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W

Season’s Greetings
arm greetings to all readers, friends, F EWA/Sulyapinoy is a diversified group. A diversity of different
volunteers and supporters, as well as to the individuals no matter whattheir values, education, religion, status,
Editorial staff and the Board of Publications interest and talent, but united with passion and sincerity to share
of Sulyapinoy newsletter on its 3rd Year time responsibility and commitment to continue helping fellow
Anniversary. And also to all FEWA officers, Filipino workers in the essence of VOLUNTEERISM. Our aim is to
volunteers and members who keep the promote
spirit of volunteerism alive, for all your the welfare of all EPS workers here in South Korea.
contributions and efforts to keep our or-
ganization united despite the challenges we
faced this year. Sulyapinoy as the Official Publication of FEWA, aims to provide
news, updates on labor laws and policies and other relevant
I wish all our kababayans working, studying information and resources both to entertain and educate EPS
and living here in South Korea , good workers. Aside from that we also have our very useful website
health, peace of mind, a and online forum to exchange.
Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New
Year! In the last three years of committed and honest service, the offi-
cers continue its integrity in keeping the legacy that Sulyapinoy
I am happy to inform you that this year is one of our busiest times. We had lots of was founded to serves as the VOICE OF THE MODERN HEROES.
activities that we initiated, participated and joined in with other associations or Fili-
pino Communities (FILCOMS). Aside from all these activities is our regular Sunday Congratulations to all of us
Counselling in our office at Woori Bank-Hyehwa Branch. who gave time and effort to
make it this far, let's hold
Let me refresh you with some of them: Labor & EPS updates conducted at Damayan hands and keep the torch
Filipino Community in Kimje City, bowling tournament participated in Ilsan-Paju FIL- burning for our zeal and
COM, Independence Day & Migrant Workers’ Day Celebration in Incheon City, enthusiasm to serve others.
Chuseok Food Festival organized by the Hyehwa-dong Filipino Catholic Community, a
representative for the Ginoo at Binibining Kalinangang Pilipino 2010. We also partici- TO ALL FEWA/SULYAPINOY
pated in the bowling tournament organized by POLO/OWWA, and organized our VOLUNTEERS, CONGRATULA-
annual Sportfest or FEWAlympics held last Chuseok with delegations from other TIONS! MABUHAY TAYONG
FILCOMS. Joining us this year is the Filipino Photographers in South Korea (FILIPOS) LAHAT! MALIGAYANG
that held a photo contest during the event. FILIPOS was also an initiative mostly of PASKO ! A Peaceful New Year
FEWA officers and members. A planning workshop among FEWA Officers was also to All!
held with their Tampisaw Outing. We also conducted a trainers’ training/workshop
on Salary Wages Computation held at the Philippine Catholic Center facilitated by our
volunteers and Prof. NonoyAmante. Joseph Alvarez
New Chair of the Editorial Board
Our official newsletter Sulyapinoy was not spared with challenges. We saw our edi-
tors-in-chief Edward Castro and Bevi Tamargo leaving to attend to their personal Sulyapinoy
matters. Sir Aquilino Juanites also stepped down as the Chairman of the Board of
Publication of Sulyapinoy. But still, God is very kind to us, as we manage to over-
come those trials in our organization.

Despite all the things that we’ve been through I’m looking forward to a brighter year
ahead of us. I hope that more active volunteers will come and join us. I am expect-
ing our members to be more vocal and active in their support of our planned activi-
ties. It is through your support that we will succeed in all of our endeavors.

We are very blessed to have with us the two Presidential Awardees: Engi-
neer Rebenson Recana, the Founding chairman of FEWA, former FEWA president
and Sulyapinoy Chairman of the Board of Publication, in 2009; and the 2010 newly
awarded Professor Emely Dicolen Abagat, PhD, FEWA Academic Adviser and Sulyapi-
noy Consultant. Of course we will not forget Fr. Glenn Jiovanni Jaron, MSP, who
inspired our senior officers to form FEWA with his guidance and help. May their
efforts, inspirations, recognition and achievements to help others, especially our
kababayans in need, also inspire us to be men and women for other Filipino mi-
grants, in particular the migrant workers.

Maligayang Pasko, at Payapa at Pinagpalang Bagong Taon sa ating Lahat!

Marzy Serdeña
FEWA President

Mga pagbati mula sa

The Voice of the Modern Living Heroes

T he O fficial P ub licat io n o f Filipin o E P S Wo r ke rs As s o cia t io n - S o ut h K o r e a ( FE WA)

Volume 2 Issue 11 2010 www.sulyapinoy.org NOT FOR SALE


The Spirits and the Spirit of Solidarity
In the month of November we commemorate services that are needed when someone Being part of an organization is benefi-
our faithful departed, especially during All gets sick, suffers from an accident or be- cial in times like this: having direct ac-
Soul’s Day. But for a Filipino dying in a foreign come incapacitated from work and in death. cess to communication and easily in-
land entails a lot of trouble for those left be- formed and updated of the situation is
hind. This is further complicated by the gov- This situation is further exacerbated when necessary, as well as sharing other
ernment’s inability of repatriating its dead government agencies or the Embassy are valuable resources and assistance is
citizens due to the lack of resources and slow limited to dealing with the case of undocu- facilitated much easier and faster in
bureaucratic processes. For that, the role and mented workers because of the formalities times of crisis when people are organ-
burden of an undertaker is largely relegated and other legal procedures constituted in ized.
to conscientious leaders of Filipino communi- the law. So the responsibilities are naturally
ties, the church and other good Samaritans. transferred to the church (that would do a Despite all these collection of contribu-
second round of collection to help and aid tions, dealing with deaths, and con-
Sending back departed Filipinos was one of people), Filipino organizations, and other fronting crises, it is hard enough for the
the heatedly discussed topics in a dialogue NGOs who would think of ways to come up living to deal with and avail of their
between the Filipino community and the Em- with alternative solutions that the govern- rightful dues, how much more for those
bassy. Mr. Danny Guerra’s article in this No- ment is incapable of doing within their who have departed. May the spirits
vember issue illustrated his personal experi- means. help us remember of our duty and obli-
ence dealing with this concern. OFWs cannot gations to pay our respect to them.
be blamed if they have aversions paying man- This shows the OFWs resourcefulness, initia- May the spirits remind us that the spirit
datory contributions and other dues that do tive, and the strength of being organized. of solidarity is needed not only to serve
not benefit them directly. How could they Some organizations have provisions to ad- others but in so doing we are also
appreciate spending their hard earned Korean dress their members’ needs supplementing served.
won if they do not get a return from it? if not providing those services where the
government falls short. This is where money POLO ADVISORY
For most OFWs, there is a perception that the collected from raffle tickets and other fund
various services being offered by OWWA are raising activities goes to, since in most cases
not useful to them. Hardly do they avail of the of adversities we can only have our organi- Please be advised that there is no ban on ofws
zation and friends to depend and rely on. deployment to Korea.
livelihood funds except perhaps during the
time of financial crisis or even scholarship The deployment of EPS workers scheduled to enter
And with the latest incident of Yeonpyeong Korea on November 30, 2010 has been deferred
programs that caters to only a few hundreds
Island’s shelling by North Korea, the impor- for one week pending assessment of the situation
who satisfy the agency’s requirements. But tance of belonging and being an active in South Korea. The POEA has rescheduled the
what is neglected are the inefficient systems member of an organization is once again deployment of the November 30 batch to Decem-
and mechanisms to facilitate the delivery of highlighted. ber 7, 2010.

