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CONTENTS

TRAVEL

Tracing the Santactruzan's Roots
You may argue that the Philippines has no marked season like spring for flowers to bloom. More flowers seem to appear in May, nevertheless. FULL STORY

Get to Know Western Visayas
During the Spanish times, when a mother wanted her children to stop crying at night, she usually threatened them with the "quintos." FULL STORY

If you are a foreigner ... As history shows, foreigners have generally not come to the Philippines with friendly intentions. In spite of this, every visitor is heartily welcomed; the Filipinos are sociable and tolerant, and their natural openness charms many visitors. FULL STORY

ENVIRONMENT

Protecting Aklan's coastal ecosystems
Siltation and sedimentation triggered by upland deforestation pose another threat to Aklan's coastal ecosystems. FULL STORY

REAL LIFE ISSUES

We need Mary today
MAY is closely associated with our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Tradition, now so complicated to trace, has forged it that way. And we are happy about it. FULL STORY

Again, on Lawyers
They are the defenders of truth and justice. Yep, yep, lawyers have to be truthful, to act noble and be fearless. FULL STORY

The poor must protest against their exploiters
The poor is the fair hope of unscrupulous politicians. Just by giving them a few pesos or a kilo of rice they spontaneously go out to demonstrate. In return they would say we will die for our idol. When they are caught or die they are abandoned. FULL STORY

VOICE OF THE NEW GENERATION

It's a jungle out there
Ants are one of the few insects I know of that live in colonies. They have a caste system too. FULL STORY

Responsible Communication
How ironic is that media practitioners claim they are sources of true information, that they are most reliable institute of learning; when they allow themselves to be influenced by too much commercialism, consumerism, and materialism. FULL STORY

The tie that binds
Have you ever thought of why friends stick together through thick and thin and through the years? FULL STORY

LEGAL STORY

Cain and Abel
Our new legal series dwell on the case of a man who murdered his own brother. The incident took place in Lambunao, Iloilo yet the names of the persons were changed to protect their identities as well as of their family. FULL STORY

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If you are a foreigner . . .

As history shows, foreigners have generally not come to the Philippines with friendly intentions. In spite of this, every visitor is heartily welcomed; the Filipinos are sociable and tolerant, and their natural openness charms many visitors.

But to say every visitor is welcome is not strictly true. There is one particular group of visitors the place can well do without: the pedophiles. The Philippines has the dubious distinction of being on the list of places where child abusers feel they can exploit the poverty of the people. Most of them are men from rich countries, whose foremost thought is to have pleasure at the expense of defenseless children. To call it decadence is to condemn it too lightly. The organization End Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism (ECPAT) has been active for a considerable time in supporting the rights of children and youths. Investigators have arrested large numbers of foreigners for sexually molesting children.

On a lighter note, in the Philippines, as elsewhere, there are lots of toes you can tread on unless you're careful. Here are a few tips to help you avoid potentially embarrassing situations while you're travelling.

Don't get annoyed if people stare at you. If they find you interesting - even exotic - then they'll want to get a good look at you.

Do treat senior citizens with particular respect - always greet the elderly if there are any present.

Do allow Filipinos a way out of an awkward situation. Especially, for example, when they may risk a possible 'loss of face' - a painful and embarrassing situation which the Filipino will try to avoid. Be mindful that they may give completely false information rather than admit they don't know - or whey will just grin at you benignly pretending not to understand your question.

Don't be punctual if you're invited to a social occasion! Turn up at least thirty minutes after the arrange time if you want to be a really polite guest.

Do take at least a taste of food if offered. If you like it, remember to leave some food on the plate to show you've had plenty.

Don't remain silent in company, unless you want to imply that you are unhappy with the situation or don't like somebody present. Attempts to spend time alone in a restaurant or pub are doomed to failure from the start. Chatty people ready to ask questions are always close to hand, especially if there is the possibility of alcohol. If you're really need peace and quiet, go somewhere truly secluded.

Don't be belligerent, even if an idiosyncrasy of the Filipinos is unpleasant or uncomfortable. You will achieve a lot more by being polite or sharing a joke. Foreigners who indulge in exaggerated reticence, arrogance or who take the opportunity to lord it over the locals financially or culturally, will never find a friend in the Philippines. They will have to make do with being ignored or mistreated.

Do remember that there are black sheep among the Filipinos, just like everywhere else. (Lonely Planet)

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