Mabuhay!  The Embassy’s Cultural Section works to enhance public interest in the Philippines’ rich and colorful culture and society. 

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1. Embassy Press Release: Philippine Embassy in London Joins Opening of UK Eskrima Centre.

London, 4 August – Philippine Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s’ Antonio M. Lagdameo (far right) led the ribbon-cutting ceremony formally opening the UK Headquarters of the EA Doce Pares Gym in London that will teach the Philippine martial art Eskrima. The event featured guests from the UK Filipino community, live demonstrations from EA Doce Pares instructors and students, and a screening of the documentary “Eskrimadors” that chronicled the history of the Philippine discipline.

According to EA Doce Pares’ Chief Instructor Ermar Alexander (second from right), Eskrima - also known as Arnis or Kali - has been in the UK for 40 years with the British public showing increasing interest in the sport. EA Doce Pares first established a club in the UK in 2007, and since formed three other clubs around the London area. Its new headquarters is envisioned to be a centre for the promotion of Philippine culture and martial arts within the UK.

Eskrima is an indigenous Filipino martial art which utilizes weapons such as olisi (stick), baraw/daga (knife/dagger), espada y daga (sword and dagger) and bangkaw (staff/spear), as well as mano-mano (empty-hands) and dumog (grappling) techniques.

In 2009, Republic Act No. 9850 was passed declaring Arnis / Eskrima as the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines.

2. Announcement from Kinetica Museum: Invitation for Filipino Artists to Participate in Kinetica Art Fair 2011..

KINETICA is inviting local Filipino artists to join the Kinetica Art Fair 2011. In 2010, Filipino artist David Medalla was featured at the Art Fair’s “Kinetic Masters Feature Exhibition”. Below is the Invitation Announcement of Kinetica Museum:

Applications are now being accepted for the Kinetica Art Fair 2011

Kinetica Museum's aim, through the Art Fair, is to popularise artists and organisations specialising in Kinetic, Electronic and New Media Art and provides an opportunity to reach out to a wider audience.

Kinetica Art Fair, now on its third year, is the only Art Fair in the UK to provide collectors, curators and the public with a unique opportunity to view and purchase artworks from leading international galleries, artists collectives, curatorial groups and organisations.

In the recently concluded Art Fair in February 2010, the 4-day fair received over 10,000 visitors and worldwide press coverage.

Alongside the Fair, Kinetica produces a programme of special events, i.e. tours, talks, screenings, workshops and performances. These events involve some of the world's most eminent leaders in the fields of kinetic, electronic and new media art.

Below are links to view images and film of Kinetica Art Fair 2010:

NEW for 2011 will be a People’s Award for the best artwork, installation or stand, voted for by the visiting public.

It is very likely that the Fair will be oversubscribed for places next year, so it is requested that interested artists and galleries reply as soon as possible.

The application form can be downloaded from:
http://www.kinetica-museum.org/new_site/uploads/Kinetica_Art_Fair_2011.pdf

For further information and queries, please contact Mr. Keith Watson, Kinetica Art Fair Co-ordinator at keith@kinetica-museum.org or +44 (0) 7802 74 84 84 and www.kinetica-museum.org.

1. Embassy Press Release: Artists of the Philippine National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima Stage Exhibit in London.

(London, 28 June) – As part of the celebrations commemorating the 112th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Embassy in London, Batangas Association-UK and the Kunst Gallery & Art Bank Philippines staged a special exhibit in Chelsea, London featuring artists of the Philippine National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima.

Showcasing some of their finest works were multi-awarded Philippine artists Aris Bagtas, Bernadette Bueta and Ted Maddela. Their paintings - ranging from cityscape abstracts to colourful floral still lifes – were all very well received by local art-lovers.

Mr. Bagtas and his then apprentices Bueta and Maddela previously worked on the mural for the Our Lady of Fatima Church in Valenzuela City, Bulacan. The church painting was unveiled last 10 October 2009, and portrays the statue of Our Lady of Fatima amidst the beauty of the Bulacan rice fields and the Sierra Madre mountains.

While in London, Mr. Bagtas (second from right) also created a special piece for the Philippine Embassy entitled “Arrival I and II” depicting the first time one Filipino family experiences London. The work was presented by Mr. Bagtas together with Ms. Bueta (second from left) and Kunst Gallery & Art Bank Philippines Impresario and Director Virgilio Cuizon (far left) to Philippine Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega (far right) and Consul Bernadette Fernandez (center).

