May Vecina Arrives in Manila, Thanks President Arroyo and Government for Efforts to
Spare Her Life
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30 June 2009 – Filipina overseas worker in Kuwait May Vecina arrived this morning in Manila less than a
month after the Emir of Kuwait granted her an Amiri pardon.
Vecina arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 8:45 a.m. via Qatar Airways. She was accompanied
by Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Ricardo Endaya and welcomed by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael
Seguis and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator Carmelita Dimzon.
In her brief remarks to the media, Vecina thanked President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for her intervention that
led to the reduction of her death sentence to life imprisonment and later, to full pardon.
She also expressed her gratitude to Vice President Noli De Castro, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G.
Romulo, Labor Secretary Marianito Roque and Ambassador Endaya for their combined efforts to save her
from death row.
Vecina was convicted of murder and two counts of frustrated murder and was sentenced to hang for stabbing
to death her employer’s seven-year old son. She also wounded her employer’s 13-year old son and 17-year
old daughter.
From the airport, Vecina was brought to the DFA where she was warmly received by Vice President De Castro,
Secretary Alberto G. Romulo and Secretary Roque.
Secretary Romulo stressed that the success in obtaining pardon for Vecina was a result of the joint effort of all
concerned government agencies, led by President Arroyo and Vice President De Castro.
“I am glad that May Vecina is here with us now. I am glad that she will finally see her children whom she left
nine-and-a-half years ago. This is a team effort, starting with the President who went to Kuwait to ask the Emir
to grant May pardon. I am glad that this ordeal is now over,” he said.
The DFA Secretary added that the Philippine Government will continue to work on the remaining death penalty
cases involving Filipino workers not only in Kuwait but in other countries as well.
“We don’t spare any effort to help our Filipinos abroad which is why the DFA does whatever it can to assist
them, with the help of the Department of Labor and the Office of the Vice President. We go the full gamut,” he
said.
According to Secretary Roque, Vecina’s children will receive scholarship grants from the government. Vecina
will also receive a loan of up to P50,000 to start a business in the Philippines.
Vecina will fly this afternoon to Davao to reunite with her family. END
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Early Release of 13 Filipinos in Lahad Satu, Sabah
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30 June 2009 – Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Victoriano C. Lecaros reported to Foreign Affairs Secretary
Alberto G. Romulo that Labor Attaché Hassan Jumdain of the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur (2nd from
left) concluded negotiations for the early release of 13 Filipinos working with See Hoy Chan Plantation in
Lahad Datu, Sabah.
They are among 50 or so Filipinos working there, some for nearly 20 years. The 13 Filipinos, who decided not
to proceed with their work, sought the Embassy’s help for their release and repatriation.
The management of See Hoy Chan had stopped talking with other parties but Philippine government
representatives to settle the dispute with the Filipino workers. All 13 Filipino workers left Sabah for Iloilo last
June 26. END
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Philippine Opera Company’s Harana Performs in Amsterdam for RP Independence Day
Celebrations
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29 June 2009 - Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands Romeo A. Arguelles (left) welcomed the audience
at the Harana performance in Amsterdam. Harana is the cultural arm of the Philippine Opera Company which
performs internationally to promote Philippine culture through opera singing and dancing.
Philippine Honorary Consul General Eppo Horlings, a.h., (right photo) was the co-host of Ambassador
Arguelles in the Harana performance which was one of the cultural events organized by The Hague PE in
celebration of the 111th year of the proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Harana’s operatic performance of well-loved Philippine songs such as Bayan Ko and Gaano Ko Ikaw
Kamahal gave them a standing ovation from the more than 200 guests who attended their performance on 11
June 2009 at the Het Compagnietheater in Amsterdam. Entitled “Harana, A Cultural Journey”, the performance
was a cooperative effort between the Philippine Embassy in The Hague and the Philippine Honorary
Consulate General of the Philippines in Amsterdam to commemorate the 111th year of the proclamation of
Philippine independence.
Harana’s repertoire included five musical suites: Igorot, Rural, Maria Clara, Muslim, and Folk Suites. Songs
representative of each suite was performed by each of the seven opera singers of Harana led by Ana Feleo,
Florence Aguilar-Abarquez, Deeda Barretto, Gregorio Castro, John Glen Gaerlan, Karla Gutierrez, and
Lawrence Jatayna. Ina Feleo, Harana’s choreographer, gave a wonderful dance performance in the Muslim
suite. END
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RP Embassy in Washington DC Intensifies OAV Registration
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29 June 2009 – The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that
the Embassy’s efforts to register more new overseas absentee voters include on-site registration at churches
after their Sunday service.
On June 21, the Embassy registered 32 new overseas absentee voters and accepted one application for
transfer of voting records after the Sunday worship service of the Jesus is Lord Church of Greater Washington,
DC. END
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Three Filipinos win 1st Global Family Award of South Korean Bank
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29 June 2009 – Three Filipinos took top prizes in the 1st Global Family Award given by the Korea Exchange
Bank in recognition of their dedication to family and contribution to creating a more open Korean society.
Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Luis T. Cruz reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that Vilma
Montanegro received the Grand Prize for Model Family, while Young-mi “Maritess” Lee and Narlita Quinal were
respectively declared runners-up in the Model Family and Filial Piety categories during an awarding ceremony
held at the bank headquarters on June 24.
The awards recognize the increasing role of multicultural families in South Korea where the number of
interracial marriages has steadily increased over the years. Official figures estimate that more than 120,000
such marriages took place last year alone.
The award also aims to promote interest in multicultural families and cultural diversity, bank officials said.
The 16 winners, who were foreign women married to Korean nationals, were chosen based on their
dedication to family, length of stay in Korea and activeness in social work.
Montanegro married into a poor farming family ten years ago and, despite the challenges of taking care of her
elderly mother-in-law and disabled sister-in-law, gained the admiration of her neighbors because of her
positive outlook. She received the “Smile Award” from her local government and has been featured in various
media outlets promoting multiculturalism.
Lee and Quinal, meanwhile, encountered similar challenges. Overcoming cultural and language barriers,
their respective communities regarded them as role models for their unwavering dedication to family.
“Multiculturalism is a phenomenon that is changing the face of South Korean society, “ said Ambassador Cruz,
adding that despite the often differing expectations of the spouses – many foreign wives come to Korea due to
economic reasons – multicultural families enrich society by adding to diversity and the local knowledge base.
More than 59,000 Filipinos currently live in South Korea, approximately 8% of whom are married to Korean
nationals.
The Korea Exchange Bank is one of the largest banks in South Korea. END
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Gary Valenciano Holds Concert in Beijing to Celebrate 34 Years of RP-China Relations
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29 June 2009 - Love and friendship are two bridges that bond the relations between the Philippines and
China.
With that as theme, Philippine pop icon Gary Valenciano regaled the packed crowd in a two-hour long concert
aptly called “Rhythms of Love and Friendship” at the Star Live Music Hall in Beijing last June 28.
The Philippine Embassy in Beijing, in coordination with the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with
Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), the Filipino Home Group of the Beijing International Christian Fellowship, and
the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA), organized the concert as part of the
celebration of the 34th anniversary of Philippines-China diplomatic relations.
The Philippines and China established diplomatic ties on 9 June 1975.
“Gary Valenciano is one of our pop icons, a UNICEF Ambassador of goodwill and a role model for our youth. It
is heartening that he showcased his immense talent before our kababayans and Chinese friends at a time
when people-to-people relations between our two countries are at all-time high,” Philippine Ambassador to
China Sonia Cataumber Brady said.
Ambassador Brady also stressed that “as we celebrate the 34th anniversary of our bilateral relations with
China, we renew our commitment to bring this partnership to a higher level for the benefit of our two countries
and peoples.”
“We cherish this relationship because despite many challenges it has become even stronger, as it is based
on common values and traditions, and enriched by frequent exchanges between the Filipino and Chinese
peoples for centuries,” she emphasized.
Gary V. opened his musical numbers with Lean on Me, originally written and performed by Bill Withers on the
1972 album Still Bill, which speaks of the true meaning of friendship.
He then delighted the crowd with his smash hits I Will Be Here, Love in Any Language, Warrior is a Child, and
Shout for Joy. OFWs in the crowd were in tears when he belted out Babalik Ka Rin, widely-acknowledged as
the theme song of OFWs all over the world, as they yearn to return to the loving arms of their motherland.
He also performed a medley, featuring some of his greatest hits like Hang On, Di Na Natuto, Narito, Paano,
Until Then, and Reaching Out. Known as the Michael Jackson of the Philippines, Gary V. obliged for an encore,
giving a soulful rendition of Michael Jackson’s Rock with You, as a tribute to his idol.
“I am here in Beijing because of a special cause – the 34th anniversary of Philippines-China relations,” Gary
V. told the jampacked crowd. “Tonight, I feel not only your friendship, but more importantly your love. Filipinos
and the Chinese people are related by blood. I hope that after tonight’s show I will be able to create better
relationships with the Chinese people. I hope to return to Beijing again.”
The concert was attended by more than 1,000 people, including Chinese government officials and members
of the diplomatic corps and the Filipino community. Ms. Zhang Ai, a national performer of the Beijing Dance
Drama and Opera, Filipino duo Chris Decena and Dominic Bautista, and Annie Luis, a Bayanihan soprano
soloist who is studying Peking opera at the National Academy for Chinese Theater Arts, also performed during
the concert.
“Let the rhythms of love pass the good wishes for peace,” said CPAFFC President Chen Haosu in describing
the concert. “Let the communication of hearts bridge the friendship between the Philippines and China.” END
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DOT Secretary Durano and RP Embassy in Tel Aviv promote Philippine Tourism
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29 June 2009 – Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano met top Israeli businessmen, tour operators and the
media at the Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv to promote the Philippines as a tourist destination for Israelis.
