THE ANGELS BROUGHT ME HERE IN TEARS

Tears of Unsatisfied

Poetry By: Michael Vallejos Zacarias

Days have deserted by
and my heart is in ruined; 
no one seems to heal
the heartaches i felt inside.
A countless tears stumbled
in the eyes of the broken heart;
yet, it vanished the wound inside.
Several times I hid to cry
but, heart remained unsatisfied.
I often told the shadow behind me;
but when my eyes winked,
suddenly it gone and melted away.
I‘d turned around
and then i saw a shadow
it was my eyes bleeding while crying.

In my lonesome nights
tears constantly revealed;
that seems my life dying.
I looked around in a solemn side
and looked up in a spotted area;
there i saw an angel crying;
there was a mirror
and my assurance reflected there.

I dreamed and walked by the shadow
and it was a face viewed towards me.
I was scared while i looked up him;
but, it was my self-looking up the mirror.
I run as fast as i can;
there, an angel poured
the tears that fell in my eyes.

Satisfaction, wherefore art thou?
Make my tears stop flowing;
so my true- love passion will flicker.
You know my love and care are both infinite;
and the mask of nightfall has been removed;
still, wilt thou leave me unsatisfied?
(VerGarciaBlogs)

FAMAS BEST PICTURE AWARD GOES TO LAGUNA GOVERNOR ER EJERCITO FOR 'EL PRESIDENTE' FILMS

GOV. ER EJERCITO TOPS THE BEST ACTOR AWARD IN THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED  FAMAS AWARDS NIGHT

By Teddy Cho
Email: twpc617064life@yahoo.com.ph


The Emilio Aguinaldo  "El Presidente" film emerged as the big winner  at the 61st Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards that was held recently at the AFP theater in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

El Presidente garnered several major awards including the  best screenplay and best director category and  for the most popular director Mark Meily. Gov. ER Ejercito topped the Best Actor award. for the the film El Presidente and  brought home all the technical recognitions, like the best special and visual effects, editing, cinematograpphy and musical scoring.

Actress Angel Locsin, who turns 27 on April 23 was elated to learn that she was the one chosen to  receive the Best Actress award..
(VerGarciaBlogs)

This Man Is A Living Hero.. A Guidance Counselor And A Great Teacher

The Man With A Great Heart
 (This article is dedicated to my cousin Virgel Domingo Zacarias.) 

 By Michael V. Zacarias

“The best thing to cherish is that you recognize the innermost beauty of a person; whether it is great or small- the more what he or she possessed inside the more it replicates the vastness of the physical facets that he or she endures.”- 

In life, I have been blissful upon knowing that there’s still a person who truly appreciates the way I do. It is wonderful to cherish each day when you wake up because someone has waking on you and keeps you smile and telling you that you are lovely deep inside. When you have uncertainties then, someone is at your side, telling and guiding you to live each day with happiness in spite of circumstances so it would become more meaningful. Yet, you can affectionately call not just a good friend but, a true friend of yours. Maybe, a good friend is just good enough when he needs you but a true friend, no matter who you are and no matter what you are he or she is always there for you to have and to hold no matter what life brings you.

“Masungit”, whom I fondly called, is a true friend of mine. The first time we’ve met, I’ve felt anxious because he looks like a tiger, I mean seems like a strict person. That’s why he was christened as “Masungit”. But for sure, when you know this guy you would perhaps say he is certainly witty and gregarious. Blunt but educated. In him, I permanently see my strength for he’s a live wire to me. Whenever blackouts come, he never stops giving lights to the hazy sides of my life.
The moments we have had, I can undoubtedly reminisce how we were glad. He’s my ear each time I need someone to heed the songs of my life. Then, he can suddenly make good tunes out of it and even sings with sweet melodies when tears start dwindling on my cheeks.

Whenever my world is gloomy, Masungit shares his dazzling eyes. He sees ahead of me and telling me that everything’s going to be alright for his eyes looking onward to save myself from any harm we might encounter as we go along the road to fulfilling the dreams we were dreamt.

