Yamashita Treasure, Legend or Truea

Yamashita's gold, also referred to as the Yamashita treasure, is the name given to an urban legend of alleged loot stolen in Southeast Asia by Japanese forces during World War II and hidden in caves, tunnels and underground complexes in the Philippines.[1] The number, size and value of the loot troves in the Philippines are unknown. The "gold" reportedly included many different kinds of valuables looted from banks, depositories, temples, churches, other commercial premises, mosques, museums and private homes. It takes its name from General Tomoyuki Yamashita, who assumed command of Japanese forces in the Philippines in 1944. According to various accounts, the loot was initially concentrated in Singapore, from where it was later relayed to the Philippines.[2] The Japanese hoped to ship the treasure from the Philippines to the Japanese home islands after the war ended. As the Pacific War progressed, Allied submarines and aircraft inflicted increasingly heavy losses on Japanese merchant shipping. Some ships carrying loot back to Japan were sunk. Some historians have argued that looting was organized on a massive scale, by both yakuza gangsters such as Yoshio Kodama, and the highest levels of Japanese society, including Emperor Hirohito.[3] The Japanese government intended that loot from Southeast Asia would finance Japan's war effort. It is alleged that Hirohito appointed his brother, Prince Chichibu, to head a secret organization called Kin no yuri ("Golden Lily"), for this purpose. Many of those who knew the locations of the loot were killed during the war, or later tried by the Allies for war crimes and executed or incarcerated. Yamashita himself was executed for war crimes on February 23, 1946. There are claims that United States military intelligence operatives located much of the loot; colluded with Hirohito and other senior Japanese figures to conceal its existence, and used it to finance US covert intelligence operations around the world during the Cold War.[4] It is also alleged that Ferdinand Marcos (who was President of the Philippines in 1965-86), recovered U.S.$8 billion from one concealed tunnel known as "Teresa 2", 61 km (38 mi) south of Manila, in Rizal province.[5] In 1996, a U.S. Federal Court made a ruling that Marcos had stolen a cache of recovered Japanese loot, from a man named Rogelio Roxas.[6] According to his family, Roxas found a one-tonne solid-gold Buddha and thousands of gold bars in a tunnel near Baguio in 1971. Roxas died prematurely in suspicious circumstances, leading to suggestions that he was murdered. The court awarded U.S.$22 billion, against Marcos's estate, to the heirs of Roxas. This amount was greatly reduced on appeal.[7] Critics have questioned the extent to which the loot existed. In particular, Filipino historian Rico Jose has questioned the theory that treasure from mainland South East Asia was transported to the Philippines: "[by 1943] the Japanese were no longer in control of the seas... It doesn't make sense to bring in something that valuable here when you know it's going to be lost to the Americans anyway. The more rational thing would have been to send it to Taiwan or China."[8] Many individuals and consortia, both Filipino and foreign, continue to search for treasure sites. A number of accidental deaths, injuries and financial losses incurred by treasure hunters have been well-documented.[9]

How to know your PHILHEALTH number

I had the need to find out my PhilHealth number. I didn’t have it among my records To know your PHILHEALTH Number just follow the instruction bellow To know your PhilHealth Identification Number, type the following:PHIC[space]PIN[space]LName,FName[space]BDAY(mmddyyyy) and send to 2960 For members with extension name (Jr., Sr., III, etc.), typePHIC[space]PIN[space]LName,FName,ExtensionName[space]BDAY(mmddyyyy) and send to 2960 e.g. PHIC PIN DELACEUZ,JUAN,SR06201974 Result: I tried out the SMS service. It worked like a charm! Mission accomplished! For More PhilHealth service instructions via SMS, Text in PHIC [space] HELP and send to 2960. Services include information on benefits, dependents, claims status, contact information and employer number. There are a number of e-Government services out there. Some are lousy, some are exemplary. Let’s try them out more of them and tell people about it.

