FINAL Nin Hao May-June 2014

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Community News
Community News
top photo: Kaisa officers Ganny Tan and Meah Ang See sign social contract with beneficiaries
and local officials for the turnover of fishing boats to fisherfolk of several municipalities in Iloilo.
Bangkabuhayan turns over 100 boats
T
he Tsinoy community’s Project
Bangkabuhayan, spearheaded by the
NGO Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran (Kaisa), turned over a hundred boats to fisherfolk of several Iloilo municipalities whose
fishing boats were destroyed by super typhoon Yolanda.
The boats, each 18-ft long and equipped
with 7.5-hp engine, complete with rudder, propeller and fishing gear, were turned
over in two separate ceremonies in end of
March and end of April. The boats were
built using funds donated by local and
international donors, including the Royal
Hong Kong Yacht Club, Rotary Club of
Mandaluyong and its sister clubs in Taipei.
Aside from local government officials,
officers of Kaisa and the donor organizations, including the Hong Kong-based
Amity Foundation were present at the
turnover ceremonies.
In addition to those already turned over,
another 250 boats are being built for turnover at the soonest possible time. 100 of
these boats are to be funded by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of
Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII)
and its partner organizations, including the
Federation of Filipino-Chinese Associations, World News Publications, Overseas
Chinese Alumni Associations, FilipinoChinese Amity Club, Philippine Chinese
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
and Shin Lian Association. 50 each will be
funded by the Movement for the Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO) and the
Angelo King Foundation. The rest will be
funded by other donors.
The many ways
by which the
beneficiaries
transported their
boats
Beneficiaries pose with their boats
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Nin Hao | Community News
Community News
TXTFIRE HOLDS
5TH TXTFIRELYMPICS
M
arch 30 was a fun-filled day as volunteer
firefighters competed to test skills,
stamina, and teamwork at the 5th
Txtfire Lympics at the Mall of Asia grounds.
More than 30 volunteer fire brigades, some from
outside Metro Manila, participated in the yearly
event organized by Txtfire Philippines.
As envisioned by Txtfire Philippines founder
Gerry Chua, Txtfire Lympics is not only a test
of firefighting skills but also meant to foster
camaraderie among volunteer firefighters.
This year’s competition, the biggest ever, was
held in collaboration with the Bureau of Fire
Protection and various Txtfire supporters. As in
past competitions, there were two main events:
the bucket relay and the combat blitz. They are
both designed to test the participants’ basic fire
fighting skills.
The Bacolod Chamber Fire Brigade was hailed as the
bucket relay champion, followed by Response Volunteers
and T.R.E.S. Volunteers. In the combat blitz, Response
Volunteers was the champion, followed by Bacolod Chamber
Fire Brigade and Arranque Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Among the highlights of the whole-day event was the
awarding of the winners in the first-ever Search for Most
Outstanding Volunteer Firefighter organized by Txtfire
Philippines in December last year.
Bryant Lao of the Bacolod Chamber Fire Brigade received
the highest award, together with finalists Edgar Florentino
of the Pritil Tondo Volunteer Fire and Rescue Group,
Ramon Morales of the Ronda 117 Fire and Rescue
Volunteers, Jackson Dechaves of the Middletown Volunteer
Fire Rescue Squad, and Antonio Manabat Jr. of the Soler
Volunteer Fire Prevention Center.
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Community News
AKFI supports 10th CBMS convention
The Angelo King Foundation Inc. (AKFI) was one of major sponsors of the 10th
National Convention of the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) at the Crowne
Plaza on March 24 to 26. The convention was attended by close to 500 local government
officials and development workers from all over the country.
The CBMS is an international network of data gathering
at the local level. The system enables local government
units (LGUs) to make use of more accurate data to more
effectively serve their constituents, especially in poverty
alleviation projects.
AKFI President Teddy Kingsu delivered a talk on the
second day of the convention. He shared the foundation’s
fruitful partnerships with NGOs, POs, and LGUs in the
last three decades. He also announced the relaunching
of the Angelo King Award for Outstanding LGUs, the
awarding of which will coincide with the next CBMS
national convention. The main criterion for the award
shall be the LGUs’ effectiveness in alleviating poverty
among their constituents.
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The three-day conference was a gathering of key
officials and representatives of national government
agencies, local government units, non-government
organizations, and development partner agencies. The
discussions centered on the latest developments in the
implementation and uses of CBMS in the Philippines,
with focus on its uses for bottom up budgeting, disaster
risk reduction and management, local governance,
vulnerability mapping, program design and targeting,
and impact monitoring among others.
CBMS is now being implemented by local government
units in 68 provinces (32 of which are province-wide),
covering 799 municipalities, 63 cities, and 21,562
barangays.
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Nin-Hao | Community News
Community News
Charity First honors
graduates
C
harity First Foundation presented and
honored its graduating scholars in
simple yet meaningful ceremonies held
on April 6 at the Buddhacare Academy
in Quezon City.
Organized in 2002, Charity First is a Tsinoy
group supporting scholars from state colleges and
universities through its program From the Streets
to the Campus.
With funds donated by sponsors, it is supporting
about 300 scholars, out of which 50 graduated
this year, many of them with honors. To date,
550 Charity First scholars have graduated from
various colleges and universities.
Charity First President Johnny Uy delivered the
welcome remarks and reported on the status of
the scholarship program. He thanked the sponsors
for their unwavering support through the years.
He also thanked the parents for their sacrifice so
they can support their children’s education.
The guest speaker at the graduation ceremonies
was Dr. Cecilio Pedro, chairman of Lamoiyan
Industries, the maker of Hapee Toothpaste. Dr.
Pedro is also member of the board of Manila
Doctors Hospital and vice president of the
Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of
Commerce and Industry, Inc.
Charity First officers Johnny Uy (right) and Richard Alviar
giving plaque of appreciation to guest speaker Cecilio Pedro.
In his message, Dr. Pedro reminded the graduates and scholars
that there was a cost in their pursuit of education—the support of
sponsors and the sacrifice of their parents, hence they should value
their education and use this not only to improve their own lives but
to pay it forward and contribute to the greater good.
The Charity First Chorale, conducted by Aileen Go, sang some
popular Chinese songs to the delight of the audience, which was
Batch 2014 graduates performing a number
(Upper photo) Charity First officers and guests. (Lower photo) Officers and members of the scholarship
program’s alumni association pose after induction of new members.
"...[You] should value [your]
education and use this not only
to improve [your] own lives but
to pay it forward and contribute
to the greater good."
- Dr. Cecilio Pedro
made up of about 500 Charity First officers, members
and supporters, and scholars’ parents and relatives.
As an important aspect of the scholarship program,
Charity First provides values formation and skills
training. The scholars are taught the following values,
including love of country and the value of hard work
and discipline, among others.
Charity First looks for sponsors for each scholar. The
sponsors, mostly members of the Tsinoy community,
support the scholars’ allowances and other expenses
throughout the four or five years of college, without
the scholars knowing who their sponsors are.
It is only during the graduation ceremony organized by
Charity First to honor the graduates that the scholars
find out the identity of their sponsors, and such
meetings are always emotional, as the scholars tearfully
hug their sponsors to show their gratitude.