Whenever the road is bristly and my feet start to be enfeebled, he has his feet to take my steps. He never allows me to walk uncomfortably in going to the place where I should be. When I’m weak, he carries me with his steps without qualms so I can reach my journey free from disturbances and even to the very time I’ve got home he never leaves in an instant as he knows when am not yet safe. And whenever my hand is frail, he has his hand to bring and grasp.

Whenever my mind is congested, he is the one who shares wonderful thoughts so whatever it takes I will never be left behind. With him, I had never met such competition for both of us upholding a balanced atmosphere both innermost and outermost sides of our very lives.

Masungit has always raising good temperament. He’s one of the persons who show sincerity and fidelity towards me. Even when anxiety seems to flinch he constantly came first before it takes place. In the battlefield of my very existence, he’s then a hero, a brave man who safeguards me before he has to fight against the battle. He is then a super man on his own and for me as well. He only fights for what is right to be fighting for. And when he sees bad things from me, he does not tolerate but help me seeing things how to refrain from it.

Masungit knows better than me. This is what I keep insisted on him. When he asked why, I had just smiled and he easily able to delineate things that I am not expecting he could response that way. That’s how intelligent he is. But, one thing I know for sure, he is fairly unpretentious and compassionate enough. This great man on his own is persistent in all his endeavors in life. He is quite brave to face whatever complications he might encounter in life. And remains firmed in all his decisions in life. For me, he is constantly a living hero, a guidance counselor and a great teacher.(VerGarciaBlogs)

Reminiscing The Past And The Memories Still Lingers Into My Mind

Missing Moments
By: Michael V. Zacarias

Last night, I’d slept so gently
And envisaged about you and me how we used to be.
Eliciting the memories we had before
That packed baldness within our souls.

Now those memories were vanished
I’d better chose to wake up no more.
Sleep so tight and imagine all over
The moments that filled happiness inside

Remembering when we were at sea
Building castle and there we had lived for a while.
Ours were stories seemed like fairy tales;
Together we rejoiced as we swayed with the music day by day.

Reminiscing affairs were like music played
In the air filled with contentment and bliss;
Like hums of waves that caressed the shores
Ceaselessly embracing the moment adored.

Spent time had slipped away
When abruptly someone came along;
For the world we live had altered
I can’t stop resisting for the love being cherished.

Recognizing the moments we had
Isn't a joy forever?
Now it disappeared how life seemed to be;
Living in this world that full of fascinations
Indeed, treasures were made to be shattered.

If only time stood still
Together we clench our hands everlastingly.
And if only the unseen being rearrange us
To be with you is a joy and treasure forever.

But how these things transpired
When after all; someone’s anticipating
And now time has flown away
The moments treasured were just constantly missing.
(VerGarciaBlogs)

TO MY VERSATILE IDOL MY LONELY DAYS ARE OVER..

To My Versatile Idol
By: Michael Vallejos Zacarias

Lonely days are through
the way i met someone like you
heart filled with gladness
rejoices in the middle of loneliness;
oh! How great you are!
Here in my heart you've grown ultimately.
Truly you're my brilliant idol
like an actor and actress playing on screen.
Your capabilities lead me to idolize you.
And whose insight is to inspired
to the loyal admirer of yours.

You’re a guiding star
that brightens my life constantly.
With you, my love has grown;
and made you so dear to me.
Like a blazing rays of sun
amidst the cold dawn break
that kisses my frenzy atmosphere.

Knowing someone like you
is like a flower that blooms;
and grows amidst of nowhere.
Though it fades in solitude
still there's a marked on it;
for it is not an opportunity
but, something to reminisce at all.

I wonder why, i wonder why
in my sleepless nights you are always there.
as airy night kisses and touches me
whispering the thoughts
I'm longing to hear;
an independent song that makes me sing
explaining that you're my idol at all.

yet the world is sometimes unfair to me
you're constantly my idol;
though i covered with multitude of shame
you'll be a ewe-lamb to nurture at all;
not just an idol; but a brilliant
and versatile idol to one and all..
(VerGarciaBlogs)

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW.. ABBAMANIA LIVE CONCERTS TOUR IN MANILA AND OTHER KEY CITIES.. BY; NELIA LIM

Take Your Chance With ABBAMania Live Concert Shows In Manila & Other Key Cities..

