KaBlogs - Blogs ng mga Kabayan sa Abroad

Homecoming for Alfredo Salmos set

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Thoughtskoto) — Sun, 20 May 2012 06:24:00 +0000

News Release

Blas F. Ople Policy Center

May 20, 2012

Homecoming for Alfred Salmos set; family conveys thanks to FB users

Two years after suffering severe burns due to electrocution, overseas Filipino worker Alfredo Salmos is finally arriving home.

The 52-year old electrician from Nueva Ecija conveyed his gratitude to all Facebook users who wrote about his plight, uploaded videos about him on their page, and exerted pressure through social media for the government to help bring him home. The OFW suffered electrocution when he was shutting down a 14,000-volts breaker in February 2010 and was comatose for one month. An Indonesian couple has been caring for him since then. It was only recently, when his video and photo became viral, that help started to pour in, and arrangements to bring him home gained traction.

OFW advocate Susan Ople, who has been assisting the family in arranging for Alfred’s homecoming, said that the outpouring of concern from Filipino Facebook users and social media enthusiasts around the world signify a sea-change in how social media directly impacts on cases of distressed OFWs.

“The outpouring of support for Alfred Salmos demonstrates the power of Facebook as a platform for OFW assistance and empowerment,” Ople noted.

During this morning’s Tinapayan media forum in Manila, Alfred’s younger sister, Epifania Salmos Colina gave special thanks to the first Facebook user who posted Salmos’s photo and wrote about his plight. “Gusto ko man banggitin ang pangalan ay baka may mga makaligtaan ako kaya sa tamang oras na lamang po namin babanggitin lahat lahat ng dapat pasalamatan,” Epifania said.

Herself a former OFW, Alfred’s younger sister said that the family’s immediate priority is to give him time to rest and have private moments with his mother and siblings as well as to ensure that his medical needs are attended to. The last time that Alfred saw his mother was seven years ago during a brief vacation in the country.

“Sa amin po titira si Kuya at aalagan namin siya ng husto. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga tumulong at gustong tumulong sa kanya,” Colina said. (“My brother will stay with us and we will take good care of him. We would like to thank all those who helped him and who’d like to help him.”)

Alfred’s sister also acknowledged the assistance of the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration, the Villar Foundation and the Office of Senator Aquilino Pimentel III.

Senator Manny Villar and the Villar Foundation headed by his wife, former congresswoman Cynthia Villar, pledged to help with the medical expenses and livelihood assistance while Atty. Gwen Pimentel-Gana, chief of staff of the Office of Senator Koko Pimentel offered to coordinate with the Philippine General Hospital for the OFW’s medical treatment.

Previously, Alfred’s sister was also a beneficiary of the Villar Foundation’s Sagip OFW program when she availed of a free ticket home after running away from her abusive employer in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon had earlier assured the Salmos family that Alfred would receive his full disability benefits as OWWA member as well as livelihood assistance. The OWWA official has also directed her staff to provide airport and transportation assistance to Salmos.

Ople appealed in behalf of the Salmos family: “I hope that we can all welcome Alfred Salmos home as a brother who suffered enormous physical and emotional pain while in Saudi Arabia. He deserves a warm, friendly, and dignified welcome after everything that he had to endure mostly by himself in Saudi Arabia.”

The NGO noted that Saudi Prince Mishaal bin Abdulaziz al Saud was instrumental in the waiver of fees accruing from the time Alfred’s car was impounded due to a car accident in 1998.

OFWs Romy Carbonel, Frank Resma, Joseph Espiritu and volunteers of Patnubay Riyadh among several others, assisted Alfred in sending a personal letter in Arabic addressed to the Office of the Governor of Jeddah to waive the accumulated fees that barred him from leaving Saudi Arabia. Jeddah-based OFW blogger Jebee Kenji Solis also helped out in gathering donations from fellow OFW bloggers throughout the world. Other NGOs, Facebook users, and Saudi-based OFWs have been helping Alfred Salmos in coordination with the family and the Philippine Consulate.

OFW's and NGOs in Jeddah during a Dinner for a Cause for Mang Alredo Salmos

In his appeal to Prince al Saud, Alfred Salmos wrote: “Your Royal Highness, I believe that you are fair regardless of race, color or creed. Please send me home to my country. I want to see my family. I haven't seen them for quite a long time. In the Philippines I have a family who can take care of me. Please tell the Moroor to clear any penalty for my car registration and to consider my physical condition for humanitarian considerations.”

The Prince granted the plea of Alfred Salmos, all fees were waived, and in a matter of days, the OFW most featured in the pages of Pinoy Facebook users around the world, shall soon be home.

For those who wish to help OFW Alfred Salmos, please get in touch with the Blas F. Ople Center via 833-5337/833-9562 for coordination purposes. Donations can be channelled to the bank account set up by Alfred’s sister: Epifania Reem S. Colina, BPI Carmen West Rosales Pangasinan #0639-0859-29.

Thanks to Patnubay Group! Mang Alfredo Salmos Can Come Home Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Thoughtskoto) — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:30:00 +0000

This is a repost from PEBA 2011 NGO Partner, Patnubay Online Blog Post.

Patnubay Mission : To Clear the Car Registration Records of OFW Salmos and Send him Home.

Once again napatunayan natin na ang kakulangan sa kaalaman ang dahilan ng mga problema ng mga OFWs. Ang puno’t dulo ng problemang ito ay yong hindi alam ni Mr. salmos na dapat iclear ang sasakyan kahit na-impound na. At ang kakulangan sa kaalaman naman ng karamihan, maging sa ating mga tauhan ng ating konsulada, sa proceso kung papano resolbahin ang mga ganitong kaso. Sa tulongan natin napatunayan ni Mr. Salmos na napakadali lang pala ng kanyang problema na kung alam nya lang na ganito lang pala ang gagawin ay noon pa sana sya nakauwi.

Maiintindihan natin kung kulang sa kaalaman si Mr. Salmos sa proceso dahil hindi naman sya katulad sa atin na kabisado ang mga batas at proceso dito.. Pero ang hirap tanggapin na walang alam ang ating consulada sa pagresolba ng mga simpleng problemang katulad nito na nailapit sa kanila last October 2011 pa. Or talagang sadya bang pinatagal or mga tamad lamang or wala sa puso ang pagtulong at nakalimutan ang pinanumpaang tungkulin na dapat tulongan tayong mga OFWs.

In all fairness to Congen Garibay, I have strong hope sa kanya na mapabago nya ang mga ugali ng mga tauhan ng ating consulada. Ang kaso ni Mr. Salmos ay napakasimple lamang kung tutuusin.

To Read the rest of the post, read it here:

PEBA wishes to thank also other NGOs and all the donors and supporters from around the world who kindheartedly sent their donations via Paypal and by contributions so Mang Fred will have the means na mapagamot ang kanyang mga burns. We are hoping more people will extend help, and OWWA and POEA and other agencies will assist him when he gets home.Thank you! Salamat! Shokran!

©2012 KABLOGS, Blogs ng mga Kababayan sa Abroad

Nine OFWs win cash prizes in SSS promo

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Thoughtskoto) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 04:22:00 +0000

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said the nine winners will each receive P10,000 as cash prize under the Member-Get-Member (MGM) promo, which offers incentives to OFWs who encourage other overseas workers to become active SSS members.

"OFWs can win as 'nominators' through payment of contributions and referral of newly-active overseas workers or 'nominees' to the SSS. Participating members help fellow OFWs prepare for the future by urging them to be covered members," he said.

The list of winners for January include Teophe Quijano Mendaros (Brunei); Cristina Cananea Quimado and Maria Riza Santander Wabinga (Hong Kong); Mocita Maron Manuel (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia); and Pensees Dawny Rodriguez Figueroa and Gemma Soriano Biong (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates).

TO JOIN, CLICK HERE https://www.sss.gov.ph/sss/index2.jsp?secid=2064&cat=6&pg=null

London-based OFWs Edgar Serrano Grande, Ma Christina Jagonos Garcia and Ryazan Dalane Sison Duray also won. A total of 45 winning nominators, or nine per month, will be drawn in the remaining monthly raffle draws from February to June.

"Winners will be notified by SSS through registered mail and email, which they will present along with their UMID card or two valid IDs in claiming their prize. They may claim their prize as check or have it credited to their bank account on or before December 1," he said.

Nominees and nominators with posted contributions for January to June 2012 will gain a raffle entry to the MGM Grand Draw on September 7.The grand prize is a vacation package worth P160,000 inclusive of round-trip airfare to Manila plus trip to Boracay for two with four-day hotel accommodation and pocket money.

The SSS will also draw two 2nd prize winners of P30,000 each; three 3rd prize winners of P20,000 each; and ten winners of P10,000 each as consolation prizes. The nominator with the most number of nominees will receive P50,000 and a plaque of appreciation.

OFWs can register for the promo thru the SSS website (www.sss.gov.ph) and at SSS foreign offices until June 30, and at local branches, including SSS' office at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration headquarters in Mandaluyong City, until June 29.

The Board of Judges for the MGM raffle draws includes De Quiros; Commissioner Daniel Edralin, who heads the Social Security Commission's Committee on OFWs; and Antonette Fernandez, SSS Assistant Vice President of the Internal Audit Service Division.

Also part of the Board are Luther Calderon, President of the Kabalikat ng Migranteng Pilipino (KAMPI) which is a non-government organization for OFWs, and Pete Rahon, who is the Luzon and Metro Manila Coordinator of the Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards (PEBA).

Paano na kaming mga maiiwan?

noreply@blogger.com (LordCM) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Repost from LordCM's Blog

Isa sa pinakaimportanteng Ahensya ng Gobyerno ng Pilipinas ang Embahada na matatagpuan sa kahit saang panig ng mundo na may mga Filipino. Sila ang nagiging gabay o bantay ng mga Filipino sa ibang bansa, upang kahit papaano'y maging ligtas ang bawat OFW.