This annual London exhibit of different young artists from the Philippines was the sixth in as many years staged by the Kunst Gallery & Art Bank Philippines in association with the Batangas Association-UK. It looks to continue for years to come as an outlet for Filipino artistic talent and creativity.

2. Embassy Press Release:Philippine Embassy in London Takes Part in Largest UK Barrio Fiesta..

(London, 19 July) – The Philippine Embassy in London joined one of the biggest Filipino community events in the United Kingdom, the 26th Barrio Fiesta in Lampton Park (left).

The event was organized by the Philippine Centre charity in partnership with ABS-CBN and other corporate sponsors.

The fiesta took place the weekend of 17 to 18 July and featured non-stop cultural and entertainment programs from both UK and Philippine-based performers, dozens of booths, and thousands of kababayans in attendance.

The Embassy was present (right) for the duration of the weekend to provide information and materials regarding principal consular services such as issuance of passports and visas, citizenship re-acquisition and retention requirements, and document authentication. Allied offices such as the Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry, DOLE, OWWA, PAG-IBIG and SSS also promoted their services to the fiesta visitors.

The Philippine Centre is a UK-registered charity whose objectives include promoting Filipino culture and community spirit in the UK, providing facilities in the interest of social welfare, recreation and leisure, and providing resident and non-resident Filipinos with information on visiting, working or settling in the UK.

In his message on the occasion of the event, Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo said the global Filipino community, particularly the community in the UK, should be proud of its many contributions to the never-ending task of building a more progressive, prosperous and humane Philippines.

“The Filipino community spirit is alive and well in this year’s Barrio Fiesta”, he added. “Indeed the continuing success of this event is an achievement or tagumpay worthy of emulation of our kababayans.” (photos: Emmanuel Guzman)

3. Embassy Press Release:UK Online Radio Program Launches Weekly Embassy Segment.

15 July 2010 - A United Kingdom-based online radio program launched a weekly segment last July 9 to inform Filipinos in London of the Philippine Embassy's various programs and activities, particularly on consular matters.

Pinoy Radio UK's pilot broadcast of "Ang Embahada - Kaibigan Mo!" started with a discussion on the implementation of the new Philippine electronic passport (ePassport) system in the UK as well as the Philippine Citizenship Retention and Re-Acquisition.

Philippine Consul General Theresa Dizon-de Vega was the resource person while Mr. Sonny Laragan, a veteran broadcaster, was the segment anchor.

The 30-minute segment will be aired every Friday evenings from 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The pilot broadcast will consist of six episodes which can be accessed at www.pinoyradiouk.com.

The succeeding broadcasts will feature discussions on other aspects of the Embassy's work including other frontline services, Filipino community events, updates from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Philippine Overseas Labor Office (OWWA-POLO), Pag-Ibig membership, and Social Security System membership.

The Embassy's officers and heads of attached services will take turns in acting as resource persons for said segments.

At no cost to the Embassy, Philippine Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo said the program will be used as part of its public diplomacy program aimed at reaching more Filipinos particularly in far-flung areas under the Embassy's jurisdiction.

4. Press Release:11th International Youth Day Convention to be held in Manila from 10 to 12 August 2010.

The United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) through its youth arm the United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP) and in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights will hold the 11th International Youth Day (IYD) Convention from 10 to 12 August 2010 at the Philippine International Center in Manila.

With the theme “Strengthening Peace and Human Rights Education for the Youth: Key to Sustainable Development”, the Convention aims to increase the participants’ awareness of peace and human rights education practices, issues, challenges and future directions in the Philippines and the world. It also seeks to increase the participation of the youth sector in the fulfillment of the UN Millennium Development Goals using peace and human rights perspectives.

The three-day event consists of various activities that will cater to the participants’ intellectual, cultural, social, and aesthetic expectations and interests, mindful of the following international commemorative events: International Humanitarian Law Day (August 12); International Youth Day (August 12); and the International Year of Youth (2010-2011).

The Convention will equip participants with the necessary skills for when they return to their respective localities or institutions and embark on programs for peace, human rights and sustainable development.