Thank ABBA for the music, we now have a reason to dance, jive, and have the time of lives!  ABBAMania, touted as ‘the original ABBA tribute’ band is set for a six-day live concert shows in key cities of the Philippines.  ABBAMania’s concert will kick-off at the  Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City on April 20; followed by shows at Puerto Princesa Coliseum on April 21; at the La Proa Ballroom, L’Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City, April 24; Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila, April 25;  at the SMX Convention Center, Lanang, Davao City on April 27, 2013 and at Cagayan de Oro City on April 28 2013.

Pinoy music lovers are still head-over-heels and smitten with the music of 70’s legendary pop-vocal group ABBA.  Whether you’re in a bar enjoying the music of a live band, or your next door neighbor is singing his heart out on the karaoke machine, ABBA’s hits like “Dancing Queen”, “Chiquitita”, “Mama Mia”, “I Have A Dream”, “Take A Chance On Me”, and more, are definitely part of the playlist.  ABBA topped the charts worldwide from 1972 to 1982, making them one of the most successful Swedish pop groups, and one of the most influential artists in music history. ABBA is  the first pop group from a non-English-speaking country, to have consistently  achieved chart success in English-speaking countries.  In 1999, ABBA’s string of hit songs were adapted into a successful musical theatre production and made into a movie, entitled “Mama Mia!”.  The theatre production has had a long successful run and the film was a certified box-office hit.

ABBA may have long gone on their own separate ways, but yes, you can bask in the nostalgia and re-live all these super spectacular ABBA music and magic moments through ABBAMania. They’re ‘the-next-best-thing-to-watching-the real-ABBA-perform-together-again’; widely regarded as one of “Europe’s Premier ABBA tribute Bands”.  Formed in 1998, ABBAMania has enthralled audiences of different generations all around the world, with almost 2 hours dazzling energy and close-to-perfect ABBA-style showmanship. 

There’s no better way  of  thanking ABBA for the music, than getting yourself tickets to ABBAMania -- an exciting show that the whole family can enjoy.  Get your tickets to ABBAMania at all Ticketworld outlets or get them online at www.ticketworld.com.ph. or call (02) 891.9999. (NeliaLimBlogs)

NORTH KOREAN CRISIS: WHY DID IT PROP UP LIKE THIS?

                                                North Korean Pres. Kim Jong-Un

North Korean Crisis: How did it come to this?



WASHINGTON(AFP) - Tensions have soared in recent weeks over North Korea, which has threatened a nuclear strike against the United States and has allegedly moved missiles to its east coast.


HOW DID IT COME TO THIS?
The latest crisis erupted when North Korea fired a long-range rocket on December 12 that splashed down near the Philippines. Pyongyang said it was a peaceful satellite launch and US experts acknowledge that the regime put a small object into orbit.

The United States and its allies said that the launch was aimed at developing ballistic missile capabilities and moved at the United Nations to tighten sanctions. North Korea voiced anger and carried out its third nuclear test on February 12, defying even its main ally China.


The UN Security Council on March 7 unanimously approved new sanctions that include greater scrutiny of shady financial dealings by the impoverished regime. North Korea had warned of consequences for the UN vote and afterward renounced a 1953 armistice that ended the Korean War and declared itself at war with the US-allied South. North Korea's military has said it has final approval for a nuclear strike on the United States.
 
WHAT DOES NORTH KOREA WANT? Experts know little about North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, who is believed to be in his late 20s and who succeeded his father Kim Jong-Il in December 2011.
North Korea has indicated that it wants recognition as a nuclear weapons state -- seen as a guarantor of the regime's survival. The United States has refused.


Some experts believe North Korea is operating from a playbook of steadily upping the ante and had planned out actions to coincide with the inauguration of conservative South Korean President Park Geun-Hye.


WHAT ROLE HAVE US-SOUTH KOREA EXERCISES PLAYED?
The United States and South Korea are carrying out their annual "Foal Eagle" exercises through April after starting them in March. North Korea regularly denounces the tests as a preparation for war, but tensions have been especially high this year.

