MY fellow Filipinos and friends of the Philippines – Mabuhay! I greet you from the grand hall of the Malacañang Palace Museum on this 110th Anniversary of our Declaration of Independence.A century and a decade ago today, our revolutionary forefathers braved superior arms and the privations of war to break the chains of colonialism and stand proud among the free nations of the world, Asia’s first republic.Today, as we celebrate with pride that historic moment, we take stock of what we as a nation have achieved with unity, audacity, sacrifice and patriotism, and we look forward with hope, to what we shall claim for our national future.
Our vision is based on a strong and growing economy. It is the central pillar we have labored to create to help guarantee peace, order and stability in our country. Our labor is paying off: last year we had the strongest economy in over 30 years, investments are surging and we are close to balancing our budget.True to our heritage of freedom, we staunchly protect and strengthen the vibrant democracy that we have restored twenty-two years ago. Our political discourse is vibrant, our press is free, our Constitution shelters all who seek its protection and embrace the rule of law.
We have tackled our unfortunate legacy of political violence whether it is in the Philippines or abroad with foreign leaders and human rights organizations. We have met with a lot of success since the formation of what was to become the Melo Commission. Extrajudicial killings are down and prosecutions are up. We will not be satisfied until we are at zero, but we are making progress.We have made tough and politically unpopular decisions to raise revenues and crack down on smugglers so that we could invest in our physical infrastructure and in our people.
We are delivering investments in three critical areas, what we call the three “Es,” namely: the Economy, the Environment and Education. These issues are central to lifting our nation up and getting it ready for the next generation of leaders.The results of our efforts come none too soon. There are global clouds on the horizon that are driving up the price of oil and food, particularly rice. Thankfully, we are now in a vastly improved position to weather this storm than at any other time in recent memory.Our people are enterprising and welcomed everywhere, as quick learners and hardworkers who are also generous of spirit to strangers and friends alike.
As our countrymen and women build successful careers and prosperous lives all over the world, foreign investors and travelers flock to our islands eager to harness Filipino talent, enjoy Filipino hospitality, and marvel at the beauty and grandeur of 7,108 magnificent Philippine islands. Our archipelago shelters us all – Filipinos, foreigners, and compatriots across the world warmed by memories of your homeland.
With solidarity, sacrifice and singular purpose, our heroes brought forth a new nation. With the same love of country binding all Filipinos, we too shall achieve for the Philippines and all its peoples the blessings of freedom, justice and progress, and our esteemed place among the great nations of the world.
We remain bullish on our country, optimistic about our future and deeply committed to being a force for good.In this march to our collective tomorrow I ask all of you to join as one – for our motherland, for our families, and for the generations to come.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Wreath Laying Ceremony @ Rizal Park-2008
Baguio City Independence Day 2008 in Rizal Park,Baguio City
2nd Row, Right Side is www.richelda.blogspot.com and lives in www.kayangstreet.blogspot.com and in second row is City Counselor Perlita Chan-Rondez.
1st row-center-is the Guest of Honor/Speaker- ICT Sec. Roxas-Chua and Mayor Peter Rey Asperin -Bautista (middle initial of Mayor Peter Rey can be traced to Agoo, La Union,his mother is an Agooeno). and Vice-Mayor Daniel Farinas. Atty. Betty Tabanda,
Atty. Fred Bagbagen, Atty Richard Carino, Art Tibaldo's wife Helen Tibaldo in the picture too.
Picture provided by Bong Cayabyab.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Largest Pinoy Flag Highlights Juan DeLa Cruz Rally for Unity in Baguio
Largest Pinoy Flag Highlights Juan DeLa Cruz Rally for Unity in Baguio
By: Isagani Liporda, Aileen Refuerzo, Julie Fianza
Email: baguiocity.com@gmail.com
BAGUIO CITY – It was beautiful; hair raising even… it was as if Manny Pacquiao won another belt against Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
For 2-hours, social classes were overshadowed by a proud race and faith, June 12, as a throng of Pinoys cheered on about 600-enlisted volunteers and about 200-additional onsite hands in unfurling the World’s largest Philippine Flag at the Baguio Athletic Bowl.