For your information.

Thank you.

Atty. Felicitas Q . Bay


Labor Attache
Philippine Overseas Labor Office
EDITORIAL STAFF BOARD OF PUBLICATION Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines

Pete Rahon
Editor-in-chief
Chairman : Noel Joseph Alvarez
Vice Chairman: Julius Caesar Ocampo D I S C L A I M E R
Corinna Bianca Estarija Secretary: Jenn Betacura
FeatUre/Managing Editor Different opinions are encourage to stimulate
Printing & Distribution: Benjie Del Mundo
member input and involvement. SULYAPI-
Budget & Finance: Theo Camo NOY’s role is to provide information that per-
Raechelle Montalbo Outreach & Religious Programs: Ma. Lourdes Espinola mits FEWA members to develop informed opin-
ions on subjects that will affect their status
Lay-out Editor Website Dev't. and Maintenance: Christian Robles
as migrant workers and, in some instances,
Sponsorship & Promotion: Annabelle Lopez, their personal lives. FEWA does not hold itself
Aquilino Juanites Jr., Sofonias Paragsa, & Rodel Arias responsible for statements made by any con-
Rodel Arias, Lito Libunao , tributor. Statements or opinions expressed in
Alwyin Casino Training & Workshop: Noel Joseph Alvarez
SULYAPINOY reflect the views of the author(s)
Circulation Managers and not the official policy of FEWA unless so
Consultants : Fr. Alvin B. Parantar, MSP stated.
Cathy Rose Garcia
Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat For Comments, Suggestions, Contributions &
Adviser
Ma. Regina P. Arquiza Advertisements,

e-mail: editorialstaff@sulyapinoy.org
SULYAPINOY Office Address: 115-9 Songbuk-gu, Songbuk 1 dong, Songbuk Villa, Seoul, Korea 136-020 or sulyap.editorialstaff@gmail.com
FEWA Office & SULYAPINOY Distribution Center: Inside WOORI BANK, Hyehwa-dong Branch, Jongno-gu, Seoul
 SULYAPINOY observes the Philippine Press Code
of Ethics .

2 www.sulyapinoy.org NOV- DEC 2010


EDITOR’ S
NOTE

By Alden Balgos

T ongsung Auditorium, Hyehwa –


After the regular Sunday mass,
an orientation about R.A. 9679 or
fully guaranteed by the national
government that earn tax-free
annual dividends. The dividend
Home Development Mutual Fund Law varies depending on the net
of 2009, or the new PAG-IBIG Fund, income of the fund at year end.
was held last October 31, 2010. The savings remain intact should
a member decide to transfer to a
Attended by hundreds of Filipinos, different company, work over-
the event was started with opening seas, become self-employed or
remarks by Ambassador Luis Cruz. even unemployed.
Headed by PAG-IBIG’s Senior Vice-
President Alexander Hilario Aguilar, Members are also entitled to
other officials include Manager for short-term and housing loans
Overseas Operations Amado Isabelo with the latter having one of the

Ang G-20 at ang


Dizon, and Manager for Housing Loan lowest interest rates in the mar-
Servicing Florencio Galang. ket, and repayment terms is up
to 30 years with low monthly

mga EPS by Michel Catuira


The new law mandates every working amortizations. The monthly con-
Filipino in private and government
institutions, professionals, officials,
tribution ranges from a minimum
of 100 pesos up to 2000 pesos
including Overseas Filipino Workers which can be withdrawn along
Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ng lahat ang mga kasalukuyang paghihigpit ng ban- (OFW) to be a member of PAG-IBIG with the dividends upon maturity.
sang Korea hindi lang para sa mga migrante kundi maging sa sarili nitong Fund. The orientation gave details on
mamamayan. Makikita ang mga pulis sa mga subway, bus stations, sa lahat how to register for new members and Filipino members here in Korea
ng matataong lugar at doo'y nagche-check ng mga ID. Naalala ko tuloy ang renewal of membership for those who can remit their monthly contribu-
panahon ng Martial Law sa Pilipinas na bagaman hindi ko na halos namalayan, were previously working in the Philip- tions through any of the author-
nagdulot ito ng malaking takot sa aking mga magulang noong kanilang ka- pines. The speakers also explained ized collecting banks like Land
panahunan. Bawal kasi ang magsalita ng laban sa gobyerno noong panahon how the system works with regards Bank of the Philippines and
iyon at ganun din dito sa Korea sa kasagsagan ng G-20 summit. to payment of contributions and Metrobank based here in Korea.
housing loans. For more information and to
Marami sa mga migranteng manggagawa ang nahuli at napauwi hindi lamang register visit the PAG-IBIG web-
mga TNT o " artista" , kundi pati rin mga EPS na nagkaroon ng record sa A PAG-IBIG member’s contributions site at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph.
pulisya. Tulad ng mga nasangkot sa pagbili ng mga pekeng drivers licence. are credited as Total Accumulated
Gayon din ang mga ilang bumili ng nakaw na motor at nahuli sa trafic viola- Value (TAV), or become savings
tion dahil sa hindi pagsusuot ng helmet. Ayon sa memo na ipinalabas ng Na-
tional Police Agency noong Mayo, gumawa sila ng " special task force" para Foreign Workers Can Change, Add
mag-imbestiga sa mga migrante at ang kanilang krimen na umanoy ginagawa.
Ito daw ay upang mapanatiling ligtas ang pagdaraos ng G-20 summit. Employers Without Govt. Permission
Korea's Justice Ministry has made major changes to the Immigration
Dahil na din sa " points system" ng pulisya, naging contest sa kanila ang Act to make it easier for foreigners to change or add employers. Under
may pinakamataas na tala sa mga migranteng nahuli sa " krimen" the revisions, set to go into effect December 1st, foreign workers in
tulad ng drug use, pagdadala ng patalim (cutter), pagkikipag-away, pag- Korea will no longer have to get permission from the main immigration
office to take a different job but instead simply notify immigration
susugal, pagmomotor ng walang helmet, pati na rin ang hindi pagsasauli agad within 15 days of making the change.
ng napulot na mahalagang bagay. Marami ang mga hinuli ng immigration at
But, the new job must be in a field covered by the employee's visa.The
napauwi dahil dito. Subalit hindi lang ang pagpapa-uwi ang nagiging prob- measure also eliminates the employer's obligation to report to immigra-
lema. Hindi man napa-uwi ang ilan, markado na sila bilang kriminal o tion when foreigners change their position in the company. And regis-
tered foreigners staying in Korea for over 90 days will no longer need
" violators" at hindi maganda ang epekto nito sa pagkuha nila ng police to get a re-entry permit to leave the country for up to one year.
clearance o sa muling pagbalik sa Korea. NOV 29, 2010
Reporter : dev in@arirang.co.kr
Source- http://www.arirang.co.kr/News
Ano ba ang G-20? Ang Group of 20 o G-20 ay ang pagsasama ng 20
maunlad, mayayaman, makapangyarihan o maimpluwensyang bansa. Silay
nagpulong di-umano ay para masolusyonan ang kasalukuyang krisis na hina-
harap ng mundo. Ito'y nag-umpisa lamang mula sa anim na pinakamalakas
na bansa gaya ng Amerika, Inglatera, Alemanya, Pransya, Italya at Hapon.
Naging G-7 pagkadagdag ng Canada, G-8 ng isama ang Russia at naging G-
20 nang isama ang mga bansang South Africa, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil,
China, South
Korea, India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, European Union at Australia.