The celebration of an international day of the youth began on 17 December 1999 after the UN General assembly approved resolution 54/120 declaring 12 August as International Youth Day. The celebration was institutionalized in the Philippines by virtue of P.D. 229 signed on 12 August 2002. Back-to-back with the 11th IYD celebration will be the launching of the International Year of Youth from 12 August 2010 to 11 August 2011.

For more details on the event, please contact Ana Elzy E. Ofrencio, Overall Chair of the 11th IYD in the Philippines at telefax nos. (632) 9253878 or (632) 9284471 or email internationalyouthday.iyd2010@gmail.com, or Anna Karina Jardin, Co-Chair at mobile (632) 09209382691 or email iyd_2010@yahoo.com.

5. Embassy Announcement: Real Estate Forum and Briefing by the Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Assn. (CREBA) on 24 July 2010.

The Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Association (CREBA) is scheduled to hold a Real Estate Forum and Briefing on 24 July 2010 at the Philippine Embassy, Suffolk Street London SW1Y 4HG.

The event program is provided below. CREBA’s flyer is also attached for reference.

CREBA REAL ESTATE FORUM AND BRIEFING
JULY 24, SATURDAY, 1:00 PM TO 5:00 PM
CONSULAR GROUNDS, PHILIPPINE EMBASSY,
SUFFOLK ST, LONDON UK

6. Announcement: Feature Film Casting Call for Filipino/Oriental Boys, aged 11-21 years old. Please direct your queries and interest to the Casting Director. See attached flyer for more details.

1. Embassy Press Release: Philippine Choirs Shine in UK Competition; UST Singers Win “Choir of the World” Award

(12 JULY, LONDON) - Two university choirs from the Philippines delivered world-class performances and received top honors at the prestigious 2010 International Musical Eisteddfod (musical festival) in Llangollen, Wales.

The University of Santos Thomas Singers and the De La Salle University Chorale bested other choirs from around the world, with the UST Singers garnering the Pavarotti Trophy as “Choir of the World.” UST thus became the first choir ever to win the coveted trophy twice, having been named “Choir of the World” in 1995.

The UST Singers, under the baton of Prof. Fidel G. Calalang Jr., also won the Mixed Choir and Youth Choir competitions. The DLSU Chorale, under Prof. Rodolfo F. Delarmente, garnered second place in the Chamber Choir category, with the UST Singers placing third. The Choir of the World Competition for the Pavarotti Trophy won by the UST singers was the final play-off between the winners of the five different prestige choral competitions.

According to the event’s website, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is a six-day festival of music, dance, and song that takes place every year in the small Welsh town of Llangollen. It has been running since 1947, and since 1987 the prestigious Choir of the World competition has determined the best overall choir of the event. In 2005 Luciano Pavarotti added his name to the competition in recognition of his appreciation of the festival and its influence on his career.

In the midst of their practice and preparation for the competition, both choirs found time to perform for and delight the Filipino Community in London. The UST Singers (left, with Amb. Antonio M. Lagdameo) sang at St. Giles in the Fields Church in an event organized by the Philippine Centre charity. (photo: Katrina Catapang)

The DLSU Chorale (right) for its part held a concert at the Royal Over-Seas League principally sponsored by the Inter-Cultural Society of London and OneLASALLE UK.

Both the UST Singers’ and the DLSU Chorale’s performances for the Filcom were staged in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy in London. (photo: Emmanuel Guzman)

The choirs are scheduled to continue with their respective ongoing world tours and bring further joy and pride to the Philippines and Filipinos everywhere.

2. Press Release:Two Pinoys Gear Up for World Memory in UK, Vie for Grandmaster Title.

RP Mental Athletes pay a courtesy call on Congresswoman Bernadette Hererra-Dy of Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party List at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City. (L-R): Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. (RP delegation head/coach), Roberto Racasa (player), Congresswoman Bernadette Hererra-Dy of Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party List and Johann Randall Abrina (player).

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO

ROBERTO RACASA and Johan Randall Abrina will represent the Philippines in the 2010 UK Open International Memory Championships to be held on August 26 and 27 at the MWB Business Exchange in London.

The duo (Racasa and Abrina) supported by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and official outfitter ACCEL also going up against the world’s brightest mental athletes on December 1 to 6 in Guangzhou, China for this year’s World Memory Championships at the Baiyun International Convention Center.

