Sulyap Jan 2009 (final For Printing)

OFW-KOREA-2006-001

Volume 2

Newsbit: Phil. Embassy to Process OEC

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Newsbit: ROK to Hire Non-native English Teachers

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Editorial: Hope amid Deepening Economic Crisis

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Feature: Common Denominator

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Literary: Poems about Hope and Courage...

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Fun & Learn: ‘09 Min. Wage Table, Puzzle, Comics

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www.sulyapinoy.org

Issue 3

January 2009

by Edward Castro

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taewon, Seoul – “The renegotiation of labor agreement between the Republic of the Philippines (RP) and Republic of Korea (ROK) on Employment Permit System (EPS) interceded amid worsening global financial crisis continues to stir South Korea's manufacturing sector,” said Labor Attaché Delmer R. Cruz during a consultation meeting with different Filipino community leaders last January 18 at the Philippine embassy in Seoul.

However, several terms and provisions under the labor pact are differed. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was supposed to be signed agreeably by both the RP and ROK negotiating teams last January 8 and 9 in Manila has been postponed for another second round meeting on March this year. “After long discussions, large part of the labor deal is non-inconclusive and therefore the MOU remains status quo,” Cruz added. Reiterating on issues that are differed during the renegotiation, Cruz said that there were disagreements on labor basics relating to the Stand Labor Contract (SLC), so as to permit the signing of a new MOU. Under the new agreement however, the cost of the Korean language test would be reduced from $30 to $17 in exchange for charging the cost of food and accommodations to the workers.

Photo by Dondave Jabay Labatt Cruz (center-right) fresh from Philippines, explains the MOU status to FEWA, HRWOFC, and AFC representatives during the consultation meeting at the Phil. Embassy building in Itaewon, Seoul.

Labatt Cruz requested SULYAPINOY not to disclose too many details on what caused the postponement for strategic and diplomatic purposes. Nonetheless, he assured that the RP government will remain firm in its position in making sure that OFW's here in Korea shall

be given labor basic standards. “Walang bitawan,” he assured. Negotiators for the RP side will be in Korea between March to April, and Cruz said he expects (turn to page 2)

by Edward Castro Preservation, which organized the day, aims to recognize, foster and promote the development of arts for a multicultural Korea, by encouraging the participation of local artists and migrant communities in an environment which respects tradition and encourages crosscultural dialogue and innovation. The Philippines was well represented by Filipino women married to Koreans and their children with their own rendition of (Oh Dear!), a famous Korean folk song. All dressed in red suited for the holidays seasons, the group received applause and cheer from the crowd.

어머나

Photo by Felix Ferrer (2nd from left) Mr. Park Jin, chairman of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs, Trade and Unification Committee tastes the Filipino food inside Philippine booth during the Multicultural Festival Food Fair.

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yehwadong, Seoul – Around 2,000 Koreans and delegates from different countries including Filipino-Korean families attended the Jongno-gu Multicultural Festival at Tongsong High School Grand Hall last December 28, 2008. The Jongno-gu Daemyeonggeori Tradition Culture

Other international delegates also showcased their culture and pageantry thru dance and colorful costumes. Delegations from Indonesia presented their traditional Gambuh belly dance, the Flamenco dance of Spain, Hawaii hula dance, while Korean representatives performed traditional Korean folk songs called Pansori. Entertainment was also provided by local artists such as Kim Hyeon-jung, Zion, Park Hyeon-bin, and groups such as Mighty Mouth, CAN, (turn to page 2)

by Dondave Jabay

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taewon, Seoul – “This year, we expect more reports of job displacements especially for Filipino workers under the Employment Permit System (EPS) here in Korea due to the ongoing deepening economic downturn which may result to recession,” said Labor Attaché Delmer R. Cruz of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) during the MOU update meeting last Jan. 18 attended by Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA), Human Rights Welfare Organization for Filipino

Community (HRWOFC), and Ansan Filipino Community (AFC) representatives. “Our office has officially received a total of 74 displacement incidents since we announced our displacement monitoring drive as mandated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) last December but we are aware that this number does not reflect the actual (turn to page 2) number of incidents as there

by Alden Balgos

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outh Korea – The Ministry of Labor thru its website confirmed that the issuance of E-9 working visa for new applicants under Employment Permit System (EPS) is temporarily suspended by the Korean government starting December last year as the number of EPS workers arriving in Korea for the period of March 2008 to February 2009 have already reached the annual quota of 72,000.

