Traffic Re-Routing for the Turn-of-theCentury Celebration

Millennium Commission formed

President Aquino has issued Executive Order No. 128 establishing the Presidential Commission for the New Century and the Millennium to be chaired by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Jr. and cochaired by Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo and El Shaddai servant-leader Bro. Mike Velarde. In signing of Executive Order No. 128 last July 23, 2011, the President cited the need to create a body that will craft policies and programs to ensure that the fruits of information communications and technology, science and technology, trade and industry, transportation and communications will be fully developed and applied to all priority programs of the administration in the years 2012 to 2016. The newly created commission will be an advisory body to the President and will exercise the following functions and responsibilities: 1. Develop and recommend to the President the country's strategic vision and goals in the next century on how the country should prepare and adopt expected advances in science and technology for agriculture, budget and management, finance, health, labor and employment, public works and highways, transportation and communcations to advance the countrys business and infrastructure sector and other priority areas; 2. Prepare and recommend to the President the Master Plan on the Millennium and the New Century, with emphasis on science and technology to advance the country's agriculture sector, budget and management, finance, health, labor and employment, public works and highways, transportation and communcations to advance the countrys business and infrastructure sector; 3. Identify, coordinate, and operationalize all related activities necessary to implement the country's annual celebration of the millennium and the Master Plan; 4. Accept or receive donations and other conveyances by gratuitous title of funds, materials and services for the use in the planning, operationalizing and management of the country's celebration of the millennium and the said Master Plan. 5. Undertake all other measures necessary for the successful implementation of the Master Plan. The commission will have the following as members: secretaries of budget and management, finance, trade and industry, education, energy, environment and natural resources health, interior and local government, justice, labor and employment, public works and highways, tourism, and the Presidential communications operations office, director general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), executive director of the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines (PPP), presidential advisers on entertainment, environmental protection, overseas Filipino workers, peace process, priority projects, political affairs representing the Office of the President, chairman of the Social Security System (SSS), president and chief executive officer of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), chairman of the National Youth Commission (NYC), and two representatives from the private sector to be designated by the President. The President will designate a director general for the commission, who shall serve as ex-officio member of the commission. The director general will act as the chief operations officer of the commission, perform and manage all aspects of the commission's operations. The executive order also created the Committee on the Turn-of-the-Century Celebration to ensure the success of the country's annual celebration of the turn-of-the-century from September 1, 2011 to

January 9, 2012, and to coordinate the participation of the entire citizenry nationwide and worldwide. It will be under the supervision of the Presidential Commission for the New Century and will expire on December 31, 2016.

'Jimmy Kimmel Live' Moving to 11:35PM; 'Nightline' to Follow at 12:35AM

Tuesday, August 21, 2012 . . . Capitalizing on ratings momentum, advertising demand and increased revenue potential for entertainment programming in the 11:35 p.m. time slot, ABC today announced a strategic shift in its late-night strategy to better position the network for increased ratings and financial performance over the long term. On Tuesday, January 8, Jimmy Kimmel Live, the only late-night broadcast talk show to increase in Total Viewers this past season, will move to 11:35 p.m., putting the show in head-to-head competition with The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Late Show with David Letterman. Proven late-night performer Nightline will shift to 12:35 a.m., allowing viewers to begin and end their broadcast day with news. The moves are timed to take advantage of the built-in promotional platforms provided by ABCs Dick Clarks New Years Rockin Eve with Ryan Seacrest and ESPNs Bowl Championship Series, which culminates with the National Championship Game on Monday, January 7. In addition, Nightline will expand its programming commitments with a move into primetime, Friday nights at 9:00 p.m. beginning March 1. Given its success and growth, the ABC News series What Would You Do? will also find a new home on the schedule. In making the announcement, Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group, said: Given the passionate fan base Jimmy Kimmel Live has built over the past decade and the shows ratings and creative momentum this season, the time is right to make this move. There is the potential for far greater upside over the long term with this shift, given increased advertiser demand for competitive entertainment programming in the time slot. She continued: This shift also allows us to bookend our programming day with compelling news content. And the addition of a new primetime hour of Nightline on Friday nights will ensure that the program has even more opportunities to continue its incredible, award-winning reporting. For the complete 2011-12 Broadcast TV Season, Jimmy Kimmel Live grew its overall audience over the prior season by 3% in Total Viewers to generate its most-watched season in 5 years. In addition, JKL was the only late-night broadcast talk show to grow year over year in Total Viewers. And the shows ratings momentum has continued. During the recent July sweep, ABCs Jimmy Kimmel Live surged year to year by 15% in Total Viewers to deliver its most-watched July sweep ever. Notably, JKL grew its overall audience year over year in all 4 sweeps of the 2011-12 Season. The program was also up over the year-ago sweep by 5% in Adults 18-49 to score its best July in 4 years since 2008. In addition, JKL stood as the only broadcast talk show in late-night to achieve yearly growth in either Total Viewers or Adults 18-49. And on Sunday, September 23, Jimmy Kimmel will take another turn in the spotlight when he hosts the 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. The shift for Nightline in late-night and the addition of a new Nightline broadcast hour in primetime, timed to utilize the Academy Awards as a promotional platform, continues the momentum of ABC News, which has enjoyed a banner year of success and growth. From a resurgent Good Morning America, to the groundbreaking, innovative digital deal with Yahoo that immediately catapulted ABC News to the top of digital news delivery, to the recently completed joint venture with Univision for a 24-hour culturally relevant lifestyle and news channel for U.S. Hispanics -- the fastest growing demographic in the nation -- ABC News has gone from strength to strength and success to success.

In commenting on the announcement, Ben Sherwood, president, ABC News, said: Nightline has proven its ability to grow over three decades on the air, with the show currently enjoying some of its highest ratings and best editorial work ever. The Nightline team will now bring its excellent journalism to new time periods, and we especially welcome the chance to produce an hour every Friday in primetime, where new audiences will be introduced to the programs signature storytelling, interviewing and investigations. Im confident Nightline and its dynamic anchors, correspondents and staff will enjoy many successes for years to come. Paul Lee, president, ABC Entertainment Group, added: The time is right for Kimmel to make this movehes ready, and so is his audience. For the past 10 years weve built the foundation for this shift, and well be celebrating the New Year as only Jimmy Kimmel can with that unique brand of humor and universal wit that has endeared him to fans of all ages.

Eat Bulaga and Its Showtime in Y2K campaign

With two months left before the millennium bug is expected to strike, the Presidential Commission on Year 2013 Compliance is seeking the help of the media in making the public aware of its impact and the preparations being made to counter its effects. Karim Bangcola, executive director of the Y2K Commission, said the public needs to be made aware of preparations for the millennium or Y2K bug and should know what to do in case of contingencies. "Importante kasi ang role ng media sa remaining months. Yun nga, kasi yung iba ini-ignore lang itong problema tapos pagka nagkagulo e nagpa-panic (The media plays an important role in the coming

months. There are still those who ignore the problem, and then panic when something wrong occurs)," Bangcola said in a radio interview. He added that media would prepare the public for the Y2K bug by giving the people confidence in dealing with possible problems that may arise from it. Earlier, the Y2K Commission Chairman Amable Aguiluz stressed the need to generate public awareness on the millennium bug, eyeing stints in morning shows such as Umagang Kay Ganda, Metro One, Good Morning Club and Unang Hirit noontime shows such as Eat Bulaga and Its Showtime and Sunday variety shows A.S.A.P. and Party Pilipinas as part of the Y2K media campaign. Last June, President Aquino signed into law a bill requiring all mission-critical sectors to disclose the status of their preparations for the Y2K bug. The Y2K Commission is presently processing some 2,000 statements submitted by the mission-critical sectors. These mission critical sectors are telecommunications, health, manufacturing, finance, government, utilities and transportation. Aguiluz said the Y2K Commission continues to conduct seminars and other information drives in various schools and venues nationwide. "Tuluy-tuloy ang aming mga seminars. Meron kaming mga speakers galing sa Amerika at sa ibang bansa. At tuluy-tuloy rin itong mga kampanya namin sa tri-media at meron kaming mga kampanya sa lahat ng eskwelahan (Our seminars will go on. We will have resource persons from the United States and frrom other countries. Our tri-media and school awareness campaigns will go on)," he said. He added the Y2K Commission is distributing leaflets and primers in schools so even young Filipinos will be aware of the millennium bugs effects.

Week-Long Grand Welcome for the New Millennium

Manila, November 2, 2012 - If the United Kingdom boasts of its Millennium Dome and Singapore crows about its Millennium Mania, Filipinos will shout a ringing "Mabuhay" to the Milenyo Filipino Festival at the end of 2012, as the world welcomes the year 2013. From December 26 to January 1, nothing but the best in the Philippines will be showcased at the Rizal Park, the center of celebration of the Filipino spirit in the 21st century. Like a travel back in time, Filipinos and guests from around the world, will witness the evolution of the Filipino spirit in the past 114 years. The achievements of Filipinos great and small will unfold before the eyes of spectators expected to run into hundred of thousands from Day One of the festivities.In store for everyone young and old, locals and foreigners are two major celebrations: the week-long Milenyo Filipino Festival and the "Turn of the Century Program" at the Quirino Grandstand on December 31. Under Executive Order No. 128, President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III has created the Presidential Commission for the New Century and the Millennium (PCNCM) to plan and oversee all activities aimed at welcoming the New Year. The PCNCM is chaired by Secretary Proceso Alcala of the Department of Agriculture with Secretary Mario Montejo of the Department of Science and Technology and Brother Mike Velarde of El Shaddai as co-chairman. The Milenyo Filipino Festival will present the best in Philippine arts and culture in agriculture, in science and technology, and in business in trade and industry, education, health, labor and employment,

public works and highways, social welfare and development, trade and industry, transportation and communications. It will also drumbeat the meaning and importance of the "Turn of the Century Program" on the last day of the 20th century or New Years eve. Festooned in a truly special fashion, the entire Rizal Park will be the venue of the festival, carrying Filipino outdoor decorations, which include buntings, surprise art objects and banners. The Rizal Park festival will put into focus the general theme of the Philippine millennium celebration: food security for all Filipinos amid the countrys march to a higher level of science and technology, business (budget and management and finance, education, health, public works and highways, social welfare and development, trade and industry, transportation and communications) and information communications and technology. Its special look is calculated to generate public interest and positive exposure for the country both in the local and international media. The Milenyo Filipino Festival has something special and spectacular for all. At the Childrens Park, the Pistang Pambata will have big surprises for the youngsters, including puppet shows, folk games, and a higantes (giants) parade. The park will be spruced up with additional mythological figures such as the Ibong Adarna, kapre, to highten awareness and interest of Filipino children in Philippine mythology. The Halamanan ng Bayan at the corner of Taft Avenue and Burgos Street will be the site of ecotourism displays, exhibits, concerts, demos and teach-ins. It will be used to propagate the care and preservation of our environment. For the arts and culture buffs, Sining Pinoy will convert the entire Agrifina Circle into a site of Pinoy Caf outdoor art exhibits, cultural performances, concerts, fashion shows, poetry reading, among others. The Philippine Millennium Garden Show at the Luneta Orchidarium will show the best collections of orchids, bromeliads, mums, poinsettias, roses and other tropical plants. For the gourmands, the Handaan festival organized by hotels and restaurants along Roxas Boulevard and Kalaw Street will entice them with rows of food stalls underneath shady trees. Teatro at Pelikula is an open-air auditorium showing the best Filipino musicals and plays as well as the best Filipino movies.There will also be an exhibit on Philippine pre-history located at the "Cave" at the Rizal Park with live performances showing vignettes of the early civilization of the country.The best designs on exportable products will be shown at the Disenyo at Kalakalan (Philippine Trade Exhibit) at the lobby and open areas of the National Library. Sulong, Agham at Teknolohiya will showcase interesting Philippine inventions and achievements in science and technology. A special agricultural fair, Ginintuang Ani ng Lupang Pilipino located at the tree-shaded park behind the National Library will display the countrys progress in the field of agriculture. The Ambag ng Sining Silangan fair at Rizal Parks Japanese and Chinese gardens exhibits Japanese and Chinese influences in the Philippines. At designated days and hours of the festival, there will be parades of popular Philippine fiestas to enliven the park and add more color to the celebration. The parades will start at the Department of Tourism building and will pass through all the walkways of the park. In-between these cultural parades will be street tableaux featuring folk dance performances and vignettes of important Filipino plays produced through the years.

Although the whole world is neck-deep in preparations for Millennium Parties and special events, many point out that the year 2013 is not the start of the next millennium but the end of the present millennium. Thus, the second millennium begins on January 1, 2016.

100-Day Countdown (September 23, 2012 to December 31, 2012)

A hundred days to welcome the New Year 2013. September 23, 2012 marks the start of one hundred days of nationwide and worldwide festivities, activities and events leading to New Year 2013. The countdown will further heighten and spread the millennium fever and excitement. With the Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II chairing the Committee, the participation of local government units is assured as well as that of carious sectors of society, specifically at the grassroots level. In support of all the activities, LED billboards all over the country will bear the number of days to New Year 2013. Television and radio station plugs as well as newspapers, LRT, MRT and PNR trains and shopping malls will be announcing the same. Through these 100 days, the Filipino will witness and participate in the opening of Millennium Freedom Trail sites all around the country and around the world. International events initiated by Filipino communities abroad, in cooperation with the Commission and foreign private corporations, will form a major part of the countdown activities. Visit us on: www.interaksyon.com and www.news5.com.ph www.gmanetwork.com www.ptv.ph http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind9912e&L=balital&D=1&T=0&H=1&O=D&F=&S=&P=3561

"Kwento ng Pasko" ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2012

Every year, the Kapamilya Network marks the start of the yuletide season with the launch of the ABSCBN Christmas station ID. It has become almost a yearly tradition that Filipinos around the globe look forward to. Lumiliwanag ang Mundo sa Kwento ng Pasko, our Christmas Station ID theme, highlights how the Filipino spirit always shines through despite calamities that ravage our country. It shows how each one of us become bearers of light, as we help our countrymen get back on their feet... how we remain resilient because kindness never runs out, because help always comes. Many scenes in the SID are inspired by real events. Some of these stories happened at the height of the habagat - A fireman saved the lives of those stranded in their own homes; a chef opened the doors of his restaurant to feed victims; a young woman offered her own jacket to a street child who was suffering under the cold rain; Philippine coast guards went out of their way to save lives; Volunteers and civilians selflessly offered their time and energy to relief work. This year's offering features hundreds of Kapamilya stars paying tribute to ordinary Filipino heroes, at the same time helping spread the light across the globe. The parol, a Pinoy Christmas icon, is this year's Christmas SID centerpiece. Film director John-D Lazatin suggested the idea of having kids orphaned during Typhoon Sendong design a parol. This, in turn, is used as an instrument of light spreading around the world. When we own the Kapamilya parol, we're

not only spreading the light, we're also being part of an effort to help our disaster affected Kapamilyas, as proceeds from the parol sales would be donated to Sagip Kapamilya, the ABS-CBN Foundation arm which provides relief to affected communities of disasters, as well as engage in rehabilitation and disaster risk reduction projects. This year's Christmas anthem was written by Robert Labayen, ABS-CBN's Vice President of Creative Communications Management with music by Marcus and Amber Davis. It was performed by an ensemble of Kapamilya artists -- Sarah Geronimo, Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Vina Morales, Billy Crawford; the Champions Angeline Quinto, Yeng Constantino, Erik Santos, Jed Madela, Christian Bautista, Bugoy Drilon, Marcelito Pomoy, Jovit Baldivino; the Sessionistas Aiza Seguerra, Richard Poon, Juris, Princess, Sitti, Kean Cipriano and Bamboo; X Factor Philippines Grand Winner KZ Tandingan, kid singers from ABS-CBN Star Magic; Daniel Padilla and Piolo Pascual. The 2012 Christmas Station ID was created by ABS-CBN Creative Communications Management headed by Robert Labayen, Johnny Delos Santos, Patrick de Leon and Ira Zabat. It is directed by Paolo Ramos with Peewee Gonzales. Logo design by Melo Saliendra, head of Print Graphics and Design. The SID Creative and Production team members are Dang Baldonado, Danie Sedilla-Cruz, Edsel Misenas, Kathrina Sanchez, Christina Barbin, Christine Joy Laxamana, Marchie Blaire Mallari, Sheryl Ramos, Adrian Lim, Carla Payongayong, Chiz Constantino-Perez, Christine Daria-Estabillo, Lota Rosales, Lloyd Corpuz, Mark Bravo; with ABS-CBN Marketing Cookie Bartolome, Baroy Morga, Chris Wong; ABS-CBN TV Entertainment, ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs, ABS-CBN Regional Network Group, ABS-CBN Sports, ABS-CBN Global. Other members are Jaime Porca, Technical Production head; Rommel Andreo Sales, Director of Photography; Odyssey Flores, 2nd Unit Director of Photography; Sam Esquillon, Production Designer; Oliver Paler, Alfie Landayan, Meryl Miranda, Con Ignacio, Post Production Team; Jimmy Muna, sound engineer; Winnie Mariano, artist coordinator; Mary Ann Rejano, Remy Sotto, Talent Caster; Marvin Bragas, Location Manager; Marileth Abejero, Photographer; Darwin Duenas, Production Coordinator. TRIVIA: Being a fan of Be Careful with My Heart's Maya and Ser Chief, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Zia Quizon had their photo taken with the love team of Jodi Santamaria and Richard Papa Chen Yap when they saw each other at the SID shoot set. KZ Tandingan was nervous on the shoot of her line for the song because it was her first music video shoot. Angel Locsin took time during and after the shoot to talk to the Red Cross Volunteers about her experiences during her volunteer work. Kris Aquino was very happy during the shoot as she interacted with the Sagip Kapamilya Volunteers, the Bacoor Cavite Police, the Santa Lucia North Fairview Firemen, Red Cross Emergency Response Unit, and members of the Philippine Military. PBB Teens and Gerald Anderson went on location at the Artex Compound in Malabon for the shoot of the SID. Residents of the compound were delighted to see them. Female residents were the ones tasked to row their small boats for the artists, their regular means of transport around the flooded compound. Gerald Anderson was with the members of the Philippine Coast Guard for his sequence. Wohohoh (2x)

Hindi lang sa langit nandon ang mga bituin Pag nasilayan ang pag-asa mata mo rin ay may ningning At hindi lang sa langit nandon ang mga anghel May nag-aalay ng kabutihan hindi mo man hingin Ang magbigay ng sarili sa isat-isa Ito ang kwento ng Pasko, itoy liwanag ng mundo Wohohoh (7x) Dumarami ang mga tala tuwing Kapaskuhan Sa atin nagmumula ang kaliwanagan Dumarami ang mga tala tuwing Kapaskuhan Dalhin natin ang pagpapala sa bawat tahanan Ilang ulit man ang dilim sa buhay natin dumating Di papanaw di mauubos ang mga bituin Ang magbigay ng sarili sa isat-isa Ito ang kwento ng Pasko, itoy liwanag ng mundo Dumarami ang mga tala tuwing Kapaskuhan (tuwing Kapaskuhan) Sa atin nagmumula ang kaliwanagan Dumarami ang mga tala tuwing Kapaskuhan Dalhin natin ang pagpapala sa bawat tahanan Dumarami ang mga tala tuwing Kapaskuhan Sa atin nagmumula ang kaliwanagan (yeah) Dumarami ang mga tala tuwing Kapaskuhan Sa atin nagmumula ang kaliwanagan Ang liwanag ng Pasko ay kwento ng katuparan Ng pangako ng Diyos sa buong sanlibutan Wohohoh (7x) Dumarami ang mga tala tuwing Kapaskuhan (tuwing Kapaskuhan) Sa atin (sa atin) nagmumula (nagmumula) ang kaliwanagan Dumarami (dumarami) ang mga tala tuwing Kapaskuhan (tuwing Kapaskuhan) Dalhin natin (dalhin natin) ang pagpapala sa bawat tahanan (wohohoh) Dumarami (dumarami) ang mga tala tuwing Kapaskuhan (tuwing Kapaskuhan) Sa atin nagmumula ang kaliwanagan (kaliwanagan...hoohooo) Dumarami ang mga tala singdami ng pagpapala (singdami ng pagpapala) Magliliwanag ang mundo sa kwento ng Pasko (sa kwento ng Pasko) AB-ESSS! CB-ENN!!!! THE PHILIPPINES' LARGEST NETWORK!!!!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?a=&feature=youtu.be&v=LSNMpMBDCGE&gl=PH

Taylor Swift to headline Dick Clark's New Year's bash

Olivia Barker, USA TODAY November 9, 2012 - Taylor Swift is continuing her domination of the world stage: She'll be headlining this year's Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest, performing live in front of a potentially 1 million-strong crowd in Times Square just before the ball drops on Monday, Dec. 31, according to a release. The bash, the first since Clark's death in April at age 82, kicks off on ABC at 8 p.m. ET with a two-hour live tribute to the man who catapulted the careers of scores of Swift's predecessors. Fergie and Jenny McCarthy will host the special, which will feature clips and reminiscences of America's oldest teenager.

