; June non-working days are All Souls’ Day, Nov. 2 approximate dates for the Islamic holidays are
holidays for next year to allow Filipinos 12, Independence Day; Aug. 31, National and Dec. 24, day before Christmas. determined based on the Islamic calendar or
to plan their vacations ahead. Heroes Day; Nov. 30, Bonifacio Day; Dec. 25, the lunar calendar, or on Islamic astronomical
Proclamation No. 845, signed by Christmas Day and Dec. 30, Rizal Day. Declaring Nov. 2 and Dec. 24 as additional calculations.
President Duterte on (Nov. 15), will allow “The National Commission on Muslim
Filipinos to spend more quality time with The special non-working holidays are Jan. special non-working holidays nationwide Filipinos should inform the President of the
their families, Malacañang said. 25, Chinese New Year; Feb. 25, EDSA People actual dates on which these holidays will
The regular holidays are Jan. 1, or New Power Revolution; April 11, Black Saturday; “will strengthen family ties by providing respectively fall,” Malacañang said. —Philstar
Year’s Day; April 9, Araw ng Kagitingan; Aug. 21, Ninoy Aquino Day; Nov. 1, All Saints’ more time for the traditional All Saints’ and
Day; Dec. 8, Immaculate Conception and Dec. Souls’ Days and Christmas Day activities,” the
proclamation read.
The holidays for the observance of Eid’l

Lower prices of life-saving medicine seen next year

Health authorities are hoping the executive order lowering the prices of 120 Duque said. He said the 120-day allowance complete and concluded so there will be a better, higher
prices of more than 100 life- drugs for cancer and other conditions. confidence as to the content of the draft EO,” he said.
saving drugs will be cheaper by 50 “I think, although I do not control the would provide the pharmaceutical Last month, the DOH announced that it would
percent next year. Health Secretary schedule of the President. But of course submit to the President a list of 120 drugs for the
after he signs it, there will be a 120-day industry time to unload their stocks. imposition of maximum drug retail pricess (MDRP).
Francisco Duque III is optimistic that allowance before the EO takes effect,” The DOH said prices of selected medicines are
The proposed executive order, Duque expected to have a mean reduction of 56 percent from
President Duterte will issue by yearend an said, is being finalized. “We will have to the prevailing market prices once the EO is signed.
ensure that the public consultations are The proposed list covers 120 drugs for catastrophic
conditions such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes,
cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic lung diseases and
neonatal diseases. It also covers high cost treatments
for chronic renal disease, psoriasis and rheumatoid
arthritis. Meanwhile, Duque rejected an offer of
the Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association of the
Philippines (PHAP) to voluntarily cut down the prices of
medicine, instead of the government coming out with a
new MDRP. “The offer is full of good intentions. But
whether those intentions will translate into actual
benefits to our people is something that is not clear,”
Duque said. He said the government could not just rely
on PHAP and its member-companies to cut down prices
of medicine. “While they would be willing to cut down
their prices, they admitted they could not control how
the retailers would structure the pricing,” Duque said.
PHAP executive director Teodoro Padilla earlier
said it would be better for the DOH and the industry to
work together than for the government to control the
prices of medicine.—Philstar

PH ranks 8th among
travelers’ favorite countries

The Philippines is eighth among the most favorite
countries in the world at the annual Condé Nast
Traveler awards outranking popular destinations
such as Italy and Japan. The country was named in the
New York-based luxury and travel magazine’s Top 20
Countries in the World by around 600,000 readers who
registered for the 2019 survey. It scored 90.63, a little
lower than Indonesia which topped the list at 92.78
points.

Here are the countries that earned a spot at
the Condé Nast Traveler readers most favorite

countries around the world.

1. Indonesia 92.78 11. Turkey 90.15

2. Thailand 92.37 12. Japan 89.74

3. Portugal 91.94 13. Mexico 89.7

4. Sri Lanka 91.79 14. Tanzania 89.62

5. South Africa 91.59 15. Israel 89.54

6. Peru 91.28 16. Colombia 89.41

7. Greece 91.18 17. New Zealand 89.11

8. Philippines 90.63 18. Ireland 89.08

9. Italy 90.62 19.Cambodia 89.03

10. Vietnam 90.46 20. Croatia 88.83

The list of winners was released on October 7, 2019.
In the same Readers’ Choice Awards, Boracay was named

the best island in Asia, with Palawan also ranking 4th in
the same category. he travel magazine described Boracay
“as close to a tropical idyll as you’ll find in Southeast Asia,

with gentle coastlines and made-for-Instagram sunsets”.

“Fold in a thriving nightlife scene, and you have one of the

top tourist spots in the region,” it added. (PNA)

eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec 3

DECEMBER 2019 NEWS

Pagcor resumes medical aid to poor families

Medical care costs an arm and a leg, In a statement, Pagcor said it would resources and experience in processing the Manila Police District in an entrapment
and is beyond the reach of most
Filipinos. verify with the PCSO if the applicant had requests for medical assistance,” it added. operation.
The good news is that a government They were charged with falsification of
agency is reviving its program to help been issued a guarantee letter. The gaming Responsible data sharing public documents but released from custody.
defray part of the high cost of treatment
and medication. Philippine Gaming regulator will start accepting walk-in Pagcor said the arrangement was an Pagcor said that it would still pursue legal
Amusement Corp. (Pagcor) announced that
it would resume accepting medical assistance applicants for medical assistance on Nov. 18. “interim measure” for responsible data actions against the couple.
requests, but the applications will have to
be endorsed first to the Philippine Charity “The primary objective of enhanced Pagcor sharing between the two agencies. The gaming regulator is mandated to
Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for verification. and PCSO coordination is to maximize aid
given to each patient and to harmonize the On Nov. 13, the government-owned fund sociocivic projects in the country. Its
systems of both agencies,” Pagcor said. office on United Nations Avenue in Manila
and -controlled corporation said it would accepts walk-in applicants from Monday to
“Under the arrangement, Pagcor will temporarily stop accommodating financial
aid requests after a couple submitted to Thursday. It also has lanes located in hospital
be able to tap the assistance of [the] PCSO, Pagcor fake documents for fictitious medical financial assistance centers.—Inquirer
which has more human and organizational cases. The two were arrested by officers from

LRT-1 mobile app launched for commuters, local tourists

The Light Rail Manila Corporation Management and Technology head Randy for commuters, LRMC Communications and the best it can be and this early, we already
(LRMC) on (November 19) officially Customer Relations head, Jacqueline Gorospe
launched the ikotMNL mobile app for Sac pose for a photo during the launch of said the ikotMNL app also promotes local have more features in mind to add to the app,”
passengers of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 tourism by featuring tourist spots, local
(LRT-1) -- the country’s first one-stop app for the ikotMNL mobile app at the Islas Pinas restaurants, “food trip” or hangout spots, Gorospe said.
train commuters and tourists alike. shopping malls and thrift markets in areas During the event, the official also
The app, available for both iOS and food hall in Pasay City on Tuesday (Nov. 19). along the LRT-1 route. announced a partnership with both
Android devices, features real-time train (Photo by Raymond Carl Dela Cruz) “Basically, it encourages everyone to
arrivals and departures, fare information, During its launch in Pasay City, LRMC rediscover Manila, visit the nearby tourist telecommunications giants Globe Telecom
crowd information in all stations of the LRT-1, president and chief executive officer (CEO) spots,” Gorospe said.
safety reminders, passenger advisories, news Juan Alfonso said that aside from physical The mobile app is also set to be and Smart Communications for the provision
and announcements, a chatbox for customer upgraded through a planned partnership of free WiFi services in all 20 stations of the
concerns, and a feedback form to help the improvements of the LRT-1 such as the recent between LRMC and beep card for a QR code LRT-1 which are already available, with plans
LRMC improve train service and passenger fare system, as well as tie-ups with merchants to also roll out free WiFi services aboard all
experience. expansion of EDSA Station and ongoing to turn the ikotMNL app into a transport, LRT-1 trains.
LRMC Communications and Customer tourism, and lifestyle app in one package.
Relations head Jacqueline Gorospe, president construction of the LRT-1 Cavite extension “We’ve spent a considerable amount of Alfonso also said four new trains for the
and CEO Juan Alfonso, and Information time and effort into making the ikotMNL app
project, digital solutions to make travel easier LRT-1 would arrive by the third quarter of

for commuters is also a priority of the private next year. In October, the LRMC announced

rail transport concessionaire. that the right-of-way acquisition for the LRT-1
“We aim to bring transport convenience
closer to passengers and be their partner in Cavite extension project was almost complete

traveling through Manila,” Alfonso said. and was on-track for partial operability by

Aside from serving as an information hub end of 2021.

4 eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019

DOH urged to take measures amid ‘Black Death’ plague resurgence in China

In case you haven’t seen the news, one of Black Death in the Middle Ages. and even death if administered early on. protocol safeguarding the Philippines from
the most dreaded and deadly diseases in How does one get the plague? It’s caused Why is it called Black Death? That’s the possible entry of the disease, considering
medieval times recently infected people in by bacteria and spread through flea bites because it would turn infected people’s the influx of Chinese nationals daily.
China: the Black Death. of infected animals. It has three forms: the limbs black. Although the Chinese Center Rodriguez is asking Pres. Rodrigo Duterte
On November 13, Wednesday, two people to ask the Chinese government to implement
in the Chinese province of Inner Mongolia bubonic plague, where the lymph nodes for Disease Control and Prevention have a quarantine in the affected regions.
were reported to undergo treatment for become swollen; the septicemic plague, The Bureau of Immigration (BIR)
the disease, after eating the raw kidney of a where blood is infected; and the pneumonic reassured the public that an outbreak is estimates that 3.12 million Chinese nationals
marmot, a local health remedy, according to plague, where the lungs are infected. highly unlikely, local officials like Rep. have entered the country from January 2016
CNN. About 50 million in Europe died from There’s no vaccine yet for Black Death, Rufus Rodriguez from the second district of to May 2018 alone.
but antibiotics can help prevent complications Cagayan de Oro City have been urging the

Department of Health (DOH) to implement

Some Pinoys abroad turn to vaping against medical research findings

In attempts to ditch their cigarette harmful effects on users. Hindi lang isang laro, dalawang laro pa,” that he has not fallen ill —except for common diseases
smoking habits, some Filipinos abroad “Hindi ako makatakbo ng maayos
noon nung nagyoyosi pa ako. Now, I started said Randolf Francisco, 28, a service crew —since he turned to vaping.
turn to vaping despite medical research vaping, nakakatapos na ako ng isang laro in Salmiya, Kuwait.
findings showing that the convenient, ng basketball kasama mga friends ko. In an interview through Messenger in “I only had usual illnesses like fever, cough, and
“clean” alternative to cigarettes has
October 28, he also told GMA News Online cold. Yun lang gawa din kasi ng klima dito. Aside from

those illnesses, wala ng mas malala pa,” the member of
the “Filipino Vaping Community-Kuwait” added.
Ransel Ladera, 36, an in-room dining staff at a

casino hotel in Macau, Japan is even co-owner of vape
shop “Vapouria Vape Hauz.”

VAPING
Continued on Page 15

Duterte orders

total ban on

use, import

of e-cigarettes
President Rodrigo Duterte on (November 19)
ordered the total ban on the use and importation
of vaping devices or electronic cigarettes
(e-cigarettes) in the country.

Duterte made the decision, as he acknowledged

that the vapes are “not good for humans”.

“I will ban it, the use and the importation. I hope
everybody is listening. Paki-relay na lang. You know

why? Because it is toxic. And the government has the

power to issue measures to protect public health and

public interest,” the President said in a press conference
held at the Palace’s Heroes Hall late Tuesday night.
“Ang cigarette, they confirm chemical there. That’s
not good for humans. It’s deadly, it’s nicotine. It induces

a habit, habit for me, and it is toxic, and it kills people…

Now, itong vaping, sabi nila (they said vaping) is
electronic. Don’t give me that s***,” he said.

Duterte issued the directive, following the
first reported case of an illness related to vaping in

the country. The Department of Health (DOH) on
November 15 confirmed that a 16-year-old girl from

Central Visayas who has been using e-cigarettes for six

months is allegedly suffering from electronic cigarette

or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI).
The girl, who allegedly complained of “sudden-

onset severe shortness of breath,” met the case criteria

of EVALI upon evaluation, based on the guidelines

of the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Vaping devices, which vaporize a solution

that users inhale, does not use tobacco leaves, unlike

regular cigarettes. E-cigarette became popular among

Filipinos who assume that it was a healthier alternative
for puffers who want to quit smoking.

Arrest violators
Around one million Filipinos are using e-cigarettes,

the DOH has noted.The President said he would soon
sign an executive order (EO) that would formalize his

directive to stop the use of vaping devices nationwide.

But despite the presence of an EO, Duterte said he can
already order the arrest of those who continue using

e-cigarettes. IMPORT
Continued on Page 7

eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec 5

DECEMBER 2019 NEWS

DOH issues zero Nabighani ang masungit na amo
open defecation
at pati dalawang Kano nabighani
policies
Si Maria Biaco, matagal Ang kaniyang mga amo
The Department of Health (DOH) issued nang nagtatrabaho dito ay napansin niyang naging
two new policies to achieve zero open sa Taiwan ay nagkaroon malumanay kung magsabi ng
defecation (ZOD) for all barangays
by 2025, and to curb the high prevalence of ng magandang karanasan ng utos sa kaniya, dati ay palautos
diseases caused by lack of toilets nationwide.
Health Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo dahil sa paggamit ng sexual na at masusungit ang mag-asawa
said the Philippine Approach to Sustainable
Sanitation (PhATSS) and the national pabango na gawa sa England, ngunit mula ng gumamit siya
standards on the design, construction,
operation and maintenance of septic tank upgraded version Dream Love nito ay naging mabait na sila.
systems have been signed and already set for
implementation. 1000. Nabasa niya mula The Napuna din niyang panay
Bayugo said having a sanitation facility
is not a luxury, but a necessity for every Migrants ang mga testimoniya ang titig ng among lalaki sa
household. “Many Filipinos can buy their
cellphones but their households do not ng mga kababaihan na Maria Biaco kaniya at isinama pa siya sa
have proper toilet facilities. Maybe you can
also prioritize the dignity of your family,” nakaranas ng pagiging epektibo siya sa harapan ng dalawang pagsundo ng alaga mula sa
Bayugo pointed out. Bayugo said the DOH
came out with the new standards to ensure nito. Amerikano, nadinig niyang school. Habang nasa loob sila
that all barangays nationwide have toilets,
and to guide local government units (LGUs) Nahikayat siya na bumili ng nasambit ng mga ito na,”smells ng kotse ay panay ang komento
in monitoring whether establishments and
households are complying with proper nasabing pabango mula sa EEC so good” pagkalampas sa mga ng amo na ang bangu-bango
construction and management of septic tanks.
“The reason why we handed these new Elite Mart sa halagang NT$560 ito at napuna niyang nakasunod niya at nasabi pang siya ay sexy
policies to the local government units (LGUs)
is to guide them in monitoring if individual lamang. Naging palagian na pa ang tingin ang mga ito kahit kahit may asawa na. Ngumiti at
houses and other establishments are up to
standard,” Bayugo said in an interview. niya itong gamit tuwing bago nakalayo na siya. Napangiti na nagpasalamat sa amo, naiisip

ISSUES lumabas ng bahay. Minsan, araw lamang sapagkat batid na epekto niya na talagang epektibo ang
Continued on PAGE 19
ng kaniyang day off ay napadaan ng pabangong Dream Love 1000. pabango.

6 eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019

Paano matanggal ang eye bags?
Worried ka ba sa eye bags mo?
Kahit anong ganda kasi ng skin bata” o more or less ay 25 years old. Isa pang type ng under-eye pouch
mo, magmumukha kang mas Ang pangunahing sanhi nito ay genes. ay ang tinatawag na “puffy eyes. Ayon kay
Aniya, “Mostly iyong mas bata, Dr. Valencia, ito ay simpleng pamamaga

matanda at laging haggard. But there are complain nila iyong dark circles, iyong ng mata na maari ring mawala as you go
ways para matanggal sila. maitim iyong ilalim ng mata. “So dark through your day. Kadalasan, you get puffy
Narito ang summary ng interview ng circles are usually caused by genetics. eyes paggising mo sa umaga o kapag ika’y

PEP.ph with dermatologist Ma. Cricelda Sometimes nasa lahi lang talaga iyong puyat. “Puffy eyes naman is iyong swelling

Rescobar-Valencia. maitim ang mata. “Usually, ito iyong around the eyes. Cause naman noon is lack

Types and causes of Under-eye even ang upper eyelid and lower eyelid, of sleep, water retention from eating salty

pouches parehong dark. “Idagdag mo pa iyong mga food, and drinking too much liquid before

Ayon kay Dr. Valencia, ang eye bags ay taong, alam mo iyon, iyong non-atomic going to sleep. “Di ba mapapansin mo

isang klase ng pouches under the eyes. differentiation, may mga tao talaga na mas rin kapag after natin magising sa umaga, Want to get rid of your eye bags because they make
Iba rin ito sa dark circles or puffy eyes. malalim ang mata. “Iyong mga Arabian parang mas maga iyong mata.
descent, mga ganoon. So puwede rin iyong you look tired and old? Try cold spoon or slices of
Dark circles cause.” “It’s because iyong pag-blink ng eyes, cucumber.
Ang kadalasang nagkakaroon ng dark aids in the lympathic drainage. So kapag
circles around the eyes ay iyong mga “mas Puffy eyes gabi, pagnatutulog tayo, syempre hindi naman nag-bi-blink iyong mata, right?