Ayon sa G-20 ang kanilang mithiin ay magkaroon ng pantay na pag-unlad ang


mga bansa sa pamamagitan ng pag-alis ng mga restriksyon o batas na nag-
poprotekta sa bansa mula sa pagpasok ng mga dayuhang kapital at merkado.
Ang mithiin ng mga bansang ito ay bigyang laya ang puhunan o kapital na
makapaglabas-masok ng isang bansa, pababain o alisin ang buwis ng mga
investors o kapitalista, alisin ang restriksyon ng dami ng mga produktong
(continued on page 10)
Photo by Pete Rahon

NOV- DEC 2010 www.sulyapinoy.org 3


North versus South Korea in
East Asia geopolitics
- a Pinoy’s prayer for peace
By
Professor Maragtas S.V. Amante
Professor, College of Economics & Business Administration
Hanyang University Erica Campus, Ansan City S. Korea

R ecent global news headlines reported a Korea on the verge of war, and worried family, relatives and friends
expressed their concerns. To those of us who now live and work in Korea, the reality is different. Korea is still
the land of the morning calm – no panic buying in the markets, fairly stable prices with no inflation, no crowds
behaving like herds running everywhere and nowhere in fear. Prayers for peace have prevailed, but for how long?
Many Filipinos must now wake up to the new realities of geopolitics in East Asia – between the US, China, Japan and Korea. How will the Philippines promote, and
protect its national interest in this emerging geopolitics? What could Filipinos learn from the current tensions in Korea? There is no textbook or magic formula.
This discussion offers a limited guide but each one must arrive at their own analysis and conclusion of the events.
Any opinion on how the Philippines will play its role and protect its interests in the simmering problem between the two Koreas should take into account the follow-
ing considerations:
Pinoys as foreigners are guests in Korea. We respect the right of the Korean people to determine their own policies, actions, and solutions to their problems
with neighbors.
Freedom, democracy and self determination are among the cherished values of people anywhere.
Dialogue, negotiations and agreements are the best means to settle disputes.
Prayers for peace in Korea are sincere intentions based on cold political neutrality, but with justice and charity, recognizing the tragic events in history which
brought about these tensions.
Facts behind the tension in Korea
Kababayans who live and work in Korea indeed has that rare knowledge and insight on how life actually goes on in Korea even during crises. Apart from emer-
gency preparedness, it is important to understand why there is tension between the two Koreas.
Even without full knowledge of the history of these tensions, what is the best mindset in praying for peace in Korea? The facts of the ongoing state of war:
After the Korean War in 1953, there was no peace treaty, only an “armistice”, some sort of a truce or ceasefire.
Since 1953, there have been military clashes between South Korea and the DPRK in the disputed area of the NLL.
In 1999, a DPRK ship sank in a clash with the South Korean Navy, killing 3 sailors and wounding roughly 70.
In 2009, the South Korean Navy fired at a DPRK vessel that crossed the demarcation line and killed several sailors.
In March 2010, the Cheonan, a South Korean navy corvette, sank, killing 49 sailors.
10 million Korean families are separated due to the continued state of war and division in Korea (Source: www.endthekoreanwar.org)
What happens now?
The latest headlines indicate that peace is not guaranteed, as both sides prepare to rattle each other with threats and counter threats, drills as well as war games.
The simmering on and off conflict in Korea is just the surface of an even greater historical and economic tensions in East Asia, between China, Japan and Korea.
What will happen next? There are several scenarios, based on past experience. Most probably, life will go on as usual, just like previous confrontations. The
latest exchange is simply fireworks for an early New Year, according to some Filipino workers who are not worried at all. The status quo “business as usual” atti-
tude prevails among my Korean students and academic colleagues.
The results of past confrontations however show that South Korea has limited options. As usual, there is now a lot of diplomatic activity, initiated by South
Korea’ s ambassadors in many countries. There will be another round of debates and discussions in the UN Security Council, headed by Secretary General Ban Ki-
moon, a former South Korean foreign minister. There will be condemnation, and calls for more sanctions.
North Korea however is already used to diplomatic isolation, condemnations and sanctions. It has now the capacity to threaten South Korea and Japan with nu-
clear weapons, raising the stakes further.
Roots of the tension: East Asian history and geopolitics
Many historical dramas show the history of peace and war for people, territory, and resources among various kingdoms in Korea China and Japan. Korea is
squeezed between China and Japan. In their textbooks, authors still need to have a common interpretation of history, due to conflicting claims about territory, and
aggression.
Today’ s economics also indicate a simmering tension in East Asia. South Korean's economy has grown by as much as 5% on average for 10 years, whereas
Japan grew by 0.42% per year during the same period. China's growth is fuelled by low-cost labor as millions of peasants enter the industrial economy, this is not
the South Korean recipe for success, which has been driven by private entrepreneurship, innovation and quality products: Samsung and Hyundai, not cheap wages,
are South Korea's growth engines. Anything produced by either Japan or Korea could be produced by a fraction of cost in China. The terms of trade, based on
the real prices of capital and raw materials are likewise in favor of China . (continued on page 11)