President Aquino leads as Pinoys link arms on New Years Eve

Manila, November 22, 2012 - The Philippines and the world will welcome the new millennium with a nationwide kapit-bisig (linking of arms) on New Years Eve at the Rizal Park and other parts of the country to demonstrate the unity of Filipino people into the year 2013. Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. of the Department of Tourism (DOT), who also chairs the Committee on the Turn-of-the-Century Celebration and Brother Mike Velarde of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation, who also as second chairman of the Y2K commission, said that President Benigno Noynoy Aquino III has been invited to lead the symbolic kapit-bisig in welcoming the new millennium. The kapit-bisig ritual will be replicated all over the country to show oneness and togetherness of the Filipino people, Jimenez said. The schedule of the December festivities was taken up by Jimenez in a committee meeting held this week at the DOT office in Manila. Jimenezs committee is part of the Presidential Commission on the New Century and the Millennium headed by Secretary Proceso Alcala of the Department of Agriculture. President Aquino created the commission to plan and oversee all activities aimed at welcoming the New Year. There is no reason to be afraid of these changes because these would be good for the people, Velarde said in a press forum at the Quirino Grandstand lounge. Velarde, spiritual adviser of President Aquino, argued that the Filipinos will still have the last say on any amendments proposed by Congress. He added that a plebiscite will be held to vote on the approval of these proposed changes. Preceding the countdown for the new millennium at exactly 11:55 P.M., President Aquino will link arms with his family, government officials and other participants during a program starting at 11:00 P.M. The month-long festivities will kick off on Dec. 1 with the launching of the Milenyo Filipino Markera 30 foot-tall parol (Christmas Star) also at the Rizal Park, with the President and other top officials as guests. A brass band exhibition will precede the ceremonial lighting of the marker scheduled at 4:30 P.M., Jimenez said. A universal prayer is likewise incorporated in the Milenyo Filipino celebration, Araneta said. Jimenez said her committee is now finalizing the schedule of the weeklong Milenyo Filipino activities that will start on Dec. 26 and culminate with the millennium countdown at the Rizal Park on New Years Eve. The whole program will be covered live on radio and TV stations with live feeds from major cities and other selected spots nationwide.

Guests include President Aquino, Vice President Jejomar Binay, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Supreme Court Chief Maria Lourdes Sereno, Milwaukee Archbishop James Michael Cardinal Harvey and Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, who will officiate the mass together with Manila Auxiliary Bishop Teodoro Bacani. A mass will also be celebrated prior to the final countdown for the new millennium. The event will serve free food and drinks for all. All expenses will be paid by the Velarde family and close friends and not by the El Shaddai movement. By 3 p.m. of New Years Eve, December 31, thousands of balloons will be released with these prayer requests: for El Shaddai to continue touching people's lives, healing the sick and repairing broken relationships; for President Aquino to succeed in bridging the gap between the rich and the poor; for the Marcos wealth issue to be resolved by the people in a referendum; and, for the media to become a constructive partner in nation-building.

Rizal Park now CCTV country: 30 cameras keep watch 24/7

LUNETA LOOKOUTS Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. and National Parks Development Committee Executive Director Juliet Villegas on Tuesday inspect the command center for the CCTV cameras installed around Rizal Park (also known as Luneta) to boost security in time for the holiday season. NIO JESUS ORBETA Manila, November 27, 2012 - Once a place of execution during the Spanish era and now a must-see destination for tourists, Rizal Park has also become one of the most watched pieces of real estate in the country. The Department of Tourism on Tuesday formally launched the operation of 30 close circuit television (CCTV) cameras around the park to boost security in time for the expected rise in visitor volume this Christmas. The installation of CCTVs is a positive step taken by National Parks Development Committee in preparation for the upcoming holidays. We are all aware that Rizal Park is visited and is one of the favorite destinations of millions of Filipinos and foreign tourists during Christmas Day and the New Year, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said. To bring in more tourists to a tourist spot, peace and order must be guaranteed, just like in our Rizal Park. We have to give tourists our assurance that they are safe within the confines of our national park, he said.

Jimenez and NPDC Executive Director Juliet H. Villegas graced the launch of the security project which is expected to not only monitor crowd movement but also help police spot crime suspects. The cameras were installed on the stretch of the park from Quirino Grandstand to Taft Avenue, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic, along the perimeter and at the gated sections. Aside from its 24/7 operation, 1080i 16:9 digital high resolution and 360-degree pan and zoom features, the CCTV system can also be used to make crowd estimates and help in the search for missing or wanted persons based on a sketch that may be given to the command center, said NPDC spokesperson Kenneth Montegrande. This can be useful especially if the local police are searching for a criminal who is listed as wanted. Once the CCTV recognizes the face of a wanted criminal, the command system will issue an alarm and will prompt the security team to respond, he said. The system utilized by the CCTVs is linked to the data base of the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation (in such a way that) law enforcers will be able to respond to criminal incidents in real time, he added. Villegas also announced the creation of a quick response system and the construction of information and assistance kiosks at the lobby of the NPDC Office, the tourist police station near the monument of national hero Jose Rizal, and the childrens playground. The kiosks will be equipped with touchscreen monitors that could provide visitors with fast facts about the park and its various attractions. The idea is to inform the public of what Rizal Park has in store for them. With a touch of a finger, their desired places will be seen on the screen and they will be provided with details plus a 360-degree view of the attraction, Villegas said. All these efforts are in line with the marching order of Tourism Secretary Jimenez to help bring back the trust and confidence of the public in Rizal Park in the hopes of bringing back its former glory, she added. The kiosk project is expected to be completed before the end of the year, she said.

Y2K READINESS: RETAILERS TOLD TO INCREASE STOCKS

Manila, Dec. 2, 2012 - In anticipation of any power outages and other service interruptions during the critical year-end period, retailers and manufacturers were ordered by the government to stock up on basic commodities. Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo said retailers would have to stockpile to ensure that there would be enough supply to head off hoarding by consumers. The Department of Trade and Industry said its biggest cause for worry is the failure of the National Power Corp. (Napocor) to be 100 percent Y2K compliant, which could cause sporadic power supply interruptions during the first two weeks of January 13. Assistant Trade Secretary Zenaida Maglaya told reporters Pardo's instructions were relayed to the manufacturers and retailers during a recent meeting. "Although Y2K readiness is the primary responsibility of the (Presidential) Y2K Commission, the DTI is responsible for ensuring that there is ample supply (of prime commodities) to prevent panic-buying, hoarding and wild fluctuations in prices," she said. Maglaya said manufacturers have committed to build up an inventory of goods that could last up to a month. Retailers promised to continue meeting the demand as long as supply was available. "They cannot build up their own inventories beyond the usual level because it would require considerable front-loaded investment," she said. "Retailers assured us there won't be any problems as long as manufacturers keep deliveries on schedule."

Transportation and Communications Secretary Jun Abaya will take the early morning flight out of Manila on Jan. 1, 2013 to show that the country's aviation industry is Y2K compliant. Abaya, who is also chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, said he plans to fly to Cebu and Clark to prove to the riding public that "it is safe to fly" at the start of the year 2013. In the airline industry, it is feared that the glitch could send planes on collision course when computers and radar systems go haywire.

Super typhoon enters Phl

MANILA, Philippines, December 3, 2012 (STAR) - Remember typhoon Sendong, which left nearly 1,300 people dead in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities in mid-December last year? An even more powerful cyclone is roaring toward Mindanao, triggering warnings for what forecasters said could be the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said typhoon Pablo was forecast to be stronger than Sendong. Pablo (international name Bopha) entered the Philippine area of responsibility last night, PAGASA said. State weather forecasters said Pablo will bring torrential rains and strong winds in many parts of the country, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao, beginning tomorrow. PAGASA Weather Division Chief Robert Sawi said the storm was forecast to move closer to Northern Mindanao tomorrow morning. It is expected to make landfall in Surigao del Norte or Surigao del Sur before noon Tuesday. Good weather is still expected for the whole country on Monday. On Tuesday, the effects of Pablo will be gradually felt over the eastern section of Mindanao, Sawi said in a press briefing. He said heavy rain is expected over Surigao, Compostela Valley, Davao and the rest of Mindanao tomorrow morning, and over Northern Mindanao by nighttime. By Wednesday, the typhoon is expected to cross Panay Island and move toward the MindoroPalawan area. By Thursday evening, Pablo will be over Palawan and will start to bring light to moderate rain over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, Sawi said. Super typhoon Pablo was categorized by US meteorologists as a super typhoon. As of 4 p. m. yesterday, the eye of the typhoon was spotted 970 kilometers southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 220 kph. It was forecast to move west-northwest at 22 kph. This morning, it is forecast to be at 660 km east of Hinatuan, and by tomorrow at 140 km east northeast of Hinatuan or 230 km east-southeast of Surigao City. By Wednesday morning the weather disturbance is expected to be at 60 km north of Dumaguete City. It was predicted to bring 20 to 30 millimeters of rain (heavy to intense) in areas within its 700-km radius. Landslide, storm surge alerts up Benito Ramos, executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), advised fishermen in the eastern section of the country, particularly in Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte, not to venture to sea.

He warned residents in coastal areas against storm surges and workers of small-scale mining companies in Mt. Diwalwal, Compostela Valley against possible landslides. The NDRRMC also ordered its field units to undertake precautionary measures. This is a powerful storm, perhaps the strongest this year, and we enjoin everyone to take precautionary measures, Ramos said. He said the local governments would determine whether to undertake preemptive evacuation in their respective areas. He advised residents to cooperate with local authorities to minimize casualties. Police, Coast Guard, Navy brace for Pablo The Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Navy have alerted their men and placed on standby their assets and disaster response units in preparation for the impact of the super typhoon. PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome has placed all police units on alert and activated the police desk at the NDRRMC to ensure immediate coordination among PNP units and the national headquarters for easy augmenting of forces and assistance. PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said all PNP resources, particularly manpower, and special rescue equipment are put on standby for deployment in areas expected to be hit by the typhoon. Cerbo said the PNP is also preparing rubber boats for evacuation efforts and communication among the units has been boosted for effective dissemination of information. If the rubber boats deployed in local police units would not be enough, Cerbo said the PNP might be forced to use the ones that were part of the evidence in the investigation into the questionable procurement of equipment by the previous administration. He said the public could directly seek help from the PNP through Patrol 1-1-7 or by sending text messages to (0917) 847-57-57 and text 2-9-2-0. PCG chief Rear Admiral Luis Tuason said his men are ready to respond to search and rescue operations in all hard-hit areas and warned small seagoing vessels against sailing. We are ready to conduct rescue operations in flooded areas. Let us warn operators of small vessels, motor bancas, and fishing boats to avoid sailing in the southeastern and eastern section of the country where sea is rough, PCG spokesman Commander Armand Balilo said. He said in all parts of the country, passengers of seagoing vessels with open deck, and fishing boat workers were advised to wear lifejackets and not to carry excess passengers. Navy spokesman Col. Omar Tonsay said a standby alert covering naval units located along the expected path of the typhoon took effect starting at 8 a.m. yesterday. The Navy has 40 ships and 27 naval teams ready to conduct rescue and relief operations. On standby were two disaster response units and five ships from the Albay-based Naval Forces Southern Luzon; two teams and three ships from Naval Forces Northern Luzon in La Union; three units and 11 ships from the Palawan-based Naval Forces West; five disaster response teams and eight ships from the Naval Forces Central in Cebu; two units and 10 ships from Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao based in Davao City; two teams and three ships from the Zamboanga-based Naval Forces Western Mindanao; and 11 response teams from the Fleet Marine Ready Force in Sangley Point, Cavite. Bicol OCD forms Task Force Pablo The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Legazpi City, Albay formed yesterday Task Force Pablo as part of its preparations for the onslaught of the super typhoon.

The task force is composed of 600-man joint rescue teams from the Philippine Army, Navy, Air Force, PNP, and the Bureau of Fire Protection. OCD regional director Raffy Alejandro has placed all disaster risk reduction and management councils in Bicol under heightened alert status since Saturday. Albay Gov. Joey Salceda has also placed the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on red alert status. Our preparation is consonant with the order of President Aquino to prepare all government assets three days before a typhoon enters the countrys area of responsibility, said Salceda. He said they are ready to evacuate some 350,000 people in the provinces 15 towns and three cities when the need arises. We really have to put everything on cue so that our response teams will not be caught flat-footed in case Pablo will change course and threaten Albay, he said in yesterdays press briefing. He urged the residents to continue praying the Oratio Imperata so the country would be spared from the wrath of Pablo. Cedric Daep, chief of Albays Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, said their preparation had been applied in the past when similar super typhoons battered the province. We did this before in the cases of Loleng in 1998, and Milenyo and Reming in 2006, Daep told The STAR. With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Alexis Romero, Cet Dematera, Celso Amo

Three Points Vie For Millennium Sunrise Tourists

Manila, Dec. 4, 2012 - A so-called "millennium fever" rages in the Philippines with barely four weeks to go before Jan. 1, 2013. The controversial debate on where the first millennium sunrise will break out -- Mt. Apo in North Cotabato or Pusan Point in Davao Oriental was resolved by the Philippine Atmospheric and Geophysical and astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. of the Department of Tourism, chairman of the Committee on the Turnof-the-Century Celebration, said that, its neither Mt. Apo nor Pusan Point where the first millennium sunrise of the new millennium can be spotted in the country. The year 2013s sunrise will first be visible at the southeast corner of the International Treaty Limits of the Philippines, or in the vicinity of Dompoeles Island out in the open sea. Pagasa officer-in-charge Cipriano Ferraris told the DOT that the millennium sunrise will be observed from peak of Mt. Apo at 5:43 A.M. of Jan. 1, 2013 or just two minutes ahead of Pusan Point. Ferraris said the three locations should be of great interest to specific groups of people or tourists. He said Dompoeles Island is sure to attract mariners and deep sea divers, while the peak of Mt. Apo will appeal to mountain climbers and Pusan Point, to ordinary foreign and local tourists. He said he considers Pusan Point as the best place to catch the first rays of the sun at the outbreak of the new millennium because of its proximity to a community and the presence of such facilities as accommodations, transportation and communications. Jimenezs committee is a component of the Presidential Commission on the New Century and the Millennium, which is chaired by Secretary Proceso Alcala of the Department of Agriculture (DA), with Secretary Mario Montejo of the Department Science and Technology (DOST) and Brother Mike Velarde of El Shaddai as co-chairman. Former President Ferdinand Marcos created the Commission and the Committee under Executive Order No. 128 in 1983.

Caraga town Mayor William Dumaan said a tourism complex is being fast-tracked so it can accommodate visitors to Pusan out to witness the millennium sunrise. Mori said the P2 million, three-storey complex overlooks the bay. Its initial construction began in 1982, she said adding, "we spent so much for its foundation, and we are now completing a tennis court where we will put the different booths for a planned fair." The road to Pusan Point is located at Santiago, a barangay of Caraga town. As the easternmost vantage point of the Philippine Archipelago, it has been a navigational landmark in the Pacific for centuries, used by the Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish navigators of old. Santiago is a century-old barangay of Caraga Pueblo, situated on a hilltop 80 feet above sea level. The village has been led by Mandayan captains Manucasi and Lumbong; Christian captains Fausto Aguilar and Venancio Tipudan, and Inspector Isabelo Ramillete since 1977. Miguel Trocio, provincial tourism officer of Davao Oriental, said the campsite is 21 hectares, with rocky edges, and a lighthouse on a 2.4-hectare site. A tent city for campers will occupy five hectares and will feature a trade fair, booths, press center, generators and water supply. Lopez said the working committee handling communications has tapped Smart Communications, Inc. to install at least two public calling offices during the affair. She said President Benigno Noynoy Aquino III and DOT Secretary Jimenez have been invited as guests of honor. Millennium celebration activities have been lined up, starting Dec. 15 when the streets of Caraga will be lighted by parols. A mass will highlight formal launching of the project at Barangay Santiago on December 27. There will also be a guided tour of Caraga. On Dec. 10, the cultural heritage of Caraga will be depicted through sundry dance numbers by the Mandayas at the park, while preparation of native dishes will be demonstrated by townsfolk. A midnight mass will be celebrated by on Dec. 31 at El Salvador de Mundo church, considered as the oldest church in Mindanao. The sighting of the first millennium sunrise to be another occasion for celebration on the island, highlighted by a midnight dinner, fireworks display and ballroom dancing. "While the sun rises, ethnic instruments like Budyong, Gimbal, Longga, Suding, Kulintang, Matraka, Kudian, etc. will be heard throughout Caraga as a welcome aria to the New year," Lopez said.

Bulacan shelves Christmas party, donates to Pablo victims

By Carmela Reyes-Estrope, Inquirer Central Luzon December 8, 2012 - CITY OF MALOLOS, Philippines Bulacan government employees, some of them still reeling from the effects of floods that swamped the province in August, have shelved their annual Christmas party and have donated their money instead to the victims of Typhoon Pablo in Mindanao. Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado announced the employees decision on Friday night after he lighted a 55-foot Christmas tree made of bamboo in front of the provincial capitol here. Only a handful of employees and officials joined Alvarado at the ceremony. Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando, members of the provincial board and the provincial governments department heads spent the evening discussing a separate fund drive for the Mindanao flood victims. Alvarado said he has asked Bulacans 21 towns and three cities to help generate funds and donations. What the employees have decided to do instead of the party is to hold a Mass, and then congregate with food they all shall share among themselves. If funds have been used to buy Christmas raffle prizes, we will sell those prizes. If not, we will send the money to the victims, he said. He said celebrating while flood victims starved was no longer appropriate for the employees, many of whom have had to deal with floods and landslides during the monsoon season.

The provinces Christmas tree was not lavishly decorated, to express sympathy for the typhoon victims.

Buy a parol and help a Kapamilya

Manila, December 9, 2012 - ABS-CBN has launched a Christmas campaign to help disaster-affected families by selling the Kapamilya Parol to jibe with this years theme Lumiliwanag ang Mundo sa Kwento ng Pasko. By purchasing a Kapamilya Parol, buyers are taking part in an effort to help disaster-affected families as all proceeds will be donated to Sagip Kapamilya, the ABS-CBN Foundations arm that provides relief to affected communities of disasters, as well as rehabilitation and disaster risk reduction projects. Buyers can hang these parols in their homes but it can also be donated to less-fortunate families through the ABS-CBN Online Store at www.abscbnstore.multiply.com. ABS-CBN will give a parol in the donors name to a child or family affected by the calamities of 2012 and upon receipt of the parol, an e-mail will be sent to the donor with the recipients name and if possible, a photo as well.