“So hindi maka-circulate iyung water around it

properly. So paggising mo, medyo maga pa siya tapos

as the day goes longer, nawawala na siya.” Bukod dito,

puffy eyes can be caused by allergies gaya ng atopic
dermatitis or eczema, pati na rin ang ilang bisyo gaya

ng paninigarilyo at kadalasang pag-inom ng alak. Diin ni
Dr. Valencia, “You drink alcohol, you smoke a lot. “’’Tapos

(puffy eyes) can also be because of allergies, when you
have atopic dermatitis (eczema)...iyong bahing nang

bahing kasi madalas nilang i-rub at kusutin ang mata.”

Yung eye bags ay sanhi ng paglaylay ng under-eye

area dahil sa aging. Nagsisimula ito as early as 25 years

old. Dr. Valencia expounds, “Meron kasing dark circles,

puffy eyes, saka meron talagang eye bags, iyong talagang

malalaki, iyong parang may maleta sa ilalim ng mata.

“Iyon naman is because of aging, because of the
skin’s elasticity. “So usually, nag-i-start iyon 25 years old.

“Habang tumatagal, bumababa na iyong structure

under the eyes and also iyong mismong skin texture mo.

“Since nagninipis na siya, bumababa na iyong collagen

saka iyong elastin content (elastic tissue) in the skin,

mas nagiging lawlaw na siya.” Dagdag pa ni Dr. Valencia,

aging causes the fats and skin under your eye to sag.

Aniya, “Iyong eyelids kasi natin are the thinnest

skin sa katawan natin. So as we age kasi, nagninipis

pa siya lalo. “And also iyong fat, there are fats kasi

supporting the under-eye area, e. “As we age, iyong fat na

iyon kumokonti, so bumabagsak na rin iyong area under

our eyes.” Tulad ng puffy eyes, ang pagpupuyat, allergies,

smoking, and drinking can contribute sa pag-develop ng

iyong eye bags. Ani Dr. Valencia, “So dagdagan mo pa

iyun, lack of sleep, alcohol, smoking, saka if you have

$333 allergies, if you rub your eyes frequently puwede siyang

magkaroon ng dark discoloration under your eyes.”

Pantanggal ng dark circles
Kung mayroon kang dark circles, makakatulong ang
mga under-eye creams, which can help lighten your skin.

She expounds, “For dark circles, since ang problem

mo diyan is more of pigmentation saka iyong blood

supply around the eyes, you can apply mga topical

medications that contain hydroquinone, iyong wh-

tening agent na ginagamit even for melasma, mga

pekas, peklat.

“Tapos you can also apply topical medications that

contain Vitamins A, C, and E. These can also lighten the
undereye area. Mild pa sila so those can’t irritate the

eyes.” Bukod sa hydroquinone, Vitamins A, C, and E,

sabi rin ni Dr. Valencia na mabisa ring ingredients ang

caffeine at retinoids sa pagtanggal ng dark circles.

“You can also apply topical medication with

caffeine, iyong nasa kape,” she says.
“Kasi caffeine is a strong vasoconstrictor parang

pinapasikip niya iyong daluyan ng blood around the

eye, so as a result, nagiging less congested iyong mata.”
You can also apply yung mga retinoids. Kasi ganoon rin

a, pampa-smoothen ng mga wrinkles.” Marami sa mga

creams na ito ay matatagpuan sa mga department stores

at drug stores nationwide.

Ngunit ang paalala ni Dr. Valencia, siguraduhing

basahin ang mga ingredients na nakasulat sa bibilhin

mong produkto.

EYE BAGS
Continued on Page 7

eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec 7

DECEMBER 2019 NEWS

Lawlaw na taba at maumbok

Matagal na bilbil nabawasan

nang beses sa isang araw pagkatapos
maligo ng maligamgam na tubig.
nagtatrabaho dito Nagulat siya sa araw-araw na
pagbabago sa kutis at katawan,
sa Taiwan si Yolanda sa loob ng dalawang buwang
tuloy-tuloy na paggamit. Naalis
Romero at curious sa kung anong ang pekas at dark spots sa
kanyang mukha. Lumambot,
dapat gamitin para magkaroon ng kuminis, pumuti at naging
flawless, white skin complexion. younger-looking ang kanyang
balat. Nabawasan ng 10 lbs. ang
Gumamit din ng whitening cream kaniyang timbang, ang dating
28 inches na baywang niya ay
para mawala ang dark spots. naging 26 inches na lamang. Pati
sa balakang ay nabawasan siya
Minsan habang nagbabasa ng ng 1 inches at 2 inches naman
EEC Now magazine ay nakita sa kaniyang mga braso. Hindi
masidlan ang tuwa ni Yolanda sa
niya ang before at after photos malaking pagbabago sa kanya na
dulot ng lotion at inirekomenda
ng mga Pinay na nagkaroon niya ito sa mga kaibigan para

ng magandang kutis at sexy na

katawan dahil sa paggamit ng

upgraded Dream Love 1000 5 Yolanda Romero (Before)

in 1 body essence lotion, gawa sa halagang NT$590 lamang.
Pagkauwi ay ginamit niya ang
sa England na may 3D hologram lotion sa paraang pagpahid ng Yolanda Romero (After)
paikot sa mukha at paitaas sa
silver seal. buong katawan ng dalawang maranasan din nila ang kahanga-
hangang epekto ng lotion.
Pagkadating ng Linggo ay

pumunta siya sa EEC Elite Mart

upang bumili nitong produkto

Nearly half of Pinoys expect better life in 2020

Nearly half of adult Filipinos expect personal optimists score of +41, classified as to +48 (excellent) in September. It remained The September 2019 survey also found
to have better lives in the next 12 “excellent.” This used to be +42 in June and 41 percent of Filipino adults who foresee an
months, the Social Weather Stations +47 in March, all classified as excellent (+40 at +46 (excellent) from June to September in improved Philippine economy in the next
(SWS) said in its recent survey. The poll, taken and above). The net personal optimists score 12 months (economic optimists) against
from Sept. 27 to 30, also found 46 percent of Mindanao. Meanwhile, the survey showed 36 12 percent saying it will worsen (economic
dropped from +42 (excellent) in June to +40 pessimists), for a net economic optimists
adults who expect their personal quality of life (excellent) in September in balance Luzon. percent of adult Filipinos saying their lives score of +28. This used to be +33 in June and
In the Visayas, it went down from +37 improved, termed by SWS as gainers, and 25 +35 in March, all classified as excellent (+20
to improve in the next 12 months (personal percent saying their lives worsened (losers) and above). —Philstar
optimists), and five percent expecting it to (excellent) to +32 (excellent). In Metro
get worse (personal pessimists), for a net in the last 12 months. This gives a net gainers
Manila, it went up from +44 (excellent) in June
score of +11, from +13 in June and +17 in
March, all classified as very high (+10 to +19).

IMPORT it contains nicotine and other chemicals smoking. You cannot do it inside a room. enclosed places. n a bid to guarantee the
Continued from Page 4 that we do not know. It has not passed the That’s full of s***. You contaminate right of every Filipino to “breathe clean
“Mabuti pa ang sigarilyo kasi (Ordinary FDA Food and Drug [Administration],” he people na hindi pa pala panahong mamatay air,” EO 26 requires the establishment of
said. “Better stop it because I will order designated smoking areas that may either
cigarettes are better because) they your arrest if you do it in a room. I am now (who do not deserve to die early),” Duterte be an open space or an enclosed area with
ordering the law enforcement agencies to proper ventilation. —PNA
confirmed toxic thing that causes harm to arrest anybody vaping in public. That is like added. n May 16, 2017, Duterte signed EO

people. Nakalagay diyan ‘yung nicotine (It 26, which provides for the establishment

mentions nicotine). Itong (The) vaping, of smoke-free environments in public and

kapag ganoon naman, madali naman, you just or cell renewal pero it has to be performed other day. Dr. Valencia details, “You can do
have to make lifestyle changes.” by a certified dermatologist. “Saka usually,
EYE BAGS cool compresses with gentle pressure under
Continued from Page 6 Pantanggal ng eye bags
“There are multiple topical undereye When it comes to eye bags, it is ang chemical peel on the eyes, imagine mo the eyes, sitting upright, so hindi nakahiga.
advisable na mag-undergo ng invasive derma
treatments. Pero you just have to be careful treatments para ma-address ang loss of lalagyan ka ng asido sa mata, so it can also do “Puwede kang kumuha ng spoon o kaya
collagen, elastin, and fat. Dr. Valencia details,
and you just have to read the label kasi “Mas invasive iyong treatment mo. “You can serious effects.” tela, puwede ring cucumber. “You just put it
have blepharoplasty para matahi siya or
mababasa mo naman kung ano iyong active you can do energy-based treatments, radio Paano maiwasan ang pagkakaroon on the eyes for mga 15 minutes. Ganoon lang...
frequency or mga RF na tinatawag. “Puwede
ingredients,” saad niya. “So if you look at rin iyong mga high intensity ultrasound o ng under-eye pouches “You can do it every other day or if
mga HIFU o di kaya mga Ulthera na tinatawag, you’re puyat from last night.” “Puwede ka
the ingredients list in a product, kung ano iyon yong brand name niya. “(These are) Importanteng magkaroon ka ng beauty
energy-based treatments that can promote
iyong pinakanauna sa listahan, iyon ang iyong collagen remodeling saka iyong cell regimen para sa dark circles, puffy eyes, at ring kumuha ng tea bags kasi tea bags have
turnover ng skin, so kahit papaano, medyo
pinakamarami siya (na content).” magta-tighten iyong skin mo.” Dagdag pa eye bags. Ayon pa kay Dr. Valencia, you should green tea which is an antioxidant. “It also
ni Dr. Valencia, “You can also do chemical start “as early as 25 years old.” Aniya, “Kasi
Pantanggal ng puffy eyes peels pero this should be done by a board- has caffeine which is a vasoconstrictor para
Kung ikaw ay mayroong puffy eyes certified dermatologist kasi the skin is a
dulot ng water retention o pagpupuyat, very sensitive area and iyong peel kasi, since once you reach 25 years old, iyong maiwasan ang venus constriction mo.”
natutuklap iyong lumang skin, lumalabas
inirerekomenda ni Dr. Valencia ang paggamit ng iyong bagong balat. “It promotes cell turnover decrease in collagen and elastin, exponential Inirerekomenda rin ng doktora ang

jade rollers. “Jade Rollers, okay naman siya for na siya. “Especially accelerated na siya when changes sa pagtulog, pag-inom tubig, at
paninigarilyo. Aniya, “When you sleep, try to
puffy eyes kasi iyong coolness from the rollers you reach your 50s, hindi na rin ganoon sleep upright so water won’t accumulate in
kaganda iyong repair ng balat. “Kasi kapag
helps in improving the congestion around the
bata ka, okay lang mag-party-party ka ng gabi, your eyes. “And then you take water. Hydrate
eyes. Hindi advisable, though, when it comes
okay lang kasi the skin will repair itself. yourself para hindi ka mag-puffy eyes.
to dark circles and eye bags dahil hindi pa siya “’Tapos avoid ka lang ng alcohol, less salt
proven scientifically. And since puffy eyes can “Pero kapag tumanda ka, mas mabagal
also be caused by smoking, inirekomenda ng
na or mas mahirap na iyong healing capacity intake, lessen your smoking.” Payo rin niya
dermatologist na baguhin ang lifestyle. Sabi para sa mga allergies, “Kung alam mo naman
niya, “Since it’s because of vices and allergies, ng skin mo.” So ano ang mga dapat gawin to

keep your eyes look fresh and relaxed? First, you have a history of atopic dermatitis, you

apply cool compress using a spoon, cloth, have to prevent it para hindi rin bumalik ang

cucumber or tea bags for 15 minutes every pamumula ng mata mo. —Pep.ph

8 eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019

Balikbayan tips and travel checklist for vacationing ofws

Flying home to the Philippines soon? cheaper and more varied accommodations certificate if you’re a former Filipino citizen. Vacation Essentials
Looking forward to reuniting with than hotels. You can rent a budget-friendly
your loved ones to celebrate the one-bedroom or two-bedroom unit or even 9. Get an OEC Online l Cash (just enough for your entire stay)
holidays? an entire house that can accommodate the Don’t forget to secure an OEC before l Light and comfortable clothes (for the
As the excitement for your homecoming whole family. your scheduled return to your employer. whole duration of your stay)
builds up, so is the stress that comes with Getting an Overseas Employment l Pasalubong for each of your closest
all the preparations. With all the things 5. Don’t Bring Prohibited, Expensive, Certificate (OEC) sounds like a pain in the family and friends
balikbayans have to take care of before their and Unnecessary Items neck, what with the long queues at the l Travel Bags and Organizers
trip back home, it’s easy to forget those that POEA office. But that has become a thing of Compression bags or vacuum bags – To
really matter for that much-awaited vacation. It’s important to know which things the past. OFWs can now do it online via the keep things organized and more compact
Keep these OFW and balikbayan tips in mind you can’t bring with you on your trip back Balik Manggagawa Online Processing System in your suitcase
to make the most out of your short stay in the home. Before you start packing, check the or BM Online. This saves not just time but l Duffel bags – Extra storage for souvenirs
Philippines during the holiday season. list of prohibited items in the Philippines also money on travel tax and terminal from the Philippines
1. Set a Reasonable Budget and Stick to It (1), which include weapons, explosives, and fee exemptions. If you’ll be staying in the l Anti-theft bag or money belt – To avoid
You don’t have to be unreasonably sharp objects. Also, it’s safe and practical not Philippines for five days or less, you can get theft while shopping in Divisoria and other
stingy when you’re back home. After all, to bring expensive things like jewelry, high- an OEC at the Labor Assistance Counter of crowded areas
you’ve been working so hard and fighting end gadgets, branded bags and clothes, and the airport in Manila, Cebu, or Mindanao.
homesickness abroad to provide for your other luxury items. To spare more space in Travel documents
family. As a generous provider, you’d want your luggage, determine the items you can 10. Update your SSS, Pag-IBIG,
to treat them to a grand salo-salo, shopping buy cheap or get for free in the Philippines and PhilHealth Records Place your documents in an
spree, out-of-town trip, or anything that will and thus will not bring. For example, towels organizer or envelope for easy access
make them happy. and toiletries are usually available in the So that you can avail of benefits instead of putting them into your luggage.
Even so, it’s still important to plan your hotel or in the home you’ll be staying in. from these government agencies without It’s also a good idea to bring photocopies
expenses before you go back home, so you any hassle or complication, make time of your travel papers just in case the
won’t overspend and get broke even before 6. Save Some Space in Your Luggage for visiting their offices to update your original copies get lost or damaged. Just
you return to your overseas employer. To While packing for your trip, make room membership information as an OFW. It’s also one of the many balikbayan tips you need
set your budget, list down all expenses, in your luggage for gifts, souvenirs, and a good opportunity to check and update your to keep in mind.
such as for shopping, family getaways, and even Filipino snacks you’ll be bringing from SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth contributions. l Flight tickets or boarding pass (including
emergencies. Then set aside money for them the Philippines to your host country. Bring a return ticket to your host country)
and bring home just that amount. enough vacuum bags to maximize the space 11. Review and Update Your Savings, l Hotel booking confirmation receipt or
in your luggage. Investments, and Insurance Policies voucher (if applicable)
2. Inform Only Your Loved Ones Your vacation in the Philippines is l Unexpired passport (or a travel
Of course, relatives and friends you 7. Prepare a To-Do List for the perfect time to manage your finances document for those without a valid
haven’t seen in a long time would be happy to Your Balikbayan Itinerary and make sure they’re in order. Check your passport but need to travel to the
know you’ll be returning to the Philippines. Make a list of the places you want to bank accounts, investments, and insurance Philippines due to an emergency e.g.,
But you don’t have to post about it on social visit, dishes you want to try, people you policies to see if they’re still active or if you death in the family, medical reasons, legal
media before you leave. If everyone knows want to see again, and all the activities you need to update them or open new accounts. reasons, etc.)
you’ll be coming back home, expect to be want to do when you get back home. Then Look for more investment l Work visa or work permit
bombarded with invitations to parties send the list before your arrival to the opportunities to grow your money and l Employment contract, employment
here and there, as well as sponsorship and family member who’s in charge of preparing prepare for retirement. There are good certificate, or offer of employment
solicitation requests. And then people might your homecoming itinerary. Ask to see the government-backed savings programs for l Company ID
get hurt when you turn them down. schedule in advance, so you’ll know what OFWs like the Pag-IBIG MP2, SSS Flexi Fund, l Recent payslips
To avoid causing hurt feelings, keep to expect. Having your balikbayan itinerary and PERA investment. You may also attend l OFW e-Card and/or any valid ID
your homecoming as discreet as possible. ready before you come back home ensures OFW training and seminars to improve your l Seaman’s Book (for sea-based OFWs)
Especially if you’ll be on a short vacation, that you maximize your short stay in the financial knowledge or learn how to start Immigrant visa or permanent resident card
share the news only with your closest family Philippines. Manage your expectations, a business. If you have enough capital, you (for Filipino immigrants)
and friends—those who are really worth though, as you won’t likely do everything on can apply for a franchise business while
your time while on vacation. If you want your wish list due to time constraints. you’re on a holiday break, and let your accommodate several requests (as people
to update everyone about your vacation family manage it when you’re abroad. Most don’t get to see you often), you don’t have to
on social media, do it when you’ve already 8. Avail of Benefits Under the importantly, don’t leave without making give in to every demand. Know your limits—
left the country. You don’t owe anyone Balikbayan Program sure you and your family have ample life if people are stepping onto your boundaries,
an explanation, but you may choose to insurance coverage. This will give you have the courage to say no.
explain a bit why you decided to keep your Arriving balikbayans enjoy benefits peace of mind knowing that your family is
homecoming a private affair. under the Balikbayan Program (3), including protected financially should any medical 13. Pamper Yourself
travel tax exemption, visa-free entry to the emergency happen. Yes, you deserve it! Don’t forget to
3. Provide Accurate Details Philippines for a year (for foreign passport include some me time in your itinerary.
of Your Arrival holders), and duty-free shopping privileges 12. Say No When Necessary You’ve been working abroad for the past
(4). Those perks apply also to immediate As an OFW, it’s easy to get pressured couple of years. Why not take your vacation
Unless you plan to surprise your loved family members (foreign passport holders) when people ask you for gifts, pasalubongs, as an opportunity to treat yourself to a
ones, let them know the exact information who are traveling to the Philippines with dole-outs, and whatnots. Some may even massage, facial, spa treatment, or hair
regarding your arrival to the Philippines you. So take advantage of the balikbayan approach you to borrow money. Others makeover? Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy your
as soon as you have it. This will give privileges, especially if you’re married to would want a piece of your time by inviting time bonding with your loved ones!
them enough time to prepare for your a non-Filipino. To avail of the benefits, just you to reunions, drinking sessions, or
homecoming and pick you up at the right present your valid passport if you’re an any event. Although it makes sense to 14. Pre-Departure Checklist
time and location. OFW or old Philippine passport/NSO birth for Vacationing OFWs
Don’t forget to share these important
details before your trip: Before you pack for your trip back
lDate of arrival home, take the time to list down everything
lName of airport and terminal number you need to bring. It’s easier to sort and
lAirline and flight number organize your stuff that way. Here’s an OFW
lExpected arrival time travel checklist you can refer to before and
lEstimated number of luggage and boxes while packing your bags, so you won’t leave
you’ll bring (so your loved ones can arrange anything behind. Take these along with our
for a proper vehicle to pick you up) balikbayan tips!
Final Thoughts
4. Book an Airbnb Accommodation Excited to come back home? You deserve this
Instead of a Hotel Room vacation. Just make sure to take note of these
balikbayan tips for a smooth and hassle-free
Airbnb has become a popular option trip to the Philippines. —MoneyMax.ph
among OFWs and balikbayans who are on
a short vacation in the Philippines. It offers

eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec 9

DECEMBER 2019 FEANTEUWRES

2019 Taiwan Cup Taiwan Immigrants Football Competition opening

Kids team at the TIFL Taiwan Immigrant Football League At the opening ceremony OFWMITT showcase Mark Lester's creations as they represent the Philippines.

By William Yen Guanyin FC are the current champions of the in the competition, I
Focus Taiwan Indonesian Football League in Taiwan held
A friendly immigrant football earlier this year and are at the Taiwan Cup to hope to still bring the
represent Indonesia, Fajar said.
competition between eight teams comprised “This event promotes the friendship of spirit of the Philippines
all migrant workers in Taiwan, so we will all
of migrant players was launched in Taipei on get to know each other and make friends in a to the opening ceremony
very positive environment,” Fajar told CNA.
Sunday (November 17), with hundreds of Other teams in the competition are with my collection,”
Vietnamese teams, FC Viet Nam in Taiwan
people gathered at a local sports stadium for and Hai Duong FC, Thai team LiChing, Team Reyes said.
the opening ceremony and to watch the first Gambia, mixed nationality teams, Taipei
four games. A.F.C and Taichung Savages FC, and a team The two-week
from National Taiwan Sport University in
The opening ceremony of the 2019 Taoyuan. competition aims
The opening ceremony also featured
Taiwan Cup Taiwan Immigrant Football a presentation of 14 costumes designed by to help people of all
artist Taoyuan Filipino factory worker Mark
Competition featured a march past, during Lester Reyes, who has become a household nationalities break down
name among the Filipino community in
which the participants, mainly of migrant Taiwan for his artistic talent and designs barriers and create
using recycled materials.
workers and immigrants, represented their “Even though there are no Filipino teams mutual understanding

teams in bold brightly colored uniforms. and friendship through Sudanese team
football, said Karen Hsu
One of the competing teams, Guanyin (徐瑞希), founding chairwoman of non- the sport can promote interaction between
governmental organization Global Workers' people of different heritage.
FC, a football team made up of entirely Organization, Taiwan, who organized the The competition kicked off Sunday at
Indonesian workers from Taoyuan’s Taipei Municipal Stadium with four games in
Guanyin District was supported by Fajar event. the preliminary rounds, while the semifinal
Nuradi, director of the Indonesian Citizens and final will be held on Nov. 24 at Taoyuan
Protection and Social Cultural Department “Many migrants who come to Taiwan Qingpu Football Field.
at the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office only socialize with people from their own This is the third year the Taiwan Cup has
(IETO) in Taipei. been held after events in 2015 and 2018.
countries because of the language barrier

but many of them grew up playing football in

their home countries,” she said, adding that

The season Michelle Tan Mike Munoz Pritzel Tag-at
4 of AFACE
was held Nov. 17, Sofronio Firma Ruby Huang Mark Francis
2019 at Big City Magat Bayani
in Hsinchu City
from 2 pm - 9 pm AFACE: Kill the runway Season 4
is a charity event, The board of judges composed of 7 judges: 1. Mr. Woosa Hung (CEO of Gear Film UN UNICEF Video Director); 2. Dr. Condrada
the proceeds will
be donated to one Apostol (Owner of Above Aesthetic Center); 3. Ms. Vlada Romanova (Model / TV Actress from Russia); 4. Mr. Peter Kertesz (Actor /
of their artists
Jeffrey Ofalsa, who Model from Slovakia); 5. Annie Kuan (Founder of 1095 Culture Studio); 6. Director Dexter Macaraeg (Award-winning filmmaker); 7.
is suffering from
lung failure. A total Ms. Kim Rodriguez (GMA 7 Network Actress). Photo courtesy of Mario Subeldia FB Page
of 40 candidates (20 male / 20 female), showing
the spectacular collection designs and styles of
Marvin Garcia collections, a Filipino Designer.
Mario Subeldia’s collection of gowns also hit the
runway for the auction as well as the paintings of
one of the AFACE artists, parties interested to buy
Mario work of art, just feel free to contact him on his
Facebook Page. Film Director Dexter Macaraeg will
be doing an Indiefilm to be shoot here in Taiwan,
the announcement for the special screening on the
documentary film about OFW life in Taiwan will be
announced later. Assistance to National Mr. Nestor
Mayo received a painting from Mario Subeldia as a
gift of appreciation for the support MECO is given to
Mario. Stay tuned for the next AFACE Season 5 to be
held in April 2020.

Photo exhibition highlights talent of migrant Filipino workers

By William Yen, Focustaiwan migrant workers, featuring images of their her job in Hong Kong, she won second prize was working so hard to give a greener pasture
for a photo titled “Sacrifice” at the National
The talent of overseas Filipino workers hometowns and their working environments. Geographic Wheelock Properties Youth Photo to his or her family,” she told CNA.
was highlighted (October 27) at a Competition 2017.
One of the highlights of the exhibition The black-and-white image, which was shot However, it was one of her prior photos,
free photography exhibition in Taipei while Pabona was cleaning windows, shows titled “Solitude,” shot in 2016 in Hong Kong,
includes some 30 works by Joan Pabona, a an aerial view of a worker in a hard hat among of a woman sitting alone in the dark next to a
depicting the lives of migrant workers. prize-winning Filipina photographer and safety nets used for scaffolding. “I felt a
former domestic helper. Born in the Philippine connection to the scene, because that worker beam of light that gave her the inspiration to
The “Turning Point: Taiwan” exhibition,
being held Oct. 24-30 at Taipei’s Songshan province of La Union, Pabona went to Singapore pursue photography, Pabona said.
Cultural and Creative Park, is showing roughly in 2008 and then to Hong Kong in 2013 to
work as a domestic helper. While still holding HIGHLIGHTS
300 photos that chronicle the journeys of Continued on Page 11

10 eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec

NEWS DECEMBER 2019
Attention, balikbayans: check out this must-visit museum
Transportation
1. That's all about 3. Have a good mood with the sea 6. Taipei 101 fireworks show to tips for 2020
Paskong Pinoy of flowers of the 2019 Taoyuan showcase upgraded LED lighting
Flower Festival Taiwan Lantern
Are you flying back home to the and to feature animation Festival unveiled
Philippines for Christmas? If you want a Immerse yourself in the sea of flowers by
break from the usual kain-tulog routine, visiting the annual Taoyuan Flower Festival The much awaited event of the new In under three months, the 2020 Taiwan
drop by Lakbay Museo’s Paskong Pinoy which takes place Yangmei District, Taoyuan year in Taipei is theTaipei 101 New Year’s Lantern Festival will kick off in Taichung.
Village for a holiday tour you won’t City from Nov. 23 to Dec 8, 2019. It will be a Day countdown fireworks sho w. It will The main exhibition area will be set in
forget. Priced at P699 (P799 for walk- collection of 5 fields and a fairytale fantasy include an upgraded LED lighting system, Houli Horse Ranch & Forest Park Area from
ins) this tour will take you ~*around art installation and let the visitors enter the Feb. 8 to 23. The lighting ceremony of the
the Philippines*~ in less than two romantic purple flower sea. The organizer featuring animation by the Taiwan Bar secondary exhibition is scheduled to take
hours! Even entering the museum is will create 5 hectares of purple flowers in Studio, according to the Taipei 101 officials place in Wen-Xin Forest Park between Dec.
so much fun: by jeep, plane, or vinta! Yangmei, which is like a beautiful purple as reported by Central News Agency. The 21 and Feb. 23.
In this 1,000-square-meter indoor sight. At the same time, the organizers have show’s visual impact will be upgraded to The director of the Transportation
venue, you’ll be able to participate in created four major fairy tale art installations, 140,000 LED lights comprising the T-Pad Bureau of Taichung City Government, Yeh
a tinikling dance-off, coffee-smelling, as well as activities such like musical Chao-fu, said that the Lantern Festival will
vinegar-tasting, watch a puppet show, concerts. In addition to good shooting, there wall, which covers the exterior of Taipei have a number of shuttle buses running
and of course, take lots of photos! And are also food offerings around the corners. 101 from the 35th to the 90th floor, per between the Houli Railway Station and the
if that isn’t cool enough, there’s a giant The 2019 Taoyuan Fairy Flower Festival Taipei Financial Center Corp. Meanwhile, main exhibition area.
kanin bowl in the museum because we When: November 23 to December 8, 2019 As soon as visitors get off the train,
all know "RiceIsLife! Lakbay Museo even Address: No. 239, Sec. 3, Yanghu Rd., Yangmei Taiwan Bar Studio is the creator of different they can go straight to the main display.
has their own Banaue Rice Terraces. District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan (opposite to On weekends, 10 shuttle bus routes will
Lakbay Museo is located at G/F S Maison Shanghu Police Station) popular Taiwan-themed designs including be taking visitors directly to the secondary
at Conrad Manila, Pasay City. exhibition area.
—pinoyformosa.com the Formosan black bear character The 2020 Taiwan Lantern Festival’s
—cosmo.ph “Beeru.” The length of the fireworks show main exhibition area, Houli Park, is located
4. Experience snow at Kaohsiung will be as the same of the previous years. next to the Houli Railway Station. Director
2. Christmasland Sea of Lights Dream Mall and feel the Christmas According to Taipei 101 official, viewers Yeh pointed out that the visitors can take
in Taiwan to Open This Coming should expect something different. Taipei the train to Houli Railway Station, which is
atmosphere 101 firework display is a yearly treat of the right next to the main exhibition.
November 15th Christmas in Taiwan is more than iconic building to the local and visitors of For people who live in southern
The organizer of the 2019 just a family gathering. There are parties, Taiwan, they could take the high-speed rail
Christmastland recently announced that concerts, and even the shops are open during Taiwan, last year it shows its gratitude by to Taichung station, which is connected to
it will open on November 15th, 2019. the holiday as malls turn into Christmas Xinwuri Railway Station by 10 minutes’
The location is still located in the Civic decoration like the Dream Mall in Kaohsiung. welcoming different nationals into Taiwan. walk, and transfer to Houli Railway Station.
Square of Banquiao. It also plans lighting Christmas is coming, the Kaohsiung Dream For those who live in northern Taiwan,
shows, fairs, and superstar concerts to Mall has been romantically lit up and this —pinoyformosa.com they could get off at Miaoli HSR Station,
accompany the guests through romantic year has a Las Vegas theme, colorful neon take a 5-minute walk to Fengfu Railway
and lively winter nights. The New lighting. Artificial snow will also be around Station, and head to Houli Railway Station.
Taipei Happy Christmas City is the most the area that will create a more Christmas The recommended route will save you time
important event in New Taipei City at atmosphere. Decorations include Purple and money on transportation.
the end of each year. It is also selected Wish, Las Vegas, Star walk and many more, The secondary exhibition area will
by Japan as the “first place for Christmas the decorations will lit up starting November take place in Wen-Xin Forest Park, near
overseas travel destinations.” Every day 15, 2019 until January 03, 2020. Dream Mall Daqing railway station. Director Yeh said
from 17:30 to 22:00 every half hour will Kaohsiung is located at No. 789, Zhonghua that the people could head to Daqing
have a light show, but the details of the 5th Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City. Railway Station by train and get off to take
light show have not been announced. In bus route 800. If you take the high-speed
addition, this year’s organizers will also 5. Taiwan’s Jiaoxi Township to open Hot Spring Night Market rail, please get off at Taichung station and
plan activities such as Childlike Carnival, Jiaoxi Township is Taiwan’s popular hot would otherwise go to night markets in other take bus route 800 on the first floor of the
Visionary, Geisha Market and Christmas spring haven and is up to open a new night townships, according to a official. The Jiaoxi station.
Superstar Concert and as the details will In addition, there are currently
be announced later but from November market in mid-December. Jiaoxi Township Hot Spring originates at the foot of a hill eight bus routes around the secondary
15th, visitors will be able to go to the is located in northeastern Taiwan’s Yilan behind Fuchung Temple at Deyang Village, exhibition area, including routes 5, 53,
Civic Square. Walk into the sea of ​l​ights 73, 89, 157, 356, 359, 800. The city
and experience the most romantic County, and when you say hot spring this Jiaoxi Township. Among them you would see government has urged the bus operator to
hristmas spot in Taiwan. increase the number of route 800 buses in
place is the perfect one and will be good if ot the most historic “Jiaoxi Hot Spring,” which is hopes of effectively transporting the crowd
—pinoyformosa.com to Wen-Xin Forest Park. Yeh pointed out
matched with night market. The new night quite rare in Taiwan for its occurrence on a that during the Lantern Festival, traffic
control will be carried out on the roads
market will help Jiaoxi retain tourists who flatland. —pinoyformosa.com around the exhibition area.
All parking lots are designed to be far
from the park, visitors are advised not to
drive. If you still planned to drive, there
are several parking lots with shuttle bus
connections, including Shengang, LIHPAO
Discovery Land, Maple Garden, Taiyuan
Parking Lot, Dali Sports Park, Shalu
Station, and North Shuinan Parking Lot.
The city has planned two transit
stations, Houli East station and Houli
Horse Ranch station, as well as eight free
shuttle bus routes near the main exhibition
area. Also, two additional shuttle bus
routes which connect South Shuinan
Parking Lot and Xiangshang Parking Lot to
the secondary exhibition are available on
weekends.