Sa halos walong na taon kong narito sa Palau, Minsan na rin akong nakapunta sa Philippine Embassy, ito ay nuong maexpired ang passport ko. Oo nga't sistema ng Pilipinas pa rin ang pinapairal nila sa Embahada, may mga kaunting kang mairereklamo, pero kung susumahin, mas marami ang magandang gawa kaysa hindi. Tulad na lang ng pagrerenew ng passport, di mo na kailangan pumila o magpaschedule para lang maghintay ng ilang buwan bago makapagparenew ng passport. Kaunting pirma dito, pirma duon, balik ka makalipas ang isang buwan, bago na ang passport mo.

Sa minsan pagpunta ko sa Embahada, dito ko rin nakita ang mga Kababayan nating minaltrato ng kani-kanilang amo. Sila yung mga Kababayan natin nakahanap ng paraan upang makatakas sa kanilang amo at magsumbong sa Embahada. Dahil sa tutuo lang, at sa pagkakaalam ko, Embahada lamang ang makakatulong sa kanila, ito lang ang makakapagbigay proteksyon sa kanila laban sa malulupit nilang amo, at ito lang ang magbibigay pag-asa sa kanila upang makabalik ng Pilipinas at makasamang muli ang kanilang pamilya. Kumbaga, sa Embahada lang sila ligtas sa kapahamakan.

Pero, sadya nga yatang mapaglaro ang tadhana. Nitong nakaraang araw may mga lumabas na balita na kasama ang Palau sa labindalawang bansa na tatanggalan ng Embahada sa kadahilanang kulang sa pondo ang ating Gobyerno.

Sa tutuo lang, napakasamang balita ito para sa mahigit apat na libong Filipinong umaasa sa tulong ng ating Embahada. Paano na lang ang mga Kababayan nating minalas at napunta sa mapagmaltratong amo? Saan na sila ngayon pupunta? Saan sila hihingi ng tulong?

Paano na kaming mga maiiwan?

Sana lang umabot ang blog post na ito sa kinauukulan pati na rin ang petisyon na ginagawa ngayon ng The Filipino Community na mapigilan pa ang pag-alis ng Embahada ng Pilipinas dito sa Palau.

Opposition to PhilHealth Circular 022 Increasing OFW Contribution from P900 to P2,400

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Thoughtskoto) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:28:00 +0000

News Release

Blas F. Ople Policy Center

December 20, 2011

NGOs, OFW bloggers oppose Philhealth circular raising premiums of OFW members

Several non-government organizations involved in overseas employment issues banded together to oppose Philhealth Circular No. 022 that would nearly triple the amount of premiums to be paid by overseas Filipino workers by next year.

Philhealth convened a consultative meeting with a handful of non-profit organizations representing overseas Filipino workers this morning. Walter Bacareza, vice-president of its Member Management Group presented the agency's plans to increase membership rates including that of OFWs as well as the Board's intention to "revolutionize" healthcare services in the country. Philhealth vice-president for corporate affairs Gregorio Rulloda was also present in the meeting.

Former labor undersecretary Susan Ople of the Blas F. Ople Center, Luther Calderon, president of the Kabalikat ng Migranteng Pilipino, Inc., Apostol Gratela, chairman of the Kalahi-Advocate for Overseas Filipinos and Jun Aguilar of the Filipino Migrant Workers' Group objected to the planned increases citing the lack of consultations with the labor and overseas workers' sectors. With two weeks to go before the new rates are imposed, the health agency issued the invitations for today's consultative meeting to a handful of OFW sector representatives only yesterday. The circular itself was issued on December 15.

"On January 2, unless the Philhealth Board withdraws its circular, all overseas workers would be paying 300 pesos more for their Philhealth premium and for those unable to pay that amount within the first six months of 2012, they would have to pay 2,400 pesos as annual premium from July onwards, a huge amount compared to the current 900 pesos being shelled out by every OFW. These new rates are being imposed without consultations, without clear explanations, and without consideration given the heavy financial burdens already being experienced by our migrant workers' given the series of calamities and continued slowdown in the world economy," the leaders of the said NGOs said.

During the consultative meeting, Philhealth officials explained that the higher premiums would allow the agency to meet its performance targets as well as attain the country's Millennium Development Goals and aspiration for universal health care coverage. Vice-President Bacareza also cited the GOCC Governance Act of 2011 that includes a performance evaluation of all GOCCs.

"It is unfortunate that the Philhealth Board of Directors decided to issue and release this new circular while the nation is grieving over the deaths of so many of our compatriots in Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and other parts of the Visayans and Mindanao regions. We question the timing, the lack of consultations, and the inexplicable haste by which this new circular is now being imposed not only on our OFWs but on all workers covered by Philhealth," Susan Ople said.

Jun Aguilar of the Filipino Migrant Workers' Group who was a former OFW in Saudi Arabia said that most OFWs are not even aware of the benefits due them as Philhealth members. "My son is an OFW and he relies on the more efficient health care system in Saudi Arabia rather than Philhealth because that is where he is situated. Why should he now pay triple the cost of premium to enable Philhealth to meet its own internal targets?"

Aguilar also cited a provision in the Amendments to the Migrant Workers' Act otherwise known as Republic Act No. 10022 that prohibits any increases in government fees for services rendered to OFWs.

Another OFW advocate, Luther Custodio, objected to the planned increase and called for a more intensified information campaign from Philhealth about its "revolutionary" changes to the current national health program.

Moves to oppose the Philhealth premium increases are set to snowball with the participation of OFW bloggers that founded the annual Philippine Expat/OFW Bloggers Award (PEBA). PEBA founder Jebee Solis who is based in Saudi Arabia said his group will blog against the new Philhealth circular citing the fact that most foreign companies obtain health insurance for foreign workers.

Philhealth officials who were present during the consultative meeting with the NGOs promised to report to the Board the concerns of the OFW sector on the impact of the abrupt increase in Philhealth premiums on the expenses of every departing worker, and on those wanting to renew their memberships.

"We are appealing to the Philhealth leadership to be more considerate given these extraordinarily difficult times. Every OFW with relatives in calamity-stricken areas will be relied upon to help defray the rebuilding of homes, and the sustenance of their surviving kin. We seek a deferment of Philhealth Circular No. 022 pending more extensive consultations and so that all of us can focus our efforts and attention in helping out those devastated by the floods in Mindanao," the civil society leaders said.

OFFICIAL LIST of 2011 PEBA NOMINEES

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Thoughtskoto) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 03:37:00 +0000

Here are the lists of the OFFICIAL PEBA NOMINEE LIST PER DIVISION

OFW DIVISION, BLOG ENTRY

1. OFW Chronicles, Pinoy Abroad, Doha, Qatar

2. El Stupendo Files, Alberta Canada

3. Buhay OFW, Doha, Qatar

4. Field of Dreams: Abdul Hakeem , London, UK

5. BlogEoz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

6. JP Quidores' Window, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

7. Kuya Poklong, OFW Ako, Kuwait City, Kuwait

8. Pinoy Samut-Sari, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

9. Diary Ni Gracia, Kuwait City, Kuwait

10. Ang Blog Ni Ana Banana, Abu Dhabi, UAE

11. The Backpack Man, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

12. blissfully RICH, Abu Dhabi, UAE

13. When She Cries, She Writes, Dubai, UAE

14. Paghahanda sa Pag-uwi, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

15. KrisJewel, It's All About My Daily Life, Abu Dhabi UAE

16. BulakBolero, Singapore

17. CARLO MAGNO, Life Beneath the Desert Sun, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

18. First Time in KOREA, South Korea

19. The Gasoline Dude, Singapore, Singapore

20. Alohagems Online, Lihue, Hawaii

21. About OFWs, , Riyadh, KSA

22. PinkDiaries, Thailand

23. My Yellow Bells, Dubai, UAE

24. Michael's Shades of Blue, Riyadh, KSA

25. Applefunks12, Maidan Hawalli Kuwait

HOME BASED DIVISION, BLOG ENTRY

1. My World is Getting Smaller, Quezon City

2. Kwentong Makulit... Tanauan City Batangas

3. PSYCHABLES, Davao City

4. CuteBerl, Quiapo, Manila

5. Oh My Doodles!, Cavite

6. A Boy Named Xander, Makati

7. +dreamland+, Meycauayan, Bulacan

8. Jay Rulez, Cabuyao, Laguna

9. Hiram na Kaligayahan , Las Pinas City

10. Blessed Zyra, San Pedro, Laguna

11. aspectos de hitokiriHOSHI, Quezon City MM

12. Kol Mi Empi, Quezon City, MM

13. The Filipino-Japanese Journal, Quezon City, MM

14. Tuyong Tinta ng Bolpen, Padre Garcia, Batangas

15. Japan Style, Pasig City

16. Ang Alingawngaw ng Taribong, Makati

17. Ako.Ian.Tamad, Rizal Phils.

NOKIA ESSAY CONTEST

Nokia Family

Somewhere in the World there is an OFW

Nokia and My Sister

Ang Kasaysayan ng Nokia Cellphone sa ating Buhay

My First Cellphone

The Operation: Snakes

Magic

Nokia: My Inheritance

STANDARD o SPECIAL?

TUTUTUT-TUTUT-TUTUTUT

My Nokia Shining Moment

Si Blue

Salamat sa Lahat - Isa Kang Alamat

Most Memorable Experience with my Nokia Phone

NOKIA "re-Connecting People"

Kahit na NOKIA N70 lang ang Cellphone Ko

The Virtual Handkerchief

aNO KIA Memory? 3210!