State agencies cancel Christmas parties to help Pablo victims

December 10, 2012 - THE Office of the President (OP) and other departments in government have decided to cancel their Christmas parties as their way of sympathizing with victims of Typhoon "Pablo." Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson (OPS), Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) and the Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) cancelled their parties. "How does one celebrate when you know that there is misery when people are missing? How can one celebrate and fully enjoy knowing that there are fellow brethren who have family members who cannot be found, cannot be accounted for?" Lacierda said. Lacierda said they decided to cancel their parties as they took the cue from the President who earlier asked "how does one celebrate" following the devastation that happened in Visayas and Mindanao regions. "We, in the Cabinet, share view of the President. So we're taking our cue from the President. This was not an order from the President," he said. Lacierda said his office and the PCDSPO have already made plans of donating to the typhoon victims. "We would like to give also donations. Instead of pouring our resources to a party, we'd like to use those resources for our assistance to the typhoon victims," he said. The Palace official urged other government departments to celebrate Christmas parties in a more simple way. "I think what is important is that while this is a season of joy for all of us, we must remember that there are those among us who are not celebrating Christmas and so we share in that misfortune," he said. The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) earlier ordered the cancellation of Christmas parties of the Office of the Civil Defense. Benito Ramos, NDRRMC executive director, said the order also applies to the regional offices of the OCD. He noted that it is "inappropriate" to celebrate while other people are mourning. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)

Gov't cancels Christmas parties

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) December 10, 2012 - Several government agencies announced today that they are doing away with their Christmas parties and will instead donate funds to the victims of typhoon Pablo. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said these government agencies made the decision in response to the call of President Benigno Aquino III to donate funds allocated for parties to typhoon victims. Lacierda said the Presidential Communications and Operations Office, the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, the Office of the Presidential Spokesman, and the Office of the President are not staging Christmas parties this year. How can one celebrate and fully enjoy knowing that there are fellow brethren who have family members who cannot be found, cannot be accounted for? he said. Lacierda said cancelling Christmas parties will show typhoon victims that the national government empathizes with them.

Six Entries to Metro Manila Film Fest

Quezon City, December 10, 2012 - Six movie companies submitted entries to the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival (December 25, 2012 to January 6, 2013). 1. Scenema Concept International, CMB Films and Viva Films in cooperation with the San Miguel Group of Companies, Petron, Boys Scouts of the Philippines, Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar and the Film Development Council of the Philippines El Presidente (Action/Historical drama/ Thriller) Director: Mark Meilly. Cast: Nora Aunor, E.R. Ejercito, Cristine Reyes and Cesar Montano 2. Star Cinemas One More Try (Drama) Director: Ruel S. Bayani. Cast: Angel Locsin, Dingdong Dantes, Angelica Panganiban, and Zanjoe Marudo 3. Star Cinema and Viva Films Sisterakas (Comedy parody) Director: Wenn V. Deramas. Cast: Kris Aquino, Ai-Ai de las Alas, Vice Ganda, Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, and Xyriel Manabat 4. Quantum Films and MJM Productions The Strangers (Horror) Director: Lawrence Fajardo Cast: Enchong Dee, Julia Montes, Enrique Gil and JM De Guzman 5. GMA Films Sosy Problems (Comedy) Director: Andoy Ranay. Cast: Heart Evangelista, Rhian Ramos, Solenn Heussaff, Bianca King, Benjamin Alves, Mikael Daez and Aljur Abrenica 6. Center Stage Productions and the Film Development Council of the Philippines Thy Womb (Drama) Director: Brillante Mendoza. Cast: Nora Aunor, Bembol Roco, Mercedes Cabral, and Lovi Poe

Palace urges public to hold subdued Christmas parties

MANILA, Philippines December 11, 2012 - Malacaang is encouraging people to hold subdued Christmas parties amid the casualties and devastation caused by typhoon Pablo. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing yesterday that his office, the Office of the President, the Presidential Communications Operations Office, and the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office have decided to cancel their Christmas parties to sympathize with the victims. How does one celebrate when you know that there is misery, when people are missing? How can one celebrate and fully enjoy knowing that there are fellow brethren who have family members (that) cannot be found, cannot be accounted for? Lacierda said. Asked what message they wanted to impart as Christmas parties were normally held with dinners, programs and raffle of prizes, Lacierda said: I think maybe the celebration must be more subdued.

Lacierda also said they were already making plans for donations to the people af fected by the typhoon. So Im sure we are not going to be found wanting in sharing with our less fortunate brethren some measure of assistance, Lacierda said.

DepEd urged to enforce no Christmas party fees in schools

MANILA, Philippines December 11, 2012 - Children rights advocacy groups on Tuesday called on the Department of Education to strictly enforce the no-collection policy on Christmas party contributions in public elementary and high schools nationwide. The groups, led by Akap Bata Philippines and Community Response for Enlightenment, Service and Transformation, made the appeal after receiving reports that there have been public schools still asking students to give contributions for Christmas parties. Earlier, Education Secretary Armin Luistro issued an order to keep Christmas parties on schools austere and simple. Meanwhile, the advocacy groups will the hold annual Paskuhang Paslit gift-giving activity to some 300 children in San Agustin Church in Manila today two weeks before Christmas.

PNP cancels Christmas parties for 'Pablo' victims

MANILA, Philippines December 11, 2012 (By Dennis Carcamo) - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday ordered all police units to cancel all preparations Christmas parties this year as a gesture of sympathy to thousands of victims of typhoon Pablo. PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome issued the order through all heads of PNP units and offices. The police heads have been directed to cascade the order to all police units. Bartolome said that all of the savings that will be generated from the cancelled parties will be donated to charity, particularly to alleviate the suffering of victims of the Pablo in southern Mindanao where an estimated P7 billion worth of crops and property were destroyed. "There are many ways of celebrating this traditional event sans the extravagance and lavish preparations usually associated with Christmas parties," Bartolome said. "A mass and a simple get together among personnel over a modest meal serves the same purpose of strengthening the bond of camaraderie and unity that is the real essence of holding a Christmas Party," he added. Meanwhile, police spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo, Junior assured that the yearend bonuses, including cash and non-cash benefits, will be received by all 148,000 members of the PNP.

AFP, DND cancel Christmas party

MANILA, Philippines December 11, 2012 - The military and the Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday canceled their Christmas parties to show sympathy to the victims of typhoon Pablo. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said the move was also intended to express their solidarity with soldiers involved in rescue operations. In light with the devastation brought by typhoon Pablo, the AFP is canceling General Headquarters and Headquarters Support Command Christmas parties. This is in solidarity with the victims, their families and our troops who are involved in the search, rescue and relief operations, he said. Our soldiers will celebrate Christmas in a way that is more relevant and sensitive to the needs of our people. what is more important is we take in our hearts the real meaning of sharing, gift-giving and love in this his Yuletide season.

Also canceled was the joint Christmas party of the AFP and the Department of National Defense (DND), which was supposed to be held in Camp Aguinaldo. The joint AFP-DND Christmas Fellowship was supposed to be held on Tuesday at the Daza Park Pavilion in the militarys main headquarters. The DND also scrapped its Christmas party which was scheduled on Dec. 21 so its personnel can concentrate on relief efforts. The military is still discussing whether to order field units to call off their respective Christmas parties. Some Army units, however, opted to spread holiday cheers to people in their area of responsibility. The Armys 36th battalion and the GMA Kapuso Foundation distributed over the weekend Noche Buena package to members of indigenous tribes in San Miguel, Surigao Del Sur. The gift-giving was made possible by the efforts of local officials led by Gov. Jhonny Pimentel and civil society groups. Cpt. Rowel Caacbay, civil-military operations officer of the 36th battalion, said 1,632 gift packages had been distributed to local residents.

Secretary Jimenez, Brother Velarde at the Grandstand for the inspection (November 22, 2012)
Tourism Secretary Ramon R, Jimenez, Jr. (left) gets an update from architect Bobby Manoza and El Shaddai servant-leader Brother Mike Z. Velarde (2nd from left) on the work converting the Quirino Grandstand into a Millennium Celebration Stage for the Annual Overnight Family Reunion with El Shaddai on Monday, December 31, 2012. Others in photo are DOT Assistant Sec. Maria Theresa Martinez and NPDC executive director Juliet Villegas.

House cancels Christmas party; Speaker to donate P20-mil

Manila, December 10, 2012 - The House of Representatives will no longer throw Christmas party for congressmen and their staff to sympathize with the victims of Typhoon Pablo this year. Speaker Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte Jr. made the instruction this week, taking the cue from various government agencies that wanted to help local government units in affecred places in Mindanao. "(We) cancelled (the parties in) congress in deference to 'Pablo' victims and the massive damage they are left with," Belmonte said. Belmonte expressed aim to raise donations for typhoon victims from the savings that will be generated by foregoing the annual Christmas party. House members splurge thousands of money hosting and giving gifts to their staff and the media in the spirit of giving during holidays every year. The top House official also encouraged fellow legislators to donate savings from their priority development and assistance fund (PDAF) to typhoon-stricken districts in Mindanao. "I myself transferred P20 million of soft PDAF from my district to calamity-stricken parts of Compostela (Valley) and Davao Oriental," Belmonte revealed. After returning to the country, Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao pledged to donate P10 million of his own money to "Pablo" victims.

In its 5am update, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRMC) said the typhoon has affected 5,516,181 people as 59,764 of them still remain in evacuation centers. NDRRMC executive director Benito Ramos said the death toll, which currently stands at 906, may reach 2,000 fearing 932 people who remain missing could have died from flash floods and landslides. Ramos also said the typhoon has damaged about P15.1 billion worth of infrastructure and agricultural properties. Earlier, outgoing police Chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome ordered all police units to cancel all preparations for Christmas parties this year. The Philippine Army as well as the defense and budget departments also cancelled their Christmas parties to raise donations for typhoon victims.

Police, military cancel Christmas parties in deference to Pablo victims

By Marlon Ramos, Nikko Dizon Philippine Daily Inquirer

he military and police have canceled their traditional Christmas parties in the wake of the devastation wrought by Typhoon Pablo in Mindanao where relief efforts are ongoing to help thousands of victims displaced by the killer typhoon.

President Aquino has earlier directed all government agencies to have subdued celebrations of the holidays in the light of the devastation, particularly in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of National Defense (DND) have canceled their Christmas parties in Camp Aguinaldo. Following suit with Malacaangs announcement, Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has also canceled our Christmas party which the employees gladly accepted. We are concentrating on the distribution of relief efforts, said Defense spokesperson Peter Galvez. The DND Christmas party for over 800 of its employees was scheduled for Dec. 21. The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday also ordered all police units nationwide to forego their traditional Christmas parties. In a separate statement, military spokesperson Col. Arnulfo Burgos said that foregoing the annual party of the AFP is an expression of solidarity, not only with the victims and their families, but also with the troops involved in the search, rescue and relief operations in all the provinces affected by Pablo. The AFP was supposed to have its Christmas party on Dec. 22. In a statement, PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said his decision to cancel the Christmas party of all PNP units was a gesture of sympathy to thousands of (typhoon) victims. All savings that will be generated from the canceled Christmas parties will be donated instead to charity, particularly to alleviate the suffering of victims of the (typhoon) in Southern Mindanao, Bartolome said. There are many ways of celebrating this traditional event sans the extravagance and lavish preparations usually associated with Christmas parties, he added. Instead of holding parties, Bartolome said PNP units may sponsor a Mass and a simple get-together of personnel over a modest meal. The PNP chief went to the affected areas in Davao region and personally witnessed the grief and misery of our countrymen in that area, PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. said.

CDC cancels Christmas party; funds to be donated to Pablo victims

CLARK FREEPORT, December 13, 2012 Officials of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) have cancelled the annual Christmas party of its employees in order to donate funds for the victims of Typhoon Pablo in Mindanao. CDC Vice President Pepito Galang of the Corporate Services Group said the cancellation of the Christmas party was decided by the management and employees to help families affected by the calamity. In solidarity with President Aquinos appeal for help for the victims of Typhoon Pablo, CDC Management has decided to cancel the scheduled 2012 CDC Christmas party on December 18, Galang said. CDC is expected to save almost P1 million for the event which will be donated to the typhoon victims. Galang, who is also the chair of the CDC Christmas party, said the funds to be used for the event shall instead be donated to the said victims. With the announcement, employees said that the foregoing of this years Christmas party was a noble gesture of CDC and its workers in order to help people who are suffering, after typhoon Pablo ravaged many areas in Mindanao, especially in the Compostela Valley in Davao. Marcial Caniones, Assistant Manager for Community Extension Services Office of CDC, said it does not mean that a cancelled corporate party will dampen the Spirit of Christmas. We can celebrate while we donate. We can still celebrate while having fishball, lugaw, barbeque among others while listening to the CDC talents sans the usual prizes that are up for grabs, he said.

DSWD offices cancel department-wide Christmas party

A December 13, 2012, press release from the Department of Social Welfare and Development In unity with our brothers and sisters who were affected by typhoon Pablo, and along with other national government agencies led by the Office of the President, the Department of Social Welfare and Development cancelled all activities relating to the Departments annual holiday celebration to harness all of its manpower for relief and rehabilitation efforts in all the areas affected by typhoon Pablo. Secretary Soliman ordered the cancellation of its annual department-wide Christmas party to continue assisting thousands of victims of typhoon Pablo, especially in Davao Oriental. Let us focus on the essential programs and services that are expected of the DSWD at this critical time, Secretary Soliman said. As of 8:00 a.m. today, December 13, affected at least 1.59 million people, with 59,764 individuals still being served in 55 evacuation sites. A total of 188,296 families-evacuees composed of 795,220 persons who opted to stay with their friends and relatives are continuously being assessed and provided assistance.

DFA cancels Christmas party in deference to 'Pablo' victims

Manila, December 14, 2012 - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday joined the list of government agencies that canceled their Christmas parties in deference to the victims of Tropical Cyclone Pablo (Bopha). In a post on his Twitter account on Friday, DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said the DFA will donate to foundations helping typhoon victims the funds intended for the Christmas party.

"In solidarity with the victims of typhoon Pablo, the DFA canceled its traditional Christmas party, (and) will donate funds to Foundations helping them," Hernandez tweeted. On Thursday, the Department of Tourism had also canceled its Christmas party to show solidarity with the victims of Pablo. Many other agencies, including those in Malacaang, had also canceled their Christmas parties for the same reason. Even the police and military, whose personnel are helping in the search, rescue and retrieval operations, made a similar gesture. As of Friday morning, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Pablo had left at least 906 dead and 15 billion Philippine pesos in damage. Pablo plowed through Mindanao and Visayas before dissipating in the Ilocos area in Northern Luzon earlier this month. - VVP, GMA News
References: https://twitter.com/dfaspokesperson/status/279407758858657792

CH cancels Christmas party, to organize relief packages

Friday, December 14, 2012 - THE Mandaue City Government will forgo this years Christmas party so it can help victims of typhoon Pablo. The office of Mayor Jonas Cortes issued a memorandum that the annual Christmas party will be suspended so employees, including barangay officials, can help with relief operations. Ten city workers from every office will contribute one package that will contain of two kilos of rice, three packs of instant noodles and two canned goods, or 2:3:2. The City plans to collect 350 packs, which it will turn over to local television stations that are conducting relief operations. Bayanihan activity The turnover will highlight tomorrows Christmas Ceremonial Lighting. On Dec. 17, city and barangay officials as well as department heads will lead a bayanihan activity by building a house in Sitio Camansi, Barangay Paknaan, which serves as the relocation site for families who are in the danger zone of the Mahiga Creek and the Butuanon River. Last Saturday, the City turned over 41 houses to families from Paknaan, Maguikay, Banilad and Tabok whose house were demolished as these were within the three-meter easement from a waterway. On Dec. 21, the City will conduct a party for 1,000 children from indigent families as part of the Kaabag Mandaue project. The party will be funded by proceeds from the horror booth the City conducted earlier in the year.

PAGCOR and MMDA give metro aides their first grand Christmas party
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) together with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) gave more than a thousand metro aides their first-ever grand Christmas party during the 15th day of Bayanihan: Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2012 on December 14, 2012. Yuletide merriment filled the MMDA parking area in Guadalupe, Makati City, as PAGCOR spearheaded a lively and entertaining party for the street sweepers of MMDA. PAGCOR also

distributed Noche Buena gift packs to 700 metro aides while MMDA took care of the Christmas gift packs for an additional 500 street sweepers. The metro aides came from Marikina, Antipolo, Pateros, Pasay, Quezon City, and Manila. The state-owned gaming firm allocated more than P800, 000 for the MMDA gift-giving party. Prior to this, PAGCOR also gave a grand Christmas celebration to 1,955 street sweepers from the cities of Pasay, Paranaque and Manila on December 10, 2012. The event was attended by President Benigno S. Aquino III. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat Jr. said the Christmas party for the street sweepers is the agencys way of expressing its gratitude to this hard working sector. Malapit sa puso ng PAGCOR ang ating mga masipag at marangal na mga street sweepers. Sa pamamagitan ng aming gift-giving project ay hindi lamang po namin sila binibigyan ng maagang Pamasko. Sila din po ay aming pinaparangalan at pinasasalamatan sa kanilang malaking tulong upang patuloy na linisin at pagandahin ang ating mga komunidad at ang ating kapaligiran,Naguiat said. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the Pamaskong Handog event carried out by PAGCOR for the metro aides served as a fitting Christmas treat for the people whom he described as heroes of the streets. Its but proper that we give them a truly merry celebration this Yuletide season given the efforts that they exert every day to maintain the cleanliness of our streets. Were very thankful that PAGCOR under the leadership of Chairman Bong Naguiat helped us give a truly memorable and fun-filled event for our metro aides. Napakalaking bagay nito para sa amin dahil napasaya natin ngayong Kapaskuhan ang ating mga street sweepers,Tolentino said. Sixty-year old Nidya Onoya who was among the street sweepers that crowded the party venue expressed her gratitude to PAGCOR for giving them their best Christmas party so far. Labis po akong natutuwa sa party at mga regalong ibinigay sa amin ng PAGCOR. Sampung taon na akong metro aide. Ngayon lang po kami nakaranas ng ganito kasayang pagtitipon kayat taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa PAGCOR. Onoya receives a daily pay of P448 for her street-cleaning chores. She narrated that her job helps make ends meet for their family. Biyuda na ako, may kanya-kanyang pamilya na ang tatlong anak ko. Kaya lang yong dalawa walang trabaho kaya tinutulungan ko sila. Ako ang bumubuhay sa anim kong apo. Malaking tulong itong pang-noche buena na ibinigay sa amin ng PAGCOR. Salamat po! PAGCORs annual nationwide Pamaskong Handog project was launched in December 2010 under the agencys new management. The theme for this year revolves around the bayanihan concept of helping other people in need. According to PAGCOR Chairman Naguiat, their employees are actively taking part in all the ongoing Pamaskong Handog activities nationwide. In some institutions, PAGCOR workers and employees also joined hands in the renovation of existing facilities or construction of new structures for our beneficiaries. Among those that we have so far turned over are the 300-square meter healing garden for the patients of the Philippine Orthopedic Center which aims to aid the patients in their speedy recovery. PAGCOR also renovated the hematology ward area at the National Childrens Hospital where children with life-threatening conditions like cancer are undergoing treatment, Naguiat said. The Bayanihan: Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2012 began on November 29, 2012, and will end on December 20, 2012. Close to 10,000 less fortunate Filipinos under the care of 42 government and charitable institutions all over the country have been chosen as beneficiaries. Touted as its biggest gift-giving ever, PAGCOR allocated a total of P27.5 million for its Pamaskong Handog project this year.