UNVEILED
Continued on Page 14

eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec 11

DECEMBER 2019 NEWS

Sorsogon holds Guinness world record for largest Filipino folk dance
Sorsogon province is now the holder
of the Guinness World Record for the

largest Filipino folk dance exhibition.
Guinness World Record adjudicator Swapnil
Dangarikar confirmed during the closing
ceremony of the Kasanggayahan Festival
2019 that Luzon’s southernmost province
performed the world’s largest Filipino folk

dance involving 7,127 folk dancers.
“I’m very happy to say that with 7,127

people, you have broken the record, this is a Swapnil Dangarikar of India, official adjudicator TOP VIEW. Over 7,000 people participated in the record-setting folk dance performance Photo from
from Guinness World Records, hands the award Department of Tourism. (Inset) Gov. Francis Escudero and wife actress Heart Evangelista take a bow
new record for the Largest Filipino Folk Dance,” to Governor Francis Escudero. Photo from after the performance. Photo from Department of Tourism
Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Office
Dangarikar said, adding that this made the for our province. Having achieved the record Festival (A life of prosperity Festival) .
Sorsogon folk dancers “officially amazing.” was what we saw a couple of months ago, a or not, our province is still a winner because
In the same occasion, the provincial few weeks ago, kada oficina nagpapraktis, of your individual contibutions.)” he added. This year marks the 45th year of
umuulan umaaraw nagpapraktis (every office The Pantomina sa Tinampo, an annual Kasanggayahan Festival with the theme “Kada
government of Sorsogon was commended do rehearsals, rain or shine),” Escudero said. street dance event in Sorsogon, is one of Sorsoganon, Magdanon” which means “Every
“Pribadong sector, pampublikong the highlights of the yearly Kasanggayahan
by the Cultural Center of the Philippines for sector man, nakita nating nakiisa sa isang Sorsoganon should help”. —Pia.gov.ph
the province’s “great contribution” in the mataas na pangarap para sa ating lalawigan.
promotion of Filipino culture and the arts. Nasungkit man natin ang record o hindi, sa
Governor Chiz Escudero expressed totoo lang panalo na ang lalawigan sa ginawa
gratitude to those who painstakingly shared na pagtulong ng bawat isa sainyo, (We have
noted that both the private and the public
their talent, skills and all the efforts in sector participated in this towering dreams

making the Pantomina sa Tinampo attempt

successful. “An award na ini an para saindo

gabos (This award is for all of you). More

than the record, bigger than the record,

DOT warns public vs. non-accredited travel businesses

The Department of Tourism (DOT) warned offerings for travel business management,” Further, all travel agencies/ tour bearing the DOT’s Quality Seal and their
the public against non-accredited entities the DOT said in a statement. operators, including online bookings, are corresponding Accreditation Number with
engaged in travel and tours, airline ticketing “The public is hereby warned to be covered under the DOT Accreditation Law
and other travel businesses. vigilant in dealing with these entities as there requiring accreditation before issuance validity. For a complete list of DOT-accredited
“Recently, various reports have been can be no guarantee on the reliability and of business permits, it stressed. “Non-
received by the Department of Tourism on legitimacy of their products and services,” compliance to the provisions thereof is enterprises, the public are encouraged to visit
the proliferation of non-accredited entities it reminded. The DOT said there are only punishable by law,” it warned. the DOT’s website at www.tourism.gov.ph.
advertising services in different social media select training centers that accredited to offer According to DOT, entities with valid For further information, concerned
platforms for airline ticketing, travel and tours courses on putting up travel agencies and and existing accreditation with them have
arrangement, hotel booking, and training other tourism-related services. informative websites and/or online pages individuals may also contact Jose Tolentino,

DOT Standard Monitoring and Enforcement

Division at 459-5200 loc. 216. —PNA

Joan Pabona, a Filipino, who has worked as a domestic helper in Hong Kong for
6 years and now a prize-winning photographer, plans to quit and turn her passion
into her profession. (Right) Pabona’s photograph Sacrifice won second prize in a
National Geographic competition. Photo: Joan Pabona

The "Turning Point: Taiwan" exhibition, being held Oct. 24-30 at Taipei's Songshan Cultural
and Creative Park, showing 300 photos that chronicle the journeys of migrant workers.
Another highlight of the exhibition is Philippines-inspired clothing made by Taoyuan Filipino
factory worker Mark Lester Reyes, who has become a household name among the Filipino
community in Taiwan for his artistic talent and designs.

HIGHLIGHTS Another highlight of the exhibition is to ask my friends who were competing in The “Turning Point: Taiwan” exhibition
Philippines-inspired clothing made by (fashion) contests if I could also make their was organized by the non-governmental
Continued from Page 9 Taoyuan Filipino factory worker Mark Lester costumes, which they agreed to,” Reyes said, organization One-Forty, which was
“During that period, I asked myself what Reyes, who has become a household name adding that he graduated from a vocational established in 2015 to focus on vocational
among the Filipino community in Taiwan for course in visual arts in high school.
my purpose is in life, because as a domestic his artistic talent and designs. After a work- His creations, which are known for training for migrant workers in Taiwan
worker busy with work, I realized that I was related accident in March 2014 that gave their use of recycled materials thrown out by
so lonely,” she said. “So through photography, him chemical burns on his body and face, factories, quickly became famous throughout to give them skills they need in their
he started to use make-up to cover his scars, the Filipino community, Reyes said. is gowns home countries after they finish working
I wanted to show the emotions and feelings Reyes said. Through his use of make-up, were also showcased at celebrations for in Taiwan. A total of 6,279 people have
many people started to ask him for tips and the 120th anniversary of Philippines
of a migrant worker.” Finishing her contract advice on make-up for fashion shows and independence in 2018 in New Taipei. visited the exhibition since its opening,
with her Hong Kong employer in October, she events, which led him to find his new-found “I want to showcase and represent the
is now a full-time photographer based in her talent, Reyes said. “It was then that I started Filipinos in Taiwan,” he said. according to One-Forty. There were a total

home province, Pabona said. of 714,291 migrant workers from Indonesia,

She was invited to the exhibition to give Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam in

a talk on her works and also give a workshop Taiwan as of the end of September, according

on photography. to Ministry of Labor statistics. —Focus

12 eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019

Pinay Scientist discovers what Angkas CEO one of Asia’s
could be the world’s largest
Caldera in the Philippines young trailblazers

Angeline Tham, service folded in the
founder and Philippines.
chief executive of She continues, “Angkas

on-demand motorcycle was our answer

taxi service Angkas, to motorcyclists’
has been recognized as reputation of being

one of the 400 best and reckless drivers. And

brightest leaders in Asia now, that notion is

for “coming up with slowly diminishing.”
a solution to Manila’s Tham is working

traffic jams.” towards offering free

Angkas founder and training for 18 million

chief executive Angeline bikers nationwide.
Tham is one of Asia’s The app also boasts

Filipina marine geophysicist Jenny archipelago. best and brightest Angkas founder and chief executive efficiency in giving
Anne Barretto has discovered what trailblazers in 2019. Angeline Tham is one of Asia's best motorcyclists a decent
could be the largest caldera in the The University of the Philippines Marine Tham joins Asia Tatler’s
world, according to CNN Philippines. The Science Institute shared the scientists’ and brightest trailblazers in 2019. means of livelihood.
New Zealand-based Pinay published the findings on Facebook. They said the Apolaki Generation T 2019 list, With the heavy
finding in a paper with scientists Ray Wood Caldera “may be the world’s largest known
and John Milsom. caldera with a diameter of ~150 km. For which recognizes some demand of Angkas
They named the caldera, a large
volcanic crater typically formed due to a comparison, [the Yellowstone, one of the of Asia’s innovators in the realm of various among commuters, some of the company’s
major eruption, the Apolaki Caldera after Earth’s largest calderas], is only about 60
the Filipino mythical god. They discovered km.” industries including entertainment, food biker-partners make a living three times the
it in the Philippine Rise, previously known
as Benham Rise, a 13-million-hectare region In the paper, the scientists said the and beverage, retail, sports, and technology, above minimum wage, or about P1,500 per
below sea level on the northeast side of the caldera’s features indicate a “volcanic history
consisting of both quiet and explosive among others. day.

eruptions.” According to Asia Tatler, “Angeline found The Singapore-born entrepreneur believes
a way around Manila’s constant heavy that because of this “Angkas has no longer
traffic with on-demand motorcycle taxi become a consumer-centric service. This

service: Angkas. The app has already been is a platform that wants to empower every

downloaded more than 2 million times and single person involved.”

is one of the top transportation modes of “Whenever we receive an award or get

choice for people living in cities across the invited to speak, it just further proves

Philippines.” Angkas’ integrity as a public service. As

Asia Tatler also cited Angkas’ 99.99-plus much as we are humbled with these, the

2 golds for percent safety record. challenges always await,” states Tham.

“Before Angkas, people were relying on Angkas is currently on a six-month pilot run

Pinay lifter in habal-habal to cut travel time in half, which until the end of this year. The Department

really has no certainty of safety while the of Transportation said data from the pilot

Asian tilt drivers are unidentified,” shares Tham implementation will be used in drafting the
who left Grab after its motorcyle-hailing bill on legalizing motorcycle taxis.

Vanessa Sarno of the Philippines Philippines’ Cyrille Payumo is
captured two gold medals and one Miss Tourism International 2019
The new
silver medal, while fellow Filipinos Miss
Chariz Macawli and Rosegie Ramos took To u r i s m
home a silver and two bronze medals in the International is
2019 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting
Championships late Thursday in Pyongyang, Filipino weightlifter Vanessa Sarno, center, a Filipina. The
North Korea. leads the way in the 2019 Asian Youth country’s bet,
Sarno copped her first gold medal in the and Junior Weightlifting Championships
71-kilogram (kg) in the youth women’s class Thursday in Pyongyang, North Korea. Cyrille Payumo,
after making a total of 209 kg and her second
one in the 91 kg in the snatch. North Korea’s weightlifters could be potential Olympians. was crowned
Ju Hyang U settled for silver with 204 kg, “Syempre, kayang kaya nila (Of course,
while Nigora Suvonova of Uzbekistan ended they can do it), but they have to believe first, Miss Tourism
up with a bronze after lifting 192 kg. then work hard and be smart),” Diaz added.
Ju and Suvonova finished with the Meanwhile, Samahang Weightlifting International
silver and bronze medals, respectively, in ng Pilipinas (SWP) President Monico
the snatch of the 91-kg class. Sarno, 16 and Puentevella said the SWP is now looking 2019 during the
forward not only to the Tokyo Olympics next
a native of Bohol, earned a silver medal year, but also to the 2024 Paris Olympics. coronation night
“This is part of our long-term program on Friday, November 8, at Kuala Lumpur,
in clean and jerk after lifting 118 kg in the for Paris 2024 Olympics. If we can beat a
Korean in their own turf, we must be doing Malaysia. Cyrille bested 38 other contestants
91-kg category. Ju won the gold with 119 kg something good. Thanks to your prayers and to win the fifth Miss Tourism International
and Suvonova tallied 108 kg for the bronze to PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) for
medal. Macawli bagged the silver medal giving us their full support,” Puentevella told crown for the Philippines, at the pageant
The Times in a text message.
(116 kg total and 66 kg in the clean and jerk) Weightlifting has given the country a held at Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa. Aside
in the 40-kg youth women’s division and the big hope of ending its gold medal drought
bronze medal (50 kg in the snatch), while in the Olympics after Diaz’s surprising feat from winning the crown, Mutya Pilipinas
Ramos took the bronze in the women’s 49- in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, where she
kg class after hoisting 76 kg in the snatch. won a silver medal. She also bagged an Asian announced on Facebook that the beauty
Games gold medal in 2018 in Indonesia.
Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn titlist from Porac, Pampanga, also won Best
Diaz was elated by the accomplishments of —Manila Times
the young Filipino weightlifters. in National Costume. She placed first runner-up in the 51st Mutya
“I’m happy for their achievements and I Cyrille’s stunning Filipiniana gown was Pilipinas pageant last August. She replaced
want to salute them for doing their best in designed by Rich Sabinian. the country’s original representative,
Other winners at last night’s pageant Mutya Pilipinas Tourism International Tyra
training [and in the] competition, and for were Gabriella Patricia Mandolang of
representing the Philippines well,” Diaz told Goldman, who was not allowed to compete
The Manila Times on Saturday in an online Indonesia, Miss Tourism Queen of the after the organizers rejected her for having
Year International; Kateryna Kachashvili dual citizenship.
interview. She said she believes that these of Ukraine, Miss Tourism Global; Joanna Cyrille is the latest Filipina to win the
Babynko of Poland, Miss Tourism
Cosmopolitan International; and Chan Miss Tourism International crown after
Sotima of Cambodia, Dreamgirl of the Year
Jannie Loudette Alipo-on (2017), Angeli
International. Cyrille was not the original Dione Gomez (2013), Rizzini Alexis Gomez
(2012), and Maria Esperanza Manzano
choice for the international competition. (2000). —PEP.ph

eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec 13
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019

Pinoy-made ‘Pinyapel’ wins environment
and sustainability award in New York

Filipino-made specialty paper coined products such as paper cups and paper
as “Pinyapel” is definitely one for
the books as it receives recognition bags. CDO Handmade Paper Crafts has also

Pinoy Bretman in New York City. On October 24, DTI-DCP incorporated Pinyapel in its decor designs.
Revolutionizing packaging
announced on its Facebook page that the
Pinoy innovation was officially named as a Environmental groups have renewed
Wood Pencil Awardee in the D&AD Future
Rock won Beauty Impact Awards, an annual event that their call to manufacturers to come up
recognizes world-changing projects.
Influencer of 2019 Derived from the words pinya with better packaging designs. According
to Zero Waste Europe, plastic production
(pineapple) and papel (paper), Pinyapel
has increased 20-fold since the 1960s
is the brainchild of the collaborative
at People’s Choice and in 2015, packaging is at the forefront
efforts of the Department of Trade and
of plastic production. Also in 2015,
Industry Design Center of the Philippines
Awards Philippines was named the third top ocean
(DCP), Cagayan de Oro Handmade Paper,
Nature’s Fresh and Ideatechs Packaging Cabanlet’s idea came to fruition in polluter of plastics. Recycling not enough:
Corporation. collaboration with DCP, an attached agency
Bretman Rock, born Bretman Rock of DTI which focuses on research and Groups call for waste prevention amid
Sacayanan, is one of the biggest CDO Handmade Paper Crafts has made development projects that can help put
stars of the internet. The Hawaii- Philippines on the global innovation map. global plastics crisis
it its mission to produce and promote “100 CDO’s Handmade Paper and DCP With the launch of Pinyapel, DTI-
percent natural, treeless paper.” With this tapped Nature’s Fresh to source discarded
based Pinoy beauty vlogger won the Beauty goal in mind, it was CDO Handmade Paper pineapple leaves from the company’s DCP said it hopes to “combat the growing
Crafts founder Lolita “Luchi” Cabanlet’s pineapple farm. It was a win-win situation
Influencer of 2019 award at the annual E! entrepreneurial mindset to always be for the farm as the production of Pinyapel problem on non-biodegradable plastic”
People’s Choice Awards on November 10 not only lessens agricultural waste, it
on the lookout for innovative ideas that also drives additional revenue. During calling the innovation as the “future of
led her to find opportunity in utilizing the presentation of its 2020 proposed
at Barker Hangar, Santa Monica, California. pineapple leaves. budget in the Senate, DTI put a spotlight packaging.” highlights Pinyapel’s
Walking alongside the hottest movie on Pinyapel and has recognized its role DTI-DCP
“Luchi believes that when you are in in helping increase the livelihood of
stars, TV personalities, musicians and farmers. From there, Ideatechs Packaging water-resistant characteristics making
the wearables and homestyle business Corp. worked to transform the pineapple
influencers at the #PeoplesChoiceAwards, paper sheets into sustainable packaging it a viable food packaging alternative.
sector, product development needs to be
influencer of the year Bretman Rock owned a way of life,” DTI said in its official press As a Future Impact Awardee, DCP said it
release.
the red carpet. The charismatic YouTuber, will “undergo a mentoring and training
program designed to accelerate pinyapel’s
currently boasts a following of 6.73 million
development to deliver tangible impact
subscribers.
in their category area within 12 months.”
Bretman rose to viral popularity Pinyapel will officially receive the Wood

several years ago with a video of him Pencil Award on November 6 in New York

dancing and also playfully smacking his City. —ABS-CBN News

sister on the head. His followers found

their brother-sister dynamic entertaining
— and quickly Bretman rose to influencer

stardom. But aside from being know for

his comedic genius, the youtuber is well Pinoy-made Pixar short film Float makes history

known for his jaw-dropping makeup

skills. AFilipino American makes
history with a 7-minute
But even the glitz and glamour of the animated Pixar short film

Hollywood red carpet did not overshadow titled Float.
what was really on Bretman’s mind and in This marks the first time that

his heart. Days before his big recognition Disney-Pixar Studios released a
at the People’s Choice Awards, Bretman

lost his father, who passed away in the Pinoy-made CGI animated film

Philippines. featuring Filipino characters.