Pinaglumaang Nokia

I Own a Nokia and I Own a Destiny

Tarti-triten: Simbolo ng Tagumpay

The Amazing Grace of Nokia

ANYWHERE, ANY BLOGGER CATEGORY

Personal Blog

Kwentong Makulit, Parang Ulay Sa Puwet

Dose of Influence

+dreamland+

A Boy Named Xander

Blissfully RICH

Mary Jane’s Niche

Cuteberl’s World: Panibagong Simula

X-SPOT

Carlo Magno

My So-Called Life

My Yellow Bells

Jay Rulez

Semidoppel’s Reports

Anything Under the Sun

I Conquer

Blessed Zyra

aspectos de hitokiriHOSHI

Ghillcorner.com

Psychables

Ako.Ian.Tamad

L Abad

Picture! Picture! Blog

Me,Mice- Self and I

Camera ni Cabrera

Al Ain City Daily Photo

Photo Craft

A Little Bitof Something

Trabyaheng Blog (Travel Blog)

Pusang Kalye

No Spam No Virus No Kiddin’!

The Backpack Man

RichardDiongson.Com

Digifotoblog.com

The Travel Teller

Confessions of a Pinay Travel Junkie

From Nasugbu to the World

Dream World Travel

Lakwatsera de Primera

www.juanderfulpinoy.com

OFW Advocacy Blog

Diary ni Gracia

OFW Ako!

Buhay OFW

The Filipino-Japanese Journal

The Hotdog Stand

myphotographics

Flavours of Iloilo

Pinoy Food Recipes: Lutong Pinoy na Pinoy

Pinoy Tsibog

Food and Health

MOKONG

Tech At Hand Dot Net

AskHideki.com

The Visual Merchandising

Tuyong Tinta ng Bolpen

Tula, Kwentula at Opinyon ni “Dregm”

Window Lad

Momsicle

PEBA 2011 to Honor Homecoming Heroes

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Thoughtskoto) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:19:00 +0000

News from the ABSCBN News

Contest for OFW bloggers launched

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 10/11/2011 9:06 AM | Updated as of 10/11/2011 9:06 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino bloggers from all over the world are invited to participate in the 2011 Pinoy Expats/ OFW Blog Awards (PEBA).
Interested Filipino expats and OFWs are asked to submit blog entries on this year's theme is "Ako'y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko'y Pagbabago" (I Will Return, I Will Bring Change.)

Organizers said the contest will look into how returning Filipino expats and OFWs make use and share "social remittance" or their talents and skills to bring change to their families, communities and country. Social remittance is defined by PEBA as ideas and practices that are brought from an overseas country to the Philippines.

To qualify for the contest, the blog must be managed by an OFW, Filipino expat or half-Filipino who is living temporarily or permanently in a country other than the Philippines.

The PEBA is also introducing a new blog search called "Any Blogger, Anywhere" for Filipinos, whether based in the Philippines or abroad, who write about different topics such as politics, health well-being, finance and travel.

For more details, visit PEBA website http://www.pinoyblogawards.com.
PEBA is a non-profit, non-stock organization of international Filipino bloggers from different parts of the world.

News from the Philippine Star:

Int'l Blog Awards to honor homecoming of Pinoys worldwide

Home Updated October 11, 2011 05:14 PM 0 comment to this post

Pinoy Expats OFW Blog Awards (PEBA), Inc., an international alliance of Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and Pinoy Expatriate Bloggers will put to center stage the return of Philippines modern-day heroes as PEBA 2011 celebrates the “homecoming” of OFWs and Filipino Expatriates.  Joining this year’s celebration are Ayala Malls, Nokia and Globe Telecoms.

PEBA is on its fourth year of recognizing blogs written from all over the world by Filipino workers and expatriates.  This year is unique from the previous awards night as it will also honor the talent of Filipinos abroad in the field of photography.

“We wanted to bring a message to the world that despite the hardship experienced by our fellow Filipinos working or residing abroad, we continuously think of returning to the Philippines with honor and our dignity intact.” according to Mr. Segre, Director of Global Affairs.  The focus this year is to promote the beauty of the Philippines and declare that OFWs and Filipino expatriates are returning home to effect positives changes learned from their respective host countries.  The theme, "Ako’y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko’y Pagbabago" (I Will Return, I Will Bring Change) brings to life the aspiration of Filipino workers abroad.

PEBA is going back to the basic; it will bring the advocacy to a wider audience by increasing PEBA’s visibility in the shopping malls. We want to come closer to the hearts of Filipino people, including to those who do not blog, to the mall-going Filipinos and help us campaign for change and support the blogging Filipinos abroad.

We would like to promote the importance of blogging because it enable and empower Filipinos in various parts of the world, encouraging them to express their thoughts, ideas and share their individual experiences.

The PEBA 2011 awards night will be held in Trinoma Activity Center on Dec. 9, 2011 at 5pm.  The winning entries of PEBA 2011 Photo Contest will be exhibited in Market Market Mall and will be attended by OFW advocates in the government, diplomatic corps and NGOs.

Contact Information:
Pete E. Rahon | PEBA 2011 Chairman
Mobile: +63917-733-7152 | Email: peterahon@pinoyblogawards.com
OR
Mark Aethen Agana | Head of Public Relations and Media Affairs
Mobile: +63927.339.1454 | E-mail: mark.agana@pinoyblogawards.com
OR
F. Jigs G. Segre | Director of Global Affairs & Strategic Initiatives
U.S. Contact No.: +1510.589.2950 | E-mail: jigsegre@pinoyblogawards.com

Visit www.pinoyblogawards.com for more media resources.

PEBA 2011 First Batch of Nominees

noreply@blogger.com (The Pope) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 12:39:00 +0000

Presenting our first batch of 2011 PEBA Nominees in a video.

Note, for better sound and quality, watch in HD format.

We would like to invite you to join our exciting for this year

BLOG ENTRY CONTEST, Nomination Form

ANY BLOGGER, ANYWHERE! Nominate a Blog

NOKIA ESSAY CONTEST, Nomination Form

For blog entry contest, in OFW and Home Based bloggers Division, we will be awarding the prestigious Top 10 Bloggers of the Year. The Most Popular Blog Award is another prestigious award with trophy for the most number of accumulated Facebook Likes, Poll result and number of comments. Voting will start earlier, that is September 1, 2011 until December 5, 2011.

Nokia Essay Writing contest will win a Nokia phone and other cool gadgets.

Blog entry nominees and Nokia Essay contestants are eligible to join the raffle promo and will have the chance to win in the raffle of LCD TV, Netbook/Slim CPUs, Nokia Phones and other gadgets.

JOIN PEBA CONTESTS NOW!

click here to comment… for bloggers

Any Blogger, Anywhere!

noreply@blogger.com (The Pope) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:00:00 +0000

We always believe that we have the obligation to honor bloggers, OFW and supporters of our cause. We conceived the idea of honoring bloggers in different categories two years ago, and we recognize the fact that not all can relate to our yearly theme, or that not all are good in writing essays and stories or conveying their message through words. We hope our friends and fellow bloggers will support this idea and join this unique PEBA 2011 Awards!

Read and nominate now!

ANY BLOGGER, ANYWHERE!

General Guidelines

1. Overseas and local (home based or Philippine bloggers) can join the contest. PEBA nominees in the blog entry division can still be nominated in the category division.

2. At least 6 months presence in the blogging world with at least one post per month.

3. Blog should be 60% personal in nature and not more than 40% commercial or paid ads blog posts. To qualify for a specific blog category, the blog site must contain at least 60% posts related to the category it is intending to join/participate from the 6 months of his blogging career.

4. In the event that a blog has been nominated by friends to different categories, the Nominated Blogger will be contacted by the Contest Secretariat through a Verification Form to confirm his/her PREFERRED CHOICE in the blog category that he/she intends to join.

5. During the Pre-Selection stage, the Contest Secretariat will assess and review the blog contents of all nominees and determine if each Nominee’s blog are properly classified in the correct blog group category (e.g. If a blog contains a multi or combination of personal, photo blog articles and travel blogs, for the last 6 months, his blog posts/articles will be re-assessed from the last 6 months on which category he/she has written most. If 6 months is not enough to determine the site categorization requirement, we can go further within the last 12 months of their blog career.)

6. All nominees shall be informed of their nomination for acceptance and the correct category that their blog will be entered into the contest as determined by the Secretariat.

7. Blogger who maintained various blog sites can have his/her site nominated at different categories however, he is only entitled to one blog per category. (i.e. A blogger has 3 blog sites, one is dedicated to photo blog and the remaining two sites are both for travel blogs. In the contest, he is only allowed to enter one blog for the photo blog category, and he/she has to choose on his/her remaining two sites on which one to enter for the travel blog)

8. Previous PEBA winners, except for current PEBA volunteers/bloggers are allowed to be nominated and to join in the contest.

9. Blog posts that contains sexually explicit, extreme violence or offensive languages which are not suitable for Age Group "below 18 years old" MUST BE properly declared, tagged and labeled before joining to warn the general public that the blog contents is suitable for adult and mature readers only.

10. Blog posts that contain articles that directly invoke racism (discrimination based on race and ethnic belief & skin color, religious belief, sex and sexual preferences including articles that demean the Overseas Filipino Workers) are prohibited to join this event.

11. If you find your friends or even yourself and your blog qualified for this event - Fill up the Nomination Form and read the Nomination Process.

12. A FAQ will be presented in the contest page and subject items will be introduced as necessary as we meet new queries that warrant posting on the FAQ page.

Nomination Process to the Category Division

1. PEBA invites blog writers, readers and followers to fill up the nomination form to endorse and nominate their favorite blog sites for the PEBA 2011.

2. Blog sites that are endorsed and nominated by bloggers, readers and followers must meet the PEBA General Eligibility Requirements of the PEBA 2011.

3. All blog site owners/authors who are endorsed and nominated shall be contacted by the PEBA Secretariat through email for confirmation purposes within the next few days.

4. Nominated (endorsed) blogger are requested to review the Nomination Form data given by his/her endorser for any changes and fill up other missing information’s that maybe required by the Secretariat and subsequently, nominee must submit their confirmation of their nomination by forwarding the e-mail back to the PEBA Secretariat.