Holding a Philippine map, Secretary Durano pointed out the different tourist locations and varied attractions
where many foreign and local tourists enjoy their vacation in the country. The Secretary also briefed them
about the competitive advantage of the Philippines vis-à-vis its neighboring countries.
Secretary Durano made special mention of Survivor Israel which was recently filmed in the Philippines and will
begin airing in October 2009. The series, consisting of 40 hours of airtime, would show different locations that
could match the special interests of Israeli travelers.
He added that the Philipines also offers medium- to high-end locations for the discriminating vacationers.
The meeting was organized by Mr. Ron Doron, Chairman of the Israel-Asia Chamber of Commerce, and was
attended by representatives from Ophir Tours (one of the largest tour operators in Israel, Yedioth Ahronoth
(daily newspaper in Israel), Vered Hasharon Travel and Tours, and Yambateva. END
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DOT Secretary Durano and Top Israeli Officials Unveil the Open Doors Monument
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29 June 2009 – With a crowd of over 300 guests, Philippine Tourism Secretary Joseph H. Durano, Member of
the Knesset and Minister of Improvement of Government Services Michael Eitan, and Rishon Lezion Mayor
Dov Zur, unveiled the most significant marker demonstrating the long-standing friendship between the
Philippines and Israel at the Holocaust Memorial Park of the Municipality of Rishon LeZion.
The monument was erected to commemorate the generosity of the Filipino people in 1939 when
Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon established an Open Door Policy for Jews escaping the
Holocaust in Europe.
During this time, an estimated 10,000 visas were earmarked and extended to escaping Jews. Farm and
settlement lands were also allocated for them. However, the onset of World War II only allowed 1,200 Jews to
reach the Philippines.
Little was known about these accounts in the Philippines’ history until the book entitled “Escape to Manila” by
the late Frank Ephraim was published. It tells the complete story of the Jews’ plight, the hardship and ordeal
they encountered during their journey, and the hope they nurtured upon setting foot in the Philippines where
they were wholeheartedly accepted.
Mr. Ephraim, one of the 1,200 Jews saved from the Holocaust, wrote that “…the Philippines held out a
promise of a safe haven from Nazi oppression, offering survival from the mass murder of the Jewish people in
Europe…”
Secretary Durano said the monument represents the friendship between both countries and symbolized
Jewish perseverance and Filipino dedication in times of crisis. He dedicated the monument to every Israeli
and Filipino, saying that, “It’s a good day to be a Filipino”.
Minister Michael Eitan said each of the monument’s three doors symbolized the Philippines’ act of generosity
and friendship to Israel. The first door represented the Open Door Policy of the Commonwealth Government of
the Philippines, the second door represented the act of the Philippines in the United Nations in 1947 when it
voted in favor of the creation of the State of Israel, and the third door represented the work of more that 30,000
Filipino caregivers who take care of Israel’s elderly and disabled.
Mr. Max Weissler, one of the Jewish refugees, shared his life as a boy growing up in the Philippines
emphasizing his gratitude for the hospitality of the Filipino people.
He thanked everyone who became instrumental in the creation of the monument, particularly the Embassy of
the Philippines and the Filipino Community who contributed and raised funds for the endeavor.
Present during the ceremony were some of the survivors who escaped to the Philippines and their families
namely, Mrs. Ruth Ephraim, wife of Mr. Frank Ephraim; Mr. Weissler’s family; Mr. Ralph Preiss and family; and
Mr. Reuvan Loewenstein, son of George Lowenstein.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Petronila Garcia, officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv, and
members of Israeli and Jewish communities also attended the event.
A children’s choir composed of Filipino and Filipino Israeli children rendered Bou Naamin, an Israeli song
about tolerance and understanding by Dr. Varda Granot and lyricist Hamutal Ben-Zeev with Filipino translation
by Mike Hanopol. An impromptu trio by Filipino and Israeli youngsters set off a spontaneous waving of flaglets
by the audience
Conceptualized in 2005, the Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv, the Filipino Community, the Holocaust survivors
and their families in Israel and from all over the world undertook initiatives to raise funds for the monument.
The National Commission for the Culture and the Arts sponsored a competition for the design of the
monument. Artist Jun Yee won the competition and supervised the fabrication of its components for shipment
to Israel.
The monument base is tiled with Romblon marbles donated by the Romblon Chamber of Commerce,
Forward Romblon and Romblon Bar Association.
The three doors of increasing heights open inward to form a triangle, a common feature in both Philippine and
Israeli flags. In front of each door are etched footprints of three persons: Mr. George Lowenstein, who was
among the thousands of Jews who sought refuge in the Philippines in 1939; Mr. Max Weissler, who arrived in
Manila in 1941 at the age of 11 years as a refugee from Germany, grew up in the Philippines, and is presently
residing in Hod Hasharon, Israel; and Doryliz Goffer, a Filipino-Israeli child born in the Philippines, grand
daughter of Holocaust survivors, representing the continuing friendship between the Philippines and Israel.
END
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