It was 8:15am, Independence Day. There were neither politicians nor activists; no privileged nor underprivileged classes – just Filipinos.
Amidst the blur of colors red, white, yellow and blue of miniature versions of the 2nd largest national banner in the world, a tapestry of nationalism was painted as “Filipino pride” was raised even further as the crowd sang with Juan Alberto Gaerlan’s spine-tingling tenor to the tune of “Bayan Ko.”
There were no dull repetitive speeches either, just prayers, songs and dances with a common theme, “Yes, a nation can change in one day with faith in [the Supreme Being].”
Bishop Oscar Magallanes of Good News Community Church led pastors from the city’s evangelical churches asking for blessings for the city of Baguio and the nation.
Magallanes said the unfurling of the giant flag signified the country’s “declaration of our freedom,” and its “victory as a nation.”
He added the activity is meant to, “Inculcate love for country and patriotism; and to ask God to grant the nation his presence and mercy.”
Filipino businesswoman Grace Gupana financed the making of the largest Philippine flag in August 2006.
“Miraculously,” said one Bishop Joey Gadaraza, “it only took a month, 2-artists, 32-assistants, and 6-taylors taking turns at 4-sewing machines to piece together 3.7-metric tons of taffeta nylon into 18,818-square meters of the country’s national colors.”
Meanwhile, Gadaraza echoed Gupana’s message to the people of Baguio straight from Gaza Strip, Israel the same day, saying, “The unfurling of the flag symbolizes that the Philippines if for Christ.”
In 2006, unveiling of the same flag suffered a huge setback when winds tore on its white triangle about halfway down to its base while being unfurled atop Mt. Inordinan, Nueva Vizcaya.
Gupana is likewise the brains and purse behind two Guinness World records for the world’s largest flag and banner.
In November 25, 2007, a huge blue and white Israeli flag with a total measurement of 18,847 square meters and weighing 5.2 metric tons surpassed the record for the world's largest flag which was the 11,964 square meters made in the United States in 1996.
The total cost of the white and blue state symbol and the Philippine Flag was placed at US$500,000, each.
A month later, a Gupana-engineered banner, the “777 Yahweh” measuring 54,451 square meters and comprising the flags of Israel, Philippines and North and South Korea and smaller flags representing the 180 nation-members of the United Nations (UN), likewise made it into the Guinness Book.
Magallanes revealed, “We are witnessing a very historic event… As our flag is being unfurled, the flag of Israel is likewise being unfolded along Gaza Strip in Israel as a declaration of God’s victory in the war-laden land.”
He cited June 12 is most opportune time for the twin events for its close proximity to June 14, the day of Hebrew Pentecost (a Christian festival that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles).
Meantime, government Independence Day celebrations mimicked its “dressed-down” national version.
Dubbed, “Republic Service Tungo sa Ganap na Kalayaan at Kaunlaran,” a multi-agency task force led by the Department of Education and Department of Tourism staged identical programs at the Rizal Monument and the Baguio Convention Center.
Guest of honor Sec. Ray Anthony Chua III of the newly-formed Commission on Information and Communications Technology during his speech said the struggle against forceful inequality of the Philippines and other countries is over.
Rallying government employees to strive for better public service he added, “The [new] struggle is now about how to remain at par with the rest of the world in the age of globalization.”
Magallanes earlier claimed June 12 would be a fair weather day as it was a day meant for praise. True enough, strong rains came only after dark, long after the ceremonies were concluded.**ISL, APR, & JGF
By: Isagani Liporda, Aileen Refuerzo, Julie Fianza
Email: baguiocity.com@gmail.com
BAGUIO CITY – It was beautiful; hair raising even… it was as if Manny Pacquiao won another belt against Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
For 2-hours, social classes were overshadowed by a proud race and faith, June 12, as a throng of Pinoys cheered on about 600-enlisted volunteers and about 200-additional onsite hands in unfurling the World’s largest Philippine Flag at the Baguio Athletic Bowl.