First crude lifted from offshore Galoc field

Fresh oil was extracted from an offshore Galoc oilfield in southwestern Philippines at the start of production on Thursday, senior officials said, adding the new oil field has been a miracle for the Philippine economy. "We are expecting some 17,000 to 20,000 barrels of oil per day in the first 90 days of commercial production. This will account for about six per cent of daily local demand of 300,000 barrels per day," said Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita from the presidential palace. "The Galoc oil will be known as Palawan Light," said Ermita, adding Palawan's recent oil find was described as "light medium crude oil, with a potential high yield of light ends, such as gasoline." '); //--> The extraction of fresh oil from the Galoc oil field began at 10.45am yesterday morning," reported Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, adding, "The fresh extracts (from Galoc's production) were put onboard a Philippine vessel en route to our local refineries at 11.20 yesterday morning." The Galoc field has reserves containing 10 to 20 million barrels, initial exploration results showed. "Further studies and exploration can possibly result in additional yields," said Reyes. President Gloria Arroyo expressed optimism that Galoc's oil will help the Philippine economy, adding it will reduce government annual oil importation of $6 billion (Dh22 billion). It will also contain the increasing cost of food and other commodities, said Arroyo, adding this will translate into savings of $1.4 billion in foreign exchange for the well's lifetime. The oil well's development was estimated at three to five years, she added. Three companies operate Palawan's Galoc field: Galoc Production Company has 58.29 per cent interest. It is composed of European trader Vitol which owns a 68.62 per cent stake, and Otto Energy, with 31.38 per cent. Nido Petroleum has 20.85 per cent interest, and several Philippine partners also have 20.85 per cent. Costly delay But repeated delays in the delivery of first oil from the 17,500 barrel per day (bpd) offshore field, initially due to start in the first quarter of this year, mean that its operators have missed this year's oil price rally. Global crude oil prices are now around $89 a barrel, well off highs near $150 a barrel in mid-July. sourceg : gulf news.com