The United States took the unprecedented step of announcing latest run by
its nuclear-capable B-2 bombers. US officials said the step was meant to
reassure South Korea, but Pyongyang voiced outrage and US peace activists called the move provocative.

The United States has also sent to South Korea its stealth F-22 jets, moved
two destroyers to nearby waters and -- in response to North Korean threats
against US bases -- sent a missile defense battery to its Pacific territory of
Guam.
 
WHAT ARE NORTH KOREA'S CAPABILITIES?
North Korea is seen as capable of attacking South Korea and Japan, but experts doubt it can strike the United States with the possible exception of Guam.
The Arms Control Association research group estimates that North Korea's
Rodong-1 missile has a range of 1,300 kilometers (800 miles). The Musadan theoretically has a range of 3,000-4,000 kilometers (1,900-2,500 miles), but
North Korea has never tested it.


WHAT ARE THE US MILITARY RESOURCES IN THE REGION?
The United States stations 28,500 troops in South Korea and around 50,000 in Japan. It also keeps nearly 6,000 troops in Guam, a base for fighter-bombers and submarines, and 50,000 troops in Hawaii.

More than 40 US Navy vessels are permanently based in the Pacific with plans to increase the number as part of a growing US focus on Asia.

The Yokosuka base south of Tokyo is home to the USS George Washington aircraft carrier, two cruisers and seven destroyers. The USS John Stennis aircraft carrier is temporarily in Singapore on its way back from a mission in the Gulf.

       
ARE WE ON THE BRINK OF WAR?
Most experts consider North Korea's threats to be bluster but warn of the potential for miscalculations to blow up.

Stanford University's Siegfried Hecker, to whom North Korea revealed a uranium enrichment facility in 2010, doubted that Pyongyang would use nuclear weapons even if it could as such a step would "result in a devastating military response and would spell the end of the regime." Still, North Korea has a history of taking action around April 15, the 101st birth anniversary of the regime's founder Kim Il-Sung, grandfather of Kim Jong-Un. (WilmaYamzonBlogs)

GLOBAL LISTS OF 2.5 MILLION BANK ACCOUNTS OF WEALTHY AND FAMOUS PEOPLE REVEALED!!

                                              Gov. Imee R. Marcos of the Phils.

Global Lists of 2.5 Million 

Bank Accounts of Wealthy and Famous People Leak..

BRUSSELS - They are a large and diverse group that includes a Spanish heiress; the daughter of the former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos; and Denise Rich, the former wife of the disgraced trader Marc Rich, who was pardoned by President Bill Clinton. But, according to a trove of secret financial information released Thursday, all have money and share a desire to hide it.

And, it seems safe to say, they - and thousands of others in Europe and far beyond, in places like Mongolia - are suddenly very anxious after the leak of 2.5 million files detailing the offshore bank accounts and shell companies of wealthy individuals and tax-averse companies.                                            
             
There will be people all over the world today who are now scared witless," said Richard Murphy, research director for Tax Justice Network, a British-based organization that has long campaigned to end the secrecy that surrounds assets held in offshore havens.                                                                                                    

The leaked files include the names of 4,000 Americans, celebrities as well as doctors and dentists.
It is not the first time leaks have dented a thick carapace of confidentiality that usually protects the identities of those who stash funds in the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Liechtenstein and other havens. Nor, in most cases, is keeping money in such places illegal.
But the enormous size of the data obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, a Washington-based group that, along with affiliated news media organizations, announced its coup Thursday, has punched a big hole in the secrecy that surrounds what the Tax Justice Network estimates are assets worth at least $21 trillion held in offshore havens. "This could be a game-changer," said Murphy, the author of a book about offshore tax shelters. 

"Secrecy is the key product these places sell. Whether you are a criminal laundering money or just someone trying to evade or avoid taxes, secrecy is the one thing you want." Once this is gone, he added, "it creates an enormous fear factor" and has a "massive deterrent effect."
Lifting the curtain on the identities of those who keep their money offshore is likely to cause particular anger in austerity-blighted Europe, where governments have been telling people to tighten their belts but have mostly turned a blind eye to wealthier citizens who skirt taxes with help from offshore financial centers.