The MOL further confirmed that E-9 visa issuance will resume February of this year once the new quota for each sending countries is set considering the overall labor market conditions, but added that the new quota is unlikely to be increased due to the ongoing shrinking job market in Korea in effect of the worsening global economy and the government's priority in creating more jobs for Koreans. “The reason for exceeding the annual quota early was due to an increased number of EPS workers who renewed their contract with their current employers in addition to the incoming new applicants,” the MOL explained. More so, the MOL also planned to allocate workers who want to change their workplace to the companies in need to prevent manpower shortage and at the same time in support to the growing number of EPS workers asking relocation due to series of company shutdowns in the aftermath of the sluggish economy. On the other hand, Dondave Jabay, the new chief editor of SULYAPINOY newsletter, reminded the Filipino EPS workers not to immediately believe any unconfirmed reports or hearsays in response to (turn to page 2)

SULYAPINOY is accepting cash donation for its monthly printing expenses. You may deposit them @ Account #: 049702 04 058587 / Account Name: Sofonias N. Paragsa / Bank: KB or Kookmin Bank

NEWSBITS Phil. Embassy to Process OEC by Rebenson Recaña taewon, Seoul – A Philippine Embassy official More so, Welfare Officer Pat Cobarrubias explained announced recently that vacationing OFW's, includthe basic procedure for OEC application. “For vacaing rehires, can now process their Overseas Employtioning OFWs, they only need to present their passment Certificates (OEC) at the Philippine Embassy in port, visa, and a copy of their labor contract approved Seoul starting February this year. by the Ministry of Labor of Korea in order to avail the OEC while for rehires; a copy of Reemployment CerThe OEC, also known as Balik Manggagawa, is a cleartificate is needed instead of labor contract. An Eance issued by POEA to OFWs who leave from the Receipt is also issued along with the said certificate Philippines for employment purposes. upon processing,” Cobarrubias said

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ROK to Hire Non-native English Teachers in 2009 by Amie Sison Also, earlier reports states that Philippine Ambassador eoul, South Korea – The Ministry of Education, Luis T. Cruz had met with Commissioner Choo Kyu-ho Science and Technology and the Ministry of Justice of the Korean Immigration office to endorse the Filiannounced recently that the Korean government will pino English teachers to be given equal chance for the open opportunities for non-native English speakers for said opportunity. ESL (English as Secondary Language) teaching jobs, both primary and secondary levels this year. Non-native teachers however are required to hold a Bachelor of Arts degree or above in English studies However, only foreigners whose countries have trade and have acquired teaching licenses from their reagreements with Korea can apply for the position. These spective countries. include India, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

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Pinay Reported Missing by Amie Sison yehwadong, Seoul – The Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community (HFCC) announced the churchgoers during the holy mass celebration last January 11 at Saint Benedict Parish Church asking for public's help in finding the reported missing person.

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Photo of Amelia Aquino

Amelia Aquino, between 35~40 years old is from Planas, Porac Pampanga. She was reported to have left the Philippines to work in South Korea 18 years ago. Since 1995, she has not made any further contact with her family. In addition, Sem. Fredy Permentilla, MSP of HFCC said that anyone who knows Amelia's whereabouts may call Nestor Sarmiento at 010-4695 7022 or HFCC office at (02) 765-0871.