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Community News
Community News
Old Master Q (老夫子)
forums in Manila
Xavier School supports GK
X
avier School is supporting Gawad Kalinga (GK)
by building a GK village in Ticad, Bantayan, Cebu.
Xavier President Fr. Ari Dy, Treasurer Edison
Sian, and GK Board Member Fr. Ben Nebres
led the groundbreaking for the village in March. The
groundbreaking was preceded by a mass celebrated by Fr.
Ari in Cebuano, and concelebrated by Fr. Nebres.
The 45 houses (costing 150,000 pesos each) in the new
village will be constructed using funds donated to Xavier
School (30 houses) and the Educational Research and
Development Assistance (ERDA) Group (15 houses) for
the survivors of typhoon Yolanda. Net proceeds of the
2014 Xavier School fair will also be used for the project.
The ERDA Group funds came from long-time benefactors
of the ERDA Foundation and ERDA Tech Vocational
Secondary School.
The village, expected to be completed in a few months,
will be named Pope Francis GK Village, after the first
Jesuit Pope who has inspired all Catholics to live the faith
through concrete acts. The village will be inhabited by
typhoon survivors from different parts of Northern Cebu.
GK volunteers from Cebu City, led by Toby and Yvonne
Florendo and Fr Manny Uy, SJ, President of Sacred HeartAteneo de Cebu, provided logistical support to the mass
and groundbreaking.
GK, launched as a national movement in 2003 to provide
decent housing to marginalized sectors of society, does not
only build houses. Volunteers and community organizers
screen prospective recipients who are required to provide
sweat equity. Other major components of the program
include values formation, scholarships, and livelihood
projects.
In June, Xavier School, with the help of GK Ateneo de
Manila, will organize a group of students, alumni, faculty,
and staff to participate in the Bayani Challenge, a five-day
program for volunteers to help build houses in Ticad.
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wo cultural forums featuring the highly
popular cartoon character Old Master Q’s
second generation creator Wang Ze (王泽)
and his partner Qiu Xiutang (邱秀堂) and
popular Chinese singer Lin Lijun (林立君) were
held in Manila on April 12 and 13 at the Fo Guang
Shan Mabuhay Temple and Chiang Kai Shek College,
respectively.
The forums were organized by the Philippine East
China Amity Club, Federation of Filipino-Chinese
Alumni Associations, and Shi Zi Rong Memorial
Foundation and co-organized by the Fo Guang Shan
(FGS) Mabuhay Temple, Buddha's Light International
Association (BLIA)-Philippine Chapter. The forums
were put together by writer and PSBank adviser
Jameson Ong to promote culture in the ChineseFilipino community.
Upper photo: Fr. Ari and Fr. Nebres lead
groundbreaking.
Lower photo: Fr. Ari, Fr. Nebres and GK
officers pose with some beneficiaries.
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At the forums, Wang Ze shared how he took over
Old Master Q from his dad, the cartoon character’s
original creator, and how he introduced changes to
adapt to the taste of the new generation of readers.
Qiu Xiutang talked about promoting and managing
Old Master Q as a brand and product. Lin Lijun gave
some pointers in voice projection and sang some
popular Chinese songs to the delight of the audience,
which is composed mostly of teachers and students,
literary people, and Chinese culture enthusiasts.
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RIGHT PHOTO: Poster of Old
Master Q and his sidekick Da
Fanshu autographed by Wang Ze.
UPPER PHOTO: Old Master
Q fan Dr. Ulysses Yu shows off
his collection of Old Master Q
cartoons. Dr. Yu taught Chinese
language to MDH staff.
LOWER PHOTO: Officers of the
Federation of Filipino-Chinese
Alumni Associations Emily Young,
Evans Chiu, Eluina Co Sim, and
Loraine Tan accept souvenirs from
three speakers.
Wang Ze, Qiu Xiutang
and Lin Lijun with organizers,
special guests, fans, and cartoon
contest winners at the forums
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s p e c i a l f e at u r e s
My own silk road
(Confessions of a Chinese culture enthusiast)
Leah de Alday
H
ow
did
my
fascination with
Chinese language,
culture,
and
tradition start? Well, it’s
not really a complicated or
dramatic story. While most
people’s entry point in
learning or liking Chinese
culture
was
through
Chinese food, mine was
through Kung Fu movies.
When we were kids, my
哥哥/gege (older brother)
and I watched Kung Fu (
功夫）movies shown on
a local channel (IBC-13).
At first, I felt a little weird
watching those movies,
since I was not used to
seeing people in different
clothing styles and looks.
The way the films were
dubbed was also a bit
funny, as the characters
were always talking in
high-pitched voices.
Our favorite was the
Drunken Master series,
which
starred
the
inimitable Jackie Chan (
成龙). In the series, the
old Kung Fu master
with a red nose (due to
excessive drinking) had a
young apprentice, played
by Jackie Chan. The series
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combined comedy and martial arts, and we were truly
amazed by Chan’s antics and acrobatic skills. I also
remember watching a Kung Fu movie in which the
lead character had a strong palm, or iron palm. Those
who were hit by him became instantly weak, and were
on the verge of death. Fantastic and a bit unbelievable,
but entertaining nevertheless.
There were a lot of nice, entertaining Kung Fu movies
back then. The sound of drums when a movie was just
starting became really familiar to me. You know when
it’s a Golden Harvest Production movie, because of
the very familiar soundtrack at the beginning.
"Never be tired
of learning,
or teaching
others."
– Confucius
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s p e c i a l f e at u r e s
s p e c i a l f e at u r e s
After Kung Fu movies, I got hooked into Chinese pop
songs. The first Chinese artist that I came to know was
Jimmy Lin (林志颖). He was introduced to me by a high
school classmate. She lent me a cassette tape of Lin’s songs,
and I was an instant fan. I still remember the cover of that
cassette tape, Lin beside a red car.
I was really happy listening to the songs even if I didn’t
understand a single thing. I just played the tape at home,
over and over again. My brother and the people in our
house thought I was weird. Playing and listening to songs I
didn't understand.
I was not aware that Jimmy Lin was really a very popular
Chinese singer back then. It was enough that he was really
cute! Other Chinese singers that I had come to like were
Lee Hom Wang, JJ Lin, Jolin Tsai, Richie Ren, Michael
Wong, F4, and many others. Even before the chinovelas
(Chinese series) gained a huge following among young
Filipinos, I already liked anything Chinese. I also came to
like watching Taiwanese series. One of my favorites was
Love at the Dolphin Bay.
Then I saw a movie by Jet Li (李连
杰) when I was in my teen years. I
think it was one of his movies in the
hugely popular Once Upon A Time in
China series. Jet Li was not really very
handsome in the movies, but I came
to like him because of his great smile,
and being a former child prodigy, his
Kung Fu skills were exceptional. He
could really fight from all eight sides,
based on the documentary about him.
When I was in college, I asked an aunt to buy me a cassette
tape of any Chinese singer in Ongpin. Back then my aunties
would frequent Ongpin to buy their pearl cream, which they
used as foundation for their make-up. I will never forget
the name of that pearl cream which was from Taiwan—
Yang Pai Su. They bought the cream in packs. That was
when I came to know Vivian Chow (周慧敏，shown
in photo with Nepalese kid), my most favorite Chinese
singer. Sadly, that tape of mine got lost after I left it in my
previous workplace, an English Center that catered mostly
to Koreans. I remember my aunt telling me she bought the
tape because the Chinese storekeeper recommended it to
her. I loved Vivian Chow so much I researched about her
on the internet.
