March 30, 2011. SHENZHEN, China (Reuters) – China executed on Wednesday three Filipinos convicted of drug trafficking despite a flurry of public appeals for clemency in the Philippines, and days after Amnesty International slammed Beijing’s sweeping use of the death penalty. The three, two women and a man, were caught smuggling several kilos of heroin […]
Blind Faith by Benjie de Ubago
When truth stares us in the face, our initial reaction is to deny it with all our might. When our values and beliefs are challenged, especially by those we have come to respect and trust, we go in defense mode. Understandably, as the truth is embarrassing, frightening and much too painful to confront. It is […]
Premier’s Award is a farce by Jaime Pimentel
I have often been suspicious, even disliked, award presentations, especially those awards by politicians. But these NSW Premier’s Awards were so blatantly patronising to our Filipino community it made me puke. How could an intelligent community like ours be conned into taking part in these awards? Not only were the awards clearly a political gambit […]
When a priest is not a priest
When Fr. Ed Panlilio became the Governor of the province of Pampanga, he knew that he had lost his priestly powers – to say mass, to administer the sacraments – hear confession, grant absolution, etc. Although he had remained a priest, he knew very well that the Vatican would not allow him to wear two […]
Bridal Car for Hire: Call 0425 194 397
Fully-restored ’63 Chevrolet Impala convertible. Car hire includes driver. Will pick up passenger from house to church and to reception venue, back to the house of bride, hotel or airport. Car also available for anniversaries, formals and other occasions.
Filipina wows ’em at Sydney Kings game by Jaime K Pimentel
Filipina radio broadcaster and voice teacher Veronica Monro touched at the heart strings of basketball fans as she sang a breathtaking rendition of the Australian national anthem at the Sydney Entertainment Centre to open the Sydney Kings versus Adelaide 36ers last Friday (February 4, 2011). Ms Monro’s rendition of Advance Australia Fair was so impressive […]
Another Filipino family of four faces deportation
A holder of a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Ateneo de Davao, Rafael Legaspi brought his family to Australia in 2006 on the strength of a 457 visa. Unfortunately, the company that sponsored his work visa ceased operating in early January this year. Rafael is now without work and his entire family faces deportation. But […]
Why waste your money on leaflets?
Cost of printing is expensive and most people regard leaflets as junk mail. After reading it once, leaflets go straight to the rubbish bin and its contents are totally forgotten. In contrast, when the advertisement is placed in print media, readers get to see your product or service alongside news articles. Product recognition is more […]
Filipino cultural barriers keep Dementia sufferers in the dark
“Why would I need to know about Dementia?” That’s the (usual) response from many people when we talk about Dementia-awareness. What they don’t realise is that many Dementia sufferers are hidden away in our communities with little or no support. There are carers and family members tearing their hair out; not knowing where to turn […]
Filipino Chaplaincy celebrates Feast of St. Joseph by Major Tom Baena
The Filipino Chaplaincy of the Archdiocese of Parramatta will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph, husband of Mary (and foster father of Jesus Christ) on Sunday 20 March 2011 at St Michael’s School Ground, 58 Orwell Street, Blacktown (St Michael’s Catholic Church). Everyone is welcome to attend and there will be no entry fee.
Am I a fireman yet?
(Editor’s note: The following is a true story about a six-year-old boy who was diagnosed with leukaemia and had only a few months to live. His dying wish was to be a fireman. What the Fire Department in Alberta, Canada did to make his final wish come true was truly exceptional. Be ready to wipe […]
No to mining in Palawan
On January 24 a very dear friend and colleague Gerry Ortega was shot in the head dead. I was just with him that weekend and a few minutes before he died, what we were discussing over the phone was an anti-mining campaign in Palawan, given that last December two huge mining applications were railroaded, and […]