JPEPA: A raw deal for the Philippines

How the trade deal with Japan would bring more pain than gain for the Philippines “The Philippines is ripe for more trade and investments” was Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo’s sales pitch at the World Economic Forum (WEF) held in Davos, Switzerland recently. But with all of these bilateral deals and deal making happening left and right alongside the on-going efforts to jumpstart the stalled Doha negotiations in the World Trade Organization (WTO), the more relevant issue may not be our readiness for more trade and investment but whether opening the doors for these would actually benefit the Philippines. Are these deals good for us or are we in fact getting a raw deal in all of these bilateral and multilateral trade and investment agreements? The case of JPEPA The signing of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) at the sidelines of the Asia-Europe Summit in Helsinki in September 2006 was hailed by both Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as a “milestone in the continuing cooperation and collaboration, setting a new chapter of strategic partnership for mutual opportunity and growth (for both countries).” JPEPA which has been referred to as a ‘mega treaty’ is a comprehensive plan for opening up of markets in goods and services as well as removing barriers and restrictions on investments. It is a deal that encompasses even our commitments to the WTO. The complexity of JPEPA became all the more evident at the Senate hearing conducted by the Committee on Trade and Commerce last November 2006. The committee, chaired by Senator Mar Roxas, heard differing views and perspectives on JPEPA. On one hand the committee heard Government’s rosy projections on the economic benefits of JPEPA and on the other hand the views of environmental and trade activists who raised there very serious concerns about the country being turned into Japan’s toxic waste basket. The discussion in the Senate showed that JPEPA is not just an issue concerning trade and economic relations with Japan but one that touches on broader national development concerns. Government’s View: Rosy Projections Taking off from the presentation made by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the last Senate hearing on JPEPA , which touched on the general contents of the treaty, Secretary Peter Favila outlined the DTI’s response to some of the issues raised during the last hearing. Hoping to address some of the issues raised during the previous hearing, the government through Trade Undersecretary Tomas Aquino made a presentation on issues related to the process (questions of transparency and stakeholder participation), the net economic effect on the Philippine economy arising from treaty, legal issues and concerns, and environmental issues. Process The negotiations for JPEPA underwent a process that started with the drafting of Executive Order 213 which called for the “Creation of a Philippine Coordinating Committee to Study the Feasibility of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement.” The committee is co-chaired by the Undersecretary for International Trade of the DTIO and Undersecretary for International Economic Relations of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Area and Chapter mandates were then developed for corresponding national government agencies (NGA). A Director-level representative from each NGA was then tasked to be the lead negotiator for each areas/chapter mandate. The consultations are under the purview of the concerned agencies that may call for such as they deem appropriate. The working sessions prior to formal negotiations ran for about one and a half years while the formal negotiations took two and a half years to complete. Formal negotiations for JPEPA began in February 4, 2004 and the agreement was signed in September 9, 2006. According to the DTI, compared to Japan’s other EPAs with other countries, the JPEPA took much longer to conclude. Japan’s EPA with Singapore was concluded in a year’s time, with Malaysia in over a year, while that with Mexico in a little over 2 years. The DTI report claims transparency in the negotiations with a “structured, step-by-step negotiations process consisting of both formal and informal meetings, extensive consultation and public hearings, including attendance in House of Representative hearings.” The public was also informed about JPEPA, so the government claims, through press releases and press interviews that were conducted from 2002 to 2006. The report also cites the establishment of two on-line information sources - www.tradelinephil.dti.gov.ph and www.business.gov.ph. For groups however that have been trying to get hold of information on JPEPA since its launch in 2004, the eventual release of the final document and other related information on the agreement after the signing of the deal in Helsinki is a little too late. Groups monitoring the negotiations had to make do with outdated texts in arguing against the agreement. While the DTI indeed participated in hearings conducted by the House of Representatives, it refused to provide even the Special Committee on Globalization copies of the latest draft text. It is this refusal of the DTI to disclose information that prompted the petition of Akbayan party to the Supreme Court for public disclosure on JPEPA. The lack of transparency in the JPEPA negotiations underscores a prevalent attitude in government that looks at trade negotiations as endeavors best left to government’s trade experts and bureaucrats to handle. This attitude ran counter to the belief shared by the basic sectors that trade negotiations are matters of public interest and therefore should be open to public scrutiny and debate. In line with National Interest? According to the Philippine government the JPEPA negotiations are in line with the Philippines’ domestic and global economic policies as defined in the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) and the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP). The priority areas of Philippine negotiating interest are 1. Market Access for agricultural goods; 2. Significant Increase in Foreign Direct Investment, 3. Market Access for nurses and caregivers, IT professionals among others; and 4. Enhanced bilateral economic cooperation through technical assistance. Projected Gains Exports Annual growth rate of Philippine exports to Japan is projected to increase from 10% to 15-20 %. With JPEPA, the value of exports to Japan for 2007 is estimated to be US$9.08 billion, or an increase of 300 million dollars in export from the $8.71 billion that we would earn without JPEPA. The contribution of JPEPA would increase to US$800 million in 2008, US$1.37 billion in 2009, US$2.05 billion in 2010 and US$2.88 billion in 2011. The projected annual