5. Nominated blogger who meets all the requirements and accepts their nomination will receive a Nominee Badge from the PEBA Secretariat through e-mail and it must be displayed in his/her blog sidebar linking to PEBA Awards, www.pinoyblogawards.com as a verification requirement throughout the

contest.

A. AWARDS CATEGORIES

1. Personal Blog - Blogs written by individuals about themselves which does not necessarily adhere to a specific theme but must be specifically be about the blogger's life, his first hand account on events and his personal experiences.

2. Showbiz and Sports Blog - An entertainment blog that discuss or promote entertainment industry ranging from TV shows, theater acts, and movie films, musical shows, concerts and popular music. Sports blog discuss or analyze anything sports-related, including professional sports team, sports players and other related content.

3. Food Blog - Blog which focuses on food and recipes and its preparations which may also include restaurants reviews.

4. Fun and Entertainment Blog- Lighthearted and funny blog about life and everything that will make a reader smile or laugh

5. Gadgets and Tech Blog - This category discusses about electronic gadgets, mobiles and computers, tablets and video game consoles and other electronic machine and new gadget inventions.

6. Negosyo, Entrepreneurship and Investment Blog - Blog that focuses on world commerce which covers the modern business trends such as marketing & finance and advertising. It also discusses about remittances, rates and OFW opportunities for entrepreneurship.

7. Wellness, Beauty and Kakikayan Blog - Blog topics on beauty, fashion, personal styling, clothing, cosmetics and accessories and other related contents for men and women.

8. Literary Blog - Blogs on contemporary and modern prose and poetry where style, narrative forms and literrary merits are shared. This includes literary reviews on reviews on literary books and poems from popular authors.

9. Family and/or Inspirational Blog - This category is for blogs which center around the topics of family, raising children, marriages and relationship and inspirational, any religious and spiritual content.

10. Picture! Picture! Blog - Blog which present and feature photographs taken by the author or others and post or shared as a blog.

11. Biyaheng Blog (Travel Blog) - This category is for blog which explore world travel, tourism, travel writings which include personal account and experiences of country's culture and visited sites.

B. CRITERIA and JUDGING PROCESS

1. There will be two phases of judging process.

Selection of Finalist based on the following - A PEBA pre-selection committee (Finalists Jurors) will review all the blogs based on the following criteria’s in each category:

• Form (30%) (Element, Blog Layout, Theme, Design)

• Substance (50%) (Total Impact and Over All Blog Content)

• Originality (20%) (Uniqueness among other nominees in a particular category)

(A single or few nominees on a particular category does not guarantee a win. PEBA has certain criteria’s and standard that will be used to assess blog entries.)

2. PEBA General Board of Trustees and other selected judges will determine the final winner in each category. All the BOT and judges decisions are final, protests or reconsideration is not allowed.

3. The PEBA BOT will pick the blog winner in each category that they all believe has made a greater impact to the Filipino’s at home and abroad than the rest of the finalists.

4. Each winner in every category will receive an online badge, and a framed PEBA Certificate. Other awards and prizes, if there’s any will be announced later.

5. Deadline of nomination will be on October 31st 2011,
11:59 P.M. Philippine time.

For more details regarding the contest, email us at nominees@pinoyblogawards.com

The Nomination Form:

Fill the nomination form below

********************************************************************

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Maling Balita Para sa Mga OFWs sa Saudi Arabia

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Thoughtskoto) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 15:24:00 +0000

Nabasa natin sa balita kamakailan lang about dito:

John Leonard Monterona of Migrante-Middle East also said, however, that their organization has been receiving reports of OFWs whose passports were stamped “exit only,” despite having exit/re-entry visas. "There were 4 OFW-engineers who have called me and our Migrante officers in Riyadh as they were surprised that their respective exit/re-entry visa had been stamped 'Exit' only by the Saudi immigration officer at the counter," Monterona said in a statement.

Also, this video report:

Takot nang magbakasyon ang ilang OFWs na nasa Saudi Arabia. Nangangamba sila na wala na silang mababalikang trabaho

Dahil sa iba't ibang news na naglalabasan, and kung sino-sinong nagsasabi na ganito at ganyan, nagpalabas ang Patnubay Riyadh ng sagot sa mga balitang ito. The post below was taken from the Patnubay Riyadh reaction and excerpts to the news above, specifically about "Exit Only" stamping at the airport and was permitted to post it at Kablogs website. Read the full details by clicking the link of the Patnubay Riyadh

‎"Exit Only" na stamp sa Airport? Hindi rin ako makapaniwala na hindi man lang tayo kinontak na dito sa Middle East at matagal na sa Saudi Arabia bilang Kablogs at aktibong blogger, ng MEDIA kung may katotohanan ba ang balitang ito.

"1. These rumors started from Indian community last month na kumalat sa mga emails.

2. Hindi natin ito pinatulan dahil we know the procedurers.. hindi ka naman makapagfile ng exit, kung hindi pa tapos ang contract, hindi pa naibigay ang benefits ESB, unpaid salaries and others. May clearance po na pipirmahan both by the worker and the employer. And this will be submitted to the Ministry of Labor for approval. Then it will be forwarded to the Jawasat for FINAL Exit visa stamping.

Before ka maaprove for FINAL exit ay kailangan mo pang mag- electronic fingerprint..
Kasama din sa checking kung may pending police cases ka, utang sa bangko or credit
cards, traffic violations and others..

Okay granted na maimplement pa ang NITAQAT , ang procedure na yan pa rin sa taas ang
masusunod..Pero ang pagbabasehan ay hindi lang ang date ng end of contract.. kundi pati
na rin ang date ng expiration ng iqama.. Kung ano ang ma-una magexpire ay yon ang
masusunod. Though some companies ay maaring mag-extend ng contract ng workers
hanggang sa based sa expiration ng IQAMA

3. The saudi government clearly answered that these Indian rumors are not true.. here is
the link

"Rumors of expatriates having their exit-re-entry visas switched to exit-only visas at airports have no basis, said Passport Department officials across the Kingdom.“There is absolutely no truth to it,” said Mohammad Al-Husayn, spokesman for the Passport Department in Makkah province. “If it is an exit/re-entry visa then it cannot be changed at the airports. The final exit is stamped only after a series of steps are taken both by the employee and the employer.”

http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article458446.ece?

4. I know the Indian community napakarami nila dito na sabihin nating nakabenefit sa
pagtratrabaho sa saudi arabia.. may mga negosyante, may mga nasa opisina..
Naintindihan natin na takot sila sa nitaqat kung maimplement dahil isa sila ang
pinakamaraming maapektuhan; kaya siguro sila gumagawa ng ganung kwento.. maybe to
call the attention of their government.. or ano pang reason...

5. Sa part naman natin, may mga takot din kami dito and we are asking our own
government na tulongan kami kung sakaling mapauwi kami ng bigla.. Pero kami na mga
professionals ay hindi magresort sa paggawa ng tsismis.

...

7. If talagang panindigan nya na totoo ang sinabi nya then dapat may mga tao syang

makapagsalita na ganito nga ang nangyari.. Then ipakita nila ang kanilang exit-reentry visa
(or photocopy) at yong sinabi nilang EXIT only na nastamped sa passport.

8. Para sa mga hindi aware sa buhay saudi, ang exit re-entry visa natin ngayon ay
electronic na at nakaprint sa isang bond paper. Hindi na katulad dati na sticket nakadikit
sa aming mga passport.

So common sense na rin sa mga pinoy na magphotocopy nito.. Kung totoo na EXIT only
ang natatak sa kanilang visa.. then ipakita nila sa media ngayon ang kanilang exit re-entry
visa, then yong FINAL exit na nakastamp sa kanilang passport..

9. Last month, I had an argument with some indian friends, na kung sigurado sila na may
nangyaring ganun then magreklamo yong kakilala nila sa saudi embassy sa India..Sabi
nila ay wala na daw kopya ng exit-reentry visa dahil pinunit daw ng immigration.. eh sagot
ko naman common sense naman siguro na magphoto copy. use the photocopy. Ngayon
natahimik ang indian community pero itong monterona naman ang nagsalita..

10 . Heto ang procedure sa mga OFWs na umuwi with exit -reentry visa.. pagpasok mo sa
immigration, basahin ng officer yong exit-reentry visa mo, then tingnan yong mukha mo
sa passport kung pareho ba.. then magstamp ang officer doon sa exit-reentry visa (bond
paper), then doon sa isang page ng passport.. Since palabas ka ng saudi Arabia, then
EXIT ang ilalagay dyan..ang hugis ng stamp na yan ay rectangular.. then pagbalik mo
naman from vacation ay ENTRY naman ang ilagay dyan at oval shaped naman yong
stamped.

YAN siguro ang sinabi nila na EXIT only.. at kung itong Monterona ay alam lang ang
pinagsasabi.. Dapat aware sya , or dapat nagimbestiga sya. Sabagay nasanay naman
yan sa pagsagap ng mga balita.. at gagawa din ng sarili nyang balita ng panggamit ng
mga OFWs na walang pakialam kung ano ang maging epekto nito.

EXIT nga yan at walang entry na nakastamp dahil palabas ka pa lang.. kaya siguro EXIT
only.. pero hindi FINAL EXIT.. ang final exit maliban sa mahabang proceso ay mahaba din
yong nakasulat dyan sa passport at may isang extra paper (A4) pa for electronic purpose..

Read the full details here at Patnubay Riyadh

©2011 KABLOGS, Blogs ng mga Kababayan sa Abroad

KABLOGS Supports PEBA PROJECT NealShai

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Thoughtskoto) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:21:00 +0000

ORIGINALLY posted from

PEBA WEBSITE

NealShai, from Sharon Flores Facebook account, a jargon name of her 9 years old son and her name.

Who is she? She was a caregiver in Haifa, Israel. Her story was brought to PEBA's attention a few days ago by some of her concerned friends, fellow caregivers Mush and Mazelle.

They been doing everything they could to support Sharon and send her home. Why?