The leaked records, mainly from the British Virgin Islands, the Cook Islands and Singapore, disclose proprietary information about more than 120,000 offshore companies and trusts and nearly 130,000 individuals and agents, including the wealthiest people in more than 170 countries. Not all of those named necessarily have secret bank accounts, and in some cases only conducted business through companies they control that are registered offshore.

The embarrassment caused by Thursday's revelations has been particularly acute in France, where Socialist President Francois Hollande, who wants to impose a 75 percent tax on millionaires, has been struggling to contain a political firestorm touched off this week by a former budget minister's admission - after months of denials - that he had secret foreign bank accounts.

The scandal looked set to widen Thursday as senior members of the government were forced to confront allegations that Hollande and others may have been aware that the budget minister, Jerome Cahuzac, who resigned March 19, was lying but failed to act.

Adding to the president's trouble, the name of a close friend and treasurer of his 2012 election campaign, Jean-Jacques Augier, appeared in connection with the files released Thursday by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. Augier, according to the newspaper Le Monde, was identified as an investor in offshore businesses in the Cayman Islands, another well-known tax haven.

Augier, a friend of Hollande's, told Le Monde and Agence France-Presse that he had not done anything illegal or improper. He said that he had invested in funds that invested in China, and that he had no personal bank account in the Cayman Islands or any direct personal investment there. He conceded only that 'maybe I lacked a bit of caution.'

Others identified included Maria Imelda Marcos Manotoc, a provincial governor and eldest daughter of the former Philippine president; Olga Shuvalova, the wife of Russia's deputy prime minister, Igor Shuvalov; Gunter Sachs, a German playboy and photographer who killed himself in May 2011 at age 78; and Baroness Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza, Spain's wealthiest art collector and the widow of a Thyssen steel company billionaire. The president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and his wife, Mehriban, were featured in the documents as having set up an offshore company in the British Virgin Islands, while their two daughters appeared in connection with three other offshore outfits.


The consortium did not specify how it got the information or where it came from. On its website, the group said "the leaked files provide facts and figures - cash transfers, incorporation dates, links between companies and individuals - that illustrate how offshore financial secrecy has spread aggressively around the globe, allowing the wealthy and the well connected to dodge taxes and fueling corruption and economic woes in rich and poor nations alike."

In Germany, which is now gearing up for national elections in September and which has both a strong sense of social justice and a long history of tax evaders sneaking funds into nearby Switzerland, politicians expressed concern, even outrage, over the disclosures. Of particular concern were indications that big banks in Germany and elsewhere are deeply involved in moving money beyond the reach of tax authorities.

"We should introduce tougher penalties for those financial institutions that are ideal for tax fraud or take part in it," Peer Steinbrueck, the Social Democratic Party's candidate for chancellor, was quoted as saying in the daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

The issue of tax avoidance has become a highly charged issue across much of Europe, particularly in richer northern countries that are increasingly fed up with demands for bailout funds from heavily indebted countries like Greece. A key demand of a recent bailout deal announced for Cyprus was that the nation drastically shrink its role as a financial center and, many in Germany suspect, a haven for money laundering.

Robert Palmer, a policy adviser for Global Witness, a London research group that focuses on corruption, said the naming of offshore account holders could have powerful political reverberations across Europe because "it shows that if you are wealthy and well-connected you play by different rules."

He said the information released so far did not shed any new light on how offshore finance works but was still significant because it identified people who used hidden shelters.

This is very unusual because it is so difficult to get any information out of these places,' he said. 'It adds to the picture of how easy it is to move money around and will build up the anger of people who are being asked to make cuts but see that there are people out there who benefit hugely from the system.'
-New York Times Service.. (WilmaYamzonBlogs)

ANGELS AND EVILS OF FOREIGN POLICY..

                                              AMBASSADOR   LAURO L. BAJA, JR.

The author was the Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations from May 2003 to February 2007. Prior to that, he was Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy.


Angels and Evils of Philippine Foreign Policy
 By Lauro L. Baja Jr.