POLO Expects More…

Pinoys in Ansan Launch ‘Adopt a Piggy Bank’

were still many unreported similar cases,” LabAtt Cruz added.

by Billy Vela “The launching has succeeded to distribute 200 small nsan City, Gyeonggi-do – The Ansan Filipino piggy banks to Filipino churchgoers. Once the piggy Community (AFC) under the guidance of Galilea bank is full, they can offer it during the holy mass or Migrant Workers Pastoral Center (GMWPC) launched hand it over to any AFC volunteers or give it to another fundraising project “Adopt a Piggy Bank: Coin GMWPC directly,” Castro added. for a Cause” to financially support migrant workers who suffered from employer’s maltreatment, unpaid wages, On the other hand, Belle Ariola, 25, a regular churchunclaimed benefits, and other work related abuses on goer also expressed her commitment to support the Dec. 14 during the Sunday Mass at Wongok Parish. said project. “Sayang naman kasi yung mga coins, kesa ma-ipon lang at hindi mapakinabangan ay ihuhuAlso, the project served as a gesture of thanking the log ko na lang para makatulong din ako sa Galilea GMWPC for its 11 years of providing unabated and kahit papaano,” she shared. genuine services to migrant workers particularly the Filipinos working in Ansan. More so, the fundraising campaign continued to gain more support for many Filipinos are asking for more AFC President Kathlia De Castro encouraged the piggy banks in addition to what they have previously churchgoers to support the said project. “Literally, coins filled in. And, as of January 4 this year, the project has are little and considerably worthless but as we collect already raised more than 100,000 won. hem all together will mean a lot for Galilea,” Castro said.

Labatt Cruz further said that referring from the official data they got from the Ministry of Labor; it forecasted at around 450 to 500 more displacement cases every month starting January to June this year based on probability assessment.

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KASAMMA-KO Celebrates 10th Anniversary by Sofonias Paragsa Garry Martinez, chairperson of the Migrante International and guest speaker of the celebration, encouraged the association and participants to heighten the level of organizational consciousness and act on organizational matters that will promote stronger unity and solidarity among migrant workers. Members from KASAMMA-KO affiliating organizations Also, Jones Galang, missionary worker from UCCP such as Bicol Association, New Era Foundation, Federaand Pol Par, current KASAMMA-KO chairperson tion of Filipino Workers in Korea, Quezon Association in respectively shared the association’s history and Korea, Association of Filipino Migrant Workers in annual performance. More so, series of reports from Kwangju Korea, Agumang Kapampangan, and Seoul member organizations, cultural presentations and Migrant Association together with the invited guests and worship service completed the whole day event. visitors attended the celebration.

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hung-gu, Seoul – With its theme “Raise high our unity and resistance on a decade long struggle,” the Katipunan ng mga Samahan ng Migranteng Mangagawa sa Korea (KASAMMA-KO) celebrated its 10th Anniversary last Jan. 26 at PROK Seoul Jeil Church.

RP-ROK EPS MOU Remains… the renewal of the EPS deal between the two countries will be finalized and signed soon after. In addition, POEA's Overseas Employment Outlook for 2009 states that more than 30,000 Filipino workers here in Korea, mostly under the Small and Medium-Size Enterprises (SMEs), are expected to continue to suffer setbacks or may even face forced repatriation or nonrenewal of labor contracts due to the financial situation here. Likewise, statistics gathered by POLO from the Ministry of Labor showed that there was a significant rise of cases of changed of workplace due to company shutdowns since November of last year to January of this year.

The renegotiation of the MOU stipulates that the tie forged between Philippines and South Korea will further improve and foster bilateral actions of cooperation that aims to strengthen and refine labor policies and diplomatic relations between the two country despite global financial upheaval unfolded. Prior to renegotiation, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) headed by LAbatt Cruz conducted series of consultations with various community leaders on problems and issues confronting EPS workers. The common problems reported were unpaid or delayed wages, uninhabitable accommodations, misunderstanding with their Korean employers on matters of the contract implementation, verbal and physical abuse, immediate termination of contract, and other labor related issues.