She is 32 years old single mom, and is working for 5 years as caregiver in Haifa. For more than one month, she had been hospitalized, and her friends and family learned from the doctor taking care of her, that she needs immediate medication and treatment for stomach cancer.

Her friends had been persistently asking the support of the embassy in Israel to repatriate Sharon so she can spend most of her remaining days with her son. The embassy said they can't help her because she was UNDOCUMENTED after her employer died of old age, and she decided to stay even without documents so she can support her son and family.

We found out that the embassy wanted Sharon to stay and stabilize at the hospital before flying home. The doctor advised otherwise because chemotherapy could weaken her more.

The letter below was from Mush, Sharon's friend and also a caregiver. We forwarded this letter to The Ople Center through the effort of Ms. Susan Ople, and the Patnubay who knew well the rules regarding this situation.

The Ople Center contacted the embassy in Israel, and do more of the contacting in Manila.

As of this writing, Sharon is being flown from Haifa to Manila.
We would like to plead for support moral and financial and donation, or even sponsorship of her son's education.

Sharon and her son

Here is the letter from Mush:

Magandang araw po sa inyong lahat.

Si Sharon Flores po, 32 years old, ay isang caregiver dito sa Israel. Mahigit isang buwan na po ang nakakaraan ng mag umpisang sumakit ang kanyang tyan, ayon po sa mga doktor, ang pananakit daw po ng kaniyang tyan ay sanhi ng appendicitis, kung kaya madalian po siyang inoperahan upang alisin ang knyang appendix. Ilang araw siyang tumagal sa hospital, hanggang pauwiin na sa kanyang bahay. Pagkaraan ng ilang araw, tumawag muli ang doktor sa kanya upang pabalikin sya sa hospital dahil may nakita silang iregularidad sa knyang sikmura. Mula noon ay ini confine sya sa hospital at sumailalalim sa iba't ibang tests. Pagkatapos ng ilang araw, lumabas ang findings ng doktor at nadiagnose sya na merong STOMACH CANCER, STAGE 4, at ipinayo ng mga doktor na iuwi na sya upang sa Pilipinas sumailalim ng chemotherapy. Sa kasalukuyan po ay naka confine pa din sya sa hospital habang hinihintay ang mga dokumentong kailangan nya sa kanyang pag uwi, at inaasahan po namin na makakauwi sya sa susunod na linggo.

Siya po ay isa lamang sa napakaraming Pilipino na nakikipagsapalaran sa bansang ito at nagtatrabaho kahit walang dokumento. Siya po ay nasa ilalim ng kategoryang UNDOCUMENTED WORKER, at sinabi po ng DFA na wala syang matatanggap na kahit na anong benipisyo mula sa gobyerno. Wala din pong maibigay na tulong pinansyal ang Philippine Embassy dito sa Israel o kahit na po sa OWWA ay di sya entitled sa kahit anong benifits dahil sa status nya . Bilang isang breadwinner ng pamilya, sya po ay walang ipon na pera at meron po syang 9 na taong gulang na anak na lalaki na nangangailangan ng suporta at pagmamahal nya. Sinubukan na po namin na makakolekta ng kaunting pera mula sa mga malalapit na kaibigan pero alam ko po na hindi yun sasapat para sa pagpapagamot nya.

Siya po ay isang mabuting halimbawa ng isang mabuting mamamayan, na handang ibigay ang lahat para sa mga mahal nya sa buhay, at sya din po ay kabilang sa mga bagong bayani ng ating bayan. Sayang po kung basta na lamang isusuko ang laban kung dahil lamang sa kakulangang pinansyal. Kaya po bilang isang kaibigan, na nakakita at nakasaksi sa kanyng kahirapan, idinudulog ko po sa inyo, at nagmamakaawa po ako, na sana ay tulungan nyo sya na madugtungan pa ang kanyang buhay, para sa kanyang anak na umaasa na sa paglaki nya ay may ina sya na makakatuwang sa buhay.

If you wish to donate or offer prayers and support for Sharon,

contact and bank details here

Mobile No. +639474773934

Bank Details

Name: Banco De Oro

Savings Account Name: Sharon Flores

Savings Account No.: 6320062362

or for more details please email at contact@pinoyblogawards.com

PEBA would like to thank again Maricel and Mazelle for their courage and unfaltering support to Sharon at the lowest times of her life, as well as the Ople Center and Patnubay Riyadh for helping our distressed Kababayans. Mabuhay po kayo!

We ask that you will repost this in your blogs as a way of support or share the link in your Facebook walls. Thank you.

PEBA, Globe Kababayan and the Pink Tarha Photo Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Thoughtskoto) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:18:00 +0000

Hello everyone, we're The Pink Tarha and we're proud to be a part of this year's PEBA and GLOBE Kababayan SIM by Globe Telecom Photo Contest! We'll put the girly, light factor in this competition, lol. Let's start with this:

Rain, clouds, more colors, vintage effect? What happened? Don't fret, it's still the PEBA 2011 Photo Contest. We just added a fun, very colorful side to it. Of course, it's hand-in-hand with the theme of the PEBA 2011 Blogging Contest. This is our first major project as a blog, and the first tie-up we have of PEBA Inc... please support us! Grab your cameras and shoot!

Here's the gist: All Filipinos living and residing abroad and of legal age are eligible to join this photo contest. Think of a subject/subjects that will show us where your heart is, what you consider "home." A home is not just a place, right? Capture your interpretation of the theme with the use of your cameras! We don't discriminate so you can use whatever camera you have, as long as you pour lots of creativity and mix in passion. :) Submit your photos (a maximum of 2) at pc@pinoyblogawards.com starting today until August 1, 2011. Worthy judges will be taking a look at your photographs and your family and friend can support you through the Facebook pages of PEBA, The Pink Tarha, and the Globe Kababayan. Winners will be receiving electronic gadgets and more prizes from our wonderful sponsors. For more information, please read THIS. (If that doesn't work because sometimes Google Docs is choosy aka nagiinarte, haha, then you can also click here. ;)

We'll be giving away Globe TipIDD cards worth P300 each for the first 50 participants. We'll be awaiting, rather eagerly, your wonderful photos! :)

Again, don't forget to read the full mechanics and rules HERE (It's a must!). It's just four pages and font 12 so it won't be stressful to read. If you have more questions such as why there are clouds and rain in the poster above or who's that guy holding the camera or why you should join, don't hesitate to email us at pc@pinoyblogawards.com or thepinktarha@gmail.com. Don't be shy now. :)

Kindly share this to your family, friends, and fellow photographers. More photos, more happiness shared. :)

HEROES HOMECOMING TOWARDS CHANGE

noreply@blogger.com (The Pope) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 11:40:00 +0000

The First Quarter Storm

Note: The photo of a boy holding a flag is an official entry of Analindenhann from Copenhagen Denmark,

The first quarter of 2011 is perhaps the most turbulent days of the Overseas Filipino Workers as they witness the political revolution in the Middle East and North Africa where thousands of OFWs were caught in the middle of domestic conflicts in countries such as Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Libya.

Even with these appalling events, Filipinos remain determined to continue following their dreams through migration in order to survive domestic poverty. The world could be cruel and unforgiving but also highly rewarding... because in every struggle, heroes emerge.

Leaving Is Not A Matter of Choice, Coming Back Is

Despite the varied reasons why Filipinos go abroad, nationalism is still evident on the narratives of the 12 million Filipinos scattered all over the world. PEBA has witnessed how OFWs take pride of our Filipino roots, our culture and our race. Filipinos abroad, after they have followed their dreams, have chosen to return, evident on how we are called... "Balikbayan." They return to share their talents, skills and fortunes in an effort to bring change to the families left behind, communities and country. Thus, PEBA 2011 is dedicated to our "balikbayans", the unsung heroes of our time. Their homecoming brings a spark of change to the lives of their loved ones and their homeland. PEBA 2011 honor them with the theme,

"Ako'y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko'y Pagbabago." (I Will Return, I Will Bring Change.)

The PEBA 2011 Challenge

PEBA 2011 will attempt to remind the P-Noy administration to solicit, listen and heed the advice our OFWs who have been the forefront of finding solutions on the world’s most powerful economies. It's about time that instead of concentrating on labor-export policy, this administration start tapping the professional services of OFWs in various areas of expertise in rebuilding our country's infrastructures and basic services by offering them job positions in government offices to be administration partners in nation-building.

We call on our Filipino expatriates around the world to continue their roles as Global Ambassadors of our country in foreign lands by promoting and patronizing our locally-made products, making the Philippines the first stop destination for holidays and investing in the home country. We ask them to teach their children and their foreign spouses on the positive Filipino values and the Filipino language. Let’s be proud of our race, for nationalism knows no time and boundaries

Expats, OFWs and Bloggers, They’re Heroes That Multiplies

To our Global Filipino bloggers, as the curtain rises for PEBA 2011 in celebration of our nation’s historic "Araw ng Kagitingan"; let us look back on the heroes of La Solidaridad - Rizal, Del Pilar, Ponce, Paterno, Jacinto, Lopez-Jaena , etc. who were the Filipinos reformists in Spain who used instead of the sword to campaign for changes in the Spanish-governed Philippine islands through essays, speeches, news articles, and other literary and journalistic forms. Their efforts ultimately led to the Philippine independence from Spain. Today, PEBA invites our bloggers to write and post topics on "Balikbayan" (Returnees), "Homecoming" and the positive "changes" and benefits it brings to their families, relatives and friends, to the community and to our country, the Philippines.

We call on our bloggers worldwide to share their stories - through essays and anecdotes, literary and journalistic forms, videos and photos on their quest for the real change that they want to be - for their own selves, for their families, communities and country on their plan homecoming or recent “balikbayan” experiences that bring positive change to the lives of their love ones. And to our non-OFW bloggers, we seek your talents to share with us your expectations and memorable experiences gained during the homecoming events of your returning family members, relatives or friends.