PALAWAN HAS BEST SPOT TO VIEW LAST SUNSET OF 2012

Malacanang, Dec. 15, 2012 - While preparing to welcome the new millennium in Manila with a bang, the Aquino administration, together with local government units (LGUs), is bidding adieu to the year 2012 by encouraging those who have the chance to view the last sunset of 2012 from the southwestern part of Palawan. In a report to the Committee on the Turn-of-the-Century Celebrations (CTCC), chaired by Secretary Gemma Cruz Araneta of the Department of Tourism, the DOT regional office in Region IV said the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has already pinpointed the exact location of the last sunset of this century. DOT Regional Director Louella Jurilla said that the last sunset of the outgoing year can be seen at Ligas Point in Balacbac, Palawan, and some of the islands in the Spratly archipelago in the South China. The last sunset, expected to occur at exactly 6:05 P.M. of Dec. 31, 2012, will be marked with the groundbreaking for a Millennium Monument at Ligas Point that will be led by Balacbac Mayor Shuaib Astami. Other activities lined up by the DOT and the concerned Palawan local government units are a photography contest, a parade, a food festival, and family camping. The event will be capped by a fireworks display. Earlier this month, President Benigno Noynoy Simeon Aquino III led the switching on of a 30-foot high Parol, which serves as marker of Milenyo Pilipino that features a series of activities for welcoming the 21st century at the Rizal Park (Luneta) in Manila. The coming of the new millennium, Mr. Aquino said, should serve as an inspiration to all Filipinos, for these signals the worldwide dawning of economic and political prosperity and hope with the changing faces in politics, religious, police, sports, business and commerce, technology, lifestyle, media and entertainment.

LUNETA IS THE BEST SPOT FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE

Manila, Dec. 17, 2012 - The government, business, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, media, legal, and religious sectors is mounting a P5 million, 20-minute fireworks show to usher in the year 2013 and cap the 27th "Pistang Milenyo" annual millennium festival which officially begins on December 26. Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez announced yesterday that the fireworks display and weeklong festival along Roxas Boulevard will rival those of other countries." Jimenez said at a press conference that The millennium celebration will highlight major achievements and accomplishments in Philippine art and culture, agriculture, communications, finance, education, envirorment and natural resources, information communications and technology, justice, labor and employment, lifestyle, public works and highways, science and technology, social wealfare and development, transportation and trade and industry in the past 491 years through a variety of trade and socio-cultural activities. Rizal Park will be the site of trade expositions, concerts, art exhibits, cultural performances, fashion shows, parades, garden shows, food festivals and film showings. Cebuanos, on the other hand, will celebrate the new millennium by way of a "Cebu Sinulog 2013" that will include activities "to thank the Almighty for all the blessings bestowed on the province in the past centuries." The festival, higlighted by Mardi gras in Cebu City, is expected to attract participants from over 20 provinces.

In Dumaguete, the tourism office has launched a "Balik Dumaguete" campaign that calls on all Dumagueteos from all over the country and the world to spend the turn of the century in their hometown.

Capitol to observe simple Christmas Party

All departments at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol will be celebrating their Christmas Party on Wednesday thus, Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. reminded the supervisors to make it simple out of empathy to the victims of Typhoon Pablo in Mindanao. He added, instead of spending money, they can opt to share their extras to the typhoon victims in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. Also yesterday, the Iloilo Provincial Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative has launched Alay na Tulong sa Comval to provide relief goods and used clothing to the typhoon victims. ASSISTANCE Meanwhile, the P 2-million proposed financial assistance of the Iloilo Provincial Government to Mindanao for its rehabilitation program has been approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) yesterday during their last special session for this year. President Benigno Aquino III has been declared the area under a state of calamity due to the destruction brought by Typhoon Pablo two weeks ago. Defensor and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) has approved that, through the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), they will extend P 1 million each for Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. Defensor said the money will be taken from the 2012 Annual Budget fund of PDRRMO. Under the Commission on Audits circular no. 2012-002, the release and use of the Local Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (LDRRM) fund shall be supported by the local Sanggunian resolution and the declaration of State of Calamity for Quick Response Fund (QRF).

PNP chief retiring on Dec. 18

Manila, December 14, 2012 (STAR) By Aurea Calica- Deputy Director Alan Purisima will assume his post as the new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief on Dec. 18, replacing Director General Nicanor Bartolome. President Aquino yesterday said Bartolome will be retiring and that the turnover of command would be held on Dec. 18. Bartolome is set to retire in March but has agreed to give way to a new PNP chief earlier as part of preparations for the May 2013 elections. Purisima is currently chief of the directorate staff of the PNP and head of Task Force Halalan 2013 appointed by Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II. Roxas said Bartolome voluntarily agreed to step down early so that this transition can happen five or six months before the elections in May 2013. We are very pleased at this smooth turnover of responsibilities in the PNP as it ends 2012 and looks forward to 2013 facing many challenges, most importantly the national elections, Roxas said.

LUNETA TRANSFORMED FOR MILLENNIUM CELEBRATIONS

Manila, December 19, 2012 - Secretary Ramon Jimenez of the Department of Tourism, chairman of the Committee on the Turn-of-the-Century Celebrations, announced that the Rizal Park, the venue of the 27th annual weeklong Pistang Milenyo Filipino, will be transformed into a special Millennium Park. Various sections of the Rizal Park will carry themes; have interesting decorations and activities to

attract the masses to the festival and the Turn-of-the-Century program at the Quirino Grandstand on December 31. Rizal Park, she said, will be dressed in "a truly special fashion." It will carry highly interesting Filipino outdoor decorations--arches, buntings, surprise art objects, streamers that will put into focus the general themes of the Philippine Millennium celebration. DOT Undersecretary Ram Antonio said this years festivities to welcome the new millennium will have various events to be held in designated areas at the Rizal Park. Opening ceremonies will be on Tuesday, the 26th of the month simultaneous with the opening of several activities. In the afternoon. There will street dancing at the Quirino Grandstand and a sarsuwela at the open-air auditorium. Thursday, December 27 will be the Araw ng Pampalakasan (Sports Day), which will be highlighted by different sports activities like the Arnisan Exhibition at the Rizal Park grounds and a sky-jumping exhibition. In the afternoon, there will be a unique chess exhibition that would feature the countrys top chess players with humans as chess pieces. The following day, Friday, December 28, will be Araw ng Batang Pinoy (Filipino Childrens Festival). The venue, which is beside the DOT building, will be spruced up and some local mythological figures such as Ibong Adarna and the Kapre will be put up to heighten awareness and interest of Filipino children on Philippine myths and legends. There will also be kite-flying exhibition at the Quirino Grandstand while on the Childrens Playground, various games and shows will be held. Saturday, December 29 will be the Araw ng Pistang Filipino, where there will be folk games, Parada ng Pistang Pinoy, and a Komedya at the open-air auditorium. Sunday, December 30th will be the Araw ng Dakilang Bayani (Rizal Martyrdom Day), where activities lined up will include a wreath-laying at the Rizal Momument in the morning, to be followed by the tracing of the last footsteps of Dr. Jose Rizal. There will also be the Paseo de Ayer at the Rizal Park promenade. On the eve of the new millennium, Monday, December 31, activities would include a millennium mass, Diana ng Musiko and the ABS-CBN Millennium Extravaganza which will be held up to 3:00 a.m. of January 1, 2013. The highlight of the event will be the Kapit-Bisig (linking of arms) ritual to be led by no less than the President himself and the First Family together with other government officials, high society profile and showbiz personalities. This will be held at the Quirino Grandstand on New Years Eve. A 20-minute long grand fireworks display, sponsored by private businessmen, will light up Manilas skies and the entire length of Manila Bay.

Bohol, Cavite, Bulacan, Quezon Festivals in Manila this December 29

Manila, December 20, 2012 - Several of the most popular and colorful festivals from 4 provinces will be imported to parade along Roxas Boulevard in Pista ng Pinoy, a Filipino fiesta-style mardi gras on December 29 as part of the annual weeklong Pistang Milenyo Filipino. Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. of the Department of Tourism (DOT), who chairs the Committee on the Turn-ofthe-Century Celebrations, said the parade will start at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex at exactly 3:00 p.m. and will end at the Quirino Grandstand, where each group will perform. Both north and southbound lanes of Roxas Boulevard will be closed to traffic from 2:30 P.M. until the end of the parade at about 7:00 P.M. on December 29. Among the famous fiestas to be showcased in the parade are the Carabao festival of Pulilan, Bulacan; Pahiyas ng Lucban, Quezon; Coco Festival of San Pablo City; Maytinis of Cavite; Agawan of Sariaya, Quezon; and the Sandugo Festival of Bohol.

Region III Director Ronaldo Tiotuico described the Carabao festival as an exhibit featuring the countrys development program on productivity in agriculture, livestock and food security. "This is a parade of trained and colorfully dressed up carabaos from Pulilan with 45 farmers and a marching band," Tiotuico said.
The Agawan sa Sariaya Festival will feature "Mga Taong Bagacay (MTB) dressed in authentic costumes made from the towns agricultural produce such as coconuts, vegetable and delicacies like suman and pastillas among others. Mayor Rosauro "Boyet" V. Masilang of Sariaya is inviting parade-watchers to join the revelry by reaching out for the various products and delicacies jutting out from bagacay or thin bamboo poles.

The Pahiyas festival will feature a float with two Bahay Kubo depicting an old hut and a new one, which will be decorated with kiping (multi-colored, paper thin, leaf-shaped rice waffles). Around 160 Parikitan ladies will be dressed in unique Lucban costumes complete with locally produced hats, fans and other accessories and will parade with the image of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers and workers. From Laguna, the Coconut Festival of San Pablo City will feature the young people of San Pablo as coco dancers who will be dressed in costumes fashioned out of coconut products while dancing to the beat of festive music and percussion instruments. Cavite Governor Juanito Victor Remulla worked for the staging of the Maytinis tradition during the parade. It is held in Kawit, Cavite every Christmas eve. Mayor Reynaldo Aguinaldo of Kawit, Cavite said the Maytinis starts with the Liturgy of the Word and a procession of floats chronologically arranged to depict the history of salvation. Bohol Governor Edgardo Chatto is flying in 110 children and adults from Bohol to perform their provinces famous Sandugo Festival in Manila during the parade. Sandugo is a cultural exposition of songs, dances, pageantry and parade. It is a commemoration of the treaty of friendship and cooperation forged between Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Boholano chieftain Datu Sikatuna, also known as The Blood Compact because the signatories allegedly signed their names in blood. The Pista ng Pinoy parade is being held in cooperation with the Sariaya Quadro Centennial, Inc. Lucban Pahiyas Foundation, San Pablo City Coco Festival Committee, Alagad ng Kasarinlan Foundation of Kawit, Sandugo Committee of Bohol and their respective municipal and provincial governments and its tourism councils.
The annual weeklong Milenyo Filipino festival is focused around the theme of agricultural progress through science and technology and business progress through trade and industry, education, health, labor and employment, public works and highways, social welfare and development, transportation and communications, lifestyle in arts and culture, health and family, home and entertaining, youth and popular culture, fashion and beauty, high society, sports, travel and relationships and entertainment through radio and music, television and cinema and theater.

Pistang Milenyo Filipino celebration goes full blast

Manila, December 27, 2012 - The Aquino administration's weeklong festivities to welcome the year 2013, dubbed 27th annual Pistang Milenyo Filipino (1985-2012), is now in full blast after it was formally opened Wednesday, December 26, 2012 by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim in ceremonies held at the Rizal Park. Amid festive atmosphere, Mayor Lim declared open the Milenyo Filipino festival near the 30-foot parol (lantern) at the Rizal Park that simultaneously ushered activities in arts and culture, agriculture, education, entertainment, fashion and beauty, food, health, home and entertaining, high society, information communications and technology (ICT), justice, motoring, youth and popular culture, real

estate, science and technology (S&T), sports, technology, telecoms, trade and industry (T&I) and transportation and communications (T&C). The celebrations, which are held simultaneously nationwide and worldwide, run from December 26 to 31, 2012. While Rizal Park is the center of celebration of the Filipino spirit in the New Year 2013, various activities were also held in all the regions and in 227 countries. As chosen by President Benigno S. Aquino III himself, the theme of the Pistang Milenyo Filipino is the centerpiece agenda of his administration, which is food security and agricultural modernization through science and technology, and priorty projects under the public-private partnership in education, health, tourism, and transportation. The Milenyo Filipino festival is sponsored by the Committee on the Turn-of-the-Century Celebrations, a component of the Presidential Commission on the New Century and the Millennium, which is jointly chaired by Secretaries Proceso Alcala of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Dr. Mario Montejo of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde respectively. Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. of the Department of Tourism (DOT), who is the committee chairperson, said President Aquino chose the theme of the Philippine millennium celebrations, which is food security for all Filipinos, to stress the role of S&T in the country's quest for food self-sufficiency, the business sector for the public and private partnership (PPP) mode in several sectors of education, health, public works and highways and transportation and communications, the lifestyle sector for arts and culture, health, home and entertaining, fashion and beauty, food, youth and popular culture, high society, theater, travel and relationships and entertainment sector for radio and music, television and movies and theater for performing arts. After the formal opening ceremonies, Jimenez and other officials rode a tranvia that brought them to the different exhibit areas within Rizal Park. Recessional routes that started at the Rizal Monument passed by the National Historical Institute, National Library, Children's Playground, Valencia Circle, DOT Building, Halamanan ng Pilipino, Japanese and Chinese Gardens, Lights and Sound, Yungib ng Kalikasan (man-made caves), and the Kanlungan ng Sining. These exhibits will be opened to the public for free. Among the activities that will highlight the Philippine millennium activities are the Pistang Pambata at the Children's Park, which will include puppet shows, folk games, giants parade; and the Halamanan ng Bayan at the corner of Taft Avenue and Burgos Street which will feature ecotourism displays, exhibits, concerts, demos and teach-ins. A Sining Pinoy will convert the entire Agrifina Circle into a Pinoy Cafe scene with outdoor exhibits, cultural performances, concerts, fashion shows and poetry reading. Another feature is the Philippine Millennium Garden Show at the Luneta Orchidarium that will show the best collections of orchids, bromeliads, mums, poinsettias, rose and other tropical plants. There will also be rows of food stalls under the shady trees along Roxas Boulevard and Kalaw Street to be put up by various hotels and restaurants inside shopping malls. The ceremonies opening the Pistang Milenyo Filipino were witnessed by regular Wednesday strollers at the park. The culmination rites on December 31 at the Quirino Grandstand will be highlighted by a kapit-bisig (linking of arms) with the President and other officials joining in. The closing rites of Pistang Milenyo will be aired live by various radio and television stations. Last December 1, President Aquino went to the same venue to light the giant parol, which will serve as the countdown marker during the New Year's Eve celebrations at the Rizal Park.

A series of sporting activities dubbed the Araw ng Pampalakasan (Sports Day), will highlight various sporting activities at the Rizal Park today. This program, which aims to promote health and fitness, will be kicked off by a fun run which will start at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City to Fort Bonifacio Global City to Le Pavillion Tent and ended at the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park. The fun run will start at 7:00 A.M. supported by Milo. On this same day, Jimenez said, mountain climbing activities in Pampanga and Davao del Norte were coordinated by the DOT in cooperation with the different local government units in the two provinces. A climb to Mount Pinatubo dubbed the "Pinatubo Trek" will also highlight the millennium celebrations in the province of Pampanga, Jimenez said. Another climb, this time to the peak of Mount Apo, the Philippines' highest mountain in Kidapawan City, to witness the first sunrise of the new millennium will highlight the series of activities lined up by the committee to welcome the year 2013. Jimenez said the Rizal Park, the venue of the festival, will be transformed into a special Millennium Park that will have interesting decorations and festivities meant to attract people to the festival and the Turn-of-the-Century program at the Quirino Grandstand on December 31 yearly. The Park will be donned with traditional Filipino outdoor decorations--arches, buntings, surprise art objects, streamers--that will put into focus the general themes of the Philippine millennium celebration. Jimenez said on the eve of the new millennium, December 31, activities would include a millennium mass, Diana ng Musiko and the 27th Annual ABS-CBN Extravaganza, which will be held up to 3:00 A.M. of Jan. 1, 2013, in coincidence with the Philippine Television's 60th anniversary.

MILLENNIUM PARTY: 14,000 cops to guard revelers

Manila, December 27, 2012 - PRESIDENT Aquino will link arms with the First Family and government officials at the Rizal Park in the highlight of the peak of the millennium activities on the last day of the year 2012. This and other millennium festivities in Metro Manila will be secured by about 14,000 policemen, backed by 300 combat-trained policemen from other parts of Luzon and 16 bomb-sniffing dogs. Many other parts of the country are also in a frenzy of preparations to see off this century and welcome the new millennium, including sunset and sunrise watches and a ''millennium climb'' in the country's highest mountain in Mindanao. Aside from the millennium kapit-bisig (arm-linking) with the President at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila, there will also be festivities on Ayala Avenue in Makati City, the Global City in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City and the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City. Smaller celebrations are expected at the Monumento Circle in Caloocan City, Sucat in Paraaque City and Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City. Manila will also be the site of several government-sponsored activities: Pistang Pambata (Children's Festival) at the Children's Park which will include puppet shows, games and a parade of giants; Halamanan ng Bayan (People's Garden) at the corner of Taft Avenue and Burgos Street where there will be ecotourism displays, exhibits, concerts and teach-ins; Sining Pinoy, (Filipino Art) which will convert the entire Agrifina Circle into a Pinoy cafe scene with outdoor exhibits, cultural shows, concerts, fashion shows and poetry reading; Philippine Millennium Garden Show at the Luneta Orchidarium which will show the best collections of orchids, bromeliads, mums, poinsettias, roses and other tropical plants.

At the Edsa Shrine, there will be a watch for the last sunset of the 20th century at 5:30 p.m. on December 31. Fiesta Additional police patrols, closed roads and traffic rerouting will mark the Western Police District's preparations for the party with the President, where government officials, dignitaries and thousands of people are expected, according to MPD Chief Supt. Leocadio Santiago, Jr. Police have not received reports of possible disruptions by terrorist groups, said Razon. Already, more than a hundred food and service kiosks, as well as exhibits by government agencies, have started sprouting at the Rizal Park between Taft Avenue and the Quirino Grandstand. A fiesta atmosphere filled the air as members of the multi-agency Presidential Commission on the New Century and Millennium put up red, green, blue and yellow pennants and Milenyo Filipino banners around the park. Cops and dogs About 14,000 policemen, assisted by 300 combat-trained counterparts from Southern and Central Luzon and 16 bomb-sniffing dogs would be deployed to secure the huge crowds in Manila as well as other celebration sites in the Philippines. Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina, director of the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO), said a red alert on December 30 will cap the three-day security preparations for New Year's Eve. Espina said armed policemen would be deployed on New Year's Eve in anticipation of any breakdown in law and order that might be caused by a massive blackout similar to the one that paralyzed Luzon recently. A Y2K contingency plan had been drawn to enable police to handle the worst-case scenario that could be triggered by the millennium bug. ''Likewise, we coordinated with the celebration organizers to provide their own additional security force for peacekeeping,'' said Espina. Although there is no liquor ban, city and municipal ordinances banning the drinking of liquor on streets and sidewalks will be strictly implemented by the police to discourage drunken-trouble makers, according to the NCRPO chief. Espina appealed to the people who would attend the celebrations to refrain from bringing alcoholic drinks as well as big cash and valuables so as not to invite trouble. Makati and Cavite Portions of Makati's business district have been closed to traffic starting yesterday in preparation for the millennium festivities. The Makati Central Business District Task Force on Traffic issued traffic guidelines for motorists. In Cavite, fireworks will light up the skies while movie and TV stars will bring glitter below on December 30, according to organizing committee chair Congresswoman Lani Mercado-Revilla, wife of Senator Ramon ''Bong'' Revilla Jr. Famous Caviteos will be present in Cavite's celebration, including former Prime Minister Cesar Virata, Former Senator Ramon Revilla Sr., former Senator Helena Benitez and Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima. Vice-President Jejomar Binay is the guest of honor and speaker. The venue is the Liwasang Aguinaldo in Kawit. First Light

