CNN Heroes is an annual event that has been running since 2007 which honours and recognises extraordinary individuals who make amazing contributions to help other people. For 2009, from an amazing list of ten nominees from around the world and more than 2.75 million votes casted. It was won by Efren Peñaflorida from Cavite City, Philippines who is making a difference with the Dynamic Teen Company which he founded. The 12,000 members of DTC have taught basic reading and writing to 1,700 children that live in the slums. 

The Dynamic Teen Company addresses “the proliferation of juvenile delinquency cases which also includes moral issues on youth and the values education of today’s youth.”* Efren Peñaflorida contributes most of his time to improving the situation that the today’s youth has with crime, whether it is them as victims or much worse, as the criminals themselves.

Gang membership for teenagers in the Philippines is rife, with children and teenagers who choose to turn to the life of being a gang member instead of wanting to be educated. Peñaflorida was also a victim of gangs as he was bullied in high school by them. ‘“Gang members are groomed in the slums as early as 9 years old,” says Peñaflorida. “They are all victims of poverty.”

For the past 12 years, Peñaflorida and his team of teen volunteers have taught basic reading and writing to children living on the streets. The main tool: A pushcart classroom. Stocked with books, pens, tables and chairs, his Dynamic Teen Company recreates a school setting in unconventional locations such as the cemetery and municipal trash dump.

Peñaflorida knows firsthand the adversity faced by these children. Born into a poor family, he lived in a shanty near the city dump site. But he says he refused to allow his circumstances to define his future. “Instead of being discouraged, I promised myself that I would pursue education,” he recalls. “I will strive hard; I will do my best.”’*

He has created prevention programmes to help the Filipino youth and because of this, in return he has received recognition and awards for his outstanding contribution. These include:

• CNN Hero Nominee & Winner 2009
  Turner Broadcasting, New York City
• National Winner, Outstanding Volunteer Awards
  PNVSCA & UN Volunteers Program 2008, Manila Hotel
• Regional Winner, Volunteer Awards
  NEDA – 2008, Calamba, Laguna
• Outstanding Caviteño in Republic Service
  2008, Independence Day Celebration, Cavite
• Finalist for Global Youth Awards
  2008, Southhampton, UK
• Maliksing Caviteño Awardee
  2007,Provincial Government, Provincial Capitol, Cavite
• PGMA Presidential Leadership Awardee
  2006, Cavite State University, Cavite City
• Nominee for Right Livelihood Award Foundation
  2005, Stockholm, Sweden
• Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Pilipino Awardee
  2004, ABS-CBN Studio 1, Quezon City
• Golden Anahaw Awardee as Outstanding Community Servant
  2004, CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY, CvSU, Cavite
• Role Model Awardee
  2004, City Gov’t Award for CAVITE CITY WEEK, City Hall, Cavite City
• Excellent Member Awardee
  1997, Club 8586, Inc., Caridad, Cavite City

In his acceptance speech to an audience of 3,000 guests at the Kodak Theatre he said “Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colours, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry… Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need… So to each and every person inside in this theatre and for those who are watching at home, the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve, serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve. As I always tell to my co-volunteers … you are the change that you dream as I am the change that I dream and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be.”

With the $100,000 given by CNN as the top prize, Efren Peñaflorida would pledge it to the children that the Dynamic Teen Company are helping.

On his return back home to the Philippines, Efren Peñaflorida was awarded the Order of Lakandula by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It is one of the highest honors to be awarded and only given to those who dedicate themselves to helping the Philippines’ society.

Congratulations to Efren, you’re an outstanding inspiration and role model to us all. We wish you more success with the Dynamic Teen Company and future projects.

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Links:
Dynamic Teen Company: http://dynamicteencompany.org/founder/
CNN Heroes: http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/

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*http://edition.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/03/05/heroes.efren.penaflorida/index.html

It was only eight months ago that we were praising Manny Pacquiao’s win against our very own Brit fighter, Ricky Hatton. On the 14^th of November (the 15^th for us in LDN), Pacquiao faced the Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in a spectacular 12 round fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas for the WBO Welterweight title belt. This marked his seventh world title and a different weight division.

Pacquiao started training for the match-up with Cotto in Baguio City, Philippines. It was a change of scenery compared to the hustle of the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. It was during this time in Baguio that they witnessed the destruction that the country endured from typhoons ‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng’. With another typhoon expected to hit, Freddie Roach and Team Pacquiao decided to leave ahead of schedule and head back to LA.

The final weeks of training passed and the day of the weigh-in arrived. The weight division for the Welterweight Division was at the catch weight of 145 pounds. Cotto weighed exact and Pacquiao hit 144 pounds. Supporters remained split on who would be able claim the victory, with talk of Cotto being the bigger and stronger fighter, and that the agility and speed of Pacquiao would defeat Cotto. Pacquiao spoke of himself as being ‘the underdog’… the challenger of this particular fight as it was Cotto’s championship belt on the line. The fight would decide finally decide in the end who would be champion out of the two.