Devastated, Bretman almost backed Pixar made this historic move

out of attending. But instead of taking time in time for Filipino-American

for himself, Bretman decided to come to History Month.

the awards show to celebrate his dad — The story revolves around a

and the love and acceptance he had always father and son, and how the father

received from him. The 21-year-old make- deals with his son who is different

up guru thanked his from other children because of his Pinoy Pixar fans were ecstatic when Filipino-American director Robert Rubio revealed on Twitter that he is
ability to float. Pixar Animation spearheading a Disney Pixar short film called Float (rignt photo) which features two Pinoy characters.
fans and dedicated Studios writer/producer Bobby

the award to his

father: “I want Rubio says about his project, “It’s The Last Airbender. He then transferred to just wondering from this clip”

to dedicate this based on my personal relationship with my Pixar where he had the chance to work on Rubio wrote: “Hi Hugh! In your scenario
son.” “I know we don’t all look alike, but at
award to my the same time, I wanted traits that I had so Up, Brave, Monsters University, Inside Out, I am single without children, so then this
story would not exist! #PixarFloat is inspired
dad who has that it at least felt authentic,” he said in a Incredibles 2, and Toy Story 4. by my son! And since it is MY story it only
His short film Float is now available as
always supported

and loved me recent interview with the American news one of the SparkShorts on the Disney+ app felt appropriate to make the characters

unconditionally,” outfit, ABC 7 News. that was launched on November 12, 2019. #Filipino! Since I am Filipino. Thanks for

he wrote. “I love The animated characters draw In Float, a father discovers that his son is your question!” The short film Float has

you so much inspiration from Rubio and his son. different from other kids in the most unusual touched the lives of those from other cultural

and I will always “As a Filipino-American and it being way. To keep them both safe from judgment, minorities. A Twitter user using the handle

be grateful for Filipino History Month, I am super proud Dad covers him and keeps him out of sight— @Cherry_LA tweeted:
that this is coming out, and we are making but when his son’s ability becomes public, “I’m not Filipino but it’s a story that
allowing me to
Dad must decide whether to run and hide or anyone can see themselves in. A lot of people
express myself history,” said the storyboard artist.

and defended me Rubio started out wanting to work to accept his son as he is. get short with their kids when worried or
The short film is part of Disney Pixar fearful. You packed a lot in this short and
whenever haters as a comic book artist. For 9 years, Rubio watching the making of spoke so much to me.
worked at Walt Disney Feature Animation as SparkShorts, an experimental initiative
said anything.
Hawaii Filipino This one is for a traditional artist and storyboard artist. He designed to let Pixar employees tell personal Our assumption that White is the default.”
Youtube sensation you Papa. I hope worked on films such as Pocahontas, Tarzan, In response, Bobby wrote: “I’m so glad
Bretman Rock is I make you and Treasure Planet. stories. Using his Twitter account, Rubio
this year's Beauty the proudest,” answered a question from a netizen using that the story resonates beyond Filipinos! I
Influencer of the Year. Bretman added. He also became part of Nickelodeon the handle @Wendall4808: “so if Bobby was wanted everyone to enjoy #PixarFloat! Thank
single man with no children he would not you @cherry_LA #DiversityAndInclusion”
Studios where he served as an assistant bother with making this film pinoy leads ?
—Pep.ph
director and storyboard artist for Avatar:

14 eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec

NEWS DECEMBER 2019

POEA: Recruitment agencies to face sanctions “One of the first
for filing inaccurate report status of OFW things I did was to

Recruitment agencies that are found to be filing incomplete and inaccurate reports look for a place,
regarding the status of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) will now be facing sanctions from because I know that
the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Written on the advisory No. 30, the Filipinos don’t
Series of 2019, POEA Administrator Bernard P. Olalia said some recruiters are still submitting
incomplete reports to their office. “Incomplete reports are deemed by this administration have a place of
as not as compliant to POEA Memorandum Circular No. 12, Series of 2018, POEA rules their own."
set the compliance period and if there is significant event involving OFW, report must be — Fr. Joy
submitted within five days,” Olalia said. “Noncompliance herewith warrants the institution
of appropriate disciplinary actions and imposition of corresponding penalties provided under Filipino-American priest opens doors
the rules,” Olalia added. For OFWs, it is advised to check properly the status of recruitment
agency, check their license and if they are registered in POEA. It always advised by the POEA to for migrant workers in Taiwan
beware against illegal recruitment. In 2003, when Filipino-American priest
Father Joy Tajonera was sent by his in Taichung’s Tanzi District to provide a safe
Duterte wants government transactions settled by December 10 haven for migrant workers.
Catholic society Maryknoll to central
After ranting that the government has been too slow or is even at a standstill in the delivery Taiwan’s Taichung City, the first thing he The shelter has provided beds
of services to the people, President Duterte issued an order for all government offices to set out to do was to find a safe space for
finish all transactions and ensure that there is no work pending by Dec. 10. “I am so frustrated. migrant workers. to around 1,000 people since it was
Government is too slow and is even hardly working,” Duterte told government officials who “One of the first things I did was to
were called to Malacañang for the Regional Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed look for a place, because I know that the established. The people who ask for his
Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) meeting. The President has instructed all departments and government Filipinos don’t have a place of their own,” he
offices to either approve or disapprove all pending transactions by Dec. 10. “Lahat, lahat, told CNA. help are often Filipino workers who were
lahat (All, all, all),” the President was quoted as saying as he expressed frustration over slow
government service. Duterte gave the marching orders to the respective agencies, directing “Having a safe in-door space where suddenly removed from their jobs, or
all government departments and agencies to take action on all matters pending before them.
“And they must be done before Dec. 10. Either they approve or disapprove,” he said. The Chief migrant workers can pray, attend mass, Filipina wives who have separated from
Executive complained that it seems a lot of things are pending in the various government relax, learn new skills and find sanctuary in
offices and that the service he wanted to reach the people has not been moving fast enough. times of distress meant that they won’t have their Taiwanese husbands, Tajonera said.
“It irritates him and he wants things done fast and his marching order is get everything done,” to be on the streets on their days off.” “This is one of the women’s rooms,”
a source told The STAR. Tajonera said, as he showed CNA a tidy and
There are a total of 714,291 migrant well-ventilated room that had five double-
The House Committee On Labor is asking Malacanang bunk beds lined against the wall with clean
Palace to consider a proposed four-day work week workers in Taiwan as of the end of September,
sheets and bedding.
The House Committee On Labor has begun talks on two laws that would allow the with Filipinos being the third-largest group, “We find there are around 18 people
implementation of a four-day work week to lessen the already burdensome traffic staying at the shelter on any given day, some
situation in Metro Manila. According to a report from ABS-CBN, Deputy Speaker Luis behind Indonesians and Vietnamese,
Raymund Villafuerte and Baguio Representative Mark Go are suggesting a compressed work people stay for one day, some for a year, it
week in their House Bill 1670 and 1904, respectively. Baguio Representative Go said during according to the Ministry of Labor.
deliberations held on November 13, “The flexibility in work arrangement could help ease the varies,” he said. “But we also do not give a
worsening traffic.” Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante Jr. suggested that As most of the migrant workers either
Malacanang should consider the feasibility of implementing a four-day work week during the time limit. It depends on their situation and
holiday season. He said, “This could also serve as a trial period to assess if such a scheme can live in dormitories provided by their
work long-term.” As reported by Manila Bulletin, Deputy Speaker Villafuerte’s House Bill 670 their needs.”
“seeks to amend Article 83 of Presidential Decree 442 or the Labor Code of the Philippines.” workplace or with their employers, they
His measure removes the limit on normal work hours to a flexible work duration. Meanwhile, But displaced workers and divorced
Baguio Representative Go’s House Bill 1904 seeks to increase normal work hours per day are often left without a place to meet or
under a compressed work week scheme. House Minority Leader Abante cited as an example socialize with friends. women are not the only people Tajonera
Microsoft Japan’s four-day work week which had positive effects as it increased productivity Many resort to sitting down with
by almost 40 percent. He said, “If it worked there, it could work here. We have an enormous helps. He has also dealt with some extreme
problem and we need to consider drastic measures to address it.” friends in groups in the foyers and outdoor
plazas of train stations or public areas on cases. Five years ago, a Filipina reached out
OFW group, recruiter slam pre-deployment SSS contributions their days off.
to him for help through social media after she
An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) advocacy group and a labor recruiter voiced their dissent Tajonera was born in Manila in 1959 became a victim of human trafficking and was
against a requirement that OFWs should solely shoulder their SSS contributions and forced to work in a brothel in Miaoli County,
make several payments before they would be permitted to work abroad. In a press statement, and earned a degree in Political Science
LBS E-Recruitment Solutions President Lito B. Soriano complained that the government from the city’s Far Eastern University, Tajonera said. He gave her instructions on
requirement for OFWs to pay pre-deployment SSS contributions, as well as Philhealth and before immigrating to New York in 1982, how to find him, Tajonera said.
PAG-IBIG contributions, would “only promote suffering, hardships” and create “another “After arriving in Taiwan to work for
Calvary to climb.” Soriano added that making the OFWs make several monthly contributions where he helped provide counseling and
before being considered SSS members was “repressive.” Marcia Sadicon, the President of the a month or two, one of her co-workers,
Advocates and Keepers Organization of OFW (AKOOFW), also opposed the SSS, Philhealth and vocational training to adults and worked as
PAG-IBIG mandatory contributions as a pre-requisite for an Overseas Employment Certificate who were mostly Vietnamese, could see
(OEC). Similarly, recruitment consultant and migration expert Emmanuel Geslani said that the a social worker at Brooklyn Hospital in New
SSS and the other government institutions should not make the OFWs their “milking cow.” that she was in distress and helped her to
According to RA 11199 or the “Social Security Act of 2018,” all land-based OFWs were to solely York between 1985 and 1994.
shoulder their SSS monthly premiums. Tajonera’s affinity for Taichung and escape,” Tajonera said. After she escaped to
its migrant workers runs deep. He spent
Bello tells OFWs: Be entrepreneurs the shelter, authorities from the National
a year and a half in Taichung in 1998
Filipino household workers who were repatriated from Kuwait arrive at Manila’s Immigration Agency and the police came to
international airport, Philippines, 21 February 2018. According to media reports, Cebu teaching English to medical students before
Pacific (CEB) airlines provided airlift support for at least 396 Overseas Filipino Workers collect her the next day and help her catch
(OFWs) who were repatriated from Kuwait. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) returning to the United States to complete the human traffickers.
Secretary Silvestre Bello III has advised seafarers and other Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Tajonera now operates a church,
to go back to the Philippines and start their own business. This was his message during the 2019 his Master of Divinity degree in Chicago in
NRCO-ISP Business Plan Competition on November 8. The competition is an annual search for vocational training school, and a shelter in
the best business proposals among seafarers. In his message read by Undersecretary Renato 2001 and becoming a priest in New York the
Ebarle, Bello assured seafarers that the government, together with the private sector and non- the city. The funding and support for his
government organizations, is always ready to help OFWs towards productive reintegration. following year.
The competition aims to provide start-up capital, training, and mentoring for the winners and services to the migrant workers come from
their proposed businesses. Seafarer Gary Esguerra was hailed as this year’s winner for his After being ordained as a priest, he
“green” slippers business proposal. Esguerra aims to replace disposable slippers, commonly a number of sources, including Maryknoll,
provided by hotels and resorts, with ‘greener’ slippers made from abaca residue as soles and requested to be assigned to Taichung in
by incorporating seeds inside the slippers. He also said the slippers will decompose easier worshipers who donate money during
compared to the regular disposable slippers. Esguerra received P500,000 as start-up capital. 2003 to serve migrant workers in the city. In mass, the Philippine representative office
in Taiwan and local Taiwanese living in the
2004, Tajonera created the Ugnayan shelter
community.

OPENS
Continued on Page 15

UNVEILED 34 million from the central government.
Continued from Page 10
Yeh also reminded that during the Besides, the city government submitted
Lantern Festival, temporary parking is
not allowed, and illegal parking is strictly the “2020 Taiwan Lantern Festival Shuttle
prohibited. The public is urged to take high-
speed rail, Taiwan Railway, buses, and free Bus Funding Application “ and the “2020
shuttle buses to enjoy the lanterns.
The Transportation Bureau of Taiwan Lantern Festival Shuttle Bus Plan”
Taichung City Government said that the
municipal government has applied for to the Tourism Bureau and the Directorate
transportation subsidies of more than NT$
General of Highway, MOTC respectively. The

plans give explanations of transportation

planning, traffic connection, parking lots,

traffic control aimed at providing people

with perfect transportation connection

services. —Chinapost

eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec 15

DECEMBER 2019 NEWS

'Balikbayan box ng Pasko'

Malaking katuwaan ang nadarama ng mga batang magkasala. Kaya nga kailangan kasinungalingan at kakorapan nang tao. Ito ay taga-hatid nang balikbayan box sa Pilipinas,
mga mahal sa buhay kapag naka- pang paluin kapag “matigas ang ulo” upang sapagkat alipin ni Satanas ang tao. Ganito ang
tanggap ng Balikbayan Box galing pahayag ni Apostol Pablo sa kalagayan ng tao ang naghatid naman ng Balikbayan Box news
sa abroad pagdating ng Pasko. Karaniwan ituwid. Dahil sa kasalanan, naging baluktot ang ngayon, “Noong una’y patay kayo dahil sa in-
imported goods ang laman gaya ng candies, yong mga pagsuway at mga kasalanan. Sinusu- sa mga pastol sa parang ay anghel at ganito
chocolates, snacks, coffee, tea o cereals. Mga isipan ng tao kaya nagdurusa sa mga maling nod ninyo noon ang masamang takbo ng mun- ang sabi,   “Huwag kayong matakot! Ako’y
gamit gaya ng sapatos, pabanggo, damit, dong ito, at napailalim kayo sa pinuno ng mga may dalang magandang balita para sa inyo na
cosmetics, books, DVDs, stuffed toys, games, desisyon sa buhay. Pinahina ng kasalanan ang kapangyarihan sa himpapawid, ang espiritung
o electronics. Kasama rin ang mga gamot at emosyon kaya’t madaling tamaan ng lungkot, naghahari sa mga taong ayaw pasakop sa Diy- magdudulot ng malaking kagalakan sa lahat
vitamins. Ang Balikbayan box ay bunga nang di mapigil na galit, selos, inggit, o kayabangan os” (Eph. 2:1-3). Nais nang Diyos putulin ang
pagmamahal ng nagpadala sa pinadalhan. at iba’t ibang bagabag sa buhay. Pinahina nang kapangyarihan ni Satanas laban sa tao. Pag- ng tao. Isinilang sa inyo ngayon sa bayan ni
Bagay na pinaghirapan, dugo, pawis at luha. kasalanan ang katawan kung kaya’t madaling ibig ng Diyos ang nagbunsod upang ipadala
Pinaglabanan ang lungkot, mga abuso, hirap dapuan ng iba’t ibang klase ng karamdaman ang kanyang balikbayan box sa pamamagitan David ang Tagapagligtas, ang Cristong Pangi-
at pasakit. Kasama rin ang pag-aalala, pag- gaya ng cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, pneu- ng pagsasakatawang tao ni Jesus.
titipid at pagtitiyaga upang makapagpadala Bakit kailangan pang magsakatawan tao noon” (Lucas 2:10-11). Jesus ang ibinigay na
ng katuwaan sa mga mahal sa buhay. Kabayan, monia, at iba pa. Pansinin mo ang historya ng ng Anak ng Diyos? Una, Ganito ang pahayag at
alam mo ba na ang Diyos ang nagpasimula ng paliwanag ng Biblia, “ Dahil sa ang mga anak pangalan sa sanggol na ipinanganak nuong
balikbayan box nuong unang Pasko? Ano? tao. Sa kabila ng umunlad ang teknolohiya at na tinutukoy niya ay tao, naging tao rin si Je-
Paano nangyari iyon? Ganito...  sus at tulad nila’y may laman at dugo. Ginawa unang Pasko. Ang ibig sabihin ng pangalan ay
Ang Balikbayan box ng Diyos. Ibinalot ng kaalaman, na-resolba ba nang tao ang kanyang niya ito upang sa pamamagitan ng kanyang
Diyos ang Bugtong Niyang Anak sa Katawan kamatayan ay mawasak niya ang diyablo na “Diyos na Tagapagligtas” (Mateo 1:21).  Paa-
Tao at ipinadala nuong unang Pasko. Import- relasyon sa kapwa? Patuloy ang hindi pagka- siyang may kapangyarihan sa kamatayan. Sa
ed mula sa langit. Balikbayan sapagkat nuong kaunawaan ng tao sa isa’t-isa. Sa mag-asawa pamamagitan din ng kanyang kamatayan ay no naman matatanggap ang balikbayan box
una pa lamang, kasama nang Diyos ang tao sa na lang, hindi maiwasan ang mag-away at pinalaya niya ang lahat ng tao na buong buhay ng Diyos? Kapag tumanggap ng balikbayan
hardin ng Eden. Subalit naputol ang relasyon nila’y inalipin ng takot sa kamatayan” (Heb box, karaniwan ay pinapi-pirma ang tatang-
gawa ng pagsuway ng tao sa utos ng Diyos salungatan. Basahin mo ang mga pahayagan, 2:14-15). Ikalawa, kailangan magsakatawang
(Genesis 3). Mula nuon, nawalay ang tao sa Di- tao ang Anak ng Diyos upang mag-alay ng gap o kina-uukulan. Ganito ang pahayag ni
yos. Ngunit plano ng Diyos na ipanumbalik ang patuloy ang masasamang balita. Ginagamit pa sariling buhay. Ganito ang pahayag ng Biblia
kanyang bayan sa kanya. Ganito pa nga ang pa- nga ang mataas na teknolohiya sa iba’t ibang sa Heb. 2:17-18,  “Kaya’t kinailangang mat- Juan, “Sapagkat gayon na lamang ang pag-
ki-usap ng Diyos sa kanyang bayan sa Hosea masamang gawa gaya ng mga cyber crimes sa ulad siya (Jesus) sa kanyang mga kapatid sa ibig ng Diyos sa sangkatauhan, kaya’t ibinigay
14:1, “Manumbalik ka Israel kay Yahweh na lahat ng paraan. Upang siya’y maging isang (ipinadala) niya ang kanyang kaisa-isang
iyong Diyos. Ang pagbagsak mo ay bunga ng pagnanakaw ng identity, hacking, o phishing. Pinakapunong Pari na mahabagin at tapat
iyong kasamaan.” Mula nga nuon ay naging na naglilingkod sa Diyos at nag-aalay ng han- Anak, upang ang sinumang sumampalataya sa
marupok at mahina ang loob ng tao bunga ng Blackmail, e-banking fraud, e-shopping fraud, dog para mapatawad ang mga kasalanan ng
kanyang kasalanan. Naging natural at normal tao.   At ngayo’y matutulungan niya ang mga kanya ay hindi mapahamak, kundi magkaroon
sa mga sumunod na henerasyon ang magkas- business email fraud, Internet pornography, tinutukso, sapagkat siya man ay tinukso at
ala. Kaya nga hindi mo kailangan turuan ang nagdusa.” Bilang Pinakamataas na Saserdote, ng buhay na walang hanggan” (Juan 3:16).
romance scam, ransomware attack, social me- kumatawan si Jesus para sa tao sa harap ng Kailangan sumampalataya sa “Balikbayan
Diyos duon sa templo sa langit (Hebrews 5:1- Box” ng Diyos (Kay Jesu Cristo). Ang pagtang-
dia deception, at marami pang iba. Lalo pang 3) at inihandog ang sarili bilang alay na tupa gap ay gagawin taos sa puso sapagkat alam
sumasama. Kaya nga Diyos na ang gumawa ng kapalit ng kasalanan ng tao (Hebrews 10:1-
paraan upang maipanumbalik sa Kanya ang 18).  Sa ginawang sakripisyo ni Jesus, malaya mo na ang pasalubong na ito ay ang tanging
sangkatauhan. Ipinahayag ng Propeta Isaiah, na muli ang tao na makalapit sa Banal na Diy-
os (Hebrews 10:19-25) at tuloy maibalik ang paraan para mapatawad ka sa kasalanan mo
“Dahil dito si Yahweh mismo ang magbibigay naputol na relasyon sa Diyos.
Kung may Elite Express Sea Cargo na at siyang kaligtasan mo sa kapahamakan sa
sa inyo ng palatandaan: Maglilihi ang isang da- impiyerno. Wala ng ibang balikabayan box
pa ang dapat mong sampalatayanan liban kay
laga at magsisilang ng isang sanggol na lalaki
Jesu Cristo. Maraming fake na balikbayan box
at tatawagin sa pangalang Emmanuel” (Isaiah ang kumakalat gaya nang iba’t ibang relihiy-
on, denominasyon, o ano mang gawa lamang
7:14). Sa wikang Hebreo, ang kahulugan ng
pangalang Emmanuel ay Kasama natin ang ng tao na nagpapanggap na daan sa langit.
Diyos.  Ganito ang patutuo nang alagad na si
Hindi sila ang namatay sa krus. Si Jesus la-
Juan tungkol sa balikbayan box na ipinadala
mang ang namatay sa krus, kaya kay Jesus ka
sa Pasko, “Naging tao ang Salita at nanirahan
nararapat sumampalataya. Si Jesu Cristo ang
sa piling namin. Nakita namin ang kaluwalha-
magbibigay sa iyo ng buhay na walang hang-
tiang tunay na kanya bilang kaisa-isang Anak gan (Juan 1:12; 5:24; 6:47; Acts 2:37-38). 
Iyan ang pasalubong ng Diyos sa iyong Pasko.
ng Ama. Siya ay puspos ng kagandahang-loob
Pero huwag mo nang intayin mag-expire ang
at ng katotohanan” (Juan 1:14). Ang laman ng
balikbayan box ng Pasko ay “Kagandahang pasalubong ng Diyos sa iyo. Tanggapin mo
loob” sapagkat kailangan gamutin ang kasa-
na ang balikbayan box ng Diyos ngayon na. O
maang loob ng tao (Mark 7:21-23).  Laman rin
ang “Katotohanan” sapagkat namamayani ang ano?