Racasa, a former top board player of Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ chess team, and Abrina, a sports psychology UP student are also backed by former senator Robert “Sonny” Jaworski and Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party List representative Bernadette Herrera-Dy, with RP and US chess master Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. designated as Delegation Head/ Coach and Aurelio “Reli” de Leon as Team Manager.

“I personally believe this is what the Philippine Sports needs, a game wherein we have a much better chance to excel and be the best,” said RP Team Manager Aurelio “Reli” de Leon.

It would mark the first time that RP would field representatives, which in this case are Racasa and Abrina. Winner will be titled as Grand Master of Memory from the World Memory Sport Council.

Other early entries include reigning three-time World Memory Champion Ben Pridmore, Andi Bell, James Ponder, and Richard Bowdler of the United Kingdom, Dai Griffiths of Wales, Simon Reinhard and Boris Konrad of Germany, Mücahit Aköz of Istanbul, Turkey, Rick de Jong of the Netherlands, David Duchovny of the United States, Mattias Ribbing of Sweden and Dagfinn Hammar of Norway, among others.

Pridmore from Derby, holds the official world record for memorizing the order of a randomly shuffled 52-card deck, and has memorized a pack in a time of 24.68 seconds on television. At the moment he is ranked number one in the world ranking list for Memory Sports. The annual competition was instituted to challenge the limits of human memory consisting of 10 events like binary digits (5 minutes/30 min.), numbers (5/30 min), spoken numbers, speed cards, cards (10/30min/1 hour), random words, historic/future dates, names and faces, abstract images and, memorization of new poems. MARLON BERNARDINO

1. Embassy Press Release: IMO Diplomatic Conference in Manila Successful.

(MANILA, 25 June) - After a year-long preparation, the Diplomatic Conference of Parties to Adopt Amendments to the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and the Seafarers’ Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping Code successfully concluded at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila on 25 June 2010.

The opening ceremony of the Conference was graced by Vice President Noli “Kabayan” De Castor and IMO Secretary General Efthimios Mitropoulos.

The amendments, to be known as the “Manila Amendments,” update the STCW Convention and Code with the aspirations of the 2006 Maritime Labour Convention adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO). One of the major issues debated at the Conference pertained to the grant of flexibility to shipowners as regards derogation in the rest hours of seafarers. With rest hours mandated at not less than 10 hours in any 24 hour period and 77 hours in any seven day period, the amendment recognized the need for granting exception due to emergencies and operational conditions. However, the exception to the rest hours provision was drafted with sufficient safeguard that would ensure a minimum of 6 hours of rest, with no more than 14 work hours between rest periods during a 48-hour period within a 7-day work week.

The Conference further unanimously adopted a resolution setting aside June 25 as the “Day of the Seafarer.” The Philippines is the primary source of manpower to the global maritime fleet, accounting for more than a quarter of its requirements. With 2010 having been declared as the “Year of the Seafarer” by IMO, the adoption in Manila of an annual “Day of the Seafarer” provided an opportune moment to recognize the contribution of seafarers to the global maritime industry and mirrors the adoption of the Manila Amendments to further promote the welfare of seafarers.

The Philippine Delegation at the Conference was jointly headed by Transportation and Communications Acting Secretary Anneli Lontoc and Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito Roque. Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), headed the contingent from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Minister Francisco Noel Fernandez III of the Philippine Embassy in London served as lead intervenor for the Philippine Delegation during the conference debates.

The Chairman of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) and Filipino diplomat Neil Frank R. Ferrer was elected as President of the Conference. Jamaican Rear Admiral Peter Brady was elected as Chairman of the Committee of the Whole.

The National Organizing Committee which handled the preparation for the Conference was headed by Administrator Angelo Verdan of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). They were assisted by the IMO Secretariat which brought their key personnel to Manila to ensure the success of the meeting.

More than 500 delegates from 85 countries signatory to the STCW Convention attended the event. They were joined by observers from three IMO Associate Members, the International Labour Organization, the European Commission, and 17 other non-governmental organizations.

Ambassador Lagdameo signs the Final Act of the Manila Amendment to the STCW Convention and Code at PICC,
Manila. Looking on are Minister FN Fernandez, DOLE Usec Devanedera, Admiral Santos, DOLE Secretary Roque,
MARINA Administrator Verdan, and Carlos Salinas of the Filipino Shipowners Association.