An exciting and stunning twelve round fight kept spectators at the sold-out MGM and a global pay per view audience on tenterhooks. Pacquiao proved to be the stronger fighter as he took the punches thrown by Cotto with ease. The Pacman’s dominance showed throughout as Cotto dropped to the ground in rounds 3 and 4, unable to handle his speed and power. As it progressed near to the end of the fight, Cotto looked a broken man with a swollen and bloody face. He was dazed in the ring as he tried to run backwards to keep up the stamina and ultimately avoid the dominant Pacquiao’s punches. It wasn’t till the final round and 55 seconds in to it, that the referee stopped the fight. Team Pacquiao thought that the fight should have been stopped earlier and were surprised that Cotto continued to fight.

Pacquiao fought aggressively as he had been told that Cotto was physically bigger and stronger. The strategy was not to hurry and to take his time as they knew he would counter.

Cotto admitted that he wasn’t aware where Pacquiao’s punches were coming from and that “Manny Pacquiao is one of the best boxers I ever fought.”

Winning this title meant that for the Pacman he would no longer move up in the weight divisions.

Pacquiao said that “This is the last weight division for me… It’s history for me and more importantly a Filipino did it.”

Pacquiao yet again proved why he is the number one pound for pound boxing champion. His biggest challenge is yet to come with talk of a March 13^th, 2010 fight against ‘Pretty Boy’ Floyd Mayweather Jnr, which looks to be confirmed and formally announced next week.

Will the Pacman have met his match? Let us know!

   

I’ll admit that I have had my moments when I have been dumfounded because someone famous has been in my immediate vicinity. There aren’t many who can reduce me to the point where I can’t string a sentence together, but there are few. This year more than most I’ve found myself in the company of people who would leave many speechless. When it comes to Filipino artists however I find myself more immune than usual to the “Star Factor”.

Part British reserve and part the desire not to want to bother people, I often acknowledge the presence of the famous but do little else. Sometimes quietly jumping inside that I’m that close to someone whose work I’ve admired, I can usually get away with the delusion. It would be difficult for me to say that I would even be able to recognise even the most famous of Filipino stars if they were stood in front of me. That’s probably true for a lot of Filipinos born abroad.

This past month I’ve been lucky enough to be in the same space as some of the Philippines most famous and most talented home-grown artists. The Heartthrobs 2009  and Sarah Geronimo concert  were two of the hottest tickets in town. Why wouldn’t they be? At Heartthrobs you had Pokwang, Bea Alonzo, Sam Milby, John Lloyd Cruz and of course the big draw of Piolo Pascual. Sarah Geronimo too, a household name alone, but supported by Billy Crawford. These were star-studded events that I was lucky enough to cover, although I was afraid at the start that the whole experience would be somewhat wasted on me.

I knew the names, well some of them. I’d been curious for a long time to see Piolo Pascual in something other than the typical romance movies that dominate Filipino cinema. I love Pokwang, ever since seeing her in the Judy Ann Santos vehicle, ‘Ysabella’, I’ve wanted to see her in more. I knew of Sarah Geronimo because I love the song ‘Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang’. In fact, Billy Crawford is the only person I know outside of Filipino entertainment because I remember seeing him on MTV when I was younger and paying attention because he was one of the only “famous” Filipinos around.

A lot of the people I spoke to, at both events, were there to cheer on the supporting acts. Young British-born Filipinos hoping to one day have a career on a par with the performers people had paid to see. I hadn’t realised the wealth of Filipino talent trying to make themselves known, from Tru Colourz who made it the final 24 of this year’s X-Factor to Natalie Chua. These kids with unbelievable voices took to the stage like true professionals. I am certain that seeing a packed venue where all the entertainers are Filipino helped them to believe that their own success was possible.

I knew that the Heartthrobs event was important, not only because of who was there but also because it was taking place at the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane. Here we were, some 20 or so years since Miss Saigon opened at this theatre seeing Filipino artists – and only Filipino artists, performing. When they first cast Miss Saigon the Philippines was the last place they went to. Not only did they find Lea Salonga and Monique Wilson, but also a vast majority of the rest of the cast. That show changed the lives of every Filipino actor who had dreams of making it in the rest of the world.

Some of the performers at Heartthrobs reminisced that the last time they were on that stage was when they themselves had appeared in Miss Saigon. There was a feeling that things had come full circle, and this place the most fitting of venues. Despite not knowing much about the people on stage I found myself caught in the excitement and enthusiasm of the crowd. It was then that I started to understand what it all meant.

In the time between seeing people queue up on Drury Lane to go to the Heartthrobs event and Sarah Geronimo’s last set I finally got it. It is the recognition, knowing that the people you are seeing on that stage performing are just like you (albeit a lot more talented) that makes events such as these important for people – even those of us who aren’t so familiar with Filipino culture. That they were able to generate this amount of fervour, from even the youngest of audience members – as attested by the screaming girl of no more than 10yrs sat next to me, helped me to realise why these events are important.