Merry Merry Christmas!

OPENS advice and sanctuary. To be the voice when environment the shelter provides,” she said. Tajonera said he does not put a capacity
Continued from Page 14 they are voiceless. To give them courage and “The people here are like my family.” Another on the number of people that need his help.
“My Taiwanese neighbors would bring help them not to despair because of poverty, resident at the shelter, a 31-year-old Filipino, “The migrant worker becomes a
broken heart, problems at home, or working identified only as Romar, said he was fired commodity (in Taiwan), but that is not how
money and leave it on the staircase because in difficult, dirty and dangerous jobs.” from his factory job about two months ago we should treat people. We should treat
At the shelter during the tour Tajonera for smoking in a non-smoking area after he people with dignity and respect, because all of
they know I feed a lot of people,” Tajonera gave, the people being helped were also busy had already received a warning for a similar us are the same, whether we are rich or poor,
helping out. A long-term resident, 51-year- issue. The dismissal from his work meant that Christians or not, Taiwanese, immigrants or
said. He does not ask big corporations for old Filipina, identified only as Julianne, said he also had to leave the company-provided new immigrants,” Tajonera said.
she has been living there for around 10 dormitory. He is staying at the shelter while Luckily, Tajonera is not alone in providing
funding because he feels if they really wanted years. She found herself with no place to stay he awaits a transfer to another job. a safe space for migrant workers in distress
when she was separated from her Taiwanese Even though the majority of people who because there are some 15 organizations that
to help they would have helped already husband of 12 years. She helps out at the come to Tajonera are Filipinos, he says he also operate migrant worker shelters, which
shelter by preparing meals and is responsible accepts and helps everyone regardless of race, are scattered around Taiwan. But the question
instead of being asked or begged, Tajonera for cooking lunch and dinner for people at adding that he also helps refer distressed remains unanswered if these shelters are
the shelter, Julianne said. “I have decided migrant workers of other races to shelters enough to help those among the over 700,000
said. He also does not receive funding from to keep staying here over the years because who can speak their language so that they can migrant workers in the country in times of ne
I really enjoy the companionship and the get the proper support they need. ed. —Taiwan News
the Taiwanese government, Tajonera said.
“Working with the migrants is a real joy.
It is not a work in the sense of nine to five,
but the mission to walk side by side with the

migrants and the Taiwanese,” Tajonera said.

He describes his mission as: “To pray and
to give hope especially in difficult situations
and to help when they need help (by offering)

VAPING can give smokers.” quit smoking look into vaping as an effective Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) and Capitol
Continued from Page 4 But he said he resumed vaping in 2015
“I started vaping in late 2009. Vaporium since he wanted to quit smoking. alternative for tobacco smoking.” Medical Center (CMC), in an email interview with
pa ang tawag nun. OFW na ako nung na- “After three months of vaping again, But OFWs should refrain from vaping as
discover ko ang vaping,” the member of the medyo lumuwag ang paghinga ko. Nabawasan well, the chairman of the Council for Control GMA News Online late in October.
din ang withdrawal syndrone ng pag-stop ko
Macau Vapers Club revealed in an interview sa paninigarilyo.” of Tobacco and Air Pollution (CCTA) and a She also pointed out that vapes,
“Now I have my own shop as part of my
via Messenger in October 29. continuous belief in vaping. I’m also a part of member of the Philippine College of Chest otherwise known as electronic nicotine
the Macau Vapers Club and we are proud that
Ladera just stopped in 2011 because the number of vapers keep on increasing and Physicians (PCCP) has said. delivery system (ENDS), can also lead to
that only means a lot of people who want to “There is no such thing as ‘less cancer’ or
vape sellers can hardly be found in his host ‘mild cancer.’ It is like choosing whether to jump bronchiolitis obliterates or popcorn lungs,
from the 10th floor of a building or on its 5th
country. “Madami na din ako nadidinig na floor for in the end the outcome is the same,” said lipoid pneumonia, and acute respiratory
Dr. Glynna Ong-Cabrera, who also practices at the distress syndrome. It can cause inflammation
hindi maganda tungkol sa vaping [so] I
became a skeptic about the health benefits it and a form of tissue damage known as

oxidative stress, too, deteriorating blood

vessel health. —GMA News

16 eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec

NEWS DECEMBER 2019

Taiwan convenience store trials veggie burgers Migrant workers in Taiwan

Veggie patties from Beyond Meat started selling on demand abolishment
Wednesday (Nov. 20) at FamilyMart, according to
CNA. Veggie burgers and other vegan foods have been

largely unsuccessful in the fast food industry to date.

Beyond Meat is one of the companies that have saved of broker system

plant-based food items from completely failing, said

Business Insider. Beyond Meat started collaborating this Migrant workers from Indonesia, them with a Taiwanese employer.
year with Burger King and KFC to provide plant-based Vietnam and the Philippines staged Aside from that, they are required
separate protests in Taipei on Sunday to pay brokers NT$1,500 to NT$1,800 in
burger patties and chicken nuggets. MOS Burger and to demand the abolishment of all placement monthly service fees after arriving in Taiwan
agencies and the enforcement of a compulsory in exchange for service that is far from
TGI Fridays have also started selling veggie burgers in government-to-government hiring system. satisfying, he said. The protesters urged
The protesting workers, holding Taiwan’s government to figure out why these
Taiwan, reported CNA. Beyond Meat’s Beyond Burgers streamers and placards reading “Abolish the problems still exist despite the passage
are made of non-GMO peas and beetroot and have two Beyond Meat's burgers and brokerage system, we want G2G” (government of supposedly labor-friendly measures,
times more iron than regular beef. FamilyMart said, sausages are made from pea to government) in their own languages, rallied such as the amendment of Article 52 of the
according to CNA, they will see how well the product sells protein because customers didn't outside the Indonesia Economic and Trade Employment Service Act in 2016.
want to eat more soy or gluten. Office (IETO) to Taipei, the Manila Cultural The legislation eliminated the
before deciding if it stays on shelves in the long term. and Economic Office (MECO) and the Vietnam requirement that foreign laborers have to
Economic and Cultural Office (VECO) in Taipei. leave Taiwan for one day upon expiration of
Scammers target Filipino workers in Taiwan “The brokers do not help us in times of their employment permit before re-entering
need, but they continue siphoning off our the country to start on a new contract.
Three major Taiwanese and Filipino groups of scammers have allegedly swindled NT$24 hard-earned salaries, which are supposed to It was supposed to save migrant workers
million from Filipino workers in Taiwan after persuading them to make fake investments be sent home to our families,” said a Filipino from being charged another placement fee,
worker Tommy during the protest. but many brokers continue to exploit migrant
through Facebook. Police in Taiwan have recently dealt with several cases of Philippine Even though direct-hiring programs exist workers by playing with loopholes in the law,
between Taiwan and several labor-exporting according to protesters.
housekeepers and nursing workers being defrauded out of large sums of money. In one case, countries in Southeast Asia, job vacancies are Meanwhile, Hsueh Chien-chung (薛
still often controlled by placement agencies and 鑑忠), a section chief at the Workforce
a Filipina lost NT$3 million over a few days and was confronted by co-workers and friends brokers, said Meriam Hsu, a social worker with Development Agency under Taiwan's
the Taiwan International Workers’ Association Ministry of Labor, said most employers in
who had lent her the money, according to Mirror Media. One of the victims told reporters (TIWA). As a result, migrant workers in Taiwan Taiwan still prefer to hire migrant workers
who want to extend their contract or need through brokers or placement agencies
that the leaders of the three major groups — Totugn Jevy A Redidon, Vivian Catapang, and to change employers are charged transfer or because of the greater convenience.
Liezl Corderom — previously operated as illegal remittance companies and would often post “job buying” fees of NT$35,000 (US$1,139) to Employers prefer to work through
information about financial investment opportunities with interest as high as 50 percent. NT$80,000, which is against the law in Taiwan, brokers and have them handle all the
She added that most of the fraudsters worked as caregivers, so they had more free time to Hsu told CNA. paperwork, screen the workers and handle
In the Philippines, labor laws state any problems such as sickness or injury while
contact their targets via social media. The police have located a Taiwanese female suspect that fishermen and caregivers who apply to the workers are in Taiwan.
surnamed Chung (鍾) among others. The deputy chief of Taichung Police Precinct, Hsieh Chih- work abroad need not pay a placement fee, In the direct hire programs, governments
yuan (謝志遠), encouraged Filipino workers in Taiwan to use banks and reputable financial while factory workers only have to pay a fee only provide pools of people, but it is up to
organizations when sending their salaries back home. —Taiwan News equivalent to one month of salary, but in most the companies to select the workers by video
cases the law is ignored, she said. interviews or traveling abroad to select
Taiwan nonprofit opens Philippines branch The direct-hiring scheme will not workers personally. Hsueh said Taiwan’s
work unless these governments abolish the government understands the demands of
Nonprofit organization Taiwan Fund for Children and Families opened a new branch Nov. manpower broker system, Hsu believed. migrant workers, but the free market also
13 in the city of Mandaluyong in the Philippines, spotlighting efforts by local charities On Filipino protesters’ demand to plays a role because employers have the
to reach out and provide assistance overseas. The location is the organization’s seventh abolish the broker system, Cesar Chaves, choice of how they want to hire workers.
abroad following centers established in Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Eswatini, Vietnam, Cambodia director of Labor Affairs of MECO, told CNA Issues related to transfer fees are not
and Jordan, in that order. It is set to benefit around 10,000 Filipino children. At the opening the issue depends on Taiwan’s government. likely to be discussed in a near future, Hsueh
ceremony, TFCF’s Chairman Chao Li-min said the move underscores the group’s commitment “It needs to be initiated by the Taiwan said, but he warned that brokers who demand
government. We have to respect Taiwan’s law,” placement fees from migrant workers will be
to helping underprivileged children and disadvantaged families beyond its base in central Chaves said. He said there is already a direct fined 10 to 20 times the amount they collect
Taiwan’s Taichung City. This includes providing nutritious meals and school textbooks to hiring program between the Philippines and and their agency will face closure if proven
Taiwan called the Special Hiring Program for guilty. According to a press release issued
ensure a healthy living environment and real opportunities for educational advancement, he Taiwan (SHPT), and it is up to employers to by the Ministry of Labor in August 2017,
added. According to Michael Peiyung Hsu, head of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the decide whether or not to utilize the program. placement agencies or brokers in Taiwan are
Philippines, the branch will serve as a beacon for Taiwan’s humanitarian care in the region Vietnamese worker Thieu Van Loi said not allowed to collect placement fees from
his countrymen are charged as much as migrant workers. They are only allowed to
while strengthening links with local social welfare institutions. TECO is also currently engaged US$7,000 before they can come and work in charge service fees ranging from NT$1,500 to
with nongovernmental organizations on various projects, Hsu said, citing support for World Taiwan, even the law does not allow a fee of NT$1,800 per month. —Focus Taiwan
more than US$4,000 for services and placing
Vision Philippines in tackling child malnutrition in Eastern Visayas, as well as backing rice
donations by Hualien County-headquartered Tzu Chi Foundation. Founded in 1938, TFCF’s

mission is to provide families and children with better opportunities in life. To date, it has

helped over one million people. —Taiwan Today

Group tickets to E. Taiwan available for 3-month presale

The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) announced Saturday (Nov. 9) that group tickets
for 10 train lines will be available for pre-booking beginning Tuesday (Nov. 12). It is

hoped that the tickets, which will be available for purchase up to three months in advance,
will make Taiwan’s railways more convenient and bolster tourism in the eastern part of the
country, according to CNA. Group tickets are currently pre-sold two months to 20 days before

departure, according to TRA regulations. In order to help groups of travelers, especially

foreign tourists, plan their trips, the TRA decided to allow groups to purchase tickets for 10

select train routes up to 3 months in advance: The 10 train routes are as follows:
Taipei to Hualien: No. 212, 241 (Tze-chiang) and No. 71, 72, 73, 74 (Chu-kuang)
Taipei to Taitung: No. 410, 439 (Tze-chiang) and No. 81, 82 (Chu-kuang) —Taiwan News

ARC number format to be changed in October next year Upgraded YouBike service to start

Agovernment plan to change the format of the Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) number trial run in Gongguan shopping area
to match that of the national identification card is to be implemented in October next
year, the National Development Council (NDC) said. The issue of the ARC format has been An upgraded system of the public bicycle control panels on the bikes themselves,
rental service provider YouBike will meaning that users can proceed with the
a troubling one for foreign nationals in Taiwan and has been raised many times by foreign rental process directly with an Easycard or by
undergo a trial run in the Gongguan reading the QR code on the bikes, Liao said.
chambers of commerce, NDC Minister Chen Mei-ling said at the European Chamber of Moving the operating system from the bike
shopping area in Taipei in January as the stands to the bikes themselves means that
Commerce Taiwan (ECCT), which was releasing its annual position paper. On the ARC and the stands will take up less space, which is
Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC), the number, which comprises two letters and city prepares to replace all current YouBike necessary to build a more comprehensive
eight digits, will be changed to one letter and nine digits like the one on national IDs, Chen said. bicycles, officials said (November 18). network, she explained.
ECCT chief executive officer Freddie Hoeglund said the chamber welcomed the change, as it There will be 1,250 bike stands installed While there are already 13,000 YouBikes
would give foreign nationals greater access to online services, which often do not accept the served by around 400 stations in Taipei, there
in the area, the most popular YouBike hotspot is still room for improvement in the density of
current format. “This is something actually that we have been driving for over 10 years,” he bike stops, Liao said.
said. “These issues are very difficult to push forward because it expands over all government in the country, to accommodate 500 new
agencies and also within the private sector.” When the plan takes effect next year, about 1 bikes, said Liao Yun-ling (廖苑伶) of the city UPGRADED
million ARC and APRC holders would be issued the new numbers, Ministry of the Interior government's Department of Transportation. Continued on PAGE 17
The city will study user behavior from the test
statistics showed. They include 690,000 migrant workers, 30,000 foreign professionals and
run to adjust its plan to launch the “YouBike
300,000 foreign spouses of Taiwanese who have not yet obtained national IDs, the data
2.0” system citywide from late 2020, Liao
showed. —Taipei Times
said.