2. De La Salle University Chorale in Concert.

Click to See Flyer

3. University of Santo Tomas Singers Concert

1. Embassy Advisory: Philippine Embassy in London to Issue Electronic Passports (ePassport) Starting 01 July 2010

Effective 01 July 2010, the Philippine Embassy in London will officially start processing applications for the new Electronic Passport (ePassport).

The United Kingdom has been chosen as one of the first batch of Philippine Foreign Service Posts to issue ePassports.

Among the new features of the ePassport are:

The ePassport is compliant with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the international body responsible for establishing and monitoring global standards for the security and integrity of passports and other travel documents.

Following are requirements for the processing and issuance of the ePassport:

Processing Time: Processing of the ePassport is 4-5 weeks as all passports are processed in a centralized facility in the Philippines

When to File Passport Applications: In view of the international requirement for travelers to have passports valid for at least six (6) months for travel purposes, applicants are reminded to regularly check the validity period of their current passports. Passports may be renewed before the expiration date.

Validity of Green Passports and Machine Readable (Maroon) Passports: All holders of the green and machine readable (maroon) passports are assured that their passports remain valid until the expiration date indicated therein. Holders of these types of passports may, however, apply for the new ePassport if they wish to avail of the enhanced security features of the new type of passport.

2. Embassy Advisory: Embassy Closure on 30 June 2010.

The Embassy will be closed on Wednesday, 30 June 2010, a special non-working holiday, in observance of Philippine Presidential Proclamation No. 2085. (Presidential Inauguration)

Regular office hours will resume on Thursday, 1 July 2010.

In case of death or detention of a Filipino citizen in the United Kingdom, please contact the Embassy’s emergency mobile phone at 07802790695.

3. Embassy Press Release: Fashion Show featuring Young Filipina Designer Maita Fernandez Staged in London

By default, economic integration in ASEAN is compared to the progression followed by the European Union. In his presentation, Southeast Asia International Affairs Research Fellow Emmanuel Yujuico will caution against making a strict comparison between these two efforts by distinguishing between each regional project’s underlying assumptions regarding the relationship between culture and institutional capacity. In contrast to the EU’s allusions to ever closer union, ASEAN’s pivotal principle of non-interference in others’ internal affairs has differential implications on processes of economic integration as well as how it relates to other issue areas. Meaningful ASEAN economic integration will more likely be achieved following a Thatcherite de-emphasis of political union consistent with the ‘ASEAN Way’. This presentation will be chaired by Sir Colin Budd, formerly the Deputy Undersecretary of State, European Union & Economic Affairs at the Foreign Office in London and a keen observer of integration processes in both ASEAN and the EU.

1. Embassy Press Release: Philippine Embassy Invites Nominations for the Year 2010 Presidential Awards

The Philippine Embassy is inviting nominations to the Year 2010 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas. The Presidential Awards is a biennial search to recognize exceptional individuals and organizations for their outstanding contribution to Philippine progress and development. The Awards are also conferred on overseas Filipinos who have shown excellence and distinction in their work or profession.

Migration has become a permanent aspect of Philippine life and Filipinos overseas have become important partners in Philippine economic and social development. In recognition of the important role of Filipinos overseas, the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas has been instituted through Executive Order No. 498 issued in December 1991. Since then, it has so far been conferred on 314 overseas-based individuals and organizations.

The Awards will be hosted by the President at the Malacañan in December 2010, in observance of the Month of Overseas Filipinos.

There are four (4) categories of the Awards, namely:

2. Embassy Advisory: Live Chat with the Candidates on PoliticalArena.com

For the information of the public, PoliticalArena.com (www.politicalarena.com.ph), a socio-political networking site that promotes voters’ education and interactivity with the domestic political scene in the Philippines, launched its LIVE CHAT on 09 February 2010.

The LIVE CHAT allows voters to ask questions directly to the 2010 National candidates on their platforms of government.

The website will host LIVE CHATS every Tuesday and Thursday at the following timeslots (Manila Time): 4 pm, 4:45 pm, 7:45 pm, and 8:30 pm. The LIVE CHATS will run until the last week of April 2010 with each episode lasting for 45 minutes.

To participate in the LIVE CHAT, members of the public can register on the website, log- in and type in their questions addressed to candidates who are on-line at that time.