For those of us who aren’t so familiar with the people on the billboards and ads back home in the Philippines, and also for those that are, having the chance to experience an event on this scale somehow legitimises the artists who are of Filipino origin. They are no longer people who are just famous back home or only within the Filipino community. They can fill international venues. They can have crowds of people screaming for them that may not be able to fully understand the language of some of the songs they are singing. They can achieve the same level of success as any other artist.

I hope to be able to attend more events like this. My friends have already decided that they’re going to educate me on Filipino entertainment by lending me Filipino movies and trying to get me to subscribe to The Filipino Channel. Perhaps when next year’s events come along, I will be very proud to be in the audience and though I may not quite be star struck, I’ll at least know that I have very good reason to be.

Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is usually home to the West End Theatre production of Oliver, but for one night only, the stage was set alight with five of the Philippines biggest stars. For the second year running, Piolo Pascual, Pokwang and Sam Milby returned to London to a sold out 2,000 people audience. In addition they were joined by John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo for Heartthrobs 2009… And to guide them along the way, Star Circle’s Mr Manahan.

Despite the cold weather, queues of old and new fans patiently waited to get into the Theatre Royal. They buzzed with excitement with the anticipation of seeing their favourite idols on-stage in London, rather than on The Filipino Channel (TFC) or on DVDs. This time round they would be able to have the experience of the biggest acts in Filipino entertainment performing live in their ‘home’ city.

The show started promptly with the opening acts, the Cachero Sisters, Silverdale Boyz, Natalie Chua, Relle Ente and X-Factor contestants Tru Colorz, which warmed up the audience prior to the main event.

First up on stage, the current Queen of Fil-comedy, Pokwang. The audience gave Pokwang a thunderous cheer as she stepped out onto the stage. Her hilarious set was met with roars of laughter. Similarly to last year’s show, she incorporated her act of choosing a man from the audience to be her ‘subject’ for the next ten minutes. As her set neared the end she introduced the next artist on stage.

Sam Milby, the first of the ‘Heartthrobs’ was welcomed with massive screams as he sang “And I Love You So” and “Maging Sino Ka Man”. Even as he stepped out to the front of the stage, he was mobbed by his fans. To their delight, he was joined by his most recent Love Team partner Bea Alonzo, together they sang “Cruisin”.

Bea was then left to do her solo song for the evening, her rendition of “Pokerface”. This then followed up with an introduction to her original love team partner, John Lloyd Cruz and a duet to “Mahal Naman Kita” which was met with so many screams and the crowd yelling ‘kiss’. It was all in good fun as they played up to the audience with playful flirting. John Lloyd, another first-timer on the ‘Heartthrobs’ tour, sang his solos which included “Hinahanap Kita” and “Ngiti”; and also surprised the audience with a few ‘interesting’ jokes which caused a few raised eyebrows. All in jest of course!

As the artists sang together and even played games with a few lucky audience member on-stage, Pokwang, Sam and John Lloyd finally introduced Piolo Pascual. Just like the other artists, he was welcomed with deafening cheers and screams from all of the audience as he sang “Ikaw ang Pangarap.” He then dueted with the rest of the artists, most memorable was for ‘Bakit Ngayon ka Lang’ which involved the guys fending off each other for Bea and a jealous Pokwang. As they wrapped up a two hour show with a medley of songs for the finale, the audience stood up for a standing ovation and danced.

After the show, VIP guests were able to share a moment with the artists in a special meet and greet gathering.

For the ‘Heartthrobs’ crew this was their final stop after visiting other European cities. This was KCC Production’s second year coordinating the event at yet another prestigious venue, setting the bar higher for future shows… Kapamilya Fiesta and KCC Productions created an outstanding event.

As the ‘Artista’ tours in London and the UK comes to an end for another year, who will be coming to London next year. In other words, who would YOU like to see next?

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A big ‘Thank You’ to Kapamilya Fiesta and KCC Productions.

The unstoppable Pop Princess and Box Office Queen Sarah Geronimo performed an intimate show, ‘The Next One in London’ for her UK fans at London’s Novotel Hammersmith on November 14th 2009. Also to support Sarah on the European leg of the tour was her fellow Kapamilya, Billy Crawford. Special UK guests included Tru Colourz, Natalie Chua and Michelle Foster.

This is the first time the successful Filipino female vocalist has performed and visited the UK, Billy informed the UK audience of how Shepherd’s Bush was once his home. Both of the artists’ stage presence provided a wave of excitement to an energised and jam-packed screaming audience. 

This is the first time the successful Filipino female vocalist has performed and visited the UK, Billy informed the UK audience of how Shepherd’s Bush was once his home. Both of the artists’ stage presence provided a wave of excitement to an energised and jam-packed screaming audience. 