I became such a huge fan of Jet
Li that I collected his old movies,
dating back to his Shaolin Temple
days, which was why I was really sad
when I left and lost my collection
in the house where I used to stay. I
have seen almost all of Li’s movies,
but the one that I will never forget
is The Bodyguard from Beijing, which
was recommended to me by a high
school classmate.
But my admiration for Jet Li was elevated to a much higher
level when he graduated from being a martial arts star to
being a philanthropist and a champion of environmental
protection and other causes after he and his daughters
survived the tsunami while vacationing in the Maldives in
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2004. It was like having a second life, he said, and so he
decided to devote his time to worthy advocacies through
his Jet Li One Foundation, which he established to work for
children’s welfare and disaster relief.
From then on I started learning Chinese songs, mostly
songs by Vivian Chow. Then I bought original cassette
tapes of Chinese songs, which were really expensive, from
a Chinese bookstore in SM Manila named Horizon (sadly
the shop was closed already). I bought mostly albums by
Coco Lee, Leon Lai, and William So. The owner of the
store probably found it strange that I, a Filipina, was buying
Chinese records.
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s p e c i a l f e at u r e s
Now I can sing a few Cantonese and Mandarin songs
mostly by Vivian Chow, and I have uploaded some of my
cover versions on YouTube.
Later on I met forumers from the Chinese-Filipino website,
tsinoy.com, a brainchild of Mr. Dux Raymond Sy. I became
very active in the website, using the screen name Bluelei. I
became a featured forumer in the website and contributed
various articles, including Hunan Stuffed Cucumbers which
was featured in their cuisine section, The Giant Panda
(everyone loves the panda and I find them very cute or
可愛/ke ai), and Origin of
Chinese-Filipino Surnames.
My resource person in the
last article was a very nice
70-plus-year-old ChineseFilipino, whom I called by
his nickname, Uncle Dick.
When I was in junior
college, (I believe there’s no
such thing as a coincidence),
our foreign language was
Mandarin! I was really
so happy because finally
I would be able to study
more Chinese language. But
before I took that foreign language subject, I told my family
that I wanted to study Mandarin and enroll in a language
school. At that time I was vacationing at my aunt’s place
in Quezon City, where I am again staying now. At first, my
family was reluctant to let me study Chinese. They said it
would just be
a waste of
money. So
I was really
heartbroken
and
cried
and locked
m y s e l f
inside
the
bathroom
for a few
minutes.
Well, after
my dramatic
moment, my aunt who also happened to be my godmother,
allowed me to enroll in a Chinese language class and even paid
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SPE C IAL FEATURES
for my tuition. I enrolled at
Languages Internationale
in Katipunan. I think their
only existing branch now
is in Makati. That was the
first summer course that I
finished, and the only one
that I got a diploma. Before
that I studied organ, voice,
and guitar lessons during
summer breaks, but never
finished any of the courses.
Instead of celebrating my 18th birthday lavishly, I
chose to travel to Hong
Kong with my aunts during
the summer vacation. That
was really one of the most
unforgettable
moments
in my life. It felt like I was
dreaming. We got to see
JC Jewelry shop, which
according to our tour guide, was co-owned by my idol
Jackie Chan. Our hotel was near Kowloon Park, and I can
still remember the name B.P. International.
That was the first time I came to know Watson’s, which had
stores all over Hong Kong and Kowloon. I still remember
the restaurant in front of our hotel—Fat Nam, which
served authentic Cantonese food. As a birthday gift, and
as a souvenir for the trip, my aunt bought me a nice heart
shaped turquoise pendant. Unfortunately I was careless and
lost the pendant. Anyway, I enjoyed our Hong Kong tour so
much that it didn’t matter that there was a typhoon after the
day that we arrived there. We also passed by Happy Valley,
the Beverly Hills of Hong Kong.
To my current Basic Chinese 2 (Mandarin) at Confucius
Institute in Ateno, thanks to Ms. Maria Joanna Tecson for
being so patient in teaching us.
I believe I was among the few who really enjoyed our
MANDARIN class in college. I remember my classmates
were complaining why they had to study Chinese, which
admittedly, is not easy to learn. But I loved studying Chinese
so much I still remember my professors back then, among
them Ma’am Erlinda G. Ong, now a doctorate degree
holder. She is a Chinese-Filipina who is part Kapampangan.
I remember vividly that after her class I would talk to her in
Kapampangan (my mom is pure Kampampangan, a native
of Pampanga). I got 1.75 in Miss Ong’s class, and she was
the one who helped me and wrote a recommendation letter
for my Master’s degree.
There’s Mr. Joaquin Sy who is ever so accommodating. He
gave me a Chinese phrasebook and several of his books
some years ago, and recently shared with me soft-copies
of Nin Hao, the Manila Doctors Hospital newsletter, which
featured interesting articles on Chinese language and culture
and community news. And of course, Mr. Edison Ong,
for being so patient with me when I rant online, especially
for listening to all my Chinese ‘things’, and for the 'Stikfas'
figure.
My other favorite professor was Sir Christopher Ong. He
was strict, and gave a grade of 2.75, which I considered
low compared to my grade in Basic Mandarin I. Until now
I keep and treasure my college mandarin workbooks, a
testament to how I loved and enjoyed learning Chinese.
To all of the above, and to those whom I failed to mention,
I say 非常感谢! Feichang Ganxie! Many, many thanks for
being part of my Chinese adventure, my own silk road!
Through the course of my quest for Chinese language
and culture, I have met quite a few Chinese-Filipino
acquiantances, some of whom have become my friends. I’ll
never forget Ms. Elaine Mae Yu, who gave me Vivian Chow's
original VCD as pasalubong when she went to Hong Kong;
Ms. Bridget Co, for being truly accommodating when I
approached her while I was still doing my OJT at Sterling
Paper Products in Makati; Mr. Benny Yeung for giving me
an LP of Vivian Chow and a VCD karaoke of Richie Ren,
and an autograph photo book of Vivian.
Also, I am grateful to my tsinoy.com peeps, Ms. Rochelle
Sy (Hearty) and Mr. Ulysees Liao for giving me Chinese
VCDs; my classmate in college Ms. April Gaie Chua, for
being so nice to me and for helping me out in my Math
subjects and for giving me Chinese trinkets and mooncakes;
Mr. Gerald Uy for the Bahay Tsinoy museum trip, and the
Chinese cat figurine, a lucky symbol; my former language
professors Dr. Erlinda Ong and Mr. He Zhuo (a.k.a George
Ho), who always encouraged me to pursue my interest in
Chinese language and culture.
I thank Zaldy Co, who introduced me to the Emperor
Mandarin Toastmaster’s Speech Club; the late Dr. Kasian
Lim, for bearing with me as I told him about my Chinese
language experiences during clinic hours with my aunt.