PoliticalArena.com is one of the official information websites of the COMELEC which provides a venue for interaction between candidates and the electorate.

All Filipino nationals and other interested members of the public are encouraged to visit and register with the site.

3. Embassy advisory: OAV Advisory on Ballots for 2010 Philippine National Elections.

All registered overseas absentee voters are informed that the Commission on Elections in the Philippines (COMELEC) has started to mail directly to voters their ballots for the May 2010 National Elections.

All voters who receive their ballots are advised to undertake the following:

4. Embassy Advisory: Consular Outreach Mission in Belfast, Northern Ireland, 27-28 March 2010.

The Embassy is pleased to announce the holding of its 2nd Consular Outreach Mission for 2010 at the following venue:

DATE: 27-28 MARCH 2010, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

TIME: 10 AM TO 5 PM (27 MARCH)

VENUE: ENNIS ROOM, DINING FLOOR, BELFAST CITY HOSPITAL LISBURN ROAD, BELFAST BT7 7AB

SERVICES OFFERED:

5. Announcement: Republic Act No. 9850: “An Act Declaring Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines”

Republic Act No. 9850: An Act declaring Arnis as the national martial art and sport of the Philippines

Philippines. Congress (2007-10). "Republic Act No. 9850: An Act declaring Arnis as the national martial art and sport of the Philippines." Metro Manila: 14th Congress of the Philippines, Third regular session, 2009.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Republic Act No. 9850, approved on 11 December 2009, defines the indigenous Filipino martial art of Arnis and declares it as the "Philippine National Martial Art and Sport." The Act then orders the Department of Education, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Philippine Sports Commission to promulgate the rules and regulations necessary to carry out its provisions.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. It is the policy of the State to inculcate patriotism, nationalism and appreciation of the role of national heroes and symbols in the historical development of the country. Furthermore, the State must give priority to education, science and technology, arts and culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development.

SEC. 2. Definition of Amis. - Arnis, also known as Eskrima, Kali, Garrote and other names in various regional languages, such as Pananandata in Tagalog; Pagkalikali, Ibanag; Kabaraon and Kalirongan, Pangasinan; Kaliradman, Bisaya; and Didja, Ilokano, is an indigenous Filipino martial art and sport characterized by the use of swinging and twirling movements, accompanied by striking, thrusting and parrying techniques for defense and offense. This is usually done with the use of one (1) or two (2) sticks or any similar implements or with bare hands and feet also used for striking, blocking, locking and grappling, with the use of the same principle as that with the canes.

SEC. 3. Arnis is hereby declared as the Philippine National Martial Art and Sport. The official adoption of arnis as the national martial art and sport shall be promulgated by inscribing the symbol of arnis in the official seal of the Philippine Sports Commission and by making it as the first sport competition to be played by participating teams on the first day in the annual Palarong Pambansa. The Philippine Sports Commission shall be the lead agency to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 4. The Department of Education, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Philippine Sports Commission shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 5. Any provision of law, decree, executive order, rule or regulation in conflict or inconsistent with the provisions and/or purposes of this Act is hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

PROSPERO C. NOGRALES
Speaker of the House of Representatives

JUAN PONCE ENRILE
President of the Senate

This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3288 and House Bill No. 6516 was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on October 14, 2009.

FOR:

MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP
Secretary General
House of Representatives

EMMA LIRIO-REYES
Secretary of the Senate

Approved: DEC 11 2009

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

President of the Philippines

(Quoted from an article by James U. Sy Jr.)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo officially signed into law Senate Bill 1424, authored by Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, as Republic Act No. 9850 “An Act declaring Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines“ on December 11, 2009.

RA 9850 makes Arnis as a requirement for the Physical Education (PE) course of the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports (DECS). The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is the lead agency tasked to implement RA 9850. The PSC will be inscribing the symbol of Arnis, that of the fighting sticks, in its official seal.

It has been taught in schools that Sepak Takraw is the national sport of the Philippines and Dr. Jose P. Rizal is the national hero, alongside the national flower (Sampaguita), national tree (Nara), national bird (Philippine Eagle), etc. However, contrary to popular belief, no law or proclamation had named a national sport or national hero. Sepak Takraw is a Thai-Malay sport which many believe is Filipino.