Billy paid tribute the King of Pop with a live rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature.” With energetic dance moves he also performed his hit single “Bright Lights” and gave his own version of Neyo’s “Because of You” and “Sexy Love.”

Last but not least to grace the stage was the Popstar Princess herself, who thrilled the audience with her popular hits “Forever’s Not Enough,”  “Kailan,” her version of Martin Nivera’s “Ikaw ang Pangarap” and R Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly.”  One of the main highlights was when Sarah performed the hits from her box office movies “A Very Special Love” and “You Changed My Life,” the audience squealed with delight of when images of her and John Lloyd Cruz lit up the screens.

If that was not enough, fans that purchased Sarah and Billy’s albums were able to meet them and have their CDs signed.

With fans from all over Europe and a sold out concert “The Next One in London” proved to be an ultimate success.

          

Many thanks to Annabelle Cueva and Khaye Nulud

‘The Next One in London’ was bought to us by Show Magazine/GMEC UK Ltd

I was lucky enough to connect with Q-York Edutainment’s CEO Knowa Lazarus before a trip to the homeland in October. For those who don’t already know, Q-York are the Filipino Hip Hop Production team behind ‘Mainit’ with the Philippine Allstars; and artists in their own right. This song has propelled them into the limelight over in the Philippines, with more commercial awareness and recognition in Filipino mainstream entertainment. But where exactly did it all begin, how has their Filipino upbringing over in the US helped them in the Philippines, their inspirations and what is in store for the future? Knowa Lazarus explains all.

Where did it all begin for Q-York?
“It all began back in Queens, NY; we were just a bunch of friends who loved Hip-Hop, who one day just made it official in our friend’s back yard. We just wanted to do what we love and make a living off of it.  We had big dreams, but no real plan or strategy, just felt that we had to do something about it and go for it.”

What has kept you in the music game?
“GOD.  Faith. And the belief that music can inspire and create positive change in this world. “

Who and what are your inspirations – music, fashion and business wise?
“With Music and Fashion we always try to be open and keep ourselves as sponges and absorb anything we can from everything. We all commit ourselves to keeping open minds and set our pride aside, we believe that by working together we can and will create the best product possible. We all push each other to be the best version of ourselves as possible and we apply this to everything we do. We also try to push the limits with everything creative we do our goal is to redefine and set trends not follow them.

Businesswise, we are all full-blooded “Entrepinoy’s”! My business practices was actually honed and developed during the time we spent living in Los Angeles. We had to find a means to survive so we started a CD/DVD & Graphic Design business to pay our bills and allow us to continue living the dream. It was a struggle at first, but it showed us how to market, promote and run a business. Even though we are here in the Philippines, our business still runs in the U.S. headed by T.H.E Menace.”

How has your Filipino background and values helped you along the way?
“At first growing up in Queens, NY, I honestly saw being Filipino as a hindrance; I grew up in predominantly Spanish neighbourhood, spoke fluent Spanish and almost had no Filipino friends. In a way I was ashamed of my heritage, as I was completely ignorant about it. My mother and my uncles were very poor in the Philippines, so they pushed me to be as American as possible. It was only in my late teens when a friend gave me a book about Philippine History, I read about Jose Rizal, Lapu Lapu and I discovered how rich our culture was, and I was enthralled and instilled with great pride at that moment. I realised then the richness of our culture and how the world needed to hear about it. I guess you can say I found something that was missing; that I never even knew was there. As the saying goes, knowledge is power and I began to see our peoples power, and I realized I needed to represent that, and also help and inspire others Filipino’s who felt like they weren’t proud of who their heritage to awaken to their true power. There are so many Filipino’s worldwide, who aren’t aware of their roots, who tell people they are ‘Spanish’ or ‘Hawaiian’ which I guess in some way is true, we are islanders and are mixed, but for us to truly rise as a nation and a people we need to unite and work together, and claim our culture, for it is beautiful in every way, we just have to see our own beauty and fulfil our infinite potential. “

What is the concept or the ideas behind ‘Mainit’ and ‘His-Story’?
“‘Mainit’ is basically a representation of how ‘Hot’ the Philippines is, not just temperature wise, but also by the movement of the people. It is also to help inspire our people to rise up and realize we can be ourselves and compete in the world market thru anything we want to do. Just as Latino culture has become mainstream with words like “Bonita”, “Mami”, “Papi” being used everywhere, we were figuring to put out our language to the world in a similar fashion, to take something old and make it new. Basically it’s Edutainment, if you listen to the lyrics its really deep, but it still has that club appeal, and that’s what we want to bring to the world, something that not only moves your feet, but also moves your soul.