Photos by Samuel Grado and Kuya Nhads Photo from Reuters

4 www.sulyapinoy.org OCTOBER 2010


PAG-IBIG KO
by:christiandior
TSISMIS
By Alex Cruspe
Ni Christian Robles Naging bahagi na ng ating pamayanan
bakit ang pag-ibig ay kay hirap labanan Kasa-kasama na sa sistema ng kalakaran
sa tuwing titibok ang puso,di na mapigilan Pasasalamat kay Prof. Genevive Asenjo Ph.D Na ang buhay ng ibang tao ay mapag-usapan
isip ay kay gulo,di na maiintindihan (DLSU) na nagsagawa ng workshop sa pagsulat Walang pakialam, sinuman ang maapektuhan.
nababaon sa pangarap,mundo'y napag- ng Tula partikular sa Ambahan at Tanaga noong
iwanan nakaraang taon dito sa South Korea sa tulong ng Paninirang – puri sa lipunan ay talamak na talamak
FEWA at HFCC. Subukan nating hulaan ang mga Kaya tuloy marami ang sadyang napapahamak
mga oras at panahon di na alintana pakahulugan ng mga tanaga sa ibaba: Ang iba talaga ay hindi mapigilan ang kadadakdak
nakatitig sa bituin,sa langit nakatingala Hanggang sa ang mabuting pagsasama ay magkabi-
waring inuukit mukha mo sa mga ulap a) Tanaga 1 yak- biyak..
kahit gising,ikaw pa rin ang pangarap lupang pinagbaunan
o ang batong himlayan Ang siste pa nga nito at kalimitang nangyayari
kaysarap umibig,langit ang kapantay siyang huling hantungan Walang katotohanan, bagkus ito’y salita lang na hinabi
madilim kong mundo,binigyan mo ng kulay sa mundo bago iwan Upang magkasira ang magkaibigan, mapamare at
panahon ay humihinto, di ko namamalayan Sagot – magkumpare
sa puso ko,pangalan mo'y matatagpuan Mga tsismoso’t tsismosa ang nakinabang para sa
b) Tanaga 2 kanilang sarili.
marami na akong babaeng na nakilala
bata'y paikot-ikot
bakit ang katulad mo ay sadyang kakaiba Ano bang pakinabang sa pagsasabi ng kasinungalin-
tulos ay kinukutkot
katangian mo sa kanila'y di maikukumpara gan,
binilog, nilapirot
kaya sa puso ko,nag-iisa ka lang talaga Pag-iimbento ng mga salitang walang laman at katu-
kinikilong nasimot
Sagot – turan?
pero paanu ko masabi,etong nadarama Dadakilain ka ba ng mga tao at ng buong sambayan?
kung ang dibdib ko'y,nagpapadaig sa kaba Baka ang mangyari ay pulutin ka sa kangkungan…
panu ko maipagtapat sayo na tunay kitang c) Tanag 3
sinisinta Minsan sa isang taon
Kahit pa nga sabihing tsismis ay may katotohanan
aasa na lang ba ako sa ating tadhana? Ka-anak nagtitipon
Sinong nagpahintulot sa iyo na ito ay pag-usapan?
dasal pinapabaon
Bakit hindi mo harapin ang mga sangkot ng harap-
Sana balang araw,pag-ibig ko'y tatanggapin saan man sila nandon
harapan?
di ka magsisisi,ikaw lang aking ang iibigin Sagot -
Di ba mas mabuting sila ang pinapayuhan at pinagsa-
di kita ipagpapalit,puso mo ay di paiiyakin sabihan.
pangako ko,habambuhay kitang mamahalin.
d) Tanaga 4 Bakit kinakailangang i-siete mo ang mga buhay-
Sukat ay pampituhan buhay?
apat na tatudturan Hindi ka ba naaawa sa mga taong walang malay?
dulo'y nagtutugmaan Bawat makita ba ay dapat lagyan mo ng ibang kulay?
Saknong na pahulaan Baka mali ang hinala, tumahimik na lang kesa ang
Sagot - sumablay..
Pag-ibig kong *Tanaga is considered as ” high poetry in Taga-
log, composed of seven syllables and four verses Lahat ay gagawin, maging bida lang sa huntahan
Munting with frequent metaphors" . It consists of four Ayaw na ayaw na malalamangan sa mga kwentuhan
lines with seven syllables each with the same Kahit pa nga ang ginagawa, sa iba ay kasiraan..
Hasap rhyme at the end of each line (7-7-7-7 syllabic
verse with an AAAA rhyme scheme)
Hindi niya naisip, pag sabog nito, siya ang mapuputu-
Image from KBS2TV variety show, “Sweet Night“
by: BOLADAS NI BLUEMAN kan..

Ang lakas lakas ng loob manira, maghabi ng di totoo


Hindi ko alintana yaring binabatang hirap Pero ang amoy niya ay mas mabaho pa sa ilyudoro..
Yamang natalastas wari ko'y sukdulang hasap Tatawa-tawa sa kamalian at kakulangan ng ibang tao
Winahi ng hamog dunong kong nangangarap Ang dumi sa kanyang mukha, tumatakip na sa kan-
Walang likat patumangga hinihinging ganap. yang noo.
Walang hinadhika kundi'y pitagan mong yaring salat Tunay nga ang sinabi sa kasabihan at paalala
Walang lasap na magaganap sa hungkag kong balat Ang kabulukan at kasiraan ay nakikita mo sa iba
Kundi'y utos ng langit damhin ng isip kong kagyat Subalit ang dumi na sa mukha mo ay kalat na kalat na
Sukdulang maapuhap uliran at kaisipan ng lahat. Ano bang nangyayari sa iyo, bakit hindi mo ito makita?
Ulilang sinta ako'y marubdob na nananambitan
Aking binalikwas at tinunton ang mga araw na nagdaan
Sa iyong harapan ako'y uhaw sa aking dugo't laman
Tanong sa sarili'y saan ako nagkamali at saan nagkulang
Tuwang kinamtan kung ikaw ay tutugo't kailanman
Tinudlang kahapon ay hindi naman naging isang kahiban-
Tunod na tumino ay walang saysay sa aking puso't
gan
isipan.
Kundi'y kapararakan para saung ganap na kabutihan.
Tumugong banayad sa aking harapan iyong kahapisan
Tingni aking kalooban, hapis yaring puso kong sugatan
Tumimawa yaring dunong at nakaramdam ng kalung-
Walang pakundangang tinatangisan awa mong sukdulan Huling saknong ay pakakawalan at
kutan
Kelan ba darating hindi na mananangis sa pag-ibig mo papaimbulog saanman
Kapagdaka'y tumarok ng hindi ko man lang nalalaman
Kahit pa makaramdman ako ng tigib-sakit saking kaloban. Huling habilin ko'y pakaisipin at ika'y
humarap sa salaminan
Ating landas ay tatlong raw na hindi nagtatanaw tama Ako pa ba'y karapat-dapat na
Pakaisiping mabuti kung itoy isang bagay na 'di mawata umadhika sa aking panambitan
Normal lang ba na tayo'y hindi magkita at minsang mabata Sagutin naguguluhan kong katanun-
Mula sa iyong isip at kaibuturan alamin kung ito'y isang gan at ako'y maghihintay.
tama.