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s p e c i a l f e at u r e s
s p e c i a l f e at u r e s
robotics
makes learning fun
Davenson Co
And if the young Bombarider was able to contribute to
mankind with his knowledge of robotics, other young people similarly equipped could do it also.
velop a design to help save victims in calamities. Robotics
could encourage students to contribute to the world with
their ideas.
Robotics actually integrates subjects like math, science
and computer. If these subjects are already part of the
curriculum, then, why not include robotics. According to
academia.edu/Defining_innovation_literacy.com, robotics
programs improve mathematics and science literacy as well
as social skills used in teamwork, which is very important
during competitions. Also based on the Journal of Research
on Technology in Education, US students are less prepared
than other countries in math and science. So, to help them,
robotics was introduced in the curriculum and it helped increase their cognitive skills by 25%. Robotics made learning
math and sciences more fun, hence, more effective.
Robotics is very useful in everyday life, from factories to
bomb disposal, and even as rovers in Mars! Therefore, we
should have it in our curriculum. It not only helps students
in school but could still help them when they graduate. I
could enumerate a lot more ways robotics could help students, but just to say that it makes learning more fun, especially “dry” subjects like math and sciences, is enough
reason to make robotics an important part of the school
curriculum.
In my own personal experience in robotics, I
learned topics not meant to be discussed until two
years later like physics. In order to win different
competitions, we must have a deeper knowledge in
these subjects than other students. And robotics really helps students to learn more difficult math and
science topics while still having fun.
Robotics could improve student's analytical and
problem solving skills because in robotics teachers
could incorporate everyday problems and ask the
students to solve these problems in robotics. One
example would be FLL competitions today which
ask the contest participants to have a robot solve
many tasks in the field. Participants are also asked
to develop new ideas to help victims in a certain
theme, like in the last competition that I joined,
the theme was nature's fury. Contestants had to de-
H
ave you ever tried doing research without internet or walking 20 kilometers for
there were no cars? How about having to go to a different country without planes
or climbing 10 flights of stairs without the help of elevators?
Ladies and gentlemen, we may not realize it, but robotics is very much a part of our lives,
and so I'm here to tell you that robotics must be introduced in the school curriculum.
Why should robotics be made a part of the school curriculum? It must be introduced
so that students will be able to contribute to the world of technology. They would also
be able to test their skill in robotics. Did you know that Joseph Bombarider invented the
snowmobile at the age of 15? He was able to do this with a little background in robotics
(mechanical engineering). If he can make an invention that changed the world with only
a small background in robotics, imagine how much more he could have done if he had
more knowledge of robotics.
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(Photos) Previous page: The author Davenson Co
(middle), schoolmates Sebastian dela Cruz and Raphael
Ramos, with coach Albert Pagilagan and principal for
lower grades Ruby Ramos show off certificates won in an
international robotics competition.
This page: Davenson and his winning robot, with dad
Hanson Co, who gave him full support to pursue his
interest in robotics.
About the author:
Davenson Co is a sophomore at the of De La Salle
Zobel. Aside from winning robotics competitions, he
is a chess champion who also loves reading and
travelling, and is fascinated with rare stones. He is
the grandson of Yolanda Lim-dela Paz of PSBank.
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House Speaker Belmonte hails Tytana Education
C
alling it “a fully accredited and widely-admired
educational institution,” House Speaker Feliciano
“Sonny” Belmonte Jr. paid paean to the Manila
Tytana Colleges’ strides in educating its students
during the school’s 38th commencement exercises at the
PICC on April 1.
who could make tangible difference in the lives of others,
the Speaker added. “Cultivate a caring attitude towards
others. It is what truly makes us all human,” he admonished
the graduates.
The Speaker ended his speech with a tribute to Metrobank
Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty for his efforts to
The Speaker cited Tytana’s industry-academe partnership, a provide quality education to the youth, calling it “a noble
well-meaning effort to train its students to face the challenges and heroic undertaking” and worthy of the memory of
Doña Victoria Ty-Tan.
awaiting them in the real world honed and well-trained.
The core values of the institution—Caring, Competent, Manila Tytana Colleges is a member of the Metrobank
Committed, Creative, Culture-Adaptive and Competitive— Group, giving its students priority in on-the-job-training
have transformed the graduates into productive individuals and employment with the group’s subsidiaries.
Upper photo: House Speaker
Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, Jr. accepts
token of appreciation from Metrobank
Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty,
Tytana Chairman Dr. Antonio S. Abacan
Jr. and Tytana President Dr. Sergio S.
Cao.
Lower photo: Donors to the
various scholarship programs of Tytana
pose for posterity after receiving their
plaques of recognition.
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Community News
Community News
FFCCCII
Dr. George S. K. Ty receives FFCCCII Award
M
etrobank Group Chairman Dr.
George S.K. Ty received the Most
Outstanding Business Achievement
Award from the Federation of Filipino-Chinese
Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
(FFCCCII) during the latter’s 60th anniversary
celebration at the Solaire Resort and Casino at
end of March.
Dr. Ty was honored for his success as
entrepreneur and philanthropist, especially for
his support to the FFCCCII’s various sociocivic projects, including Operation Barrio
Schools, scholarships, relief and medical
missions during calamities, etc.
(Upper photo) Metrobank Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty receives
award from FFCCCII President Dr. Alfonso Siy. (Lower photo) Dr. Ty with
Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) Adviser Mary Ty, MBFI President Aniceto
Sobrepeña, and MDH Corporate Secretary Joaquin Sy.
Photos by Wilson Ong
26
Other recipients of the award include Dr.
Lucio Tan, Dr. Henry Sy Sr., Dr. Carlos Chan,
Dr. Andrew Tan, and Mr. Tony Tan Caktiong.
They were likewise honored for their success
in business, and their significant contributions
to Philippine society.
celebrates 60th Anniversary
T
he Federation of FilipinoChinese Chambers of Commerce
and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII),
one of the country’s biggest business
groups and the acknowledged leader
organization in the Chinese-Filipino
community, celebrated its 60th
anniversary with a series of activities on
March 28 to 30.
A
well-attended
trade
exhibit
showcasing the best Philippine products
and services opened in the morning of
March 28 at the SMX. Special guests
were Senate President Franklin Drilon,
Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua,
Congresswoman Naida Angping, Trade
undersecretary Adrian Cristobal Jr., and
many others.
27
Community News
In his speech, President Aquino
praised FFCCCII’s active role in
the promotion of the national
economy and its many sociocivic projects. The president
specially mentioned the 500
houses and the schools the
business group is building for
the Yolanda survivors. He also
exhorted FFCCCII members
to create more jobs to alleviate
poverty and strengthen the
national economy.
The highlight of the evening was the conferment of Most Outstanding
Business Achievement Award to six Tsinoy taipans. Recipients were Dr.
George S.K. Ty, Dr. Lucio Tan, Dr. Henry Sy Sr. (represented by son Hans
Sy), Dr. Carlos Chan, Dr. Andrew Tan, and Mr. Tony Tan Caktiong. The
six were honored for their success in business and significant contributions
to Philippine society in general and the Chinese-Filipino community in
particular.
The main activity of the threeday celebration was the dinner and
cultural show at the Solaire Resort
and Casino on March 29, with no
less than President Benigno Simeon
Aquino III as guest of honor and
speaker.