Like Rizal, Luna and Ninoy, 12 million OFWs have crossed borders to work, learn culture and technologies abroad in their effort to battle poverty in our courtyard; soon they will return and apply their knowledge and wealth to bring the change they want for their families, relatives, communities and country - for heroes never die, they just multiply.

This season will put a challenge to our Global Filipinos to flex its muscles to show that with the unity of its great numbers, it can be a potent force for political change, that OFWs can stop this culture of corruption, exploitation, and fraud and steer our country to greater heights by participating in a mature political exercise by participating in the Overseas Absentee Voting and joining forums and social organizations abroad that promote Filipino values and socio-economic assistance to OFWs and kababayans back home.

To the private sectors that have economically benefited on the remittances and homecoming spending of the OFW and their families; PEBA calls for your support on the advocacy programs and projects of the Government, LGUs and NGOs that promote values and welfare of the OFWs.

PEBA calls on POEA and OWWA to improve its reintegration program for returning, retiring and displaced OFWs. We ask this administration to restore an estimated 46 percent budget cut to the Department of Foreign Affairs 2012 budget and to increase funds to assist OFWs in Japan and the Middle East countries.

As the quarter storm closes, we prayed and mourned for the loss of our OFW compatriots, Sally, Ramon and Elizabeth who were executed in China. A painful lesson for every Filipinos to be careful and not to allow ourselves to be used as drug couriers.

Hundreds of OFWs are still missing in New Zealand after a devastating earthquake hit the country. In Japan, the horrifying series of earthquakes and tsunami that swept the Japanese shores where hundreds of OFWs are still unaccounted for and the continuing threat of radiation exposure remain an unending nightmare to the survivors.

A Prayer for OFWs

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Thoughtskoto) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:04:00 +0000

A Prayer for
OFWs

Dear God,

You crossed every border between divinity and
humanity to make your home with us. Bless our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters
who have travelled to foreign lands with faith in their heart leaving their
families behind as they break through the barriers of people, cultures, and languages
to escape oppression and poverty.

There are
many things going on that are beyond us even with our collective power. We come
to thee in supplication and heartfelt pleadings as we are mindful of the ordeals
of others.

We thank thee for hearing the prayers of your
people as China grant reprieve to our three OFWs and may the Chinese government
grant a lesser penalty to their case.

We pray for the thousands of OFWs who were incarcerated
and imprisoned in the Middle East, Asia and other continents, may thou please grant
them the chance to get back to their families and find a new life, justice and
freedom as they entrust their lives into thy hands. May Thou enlighten our leaders
to put the plights of distressed OFWs as a priority and withdraw from plans to
cut the DFA social service and legal assistance funds.

We
pray to Thee that our OFWs in Taiwan will soon be reprieved of taking all the
heat of the current Taiwan-Philippines rift. May the government emissary would
soon find resolution to this issue so that those more than five thousand
scheduled for deployment will now be allowed to take on their jobs, and
the nearly a hundred thousand currently employed may keep their jobs and be
able to sustain their families.

We pray that may Thou please keep our overseas
Filipinos safe in the escalating conflict in countries where democratic
renaissance in Muslim nations is unfolding from Morocco, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain
and Libya as they await the immediate repatriation efforts being taken by our
government agencies.

We pray for Thy protection
and guidance of the more than thirty thousand OFW’s in Libya. May their
families in the Philippines be freed from fear and worries of their condition
and that the OFWs safety is assured despite the worsening condition.

We
pray that may Thou save from harm our Filipino workers in war torn countries of
Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as OFWs in Nigeria, Somalia, Lebanon and Jordan,
who have taken great risks to continue their fight against poverty to support
their families in the Philippines despite of the work deployment ban imposed in
these countries.

We pray for the safety of the Filipino nurses trapped in the
rubbles during the earthquake in New Zealand, and the rest of the OFWs and
Expats around the world who are suffering from natural calamities, diseases and
injustices that they may find comfort through faith in Thee.

Hear our prayer Lord, to end the corruption that has
become the plague of our nation, to end poverty that afflicts and besets Thy
people, to end violence and war that displaces millions of our Filipinos from
their homes, which separate, divide and break families.

As we await for the signs of time when the Filipinos around
the world, the fathers and mothers brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters
may be reunited as one happy family.

We pray for Thine tender love and kind mercy, with our
faith, with our hope, with our love to thee, we pray for power greater than us
all, we pray for divine intervention.

This is a joint call from the Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards, or
PEBA, Inc, along with its 300+ KABLOGS, the RMN News Bantay OFW radio program
and the Blas Ople Policy Center and we are asking for your prayers or support
by reposting this to your blog, posting this link in your FB, Friendster and
Twitter accounts or sending this as email to your networks.

The original photo where the image was taken in this post was an official entry by
Erwin Serrano from Riyadh Saudi Arabia, 10^th rank winner to the 2010
PEBA International Photo Contest.

TKJ February Issue

noreply@blogger.com (LordCM) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 07:21:00 +0000

Love makes the world go round, the saying goes. Just mention the word “love” to the person next to you and surely, he or she can hear bells ringing. Everybody can resonate with it, for each one has his or her sacred love-experience. God even used the love analogy in describing his relationship with His people: He is a husband, Israel is a wife. (Jeremiah 3:14, NIV)

PEBA 2011 SLOGAN MAKING CONTEST

noreply@blogger.com (The Pope) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 04:24:00 +0000

OFW and Expats homecoming or popularly called "BalikBayan" is a not just a classical journey of an OFW to his hometown but rather it is a homecoming beyond emotions. For every returning "Balikbayan Pinoy" is a fulfillment of his promise that he will return to his family and native land filled with stories of success from his battles overseas. For each homecoming, the nation benefits from each balikabayan family gatherings as they fill the super malls, fine restaurants, resorts and theme parks with each spendings promote tourism, investments and creates job opportunities to our kababayan in the Philippines.

Thus, the PEBA 2011 Organizing Committee has conceptualized this year's theme "Pagbabalikbayan Tungo sa Pagkakaisa at Kaunlaran" which aims to raise the conciousness not only of our Pinoy OFWs and Expats, but the entire Filipino people all over the world that Balikbayan is not just as poignant voyage and reunion of flesh and blood but it is a renewal of love; brings new hopes; drives tourism & investments and raises the spirit of nationalism.

PEBA also pins its hopes through the power of blogs to institute change in the Government policy that will provide a real and effective program with a clear implementing guidelines that will benefit our OFW kababayans on the reintegration of our distressed OFWs and the influx of thousands of OFWs from Iraq and Afghanistan that will be coming home full of uncertainties as they will soon be joining the oceans of unemployed souls in our country.

Compose a brief, catchy slogan or tagline to popularize PEBA 2011 theme concept on "Coming Home Towards Solidarity and Progress" ("Pagbabalikbayan Tungo Pagkakaisa at Kaunlaran")

Entries are now accepted to the Slogan/Tagline competition. These must capture and convey the theme of "Pagbabalikbayan Tungo Pagkakaisa at Kaunlaran" ("Coming Home Towards Solidarity and Progress")

1. Who May Join: All Kablogs members (OFW Bloggers and Non-OFW Supporters) either currently residing in or outside the Philippine Archipelago that displays the Kablogs banner/logo on his sidebar. New bloggers must display the Kablogs Logo/Banner in their blogsite sidebars to automatically qualify them in this contest.

2. The slogan must be in both English and Filipino (conversely translated) with a short explanation

3. How to Join: Entry and accompanying explanation must be posted in the comment box below.

4. The slogan must convey its message based on its relevance to the PEBA 2011 concept and to revolve on the recommended words/tagline as follows:

OFW, BALIKBAYAN, HOME COMING, COMINGHOME, VACATION, FAMILY, NATION, HOPE, PROGRESS, REUNION, INVESTMENT, TOURISM.

However, it does not require that entries to literally adopt or use these tag words in the slogan making but rather to serve as word references only.

5. There is no limit to the number of entries that a blogger can submit.

6. Participating bloggers who has posted their entries on the comment box (Please click link to PEBA site) must ensure that they have properly linked their blogsite accordingly for verification requirement on Step 1.

7. Please make sure that the slogans/taglines is not more than 80 characters long (including spaces and punctuation marks) on each language slogan.

example: Filipinos Abroad - Hope of the Nation, Gift to the World (56 characters)

Pinoy Expats/OFW – Pag-asa ng Bayan, Handog sa Mundo (52 characters)

8. There will only be one winner. If there will be a duplication on entries received (two identical entries send by two different persons), it shall be credited to the participant who has posted the earlier entry.

9. The winner will win prizes of a gift packs of Smart Plug and Talk and Books and Tote Bag from Book Divas.

10. Criteria for judging: relevance to the theme, clarity and impact as a slogan, catchiness and originality. The Board of Judges will be composed of the PEBA Core Group.

11. The deadline of posting entries will be at midnight of February 21, 2011 (Manila time).

12. Winner will be announced on March 01, 2011.

What are you waiting for? Let us join now and go to PEBA site (Click the PEBA site link) .

May this Season serve as a reunion of bloggers across the globe - let the PEBA 2011 opening countdown begins.