2 SULYAPINOY JANUARY 2009 www.sulyapinoy.org

On the other hand, Labatt Cruz also shared some counter measures that the Philippine and Korean governments are currently implementing. “The two governments are now implementing the so called Returnee Support Program which prioritized the repatriated OFWs to be employed in any Korean owned companies in the Philippines. Also, the Philippine government recently launched a National Integration Program which provides repatriated OFWs with profiling, counseling and free training services such as training for livelihood projects, CUM business, and re-tooling upgrading. They can also avail a non-collateralized loan for business investment,” Labatt Cruz elaborated.

Pinoy-Korean Families… Namolla Family, Rumble Fish, Typhoon, Tree Bicycle, and Wink. More so, the festival booth spread along the sidewalks outside the hall which turned into a look-alike marketplace where various cultural groups such as Vietnam, China, Cambodia, and the Philippines are distributing information and selling their native delicacies, arts and crafts. The multi-culture folk concert was also brought in cooperation with Seoul Metropolitan Administration, Jongnogu City Officials, and BBS FM.

E-9 Visa Issuance for New… the ongoing rumors about E-9 visa suspension. “There were rumors spreading that the said suspension of E-9 visa also affecting EPS workers scheduled to be rehired. I even received several calls and queries in our SULYAPINOY forum website from different workers expressing their concerns with fears that they cannot be rehired anymore,” Jabay said. “We should not believe to any news out of hearsays immediately. If we hear some news related to labor laws that seem to affect our working status, I suggest you to confirm it first at any authorized agencies who may know about the details such as the Korea Ministry of Labor and the Philippine Embassy through POLO,” Jabay added.

EDITORIAL

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he global economic recession which started in the United States of America has truly caught up with the global market. Its domino effect is undeniably a major issue not only to common people or the unemployed but especially to migrant workers particularly the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). As we welcomed the year 2009 in South Korea, President Lee Myung-bak didn’t hold off expressing fears of much worse and tougher economy in the country which may lead to more company closures particularly in the Small and Medium-Size Enterprises (SMEs) where most of the migrant workers particularly the EPS are working.

Even during the post quarter of 2008, many employers and workers under the employment permit system have already seen the effect of the global economic crisis as the list of the displaced and repatriated workers continue to rise. Job displacement resulted from reduced working hours, temporary company shutdown, delayed payment of salary, no work no pay, lay-offs and immediate termination have been taking place to some companies particularly those under the SMEs. More so, the sharp Korean won depreciation which seriously resulted to roughly 30 percent decrease in worker’s monthly salary, the so called “aggravated benefits” such as NPS-SSS Agreement and the Abolishment on Free Accommodation and Food Benefits are also continuously bringing in emotional and mental stress to our fellow OFWs. Considering these factors, is it still logical to stay and work in Korea? How about thinking of settlement in our home country reuniting with our family? Are we prepared for it? Is our Philippine government ready for re-integration programs for each repatriated OFW? Maybe most of us are not yet ready to go back home for we are not yet financially ready. Also, our country lacks effective re-integration programs and business opportunities for OFWs. Many of us believe that working and staying in Korea is far better option than going home. Despite the current global economic crisis, still many of us are planning to cross other countries like Canada, Australia, Europe, Middle East, and on other parts of

Asia instead.

regularly send home. Philippine modern heroes can never be a lifetime economic saver of our country. When the The Philippine government should create new policies in economies of those nations like Korea where we work and providing effective re-integration programs and business live in go down, our nation’s economic strength would opportunities for OFWs and open new doors for new definitely be affected. revenues to come in. It must motivate the Filipino people We must change our common views of always wanting to the concept of standing on our own feet. work for others and the fear of running our own business. It The world’s current financial troubles should teach us a is not too late to discover new opportunities of doing busilesson that working abroad cannot be considered a ness in our own turf and at the same time helping our permanent source of income for our families and our government open new gates for revenues. There are many country’s national treasury. unexplored business opportunities at home and we hardly Also, the deepening global economic crisis should re- recognize them because we are too obsessed with working mind us of how important to become financially literate. and living abroad. While working abroad, we should start saving and try to For 2009, opportunities will never be running out for there advocate within ourselves and our family members the is always a piece of cake for everyone; there are always an opportunity of gaining competitive entrepreneurial skills. unexplored mine of gold somewhere. Let us strengthen our Let us help our government leaders realized that our hope to build better opportunities in which every household nation cannot rely so much on the remittances we will no longer be dependent to foreign remittances.