FFCCCII President Dr. Alfonso Siy opened
the program with his welcome remarks and
report on the business group’s major projects
and activities, including barrio schools; relief
operations; medical missions; peace and order,
scholarships, and education projects; trade and
investment missions; and promotion of local
industries and Filipino products
28
29
The FFCCCII also conferred
awards to its past presidents in
recognition of their valuable
service and contributions to the
organization. Senate President
Franklin Drilon, Former President
Fidel Ramos, Former President
and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada,
and Chinese Ambassador Zhao
Jianhua witnessed the awarding.
The dinner, attended by more than
a thousand FFCCCII officers and
members, government officials
and representatives of the major
organizations in the ChineseFilipino community, was made
more memorable by performances
of Tsinoy, Filipino, and Chinese
artists.
The three-day celebration was
capped by a dinner for officers,
members, supporters, and guests
on March 30 at the Manila Hotel.
Photos by Wilson Ong
Charter Ping An Officers with the Binibinis. (From left) FVP, Agency & Broker Sales Gerry
Salta, EVP, Marketing & Operations Ninoy Rollan, Senior Executive Vice President Emmanuel
Que, President Melecio Mallillin, and Vice Chairman Robert Yu.
Charter Ping An continues its partnership
with Binibining Pilipinas
T
he Philippines has remarkably been at the forefront
of every international beauty contest for the last
five years, and through these years, Charter Ping An
Insurance Corporation has been a constant partner
of Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) in staging the
most prestigious pageant in the country. The historical
back-to-back victories of Miss Supranational 2013 Mutya
Johanna Datul, Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago,
3rd runner up Miss Universe 2013 Ariella Arida, and the
top 10 placing in Miss Tourism Queen International of
Cindy Miranda, has proved that the partnership of Charter
Ping An with BPCI has been more than rewarding, hence
its continuous service as the pageant’s official
insurance provider.
and Executive Vice President and Head of Marketing and
Operations Nicasio Rollan III.
The pageant concluded with its much-awaited Coronation
Night held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon
City on March 30. Together with the other prizes, Charter
Ping An awarded the runners-up with Personal Accident
Insurance worth Php1,000,000, while the titleholders
received Personal Accident Insurance worth Php2,000,000
with Comprehensive Global Travel Insurance and coverage
for Loss of Personal Effects, as they compete in their
respective international beauty contests.
Almost like a tradition, Charter Ping An
provided Personal Accident Insurance worth
Php500,000 with Medical Reimbursement
up to Php50,000 to this year’s 40 Binibini
candidates which was awarded during their
official visit at Charter Ping An’s Head Office
in Makati City on March 13. Present during
the visit are Charter Ping An Vice Chairman
Robert Yu and Charter Ping An President
Melecio Mallillin, Charter Ping An Senior
Executive Vice President Emmanuel Que,
30
31
MDH News
MDH News
up packages to Dr. Alfonso Siy and other officers of
FFCCCII).
Manila Doctors Hospital designs
Executive Check-up packages for
FFCCCII officers and members
M
anila Doctors Hospital (MDH) designed special executive check-up packages
for officers and members of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of
Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) as per request of the business group’s
president Dr. Alfonso Siy.
Dr. Siy and Ms. Veronica Koh of the MDH Business Development Division presented
the packages on May 6 at the Federation Center in Binondo during the monthly meeting
of the FFCCCII council of representatives attended by
delegates from all over the country.
The packages include separate carefully designed
executive check-ups for three age brackets, 30-40, 41-50
and 51-59 years old.
MDH and FFCCCII signed a MOA in January this year,
wherein the hospital provides special discounts to officers
and staff of the business group and their immediate
families. It was during the MOA signing that Dr. Siy
requested MDH to design special executive check-up
packages for FFCCCII officers.
MDH is a subsidiary of the Metrobank Group, while
FFCCCII is one of the country’s biggest organizations.
It has built thousands of classrooms all over the country
thru its flagship project Operation Barrio Schools.
(Photo shows Miss Veronica Koh presenting
brochures of the special executive check32
MDH renews ties with VMSA
M
anila Doctors Hospital (MDH) and Vis-Min Salesmen
Association (VMSA) renewed its memorandum of
agreement (MOA) with a formal signing held on
March 17 at the MDH Metrobank Foundation Hall.
Through the MOA, MDH provides discounts on selected hospital
services to VMSA members and qualified dependents. MDH and
VMSA first established this partnership in 2011.
Present during the signing were (seated, from left) VMSA Vice
President Arvin Sy, VMSA President Felix Ng, MDH First Vice
President (FVP) for Corporate Affairs and Hospital Director Dr.
Hian Ho Kua, and FVP and Financial Director Florencio Tenorio.
Also in attendance were VMSA past presidents Lau Nai Fai and
Rafael Siao, MDH Vice President and Deputy Administrative
Director Dr. Terrence Cham, MDH Business Development
Consultant Joaquin Sy, Business Development OIC Bingle
Chuidian, and other MDH and VMSA officers.
MDH signs
partnership with
PhilLife Financial
M
DH inked an agreement with
PhilLife Financial Assurance Corp.
on March 21 at the Mondragon
House Building. PhilLife, a sister company
of Philhealth Care Inc., is one of the new
HMO accounts of the Hospital.
Present during the signing were (seated, from left) MDH First
Vice President (FVP) and Financial Director Florencio Tenorio,
MDH Vice President and Deputy Administrative Director Dr.
Terrence Cham, MDH FVP for Corporate Affairs and Hospital
Director Dr. Hian Ho Kua, PhilLife President and CEO Joseph
Augustin Tanco, and PhilLife Senior Vice President and CFO
Michelle Ambagan. Also present were (standing, from left)
Metrobank Cluster Sales Head Rose Fernandez, Metrobank
Tordesillas Branch Head Shirley Alvero, PhilLife Medical Director
Dr. Venice Leonardo, PhilLife Assistant Vice President-Group
Marketing Josephine Caluag, and PhilLife FVP-Group Marketing
and Marketing Support Group Marcelino Dailo Jr.
33
MDH News
MDH opens its new fully
electronic Vision Center
The newly renovated and upgraded Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) Vision Center
is the first fully-electronic hospital-based eye care center in the country. The formal
blessing and inauguration ceremony was held on March 13.
Designed to take advantage of the latest advancements in technology, the Vision Center features an
advanced computer system that introduce paperless transaction and enables near real-time processing and transmission
of results. The Forum System is the powerful system that serves as the Vision Center’s nerve center. Patients are issued a unique ID card that stores relevant information and history. After the test, results are uploaded onto the Forum
System making them available to both the patient and doctor online and near real-time which allows doctors to make
faster and more accurate diagnosis whenever, wherever.
The Vision Center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment including the latest Humphrey visual field
analyzer, an Ophthalmic Technologies Inc. (OTI) 3-dimensional ultrasonography machine, capable of both A and B
scan ultrasonography, the IOL Master 500 Biometer for precision measurements of intraocular lens powers essential
in cataract surgery visual outcome. Recently, the Center has acquired the latest Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
the Cirrus 5000, a non-contact, non-invasive imaging technique used to obtain high resolution cross-sectional images
of the retina. This is in addition to the Digital Fundus camera, which generates excellent photos of the retina and optic
nerve, the Digital Flourescein Angiography machine. There’s the 532 and Nd:Yag Lasers that is used to treat some
forms of retina diseases and glaucoma.