Smart Plug andTalk

Please proceed to PEBA site to join the PEBA 2011 Slogan Making contest and post your entry on the PEBA site's COMMENT BOX

PEBA 2010 Annual Int'l Blog Awards Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Thoughtskoto) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 02:58:00 +0000

TOP 10 OUTSTANDING BLOGS

OFW BLOGGERS CATEGORY

Top 1 - ANIMUS, KUWAIT

Top 2 - GREMLINESS, DUBAI, UAE

Top 3 - KAYNI'S CORNER CAFE, USA

Top 4 - BAUL NI NOEL, SAUDI ARABIA

Top 5 -¡SOY NEGRENSE!, SAUDI ARABIA

Top 6 - JOURNEY OF A PRODIGAL DAUGHTER, MACAU

Top 7 - GUMAMELA SA PARAISO, TAIWAN

Top 8 - DECONSTRUCTING DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Top 9 - THE JOURNEY OF MY LIFE, SAUDI ARABIA

AND STAY AT HOME BLESSINGS, SAUDI ARABIA

Top 10 - BATANG GALA, CANADA

TOP 10 OUTSTANDING BLOGS

OFW SUPPORTERS CATEGORY

Top 1 - FELMAR'S MISSIONARY JOURNEY

Top 2 - ON THIS SIDE OF TOWN

Top 3 - KAYUMANGGING DAMDAMIN

Top 4 - TUYONG TINTA NG BOLPEN

Top 5 - M(.)(.)D SWINGS

Top 6 - PINAYWRITER'S ORAL DIARRHEA 2

Top 7 - PANAY MUD PIE

Top 8 -S I Y E T E H A N

Top 9 - BATANG MANGYAN

Top 10 - ANAK NG TOKWA

OUTSTANDING BLOGS BY REGION

OFW BLOGGERS CATEGORY

Central America and Canada - KAYNI'S CORNER CAFE, USA

Asia and Pacific - JOURNEY OF A PRODIGAL DAUGHTER, MACAU

Middle East and Africa - ANIMUS, KUWAIT

OUTSTANDING BLOGS BY REGION

OFW SUPPORTERS CATEGORY

Metro Manila - KAYUMANGGING DAMDAMIN, MANILA

Luzon - TUYONG TINTA NG BOLPEN, BATANGAS

Visayas - PANAY MUD PIE, ILOILO CITY

Mindanao - FELMAR'S MISSIONARY JOURNEY, DAVAO

MOST POPULAR BLOG AWARD

MICHAEL SHADES OF BLUE, KSA

XPROSAIC'S WORLD, Davao, PHILS.

NOKIA's BEST BLOG ENTRY AWARD

A ONE LESS GENERATION, DECONSTRUCTING DUBAI, UEA

MY MOM'S QUASI-ORPHANAGE, PINAYWRITER'S ORAL DIARRHEA 2, PHILS

FRIENDSTER BLOG AWARD

MIZPAH, KUWAIT

MOST VISIBLE BLOG BY METRICS AWARD

THE JOURNEY OF MY LIFE, KSA

ON THIS SIDE OF TOWN, PHILS.

MOST COMMENTED BLOG ENTRY AWARD

MICHAEL SHADES OF BLUE, Al Khobar, KSA

KAYUMANGGING DAMDAMIN, PHLS.

NOKIA CONNECTING OFW FAMILIES's BEST ENTRY AWARD

WALA KASING CELPON SI LOLA, MGA KATHANG ISIP NI KIKO, QATAR

MOST COMMENTED IN FACEBOOK AWARD

MICHAEL SHADES OF BLUE, Al Khobar, KSA

MAZEPLACE, Davao, Phils.

MOST "LIKED" IN FACEBOOK AWARD

MICHAEL SHADES OF BLUE, Al Khobar, KSA

MAZEPLACE, Davao, Phils.

MOST COMMENTED IN FRIENDSTER AWARD

MICHAEL SHADES OF BLUE, Al Khobar, KSA

FELMAR'S MISSIONARY JOURNEY, Davao, Phils.

Uwi ka na OFW, Hanap ka na ni Inay...

noreply@blogger.com (LordCM) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 09:25:00 +0000

anak saan ka pupunta?
bakit sa kapitbahay ka hahanap ng tadhana?
ako ay nag aalala baka ikaw ay mapariwara

inay inay, ako'y sawa na
sa hirap ng buhay sa payak na pagkain
ako ay hahayo kikita ng pera
ako ay babalik pag may dalang maraming pera

huwag na anak, dito ka na lamang
pagsilbihan mo na lamang ang ating tahanan
ika'y kanyang kinupkop mula nung ikay musmos pa lamang

ayaw ko sa ating tahanan inay
wala nang pag asa
ang pag asenso ay sadyang masalimuot
pupunta ako sa kapitbahay doon hahanap ng pag asa

anak anak, sige humayo ka
sana naman ay magtagumpay ka
ako ay maghihintay kahit nananaghoy
dito muna ako sa tahanang nalapastangan

anak anak bakit di ka na bumabalik
nagustuhan mo na ba ang masigabong buhay
narito lamang ako at naghihintay
ikaw na may katalinuhan, na maayos ang sariling tahanan

anak anak, sa kapitbahay ka na tumira
jan ka na pala nagsimula ng pamilya
datapwat nakalimutan mo na ang ating tahanan
ang kapitbahay na ang iyong pinagsisilbihan

anak anak umuwi ka na
dapithapon na...

galing kay linlazo ng BCO

PEBA 2010 Pres Con and Launching of PEBA Help.Org

noreply@blogger.com (Mr. Thoughtskoto) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 10:04:00 +0000

The Media Launch of PEBA 2010 is successful. Our sincerest appreciation to all those who made it possible Miguel De La Rosa, Avery of Geiser Maclang and PEBA sponsors who attended the event Nikka Singson -Abes of Nokia, Ms. Rita of Ara Vista, Joel Saludares of Friendster, Cristyl Mae Senajon and Kai Pastores of AdMU School of Gov... especial thanks to Gardenia Bread, San Miguel Corp., Neo Computer and Josiah's Catering Inc.

and the LANCASTER HOTEL

and Chrysanthemum Flowers and Balloons

with foods from Josiah Catering

JOSIAH CATERING the best food catering in the Philippines.

Address: # 34 East Drive, Marikina Heights, Marikina City

Trunkline: (632) 934-2163/941-7032/942-5738

(632) 934-5131/934-9253/997-0991

Vonage Number: 1.408.6943328 (for USA and Canada client)

1.408.9054802 (for magic jack)

best time to call (PST)

Banquet Sales Locals: 101 to 112, 118

Telefax: (632)934-6734

Email: info@josiahcatering.com

with JIGS SEGRE, PEBA 2010 Over-all Chairman, and PEBA Media and Public Relation Director

Migz Dela Rosa, PEBA 2010 Project Head

with Jen Millarez, PEBA Project Coordinator

TESDA Spokesperson Dir. Marty

SSS VP for Public Affairs Ms. Marissu Bugante

Ms. Cristyl of Ateneo de Manila University School of Government explaining ADMU's support to PEBA

Ms. Nikka Abes-Singson, Marketing Manager of Nokia Phils explaining NOKIA's support to PEBA two years in a row!

Ms. Rita of AraVista Village, the first and only WIFI- community in the country by AMA Community.

Mr. Joel Saludares of Friendster Phils

Jigs Segre answering questions from the Media

The PEBA POWER TEAM with Ms. Nikka Abes-Singson, Marketing Manager of Nokia, Philippines

with Rico PEBA Volunteer, posing at the standees of Neo Computers, also a PEBA Sponsor.

THE PEBA 2010 Manila Philippines Team

ALL PHOTOS here

Dear Nominees

noreply@blogger.com (The Pope) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:35:00 +0000

Teachers, nurses, engineers, computer programmers, a missionary,accountant, physician, caregiver, and other professions you hold, you representa diverse Filipino talent and pride, with one blood, one common language and one nation scattered across the world. You give us the honor for this year as 2010 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Finalist.

(those with dark blog background)

(those with light blog background)

There were 83 blog nominees in the nomination list, but only 47 of you made it to the finals. Congratulations! In the coming days and month on the way to the awarding ceremony, we will introduce you in posts and videos for theworld to know your extraordinary courage to come out and respond to a call -and share a part of you, your blog, and your stories to inspire the OFWs and their families and to inspire the world. It was a long journey since July 2010,when we first opened the nomination.

The photo submission of entries continues, at present, we have receivedfrom 8 countries and 15 contestants with over 40 unique and beautiful photos.We hope to receive a hundred photos or perhaps more by the end of November.

Our organization is run by volunteers, OFWs and bloggers worldwide, not a single cent is being paid to us, and sometimes we even use our own money and time and talent for PEBA. And yet PEBA is getting better andbigger. That's because of you. You are all winners. From the pool of these nominees will come some of our best and brightest volunteers who are motivated too, by the desire to reach out, and to share whatever good we have for others,for the world. This is run by Filipinos, by blood and by heart, thank you to our dear key persons from around the world, from Saudi Arabia, from the US, from South Korea, from Palau, from Qatar, from Kuwait, from Singapore, from Taiwan,from Ireland, from England... and many other countries. This is what makes this organization unique, it is run online, and it culminates in a grand awarding ceremony that some call, the great-great-bloggers EB! (Eyeball) What do you see PEBA after 5 years? 10 years? We don't know. Honestly, we don't know, but it just getting better and better. And we owe this from you, past and present nominees and winners, as well as our supporters from this world wide web!

Some questions?

When will the Voting widget will close?

December 9, 2010, 5AM Philippine time

We know that some used IP changer, and Host Shield so they can vote for more. What they don't know, we know.

When will be the deadline of photo entries?

December 01, 2010, 5AM Philippine time

When will be the awarding ceremony?

December 16th, 2010 at the Teatrino Promenade, Greenhills San JuanMetro Manila. Yanah and Arvin, our Philippines volunteer will assist you inthis. You can contact them at Yanah@pinoyblogawards.com, arvinbautista@pinoyblogawards.com

When can you collect your freebies?

December 16, 2010,at the Teatrino Promenade, look for Yanah or Arvin

Let us talk a few moment about the kids we are determined to finish schooling. this two beautiful kids doesn't have the means to go to school. Through our sponsors, and donors, including last year nominees, we paid for their tuitions for one full year, and we will send them to school again. We want to help more. We hope you can support us by sharing some of your blessings to this wonderful kids.

How can I donate to the PEBA BELIEVE Scholarship for kids?

Anytime, you can send itby Western Union, Lhullier, Cebuana or deposit it to PEBA Account.

Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards, Inc.