The new service will feature smart

eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec 17

DECEMBER 2019 NEWS

Foundation raises funds to hire teachers from Taiwan in Manila school

ATaiwan-Philippines foundation said Philippines are unwilling to start a career the fund will help bring talented instructors which is comparable to that of an average
Sunday that it has raised more than teaching Chinese, mainly because of what from Taiwan to fill the gap, while also helping starting salary of a schoolteacher in the
they perceive as a profession that doesn’t pay promote traditional Chinese character Philippines. However, this paycheck makes
10 million pesos (US$197,604) that well, Kao explained. Ma Li-ling (馬儷 it difficult to recruit experienced teachers,
玲), who is director of the Office for Chinese learning at the school. let alone those with a post-graduate
in donations that will be used to recruit Academic Instruction at CKSC, recalled degree, Yu said.
once having talked to one of her graduating According to the TPEF, the donation was Salary aside, every newly recruited
instructors from Taiwan to teach Mandarin students about whether she would be teacher from Taiwan will be eligible to receive
interested in staying to teach at the school, made possible through the assistance of the a monthly stipend of 15,000 pesos, he said.
Chinese at a school in Manila. but she rejected the offer on the basis that The stipend will come from the donated
the pay was too small. The student said she Culture Center of the Taipei Economic and fund, Ma said, adding that she hopes that in
Speaking at a Sunday reception, Taiwan- would rather work in the service industry for Cultural Office in the Philippines as well as the future, local Chinese-language teachers
a more attractive salary, Ma said. Taiwanese expatriates in the country. at the school will also receive the same
Philippines Educational Development The TPEF head expressed hope that Yu Cheng-tsai (尤正才), who heads the benefit. — Chinapost
Foundation (TPEF) President Kao Shih-cheng Taipei economic and cultural office there, told
(高士誠) said the plan was conceived earlier CNA Sunday that a starting Chinese-language

this year to address a shortage of Chinese- teacher in the Philippines typically receives
language teachers at Chiang Kai-shek College
(CKSC), established by Chinese Filipinos an average monthly salary of 20,000 pesos,
in 1939. Many young people today in the

Taiwan, Philippines discuss key issues at labor meeting in Taipei
Taiwan and the Philippines negotiated
several key issues involving the channels in northern, central and southern instead of the Filipino worker. Regarding an will continue to improve work-related safety
Taiwan so that its office in Taiwan can assist announcement earlier this year that Taiwan’s
welfare of Filipino workers in Taiwan local authorities resolve any outstanding government will allow local dairy farms to measures so as to guarantee the welfare of
medical expenses incurred by Philippine hire migrant workers, the MOL said the two
at an annual labor meeting in Taipei on workers in Taiwan, including those who sides will continue to hold talks to iron out Filipino migrant workers.
absconded from their workplaces. the details so Filipinos can work in the sector.
(October 28), but agreement was reached on The two sides also agreed to continue The two sides also discussed the training The meeting was led by the MOL and
discussing issues related to fees incurred that caregivers have to go through before
only a limited number of topics. in the hiring of Filipino fishery workers to arriving in Taiwan, and the Philippine side included representatives from the Philippine
protect the interests of both employers and agreed to hold tours of such courses for
At the Taiwan-Philippines Joint Labor employees, the ministry said. Taiwan’s delegation next year at the 9th Department of Labor and Employment and
The fees in question include brokerage Taiwan-Philippines Joint Labor Conference in the Manila Economic and Cultural Office
Conference, being held for the eighth year, fees, which the Philippines suggested Manila. (MECO) in Taipei. Officials from Taiwan’s
should be covered by Taiwanese employers As for the Taiwan side, the MOL said it
the two countries covered such issues as foreign ministry, Council of Agriculture
outstanding medical expenses, fishery worker
hiring fees, jobs at Taiwanese dairy farms, and and immigration agency also took part

caregiver training. in the bilateral meeting. ccording to MOL
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor,
the Philippines agreed to set up contact statistics, 156,248 migrant workers from the

Philippines were in Taiwan as of the end of

September. —Focus Taiwan

UPGRADED the stands, according to Liao. The bikes, to be new system will not be compatible with the sufficient space to park enough new bikes, she
Continued from PAGE 16 existing one, Liao said, acknowledging that said, the government will install several new
The new system will also be more eco- painted white and yellow, will also carry GPS this will cause confusion and inconvenience stations on a smaller scale near the current
for users. The city government will install the stations. “The point is to make the bikes more
friendly, as the service interface will use built-in and use an automatic locking system instead new stands alongside the existing ones, so that accessible from everywhere in the city,” she said
of traditional locks, and for the first time will users will have two options. For stops without . —Focus Taiwan
solar energy panels on the bicycles instead of be introduced into the grounds of National

being powered by underground wires through Taiwan University, she added. However, the

18 eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec

SNHEOWWSBITS DECEMBER 2019

Pinoy boy group na SB19 pasok sa Billboard ‘Next Big Sound’ chart Planong showbiz comeback ni Bong

Nagawang pasukin ng Pinoy Revilla via 'The Gift' binatikos
pop group na SB19 ang Nagbigay ng iba’t ibang reaksyon at
ang isa sa mga pinakamataas opinyon ang mga netizen matapos it take it scam which you masterminded?
na pwesto sa Billboard chart umugong ang balita ng planong but sadly, you didn't. Hindi sa pera lang
na nagtatala ng artists dahil sa showbiz comeback ni Senador Bong Revilla nabubuhay ang tao. bumalik ka sa Panginoon
bilis ng kanilang pagsikat. Para sa pamamagitan ng pag guest sa GMA drama
sa linggong ito, nasungkit ng para masave ka.”
Filipino group ang ikaanim na series na “The Gift” ni Alden Richards.
pwesto sa “Next Big Sound” chart “MORE IMPORTANTLY, I AM A
ng Billboard. Ayon sa Billboard, Napabalitang magbabalik sa GMA LEGITIMATE AND THINKING FAN OF ALDEN
repleksyon ang listahan ng “mga RICHARDS WHO LOVES MY COUNTRY.”
artists na pinakamabilis umangat SB19, the members are Sejun, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin Network si Revilla, siya umano ang magiging “Hindi porke fan ng isang artista, aalisin
sa nagdaang linggo, sa lahat ng is trained under ShowBT, a Korean entertainment company host ng isang weekly show na mala-Kap’s
social music sites, na inaasahang that branched out to the Philippines. Amazing Stories din na naging programa niya na ng fan ang dangal, prinsipyo at respeto sa
makakatamasa ng pagsikat sa sa Kapuso Network noong 2007.
hinaharap, na sinusukat ng Next Big Sound.” Sinundan ng SB19 ang Korean pop group na Ni-repost ng veteran OPM singer ang sarili. Hindi lang pera ang mahalaga. Hindi
A.C.E., na nasa ikalimang pwesto, habang numero uno naman sa linggong ito ang grupong BIA.
Ang grupo, na kinabibilangan nina Sejun, Stell, Ken, Josh at Justin, ay sinanay pa sa bansang isang tweet kung saan ibinabalita ang balak lahat ng tao nasasarapan kumakain ng galing
South Korea, at mina-manage ng isang Korean entertainment company. Kasalukuyang #5
trending sa Twitter ang hashtag na #SB19onBillboardNBS habang sinusulat ang balitang ng GMA na bigyan uli ng proyekto sa TV si sa nakaw. Iba kayo…iba sila.”
ito. Pinasalamatan naman ng SB19 ang lahat ng kanilang supporters sa bagong tagumpay. Bong. Kalakip nito ang kanyang caption na, “We are fans of Alden and we also
“A’TINs! No words can describe how thankful we are for this great news. Thank you so much “PERA PERA PERA lahat. Ok Lang sa inyo na support the #NoToBongRevillaOnTheGift.
for supporting our dreams and believing in us. Everything seems possible with you,” sabi maging role model siya ng kabataan? C’mon Naniniwala kami na hindi akma ang values ng
nila sa kanilang Instagram account. Nangako naman silang lalong pag-iigihan ang kanilang
pagsusumikap at ikinatuwa ang lahat ng nagbahagi ng kanilang kwento sa pamamagitan ng show sa sa imahe na meron si Bong Revilla.
mga liham. “It warms our hearts to know that you find comfort, happiness and motivation We are very sorry to inform you, hindi kami
through our music. Let’s GO UP together!” sabi pa nila. Matatandaang binulabog ng grupo ang
social media nitong taon sa biglaang pagsikat ng awitin nilang “Go Up” noong Setyembre. GMA. You can do better than this.” nagpatrend lang para inisan ka, pero para

Anak ni Lorna na si Rap, pinagbantaan ng fans ni Kisses Dagdag pang reaksyon ng singer, “Why protektahan ang show at si Alden.”
would a franchise ALLOW this? That is “Gagamitin niyo lang ang show para
Isiniwalat ng anak ni Lorna Tolentino na si Rap Fernandez na nakatanggap na ito ng mga
pagbabanta mula sa fans ng aktres na si Kisses Delavin. May kinalaman ito sa mga unsettled the bigger question. They have social and linisin at pagandahin imahe niya sa mga tao
bills ng aktres sa condo unit sa Imperial Palace Suites, Timog Ave. corner Morato Ext., QC.na
ipinaupa sa kanya ni Rap. Sa panayam nina Lolit Solis, Cristy Fermin at Mr. Fu kay Rap ay sinabi corporate responsibilities. Their airwaves for political purposes.
nito na hindi porket iniidolo ng mga tao ang isang artista ay agad na dapat nilang suportahan
ito kahit mali ang kanilang ginagawa. “Medyo foul nga, e. Gusto kong i-report. “Pero... parang belong to the Filipino people.” Hindi po gamit si Alden. Tao siya. Kung
hindi ko alam kung fans ba niya talaga iyon o mga nanggugulo lang. “Parang wala siyang basis,
e. Parang hindi niya alam iyong actions... “Parang mahirap iyong kakampi ka sa tao na idolo mo, Nag-trending ang hashtag na gusto maglinis ni Bong Revilla ng pangalan
nang walang basehan sa rason, ganoon. “Kumbaga, parang blind faith lang na, ‘Ay, idol kita! Kahit #NoToBongRevillaOnTheGift dahil sa niya, wag sa show ni Alden or sa serye. Sa
mali ka, ipaglalaban kita!’ Ganoon.” Aminado si Rap na nagkamali siya na nagtiwala siya sa panig pagdedebate ng mga netizen tungkol dito. korte niya linisin pangalan niya. “
ni Kisses nang hindi ito pumayag na pirmahan ang kanilang kontrata dahil sa istriktong mga Pinaalalahanan naman ni Senador
probisyon. Ayon kay Rap, nang sumabog ang water valve ng condo unit ay bigla na lamang umalis May nagsabing makakasira lang ang
si Kisses doon nang hindi pa bayad ang utility bills para sa Setyembre at Oktubre. Dahil diyan ay
pina-stop payment ng ina ni Kisses na si Mommy Carrie ang mga tseke para sa Nobyembre at mambabatas sa show ni Alden habang may Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa si Senador Ramon
Disyembre. Kinokontak noon ni Rap ang mommy ni Kisses kaugnay sa naiwang utility bills para
sa mga buwan ng Setyembre at Oktubre pero dedma ito. Ipinunto ni Rap na kung nabayaran nag-comment na hindi dapat kuwestiyunin “Bong” Revilla Jr. na bigyang prayoridad ang
lang ang renta para sa Nobyembre at Disyembre ay ito na sana ang gagamitin niya na pambayad ang pagbabalik showbiz ni Revilla dahil bago kanyang trabaho sa Senado kaysa pagbabalik
sa mga naiwang utility bills ng aktres sa condo habang ang sobra naman ay kanyang ibabalik.
Samantala, tumanggi naman si Manay Lolit, manager ni Lorna, na makipag-usap sa Triple A ito naging politiko ay isa itong magaling na sa telebisyon.
management ni Rams David na may hawak ngayon sa career ni Kisses mula nang lumipat ito
mula sa ABS-CBN Star Magic para pag-usapan ang mga hindi bayad na utility bills. aktor. “Depende how he manage his time.

Ai-Ai delas Alas, nakasakay na sa “I vowed to support my fave in First and foremost he is a senator, pangalawa
pinipilotong eroplano ni Gerald
any way I can but I would never EVER na ang pag-aartista. So priority niya dapat
Hindi nangyari ang binitiwang salita noon
ni Ai-Ai de las Alas na sasakay lamang siya trade my values and moral stand for trabaho niya dito. Alam niya ‘yan,” pahayag
sa eroplano na paliliparin ng kanyang asawa na
si Gerald Sibayan kapag piloto na ito ng isang anything. This is me setting my limits as ni Dela Rosa sa mga reporter nang hingan ng
commercial flight. May pinanggagalingan ang
nararamdamang kaba ni Ai-Ai dahil bukod sa a fangirl.#NOToBongRevillaOnTheGift reaksiyon hinggil sa pagbabalik showbiz ni
baguhan na piloto si Gerald, may acrophobia siya o #TheGiftConflict”
fear of heights. Pero noong nakaraang November Revilla.
14, bumiyahe si A-iAi sa Subic, Olongapo para
harapin ang kanyang mga kinatatakutan—ang Nagbigay rin ng kanyang matapang Si Revilla ay nagbida noon sa Idol ko Si
pagsakay sa eroplano na paliliparin ni Gerald. "Very proud ako para kay Gerald dahil
Ikinuwento ni Ai-Ai na kinakabahan siya, panay natupad ang pangarap niyang maging opinion ang sikat na Spoken Word artist na si Kap (2000—2005) at naging host ng Kaps
ang dasal, at pahid ng Tiger Balm bago siya piloto at natuto siyang magpalipad ng Amazing Stories (2007-2014), na parehong
sumakay sa eroplano. Pero nabawasan ang lahat eroplano sa sandaling panahon" — Ai-ai Juan Miguel Severo:
ng kanyang mga agam-agam nang makita niyang
relaxed na relaxed si Gerald. Kuwento niya, “Almost thirty minutes kami na lumipad. “Habang nasa “Lol. Alden is a decent guy. GMA better ipinalabas noon sa GMA 7.
ere kami, tinitingnan ko si Gerald at sumisilip rin ako sa bintana ng eroplano para makita ko ang
mga nangyayari sa labas. “Very proud ako para kay Gerald dahil natupad ang pangarap niyang not subject him to the certainly unpleasant Payo pa ni Dela Rosa, binoto umano si
maging piloto at natuto siyang magpalipad ng eroplano sa sandaling panahon. “May kinalaman ang Revilla ng taumbayan kaya’t hindi niya dapat
pagpapapayat ni Gerald sa pagpapalipad ng eroplano dahil gusto niyang maging physically fit siya,” experience of working with a plunderer. pabayaan ang kanyang trabaho sa Senado.
lahad ni Ai-Ai. Ibinahagi ni Ai-Ai sa Cabinet Files ang video for posterity ng unang pagsakay niya
sa eroplanong pinalipad ni Gerald. Samantala, hindi na itutuloy ni AiAi delas Alas ang pagbubuntis Malalang backlash ba ang hanap ninyo? “Binoto siya ng taumbayan para maging
sa 2020. Napagdesisyunan na nga raw nilang mag-asawa na hindi na muna siya magka-baby dahil #NoToBongRevillaOnTheGift”
nga sa kalusugan niya at ang magiging baby nila ni Gerald.“Isang gabi, nagkaroon kami ng konting
tampuhan na hindi naman ano…nagkaroon kami ng parang bull session na sabihin ko lang kung Marami rin ang bumatikos at nagiwan senador, so priority niya ito (pagka-senador).
ano yung gusto mo. Isa yun sa pinag-usapan namin,” kwento ni AiAi. Apat na taon na kasing organic ng maaanghang na mensahe sa mismong IG Yung pag-aartista kaya niyang i-manage, alam
lang ang kinakain ni AiAi dahil sa kanyang sakit na Psoriasis. Gumaling siya sa sakit na iyun, pero account ng entertainment columnist at talent niya ‘yan,” sabi ni Dela Rosa.
dapat na ma-maintain niyang organic ang kinakain para hindi bumalik at may mga allergies pa siya.
Medyo maselan at mahirap kung may ipinagbubuntis siya. Bukod pa riyan, aminado naman siyang manager na si Lolit Solis dahil sa pangbabash Nakulong ang senador na si Bong Revilla
hindi na siya bata, kaya ipagpaliban na lang daw muna nila.
nito sa mga umaalmang fans ni Alden sa kasong plunder and graft charges dahil sa

Richards. pork barrel scam pero nakalaya rin noong

“Lolit at your age, you should have December, 2018.

learned a lot of lessons. remember your take

No firm budget set for national ID system

The National ID rollout next year has “trigger a domino effect” and set back the
not been allocated specific funding in timetable for the National ID system. The
the 2020 Budget and financial support target of 14 million is the number of Filipinos
will depend on any fresh revenue or loans due to be registered in 2020, followed by 57
million, including 5 million overseas Filipinos
raised by the government. in 2021, and 49 million in 2022, including 5
million more overseas Filipinos.
Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph “To meet this deadline, 4.3 million
registrants must be processed every month
G. Recto said the proposed 2020 General by the 5,000 registration kits in mobile and
fixed registration centers,” Mr. Recto said.
Appropriations Act (GAA) does not provide The National ID project is authorized
by Republic Act No. 11055 or the Philippine
“programmed funds” for the Philippine Identification System Act. The project
Identification System ID (PhilSys ID). entered pilot testing in September and will
“There is zero funding for the project run until next month.
in the programmed portion of the proposed Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
national project. What is provided is a P2.4 Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said that the
billion in ‘unprogrammed appropriations’ PhilSys IDs will be issued beginning April
which at best, is a tentative allocation next year. The BSP was tasked to print the
cards over the next three years.
dependent if new loans or revenue will be
—Business World
raised,” he said in a statement.