Previously, there was HB030.64 “Act declaring Sikaran as the National Martial Art of the Philippines” filed by Cong. Isidro S. Rodriguez Jr. of the 2nd District of Rizal with co-authors Cong. Michael John R. Duavit, Cong. Ronaldo V. Puno and Cong. Victor R. Sumulong. It was filed on September 30, 2004 and was read on October 26, 2004.

THE LONG PATH TO RECOGNITION

The passing of RA 9850 is long overdue. The governments of neighboring Asian countries had given their respective martial traditions pioneering recognition and support years way ahead of the Philippines. Judo and Karate-do were successfully implemented in the Japanese school system even before WWII. China has a well oiled Wushu program and sends well trained athletes to spread their Wushu overseas. Korea unified the various kwans “schools (Hangul)” after WWII into what is now the Olympic sport of Taekwondo. The Thai Royalty had always patronized the development of Muay Thai among the Siamese populace.

The seminal efforts to integrate Arnis into the school system can be traced back to the 1970s with proclamations such as DECS Order No. 26, Series of 1975, which mandated concerned parties to engage in liaison with the National Arnis Association of the Philippines (NARAPHIL), then the

newly formed National Governing Body (NGB) for the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), for their Sports Development Program on Arnis. Other orders followed, among them DECS Order No. 58, Series of 1990 and DECS Memo No. 294, Series of 1995.

Senator Orlando “Orly” Mercado filed Senate Bill 280 on July 6, 1992 which required the inclusion of the study of Arnis as a Physical Education (PE) course in the secondary and tertiary level.

Cong. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri of the 3rd District of Bukidnon, with co-authors Cong. Raul V. Del Mar and Cong. Narciso D. Monfort, filed HB026-49 “Act declaring Arnis as the Philippine National Sport” on August 22, 2001. It was read on August 28, 2001 and was later substituted by HB05284. HB05284 was authored by Cong. Zubiri and co-authored by Cong. Lorna C. Silverio, Cong. Cecilia T. Taganas Layus, and Cong. Orlando A. Fua Jr. on October 4, 2004 and was read on October 9, 2004. The bill was approved on the second and third readings on November 18, 2002 and December 17, 2002 respectively. The house vote was 155 for yeas and none for nays and abstain. It was transmitted to the Senate on December 18, 2002.

Senate Bill 1424 is an “Act declaring Arnis as the National Martial Sport of the Philippines” was approved by the House on November 15, 2005, transmitted to on November 23, 2005 and received by the Senate on November 23, 2005.

Friday, 08 January 2010 (from www.gov.ph)

Law declares arnis national martial art and sport

Arnis is the country’s national sport.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act 9850, which elevates arnis to the top honor in local sports competitions on Dec. 11 last year (2009).

Under the new law, arnis will be the first sports to be played in the Palarong Pambansa this year and every year hence.

The President directed the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to implement the provisions of the law in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

R.A. 9850 will take effect 15 days after its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.

Arnis, also known as eskrima, kali, garrote and other names in various regions and provinces in the country, is an indigenous Filipino martial art using one or two sticks.

It is characterized by the use of swinging and twirling movements, accompanied by striking, thrusting and parrying techniques for defense and offense. (PND)

1. Embassy’s Press Release on SIMBANG GABI 2009, “Simbang Gabi held Throughout London”.

(23 December 2009) – Filipino communities in the United Kingdom, in cooperation with the Filipino Chaplaincy and Fil-Organizations in the UK, together with the Philippine Embassy in London carried out the meaningful Simbang Gabi tradition over the Christmas season throughout the Greater London area.

The evening novena masses began on the 15th of December at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in East London, and were successively held up to the 23rd of December at 13 different churches in and around London, including Farm Street Church (above).

Two churches, the Church of the Holy Redeemer and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, both under the Archdiocese of Southwark, also hosted daily novena masses from the 16th to the 24th of December. Other Fil-organizations based outside Greater London likewise celebrated the misa de gallo in their respective parishes.

The theme for this year’s Simbang Gabi in the UK was “Pari Magpakailanman: Kamanlalakbay ng mga Migrante”, in recognition of the profound and significant contributions of the UK-based priests to the local Filipino community and the Philippine Embassy over the challenging past year.

Towards the end of every mass, the Year-end Message of His Excellency Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo was also read by Embassy officials, such as Consul General Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega (below), thanking the Filipino community for their involvement in all activities that had meaning to the Philippines and Filipinos around the world, as well as highlighting the Embassy’s plans and programs for 2010.