OCTOBER 2010 www.sulyapinoy.org 5


FEWA 2010
SALARY COMPUTATION FOR HOLIDAY WORK
by: Dondave Jabay

1. Legal holidays and contractual holidays


○ Holidays include weekly holidays and Labor Day considered legal public holidays. The anniversary of the establishment of the company are contractual
holidays autonomously determined by labor and management.

○ Whether to set down agreed holidays as paid holidays or unpaid holidays depends on an agreement between labor and management. Therefore, it is
a general rule to treat it as contractual holidays and unpaid holidays unless such holidays are specified as paid holidays in the rule of employment or col-
lective agreements.

2. Extended work allowance and Holiday work allowance


○ Article 56 of the Labor Standards Act requires employers to pay by adding no less than 50/100 of ordinary wages for extended work, night work or
holiday work.

3. Calculation of wages for holiday work


○ Work on a holiday requires a payment by adding 50 percent to wages as a holiday work added allowance:

Div ision No labor offered Labor offered


No workdays with no pay 10 0 % of wage for actual working h ours+ extended work allowance ( extra 25 % or
0%
( 무급휴무일) 5 0 %)
Unpaid h olidays
0% 10 0 % of wage for actual working h ours+ h oliday work allowance ( extra 5 0 %)
( 무급휴일)

Paid h olidays 10 0 % of paid h oliday allowance + 10 0 % of wage for actual working h ours + h oli-
10 0 % of paid h oliday allowance
( 유급휴일) day work allowance ( extra 5 0 %) + extended work allowance ( extra 5 0 %)

※ When a salaried worker works on Sunday, the employer is required to pay in addition by 150% only for such work on Sunday as weekly holidays
(mostly Sundays) are included in monthly contractual working hours (226 hours in cases of 44-hour workweek system and 209 hours in cases of 40-hour
workweek system) and the monthly wages include weekly holiday allowances.

※ Holidays(휴일) and no workdays(휴무일)


Both terms mean " days on which no obligation to render labor exists in origin." While holidays are enforced by law, etc, no workdays are not enforced
by law but are implemented under an autonomous agreement between labor and management. When a worker works on Saturday, such worker is eligi-
ble to a holiday work allowance if Saturday in question is treated as a holiday, while, if the said Saturday is treated as a no workday, the worker is eligible
not to a holiday work allowance but to an extended work allowance. The amended Labor Standards Act provides that an extra by a rate of 25 percent
shall apply to the first 4 hours of extended work per week for the duration of the first 3 years from the date the said Act enters into force.

4. Legal nature of Saturday, and relevant wages


- In cases when legal working hours are reduced to 40 hours per week making Saturdays as days for taking a rest, it is a general rule, if any separate
agreement between labor and management provides otherwise, to treat them as no workdays with no pay originally on which no obligation to work exists.

○ Accordingly, in cases when labor is rendered on Saturday, no holiday work allowance occurs but an extended work allowance (25 percent or 50 per-
cent) occurs if 40 hours per week has been exceeded.

○ The amended Labor Standards Act prescribes that an amount by a rate of 50 percent shall be added to wages for payment for extended work. How-
ever, in cases of workplaces adopting a 40-hour work per week system, an amount by a rate of 25 percent to ordinary wages shall be paid for the first 4
hours of overtime work for the limited period of the first 3 years after the enforcement of the said amended Act.

5. Calculation of wages for work on holidays and no workdays

No workdays with no pay (무급휴무일)


e,g) Cases in which a worker who is paid 5,000 won an hour and for whom Saturday is a no workday with no pay (day off) works 40 hours from Mon-
day through Friday and 6 hours of daytime work on Saturday :
․ Wages for the relevant Saturday work : wages (6 hours x 5,000 won) + extended work allowances (first 4 hours x 5,000 won x 25 percent) + bal-
ance extended work allowances (2 hours x 5,000 won x 50 percent) = 40,000 won

Unpaid holidays (무급 휴일)


e.g) Cases in which a worker who is paid 5,000 won an hour and for whom Saturday is an unpaid holiday works 40 hours from Monday through Friday
and 6 hours of daytime work on Saturday:
-> Wages for the relevant Saturday work : wages (6 hours x 5,000 won) x holiday work allowances (6 hours x 5,000 won x 50 percent) = 45,000 won

Paid holidays (유급 휴일)


e.g) Cases of working 40 hours who is paid 5,000 won an hour and from Monday through Friday and 6 hours of daytime work on Saturday on condition
that Saturdays are holidays setting down 4 hours as paid hours and 2 hours as unpaid hours:
-> Wages for the relevant Saturday work : Paid holiday allowances (4 x 5,000 won) x wages (6 hours x 5,000 won) x holiday work added allowances
(6 x 5,000 won x 50 percent) = 65,000 won

6. As counseling based on the Internet having no authority to investigate the relating parties allows counseling in general, please visit
the local labor office controlling the workplace bringing your detailed monthly paychecks for further counseling.

Source: NLCC (National Labor Consultation Center)


http://www.moel.go.kr/english/main.jsp
Contact: For Workers, call 031-345-5000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting(English #1)

NOV- DEC 2010 www.sulyapinoy.org 8


Exemption from Re-entry Permit for Foreigners
By: Korea Immigration Service, MOJ
The Philippine Embassy was informed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea on the notice by Korea Immigration Service,
Ministry of Justice regarding exemption from re-entry permit for foreigners upon arrival and departure from the Republic of Korea.