In various prose, Philippine foreign policy revolves and operates under three pillars: protection of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the republic; promotion of the economic interests of the country; and protection and promotion of the welfare of overseas Filipino workers.
In pursuit of these pillars, the Philippines has conducted its foreign policy with significant stress on the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its member countries, the strategic reality of China as an important neighbor to the north, and the continuing importance of the US as a treaty ally.

Contemporary global and regional developments are putting to test these pillars and realities. Where really is the Philippine foreign policy?

Malaysia and Sabah
As events unfold on the month long standoff in Sabah, it is becoming clear that there was a failure of intelligence on the part of the Philippine and Malaysian governments. How come they missed the preparations for the so-called "excursion"/"invasion," and its actual operation? If there is indeed a conspiracy to derail the peace process or destabilize the present administration, why did they fail to nip it in the bud?

There was a failure of statesmanship. Saddled with concerns about elections in their countries, both heads of government painted themselves into their respective corners by their words and inactions and consequently were left with no recourse but to harden their positions.
Many sectors of Philippine society are unable to understand the inability of President Aquino to talk to the Sultan. The President could have said, "Come back, my people, to your other home and we will help you resolve your problem.

There was a failure of diplomacy. Because we were "confused" and paranoid, we allowed Malaysia to take the dominant and complete control of the standoff. Our request for clearance of our humanitarian ships remains pending; our request for full access to Filipinos detained in Sabah was denied in contravention of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations; bombs fell on the hapless Filipinos in Lahad Datu while our own Secretary of Foreign Affairs was asking for whatever extensions of whatever deadline.

And we are mute to pronouncements of "Sabah belongs to Malaysia forever." And we continue to understand Malaysia's actions and words.

Have we really lost Sabah forever? If we do not define our position now and pursue the claim, that will be a self-fulfilling eventuality.

Putting the claim in the backburner was a mistake; keeping it there is not a policy, it is an illusion, a mirage. It is better to pursue the claim and avoid a possible default and estoppel than not to have pursued it at all. In the process, we may be able to obtain some strategic space.
Meawnhile, let's avoid playing into Malaysia's hands by our words, our actions, and inactions. What Malaysia is doing in Sabah during this standoff is exercising "effectivities," having in mind their success in the International Court of Justice where the court awarded the islands of Sipadan and Ligutan to Malaysia over Indonesia.

'Effectivities' are acts of sovereignty by the executive, legislative and quasi-judicial units of government over a period of time without interruption or protest.

Pursue the claim now before we really lose Sabah by default. The cornerstone of our action should be the Manila Accord of 1963 and Article 33 of the United Nations Charter. We have all the studies we need. What we need is to prepare and avoid past mistakes when we "slept on our right" and were unable to prevent those flawed processes over Sabah because we were naïve and unprepared.

China and West Philippine Sea
The scenario in Sabah is being replicated in the West Philippine Sea. A stronger neighbor is bullying a relatively weak and timid one.

China is exercising the same "effectivities" that Malaysia is doing in Sabah by its statements on land and actions at sea. Statues placing islands in the South China Sea under the administrative supervision of Hainan; increasing sovereignty patrols in the area; plans to board vessels in the South China Sea and increasing war drills are "effectivitiies" to show they are in control.
Both China and Malaysia are aware that this concept or principle of "effectivities" has already become the basis of other countries, like the territorial or maritime disputes between Chile and Peru, and between Colombia and Nicaragua.

There are other pending matters which need priority attention in our relations with China. That we have gone to the arbitral tribunal will not stop China from continuing activities in South China Sea.
We must ask for "provisional remedies" against specific actions which China is now conducting there.

We must develop a template for joint development in the West Philippine Sea where it is reported China has recently announced its interest.

We must re-examine our position against bilateral approach to dialogue on West Philippine Sea issues, especially those are really bilateral in context and where other countries have no dog in the dogfight. Global, regional and bilateral approaches to peaceful settlement of issues are not mutually exclusive of each other.

There is a window of opportunity for renewed trust and confidence on both sides. The new Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, and Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying, were colleagues when we drafted the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and have broader perceptions of the Philippine dynamics. We have a new ambassador in Beijing.