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Dondave Jabay Opinion Editor: Rebenson B. Recaña Literary Editor: Amie Sison Photojournalist: Felix S. Ferrer

BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Managing Editor: Edward A. Castro News Editor: Edward A. Castro Cartoonist: Alden C. Balgos Layout Artist: Dondave Jabay

Circulation Managers: Teofilo C. Camo; Alwyin A. Casiño; Marcelino M. Serdeña III Community Correspondents: Billy Vela (Ansan); Anthony Carl Dacones (Kasan) Valentino de Guzman (Gimhae, Busan) Contributors: Sofonias Paragsa; Ehd Villarta Jr.; Rodney Queman; Adviser: Ma. Regina P. Arquiza Editorial Consultant: Elizer M. Peñaranda

Chairman: Rebenson B. Recaña

Vice Chairman: Dondave Jabay

Secretary: Rodney Queman Board of Publication in: Outreach, Recreation and Religious Program: Alden C. Balgos Budget and Finance: Marcelino M. Serdeña III SULYAPINOY Website Development and Maintenance: Dondave Jabay Newsletter Sponsorship Program: Annabelle Lopez Training & Workshop: Ehd G. Villarta Jr. Board Consultants: Fr. Alvin B. Parantar, MSP; Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph.D.

SULYAPINOY Office Address: 115-9 Songbuk-gu, Songbuk 1 dong, Songbuk Villa, Seoul, Korea 136-020 FEWA Office Address & SULYAPINOY Distribution Center: Inside WOORI BANK, Hyehwa-dong Branch, Jongno-gu, Seoul

D I S C L A I M E R

For Comments, Suggestions, Contributions & Advertisements

Different opinions are encourage to stimulate member input and involvement. SULYAPINOY’s role is to provide information that permits FEWA members to develop informed opinions on subjects that will affect their status as migrant workers and, in some instances, their personal lives. FEWA does not hold itself responsible for statements made by any contributor. Statements or opinions expressed in SULYAPINOY reflect the views of the author(s) and not the official policy of FEWA unless so stated.

Please submit them to our website and the following emails below... Website: www.sulyapinoy.org All Staff: [email protected] or [email protected] Editor-in-Chief: [email protected] / [email protected] Managing: [email protected] News: [email protected] Feature: [email protected] Opinion: [email protected] Literary: [email protected]

• • •

We reserve the right to refuse any submission we deem does not meet our policies and guidelines. SULYAPINOY is still in need of writers. Aspirants may email the Editorial Staff for more details. For literary entries, please limit your essay composition to a max. of 600 words only due to space limitation.

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SULYAPINOY JANUARY 2009

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FEATURE / LITERARY Common Denominator

The Old Beggar

by Ma. Regina P. Arquiza

by Gary W. Holmes

The notion of being able to work abroad and to become rich in the Philippines is only one tenth of the real picture. It is not just about earning one million won or living a life with full of pleasure in another country, but it is a full acceptance to take the risk of adopting in a different world of strangeness. And as 2009 begins, that notion is much more challenged by the current global economic crisis. However, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is not a pessimist.

There once was an old man I had the pleasure of meeting. He was a beggar in the street tossed into this life by the very people who claim to care for this man. He didn't always live there. He once was a prominent man who had wealth and success and notoriety but as his life went on he became clouded by his fame and was reduced by this to nothing but a broke beggar. So he told me his life story in hopes it would help me not to follow his path or his mistakes.