It was 8:15am, Independence Day. There were neither politicians nor activists; no privileged nor underprivileged classes – just Filipinos.
Amidst the blur of colors red, white, yellow and blue of miniature versions of the 2nd largest national banner in the world, a tapestry of nationalism was painted as “Filipino pride” was raised even further as the crowd sang with Juan Alberto Gaerlan’s spine-tingling tenor to the tune of “Bayan Ko.”
There were no dull repetitive speeches either, just prayers, songs and dances with a common theme, “Yes, a nation can change in one day with faith in [the Supreme Being].”
Bishop Oscar Magallanes of Good News Community Church led pastors from the city’s evangelical churches asking for blessings for the city of Baguio and the nation.
Magallanes said the unfurling of the giant flag signified the country’s “declaration of our freedom,” and its “victory as a nation.”
He added the activity is meant to, “Inculcate love for country and patriotism; and to ask God to grant the nation his presence and mercy.”
Filipino businesswoman Grace Gupana financed the making of the largest Philippine flag in August 2006.
“Miraculously,” said one Bishop Joey Gadaraza, “it only took a month, 2-artists, 32-assistants, and 6-taylors taking turns at 4-sewing machines to piece together 3.7-metric tons of taffeta nylon into 18,818-square meters of the country’s national colors.”
Meanwhile, Gadaraza echoed Gupana’s message to the people of Baguio straight from Gaza Strip, Israel the same day, saying, “The unfurling of the flag symbolizes that the Philippines if for Christ.”
In 2006, unveiling of the same flag suffered a huge setback when winds tore on its white triangle about halfway down to its base while being unfurled atop Mt. Inordinan, Nueva Vizcaya.
Gupana is likewise the brains and purse behind two Guinness World records for the world’s largest flag and banner.
In November 25, 2007, a huge blue and white Israeli flag with a total measurement of 18,847 square meters and weighing 5.2 metric tons surpassed the record for the world's largest flag which was the 11,964 square meters made in the United States in 1996.
The total cost of the white and blue state symbol and the Philippine Flag was placed at US$500,000, each.
A month later, a Gupana-engineered banner, the “777 Yahweh” measuring 54,451 square meters and comprising the flags of Israel, Philippines and North and South Korea and smaller flags representing the 180 nation-members of the United Nations (UN), likewise made it into the Guinness Book.
Magallanes revealed, “We are witnessing a very historic event… As our flag is being unfurled, the flag of Israel is likewise being unfolded along Gaza Strip in Israel as a declaration of God’s victory in the war-laden land.”
He cited June 12 is most opportune time for the twin events for its close proximity to June 14, the day of Hebrew Pentecost (a Christian festival that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles).
Meantime, government Independence Day celebrations mimicked its “dressed-down” national version.
Dubbed, “Republic Service Tungo sa Ganap na Kalayaan at Kaunlaran,” a multi-agency task force led by the Department of Education and Department of Tourism staged identical programs at the Rizal Monument and the Baguio Convention Center.
Guest of honor Sec. Ray Anthony Chua III of the newly-formed Commission on Information and Communications Technology during his speech said the struggle against forceful inequality of the Philippines and other countries is over.
Rallying government employees to strive for better public service he added, “The [new] struggle is now about how to remain at par with the rest of the world in the age of globalization.”
Magallanes earlier claimed June 12 would be a fair weather day as it was a day meant for praise. True enough, strong rains came only after dark, long after the ceremonies were concluded.**ISL, APR, & JGF
Fil-Am Canadian -Agoo's Pride Audrey Estrada Ronquillo,1st Runner Miss LA Galaxy 2008
-Fil-Am Canadian Audrey Estrada-Ronquillo, niece of Richelda Quero-Estrada-Valdez of www.agoocomputercollege.blogspot.com and daughter of Romeo Estrada Ronquillo placed 1st runner in the 2008 Miss LA Galaxy Competition.In one of the closest competitions to become the right hand lady of the international soccer superstar DAVID BECKHAM and the Los Angeles Galaxy Soccer Team.Being Filipino,Chinese,American and Canadian "I wanted to bring an international flavor to the LA Galaxy team".