According to the Korea Immigration Service, the re-entry permit system has been revised to provide convenience for foreign residents
in Korea.

Filipino residents of Korea with valid passports and alien registration cards, are free to enter and depart from Korea without a re-entry
permit for one year within their permitted period of stay on visa. If the period of stay is less than one year, the exemption is valid for
the duration of the period of stay. In the case of permanent residents (F-5), their exemption will remain valid for two years after their
departure date.

The exemption on re-entry permit takes effect on Wednesday, 01 December 2010.

Source: http://www.philembassy-seoul.com/ann_details.asp?id=377

Umasa ka pa!
Ni Danny Guerra
may mga papeles pa na mangagaling sa embahada na kailangan. Pero
(Ed Note: Ang salaysay na ito ay karanasan na ibinahagi ng may akda sa hindi nya kami binigyan ng kahit na anumang tulong.
Forum at dayalogo na pinamunuan ng KASAMAKO at dinaluhan ng mga kina-
tawan ng Embahada ng Pilipinas at POLO gayundin ng iba pang Filipino Com- naman nya kami dahil kailangan namin ang tulong nila dahil sa pag-
munity leaders.) kakaalam ko kabisado nila ang mga pamamaraan sa ganitong problema.
Gayundin .
Ika 5 ng Hulyo taong 2009 nang makatangap ako ng tawag galing sa isa
nating kababayan. Ayon sa kanya nagkaroon daw ng away sa kanilang kom-
Muli ko syang tinawagan at tinanong kung bakit ayaw nyang pumunta
panya. Puro pilipino ang sangkot. At ang masakit nito meron daw namatay.
sa Busan. Ang dahilan nya MALAYO daw ang Busan kaya hindi siya
Kasalukuyan daw silang nasa presinto noong oras na iyon. Agad akong pu-
makakapunta. Wala kaming nagawa kundi kami na lang ang pumunta
munta sa presinto upang malaman ang buong pangyayari. Sa presinto, na-
sa embahada para kuhanin ang iba pang mga papeles na kailangan.
kausap ko ang mga naging saksi sa away. Lima sila, apat na lalaki at isang
Ang mas nakakalungkot pa nito nang malapit nang maiuwi ang labi ng
babae.
biktima, bumigay ang katinuan ng pag-iisip ng ama ng biktima. Bunga
ito ng labis na pag-iisip kung maiuuwi ba o hindi ang kanyang anak.
Sa kanilang salaysay, kaarawan ng isa sa kanila. nagkaroon ng inuman. Sa Hindi rin nagtagal at siya’y binawian din ng buhay.
hindi malamang dahilan nag karoon ng hindi pagkakaunawaan ang biktima at
ang salarin. Dito na nagsimula ang kanilang away. At napatay ang biktima.
Sa aking palagay kung naiuwi sana agad ang bangkay ng biktima mala-
Pagkatapos ng aming pag-uusap agad akong tumawag sa ating embahada at
mang na hindi sana nangyaru sa ama ang sinapit nito. Kung agad na
ibinalita ko ang pangyayari. Ayon sa nakasagot hindi daw sila humahawak ng
tumulong ang embahada napabilis ang pag-proseso para mapauwi
ganoong kaso.
ang bangkay. Kung hindi sana naging malayo kay G.Alvaran ang Busan
baka sakaling nakapagligtas siya ng isang buhay.
Ipinasa ako ng nakasagot sa labor office. Ayon naman sa labor office may tao
daw na nakatalaga sa ganoong kaso. Ito daw ay sakop ng (ATN) assistance to
Matapos maiuwi ang bangkay may dumating na sulat sa kapatid ng
national. Ang taong in-charge daw dito ay si G. Alvaran.
biktima. Galing daw ito sa DFA. Nilalaman daw ng sulat na ito ang deta-
lye ng tulong na ibinibigay ng gobyerno sa pamilya ng biktima. Ang
Isinalaysay ko Kay G. Alvaran ang kwentong narinig ko sa mga saksi. At buong akala namin ay may ibibigay na halagang tulong ang gobyerno.
tinanong ko siya kung ano ang dapat naming gawin. Tinanong nya Nagkamali kami dahil ang nakasaad sa sulat na ito ay pauutangin ang
ako kung alam na ng pamilya ng biktima ang pangyayari. Sinabi ko pamilya ng biktima ng halagang US$ 1,500.00. At nakasaad din sa
sa kanya na may kapatid dito ang biktima at naitawag na sa Pilipi- sulat na ito na kung sinuman ang pumirma sa affitdavit na ito siya ay
nas. At ang tanging kahilingan ng magulang at asawa ng biktima ilalagay sa Travel Holder List, ang ibig sabihin hindi siya maaring luma-
ay maiuwing buo ang bangkay ng biktima. bas ng bansa hanga’t hindi nya nababayaran ang nasabing pautang.

Tinanong ko si G. Alvaran kung ano ang maitutulong ng embahada. Sinabi Ito ay isang patunay na ang gobyerno ng Pilipinas at ang embahada ay
nya sa akin na walang pondong nakalaan ang embahada sa mga ganitong walang pahalaga sa lahat ng Pilipino. Ang pangyayaring ito ay isang
problema. Ang sabi pa nya ang maitutulong lang nya ay, ay may kakilala pangyayari na masusundan pa kung tayong mga Pilipino ay hindi kikilos
siyang mag-aasikaso ng pagpapauwi ng bangkay kung may pambayad na. upang gumawa ng mga hakbangin upang ipaglaban ang ating kara-
patan.
Gumawa kami ng paraan para makalikom ng halaga para sa pag papauwi ng
bangkay. Nilapitan namin ang ibat ibang organisasyon ng mga Pilipino upang Nanawagan ako sa ating mga kababayan sa Korea na magkaisa tayo,
humingi ng tulong. Sa kadahilang malaking halaga ang kailangan, tumagal ng isigaw at ipaglaban ang ating mga karapatan. Huwag tayong matakot
halos ilang linggo bago kami nakalikom ng sapat na halaga. na ipaglaban ang ang nararapat para sa atin. Alalahanin natin na kung
tayo’y patuloy na na magsasawalang kibo, lalo tayong pagkakaitan ng
Pagkalikom ng sapat na halaga, agad naming inayos ang lahat ng mga karapatan, na dapat sanay ating tinatamasa. Hangang kailan tayo pa-
kailangang papeles upang maiuwi agad ang bangkay. Dito ako muling tuma- paabuso sa mga taong nariyan sa embahada. Lalong lalo na sa isang
wag kay G.Alvaran upang himingi ng tulong upang lalong mapabilis ang katulad ni G. ALVARAN
proseso. Ipinakiusap ko rin sa kanya na kung pwede ay pakipuntahan