More than the top-of-the-line equipment, the Vision Center also boasts of the most proficient eye specialists and topnotch medical staff to ensure that your eyes are kept in the best possible condition.
34
35
MDH News
MDH’s doctors association
elects new officers
MDH joins worldwide campaign
for Mother Earth
M
anila Doctors Hospital (MDH) joined the rest of the world in the
recently concluded Earth Hour campaign. All unnecessary lights in
non-critical areas of the Hospital were switched off from 8:30-9:30pm
on March 29.
E A RT H H O U R
Since October 2009, MDH has been observing its own Earth Hour by switching
off unnecessary lights twice in a month. This is part of the Hospital’s campaign
to raise awareness on environmental issues, particularly global warming and
climate change.
MDH also joined the project Bangkas for the Philippines of World Wildlife Fund
(WWF). The Hospital donates a bangka if the Metrobank subsidiaries pledge
to turn-off their lights during break time to signify its commitment to save the
environment. MDH’s Finance Directorate, through the contribution of its staff,
also donated bangkas to WWF.
TOP photo: MDH President Aniceto Sobrepeña (second from right) and First Vice
President for Corporate Affairs and Hospital Director Dr. Hian Ho Kua (third from right) turn
over the check donation to WWF representative Toni Munar (center). With them are officers
from Metrobank subsidiaries and MDH Environment Committee.
right photos: MDH Senior Management Team leads the ceremonial switching of lights
and Orix Metro Leasing and Finance Corp Director Fuhimiko Sato signs their pledge of
commitment.
T
he Manila Doctors Hospital Medical Staff
Association Incorporated (MSAI) held the induction
of its new set of officers and board members for
2014-2015 on April 22 at the new MSAI Doctors’ Lounge.
President for Medical Affairs Dr. Dante Morales (standing,
third from left) and First Vice President and Medical
Director Dr. Mario Juco (standing, third from right).
Dr. Cynthia Cuayo-Juico (seated, second from right) was
reelected for a second term as president. Dr. Rogelio
Tangco (standing, second from right) was elected vice
president. Dr. Jeanette Silao (seated, rightmost) and Dr.
Angela Du (seated, second from left) were elected secretary
and treasurer, respectively.
Dr. Genato Gomez, Dr. Anthony Leachon, Dr. Elizabeth
Montemayor, Dr. Luminardo Ramos, and Dr. Roehl
Salvador compose the MSA Board of Directors. Together
with the officers in the photo above are MDH Senior Vice
36
37
China Updates
Yao Ming: Buying ivory
is buying bullets
F
ormer NBA star and Chinese icon
Yao Ming called for the eradication
of sales of illegal animal products
through legislation and promotion of
animal protection awareness among the
public.
MDH receives recognition from Salamat Dok
M
anila Doctors Hospital received a plaque of
appreciation from ABS-CBN’s medical show,
Salamat Dok, for being its long-time partner during
their 10th Anniversary celebration on April 11.
The plaque was received by MDH Hospital Director Dr.
Hian Ho Kua, Medical Director Dr. Mario Juco, Deputy
Administrative Director Dr. Terrence Cham, and Financial
Director Florencio Tenorio. With them are Salamat Dok
hosts Bernadette Sembrano and Alvin Echico. MDH and
Salamat Dok started their partnership in 2007.
Salamat Dok honored their volunteer doctors, nurses, and
partners in a Gabi ng Parangal. The show also had 10
beneficiaries that received free medical and surgical care
through the show’s various partners. One beneficiary
was given free operation by MDH to remove her myoma
through the Hospital’s in-house surgical mission Women
Empowerment through Surgical Help on Ovarian and
Uterine Tumors (We SHOUT). We SHOUT is an annual
surgical mission spearheaded by the Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology.
MDH ethics review board
receives accreditation
T
he Manila Doctors Hospital Institutional
Review Board (MDH-IRB) was awarded Level
3 certificate of accreditation by the Philippine
Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) during the
32nd Philippine Council for Health Research and
Development (PCHRD) Anniversary held on March 14.
A level 3 accreditation, the highest category of accreditation,
means that the ethics/institutional review board has
demonstrated sufficient competency and efficiency in
ethical review and therefore is given the privilege to be
part of the Ethics Review Resource Committee of the
Philippine Food and Drug Administration. This is also
required for ethics committees that review investigational
38
“Buying ivory is buying bullets,” Yao,
a member of the National Committee
of the Chinese People's Political
Consultative Conference, told reporters.
China introduced special protection
for endangered species, such as panda,
golden monkey, and white-flag dolphin,
in late 1980s, and strictly banned
poaching and trading.
The Chinese government recently led an
operation code-named Cobra II against
international wildlife crimes, which
cracked over 350 cases involving the
capture of more than three tons of ivory
and ivory products, over 1,000 hides and
a number of other wildlife products.
The operation was co-organized by
China, the United States, South Africa,
the Lusaka Agreement Task Force,
the ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement
Network, and the South Asia Wildlife
Enforcement Network. (Xinhua News)
PH 14th most preferred destination for Chinese tourists
(From left) Philippine Health Research Ethics Board Chair Dr. Leonardo de
Castro, PHREB Sub-Committee on Standards and Accreditation Officer
in Charge Dr. Evangeline Santos, MDH IRB Chair Dr. Angela Abanilla-Du,
MDH IRB member and Nursing Service Director Dr. Rosie De Leon, MDH
Vice President and Deputy Administrative Director Dr. Terrence Cham, and
PCHRD-DOST Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya.
new drugs or device protocols. MDH-IRB has now joined
the ranks of only eight other accredited review committees
in the Philippines.
A
n estimated 26.4 million Chinese tourists went
overseas in the first quarter of this year, up 17 percent
from the same period last year, according to the Chinese
Tourism Academy.
According to the report, New Zealand was the top-ranked
travel destination for Chinese nationals abroad. Right on
its tail was the US, followed by Canada, Australia, and
Singapore. South Africa, Indonesia, Argentina and Vietnam
were the destinations least preferred by Chinese outbound
tourists. In the mid-range are South Korea (10th), Germany
(11th) and Japan (12th). The Philippines ranked 14th,
preceded by Spain (13th) and followed by Russia (15th).
The report showed that Chinese tourists were most
dissatisfied with the level of safety abroad, as well as
poor Chinese-language service. Landscape and cultural
atmosphere were among the services Chinese tourists were
most satisfied with. (Xinhua News)
39
ch i n a u p d at e s
24-hour bookstore opens
in Beijing
T
he first 24-hour bookstore in Beijing opened to the applause
of a bookish public.
The Sanlian Taofen Bookstore, located in the Dongcheng District
of downtown Beijing, is owned by China Publishing Group Corp.
which was established in 1996.
Photo of the Year.
War & Disaster News
Stories Gold Award:
Typhoon Haiyan
by Kevin Frayer.
China International
Press Photo contest
announces the results
on April 15, 2014.
(Photo/Xinhua)
Yolanda photo wins prize in China
T
he winners of the 10th China International Press Photo contest have been unveiled. A
Canadian photographer has taken top honors in the competition, winning “Picture of
the Year” for an image shot during the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, which struck the
Philippines last year.