Bank Name: Bank of the Philippine Islands

Peso Savings Account No.: 9063-0580-06

Branch Code: BOPIPHMM

You can email the founding chairman of the PEBA, and the one running this scholarship

Email: kenjebz@pinoyblogawards.com for details

How much is the minimum donation?

Any amount we will accept.

In Search of PEBA and Ateneo Graduate School Scholar

noreply@blogger.com (LordCM) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 04:12:00 +0000

We are in search of a returning OFW with the following qualifications, to be a PEBA and Ateneo Graduate School Scholar.

Must be a returning OFW (of not more than 2 years from working abroad, send scanned copy of Passport with visa and date of entry to Philippines)
between 21-35 years old.
Willing to take an important position with PEBA Inc. as a volunteer for 5 years and sign a Contract of Agreement.
Has occupied leadership position in his/her community, work place, business, etc.
Has a good moral character.
With above average communication skills.
Must submit a 150-300 words essay on "Why should PEBA choose me to be a scholar of PEBA-Ateneo School of Government ACSEnt?"
Must be a blogger of at least 1 year or at least active in social networking for more than 2 years.

Send detailed Resume, 2x2 ID and essay on or before Nov. 10, 2010 to: jigsegre@pinoyblogawards.com

Learn and discover effective and sustainable ways of solving some of our country’s most difficult social problems or simply creating a change in your own, little way. Join the 7^th Social Entrepreneurship Training Program for Professionals every Saturday from 20 November 2010 to 26 March 2011, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Social Development Complex (SDC) Foyer Hall, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City.

Through lectures, discussions, and case studies of actual social enterprises, this program will have you introduced to the concept ofsocial entrepreneurship as innovative means to solve social problems using entrepreneurial skills. The program will help you develop new and innovative social enterprise business plans to help you towards making a positive contribution in our society. Moreover, the program will also help you in developing ways by which you can earn profit while at the same time uplift the lives of the marginalized sectors of our country. Mentoring sessions with social enterprise experts will also be afforded as an opportunity to further improve your social enterprise business plan.

The main faculty member for this program will be Atty. Arnel Casanova, a Mason Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government atHarvard University.

Program fee is only P18, 000.00 inclusive of a book on social entrepreneurship (HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD by David Bornstein), class materials, and a certificate of completion.

DISCOUNTS: Less 10% for those who register and complete their payment on or before 04 November 2010.

A group discount of 10% is also offered to groups of 3 or more. Early bird groups will be given 20% discount.

Members of the academe, government and non-profit organizations can also be given a discount on a case to case basis.

Deadline of Registration and Payment will be on 17 November 2010.

Our 2010 Honorable Judges

noreply@blogger.com (LordCM) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 06:23:00 +0000

Hi all, this is Kenji here and it is an honor to present to you the 2010 honorable judges for the 3rd Annual PEBA International Blog and Photo Awards.

Every year, we, the men and women of PEBA and OFW bloggers gives kudos and praises to the volunteer judges who painstakingly read, digest and rate Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards nominees numbering from 25 to 40. What a painful task for them! And take note, these are all pro-bono. Please join me in thanking and expressing love and appreciation to the following people whom we have selected for this year as 'Judges'

Ellen Tordesillas, Editor of Malaya and Abante News and a blogger. For 3 consecutive years, Ellen has been PEBA's volunteer judge.

Eric Salas, founder of the Salas Foundation, and the person behind the Filipino Blog of the Week contest.

Jim Paredes is one of the Photo contest Judge for this year. He is one of the famed APO singer and a blogger himself, winning the 2008 PEBA Blog Awards Top 1 and 2008 Best Blog in Asia Pacific Region

Susan Ople, President of the OFW Advocate organization, BLAS OPLE POLICY CENTER, and a blogger herself. She is one of the avid supporter of PEBA and KABLOGS

Anna Baldres is a Mom and a blogger based in Singapore. Her blog, Life is a Piece of Keyk is one of the top 10 of the 2nd PEBA Blog Awards.

Phil Saraspe is an OFW Mathematics teacher based in Bangkok Thailand. His blog is the 3rd most favorite at last year's 2009 PEBA blog Awards.

Jon Guzman, is PEBA's Vice President and a veteran Photographer, graphic artist and a blogger. He is one of the Photo contest Judge.

Ms. Nortehanon is a veteran Philippine based blogger, and is the woman behind the famous Pens of Hope, a project where she and sponsors gives out pencils to students. She is also an avid supporter of PEBA

Chris Luzana is a blogger based in Canada and also a Photography enthusiast. His blog TOPEXPRESS is one of the 2009 Top 10 and PEBA's best blog in the USA and Canada region. He is one of the photo judge and a blogger judge for this year, a task we know won't make him smile. :) Thank you Chris!

Ever Villacruz, another Photo and Blogger Judge is based in Kuwait and is one of the PEBA 2008 Top 10 Winner. Pamatay Homesick is also a magazine writer and editor as well as a photography enthusiast.

Bon Talampas and his blog, "Boni Station" is a PEBA 2009 Winner. He is based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

May POWERS na ang PEBA!

noreply@blogger.com (LordCM) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 05:09:00 +0000

First ladies Jackie Kennedy and Betty Ford, Princess Grace of Monaco, Faith Ford (Murphy Brown Show) Ben Gould (Saved by the Bell) atbp. Mga successful na tao sa kani-kaniyang larangan. Gusto mo bang matulad sa kanila? Ang tanong eh, Kaya ba sila ng POWERS mo?

Hindi mo na kailangan pang lumunok ng bato (Darna!), bumuhat ng barbell (Captain Barbell!) o gumamit ng saklay (Super Islaw!) para magkaroon ng powers! Isa lang ang kailangan mo: JOHN ROBERT POWERS!!!

Ang JOHN ROBERT POWERS (or JRP) ay nagpoprovide ng training sa mga indibidwal para madevelope ang kanilang tiwala sa sarili (self confidence) at galling sa pakikipagtalastasan (communication skills). Hindi lamang yan! Maaari ka ring matutong umarte, mag-model at maging isang mabuting pinuno sa tulong ng leadership training. Pwede ka ring maging mahusay sa English at makipagsabayan sa mga customer service representatives (How may I help you?) ! Layunin ng JRP ang mailabas ang tunay na potensiyal ng isang tao.

Ang maganda dito, sponsor ang JRP sa Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards or PEBA! Oh ha! San ka pa! You read it right! On the 16th of December, the 3rd PEBA will be held and good news is JOHN ROBERT POWERS will be giving away gift certificates to winners of PEBA Blog and Photo Contests! Nanalo ka na sa PEBA, may chance ka pang maimprove ang iyong personality dahil sa JRP! That’s double happiness!!!

Interesado ka? What are you waiting for? Join the 3rd Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards by filling up this NOMINATION FORM. Or If you’re an amateur photographer, you can also join the PEBA Photo Contest. You may read the details in our Facebook Page or in our Official Site.

Don’t get bad grammar get in your way! Visit www.johnrobertpowers.com to find out more! And don’t think twice in joining PEBA 2010! Decide now! Join now!

ABS-CBNNews: PInoy Expats Bloggers to Launch 2 OFW Social Groups

noreply@blogger.com (LordCM) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 23:16:00 +0000

MANILA, Philippines – Two action-oriented groups aimed at delivering social services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will be launched in December.

Pinoy Expats OFW Blog Awards Inc. (PEBA), an alliance of international Filipino bloggers, announced the launching of its New Media Network Group and OFW Alliance Action Group.

“The PEBA New Media Network Group will post news events and stories through video blogs and articles that are relevant to the lives of Filipino migrant workers,” said Program Director Felix Jigs Segre, PEBA’s head of Public Relations and Media Affairs.

The New Media Network Group aims to provide firsthand and accurate reporting of events to promote greater awareness of the plight of Filipinos living and working abroad.

“In line with the primary objective is to provide [the] means to act on the issue arising from the story, especially if it involves the welfare and safety of our kababayans abroad,” said Segre.

The PEBA OFW Alliance Action Group, on the other hand, is an online referral action center that would assist Pinoy migrant workers or their families in addressing their concerns and in bringing the matter to the appropriate government agencies for immediate response.

“The presence of prominent Filipino community leaders in PEBA’s network of bloggers would definitely be an advantage due to their existing civic efforts in their host countries,” Segre said.

The 2 groups would operate under the management of PEBA and will be carried out by its members and volunteers in the Philippines and around the world.

“PEBA deemed it necessary to provide [an] easily-accessible channel to help migrant workers and engage the National Government, NGOs and even the global community to further and safeguard the welfare of the Filipino migrant workers using today’s most powerful new media, the Internet,” he said.
The launching will coincide with the 3rd Annual International Pinoy Expats OFW Blog Awards on December 16.

With the theme, “Strengthening the OFW Families: Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation”, the event will be held at Teatrino, Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila.

PEBA originally serves as an award-giving body that recognizes and honors the exemplary work of blogging Filipino expats and OFWs. (Related story: Blog awards for Pinoy expats, OFWs set)

Last year’s Top 10 PEBA winners were:

Isla de Nebz (Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia)
Pink Tarha Girls (Riyadh, KSA)
Wits and Spirits (Bangkok, Thailand)
Francesca in France (Nice, France)
A Piece of Cake (Yishun, Singapore)
Palipasan (Doha, Qatar)
Top Express (Nova Scotia, Canada)
Boni Station (Damman, Saudi Arabia)
Ba Be Bi Bebing (Georgia, USA)
Hulascoop, atbp. (Misawa, Japan)

PEBA-Morphosis 2010

noreply@blogger.com (LordCM) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 09:37:00 +0000

PEBA-morphosis - [PEBA-a-mor-pho-sis], noun

A transformation of PEBA from its humble beginning as it honors the exemplary work of blogging Filipino Expats and Overseas Filipino Workers and its supporters and bring their creative talents known to the whole world.

An event you don't wanna miss a thing.

Halina't umalalay, sumakay at magtagumpay...
Sa paglipad ng PEBA
kasama ka saan man mapunta...