In Mindanao, Davao Oriental Gov. Rosalind Lopez yesterday led the launch of the annual millennium sunrise watch' at Pusan Point in Caraga, Davao Oriental. The launch of ''First Sight, First Light'' is a prelude to the vigil for the annual millennium sunrise which is expected at 5:45 a.m. on January 1 from the rocky promontory on the Pacific Ocean. Lopez said at least 10,000 people could be accommodated in the ''tent city'' at Pusan Point. A tent can be rented for P200. The local officials had invited President Aquino, Vice President Binay, Sen. Loren Legarda and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. to witness the first sunrise of the millennium from Pusan Point. Apo climb Still in Mindanao, hundreds of mountain climbers, scientists, photographers and plain nature lovers from all over the country are expected to join the ''millennium climb'' in Mt. Apo to catch the first sunrise of the New Year. In a report to the Committee on the Turn-of-the-Century Celebrations, which is headed by Araneta, Department of Tourism Region XII Director Sohura Dimaampao said participants in the Millennium climb would have the chance to see not only the first sunrise of the new year but also the last sunset of the year 2012. They would also be able to view the New Year fireworks in the surrounding cities of Davao and Kidapawan and the towns below the mountain. Only a maximum of 500 climbers will be accommodated at the peak of Mt. Apo. Dimaampao said mountaineers who would reach the mountain summit would also earn the distinction of being conquerors of the country's highest peak. At the break of dawn on Tuesday, January 1, 2013, white doves will released at the peak of Mt. Apo. Participants will be asked to donate a sum for the Mt. Apo clean-up drive. The millennium climb is part of the annual ''Pistang Milenyo Pilipino'' spearheaded by the Turn of the Century Celebrations committee. Keep off Pulag Another mountain, Mt. Pulag in Kabayan, Benguet in Luzon, is a sacred place and millennium climbers should stay away, according to Araneta. The tourism secretary is supporting the move by local tribal leaders to ban mountain climbers from going up Pulag, which is the second highest peak after Mt. Apo. ''Mt. Pulag is a sacred place,'' Araneta told reporters yesterday. ''The tribal leaders could be afraid the climbers might desecrate sacred grounds. You can't blame the tribes for closing the mountain.'' ''We care about and respect the tribal leaders' opinions and we are careful about the impact of mass tourism on the environment and ethnic communities. The tourists and the climbers should understand.'' The municipality of Kabayan issued a resolution earlier this week closing Mt. Pulag to climbers eager to catch the first millennium sunrise, saying it was sacred ground for the Ibaloi and Kanakanaey tribes. ''The mountain's serenity must not be disturbed,'' read the resolution. Mt. Pulag is a favorite of mountain climbers because of its accessibility and altitude. With reports from Alcuin Papa in Manila; Ferdinand O. Zuasola, PDI Mindanao Bureau

Jose Rizals spinal bone to be symbolically interred Sunday

By Erika Sauler, Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines, December 29, 2012A piece of Jose Rizals spinal bone that was hit by a bullet during his execution in 1896 will be exhibited in a symbolic interment on the 116th anniversary of his martyrdom on Sunday. President Benigno Aquino III will lead the centennial commemoration re-enacting the transfer of Rizals remains from his sisters house in Binondo, Manila, to his monument in Luneta Park. We encourage everybody to participate and feel the historical moment of laying Rizal to his final resting place, said Reghis Romero II, supreme commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, which spearheaded the program together with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. This is the 100th year of the transfer and decent burial of Rizal and it is significant for all Filipinos to know his sacrifice in bringing liberation to the Filipino people, Romero said. The spinal bone will be placed in a replica of the ivory urn containing Rizals bones, which was buried at the base of his monument in 1912 in a memorial service led by the Knights of Rizal and the Masonic Lodge of the Philippines. The urn will be carried in a motorized caisson and members of the Knights of Rizal will escort it wearing a copy of their 1912 uniform accompanied by the music played at that time. Around 7,000 students, soldiers, policemen and government employees, including Rizals descendants, have committed to join the procession, which will converge in Luneta from three assembly points at 4 to 5 a.m.: Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo; Fort Santiago in Intramuros; and the Manila Hotel. The public is also invited to join the procession and wear white to symbolize the purity of Rizal. The Knights of Rizal is mandated by a charter to inculcate the teachings of the national hero and encourage Filipinos to emulate him in words and deeds. The proponents of the charter explained that if these actions were carried out, social discipline, civic virtues and love of justice would be fostered in the country. Let Rizals life and martyrdom influence and guide the destiny of the nation. Let this future generations live the Rizal way, the explanatory note stated. Rizals body was dumped in an unmarked grave in the old Paco Cemetery after his execution. Through his sister Narcisas persistence, his burial place was found and marked with a marble cross with his initials in reverse. Narcisa secretly marked the site so that the Spanish authorities would not transfer and hide Rizals body to avoid public veneration. Years later, Rizals remains were transferred in an ivory urn made by sculptor Romualdo Teodoro de Jesus in Narcisas house in Binondo, where their mother Teodora was also staying. In an old photo obtained by the Knights of Rizal, Doa Teodora was seen cradling the urn containing Rizals bones. She was said to have shown the remains to visitors while reciting Rizals poem Mi Ultimo Adios. Romero said foreigners would cry even though they didnt understand Spanish because of the evident anguish of a mother who lost a son. Unfortunately, Doa Teodora died before Rizals remains were given a proper funeral in 1912.

Last days of Rizal and his burial

O n December 30, 2012, the nation will commemorate the centennial of the re-interment of Rizals remains in Rizal Park. A hundred years ago, on December 30, 1912, Jose Rizals remains were transferred from his familys custody to the base of the monument during which, a ceremony was conducted. A year after the transfer, Rizals monument was unveiled. This was the 17th anniversary of his death.

The map above depicts the locations of the events starting from the verdict of Rizals trial to the exhumation of his remains. The numbers on the map indicate the places where the incidents happened. Below are narratives for the events indicated in the map.

1 December 26, 1896 A Spanish court martial found Jose Rizal guilty for sedition and sentenced him to death. 2 December 28, 1896 It was decided that Rizal will be executed by musketry, Governor-General Camillo Polavieja confirmed the sentence. 3 December 28, 1896 Teodora Alonzo wrote the Governor-General asking for clemency for her son. 4 December 28, 1896 At Malacaan Palace, Rizals sisters pleaded to Governor-General Polavieja: stay Rizals execution. 5 December 29, 1896 Rizal was read his death sentence. 6 December 29, 1896 Rizal was visited by several priests including Fr. Faura, S.J. 7 December 29, 1896 Rizal wrote his last letter to Ferdinand Blumentritt which read: My dear Brother, When you receive this letter, I shall be dead by then. Tomorrow at seven, I shall be shot; but I am innocent of the crime of rebellion. I am going to die with a tranquil conscience. Adieu, my best, my dearest friend, and never think ill of me! Fort Santiago, 29 December 1896 Jos Rizal Regards to the whole family, to Sra. Rosa, Loleng, Conradito, and Federico. I leave a book for you as my remembrance. 8 December 29, 1896 Teodora Alonzo paid her final visit to Rizal. She was accompanied by her daughter, Trinidad Mercado. 9 December 29, 1896 Rizals sisters were allowed to pay him visits. He gave them his worldly possessions: 10 December 30, 1896, 6:30 a.m. Rizal was brought to the execution site from Fort Santiago. 11 December 30, 1896, 7:03 a.m. Rizal was executed by musketry. 12 December 30, 1896 After the execution, Rizals body was brought to San Juan de Dios Hospital. 13 December 30, 1896 Rizals remains were buried in the Paco Cemetery in an unmarked grave. Narcisa Wicker Chair Angelica, niece Handkerchief Mauricio, nephew Belt, watch, and chain Trinidad Alcohol Burner with Mi Ultimo Adios

14 Rizals sister, Narcisa, searched suburban graveyards for where Jose Rizal was buried. She eventually discovered that he was buried in Paco Park. She marked the plot with the letters R.P.J. (Rizals initials in reverse) 15 August 17, 1898 Rizals remains were exhumed and brought to the Rizal family house in Binondo. Rizals Re-interment The remains of Rizal, after exhumation on August 17, 1898, were kept in the Rizal family house in Binondo until they were brought to their final resting place in Luneta. On December 30, 1912, a solemn ceremony was held to finally bury the remains in the base of the monument dedicated in memory of Rizal. The following map shows the route of the funeral cortege from the Rizal family house in Binondo to the Ayuntamiento on December 29 and finally on December 30 to Luneta.

Y2K worries cancel passenger, cargo flights

NAIA, Pasay City, Dec. 30, 2012 - International airline companies have cancelled more than 100 flights to and from Manila, for the 27th turn of the millennium period Dec. 31, 2012 to Jan. 1, 2013. Of the 28 foreign air carriers operating at the NAIA, Singapore Airlines, Swiss Air, Qantas, Emirates, North West, Egypt Air, Brunei Air, Gulf Air, Vietnam Air, Saudia, Kuwait Air, Royal Dutch, Cathay Pacific and Philippine Airlines have cancelled some, if not all of their flights to Manila on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. The cancellations were directly or indirectly because of the Y2K bug. There are also fewer travellers because of the fear of computer glitches, which may affect computerized systems aboard their aircraft or Air Traffic Control systems. Cargo freighters Federal Express, United Parcel Service, Korean Air Cargo and Nippon Cargo also decided not to fly, and avoid any untoward incident from happening during the roll-over period.

On Dec. 31, 26 of 100 total international flights to and from the NAIA have been cancelled while 36 of the 112 flights were cancelled for January 1. Philippine Airlines cancelled international flights to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dharan and Singapore on Friday and Saturday. A total of 50 PAL domestic flights were also cancelled on January 1. Airline officials at the airport however denied that they cancelled the flights due to the Y2K scare. Several country managers noted that they called off the flights because of extremely low passenger bookings.

Tagle, Aquino at Luneta Millennium Mass

Manila, December 30, 2012 - A special concelebrated mass called Misa Milenya -- will be said at the Quirino Grandstand in Manilas Rizal Park (Luneta) on New Years Eve. Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. of the Department of Tourism (DOT), who chairs the Committee on the Turn-of-the-Century Celebration, said Louis Antonio Cardinal Tagle will officiate at the mass, scheduled for Monday, December 31 at 5:00 P.M. An ecumenical prayer will precede celebration of the mass to emphasize the ecumenical nature of the occasion, Araneta said. Jimenez said President Benigno Noynoy Cojuangco-Aquino III, and other members of the First Family, cabinet members, his political allies and show biz friends of the servant-leader of El Shaddai, will attend the holy mass. After the 60-minute homily and speech of Cardinal Tagle, highlighting the Mass was the church wedding of 27,000 couples, unmarried, married, get engaged and proposed had been living together for a long time without the blessing of the Church, with President Aquino and Brother Velarde served as principal sponsors for the mass wedding. Representatives of labor, women and children, fisher folk, farmers, indigenous communities and other sectors will join the First Family in the offertory procession. Bro. Mike Velarde, servant-leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Fellowship International, Inc., has announced that some members and employees of various and different government, business, arts and culture, entertainment, fashion, high society, media and legal companies, foundations, and organizations and members of the clergy, religious and youth groups and religious and lay communities and organizations, including El Shaddai of himself, Iglesia ni Cristo, United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), Jesus is Lord Church of Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Davao City-based The Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name of Pastor Apollo C. Quibolloy and other religious and lay groups and organizations listed (were excerpted from the launching of the launching of the Great Jubilee Year 2000a 3-year celebration in preparation for the 2000th birth anniversary of our Lord Jesus Christ held at the Quirino Grandstand last December 1, 1996, the 1997 CBCP National Eucharistic Congress overnight vigil at the Quirino Grandstand last January 25 to 26, 1997, the National Congress on the Holy Spirit held at the Cuneta Astrodome and PICC Plenary Hall last January 22 to 24, 1998 and the CBCP organized-conference about the event at the PICC Plenary Hall last January 20 to 23, 1999 and the Sixth National Congress of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement of the Philippines 2012, whose various Charismatic member groups gathered for unity in the spirit), together with nuns, priests, cardinals, archbishops, and bishops, great-grandmothers, greatgrandfathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, moms, dads, babies, kids, teenagers, cousins, nephews, nieces, seniors, government and army policemen and soldiers, Muslim people, environmentalists, health professionals, doctors, nurses, pre-school, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, nursery, preparatory, kinder grade, primary and secondary schools, college and university faculty, staff and students, Philippine Olympic Committee regular and associate member national and local athletes, coaches, referees, local policemen and security guards from all over the country (from 42,028 barangays in 1,634 cities and municipalities of the Philippines) and foreign nationals and tourists and overseas Filipino workers from 227 countries of the world and 51 states of the United States and UAAP, NCAA, NCAA-South, NAASCU, NCRAA, PRISAA, SCUAA, UCAA and ISAA member-school teachers, students,

alumni, student-athletes, coaches, referees, school lecturers, professors and principals will attend the millennium mass. During the mass, seminarians, parish choirs and guest artists will render praise songs and traditional music. Meanwhile, bands from the Philippine Army and the Philippine Navy will also be on hand to provide music. Six hundred children received their First Holy Communion at the Mass, following by the final blessing of the priest, and the prayer for the New Year and following by repeatedly singing Happy Birthday for 15 minutes as the January 1 to March 31 birthday celebrants shook hands with her well wishers. Araneta said Pope Benedict XVIs message to the Filipino people will be read during the mass at the Quirino Grandstand as well as the selected Marian Shrines in various parts of the country. At the Luneta and at least 10 shrines around the Philippines, there will be processions to be led by images of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The concelebrated mass, which will project the Philippines as a pilgrimage destination in Asia, will be covered by the national multi-media with possible hook-up by satellite. It will also be recorded, with the videotape to be sent to the EWTN. The religious activity has been arranged in cooperation with the Wells Spring of Life, Sacred Land of Asia, Marian Movement, Charismatic Movement of the Philippines, Confradia, and Association of Shrine Rectors and Pilgrimage Promoters of the Philippines. The millennium mass is part of the Pistang Milenyo Filipino, the annual weeklong festivities prepared by the Aquino administration to welcome the new millennium. The Philippines will welcome the new millennium with a nationwide kapit-bisig (linking of arms) on New Years Eve at the Rizal Park and other parts of the country to demonstrate the unity of all Filipinos in the 21st century. President Aquino will lead the symbolic kapit-bisig ritual, which will be replicated all over the country.

Nation observes 116th Rizal Day

Manila, December 31, 2012 - Rizal Day was commemorated yesterday with the traditional laying of floral wreaths in the heros monuments in Cebu and other parts of the country. Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama led the commemoration of the 116th death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal at the monument in City Hall. In Mandaue City, Mayor Jonas Cortes led the event in the Heritage Plaza after a morning mass at the St. Joseph National Shrine and a reenactment of the heros death by 27 public school teachers. In Manila, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III led solemn rites at the Luneta Park marking Rizals martyrdom by firing squad and centennial of the transfer of his remains from Binondo to the Luneta Park. Aquino said the double celebration challenged Filipinos to forge unity in the face of differences. As Bayan Ko played, the President, Dr. Maria Serena Diokno of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and Armed Forces Chief General Jessie Dellosa walked from a platform to the monument, as two soldiers carried the wreath. Standing before the monument, Aquino gave a salute as gunfire filled the air. Rizals descendants, Amelia Garcia Yulo, Victor Reyes, Malou Villaroman, Marlene Jacinto and Gemma Cruz-Araneta, among others, stood close by. Shortly after, a funeral dirge was played. At 7 a.m., as a large crowd gathered around Rizal Park as the President hoisted the flag in the Independence flagpole in front of Rizals monument.

Joining him were Vice President Jejomar Binay Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, Diokno, Dellosa, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Reghis Romero II, supreme commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal; and Santiago Gabionza Jr. It also marked the 100th anniversary of the transfer of Rizals remains from his sisters home in Binondo to the Luneta Park, where they were interred at the base of the monument on Dec. 30, 1912. For his memorys sake, we continue to respond to the challenge of the times: how to weave unity in spite of differences? How to inflame concern for others and flag? We hope that we will be more determined in paddling toward the same direction to achieve the full potential of our National Language, Aquino said. Before dawn Sunday, in a reenactment of the funeral march from Narcisas house, an urn containing a piece of bone from Rizals spine was transported on a motorized caisson and escorted by the Knights of Rizal from Binondo to Luneta. The bone was part of Rizals spinal column which was shattered by a bullet during his execution on December 30, 1896. After his execution, Rizals remains were clandestinely interred in Paco Park. After exhumation in 1898, these were kept by the Rizal family until December 30, 1912, when these were interred in the foundations of the monument./Reports from Jucell Marie P. Cuyos and Inquirer

Aquino sounds call for unity amid differences

By Erika Sauler and TJ Burgonio, Philippine Daily Inquirer Manila, December 31, 2012 - In solemn rites Sunday morning, President Aquino laid a wreath at the monument of Jose P. Rizal, capping the 116th anniversary of the national heros martyrdom and the centennial of the transfer of his remains from Binondo to Luneta Park. The President said the double celebration challenged Filipinos to forge unity in the face of differences. This year, were marking the 100th year of the interment of our national heros remains at the Rizal Park where Filipinos can freely honor his important contribution to the shaping of our country, the President said in a statement posted on the government website. For his memorys sake, we continue to respond to the challenge of the times: How to weave unity in spite of differences? How to inflame concern for others and flag? We hope that we will be more determined in paddling toward the same direction to achieve the full potential of our national language, he added. Also Sunday, the country commemorated the 75th anniversary of the proclamation of the national language by President Manuel L. Quezon. Quezon proclaimed Dec. 30 National Language Day as the fulfilment of the cherished aspiration of Rizal. 21-gun salute As Bayan Ko played, the President, Dr. Maria Serena Diokno of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and Armed Forces Chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa walked toward the monument as two soldiers in grey ceremonial uniform carried the wreath. Standing erect and facing the monument, the President saluted as cannons fired a 21-gun salute, an honour reserved only for heads of state. Rizals descendants, Amelia Garcia Yulo, Victor Reyes, Malou Villaroman, Marlene Lopez Jacinto and Gemma Cruz-Araneta, among others, stood close by. Shortly after, a funeral dirge was played.

Minutes earlier at around 7 a.m., as a large crowd gathered at Rizal Park, the President hoisted the flag on the Independence flagpole in front of the monument. At that hour, flags were simultaneously raised at Rizal shrines across the country in singing of the Philippine national anthem. Besides Diokno and Dellosa, joining the President at the ceremonies were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, supreme commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal Reghis Romero II and grand master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines Santiago Gabionza Jr. Sundays commemoration of Rizal Day was doubly significant because it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the transfer of Rizals remains from the house of his sister Narcisa in Binondo to the Luneta Park, where they were interred in a chamber in the base of the monument on Dec. 30, 1912. The Knights of Rizal and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines reenacted the funeral march from Narcisas house in Binondo to the Luneta Park, with a motorized caisson carrying an urn containing a piece of bone from the heros spine leaving the Binondo house at 4 a.m. After his execution on Dec. 30, 1896, Rizals remains were clandestinely buried in Paco Cemetery. After exhumation in 1898, the remains were kept by the Rizal family until Dec. 30, 1912, when these were interred in the foundations of the monument to the hero at the Luneta Park. Re-enactment During the re-enactment of the funeral procession, 12 Knights of Rizal dressed in a copy of their 1912 uniform escorted the caisson. At the head of the funeral march were Rizals descendants led by Araneta, great-granddaughter of Maria Rizal and vice chair of Manila Historical and Heritage Commission. This re-enactment is important, so that we may remember the lessons from our heroes and understand the significance of their sacrifices for our country, lest we forget, Araneta said. The funeral party linked up with delegations at Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz and marched to Jones Bridge then turned right to Magallanes Drive to be joined by another host of participants in Intramuros. Participants assembled in Intramuros carried lit candles and solemnly sang Pilipinas Kong Mahal. The procession proceeded to Bonifacio Drive and was followed by more participants at the Manila Hotel. After the procession arrived at the Luneta Park at around 5:30 a.m., Romero and Gabionza laid the urn inside the base of Rizals monument. Days significance Later, in an interview with the Inquirer, Marlene Lopez Jacinto, a great-granddaughter of Rizals brother Paciano, said: Every time we think about what [Rizal] went through, theres still a sense of sadness. Then you realize, what did it amount to? What did he sacrifice for? Where is our country now? With our faith, we always have to have a sense of hope and love and understanding of his sacrifice. I think we should be more reflective on our history, on what our national hero did, she said. Jose Rizal was an utmost example of a Filipino. We are proud of him, not only of his love for country, but also of his genius. And if we have that in us, we can reflect how we can imitate him in our own way, she said. Another descendant from Rizals sister Saturnina, Victor Reyes, said, We can all be heroes in our own little ways, like serving our countrymen, loving our family and following the law.