The prime prize in the 10th China International Press Photo contest went to Beijing-based
Canadian photographer Kevin Frayer, for a black-and-white shot of a woman sitting amid buildings
demolished by Typhoon Haiyan. Frayer’s photo story also won the gold medal in the “War and
Disaster News Stories” category.
Frayer’s photos have been selected from more than 30,000 pictures shot by over 3,000 photographers
from 60 countries and regions. The annual event was initiated by the China Photojournalists Society
in 2005. The contest has become a popular event among photojournalists and professionals from
China and abroad.
“The contest provides a platform for photojournalists all over the world to communicate and
exchange ideas. It also helps China to express its views to the world,” said Huang Wen from China
Photojournalists Society.
An awarding ceremony will be held in October this year, accompanied by the debut exhibition of
the winning photos. (Xinhua News)
40
The news was met with a warm welcome from netizens. “Yi Ren
Du” said “the bookstore has guts... in an era when people read
less than four books a year.” “The 24-hour bookstore has shed a
a ray of hope on the nation’s pursuit of intellectual nourishment,"
netizen “Run Emma” said.
According to a survey by the Chinese Academy of Press and
Publication in 2013, Chinese people read 4.39 books per capita
in the past year, a figure that trails far behind major developed
countries. The reading rate has actually dropped from 60.4 percent
in 2000 to 54.9 percent in 2012. (Xinhua News)
Beauty and the Beast at the
Beijing film fest
B
eauty and the Beast, a film directed by French film director
Christophe Gans, opened the 4th Beijing International Film
Festival middle of April.
The film, starring Vincent Cassel and Léa Seydoux, is a romantic
fantasy film adapted from the fairy tale of the same name by
French author Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve.
This year’s Beijing film festival replaced the previously staged
live art performance with a film screening. (Xinhua News)
41
ch i n a u p d at e s
Photo: U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama visits the Museum of Terra Cotta
Warriors in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, March 24, 2014.
Xi'an allows 72-hour
visa exemptions
X
i’an in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province will allow
72-hour transit visa exemptions for foreign nationals
to make it more accessible to the outside world.
Foreigners from 51 countries in Europe, America, Oceania
and Asia will be able to visit Xi'an, Shaanxi's capital city,
and Xianyang City without visas within 72 hours when they
are en route to a third country or region via Xi'an Xianyang
International Airport (XXIA), statement issued by the
provincial government announced.
Xi'an is the eighth city in China to embrace the policy,
joining Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing,
Chengdu, Dalian and Shenyang. Shaanxi boasts abundant
tourism resources, making it a popular choice among
inbound and outbound visitors. In 2013, the province
received 285 million tourists, 797,000 of whom made their
trips via XXIA. (Xinhua News)
China at forefront of children’s book market
C
hina is at the forefront of the children's book market
for its “proactive way of approaching literature,” an
expert said. Ahmad Redza Khairuddin, president of the
International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY),
made the remarks at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in
Italy end of March.
China’s publishing industry is not only helped by the
country’s huge population and fast-growing economy,
42
but also benefits from cultural richness and government
support, Khairuddin noted.
The industry’s collaboration with foreign experts, while
enriching the content of children’s books in China, shares a
lot of Chinese content with the rest of the world, he added.
He also said that he believed the entire world will benefit
from Chinese children’s literature. (Xinhua News)
43
PEOPLE AND EVENTS
PEOPLE AN D E V ENTS
3
PHOTO 1
1
Officers of the Federation of FilipinoChinese Chambers of Commerce
and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) led
by Chairman Emeritus Dr. Lucio
Tan and President Dr. Alfonso Siy
lead groundbreaking for the 500
houses and five schools to be built
by FFCCCII and its partners for
Yolanda survivors in Palo, Leyte.
PHOTO 2
Presidential Special Envoy to China
for Tourism, Ambassador Domingo
Lee (middle), with Chinese
insurance industry executives who
led a delegation to the Philippines
made up of about 400 insurance
industry practitioners. According
to Department of Tourism records,
China is the fourth biggest source
of tourists to the country, the first
three biggest being South Korea,
USA, and Japan.
4
2
44
PHOTO 3
The senior management team of
MDH headed by Chairman Dr.
Antonio S. Abacan, Jr. with Manila
Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada at a
courtesy visit. The group presented
to Estrada the design of MDH’s
new 18-storey medical tower which
is expected to be completed in
2015. Estrada likewise laid out the
city government’s development
projects to ease traffic congestion
and flooding particularly within the
vicinity of the hospital. Photo shows
(from left) Medical Director Dr. Mario
Juco, Hospital Director Dr. Hian Ho
Kua, Senior VP for Medical Affairs
Dr. Dante Morales, Mayor Estrada,
Dr. Antonio Abacan Jr., Financial
Director Florencio Tenorio, and
Corporate Strategic Planning Head
Dr. Manny Villegas.
PHOTO 4
Participants in the 2014 Txtfirelympics get and read their copies of Nin Hao, publication of Manila Doctors Hospital
(MDH). Txtfire Philippines is a partner of MDH. Txtfire has installed an ICEBOX (In Case of Emergency box) at MDH,
while MDH treats Txtfire members wounded in the line of duty.
45
PEOPLE AN D E V ENTS
PEOPLE AN D E V ENTS
8
5
PHOTO 8
US Embassy Deputy Chief of
Mission Hon. Brian Goldberg
(2nd from left) and Senior
Commercial Officer Hon. Jim
McCarthy (2nd from right) with
Joaquin Co (middle), Art Castro
& Yanyan Co at the WaterCare
Philippines booth at the 2014
WORLDBEX.
9
PHOTO 9
6
PHOTO 5
Chiang Kai Shek College
(CKSC) President Dr.
Dory Poa, Chairman of the
Board of Trustees Allen
Roxas, and CKSC Alumni
Association
President
Philip Chan cut ribbon to
inaugurate the college’s
CCTV system.
International Studies for Chinese Arts
(ISCA) President George Uy (2nd from
right), and Treasurer Ceasar Cheng (right)
with Xavier School President Fr. Ari Dy and
Dr. Ellen Palanca and Christina Liu of the
Confucius Institute at the Ateneo de Manila
University at a Chinese painting exhibit.
PHOTO 10
ISCA officers and members pose during a
joint exhibition of their paintings.
10
7
PHOTO 6
Tsinoy TV host, teacher, and writer
Kendrick Chua (right) being interviewed at
ANC On the Money.
PHOTO 7
Chiang Kai Shek College (CKSC) scouts
pose after being interviewed at the KNC
Show of UNTV Channel 37 as part of the
TV program’s feature about scouting in the
Philippines.
46
47
PEOPLE AN D E V ENTS
11
12
PHOTO 11
Metrobank
Foundation (MBFI) President
Aniceto Sobrepeña turns
over donation for barrio
schools to Federation of
Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and
Industry Inc. (FFCCCII)
President Dr. Alfonso Siy
and other officers of the
business group.
PHOTO 12
Loraine Tan with Chinoy
TV talents at a ChineseFilipino community event
at the Century Park
Hotel.