OFW SACRIFICE = SULYAPINOY SACRIFICE

Juan dela Cruz's optimism to face 2009 reminds me of Sulyapinoy's firm passion to continuously serve OFWs in South Korea. Both years 2007 and 2008 were not easy for the publication to cover concerns affecting OFWs. For the past 14 months of service, it is a bittersweet reality because 15 issues were published in spite of difficulties faced by the editorial staff. So what is the common denominator between Sulyapinoy and an OFW?

An OFW chooses to be away from home for his or her family’s sake. A parent endures the sadness of not seeing his or her own kids graduate or to be absent on their birthday celebrations; a father misses those chances of spending more time with his kids like a basketball game together; a mother bears the longing to take good care of her kids when they are sick; a boyfriend or a girlfriend has to miss the happy moments of dating; and an illegal worker chooses to stay even if his or her relative dies or suffers from any sickness. All of these signify the very essence of sacrifice. Sulyapinoy and sacrifice are equal. Problems such as lack of time, insufficient funds for printing, and few writers challenge Sulyapinoy’s continuous service to OFWs in Korea. But until now, its existence proves that all those sacrifices out of pure intention to help others are of supreme worth. Like an OFW’s sacrifices bear fruits of his or her labor through investments to real estate, business, education, car and so on back home can be comparable to the positive results harvested by the newsletter through the publication of its articles. Issues like POEA MC-04 Policy, renegotiation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ministry of Labor (MOL) of Korea and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) of the Philippines, NPS-SSS, and etc. encouraged a lot of OFWs to deeply understand these issues and be part of the needed actions to resolve the problems. Like Juan dela Cruz, Sulyapinoy is fighting to attain its goals. Despite the sad reality of facing hindrances challenging its persistence to be or service to others, it has great hopes for the future. And amid the global economic turmoil, Juan dela Cruz on the other hand never loses hope as the year 2009 begins. Fighting Kabayan! Fighting Sulyapinoy!

ISANG PAALAPAALA-ALA ni Amie Sison

Bawat taon na sa paglipas ay hindi namamalayan Ang oras na kay bilis na parang hanging nagdaan Kung pagninilayan ang ating mga nakaraan Tagumpay, kasawian, lungkot at pag-asa ang ilan.

Well as the story begins he said he wasn't a man blessed with looks or physical prowess but he was blessed with brains. He never had a wife or children. And seldom tried dating following years of rejection, but he never blamed God once for this or his plight in life he always mentioned that God loves him and will guide him always. He mentioned to me that he once was wealthy but he was greedy then one day a bank error cost him all he had and he was never able to recover from it. He sought work and could never find any and eventually he lost everything he had and was cast into the street. And there was where he lived digging trash for food and clothes and sleeping in dumpsters or cardboard boxes. It was at that time he said that the way he had done people when he was wealthy was why he was in this way now. He then realized what the Lord was trying to teach him as he went on he coughed some and cleared his throat. He then said I spent my time here in the street finding Jesus and praying for better life. I then started to read the bible someone had discarded. It was there I read about how God taken away and give it all in the same. And then I realized at that time why this was happening to me. I then dropped to my knees and asked for forgiveness. But as you can see I'm still here in the street and my health is fading. So I ask this my young friend don't follow in my footsteps and be humble and faithful and thankful all your days. A week later they found that man lying on a park bench having died of sickness but I knew what had happened. God finally called him home.

Hindi Pa Huli Kaibigan

HINDI KA NAG-IISA

ni Ehd Villarta Jr - FEWA Member

ni Rodney Queman

Sa ating paglalakbay tungo sa kung saan Malubak at makitid ang tinatahak na daan Kung saan tayo tutungo ay walang nakakaalam Lahat ay umaasa sa sugal ng kapalaran.

Ngayong bagong taon ay magbagong buhay Tumawag sa Panginoon, para sa kanyang gabay Biyaya at pagmamahal dagling ibibigay Mahirap man o mayaman lahat ay pantay-pantay.

Tagumpay na naghubog ng ating pagkatao Pakiramdam mo na ang pangunguna sa mundo Kahit hindi alam ng mga tao sa paligid mo Ikaw pa rin ang tunay na makadama nito.