History is the past, but His-Story will last! His-Story is the movement we represent, God’s movement, without God in our lives and keeping faith in a higher purpose, everything we are doing wouldn’t be possible. This is our belief, God is love, God is uplifting, God is life-saving, and God is everything we should strive to be. We are not perfect, but we can do our best every day to fulfil a purpose that is greater than ourselves, and that is His-Story.”

How is the collaboration with the Allstars different to any of the other Filipino hip-hop acts and production teams?
“It’s so many elements at once, it’s attacking from every angle, its hip-hop, r&b, dance, fashion, its overseas Filipinos, its native Filipinos, and it’s a representation of the entire diasporas of our people. We’ve all humbled ourselves to God and we embrace the idea that it is because of him that we shine, I think that has allowed us to set aside our pride and strive for what’s best. When I say best I don’t mean the best song, or the best dance, or the best beat or the best raps, it’s really what’s best for the vision, the vision of inspiring our Filipino people around the world in the motherland to be proud of our culture to the point love for our people and country is seeping out of our pores. We want to redefine and restore the sense of identity many of us have lost, due to our scarred past and the necessity to adapt to new environments for the sake of opportunity. Q-York & Philippine Allstars work together as a team; we strive to bring out the best in ourselves and each other, to hopefully help inspire others to do the same. We share our experiences and knowledge, we are family. To me we aren’t that different, we’re just true to ourselves and the belief in the vision of “His-Story: Rising”.”

How has ‘Mainit’ been received by Filipino audiences? (Esp. in the Philippines as you’ve been on mainstream TV for e.g. ASAP - Do they get it?)
“’Mainit’ has been out for a while now, and it’s amazing… it’s only getting bigger and bigger. If you search YouTube, there’s dance crews all over the Philippines dancing to ‘Mainit’, people free styling to it, and even a dance crew that named themselves “The Mainit Crew”. It took a while for people to get it, but I think they are catching on more and more, it’s amazing to see people awakening to a part of themselves and a pride in their culture they may have overlooked previously. That is what makes it all worth it, to see people being inspired. “

What is next for the Q-York/AllStars team? Other collabs? Other future projects? Global domination?
“We’re still working on our album, we’re actually releasing another video in conjunction with Gawad Kalinga by the end of September. The song is basically promoting the cause of Gawad Kalinga it’s titled “Time to Shine”, christened by Tony Meloto, the founder of Gawad Kalinga. We have more than enough tracks for an album however we’re focusing on releasing singles right now to spread the message and build the buzz, until the time is right. We’ve sat down with labels here, but even they are still shocked and not sure what to do with us.

I also just launched our clothing line – “Barong Jersey” - www.barongjersey.com. We ship worldwide and offer free shipping; our product has garnered much attention here in the Philippines from the media. We also have a Positive Pinoy Apparel and Music Retail store, which we’ve opened: www.capitalgshop.com

Music-Wise, I do have plans for a solo project, but there is no definite date on that, just compiling songs, and waiting for the right time to unleash it. Right now, I’m focusing on letting the world know ‘His-Story’. I’m still sort of new here in the Philippines still only been here less than a year, but I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many talented artists and even work with some, we’re all just getting started, the possibilities are infinite.

In the end, we just want to help bridge the gap between our people, whether it is generations, different nations, we just want to provide the inspiration. =) haha. Our ultimate goal and vision is to help transform the Philippines from 3rd world country to 1st world country… 3 to 1.”

It’s evident that Q-York Edutainment will not only continue to grow their music but venture as entrepreneurs with their own brand in the Philippines. They have the strength and respect for each other as a unit to do this on a collaborative level but also as individuals for sideline projects. They convey to our generation and to those who will follow, the importance of knowing our roots. Also that with hard work and determination you can also accomplish your goals and future aspirations. For Q-York, this is only the beginning of a new chapter… It is now their ‘Time to Shine’.

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A big THANK YOU to Knowa Lazarus and Dave Classick.

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Dec 2009 - Recent update for those in the Philippines:
1st Annual URBAN MUSIC AWARDS Nominations:
“MAINIT” as Best Video of the Year & Best Original Song
KNOWA LAZARUS as Best Male Hip Hop Artist
KENJHONS as Best Male R&B Artist & Best New Artist 
“TIME 2 SHINE [BUILD IT UP] as Best Collaboration of the Year
VOTE for THE PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD  text: wave 891 uma (vote) & send to 2968

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Links:
Q-York  Edutainment:  www.q-york.com
Barong Jersey:  www.barongjersey.com
Positive Pinoy Apparel & Music:  www.capitalgshop.com
Myspace:  www.myspace.com/qyorkmusic

 

Airing this month on MTV screens is a new documentary show called ‘Stay Alive’. It will be hosted by Travis McCoy, the front man of Gym Class Heroes and Ambassador to the ‘Staying Alive Foundation’.