PHOTO 13
Officers
of
Manila
Doctors Hospital and
Txtfire Philippines at the
fire safety promotion
exhibit conducted by
Txtfire at the hospital.
13
48
Thank you for the e-copy of the
magazine Nin Hao. The contents
are rich and varied, the photos very
interesting, especially the features on
Chinese culture. Very readable. The
poems Joaquin and Anita Sy translated
are really precious. It will be good if they
could translate some Chinese poems for
Philippine readers also.
After reading the e-copies of the other
issues of Nin Hao, I have these thoughts:
If the magazine could be uploaded in
the web or in Facebook, it will greatly
broaden the readership. It could even
be linked with other websites, including
the Confucius Institute website. I can
connect you to some websites in China.
Please send me the future issues of your
magazine. I want to be among the first
readers.
Zhou Xu
First Secretary,
Chinese Embassy Cultural Office
Thank you for sending me a copy of your
latest issue of Nin Hao. Your magazine
is very informative and the topics are very
interesting. I am looking forward to your
upcoming issues.
Roberto Juanchito T. Dispo
President, First Metro Investment
Thank you for emailing me the soft copy
of Nin Hao. It is good that you feature
articles and photos on Chinese culture and
the arts (including culinary), to foster greater
understanding and appreciation. Mabuhay!
The most interesting articles for me are the
involvement of Manila Doctors Hospital
in the Chinese Community and article on
homonyms and those on Chinese lucky signs
and symbols and traditions.
Jarius Bondoc
Columnist, Philippine Star
Winner, Metrobank Foundation’s
2013 Journalist of the Year Award
Maybe we can have a bit of Filipino culture
practices and traditions. Also Filipino words
originating from Chinese origins perhaps.
Congratulations to Nin Hao magazine!
Your articles and features are interesting
and informative. Your magazine is positive
contribution to the Chinese-Filipino
community and to Philippine progress.
Wilson Lee Flores
Columnist, Philippine Star
I learned a lot about the involvement of
Manila Doctors Hospital in the Chinese
Community. The Chinese culture practices
during feast days, the homonyms and the
lucky symbols.
Nin Hao has varied subject matters
concerning the mother company Metrobank,
the MB Foundation activities, current
Chinese community involvement, Manila
Doctors Hospital products and activities,
meaningful cultural practices and traditions.
Elvira Ong Chan
Executive Vice President
Metrobank Foundation
The latest edition of Nin Hao contains
interesting articles on Filipino and Chinese
cultures. Articles are well written and
very informative. Pictures are colorful and
interesting, and entice the readers to go on
reading. It is a magazine that you will read
cover to cover. Maybe we can study coming
up with issues monthly. Congratulations!
Larry Tenorio
Financial Director
Manila Doctors Hospital
Would also like to salute people who are
providing long term recovery program for
the two provinces where I came from—the
energy dev’t program in Panay and the
Bangkabuhayan fishing boat project in
49
Iloilo, and the low-cost housing and school
projects by the FFCCCII. We need more
projects like these so that there will be NO
more children who can’t read due to poverty
and other unfortunate circumstances.
initiatives of Metrobank, FFCCCII and
Bangkabuhayan of the Tsinoy Community.
The volunteer firefighters of Mr Ube Gerry
Chua are also doing a great job. May the
spirit of volunteerism be instilled on all
the youth for they will be next generation
volunteer firefighters.
Maraming salamat po sa pagpapadala ng
Nin Hao! Pwede po kayang magamit ng
ABS-CBN Choose Philippines, ang travel
advocacy website na pinamamatnugutan ko,
ang article tungkol sa Bangkabuhayan?
Gusto ko pong i-promote ang good news na
ito. Baka rin may mga retrato ang Kaisa ng
project? Salamat po!
On the lighter side, I also love poetry and
culture and enjoyed very much the poems
and article on homonyms that you shared.
So much to appreciate, even the topic on
Money Sense.
To sum it up, it was like a buffet of
interesting information about people, places
and events. The main dishes are the topics
on humanitarianism, service, volunteerism,
finance, health and medicine, and the
desserts are the features on art and culture.
Nancy Sanhi Uy
US-based Tsinoy professional
Salamat sa pagbahagi ng Nin Hao.
Magandang lathalain ito. Natuwa ako
sa mga artikulo tungkol sa homonyms at
ang mga salin ng tula ni Rio Alma. Mas
maikli pala at tipid sa espasyo ang panitik
ng Tsina kaysa Filipino. Makabuluhan
din ang mga artikulo. Ikinagagalak kong
nakasilip ng maganda ninyong magasin.
Salamat muli.
Abdon Jun Balde
Chairman Emeritus, Unyon ng mga
Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL)
Very informative. The variety of contents/
topics catered to various stakeholders.
The special feature about the Metrobank
Foundation’s
35th
Anniversary
celebration is great. I also like the
feature stories on Yolanda rehabilitation
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Hero Silva Hernandez
Metrobank Foundation
Phillip Yerro Kimpo
President, Linangan sa
Retorika at Arte (LIRA)
Imahe,
Thank you for featuring Bangkabuhayan.
Ganda ng magazine, and people really
read it, some people already approached me
personally asking about our projects after
reading about it in Nin Hao.
Anabel Chua Lim
Executive Vice President,
Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran
Thanks for featuring Bangkabuhayan!
More power to Nin Hao! It's a great
product you have crafted here.
Angela Yu
President, Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran
Puede bang padalhan niyo kami sa UP
Asian Center ng copies tuwing labas ng Nin
Hao? At sana kung mamarapatin lang,
pati lumang issues pakipadala na rin kung
ang hiling ko'y hindi kalabisan.
Maraming salamat at harinawa’y maging
higit na matagumpay and Nin Hao!
Shirley Sy
Director of Chinese Language
Program, UP Asian Center
Congrats po, napakaganda ng magazine!
Very colorful and I really liked the layout.
It's so modern.
Nagustuhan ko rin po ang ilang feature
articles like 'yong tungkol sa spending.
Very light read. Nagustuhan ko rin po
ang tungkol sa homonyms. Ito ang best
article for me! Hahahaha, biased ako kasi
it's so cultural, e alam n'yo naman po, nasa
cultural sector tayong mga manunulat. It's
informative and easy read. I also liked
the photos. Especially po 'yong maraming
pulang payong. It's art.
Nagustuhan ko rin po iyong tungkol sa
Beijing at Shanghai article. Kasi bagong
balita po iyon sa akin. Puwede na pala ang
2 anak pag solong anak lang ang couple ng
parents nila! Ang gaganda po ng selection
ng mga tula ni Sir Rio! Ayan lang po.
Congratulations po uli!
Beverly Wico Sy
Teacher and best-selling author
Nin Hao, 非常好 (fei-chang-hao; super
good)! Saw the new issue of NinHao,
amazing, the magazine is GROWING,
not only the size, but the contents are really
很好 (hen-hao; very good). Keep it up. Keep
growing and improving. May the readers and
the entire society become better because of
Nin Hao, everyone will be 越来越好 (yuelai-yue-hao; be better, continue improving)
because of Nin Hao.
Lourdes Lim Wang
Writer, teacher, and social worker
Read the magazine at the Ramada Hotel in
Binondo, very nice, ayos!
Ivan Man Dy
Writer and entrepreneur
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