United States
The "pivot" or "rebalancing" of the United States to Asia is upon us. They come in the form of increased rotational presence of US troops in the Philippines, increased number of exercises and other new activities. The "pivot" is also in Australia and Singapore.
The "pivot" will input on the Visiting Forces Agreement and needs updating, especially the provisions concerning "visiting," "activities" as understood in the VFA and criminal jurisdiction. It is now time to review and renegotiate the VFA, taking into account our new strategic equation vis-à-vis China and the US and the changed roles of both countries in global security and economic architecture.

Economic diplomacy
The positive indicators of the Philippine economy have been attributed to the country's economic and financial team. The challenge of the team is to sustain the positive trend of the economy and to search for more ways which will enable the benefits from these "tiger" developments to trickle down to the masses.

The Asean Economic Community (AEC) will be upon us by August 2015. How prepared are we for this important milestone?

Overseas Filipino workers
The protection and promotion of the welfare of overseas Filipino workers remain the strongest pillar of Philippine foreign policy. This is dictated by necessity considering the number of Filipinos scattered in all continents of the world and their contributions to the Philippine economy by their remittances. It is heartwarming to see no less than the Secretary of Foreign Affairs risking life and health concerns to look after them in troubled areas of the world.

What really is our foreign policy
The pillars of our foreign policy are in place. We are and should always be aware of the changing geopolitical environment and realities on which these pillars operate.
We need a diplomacy with a vision which will enable us to act to current international developments and with agility react and adjust as these occur. We need a clear, coherent and aggressive diplomacy and at the same time remember the art and importance of quiet diplomacy. There is no room for "balagtasan" in foreign policy and diplomacy.

We need a Department of Foreign Affairs as an updated institution which can tackle transnational challenges and which will survive the predilections and idiosyncrasies of its incumbents and the vagaries of changing administrations.

Above all, we need a commonsense foreign policy which know what and where our national interests are.

(The author was the Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations from May 2003 to February 2007. Prior to that, he was Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy.)
(VERA Files is put out by veteran journalists taking a deeper look at current issues.)

SMILE TAKES BUT A MOMENT.. BUT, IT LASTS FOREVER..

             Smile takes but a moment.. but, it lasts forever..                     SMILE...  By.. Anonymous

    A smile costs nothing, but it gives much.     It enriches those who give it.     It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.      None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor but that he cannot be made richer by it.      A smile creates happiness in the home, promotes good will, and is the cornerstone of friendship.       It can perk up the weary, bring cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and is nature's best antidote for trouble.

     Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is given away.           When people are too tired to give you a smile, give them one of yours.     No one needs a smile so much as he who has none to give. (VerGarciaBlogs)

PRINCESS JACEL KIRAM SAYS SABAH IS OWNED BY THE PHILIPPINES & WILL BRING THE CASE WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE

Princess Jacel Kiram Says Sabah Is Ours And Arbitration Is Needed And Will Bring The Case With The International Court of Justice

Quezon City- Beauty and brains Princess Jacel Kiram stresses a point.. That Malaysians earn from the fruit of Sabah which generates an income as much as USD73 Billion from its resources and oil reserves.. They were paid a meager sum of 5,300 RINGGIT yearly rental on their properties which is very small compared with the earnings of Sabah..
 
Pres. Noynoy Aquino realizes the seriousness of the situation and the other day calls for a peaceful solution of Sabah case.. Maybe it's the right move of the President of the Philippines and hope he will do it soon. To avoid loss of many lives and properties.. There were reports of Human Rights Violation and it was so excessive.. By not allowing the media or the Filipino Journalists to cover and report the real outcome in Sabah.. It will only aggravate the seemingly hostile situation.. Violation of human rights and scores of killings does not augurs well with the International Huiman Rights Council and should file this early to the INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION COMMITTEE and make stand on the Sabah issues.. In photo: Fr. L to R.. Princes Jacel Kiram in a jovial mood and all laughter with Dr. Ver Garcia in an interview regarding the Sabah issues..photos taken at Anabels, Timog, Q.C.. (VerGarciaBlogs)