‘Staying Alive’ was launched in 1998 and the foundation has become the world’s largest, youth focused, HIV and AIDS prevention campaign. The beliefs and values of the foundation are used to spread its awareness to today’s global youth. It is important that they are informed and empowered. The foundation has now reached the Philippines as ‘Staying Alive’, who have been recently funded by an independent organisation called BALUTI (’Protect the Child from Infection’), The volunteers of BALUTI dedicate their time to tour Manila and educate others about HIV/AIDS.

Making a Difference.

Travis McCoy an Ambassador with a cause gave the viewers an insight into the problems of HIV and AIDS, especially in the forgotten areas in Manila with extreme poverty-stricken families. Travis visited a school in Paranaque to see the lessons provided from BALUTI, emphasizing the importance of sexual education.

Part of his trip also included a visit to Kaybuboy Bridge and a graveyard where locals regarded this area as their home. Travis recalled what he saw and encountered.

“We made our way down a muddy, heavily littered slope - a slope that led us to the 4 foot tall entrance of the bridge. We had to squat to even get inside. Once inside it was pitch black - only our senses could guide us… mud squelched under foot and the thick sweaty air filled our lungs.

The first thing I saw was a tiny baby hanging in a net suspended from a metal strut. This was this baby’s home. No regular milk or food supply, no electricity, no clean running water. I couldn’t help but think that this baby was going to grow up here - in these squalid conditions. I thought about all the babies born back home and their luxurious surroundings. It seems so unfair.”

BALUTI are reaching out and helping affected areas, but with needed extra funding and more assistance, it will take a number of years until people are fully aware of the complications and the importance of educating the public about AIDS/HIV.

To see more information about ‘Stay Alive Foundation’ and ‘BALUTI’ please visit the following:

http://www.staying-alive.org/en

http://www.theunbeatentrack.com

Please check your country listings for scheduled airing on MTV.

The 37th International Emmy Awards recently took place on Monday, November 23, 2009 at the Hilton Hotel in New York, USA. These awards recognise those who create, produce and excel in their artistry for international television.

For 2009, it was no other than Angel Locsin for her role as Lyka in ABS-CBN’s The Wolf, also known as “Lobo”. Her co-star Piolo Pascual was unable to attend as he is filming another TV series, “Lovers in Paris” with KC Concepcion. Click on the following link for the nomination trailer: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid46074182001?bctid=48790653001

Unfortunately for the Filipina actress, the award went to Julie Walters. This did not reflect on Angel in a disappointed way, as she felt that the nomination itself was such a big honour, especially for the Filipinos. The whole experience will be something she will treasure for the rest of her life. Plus with having the opportunity to see how the TV and entertainment industry outside of the Philippines, this offered her an insight into how things work elsewhere.

Another highlight for Angel was her awards gown as this caught the attention of everyone there, as she walked the red carpet entrance. The gown was made by Michael Cinco, a Filipino fashion designer based in Dubai. It weighed an extraordinary 6 kilos due to the large amount of crystals stitched to the dress. It was definitely the most eye-catching and memorable gown of the evening.

For the two other nominations from the Philippines, were for Best Telenovela:

A Time for Us (A partnership by ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation with Malaysia’s Double Vision SDN BHD)
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid46074182001?bctid=48790659001

Carmen Soo who starred in this telenovela, also attended the Emmys.

Magdusa Ka (GMA Network, Inc.)
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid46074182001?bctid=48423534001

In many ways this is showing that the Philippines are able to compete with other international channels and producers. Hopefully this will reignite actors/actresses desire to excel in their art of acting and hopefully pave the way for more nominations in the future.

A big congratulations once again to everyone on their nominations.

Two months after the devastating effects of Ondoy and Pepeng, people have contributed their efforts by donating, helping at relief operations and dedicating their time to help the victims.

 

Shop and Share was organised and recently launched by two Filipino actresses Angel Locsin and Anne Curtis. The website showcases items owned and donated by celebrities, which include Manny Pacquiao, Kris Aquino, Sam Milby, Ruffa Gutierrez and KC Concepcion.  Items you will find to be auctioned include celebrity signature designer handbags, accessories, dresses and other special collector’s items. All the proceeds from Shop & Share will go to the victims of Ondoy and Pepeng, to help rebuild what they have lost.

Every week items new items get auctioned so go now and place your bid on www.shopandshare.ph

Not the usual update, but this isn’t the usual. The Philippines was hit by Typhoon Ketsana aka Ondoy on the 26th of September, causing devastation to many lives, homes and businesses. We don’t have to say any more, than what has already been conveyed in print, tv and online media.

All we want to do, is to get everyone to donate and contribute in helping towards getting the Philippines back, up and running. It’s going to take some time, but like the saying goes “every little bit helps.”

We’ll keep this updated with more information as we receive it, esp. in regards to care packages, voluntary work and events.

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1st October 2009:  Information courtesy of Philippine Generations:

The information and links below are places and websites that we in the UK can access to make a donation either through giving monetarily or our old clothes, shoes etc. We are urging everyone to help they desperately need your help.