NOV- DEC 2010 www.sulyapinoy.org 9


What are OWWA’s healthcare and disability/death benefits?
4. ID picture of claimant (2 pieces
Duly registered OWWA members are entitled to What are the requirements for claiming
5. Any of the following applicable documents
the HealthPro expanded medical/health program, insurance and burial benefits?
certified by LCR or NSO:
as well as the Medical Rehabilitation Program. -Marriage certificate – if claimant is the spouse
A. Life/Accident Coverage Basic Requirements for Life Insurance, Disability,
-Birth certificate of OFW – if claimant is the
A member is covered for the duration of his em- Dismemberment and Burial Benefits:
mother or Father
ployment contract. The coverage includes 1. Passport (for Land-based OFW), and Seaman’s
-Birth certificate of child and death certificate of
P100,000.00 for natural death and P200,000.00 Service Record Book (for Sea-based OFW)
deceased spouse, if claimant is the child
for accidental death. 2. Certificate of Membership issued by the OWWA
-Certificate of no marriage
B. Disability and Dismemberment Benefit Membership Processing Center (MPC)
In the absence of birth/marriage certificate, the
A member shall be entitled to disability/ 3. OFW/Seaman’s undertaking executed by claim-
following must be submitted:
dismemberment benefits ranging from P2,000.00 ant (for Death claim)
1. Certificate from LCR that fact of marriage/birth
to P50,000.00. is not recorded in the civil registry
C. Total Disability Benefit Documentary Requirements for Life Insurance
2. Baptismal/marriage certificate certified by the
In case of total permanent disability, a member Benefits: Parish priest /office
shall be entitled to P100,000.00 1. Original Death Certificate issued by Local Civil 3. Affidavit of two (2) disinterested persons re:
D. Burial Benefit Registrar (LCR) or Authenticated by National Sta- facts of birth/marriage and claimant’s relationship
A burial benefit of P20,000.00 shall be provided in tistic Office (NSO) or Foreign Death Certificate for to the deceased
case of the member’s death. Documentary Requirements for Disability Benefit
OFW who died abroad and accident report for
1. Foreign medical certificate
death due to accident
2. Medical certificate issued by the local attending
2. Burial Permit
Physician with medical examination procedure,
3. Official receipt of funeral expenses e.g., X -ray, MRI, CT Scan

Ang G-20 at ang mga EPS (continued from page 4)


