What was conceived by Emma de Vera and apparently approved by the Philippine Australian Community Foundation (PACF) Board as a brilliant idea now appears to be dead.
A doomsday scenario
Prior to December 21, 2012, many people were scared that the world would end as predicted by the Mayan Calendar. Some even went to the extent of building underground bunkers with very thick concrete walls thinking that the structure was formidable enough to protect them from whatever was expected to come. There were those who […]
Wedding bells for Glencore and Xstrata by Bernie Lopez
The Glencore-Xstrata super-merger, which was stalled for months on price and management-retention issues, has finally been forged. This merging of two giants into an even bigger giant simply means their corporate clout has increased not two-fold but five-fold. The super-merger was met with protests against Xstrata’s environmental crimes related to mines in Peru, Columbia, and […]
Longer tourist visas for parents of Australians
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, launched longer tourist visas for parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents in recognition of the valuable role they play in their children and grandchildren’s lives. “From 24 November 2012, more generous tourist visas will enable regular extended family visits for those patiently waiting in the […]
Getting an equal deal on Superannuation by Rafael Amoranto
Recent discussions of marriage equality for same sex couples have highlighted the difference that marriage can make, especially for issues like child custody. But when it comes to super, couples don’t need to officially tie the knot.
Ateneo Alumni Australia holds Christmas Party
Wilberforce, NSW. Nov. 24, 2012. It was a day of family fun and laughter, for those who braved the long drive to the sprawling 2.5 acre property of Dr. Arlene Amor, incumbent president of the Ateneo Alumni Association of Australia (AAAA). Attended by some 50+ alumni, it was so far the largest gathering of eagles […]
Monique Wilson admits she’s gay
Nov. 23, 2012. London-based movie and stage actress Monique Wilson admitted that she’s a lesbian. Her name soared in popularity when she played the role of Kim in the world-famous theatre production of Miss Saigon.
Real Estate Agent refuses to pay commission, salary for 7 months
I am compelled to write this letter because of the unfair treatment received from my employer. I started working with Metropolitan Real Estate in Blacktown on March 2012 while its Principal/Licensee — Annie Abulad was feverishly looking for office space. Together we walked the entire Blacktown CBD until we finally found a suitable place along […]
Another fraternity rumble
Picking up pieces after an Ateneo frat brawl, Whistlestop Restaurant owner pleads with fratmen: Stay away, please. . . Manila, Philippines. The owner of the Whistlestop Restaurant on Jupiter St., Makati posted an open letter decrying fraternity violence after apparently ongoing tensions between two Ateneo fraternities spilled over into his establishment, and which left the […]
Renewed faith in our Filipino countrymen by Carlos Velayo, Jr.
Coming back from a UNESCO conference in Bangkok, Thailand, my wife arrived at the Philippine Airlines Terminal at around 3:50 AM on November 25, 2012. My daughter and I picked her up from the PAL terminal, loaded her luggage in the car and drove back home.
Looking forward to retire in the Philippines?
Find a place outside Metro Manila. The Metro area is overcrowded; traffic is an absolute nightmare; and new housing developments are trending toward “pocket-sized” living. Condominium units are getting smaller but not getting any cheaper. Two-bedroom condos that are only 800 square feet or less are going for seven to eight million pesos (AUD190,000). If […]
Truth in Advertising by Dino Crescini
I am not too sure about Truth in Advertising laws in Australia but food authorities should look into the menu pictures of Thai Splendid Restaurant in Rouse Hill NSW and compare it with what they actually serve customers. It’s fine that this particular dish is described as Tom Yum Fried Rice, (seafood only) but the […]