Rizal bust in Asean Garden A bust of Rizal was later unveiled at the Asean Garden in Intramuros to mark the 45th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Relatives of Rizal and representatives from the 10 Asean countries attended the ceremony led by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts. Our presence here today attests to our deep admiration and strong sense of history relative to the valued place of Rizal in the evolution of the Filipino nation, Foreign Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio said in a speech during the ceremony. Rizal remains an inspiration to all of us in the region and in the world. In his aspirations in attaining reform and freedom through peaceful means, he became Asias first contemporary nonviolent advocate of nationalism. His devotion and loyalty to his beloved country has underscored the importance of national identity and the value of the rights of the individual, she said. Jose Capistrano Jr., head of the Intramuros Administration, said it was significant to install a bust of Rizal in the Asean Garden, which was built years ago to honor the founding fathers of the regional group. Vietnam has installed a bust of its former leader Ho Chi Minh and Laos has plans to follow suit, Capistrano said. Language Day Our unity springs from understanding one another. We are able to do this through a language that mirrors the heritage of our history and our collective aspirations as one country, President Aquino said in a statement. This day, three generations have passed since President Manuel L. Quezon promoted our national language. After a long discourse and a complicated process, the basis for the birth of Filipino has been set: our national language. To this day, we continue to strengthen our engagement as Filipinos, Mr. Aquino said. Quezon deliberately timed the proclamation of the national language with Rizal Day because he hoped for a country that is free and has its own identity, Mr. Aquino said. Rizals push for a national language symbolizes our own obligations: engage fairly with others, understand the challenges theyre facing, and lift them up so they could overcome these, he said.

Noy leads nation in Welcoming New Millennium

Manila, December 31, 2012 - President Benigno Aquino III will join the masses as he leads the nation in ushering in the 21st century and the third millennium at a New Year's Eve celebration tonight at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, where he is expected to deliver his message for peace and prosperity. The President, will stay briefly at the Manila Hotel, a hundred meters from the venue of the festivities, to await his part in the program. He will lead in the countdown of the last seconds of 2012, and then deliver his remarks welcoming the New Year. A concelebrated mass with Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop of Manila, as the main celebrant will be held prior to the final countdown for the new century. Before the President's appearance on stage, there will be prayers to be said by representatives from the Catholic Church, the Muslim religion, Protestants, Iglesia ni Kristo, and the Philippine Independent Church (Aglipayan). Members of the El Shaddai Prayer Partners Foundation will lead in the traditional Kapit-Bisig number as a show of unity among the people. This will be followed by the release of thousands of red, white,

yellow and blue balloons the colours of the Philippine flag and the green and white, blue and white balloons the colours of the UAAP and NCAA member school flag. Fireworks will also follow the President's New Millennium countdown and New Year speech. To provide music during the program is a 120-piece symphony orchestra and 200-man choirs to be provided by ABS-CBN television, which will also broadcast the program live on Channel 2. Pope Benedict XVI's New Year's message to the Filipino people will be read during the "Misa Milenya" mass following a procession of selected images of the Blessed Mother, the country's patroness. Following the midnight rites, the President, will proceed to the Manila Hotel to join their children and special guests in welcoming the first day of the New Year, a New Year's Eve tradition of the Cojuangco-Aquino family dating back to his first years in public service.

Coke Centennial Clock unveiled today

Manila, December 31, 2012 - A Coca-Cola centennial clock will unveil today to symbolize the start of the countdown for the country's 115th anniversary of Philippine Independence, 90th anniversary of Philippine Radio and 60th anniversary of Philippine Television. The Coca-Cola Philippine Centennial Clock will be the highlight of the New Year's Show to be staged by ABS-CBN Channel 2 at the Quirino Grandstand today. The Centennial Countdown will be Coca-Cola's first salute to the Philippines on the occasion of the country's celebration of 115th anniversary of declaration of the Philippine Independence, 80th anniversary of radio and 60th anniversary of television in the Philippines. The company is also helping to increase awareness of the centennial year through its sponsorship of other relevant activities such as the 115th Boy Scouts Centennial Jamboree to be held on January 7 to 13, 2013 at the Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga and the 6th Philippine Daily Inquirer Lifestyle Series: Fitness and Fashion with Samsung Festival to be held on June 30, 2013 to December 26, 2013 nationwide. Employees of Coca-Cola are members of the Philippine Centennial Movement, a national group dedicated to increasing the public's knowledge and appreciation of 2013 as the Centennial Year for the Philippines and Diamond Year for the Philippine Television. At midnight of January 1, 2013, a special fireworks display will welcome the Centennial Year for the Philippines and Diamond Year for the Philippine Television. Coca-Cola is the official softdrink and Lydia's Lechon, Baliwag Lechon Manok, Andok's Lechon Manok, Yoshinoya, Krispy Kreme, McDonald's, KFC, Goldilocks, Red Ribbon, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Shakey's Pizza, Domino's Pizza, Taco Bell, Wendy's, Starbucks, Jollibee, Greenwich Pizza, Gloria Jean's Coffees, Papa John's Pizza, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Chowking and Mang Inasal are the official restaurants of the Pistang Milenyo Pilipino.

College Scholarship for 1st Pinoy Millennium Baby

Manila, December 31, 2012 - The first Filipino baby to be born in a government, public or private hospital after midnight tonight is assured of a college scholarship, courtesy of a child care magazine publisher. The Presidential Commission on the New Century and the Millennium (PCNCM) announced that the scholarship from College Assurance Plans (CAP) is part of the activities of the Pistang Milenyo Pilipino, a weeklong celebration that started December 26 throughout the world to welcome the new millennium. Millennium Commission chairman Proceso Alcala and Director General Jose Mananzan received from CAP the scholarship certificate for the "Millennium Baby" as well as gifts for the millennium baby from Baby Magazine, the first Filipino magazine on pregnancy and child care.

Baby Magazine, under its project Y2Kid,, now on its 41st year earlier put together a package of gifts that also includes infant necessities and health care products, nursery furniture, and educational toys. The Tuesday, January 1, 2013 issue of the magazine has been put on hold, awaiting the cover: a photo of the Millennium Baby taken within the first hour of its life. According to Cesar M. Espino, Baby Magazine publisher, Project Y2Kid aims to focus attention on securing the future of the next Filipino generation, and this starts with education. In explaining the choice of the "Millennium Baby as recipient of the scholarship, Espino said the new millennium is really as good a time as any to refocus our attention on the future of our children. The millennium baby serves as a rallying symbol to renew our societys commitment to the future of the next generation of Filipinos, Espino said. He added that the timing of the awarding of the scholarship and the other gifts was also made in support of government and business initiatives to make the annual millennium celebrations more meaningful.

7,000 cops to secure Makati, Manila rallies

By TJ Burgonio and Cynthia Balana It's the 2nd Annual Philippine Fashion Ball 2012, headed by Noel Manapat, Keren Pascual, and Director Robby Carmona. Handled guests RSVP, consolidation of guest list and guests to invite, researcher of guests contacts, sending of online invites and physical invitations, and personal contact to Tim Yap. Manila, December 31, 2012 TRAFFIC will be rerouted. But to ensure that there will be no untoward incident, a total of 7,000 policemen will be deployed in Manila and Makati to secure the party-goers. In Makati City, Chief Supt. Edgardo Aglipay, Metro Manila police chief, said that at 6 a.m. today, the Ayala Avenue, from Manila Peninsula on Makati Avenue to Paseo de Roxas will be closed to all vehicular traffic. Paseo de Roxas, from de la Rosa Street in front of Enterprise Center, Banco Filipino, BPI Family will likewise be closed. At 10 a.m. the entire stretch of Ayala to Rustans Buendia will be closed to all vehicular traffic. The traffic re-routing plan will give way to participants to the 33rd Annual Ayala Millennium Celebration. The participants will converge at the Ayala to Makati Avenue intersection for the main program which will start at 5:00 p.m. Alternative routes will be designated by the Makati Parking Authority, Traffic Management GroupPNP, MAPSA, and the Ayala Security Force. No parking for all vehicles along Ayala Avenue. Rally organizers have been advised to police their own ranks. No operation dikit or Operation pinta will be allowed within the Central Business District or the places where the buses are parked. 1) From midnight of 25 December 2012 to midnight of 29 December 2012 Both directions of Makati Av between Santo Tomas and Ayala Avenue will be closed to traffic for the construction of a stage. The Gabriela Silang parking lot will also be closed and used as a staging area for the construction of the stage. Traffic normally turning right into Ayala Av from Makati Avenue from the direction of Mandaluyong can instead turn left into Santo Tomas (this will be allowed), turn right into Fonda and then turn right into Ayala Av. However, traffic exiting into Makati Avenue from PSE and MSE through the Gabriela Silang parking lot will not be possible. 2) From midnight of 29 December 2012 to midnight of 01 January 2013

Ayala Avenue between Paseo de Roxas and Fonda, Ayala Triangle side of Paseo de Roxas between Sedeno and Villar, and Makati Avenue between Paseo de Roxas and North Dr (Landmark) will be completely closed to traffic. Gabriela Silang parking lot will remain closed. For those who would like to attend the Ayala Millennium Celebration, it would be best to park not too close to the closed streets and walk. APMC carparks beside Atrium and along dela Rosa will be open as well as carparks in Ayala Center. All day free parking from 10:00 am of December 31, 2012 to 7:00 am of January 1, 2013 at all Ayala Center Carparks and other parking lots and carparks throughout the Makati Central Business District: EDSA Carpark, Intercon Open Parking, SM Open Parking, Glorietta 4 Basement Parking, Park Square 1 & 2, Ayala Avenue Steel Carpark, Greenbelt Mall Carpark, Greenbelt Square Open Parking, Rustan's Supermarket Open Parking, MACEA Open Parking, Goldcrest Open Parking, Esperanza Open Parking, Junction Open Parking, Plaza Open Parking, Dela Rosa 1, 2 & 4, Valero 2 & 4, Ayala Buendia 1 & 2. Another group policeman will be deployed to the Rizal Park to secure the expected mammoth crowd who will attend the annual 27th overnight New Years celebration and family appointment of the Catholic charismatic group El Shaddai at the Quirino Grandstand. Leocadio Santiago, Jr., Manila police chief, said that some 1,000 policemen will come from the Manila Police District while the rest were augmentation force from the National Capital Regional Police Office. He added that an additional police force would be deployed in the area in case the crowd swells to 5 million. He also raised the red alert from 6 a.m. yesterday (December 30) up to 12 noon tomorrow, New Years Day, January 1, 2013. We're putting up our own security precautions because the crowd expected will be a bit big now compared to the other El Shaddai gatherings, Santiago said in another briefing. Some four million people, consisting mostly of El Shaddai members and followers and millions of believers and members and employees of various and different government and non-government agencies, companies and organizations, non-profit organizations, charitable and financial institutions, left-wing organizations, civic, household, business, commercial, industrial and political groups and local businesses, bar associations, financial and educational institutions, arts and culture, entertainment, fashion, food, health and wellness, high society, government and private tri-media, legal, agricultural, motoring, real estate, sports and telecommunications associations, companies, clubs, foundations, groups, institutions, offices and organizations, related professional associations in Metro Manila and cities, municipalities and provinces in 227 countries of the world and 51 states of the United States, Filipino tri-media in other countries and members of the clergy, religious, youth groups and lay communities and religious and lay groups and organizations (were listed as excerpted from the launching of the Great Jubilee Year 2000-a 3-year celebration in preparation for the 2000th birth anniversary of our Lord Jesus Christ held at the Quirino Grandstand last December 1, 1996, the 1997 CBCP National Eucharistic Congress overnight vigil at the Quirino Grandstand last January 25 to 26, 1997, the National Congress on the Holy Spirit held at the Cuneta Astrodome and PICC Plenary Hall in Pasay City last January 22 to 24, 1998 and the CBCP organized-conference about the event at the PICC Plenary Hall last January 20 to 23, 1999), nuns, priests, cardinals, archbishops, and bishops, great-grandmothers, great-grandfathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, mothers, fathers, babies, kids, youth and teenagers and senior persons, cousins, nephews and nieces, Lesbians, gays, bisexual, trans gender, seniors, elder, disabled and pregnant persons, government and army policemen and soldiers, Christian and Muslim people, environmentalists, healthcare and medical professionals, medical doctors, dentists, nurses, physicians, anesthesiologists, cardiologists, intensivists, neonatologists, emergency physicians, emergency medical technicians, endocrinologists, geriatricians, gastroenterologists, nephrologists, neurologists, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologist, pulmonologist, registered and certified respiratory therapist, family practice physician, neonatologists, pediatricians, neonatal nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, pediatric nurses, pediatric

respiratory therapists, psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, mental health nurse practitioners, oncologists, orthopedic physician, physical therapist, occupational therapists, physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy assistants, radiologists, nuclear medicine technologist, radiology technologist, sonographer, ultrasound technicians, Bariatric Surgeons, General Surgeons, Cardiothoracic surgeons, Cardiac Surgeons, Neurosurgeons, Urologists, Hematologists, Phlebotomists, construction workers, carpenters, electricians, ironworker, laborers, masons, plasterers, plumbers, pipefitters, sheet metal workers, steel fixers, and welders, farmers, farmworkers, restaurant chefs, bakers, baristas, barkeeps, barkeepers, barpersons, barmans, barmaids, bar attendants, taberneiros, cookers, waiters and waitress, pre-school, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, nursery, preparatory, kinder grade, primary and secondary schools, college and university faculty, staff, parents, students and alumni, Philippine Olympic Committee regular and associate member national and local athletes, coaches, referees, local policemen and security guards from all over the country (from 42,028 barangays and districts in 1,634 cities and municipalities of the Philippines) and foreign nationals and tourists, and overseas Filipino workers and overseas foreign migrant workers from districts and villages in cities, counties, districts, municipalities, prefectures and towns of 227 countries of the world and cities, counties and municipalities of 51 states of the United States and UAAP, NCAA, NCAA-South, NAASCU, NCRAA, PRISAA, SCUAA, UCAA and ISAA member-school teachers, students, alumni, student-athletes, coaches, referees, school lecturers, professors and principals are expected to attend the gathering. Three days before the event, tents of sack, plastic and umbrellas had already mushroomed in and around the Rizal Park. The members and followers of El Shaddai and members and employees of various and different government, business, arts and culture, entertainment, fashion, high society, media and legal companies, associations, foundations, institutions and organizations and members of the clergy, religious and youth groups and religious and lay communities and organizations from the provinces, cities and municipalities arrived in buses, trucks, jeepneys, and other vehicles festooned with streamers bearing the name El Shaddai. In view of the large numbers of people coming to the Rizal Park and Plaza Miranda, the Roxas Boulevard, Padre Burgos Drive, Taft Avenue, T.M. Kalaw, United Nations Avenue, Padre Faura, McArthur, Jones, McArthur, Quezon and Ayala Bridges, Villalobos, Carlos Palanca, P. Gomez, P. Paterno, Quezon Boulevard, Globo de Oro, Gunao, Arlegui, Fraternal, Vergara, Duque de Alba, Castillejos, Farnecio, Concepcion Aguila, Carcer, R. Hidalgo, Bilibid Viejo, Gil Puyat, Mendoza, R. Hidalgo and Barbosa was closed to traffic and a big number of those who came had to stay in their vehicles, go to the rooftops of nearby apartments, buildings, condominiums, condotels, inns and hotels, or sit on the sidewalks and footbridges and simply monitor the celebration on their portable TV and radio sets. Santiago downplayed reports that certain groups would bomb the event, saying this was raw information that needed to be validated. At any rate we always adopt the principle of considering the worst-case scenario. We have incorporated that in our plan and we are prepared, he said. Santiago pointed out that their main concern was traffic. Some people will be coming from Manila and going to Makati and vice versa, he said. He however said that he was not implementing any re-routing in Manila, unless necessary. Initially, we feel that there's no need for re-routing. Our traffic plan is very flexible. Just in case there's a need for a re-routing, we have contingency plans for these, he said. Santiago said the 61-hectare Rizal Park, Plaza Miranda and Quiapo Church areas can accommodate 5 million people. In Manila, both North and South-bound lanes of Roxas Boulevard, Padre Burgos Drive, Taft Avenue, T.M. Kalaw, United Nations Avenue, Jones, McArthur, Quezon and Ayala Bridges, Villalobos, Carlos Palanca, P. Gomez, P. Paterno, Quezon Boulevard, Globo de Oro, Gunao, Arlegui, Fraternal,

Vergara, Duque de Alba, Castillejos, Farnecio, Concepcion Aguila, Carcer, R. Hidalgo, Bilibid Viejo, Gil Puyat, Mendoza, R. Hidalgo and Barbosa will be kept open to traffic despite the projected crowd of 2 to 5 million expected to attend the annual overnight family appointment with El Shaddai. The T.M. Kalaw, Padre Burgos Drive, Calle Muralla, Bonifacio Drive, and the inner streets of the Port Area were the designated parking zones. Traffic Re-Routing for December 31, 2012 to January 1, 2013 Family Appointment with El Shaddai 27th Annual New Years Overnight Turn-of-the-Century Celebration On December 31, 2012, the following roads will be affected: Roxas Boulevard (from Padre Burgos Drive to T.M. Kalaw Street to United Nations Avenue to Padre Faura) will be closed to vehicular traffic from 12:00 Midnight of December 31, 2012 to 12:00 P.M. of January 1, 2013 Taft Avenue, Padres Burgos Drive and Arroceros Street to Natividad Almeda-Lopez Drive, Jones, McArthur and Quezon Bridges will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6:00 P.M. of December 30, 2012 to 3:00 P.M. of January 1, 2013. Quezon Boulevard will be closed to heavy traffic from 11:00 P.M. of December 30, 2012 to 12:00 Noon of January 1, 2013.