The P2.4 billion will cover the

registration of 6.3 million Filipinos next year,
less than half of the government’s goal of 14
million for 2020.

Mr. Recto said the lack of funding will

eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec 19

DECEMBER 2019 NEWS

Duterte defends P50-M SEA Games cauldron
President Rodrigo Duterte defended the
P50-million cauldron that would be estimate what an “appropriate” cost would be Why this matters. questions in Congress with P1.5 billion worth
used for the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) The P50-million cauldron to be used
Games, attributing its high price to the fact that since it was a “product of the mind.” for a torch lighting ceremony at the 30th of funds not undergoing public bidding and
it was the creation of a national artist. SEA games has been under the scrutiny of
Duterte made the statement after Senate “You cannot estimate how much nalugi lawmakers at the Senate. Drilon questioned impractical spending.
Minority Leader Franklin Drilon questioned ka (you lost) because it’s the rendition of the large expense for the object which would
the propriety of spending such an amount on the mind of the creator. Kung ‘yan singil niya only be used once, as he pointed out the funds Justifying the expense:
a project that will only be used once, when sabihin niya ‘wag mo bilhin kung ayaw mo. could have been used to build 50 classrooms Like Duterte, House Speaker Alan Peter
there were so many other worthy projects instead. “I am not even talking about
with long-term impact – like classrooms – ‘Yan ang presyo ko (If that is the price he is overpricing. I’m talking about propriety,” Cayetano defended the millions spent for the
that needed funding. “You know, there can asking for, he will say don’t get it if you don’t Drilon said.
never be corruption in that situation because like my price),” he said. According to Drilon, the breakdown of structure, saying it was a “work of art.”
you commissioned a national artist,” Duterte costs for the cauldron is as follows:
said in a press conference late Tuesday night, Duterte likened it to commissioning a P4.4 mil. for the design of the Mañosa Cayetano is the chairman of the
November 19, referring to the late National P13.4 mil. for the cost of the cauldron’s Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee
Artist for Architecture Francisco “Bobby” painter who one “could not debate with” on foundation (Phisgoc), a sort of private foundation led by
Mañosa. Owing to its design by Mañosa, the price of an artwork since it was the artist’s P32 mil. for the construction of the cauldron government officials and specificially created
the President claimed it was impossible to rendition. itself. Aside from the P50-million cauldron, to handle the games. “While some people see
the SEA Games’ budget continues to face it as a cauldron, we see a monument. We see
“You impose what is big or small there, the athletes, we see the burning flames that
you begin to criticize the efforts of people represent hope and the fighting spirit. We
there. Following the wishes of the person who think it is just appropriate,” said Cayetano.
Drilon earlier said he will file a resolution
made it and that person is valuable because after the SEA Games to ask for a Senate probe

he created something which you want to into the “extravagant” expenses. – Rappler.

portray after,” he said.

Manila traffic world’s worst: Waze

Manila remains as the world’s worst city for drivers,
according to traffic navigation software and
application Waze. On average, it would take almost five
minutes for a motorist to travel one kilometer by car in

the Philippine capital. At 4.88 minutes per kilometer
on the average, Waze said this was the worst globally
in terms of traffic. This is worse than Bogota, Colombia
where it takes four minutes to travel one kilometer,

and Jakarta, Indonesia where it takes 3.83 minutes to

drive the same distance. They were followed by Sao
Paulo, Brazil at 2.43 minutes and Tel Aviv, Israel at 2.38
minutes. “Based on the city versus city comparison
numbers, Manila is still the worst city for traffic in
the world,” Waze Philippines country manager Sarah
Rodriguez said. Waze data showed that the September
figures in Manila are lower than in previous months.
In June, for example, the average travel time in the

Philippine capital was 4.97 minutes per kilometer. It

slightly went down in the following months, to 4.92
minutes in July and 4.91 minutes in August. Traffic
congestion in Metro Manila is expected to worsen as

the Christmas season nears. “Based on the numbers of

each month, we see seasonality. June to August are the
worst for traffic apart from Christmas because people
are traveling for summer holidays,” Rodriguez said.

ISSUES
Continued from PAGE 5

He said the PhATSS policy will guide LGUs on how to
track the sanitation situation of each community and

take supportive action to ensure that no one is left behind

without access to a sanitary toilet. Bayugo stressed the

need for the implementation of the new regulations to stop

contamination of rivers due to poor management of septic

tanks which could lead to spread of diseases like polio.
“We encourage all local government units to prioritize
sanitation. Having proper sanitation largely affects the

health, nutrition, education and security of Filipino
children and women,” he pointed out. He said prioritizing
sanitation is a must, including those living in remote

and geographically isolated areas, and in indigenous

communities. According to Bayugo, poor sanitation

contributes to stunting and malnutrition, as repeated
diarrhea and other infections in the gut affect children’s
capacity to absorb the nutrients from the food they eat.

Bayugo said the act of defecating in open spaces
such as fields and bodies of water also puts children and
women at risk of sexual harassment and abuse.

Based on DOH data, only 11 percent or 4,625 of
all barangays nationwide have been certified ZOD, a
status wherein the whole community has abandoned
the practice of defecating in fields, bushes and bodies of
water, and already use toilets. Results of the 2017 Annual

Poverty Indicators Survey, on the other hand, showed

that nearly six percent of Filipinos still do not have

toilets and are most likely practicing open defecation,

while another 19 percent use unimproved sanitation

facilities, which include poorly designed septic tanks.

—Philstar

20 eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019

eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec 21
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019

22 eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019

eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec 23
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019

24 eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019

eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec 25
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019

26 eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019

eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec 27
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019

28 eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019

eec-elite.com EEC Elite Express eecelite eec 29
NEWS
DECEMBER 2019

EEC SERVICE STATIONS 4 7 9 Each Sudoku has a unique solution
1 28 that can be reached logically
Stations marked with are open from 9am-9pm every 5th and 10th of the month 65 2 34 without guessing. Enter digits
46 297 from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces.
3 Every row must contain one of
1 581 5 each digit. So must every column,
3 3 49 as must every 3 x 3 square.
57 18 Complete the grid so that every
68 2 row, column and 3 x 3 box contains
4 5 every digit from 1 to 9 inclusive
6
ZHONGSHAN TUCHENG XINZHUANG Solution to last issue

() Tel.: (02) 2267-7676 Tel.: (02) 2908-6793 5 68 427 391
1 97 683 425
● Mon-Sat : 8:30AM-9PM ● Mon - Sun: 9AM-10PM ● Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM 3 42 915 768
● Sun : 8AM-9:00PM No. 4, Lane 22 Minzu St., No. 516-35, Zhongzheng Road, 9 26 871 534
No. 39, Zhongshan North Tucheng Dist., New Taipei City Xinzhuang Dist., 8 51 349 672
Road, Sec. 3, Taipei City 4 73 256 189
新北市土城區民族街22巷4號 New Taipei City 新北市新莊市 6 85 132 947
台北市中山北路3段39號 中正路516號之35 7 34 598 216
2 19 764 853
WUGU SHULIN LINKOU
Tel.: (02) 2299-9191 ANNOUNCEMENT
Tel.: 02-8687-3570 Tel.: (03) 327-8181
●Mon-Sat : 10am-2pm / 5pm-9pm EEC Now would like to inform our beloved readers
●Sun : 9AM-9PM ●Mon-Sun : 9:00AM-9:00PM ●Mon-Sun : 8:30AM-9:30PM that this will be the last printed issue of our magazine.
No.1, Lane 86 Wugong 3rd No.51, Zhenqian St., Shulin No. 83-1, Wenhua 2nd Rd. We would like to thank our readears, advertisers and
Road, Xinzhuang District, Dist., New Taipei City Guishan District, sponsors for their support and patronage for 10 years.
New Taipei City For everyone who wants to continue checking out new
新北市新莊區五工三路86巷1號 新北市樹林區鎮前街51號 Taoyuan County 桃園市龜山 products, promotions and services please visit our EEC
區文化2路83之-1號 website and EEC Official FB Page or EEC service station
PUXIN TAOYUAN near you. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas
Tel.: (03) 3G6U7I-S4H6A58N and may everyone have a happy & blessed 2020.
Tel.: (03) 482-2876 Tel.: (03) 331-1899 Once again thank you very much!
●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM
●Mon-Sun: 9AM - 9PM ●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM
No.22, Zhongxing Road, No. 2-12, Lane 48, Zhongzheng NoT.e3l7.2: ,(0Ta3o)y3in6g7R-4oa6d58
Yangmei Dist., Taoyuan City
桃園市楊梅區中興路22號 Rd., Taoyuan City 桃園市中正 Ta●oMyouna-nSuCni:ty9ATMa-o9yPuMan County
路48巷2號之12 桃N園o縣. 3,7桃2園, T市ao桃yi鶯ng路R3o7a2d號

Taoyuan City Taoyuan County
桃園縣,桃園市桃鶯路372號

ZHONGLI NEILI GUANYIN

Tel.: (03) 422-5959 Tel.: (03) 435-2182 Tel.: (03) 476-1281

●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM ●Mon-Sun :9AM-9PM ●Mon-Sun :9AM - 9PM
No. 30, Zhongzheng Road, No. 903, Zhonghua Rd., No. 567, Zhenggong Road,
Zhongli City, Taoyuan County Sec. 1, Zhongli Dist., Sec. 1, Guanyin Dist.,
Taoyuan City Taoyuan City
桃園縣中壢市中正路30號 桃園市觀音區成功路１段567號
桃園市中壢區中華路一段903

HSINCHU CITY HUKOU HUKOU TRAIN STATION MIAOLI -1

Tel.: (03) 526-2550 Tel.: (03) 597-8686 No. 174, Zhongshan Tel.: (037) 272-172
Rd. Sec. 2, Hukou
●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM ●Mon-Sat : 8AM - 9PM Township, Hsinchu ●Mon-Sun : 9AM - 9PM
No. 54, Zhongzheng Road, ●Sun :8-12; 17-21 County No. 93, Zhongzheng
East Dist. Hsinchu City No.169, Ren-le Road Hukou 新竹縣湖口鄉中山路 Road, Miaoli City
新竹市東區中正路54號 Township, Hsinchu County 二段174號 苗栗市中正路93號
新竹縣湖口鄉鳳凰村仁樂路169號

MIAOLI 2-TK MIAOLI STATION - 3 ZHUNAN

Tel.: (037) 370-570 Tel.: (037-260-293) Tel.: (037) 551-605

●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM ●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM ●Mon-Sun: 9AM-9PM
No. 847, Zhongzheng Rd., No.4, Zhanqian, Miaoli City, No. 119 Zhongshan Rd, Zhunan
Miaoli City, Miaoli County Miaoli County Township, Miaoli County
苗栗縣苗栗市中正路847號 苗栗縣苗栗市站前4號 苗栗縣竹南鎮中山路119號

SHALU TAICHUNG CITY DAJIA Taipei City Foreign Workers Tel: 02-25502151 Language Service Line
Tel.: 04-2688-9115
Tel.: (04) 2635-2601 Tel.: (04) 2227-1100 Consultation Service Center Fax: 02-25507024 English 0800-885885
●Mon-Sun :9AM - 9PM
●Mon-Sun: 9AM-9PM ●Mon-Sun :9AM - 9PM No. 14, Jianggong Road, Kaohsiung City Tel: 07-8117543 Thai 0800-885995
No. 24-1, Datong St., No. 32, Li-chuan East St., Dajia District, Taichung City
Shalu Dist., Taichung City Central Dist.,Taichung City 台中市大甲區蔣公路14號 Foreign Workers Fax: 07-8117548 Indonesian 0800-885958
台中市沙鹿區大同街 24號之1 台中市中區綠川東街32號
CHIAYI Consultation Service Center Vietnamese 0800-017858
TEPZ DOULIU Tel.: (05) 225-2928
Tel.: (04) 2535-8888 Taipei County Foreign Workers Tel: 02-89659091 Fire Dept. and 119
Tel.: (05) 533-2190 ●Mon-Sat :10:30AM - 9PM
●Mon-Sun : 9AM-9PM ●Sun: 9AM - 9PM Consultation Service Center 02-89651044 Ambulance Service
No. 480-3, Sec. 2, ●Mon-Sun : 9AM-10PM No. 216, Linsen West Rd.
Zhongshan Road, No. 114, Minsheng Road, East Dist., Chiayi City Fax: 02-89651058 Police 110
Tanzi District, Taichung City Douliu City, Yunlin County 嘉義市東區林森西路216號
台中市潭子區中山路2段480之 雲林縣斗六市民生路114號 Local Directory 104
TAINAN-TK
DALIN TAINAN Taoyuan County Foreign Tel: 03-3344087 Assistance (Mandarin) 105
Tel.: (06) 222-7281
Tel.: 05-295-1119 Tel.: (06) 223-8260 Workers Consultation 03-3341728 Long Distance Directory
●Mon-Sun: 9AM-9PM
●Mon-Sun: 9AM - 9PM ●Mon-Sun :9AM-9PM No. 31, Gongyuan S. Road, Service Center 03-3322101 ext. Assistance (Mandarin)
No.19-1, Huzhu Com’ty, Dalin No. 184, Zhongshan Road, North District, Tainan City
Township, Chiayi County Tanzi Dist., Taichung City 台南市北區公園南路31號 6812 Directory Assisance (English) 106
嘉義縣大林鎮互助社區19-1號 台中市潭子區中山路184號
Fax: 03-3341689 Protection Hotline 113

YONGKANG RENDE NEPZ FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES IN TAIWAN
Tel.: (07) 364-0036
Tel.: (06) 201-5660 Tel.: (06) 270-2212 Manila Economic and No. 55/57, Zhouzi Indonesian Economic 6F., No. 550,
●Mon-Sat :9AM-7PM Cultural Office
●Mon-Sun: 9AM-9PM ●Mon-Sun: 9AM-9PM ●Sun: 9AM-6PM St., Neihu District, and Trade Office Ruiguang Rd.,
No. 1102-1, Wangxing Road, No. 180-1, Zhongshan, No. 563, Dexian Rd., Thailand Trade and
Yongkang Dist., Tainan City Rende District, Tainan City Nanzi Dist. Kaohsiung City Economic Office Taipei City Neihu Dist.
台南市永康區王行路1102-1號 台南市仁德區中山路180-1號 高雄市楠梓區 德賢路563號
Tel: 02 2658 8825 Taipei City
GANGSHAN DALIAO DEXIAN
Tel.: (07) 622-9903 Tel.: (07) 787-8310 10F, No.151, Xinyi Rd, Tel: 02-87526170
Tel.: (07) 360-1381
●Mon-Sat :12PM-9PM ●Mon-Sat: 11AM-8PM (07) 360-1383 Sec. 3, Taipei,Taiwan Fax: 02-87523706
●Sun : 9AM-9PM ●Sun: 9AM-8PM
No.1, Lane 101, Gangyan Rd., No. 1235, Guangming Rd., Sec. ●Mon-Sun: 9AM 7PM Tel: 02- 25811979 Vietnam Economic and No. 3-1, Ln. 69,
Gangshan Dist., Kaoshiung City 1, Daliao Dist., Kaohsiung City No. 108, Dexian Road, Nantzu
高雄市岡山區岡燕路101巷1號 高雄市大寮區光明路一段1235號 District, Kaohsiung City Fax: 02- 25818707 Cultural Office Songjiang Rd.
高雄市楠梓區德賢路108號
Tel: 02-25043477 Taipei

Fax: 02-25041761