What you can donate:
· Clothes
· Underwear
· Blankets
· Footwear
· Towels
· Canned goods (preferably with a pull-open tab)
· Ready-to-eat food (cereal, crackers, snacks)
· Instant noodles
· Baby formula
· Diapers/Nappy
· Toiletries (shampoo, bath soap, toothbrushes)
· Medicines (Oral Rehydration salts, Sulphur Soap for protection from fungi, Cefalexin & Cloxacillin, Clotrimazole ointment creams, Analgesics and Expextorants)

Below are some drop off points for the donations… there are only a few drop off places but if you want to get involve/volunteer or if you know of any community halls, warehouses or church halls that can be used contact: Mae on philippinegenerations@gmail.com or call 07898708319.

To download their relief pack please click on the following link http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AS0UksvxJt6dZGhkanM1NDZfNTBnczNoMmRqNg&hl=en_GB

There are some fundraising events being organised for Ondoy victims. If you would like to hear about these events please email Mae (PG) or join their mailing list through this link http://philippinegenerations.blogspot.com/2009/07/mailing-list.html

Full advisory on donations for Typhoon Ondoy & Pepeng, Emergency Number is the Philippines, other queries & donations and Filipino community efforts. Please call (+44) 0845 835 7880 or (+44) 0207 096 1246

For University student and Unions you can also help. Here’s the information pack and inventory sheet for the donations in kind. You can download a copy of the inventory which donors need to fill out and sign as well as a tag for the package that we will send. Just put the name and organisation together with the details of their donation. There also information pack which you could send within your univertisity and also to your your friends & family.

Download Inventory Forms

Download Information Pack

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* DROP OFF POINTS:

A) EAST LONDON
Hackney look for Jamil or RJ Fernandez

HELPTHEPHILIPPINES,
First deadline is on 9th October, please give as little or as much as you can.

Donations are sent off on Wednesdays and Fridays
Please contact them through:
1. Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170089492278&ref=mf

Or mobile: 07506681522
2. E-mail: helpthephilippines@gmail.com
3. Mobile: 07732404545 or 07506681522

B) NORTH LONDON
Collindale or Kingsbury Area
look for Sharon (HIGHLIGHTS EXPRESS)
Tel.: 0208 205 89900208 205 0449
Address: 88 Hay Lane, Kingsbury
NW9 0LG, LondonEngland
E-mail: info@highlightexpress.co.uk

C) WEST LONDON
South Kensington Area please call 07872962575

D) CENTRAL LONDON
Philippine Embassy, London
6-8 Suffolk Street
London, SW1Y 4HG
Tel:0207 451 1800

New advisory on Philippine Embassy http://philembassy-uk.org/news_advisory.html#page11

E) OUTSIDE LONDON

Bekshire

Eli Alquiros
Philistar
2 Union Street, Reading, Bekshire, RG1 1EU

Leeds
Lowell Daluz
Pinoy Mini-Mart (former Phil-Thai), 46B Harehills Road, Leeds, LS8 5PB
TeL: 0113 2407285 / 0113 2407285

Newcastle
Noralyn Newcastle
Filipino Store, 60 Shields Road, Byker, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE6 1DR

Bradford
Edgar Bradford
Pinoy Store, 53 Ducworth Lane, Bradford BD9 5ET

Hampshire
Rosemarie Estrada
41 Rother Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 9LP

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
On the 11th October Vincent Fajilagmago will be coordinating pickups and collections of donations.

He is in need of transport and volunteers. He also need people to document the operation so if you are a photographer or film maker please contact him. If you are available please email him at venzo.f@gmail.com or call him on 07791637990

For those who want to donate he and his team will be driving around London. He is collecting only:
· Clothes
· Blankets
· Shoes
“PLEASE WRAP THE CLOTHES IN BLACK BIN BAGS”

He needs full names and full addresses with postcodes and contact numbers to pick up in advance so please contact him!!
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Special Mass for Victims of Tropical Storm Ondoy / Ketsana, 7 October 2009, Wednesday, 645 PM, Farm Street Church, 114 Mount Street London W1K 3AH — ALL INVITED TO ATTEND
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Philippine National Bank (Europe) will waive fees for donations to the Philippine National Red Cross, GMA-7 Foundation and Caritas up to 31 October 2009. PNBE Offices are at PNBE Earls Court, Ground Floor, 11 Kenway Road, London SW5 0RP; and Notting Hill Gate, First Floor, 10 Pembridge Road, London W11 3HL.
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Philippine National Red Cross (143, +632-5270000)Philippine National Red Cross Rizal Chapter operations center hotline: (+632-6350922, +632-6347824)http://www.redcross.org.ph/Site/PNRC/wtd.aspx or http://www.redcross.org.uk/donatesection.asp?id=77029
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i-remit is offering remittance with no charges at the moment for donations and provisions for families affected by the flood contact them directly to find out more - IREMIT GLOBAL REMITTANCE LTD.1st Floor Orchard House167 - 169 High Street KensingtonLondon W8 6SH United KingdomTel. No. : 0207 938 3388/ 0207 993 6151/ 0207 993 6152 0207 993 6152