References: Google Maps Legend: Blue Color - Closed route Yellow Circle Venue

The Re-routing scheme for the 27th Annual Turn-of-the-Century Celebration (as of November 22, 2012) as follows: Phase 1: Rizal Park Area 1. Quirino Grandstand (Main Venue of the Turn-of-the-Century Celebration) 2. Head northwest on Parade Ave toward Katigbak Dr 3. Parade Ave turns slightly right and becomes Katigbak Dr 4. Continue onto Padre Burgos St/C-1 5. Make a U-turn at Roxas Boulevard 6. Continue onto Katigbak Dr 7. Continue onto Parade Ave 8. Continue onto South Dr 9. Continue onto T.M. Kalaw 10. Make a U-turn at Roxas Boulevard 11. Continue onto South Dr 12. Slight right onto Parade Ave 13. Parade Ave turns slightly right and becomes Katigbak Dr 14. Continue onto Padre Burgos St/C-1 15. Make a U-turn at Maria Y. Orosa 16. Make a U-turn at Roxas Boulevard 17. Turn right onto Maria Y. Orosa 18. Head southeast on Maria Y. Orosa Sttoward T.M. Kalaw 19. Turn right onto T.M. Kalaw 20. Make a U-turn at Jorge Bocobo 21. Turn left onto MY Orosa Street 22. Continue to follow Maria Y. Orosa 23. Turn right onto Finance 24. Turn right onto Taft Ave

25. Turn right onto United Nations Ave 26. Take the 1st right onto Maria Y. Orosa 27. Turn left onto T.M. Kalaw 28. Make a U-turn at Roxas Boulevard 29. Make a U-turn at Maria Y. Orosa 30. Turn right onto Roxas Boulevard 31. Make a U-turn at Padre Burgos St/C-1 32. Turn left onto United Nations Ave 33. Turn right onto Cortada 34. Turn left onto A Flores 35. Take the 1st left onto A. Mabini Destination will be on the right 36. Head northwest on A. Mabini toward United Nations Ave 37. Take the 1st right onto United Nations Ave 38. Turn left at the 2nd cross street onto Maria Y. Orosa 39. Turn left onto T.M. Kalaw 40. Take the 2nd left onto Jorge Bocobo 41. Head southeast on Jorge Bocobo toward United Nations Ave 42. Take the 2nd right onto A Flores 43. Head southwest on A Flores toward A. Mabini 44. Take the 1st right onto A. Mabini 45. Take the 1st left onto United Nations Ave 46. Turn right onto Alhambra 47. Head northwest on Alhambra toward T.M. Kalaw 48. Turn right onto T.M. Kalaw 49. Take the 1st right onto Guerrero 50. Head northwest on Guerrero toward T.M. Kalaw 51. Turn right onto T.M. Kalaw 52. Take the 1st right onto M.H. Del Pilar 53. Take the 1st left onto United Nations Ave 54. Take the 1st left onto Cortada 55. Head southeast on Cortada toward United Nations Ave 56. Take the 1st left onto United Nations Ave 57. Take the 1st left onto A. Mabini 58. Head northwest on A. Mabini toward T.M. Kalaw 59. Turn right onto T.M. Kalaw 60. Take the 2nd left onto Engracia C Reyes 61. Head northeast on Engracia C Reyes toward Maria Y. Orosa 62. Turn left onto Maria Y. Orosa 63. Head northwest on Maria Y. Orosa toward T.M. Kalaw 64. Turn left onto T.M. Kalaw 65. Head northwest on A. Mabini toward Arquiza 66. Take the 1st right onto Arquiza 67. Take the 1st left onto Grey 68. Turn left onto A Flores 69. Take the 1st right onto A. Mabini 70. Take the 1st right onto United Nations Ave 71. Take the 1st right onto Jorge Bocobo 72. Take the 1st right onto A Flores 73. Take the 1st left onto Grey 74. Turn left onto Arquiza 75. Turn right onto Jorge Bocobo 76. Take the 1st right onto Padre Faura 77. Take the 1st right onto A. Mabini

78. Take the 1st right onto Arquiza 79. Turn right onto Jorge Bocobo 80. Turn left onto Sta. Monica 81. Turn left onto Padre Faura 82. Take the 2nd left onto M Adriatico 83. Take the 1st left onto Sta. Monica 84. Turn left onto Padre Faura 85. Take the 2nd left onto M Adriatico 86. Take the 1st right onto Sta. Monica 87. Take the 1st right onto A.Mabini 88. Take the 1st left onto Padre Faura 89. Turn right at the 2nd cross street onto Guerrero 90. Take the 1st right onto Arquiza 91. Take the 1st right onto M.H. Del Pilar 92. Take the 1st right onto Padre Faura 93. Take the 1st right onto Guerrero 94. Take the 2nd right toward M.H. Del Pilar 95. Turn right onto M.H. Del Pilar 96. Take the 1st left onto Arquiza 97. Turn right onto Jorge Bocobo 98. Take the 1st right onto Padre Faura 99. Turn left onto M.H. Del Pilar 100. Take the 1st right onto Sta. Monica 101. Take the 1st right onto Guerrero 102. Take the 1st left onto Padre Faura 103. Take the 1st left toward Sta. Monica 104. Take the 1st left onto Sta. Monica 105. Take the 1st left onto Guerrero 106. Turn left onto Arquiza 107. Take the 1st right onto Alhambra 108. Take the 1st right toward Guerrero 109. Take the 1st left onto Guerrero 110. Take the 2nd right onto United Nations Ave 111. Take the 1st right onto M.H. Del Pilar 112. Take the 1st left onto A Flores 113. Turn right onto Grey 114. Turn right onto Arquiza 115. Turn left at the 2nd cross street onto M.H. Del Pilar 116. Turn left at the 2nd cross street onto Sta. Monica 117. Take the 1st left onto A. Mabini 118. Turn right onto United Nations Ave 119. Turn right onto Taft Ave 120. Take the 1st right onto Padre Faura 121. Take the 1st right onto Maria Y. Orosa 122. Take the 2nd right onto United Nations Ave 123. Head southwest on United Nations Ave toward Taft Ave 124. Turn left onto Jorge Bocobo 125. Take the 1st left onto Engracia C Reyes 126. Turn left onto Maria Y. Orosa 127. Take the 2nd right onto United Nations Ave 128. Take the 2nd right onto Taft Ave 129. Take the 1st right onto Padre Faura

Phase 2 Quiapo Area 1. Plaza Miranda (Co-Venue) 2. Head west on R. Hidalgo toward Villalobos 3. Turn left onto Gomez 4. Slight left onto Carlos Palanca Sr. 5. Take the 1st left onto Villalobos 6. Turn right onto R. Hidalgo 7. Turn right onto Quezon Boulevard 8. Slight right toward Carlos Palanca Sr. 9. Turn left onto Carlos Palanca Sr. 10. Take the 1st right onto Oscariz 11. Oscariz turns right and becomes P. Ducos 12. Turn right onto Carlos Palanca Sr. 13. Turn left onto Muelle Dela Quinta 14. Muelle Dela Quinta turns slightly left and becomes trinoma 15. Turn right onto Arlegui 16. Take the 2nd right onto Duque 17. Take the 1st left onto Vergara 18. Take the 1st right onto Fraternal 19. Turn left onto Castillejos 20. Castillejos turns left and becomes Farnecio 21. Turn left onto Vergara 22. Take the 1st right onto Fraternal 23. Turn left onto Arlegui 24. Turn right at Duque 25. Slight right onto Dr. Concepcion C. Aguila 26. Take the 1st right onto Legarda 27. Turn right onto Arlegui 28. Take the 2nd left onto Fraternal 29. Turn right onto Castillejos 30. Turn left onto Duque 31. Make a U-turn 32. Take the 1st left onto Arlegui 33. Take the 1st left onto Gunao 34. Take the 1st right onto Norzagaray 35. Take the 1st left onto trinoma 36. Take the 1st left onto Globo de Oro 37. Turn right at Gunao 38. Make a U-turn 39. Take the 1st left onto Globo de Oro 40. Take the 2nd right onto A. Bautista 41. Take the 1st right onto Norzagaray 42. Take the 1st right onto trinoma 43. Take the 1st right onto Globo de Oro 44. Sharp right toward Norzagaray 45. Take the 1st right onto Norzagaray 46. Take the 2nd right onto trinoma 47. trinoma turns slightly right and becomes Muelle Dela Quinta 48. Turn right onto Carlos Palanca Sr. 49. Turn right onto Villalobos 50. Turn right onto R. Hidalgo 51. Turn right onto Quezon Boulevard

52. Continue onto Quezon Bridge 53. Continue onto Quezon Blvd 54. Continue onto Padre Burgos St 55. Make a U-turn at Victoria 56. Keep right to stay on Padre Burgos St 57. Keep left to stay on Padre Burgos St 58. Continue onto McArthur Bridge 59. Turn right onto Carlos Palanca Sr. 60. Take the 2nd left onto Gomez 61. Take the 1st right onto R. Hidalgo 62. Turn right onto Quezon Boulevard 63. Continue onto Quezon Bridge 64. Continue onto Quezon Blvd 65. Continue onto Padre Burgos St 66. Make a U-turn at Victoria 67. Keep right to stay on Padre Burgos St 68. Keep right to stay on Padre Burgos St 69. Continue onto Quezon Bridge 70. Continue onto Quezon Blvd (Destination will be on the left) 71. Quiapo Church (Co-Venue) Phase 3 - Port Area 1. Head southeast on Chicago toward 7th St 2. Take the 1st left onto 7th St 3. Make a U-turn 4. Take the 1st left onto Chicago 5. Take the 3rd left onto 10th St 6. Make a U-turnTake the 1st right onto Chicago 7. Take the 1st right onto 9th St 8. Make a U-turn 9. Turn right onto Muelle de San Francisco 10. Take the 1st right onto 8th St 11. Turn right onto Bonifacio Dr 12. Take the 1st right onto 11th St 13. Take the 1st left onto Railroad Dr 14. Turn right onto 12th St 15. Turn right onto Atlanta 16. Turn right onto 11th St 17. Turn right onto Bonifacio Dr 18. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto 13th St 19. Turn right onto Chicago 20. Chicago turns right and becomes 11th St 21. Turn right onto Atlanta 22. Take the 2nd right onto 14th St 23. Take the 1st left onto Antonio C. Delgado 24. Take the 1st left onto 15th St 25. Take the 1st right onto Atlanta 26. Take the 1st right onto 16th St 27. Turn right at the 2nd cross street onto Boston 28. Turn right onto 13th St 29. Take the 1st right onto Antonio C. Delgado 30. Take the 1st right onto 14th St

31. Turn right onto Muelle de San Francisco 32. Take the 2nd right onto 10th St 33. Make a U-turn 34. Take the 1st right onto Chicago 35. Take the 2nd left onto 8th St 36. Turn right onto Muelle de San Francisco 37. Muelle de San Francisco turns right and becomes 7th St 38. Turn left onto Chicago 39. Sharp left onto Muelle De Tacoma 40. Turn left onto 7th St 41. Take the 1st left onto Chicago 42. Turn right onto Muelle De Tacoma 43. Head southwest on 25th St toward Muelle de San Francisco 44. 25th St turns right and becomes Muelle de San Francisco 45. Turn right onto 16th St 46. Take the 3rd left onto Boston 47. Turn left onto 13th St 48. Turn left onto Muelle de San Francisco 49. Take the 2nd left onto 16th St 50. Take the 1st right onto Boston 51. Make a U-turn 52. Take the 2nd right onto 14th St 53. Head southwest on 14th St toward Boston 54. Take the 1st right onto Boston 55. Turn right onto 13th St 56. Take the 1st right onto Antonio C. Delgado 57. Take the 2nd right onto 16th St 58. Take the 1st right onto Boston 59. Turn right onto 13th St 60. Take the 1st left onto Chicago 61. Chicago turns right and becomes 11th St 62. Turn right onto Atlanta 63. Turn right onto 13th St 64. Take the 1st left onto Antonio C. Delgado 65. Take the 1st left onto 14th St 66. Take the 1st right onto Atlanta 67. Take the 1st right onto 15th St 68. Turn left onto Antonio C. Delgado 69. Take the 1st left onto 16th St 70. Take the 1st right onto Atlanta 71. Take the 1st right onto 17th St 72. Turn right onto Muelle de San Francisco 73. Take the 1st right onto 16th St 74. Take the 2nd right onto Antonio C. Delgado 75. Take the 1st left onto 17th St 76. Turn left onto Railroad Dr 77. Take the 2nd left onto 15th St 78. Take the 1st right onto Atlanta 79. Take the 1st right onto 14th St 80. Turn left onto Railroad Dr 81. Turn left onto 12th St 82. Turn right onto Atlanta 83. Turn right onto 11th St

84. Take the 1st right onto Railroad Dr 85. Take the 3rd right onto 14th St 86. Take the 1st left onto Atlanta 87. Take the 2nd left onto 16th St 88. Take the 1st left onto Railroad Dr 89. Take the 1st right onto 13th St 90. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Bonifacio Dr 91. Turn right onto 16th St 92. Take the 2nd right onto Atlanta 93. Take the 3rd right onto 13th St 94. Head southwest on 25th St toward Muelle de San Francisco 95. 25th St turns right and becomes Muelle de San Francisco 96. Turn right onto 14th St 97. Turn right onto Antonio C. Delgado 98. Take the 1st left onto 15th St 99. Take the 1st left onto Atlanta 100. Take the 1st left onto 14th St 101. Take the 1st left onto Antonio C. Delgado 102. Take the 1st right onto 16th St 103. Turn left onto Muelle de San Francisco 104. Take the 1st left onto 17th St 105. Turn left onto Atlanta 106. Take the 2nd left onto 15th St 107. Turn left onto Antonio C. Delgado 108. Take the 1st left onto 16th St 109. Take the 2nd left onto Railroad Dr 110. Take the 1st left onto 15th St 111. Take the 1st left onto Atlanta 112. Take the 2nd left onto 17th St 113. Turn left onto Railroad Dr 114. Take the 1st right onto 16th St 115. Turn right onto Bonifacio Dr 116. Take the 2nd right onto 25th St 117. 25th St turns right and becomes Muelle de San Francisco 118. Turn right onto 17th St 119. Take the 1st right onto Antonio C. Delgado 120. Turn left onto 24th St 121. Turn right onto Railroad Dr 122. Turn right onto 25th St 123. 25th St turns right and becomes Muelle de San Francisco 124. Turn right onto 17th St 125. Take the 1st right onto Antonio C. Delgado 126. Turn left onto 22nd St 127. Turn right onto Railroad Dr 128. Take the 1st right onto 23rd St 129. Turn left onto Antonio C. Delgado 130. Turn left onto 25th St 131. Take the 1st left onto Railroad Dr 132. Turn left onto 19th St 133. Turn left onto Antonio C. Delgado 134. Take the 1st left onto 20th St 135. Take the 1st left onto Railroad Dr 136. Take the 2nd left onto 18th St

137. 138. 139. 140. 141. 142. 143. 144. 145.

Turn left onto Antonio C. Delgado Turn left onto Railroad Dr Turn left onto 15th St Take the 1st right onto Atlanta Take the 1st right onto 14th St Turn right onto Railroad Dr Take the 1st right onto 15th St Take the 1st right onto Atlanta Take the 1st left onto 14th St

Rehearsals for the ABS-CBN Millennium Extravaganza Mr. Nio Manzano, along with Noel Manapats styling team and KPPREMS, Inc., together with TV directors Johnny Manahan, Fritz Ynfante, Arnel Natividad and Laurenti Dyogi, who arrived at the Manila Hotel together with other ABS-CBN security group and camera crew members last December 1 for a series of rehearsals. A VHS Tape of Worldwide Celebration of the New Millennium TV Special at the ABS-CBN Central Library and to be uploaded in YouTube for a full video with three hours, splinted in ten parts. Part 1 5:00 P.M. of December 31, 1999 to 3:00 A.M. of January 1, 2000: 5:00-6:00 P.M. Last Sunset at Balitang K 6:00-6:30 P.M. TV Patrol Special Edition 6:30-8:00 P.M. Millennium News Whiparound (hosted by Atty. Dong Puno and Ces OrenaDrilon) 8:00-11:00 P.M. Millennium Special Live at Luneta, The Fort and Quezon Memorial Circle 11:00 P.M. 1:00 A.M. Turn-of-the-Century Program Live at Luneta and Fireworks Display welcoming the new Millennium, Segment: ABS-CBN New Logo 1:00 A.M. 3:00 A.M. ABS-CBN Millennium Extravaganza (part 2 - live at The Fort) 3:00 A.M. 5:00 A.M. Part 1 of Millennium News Whiparound 5:00 A.M. 7:00 A.M. Part 2 of Millennium News Whiparound 7:00 A.M. 8:00 A.M. - New Year's Day Thanksgiving Mass 8:00 A.M. 10:00 A.M. Part 1 of Hourly Millennium News Updates (LIVE) 10:00 A.M. 12:00 P.M. Part 2 of Hourly Millennium News Updates (LIVE)

Part 2 3:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. of January 1, 2000:

Photo and Video Exhibit The photo and video exhibit runs from December 1 to 25, 2012, entitled: Milenyo Pilipino: A Throwback to the events of last 11,001 years, and the coffee-table book launch of the said title on December 5 at the Manila Hotel. The Exhibit features the full photographs and videos of: Advertisements from magazines and newspapers wayback 1953 to December 2012 courtesy of National Library; and commercials of several brands from 1960 to 2012 by several advertising agencies and production companies; TV station IDs from 1973 to 2012; World Youth Day 1995 Final Mass at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila last January 15, 1995 aired from 7:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. courtesy of GMA Network Archives; The full photos of the World Youth Day 1995 Final Mass at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila last January 15, 1995; El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Fellowship Internationals 15th Anniversary Celebration Special at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila last August 20 to 21, 1999 for the 60th birthday celebration of El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde, with full-colored full photographs of the VIP

lounge at the Quirino grandstand when the birthday celebrant's celebrity guests (names were mentioned and captioned). the morning mass for former Senator Noynoy Aquino and former Senator Mar Roxas candidacy at the Manila Cathedral before filing of certificate of candidacy where including the names of celebrities (were captioned) and supporters of the Aquino-Roxas tandem and spotted at the Manila Cathedral last November 28, 2009, with file video courtesy of ABS-CBN News; and photos taken by Multiply and Facebook users and courtesy of Kris Aquino-Yaps Facebook page way back in November 2009; the full photos of 2007 Southeast Asian Games swimming events in Korat, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand last December 7 to 11, 2007; the full photos of the December 31, 1999 to January 1, 2000 millennium celebrations in Metro Manila including the turn-of-the-century celebration at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila, the grand youth party at the Quezon City Memorial Circle in Quezon City, Last Full Show: 2.0: One Night, One Chance at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig; the full video of GMA Millennium Day broadcast aired from December 31, 1999 at 5:30 p.m. to January 1, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. courtesy of GMA Network Archives and; the full video of ABS-CBN Worldwide Celebration of the New Millennium TV special was aired from 5:00 p.m. of December 31, 1999 to 2:30 p.m. of January 1, 2000 courtesy of ABS-CBN Central Library.