Naalala mo pa ba nung nasa Pinas pa tayo Dinanas ang lahat ng hirap at mga sakripisyo Bara mangibang bansa at buhay ay umasenso At di naglaon ay natupad,ngayon nasa Korea na tayo.

Kasawian ay maitutulad na isang karangalan Nakayanan ang bawat problemang nagdaan Hindi magpapatalo sa suliraning walang katapusan Kakayanin at haharapin ng walang pag aalinlangan.

Sinuwerte ka at nakakita ng magandang trabaho Mabait na amo at malaki pa ang sweldo Ngayon mabibili mo na lahat ng nais mong luho At pag-iipon ngayon ay di na alam kung paano.

Lungkot na sa buhay talagang hindi maiiwasan Bahagi natin sa ating pakikipagsapalaran Sana ito madaling mapalitan ng kasiyahan Sa panibagaong araw ito ay mapapalitan.

Ikaw ngayon ay nalulong sa masamang bisyo Dahil sa barkada natutunan, sugal, alak, babae at sigarilyo Kapag sahod sa bar at disco lagi ang tungo At wala kang pakiaalam, maubos man ang sweldo.

Pag-asa na lahat tayo ay ipinapanalangin Kahit maliit ito'y napakalaking tulong na rin Nagbibigay ng tunay na liwanag sa atin Hinahawakan sa lahat ng hamon na darating.

Pag-ikot ng mundo ay di mo namamalayan Panahon at oras ay parang kailan lang Mga pangyayari sa nakaraan halos di mo na matandaan Pangako at pangarap sadya mo na bang kinalimutan.

Iba't-iba ang nangyari sa ating mga buhay At maisagawa ang mataimtim na pagninilay Kaya kabayan sana'y huwag tayo malumlumbay Pag-asa ay naghihintay at kaibigan ay makakagapay.

Kaibigan,hindi pa huli para ikaw ay magbago Lahat ay nagkakamali sapagkat tayo ay tao Pero hindi yan ang dahilan para laban ay isuko Humingi ng tulong sa taas, at tiyak ay kakayanin mo ito.

4 SULYAPINOY JANUARY 2009

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Sa hamon ng buhay ay huwag susuko Harapin at lutasin pag nadapa ay tumayo Isipin mo na ang mundo sa pag-asa ay puno Basta sama-sama sa mga siphayo. Positibong pananaw ating pairalin Huwag padala sa simbuyo ng damdamin Dapat na matuto sa mga pagkakamali natin Upang magandang bukas ang palaging kamtin. Mga pagkakamali na nagawa noon Dapat na ituwid kaibigan ngayon pagkakataon Sa pagkakalugmok dapat na bumangon Magbagong buhay ka sa habang panahon. Sa mga sandali ng mga pangamba Huwag matakot hindi ka nag-iisa Karamay mo lagi sa tuwi-tuwina Mga kaibigang kapuso at kapamilya.

FACES, PLACES & PACES Chinese New Year ~ January 26, 2009

Let’s enjoy the ride as we conquer Everland...

Our warm unity and friendship wipes out the cold weather...

Snap some unforgettable photographs as we journey Everland’s horizon...

Enjoy winter to the fullest as we ride on an ice sled and skate around Everland’s Majic Ice Rink and Snow Buster...

We were so lucky to witness the Circus Carnival and Super Oings Parade...

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SULYAPINOY JANUARY 2009

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FUN & LEARN / ANNOUNCEMENTS (Applicable to all Foreign Workers)

by: Dondave Jabay

Instructions:

Note: 1) 2) 3)

For companies implementing the 40 hours work-week system before July 1, 2008 must use OPTION A Overtime Rate/Hour Computation. For companies that will implement the 40 hours work-week system after July 1, 2008 must use OPTION B Overtime Rate/Hour Computation for a period of 3-years from the date of its implementation. After 3-years, the computation must be reverted back to OPTION A. According to the Article 3 of Addenda of Minimum Wage Act, even though the legal working hours are reduced from 44 hrs to 40 hrs according to the revised Labor Standard Act, an employer shall pay the previous minimum wage to a worker who receives minimum wages.