Voicemail: 0203 002 7872/ 0207 096 0976 0207 096 0976

Fax No. : 0845 330 9586 Email: iremit.uk@myiremitfo.com
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OnePhilippines have set up a hotline from the UK, if you want to find out more about what you can do to help from the UK please visit http://www.onephilippines.co.uk/helpnow/
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Sam Jennings has created a multiply site ONDOYSOS with details of places to donate money, people to contact and she has set up a donation pledge. http://ondoysos.multiply.com/
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The families of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who have been affected by tropical storm “Ondoy” will be given free texts and calls to their loved ones abroad to update them of their situation in the Philippines — the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

For those who wish to avail of the service, they may call up the Operations Center at Telephone numbers : +632.8336992 +632.8336992 (+632.833OWWA) +632.5516641 +632.8917601 - 24 SMS/TXT +63917.898.6992 +63917.898.6992 (+63917.TXT.OWWA) Globe HOTLINE 2917 Press 3 for OWWA E-mail opcenter@owwa.gov.ph Fax +632.8917601 +632.5516651
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KEG has teamed up with the student union and a bunch of other GMUL societies to try and help out in any way we can. I’m thinking we should get donation lists and organise small sponsorships for a fundraising event e.g. a jog or mens leg waxing where we can have a little fun but still give back. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=140602610501&ref=mf
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PNA UK the nurses association have set up a calamity fund, please visit their website for more details http://www.pnauk.org.uk/

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28th Sept 2009: After a meeting at the Philippine Embassy in London the main agencies identified to donate to are: 

1) National Disaster Coordinating Center (NDCC) - http://www.ndcc.gov.ph

2) Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) - http://www.dswd.gov.ph/

3) Philippine National Red Cross - http://redcross.org.ph

It is now updated to include Typhoon Ondoy:  http://www.redcross.org.ph/Site/PNRC/Default.aspx?S=48&SS=972 Click ‘Typhoon Ondoy’ in Project/Activity tab.

* Please click on the following Philippine Embassy (UK) Advisory for full details of contributing to the above agencies Philippine Pesos and US Dollar accounts: http://philembassy-uk.org/news_advisory.html#page11

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For other forms of contribution/help:

Red Cross UK - Philippines Flood Appeal: http://www.redcross.org.uk/donatesection.asp?id=77029

Oxfam: http://www.oxfam.org.uk/oxfam_in_action/emergencies/philippines-floods09.html 
(Gift Aid can be added. Potentially a portion of the money donated may not all go to the Philippines. It states on their website “There is a small chance that we raise more money than is needed for this project. If this happens your donation will be used in our catastropher fund, allowing us to respond quickly to disasters worldwide.”

World Food Programme: https://www.wfp.org/donate/ondoy

Unicef: http://www.unicef.org.uk/emergency/emergency_detail.asp?emergency=62&nodeid=e62

Worldvision: http://www.worldvision.org.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=82&Itemid=1

Gawad Kalinga’s Operation GK: http://www.gk1world.com/give.html

ABS-CBN: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/09/27/09/tropical-storm-ondoy-how-you-can-help

GMA: http://www.gmapinoytv.com/article/171/How-to-help-typhoon-Ondoy-victims

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Remittance banks are offering their services in sending donations, such as iRemit, Metrobank and Bank of the Phil. Islands.

Those with Bank Deposits accounts with Metrobank or Bank of the Phil. Islands accounts can via the following:

Account Name: The Phil. Nat’l. Red Cross

METROBANK
Port Area Branch
Peso Acct.: 151-3-041-63122-8
Dollar Acct.: 151-2-151-00218-2
Type of Acct. : SAVINGS
Swift Code: MBTC PH MM

BANK OF THE PHIL. ISLANDS
Port Area Branch
Peso Acct.: 4991-0010-99
Type of Account: CURRENT

BANK OF THE PHIL. ISLANDS
UN Branch
Dollar Acct.: 8114-0030-94
Type of Account: SAVINGS
Swift Code: BOPI PH MM

(For your donations to be properly acknowledged, please fax the bank transaction slip at nos. +63.2.527.0575 or +63.2.404.0979 with your name, address and contact number.)

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For comprehensive lists of emergency + relief numbers and sites:

SP:

http://sourpolitics.wordpress.com/2009/09/26/typhoon-ondoy-emergency-hotlines-and-relief-operations/

Peace Love & Revolution (updated by Revo Naval):

http://peaceloveandrevolution.com/blog/one-can-save-the-world/

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As individuals and associations, we can all do our part to help. Every little bit of help we can give, is much appreciated.

If there any other ways, please inform.

~ LDNmeetsMNL