After each mass, Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike would then gather in a joyous salo-salo and further celebrate the Christmas season and express their holiday spirit.

2. Embassy’s Advisory: Guidelines on Philippine Passport Issuance Starting 01 April 2010.

The Philippine Embassy informs the public that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has set 31 March 2010 as the last day allowed for ICAO member countries to issue non-Machine Readable Passports.

In view of this, the Department of Foreign Affairs, all Philippine Embassies and Consulates General, and DFA Regional Consular Offices in the Philippines will only issue Machine Readable Passports starting 01 April 2010.

In case of applicants with lost or expired passports and the holder needs to urgently travel to the Philippines, s/he may be issued a One-Way Travel Document and then the applicant can apply for a Machine Readable Passport or an E-Passport in the DFA Main Office in Manila or in any of the DFA Regional Consular Officers.

The DFA reminds members of the public holding the green Philippine passport that these remain valid until the expiration date.

3. Letter from Philippine Tourism Attaché Domingo Ramon “Chicoy” Enerio:

Dear friends,

We are pleased to inform you that the Philippines has started the new year on a bright note by being featured in the first edition of Selling Longhaul Magazine, a UK publication focusing on sales and marketing personnel of the travel industry. The Philippines is happily identified as a must-see destination that is to be highly recommended to the UK travelling public. With a prominent mention on the cover of the magazine, this feature provides helpful tips from industry experts (representing funway holidays and sunset faraway holidays) on how to successfully sell the Philippines as a leisure and holiday destination for British overseas travellers.

This exposure closely follows that of Wanderlust Magazine, which also named the Philippines as one of the top tourism destinations for 2010.

We will appreciate it very much if you can disseminate this information and the accompanying copy of the article to your wider circle of acquaintances and friends.

Happy New Year to all and best regards.

DOMINGO RAMON "CHICOY" ENERIO
Tourism Attaché
Embassy of the Philippines
Department of Tourism
3rd Floor, 146 Cromwell Road
London SW7 4EF
Tel: +44 (0) 207 835 1100 Fax: +44 (0) 207 835 1926
Email: chicoyenerio@wowphilippines.co.uk @: www.wowphilippines.co.uk

Please see Attached Article

Organized by the Philippine Generations Ltd. (Janette Dalay Robertson,Administrator, 078 6164 4721 http://philippine generations.blogspot.com/) Activities include:
Parol (lantern) making, Xmas basket weaving, “Flat Parol” or parols made from paper plates, and Xmas colouring. Entrance is free. Workshop prices: £7.00 (adults), £3.00 (children/adults not taking part in the Parol Workshop). Light refreshments are included.  For more info, email: info@philippinegenerations.org or phone 07898 708 319. Book in advance thru this link: http://philippinegenerations. blogspot.com/2009/11/par ol-green-christmas-decorations.html.

4. LIBERA Wows the Philippines3. The Philippines is featured prominently in the highly regarded adventure magazine “Wanderlust”, which has a monthly distribution of roughly 37,000 copies and a UK readership of 90,000. This special edition of Wanderlust will be available for over-the-counter sales, not just for one month but two (from December 2009 to January 2010). This doubles the exposure of the Philippines to the British travelling public. More importantly, this edition is specifically entitled “Where to Travel in 2010” and the Philippines finds itself at the very top of the list! Mark Stratton wrote this 10-page article after his visit to the Philippines in May/June 2009. His trip was arranged by the Department of Tourism, London, with assistance from Cathay Pacific Airways and Bamboo Travel. Many of Mr. Stratton’s inland journeys were made using public transport, so he really experienced the real Philippines as he travelled from Banaue up north to Siquijor in the Visayas. As it turned out, Mark was totally fascinated by his adventure, as may be gleaned from his reportage. For an online copy of the article, please click on the link below. However, it is certainly much more impressive as a hardcopy, so we encourage you to get a few copies for yourselves and your other friends. Hopefully, this article will create a lot of interest and positive feedback for Philippine tourism, despite what is currently heard in the news. The link to the (14mb) online copy is: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/781450055/a65309addf53de9d900a4319ce5bf4cc
- Mr. Chicoy Enerio, Tourism Attache