North versus South Korea in
(continued from page 3)
ipapasok o ilalabas, pagbibigay na patuloy na ipinapataw sa mga ng " bailout" at " tax East Asia geopolitics - a Pinoy’s
laya sa mga dayuhan na mag-ari mamamayan. cuts" . Ito'y mula sa sakripi- prayer for peace
ng korporasyon o lupain sa isang syo ng mamamyan na nagba-
bansa, magmina o Ito’y dulot ng neo-liberal economic bayad ng buwis bagamat
policy na ipinapatupad ng G-20, nalili- mababa ang kita, at patuloy These are simmering tensions in the busi-
makinabang sa mga likas na ya- ness and trade relations in East Asia.
man at iba pang panuntunan. pat ang kapangyarihan ng pagpa- na pagliit sa natatanggap na
palakas ng ekonomiya mula sa social services.
gobyerno papunta sa mga malalaking The long term solution – the reunification of
Magkakaroon ng pagbaha ng mga North and South Korea – is possible, but
murang bilihin na galing sa ibang kapitalista. Sanhi din nito ang pagsasa- Ano ang epekto ng G-20
pribado ng mga industriya ng gobyerno sa EPS? both China and Japan may not want to see a
bansa at magkakaron din ng ma- strong, united Korea given that all three
mumuhunan para lumikha indus- tulad ng Meralco at Maynilad sa Pilipi-
nas. Dagdag dito ang pagtanggal sa Sa ating mga EPS, at sa iba countries have a load of unsettled historical,
triya at ng mga trabaho para sa geographic and military disputes with each
mamamayan. Ibig sabihin sa pag- mga restriksyon sa presyo (oil price de- pang manggagawa sa dayu-
stabilization), contractualization ng hang bansa, ang mga negati- other.
kakaroon ng kompitensya
magiging mura ang bilihin para sa paggawa at marami pang iba. bong dulot ng adhikain ka-
gaya ng mga polisiya ng G-20 The cold war legacy of the 1950s and the
lahat. Subalit kaakibat nito ay ang mindset of the political leaders on both sides
pagpapahina sa karapatan at Dahil dito, patuloy na naghihirap ang ang nagtutulak sa atin upang
who are still imprisoned by the cold war
pagtanggal o pagbawas sa benepi- mga mamamayan gaya ng Pilipinas. magsakripisyo at mangibang
mentality remain the major constraint in the
syo ng manggagawa upang mag- Nagiging dahilan din ito ng patuloy na bansa. Ito din ang dahilan
peaceful resolution.
ing mura ang halaga ng paggawa pagtaas na bilang ng mga OFWs. kung kaya't limitado ang
ng produkto. Milyon ang bilang ng pamilyang ating karapatan. Tunay na nai
napipilitang maghiwalay at hindi lang -aangat natin ang sariling The policy of President Lee Myung-bak is not
iilan ang tuluyan din nawawasak dulot kalagayan kumpara sa dati to be “soft and easy” on North Korea. He
Bunga ng Neo-liberal na reversed the “sunshine policy” of previous
polisiya ng G-20 nito. Napakaraming kabataan na rin ngunit, hindi nababago ang
ang napariwara at nasira ang ki- sitwasyon sa ating bansa. liberal administrations, away from engage-
ment, considered by opponents as appease-
Sa makatuwid, marami ang mag- nabukasan dahil walang gabay ng ment. South Korea however has maintained
kakaroon ng trabaho at magiging kanilang mga magulang. Wala ring kasiguraduhan na
assistance, trade and family reunions for
mura ang mga bilihin. Subalit kung mapapanatili nating matatag
Kung kaya’t nagiging kabaligtaran ang kinabukasan natin at ng those separated by the Korean War, but this
paglilimian natin mas magiging must be linked to a nuclear free Korean
maliit ang kita ng manggagawa, ang resulta ng adhikain ng G-20. ating mga pamilya. Hindi rin
peninsula. The reversal of the “sunshine
walang seguridad sa kanilang Pinalalawak nila ang saklaw ng G-20 makatarungan na nakikita
policy” has angered North Korea.
trabaho (contractual work), kaunti upang ipamahagi din nila ang krisis natin ang ating ilang kamag-
o walang benepisyo sa trabaho na dulot ng pagbagsak ng kanilang anak, kaibigan o kakilala na
Our prayer for peace as Pinoys
tulad ng pension, retirement bene- ekonomiya. Pilit nilang pinagtatakpan nananatiling naghihikahos.
fits, bonuses at gayundin sa serbi- ang tunay at masamang epekto ng Hindi sapat ang pagbibigay
Intentions behind our sincere prayers for
syong " health care" , pensyon, at kanilang mga polisiya at idinadawit ng tulong o abuloy para
peace are important, especially to end the
edukasyon. pa ang mga bansang " umuunlad" makatulong sa pagbabago.
daw. Korean War. The tensions are a part of the
tragedy from the division between the land,
Sa pagpasok ng mga kapitalista na Ang realidad, ang mga bansang Ang pag-unlad ay hindi sa
people and resources of North and South
may malaking puhunan at malak- kagaya ng Pilipinas na tumaas ang pakikipag-paligsahan o kom-
Korea, and the unending state of war on the
ing kakayanan, magiging dahilan antas ng Gross Domestic Product petisyon kundi sa koop-
Korean peninsula. There is need for formal
ito ng pagkitil sa lokal na industriya (GDP) ng panahon ni Gloria Macapa- erasyon. Sinisimulan sa pina-
negotiations to reduce the potential for in-
ng mga maliliit na negosyante. gal-Arroyo ay hindi sapat na batayan kamaliit na bahagi ng lipunan,
creased tension and conflict. Intense prayers
Magiging karagdagan sila sa mga ng pag-unlad ng bansa. Sa kaniyang ang pamilya. Sumusunod ang
for peace must be addressed to all parties,
mawawalan ng trabaho. Dahil sa panunungkulan dumami at naging komunidad, baranggay, sitio,
including the US and China, to take active
dami ng kompetisyon para sa ilang ordinaryo ang pagkalkal at pagkain siyudad, rehiyon at bansa.
steps to finally end the Korean War with a
trabaho karaniwang maliit lamang ng basura. Mas dumami ang duma- Dapat tayong matuto na
peace agreement.
ang pasahod. Mura nga ang bilihin ranas ng matinding gutom at sakit. mabuhay nang hindi lamang
subalit wala namang perang pam- Tumaas lalo ang kriminalidad at ang para sa sarili kundi para sa
Both the US and China must use their influ-
bili ang karamihan sa mga paglabag sa karapatang pantao. isa't isa. Na ang pagsasakripi-
Humaba din ang pila ng mga na- syo ay hindi lang mangga- ence to both North and South Korea to bring
mamamayan. both sides of Korea to the negotiating table.
ghanap ng oportunidad sa ibang galing sa iilan, kundi dapat
Dahil sa maliit na kita hindi ito bansa. manggaling sa bawat isa.
Direct negotiations, as a first step toward a
sasapat para sa mabuting edukas- peace treaty or agreement, are the only way
yon sa mga anak, o kaya pagpa- Michel Catuira is an EPS
to end the state of war, and eventually move
pagamot dahil pati ang pamahalaan Sa makatuwid, ang sakripisyo ay worker and Migrants Trade
toward a peace agreement to formally end
ay nagbabawas sa kaniyang budget nanggagaling lang sa ating uring Union (MTU) activist. The
the conflict.
para sa serbisyong pampubliko. manggagawa. Tayo ang nagugutom union was formed to defend
Patuloy din sa pagtaas ang bayarin at naghihigpit ng sinturon. Habang the rights of migrant workers
As tensions continue to mount, it is critical to
sa mga utilities tulad ng tubig, ang mga malalaking negosyante at regardless of visa status,
urge restraint, and to stop any war maneu-
kuryente at ng produktong petrolyo korporasyon ay nananatiling ligtas sa nationality, religion, gender,
vers, and the sending of warships and planes
dahil sa limitadong dami nito. Dag- kanilang antas ng pamumuhay. Ang etc.
in the disputed areas.
dag din ang mga panibagong buwis mga polisiya G-20 ay para mapanatili
ang kanilang kita sa papamamagitan

10 www.sulyapinoy.org NOV- DEC 2010


EDITOR’ S
NOTE
At Home with FILIPOS:
Photowalk with FILIPOS in Nami Island
by Gary Castro

IPhotowalk
st
t was on a Sunday, 31 of October
2010, when I first experienced a
with the FILIPOS in Nami
Island. I had second thoughts of joining
because I am not really good in photog-
raphy and I don’t know yet the members
except for Nads who introduced to me
the group.
Since I am beginning to develop my
interest in photography and wanting to
learn, I decided to join the group. That
morning I had a mixed emotions because
it was my first serious photowalk, before
I really don’t take it so seriously. Why did
i say that? Because before I just click my
camera anywhere and everywhere. Hon-
estly, I have only little idea about pho-
tography. The few things I knew of
were some facts that I read through my
research on the internet. In short, those
were more visual and theoretical knowl-
edge and not actual or practical one.
So while in the bus travelling, I noticed
that the group members were all nice,
approachable and they made
me feel welcome to the group, although
I am not yet a member. To think that we
just met only for that day and that made
me feel at ease with the group.

When we arrived at Nami Island, it made


me feel more at ease because the place
is enchanting. The island is really a nice
place to take good photographs. And in producing good quality photos. And I am very thank- --------------
the members who were all nice made ful for FILIPOS for the opportunity to explore, improve Gary Castro describes himself as a person easy to be
me realized that I made the right deci- my knowledge and interest in photography. I’m really with, simple and friendly so he can deal with different
sion to join them. During the photowalk happy to be a part of the group. I am looking forward kinds of people. He has been working in Guri, South
some members taught me a lot of things to the next photowalk. Korea for the last eight years.
to consider

JOHN ENRILE
Area Manager

Philippine Airlines
KOREA GSA
SAEHOON AIR TRAVEL CO., LTD

101, Sin-a Building, 39-1, Seosomun-dong,


Jung-gu, Seoul City 100-752, South Korea
Mobile – 010-7940-5215
Email – genesiscargo@yahoo.com
(or contact – Rodel Arias – 010-8070-2419)

NOV- DEC 2010 www.sulyapinoy.org 11

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