Manilas Annual Turn-of-the-Century Celebration worlds biggest

By Martin P. Marfil and PDI Research City of Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines, December 31, 2012 THEY will be shouting at Ayala while others will be praying at Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, said El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde yesterday as he stood firm on his group's plan to hold a gathering to celebrate the nations annual 27th turn-of-the-century celebration. Asked if a change of schedule was possible in the interest of unity within the Roman Catholic Church, Velarde said it was not, adding that a number of El Shaddai members from the provinces and all over the world and millions of believers and members and employees of various and different government and non-government agencies, companies and organizations, non-profit organizations, charitable and financial institutions, left-wing organizations, civic, household, business, commercial, industrial and political groups and local businesses, bar associations, financial and educational institutions, entertainment, health and wellness, fashion, food, high society, media, legal, agricultural, energy, motoring, real estate and telecommunications companies, clubs, foundations, institutions and organizations and members of the clergy, religious, youth groups and lay communities and religious and lay groups and organizations, including El Shaddai, Iglesia ni Cristo, Jesus is Lord Church, Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name (were excerpted from the launching of the Great Jubilee Year 2000-a 3-year celebration in preparation for the 2000th birth anniversary of our Lord Jesus Christ held at the Quirino Grandstand last December 1, 1996, the 1997 CBCP National Eucharistic Congress overnight vigil at the Quirino Grandstand last January 25 to 26, 1997, the National Congress on the Holy Spirit held at the Cuneta Astrodome and PICC Plenary Hall in Pasay City last January 22 to 24, 1998 and the CBCP organized-conference about the event at the PICC Plenary Hall last January 20 to 23, 1999), nuns, priests, cardinals, archbishops, and bishops, greatgrandmothers, great-grandfathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, mothers, fathers, babies, kids, youth and teenagers and senior persons, cousins, nephews and nieces, Lesbians, gays, bisexual, trans gender, seniors, elder, disabled and pregnant persons, government and army policemen and soldiers, Christian, Muslim, Pentecostal people, environmentalists, healthcare and medical professionals, medical doctors, dentists, nurses, physicians, anesthesiologists, cardiologists, intensivists, neonatologists, emergency physicians, emergency medical technicians, endocrinologists, geriatricians, gastroenterologists, nephrologists, neurologists, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologist, pulmonologist, registered and certified respiratory therapist, family practice physician, neonatalogist, pediatricians, neonatal nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, pediatric nurses, pediatric

respiratory therapists, psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, mental health nurse practitioners, oncologists, orthopedic physician, physical therapist, occupational therapists, physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy assistants, radiologists, nuclear medicine technologist, radiology technologist, sonographer, ultrasound technicians, Bariatric Surgeons, General Surgeons, Cardiothoracic surgeons, Cardiac Surgeons, Neurosurgeons, Urologists, Hematologists, Phlebotomists, construction workers, carpenters, electricians, ironworker, laborers, masons, plasterers, plumbers, pipefitters, sheet metal workers, steel fixers, and welders, farmers, farmworkers, restaurant chefs, bakers, baristas, barkeeps, barkeepers, barpersons, barmans, barmaids, bar attendants, taberneiros, cookers, waiters and waitress, pre-school, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, nursery, preparatory, kinder grade, primary and secondary schools, college and university faculty, staff, parents, students and alumni, Philippine Olympic Committee regular and associate member national and local athletes, coaches, referees, local policemen and security guards from all over the country (from 42,028 barangays in 1,634 cities and municipalities of the Philippines) and foreign nationals and tourists, and overseas Filipino workers and overseas migrant workers from cities, counties, districts, municipalities, prefectures and towns of 227 countries of the world and cities, counties and municipalities of 51 states of the United States and UAAP, NCAA, NCAA-South, NAASCU, NCRAA, PRISAA, SCUAA, UCAA and ISAA member-school teachers, students, alumni, student-athletes, coaches, referees, school lecturers, professors and principals were coming or had arrived for the gathering. The New Years Eve party at Rizal Park in Manila threatens to break records in terms of lavishness and numbers, what with the promised handaan (feast) of roasted pig, roasted and fried chicken, calf, pizza, doughnuts, mojos, burgers, Palabok, lasagna, spaghetti, French fries, and criss-cut fries, ice creams, pies, soups and salads, as well as the expected attendance of President Aquino and his political allies and show biz friends. Velarde was in Malacaang Saturday, December 29. I'm just going to check whether the appointment of the President with us--which is in the afternoon of Monday, December 31--did not change, he told reporters. Asked if Mr. Aquino would be given the opportunity to deliver a speech on the administration's proposed Charter amendments and new projects on several sectors, he said: I don't know what the President has in mind, but normally he gives his inspirational message and informs the people on what is happening in government and business. As of last night, there was no official word from Malacaang whether Mr. Aquino would attend the El Shaddai gathering today. But earlier, he said he would attend as he had done for the past years. The President is also scheduled to speak between 11:05 and 11:30 p.m. according to the El Shaddai program of activities. A group of Aetas from Zambales, last in line at one of nearly a hundred food distribution booths, had to be content with morsels, but they didn't seem to mind. This is a blessing from Yahweh El Shaddai, an Aeta elderly said. In the VIP lounge at the Quirino grandstand, the servant-leaders celebrity guests were a little more blessed, as they partook of an eight-course lauriat. The VIP feast was made up of seafood noodles, steamed lobster with garlic, double-boiled sharks' fin soup with abalone and chicken, braised whole Australian abalone, Peking duck, braised eel with sea cucumber and minced duck with lettuce, doughnuts, roasted pig, fried chicken, calf, roasted chicken, lasagna, macaroni, palabok, spaghetti, French and criss-cut fries, burger, pizzas and mojos. Desserts included cathedral windows, crema de fruta, ensaymada, fresh fruit, ice cream, pies and pastries. The entire Rizal Park and Plaza Miranda areas was a virtual marketplace, as vendors hawked El Shaddai handkerchiefs, healing oils, umbrellas, plastic mats, raincoats, and even stools.

While some vendors jacked up their prices, 25-year-old Jun Mallonga from Tondo, Manila, sold his umbrellas at only P65 each. This is my own way of thanking the Lord, and also my new years gift to Brother Mike, Mallonga said. Perception Our celebration will not be destructive That is only the perception of observers, Velarde said. He appealed to journalists not to color their gathering, adding: The results of (the Makati celebration and the El Shaddai gathering) could be beneficial to us--they'll be shouting at Ayala while others will be praying in Luneta. Asked if the El Shaddai gathering would serve as a vehicle to promote new projects for the multiple sectors, he said: ''I have expressed my views that I am in favor of change. Anything that is growing must experience change. In our country, we should open ourselves to change, but that change should benefit the majority. While he opposed the initiative of the Ramos administration to amend the Constitution, he believes that now is the proper tim for the undertaking, he added. Velarde also said the El Shaddai gathering would not be a rally but merely the annual celebration of its turn-of-the-century celebration. Nothing political is involved in this celebration at the Luneta, he said. Asked if Imelda Marcos, widow of the strongman Ferdinand Marcos, was invited, he said: Everybody's invited at the Luneta. Velarde readily obliged when asked if he had a message for those participating at the turn-of-thecentury celebration. We are all for the preservation of our freedoms, he said. Let us give all the Filipinos the freedom to think, the freedom to express and the freedom to assemble. That is what democracy is all about. He also said a variety of opinions should be upheld, and that people should not be forced to hew to the views of others. Comparisons The El Shaddai celebration invites comparisons. According to the 1998 Guinness Book of World Records, the world's biggest birthday party was attended by an estimated 35,000 people in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.A., on September 8, 1979. It was held to celebrate the 89th birthday of Col. Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Sixteen years ago, the world record for the largest papal gathering was attended by an estimated 5 million people at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila on January 15, 1995 for the closing mass of the 10th World Youth Day to be officiated by the late Pope Emeritus John Paul the Second. Would El Shaddai break this standing record? Consider this: The crowd that attended its 26th Annual Turn-of-the-Century Celebration on Saturday, December 31, 2011 to Sunday, January 1, 2012 last year was estimated at more than three million people. The affair, at which President Aquino III and Vice-President Jejomar Binay were present, was televised live nationwide via satellite on IBC-13 and PTV-4. El Shaddai is composed of two groups: the covenant (with 300,000 officially registered members) and the non-committed (estimated by the movement itself to number eight million).

With the numbers, how many lechon, etc. will Velarde need to feed the whole flock together with other religious leaders? More important, how much will the feast cost him? The INQUIRER checked prices at Lydia's Lechon, Baliwag Lechon Manok, Andok's Lechon Manok, Yoshinoya, Krispy Kreme, McDonald's, KFC, Goldilocks, Red Ribbon, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Shakey's Pizza, Domino's Pizza, Taco Bell, Wendy's, Starbucks, Jollibee, Gloria Jean's Coffees, Papa John's Pizza, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Chowking and Mang Inasal. These are the figures: Lechon baboy goes for P3, 500 for a 12-kilo pig and P8, 500 for a 42-kilo pig at Lydia's. Lechon baka costs P18, 000 for a 60-kilo calf and P21, 000 for a 70-kilo calf, also at Lydia's. Lechon manok is sold at P175 per kilo at Baliwag, and P170 per kilo at Andok's. 8 pieces Jollibee Chicken Joy with 4 Rice and 4 Regular Coca-Cola is sold at P495 at Jollibee Jollibee Palabok Fiesta is sold at P82 at Jollibee Jollibee Spaghetti at P48 at Jollibee Jolly Crispy Fries at P62 at Jollibee Shakeys Hawaiian Delight (Thin Crust 14 with Extra Ham, Cheese and Pineapple) at P699 at Shakeys Shakeys Pepperoni (Thin Crust 14 with Extra Pepperoni and Cheese) at P650 at Shakeys Shakeys 12-pieces chicken pack at P982 at Shakeys Shakeys Mojo Supreme at P349 at Shakeys Shakeys Classic Spaghetti Platter at P312.00 at Shakeys Shakeys Prima Lasagna P657 at Shakeys.

The size of the whole Rizal Park is about 528,833 square meters. According to planners of the National Parks and Development Committee of the Department of Tourism, a one-square-meter area can hold two persons. If tightly crammed, four persons can be squeezed in. Assuming that Rizal Park has no structures, it can normally accommodate about 1,057,666 people (if tightly crammed, 2,115,332). Live media coverage The 27th Annual Overnight Family Reunion with El Shaddai will be televised, beamed live nationwide and worldwide on all platforms, while it is actually happening at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila on New Years Eve, over radio DWXI 1314 kHz-Manila, the commercial-owned Associated Broadcasting Company (ABC) Channel 5 and Radyo Singko 92.3 News FM in Manila. It will be seen and heard, simultaneously, over 14 other outlets of ABC: ABC- 2 LAOAG ABC- 28 BAGUIO ABC- 5 NAGA ABC- 6 LEGAZPI ABC- 11 SORSOGON ABC- 32 BACOLOD ABC- 21 CEBU ABC- 8 SURIGAO DEL SUR ABC- 13 BUTUAN ABC- 10 AGUSAN DEL SUR ABC- 21 CAGAYAN DE ORO ABC- 2 DAVAO ABC- 29 ZAMBOANGA ABC- 12 GENERAL SANTOS

ABC is affiliated with 32 Cable Stations in Luzon, 14 in the Visayas, and 14 in Mindanao. Radyo5 News FM has 9 FM radio stations, all over the nation:

DWFM 92.3 Metro Manila DZYB 102.3 Baguio/Northern Luzon Region DWYC 88.7 Cabanatuan and Dagupan/North Central Luzon Region DWJY 94.3 San Pablo, Laguna/Southern Tagalog Region DYBC 102.3 Iloilo and Bacolod/Western Visayas Region DYNC 101.9 Cebu/Central Visayas Region DXFM 101.9 Davao/Southern Mindanao Region DXRL 101.5 Cagayan de Oro/Northern Mindanao Region

Radio Mindanao Network has 35 radio outlets, all over the nation: 1. DZXL-AM 558 kHz Metro Manila 2. DZWT-AM 540 kHz Baguio 3. DWLW-AM 675 kHz Laoag 4. DWRS 927 kHz Vigan 5. DWPR-AM 1296 kHz Dagupan 6. DZCV-AM 684 kHz Tuguegerao 7. DWDY-AM 1107 kHz Cauayan 8. DZLT-AM 1188 kHz Lucena 9. DWAR-FM 103.9 MHz Puerto Princesa 10. DWNX-FM 91.1 MHz Naga 11. DWAT-FM 102.1 MHz Daet 12. DZRC-AM 873 kHz Legaspi 13. DZRS-AM 1179 kHz Sorsogon 14. DYKR-AM 1161 kHz Kalibo 15. DYVR-AM 657 kHz Roxas 16. DYRI-AM 774 kHz Iloilo 17. DYHB-AM 747 kHz Bacolod 18. DYHP-AM 612 kHz Cebu 19. DYWC-AM 801 kHz Dumaguete 20. DYBR-AM 657 kHz Tacloban 21. DYRR-AM 792 kHz Ormoc 22. DYCC-AM 936 kHz Calbayog 23. DXRZ-AM 900 kHz Zamboanga 24. DXDR-AM 981 kHz Dipolog 25. DXPR-AM 603 kHz Pagadian 26. DXIC-AM 711 kHz Iligan 27. DXCC-AM 828 kHz Cagayan de Oro 28. DXMB-AM 648 kHz Malaybalay 29. DXOC-AM 1494 kHz Ozamis 30. DXDC-AM 621 kHz Davao 31. DXMD-AM 927 kHz General Santos 32. DXKR-AM 639 kHz Koronadal 33. DXBC-AM 693 kHz Butuan 34. DXRS-AM 918 kHz Surigao 35. DXMY-AM 729 kHz Cotabato Catholic Media Network has 31 radio outlets, all over the nation: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. DZRV-AM 846 kHz Metro Manila DZEA-AM 909 kHz Laoag DWWM-FM 96.9 MHz Abra DZUL-FM 104.3 MHz La Union DZNS-AM 963 kHz Vigan DWAL 95.9 MHz Batangas

7. DZWM-AM 891 kHz Alaminos, Pangasinan 8. DWRV-AM 1233 kHz Bayombong 9. DZRM-FM 99.7 MHz Tarlac 10. DZJO-FM 101.7 MHz Baler 11. DWAM-FM 99.1 MHz Batangas 12. DWVM-FM 103.9 MHz Lucena 13. DWRV-FM 98.3 MHz Naga 14. DWBS-AM 1008 kHz Legaspi 15. DYMT-FM 98.3 MHz Masbate 16. DZGN-FM 102.3 MHz Sorsogon 17. DYBW-AM 1386 kHz Borongan 18. DYDW-AM 1413 kHz Tacloban 19. DYKA-AM 801 kHz San Jose, Antique 20. DYMI-FM 94.3 kHz Iloilo 21. DYAF-AM 1143 kHz Bacolod 22. DYRF-AM 1215 kHz Cebu 23. DYGB-FM 91.7 MHz Dumaguete 24. DXSI-AM 1440 kHz Cagayan de Oro 25. DXDD-AM 657 kHz Ozamiz 26. DXHN-AM 549 kHz Davao 27. DXCP-AM 585 kHz General Santos 28. DXMS-AM 882 kHz Cotabato 29. DXSN-AM 1017 kHz Surigao 30. DXVP-AM 1467 kHz Zamboanga 31. DXND-AM 747 kHz Kidapawan For those who are unable to watch the telecast live, from 8:00 pm on New Years Eve until 9:00 a.m. on New Years Day, it will be carried as a Live broadcast over the National Broadcasting Network, Channel 4 and DZRB Radyo ng Bayan 738kHz in Metro Manila, and the playback of the healing message of Brother Mike from 9:00 pm to 12 midnight on Tuesday Evening, January 1, 2013. NBN has 25 other outlets, all over the nation: 1. NBN-11 CEBU 2. NBN-11 DAVAO 3. NBN- 8 CAGAYAN DE ORO 4. NBN- 5 GENERAL SANTOS 5. NBN-7 ZAMBOANGA 6. NBN-11 PAGADIAN 7. NBN-11 DIPOLOG 8. NBN-8 COTABATO 9. NBN-8 TACLOBAN 10. NBN-2 GUIMARAS 11. NBN-10 DUMAGUETE 12. NBN-12 CALBAYOG 13. NBN-4 PUERTO PRINCESA 14. NBN-8 NAGA 15. NBN-8 BAGUIO 16. NBN-11 LAOAG (Ilocos/Abra Region) 17. NBN-4 VIGAN 18. NBN-53 BATANGAS (Southern Tagalog) 19. NBN-41 DAGUPAN (North Central Luzon) 20. NBN-2 BACOLOD AND ILOILO 21. NBN-4 GOA, CAMARINES SUR 22. NBN CATANDUANES Community TV Network

23. NBN-13 ROMBLON Community TV Network 24. NBN-2 SORSOGON Broadcasting Corporation PBS Radyo ng Bayan has 30 other outlets, all over the nation: 1. DWFB-AM 954 kHz Laoag 2. DWIS-FM 98.9 MHz Vigan 3. DZMQ-AM 576 kHz Dagupan 4. DZAG-AM 1224 kHz San Fernando, La Union 5. DZEQ-AM 999 kHz Baguio 6. DWLC-AM 1017 kHz Lucena 7. DWRB-AM 549 kHz Naga City 8. DWCN-AM 96.9 MHz Daet 9. DZBU-FM 95.1 MHz Legaspi 10. DZVC-FM 94.3 MHz Virac, Catanduanes 11. DWRM-AM 567 kHz Puerto Princessa, Palawan 12. DYLL-AM 585 kHz Iloilo 13. DYBA-FM 103.9 MHz Bacolod 14. DYDM-FM 97.5 MHz Dumaguete 15. DZVC-FM 94.3 MHz Virac, Catanduanes 16. DYMR-AM 576 kHz Cebu City 17. DYMP-AM 954 kHz Tacloban 18. DYOG-AM 882 kHz Calbayog 19. DYSL-AM 1360 kHz Sogod, Southern Leyte 20. DYES-AM 657 kHz Borongan 21. DXRP-AM 675 kHz Davao City 22. DXIM-AM 936 kHz Cagayan de Oro 23. DXFC-FM 91.1 MHz Koronadal 24. DXDX-AM 693 kHz General Santos 25. DXRI-AM 1278 kHz Ilagan 26. DXMR-AM 1170 kHz Zamboanga 27. DXDC-FM 98.1 MHz Dipolog 28. DXRC-FM 98.7 MHz Cotabato IBC, Channel 13 in Metro Manila, will also televise the event from 5:00 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012 to 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 1, 2013. ANC on Channel 27 in Sky Cable and Channel 40 in SunVision Cable in Metro Manila, will air the program from 5:00 pm on Monday, December 31, until 3:00 p.m. of Tuesday, January 1, 2013 for The Worldwide Celebration of the New Millennium Pagbabago 2013.

Stars in Simultaneous Millennium Celebrations

Manila, December 31, 2012 - Top showbiz personalities and artists will dazzle spectators during the Millennium Specials that will be staged simultaneously at various parks and open spaces in Metro Manila tonight. At the Luneta, highlights of the Millennium Special are President Benigno Noynoy Aquino IIIs speech and a show of unity, or kapit-bisig (linking of arms), that will be led by the First Family. The ABS-CBN Millennium Extravaganza started with a history of the Filipino people presentation and showcasing celebrated the milestones of ABS-CBN in the television industry and production numbers that paid tribute to the pioneering programs of the network, memorable TV station IDs and theme songs of TV shows and TV networks, simultaneous with other network presentations at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City. Starting at 8:00 P.M., the Rizal Park Millennium Special will feature showbiz celebrities Cocoy Laurel, April Boy Regino, Pops Fernandez, Agot Isidro, Rachel Alejandro, performing with 600 students, 200

soldiers and more than 100 bit players in a production number entitled Tayoy Mga Pinoy at the Quirino Grandstand. Simultaneously, Jolina Magdangal, Rica Paralejo, Carol Banawa, Roselle Nava, Jefrey Hidalgo, Tootsie Guevarra and Jeremiah will perform at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, while Nanette Inventor, Jamie Rivera and the Repertory Philippines will hold their own show at Fort Santiago, Manila. Roderick Paulate, Lara Fabregas, Joy Viado, the Tux, Wowie de Guzman, Carlos Agassi, and the Street Boys, among others, will participate at the Pinoy Sayawan medley at the Rizal Park, while John Pratts, Carlo Aquino, Stefano Mori and others will be doing their numbers at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. These and other production numbers will be aired live through the facilities of the ABS-CBN and various radio and TV stations. The overnight affair will be televised, live, while it is actually happening at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila, over the Associated Broadcasting Company (ABC) Channel 5 in Manila. It will be seen and heard, simultaneously, over 14 other outlets of ABC: 1. ABC- 2 LAOAG 2. ABC- 28 BAGUIO 3. ABC- 5 NAGA 4. ABC- 6 LEGAZPI 5. ABC- 11 SORSOGON 6. ABC- 32 BACOLOD 7. ABC- 21 CEBU 8. ABC- 8 SURIGAO DEL SUR 9. ABC- 13 BUTUAN 10. ABC- 10 AGUSAN DEL SUR 11. ABC- 21 CAGAYAN DE ORO 12. ABC- 2 DAVAO 13. ABC- 29 ZAMBOANGA 14. ABC- 12 GENERAL SANTOS ABC is affiliated with 32 Cable Stations in Luzon, 14 in the Visayas, and 14 in Mindanao. For those who are able to watch the telecast live, from 3:00 pm on New Years Eve until 9:00 a.m. on New Years Day, it will be carried as a Live broadcast over the National Broadcasting Network, Channel 4 in Manila, from 9:00 pm to 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday Evening, January 1, 2013 for the healing message of Brother Mike. NBN has 20 other outlets, all over the nation: NBN-11 CEBU NBN-11 DAVAO NBN-7 ZAMBOANGA NBN-11 PAGADIAN NBN-11 DIPOLOG NBN-8 COTABATO NBN-8 TACLOBAN NBN-2 GUIMARAS NBN-10 DUMAGUETE NBN-12 CALBAYOG NBN-4 PUERTO PRINCESA NBN-8 NAGA NBN-8 BAGUIO NBN-11 LAOAG NBN-4 VIGAN

NBN-2 BACOLOD AND ILOILO NBN-4 GOA, CAMARINES SUR NBN CATANDUANES Community TV Network NBN-13 ROMBLON Community TV Network NBN-2 SORSOGON Broadcasting Corporation

IBC, Channel 13 in Manila, will also televise the event from 8:00 pm on Monday, December 31 to 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 1, 2013. This turn-of-the-century program at the Quirino Grandstand is part of the annual Milenyo Filipino festival that the government, business, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, media, legal, and religious sectors are hosting this Yuletide season.