1) Fill the white squares with numbers 1 to 9 so that they add up to the sums shown in highlighted squares (gray color). 2) A gray color square will show one or two numbers separated by a diagonal line. 3) A number that is above the diagonal line is the sum of the row of white squares to its right. 4) A number that is below the diagonal line is the sum of the column of white squares beneath it.

Two important rules: 1) There are no zeroes. 2) Do not put the same number in each sum of the row of white squares to its right or column beneath it.

The most exciting part!!! (Newly Recognized FEWA Official Members)

Norman Matudan Edwin General Hercy Guevarra Andres Molarto Binas Angelito De Guzman Christopher Gonzales Alojado Francis Bagoyo

Nelson Tabien Percival fajardo Michael Trumata Avelino Ente Raffy Trencio Nomar Adrada Eladio Fuertes

Lolito Castrodes Michael Pareja Alex Cruspe Jinny Abella Edmundo Villarta Gilbert Ocaya Benjie Del Mundo

The first person to answer the puzzle correctly will be given a public recognition through SULYAPINOY newsletter and website. How to report your answer? Please call 010-9294-4365 or email @ [email protected]

Answer Here

by Alden Balgos

Answer to Vol. 2 ~ Issue 2

CONGRATULATIONS TO… Rizaldo Oliva — Nano Chem Tech. Ltd., Namsa-myeon, Yongin City, Gyeonggi-do. 02 - Regina P. Arquiza Precy E. Villaveza Felix S. Ferrer 04 - Rebenson B. Recana 06 - Glicerio Libunao 07 - Daisy Paez 08 - Perry D. Como Juanito Abellera 12 - Reynaldo Selin Bernabe Rivera Jr. 19 - Anabelle Salcedo 20 - Nilo C. Firme Edgar Allan Reyes

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20 - Jovencio Araquel Gerald Jaypee Gramaje 21 - Jose Allan T. Bernasol 22 - Jose Joel Y. Tavarro 23 - Alfredo Miralpez 25 - Gloria Hadap 26 - Dondave Jabay Reynaldo N. Tabuena Marvin Nobleta Lilani Sinahon 27 - Alex Regaspi Raquel Arche 28 - Teofilo C. Camo

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DONORS / SPONSORS

Amie Sison ~ 50,000won (monthly starting October 2007) Rebenson Recana ~ 50,000won (January 2008) Sofonias Paragsa ~ 50,000won (December 2007) Dondave Jabay ~ 50,000won (November 2007) Anonymous ~ 10,000won (January 2008) Anonymous ~ 5,000won (January 2008) Anonymous ~ 1,000won (January 2008)

“Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting.” CASH DONATIONS CAN BE MADE THRU... Donation Box (can be found at FEWA Office inside WooriBank, Hyehwadong Branch, Seoul) Deposit / Transfer (Account #: 049702 04 058587 / Account Name: Sofonias N. Paragsa / Bank: KB or Kookmin Bank)

세일 여행사 ( 주 ) Seowon Bldg., 10th Floor 91-1, Kyeongwon-dong Chongro-gu Seoul

Fax #: 723-5781 or 724-0636

Seil Tour System offers very reasonable prices which are amazingly cheaper than other agencies you can find for these routes:

INCHEON - MANILA - INCHEON ROUTE INCHEON - CEBU - INCHEON ROUTE PUSAN - MANILA - PUSAN ROUTE We may deliver your ticket thru mail. Please send your payment through our bank account… #032-01-163167 Nonghyup Bank - Seil Tour

We’re We ’re always ready to assist you for your good trip. For more details please contact… MILA MONTERDE at 02-724-0677 or SHIN HWA-YOUNG at 02-724-0664 Other Services Offered: We can book you worldwide www.seiltour.co.kr / www.itms.co.kr www.sulyapinoy.org

SULYAPINOY JANUARY 2009

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OUR SPONSOR

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