Audrey Estrada Ronquillo graduated SUMMA CUM LAUDE at and Communication Studies VALEDICTORIAN from LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY.She is also an elementary school teacher and now a broadcaster in New York,Los Angeles
Miss Fil-Am Canadian-Agooenos Audrey Estrada Ronquillo 1st Runner Up Miss LA Galaxy 2008
Fil-Am Canadian Audrey Estrada-Ronquillo, niece of Mrs. Richelda Quero Estrada- Valdez of Agoo Computer College/Philippines, http://www.agoocomputercollege.blogspot.com http://www.richelda.blogspot.com,
Miss Audrey Estrada Ronquillo-placed first-runner up in the 2008 Miss LA Galaxy competition. Julie Kristene Bornemann won the award to be the official spokesperson for the 2008 LA Galaxy soccer team.
In one of the closest competitions to become the right hand lady of international soccer super star David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy Soccer team, Filipino-American Canadien Audrey Estrada- Ronquillo placed first runner up in the team's 2008 Miss LA Galaxy competition.
The crowning took place during halftime of the Galaxy vs. FC Toronto game last October 13 at the Home Depot Center. Four finalists walked in mid-field before the stadium announcer declared the winner.
A Fashion Institute of Designer Merchandise (FIDM) student, Julie Kristine bested the 26-year-old Ronquillo, who won the Fans Choice Award earlier in the evening.
Kristine will be the official 2008 spokesperson for the LA Galaxy soccer team, receiving a $1,000 prize and a one-year supply of CoverGirl makeup.
As first runner-up, Ronquillo also received prizes and will be a part of the Miss LA Galaxy Court.
“It’s absolutely an honor and a dream come true to be standing here in the stadium with thousands of people,” said Ronquillo after the crowning. “I don’t know what to say. This moment is ineffable. I don’t think I could have been a loser tonight.”
Ms. LA Galaxy Program Director Charity B. Shilkret said this was by far the closest decision the judges ever had to make.
“This year’s competition was the most competitive,” said Shilkret. “We had the most amount of entries and had over 20,000 online voters compared to 8,000 last year.”
The winner was chosen based on poise, confidence, public speaking abilities and academic success, according to Shilkret.
For the past six weeks, Ronquillo beat out a competitive pool of 80 applicants to become one of the 10 finalists. She became the first ever Filipina to make it to the finals.
Before the crowning, the ten finalists had to strut their stuff, competing in various events including LA Galaxy soccer trivia, sportswear, on-the-spot interviews and evening wear.
Graduating summa cum laude and Communication Studies' valedictorian from Loyola Marymount University, Ronquillo felt she would be the right person for the job as Galaxy spokesperson. She is also an elementary school teacher and plans to pursue a career in broadcasting.
“Being Filipino, Chinese, American and Canadian, I wanted to bring an international flavor to the LA Galaxy soccer team, something that [Galaxy President] Alexi Lalas wanted,” added Ronquillo.
Audrey’s father Romeo Ronquillo, mother, grandmother, uncle and brother attended the event to show their support.
“We’re very proud [of her] just being in the competition,” said Romeo. “We feel that she is already a winner. Whether she wins or loses, she’s a winner to us.” (AJ)
The Largest and Longest Philippine Flag
Six hundred people unfurled the biggest Philippine flag inside the Baguio Athletic Bowl. The 180 meters x 92 meters Philippine flag was displayed almost as the same time as the world's biggest flag, the Israeli flag, was also unfurled at Gaza strip in Israel. Grace Galindez Gupana, the maker of the two flags, decided to attend the Israeli unfurling but in her message to the almost 5,000 government employees and students in the athletic Bowl, she said that the simultaneous unfurling is symbolic because the Gaza Strip is beset with conflicts and the Philippines is out to help bring in the peace. The Philippine flag weighed 3.8 tons and cost almost P30 million. The Israeli flag, first unfurled in 2006 in Masada, Israel, measured 660 meters by 100 meters and weighed 5.2 tons.
Posted by richelda.com at 3:18 PM
Posted by richelda.com at 3:18 PM
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