growth rates expected to be realized with the signing of JPEPA are considerably higher than the projected increases in annual growth rates of Mexico (10.3 %) and Singapore (7.3 %) with the signing of their respective EPAs with Japan. Citing 2002 figures, the government lists the country’s top five exports to Japan (by value) as Electrical and electronic equipment contributing 42.4 % of exports, machinery contributing 30.2%, export of vehicles at 4.2 %, fruits at 3.9% and optical, technological and medical equipment at 2.3 %. With the exception of fruit exports however, which corners 71.2 of market share in Japan, Philippine exports have not been able to dominate the Japanese market. Electrical and electronic equipment, our top export, only account for 6.7 % of the Japanese market. The government however reports Philippine’s role as supplier for the Japanese market expanding in the areas of electronics, automotive and other industrial manufactures, agricultural products mainly fresh and dried bananas, dried and salted fish), and consumer manufactures like babies’ clothes, t-shirts, and wood furniture. The report also cites the following products where the Philippines has comparative advantage and where its role as supplier can be expanded. These include anything from fish, fruits, charcoal, iron ore concentrates, crude vegetable materials, to clothes, watches and zoo animals and pets. The Philippines’ role as supplier however has been declining in mostly agricultural and food products, and consumer manufactures. Investments Japan continues to be the number one source of foreign investments, with FDI flows fro 2004-2005 amounting to US$487.26 million. FDIs from Japan are expected to increase from Php137 billion for the period of 1995-2005 to Php559 billion from 2007-2016. The increase in FDI flows however will not translate to higher employment, as FDIs are expected to generate 35,477 jobs a slight dip from the 35,731 jobs generated by FDIs prior to JPEPA. Revenues from FDIs with JPEPA will likewise show a decline from Php4.75billion to Php4.72 billion. Overseas Employment It is in the area of overseas employment however where JPEPA is projected to deliver the most gains for the Philippines. With JPEPA, the government expects easier entry of qualified Filipino nurses and certified care workers through language training, clear guidelines on exercise of profession/occupation and streamlined processing of application. There is also the possibility that the easing of restrictions on Filipino overseas work in Japan could also be applied to other professions. The government is counting on the increasing demand for care-workers in Japan on account of its maturing population. The Japanese healthcare market is projected to increase in market size from US$56 trillion in 2002 to US$75 trillion by 2010. The demand for labor is likewise projected to increase from 5.5 million in 2002 to 7.5 million by 2010. Expected Pain The optimism of the Philippine government based on these very positive economic projections however must be tempered by empirical studies. A recent paper from the Asian Development Bank concludes that “bilateral FTAs with Japan are not beneficial for most Asian economies”. The report further argues that because “Japan is relatively open for its manufacturing market and its import protection is mainly applied in the agriculture and food sectors, only countries like Thailand and Vietnam (which account for relatively larger share of the Japanese market) would “gain stronger competitive advantages in the Japanese market through their bilateral FTAs with Japan. In other words an easing of restrictions in the Japanese market on hitherto protected sectors like agriculture and food would benefit countries that have, prior to the FTA, already cornered a large share of the Japanese market. In the case of the Philippines, figures cited by the DTI show that with the exception of fruits, Philippine exports to Japan hardly dominate the Japanese market. The DTI reports also that even in the agriculture and food sectors, the share of Philippine exports in the Japanese market is declining. Revenue Losses The DTI also presented figures on estimated foregone tariff revenues resulting from tariff reductions under JPEPA. Tariff commission estimates the figure at Php4.15 billion, which is within the estimate range of PIDS (2003) of Php3-5 billion but well below the figures cited by Ibon of Php9 billion. Government argued however that the foregone tariff revenues in fact are partly retained in the country as business savings for expanding working capital and/or additional investible funds to generate more economic activities. Furthermore, it argued that foregone revenues also partly boost consumer spending and trigger increased demand for goods and services. The increased economic activity, through the multiplier effect, would in turn generate more jobs, incomes, and a bigger revenue base in the coming years. On possible detrimental impact on industries, the government argued that the adverse effects will only be limited to certain product groups owing to the fact that more than 50 % of total value or Philippine imports from Japan already enter duty-free even prior to JPEPA and another 35% are subject to very low tariffs anyway of 5% and below. The government also identified some garment products, footwear and furniture, tiles and certain steel products, some machines and electrical and electronic appliances, auto and auto parts as some of the products that might be affected. It argues however that these same products/product groups possess possibilities for export expansion or if solely for domestic market-oriented may resort to trade remedies against possible import surge from Japan. Cause for Concern Against the very positive picture drawn by the Philippine government of the JPEPA, a number of concerns have been raised by civil society organizations casting doubt on whether or not the deal would really be beneficial to Filipinos. Toxic Dumping Environmentalists have raised the concern that JPEPA would provide mandate for the dumping of toxic wastes into the country. The inclusion of toxic wastes as a trade-able good in a trade agreement with Japan a country with a known track record of exporting its wastes to developing nations is an invitation to environmental disaster. Environmental groups further pointed out that the liberalization of toxic waste trade ran counter to multilateral environmental agreements like the Basel Convention and the Basel Ban Amendment which prohibits the trade of toxic wastes. The response of the government to the issue raised by environmental groups about toxic waste trade is contained in a briefer prepared by DTI. In the briefer, government reports that a total of 141 environment-related products considered as waste will have zero tariffs. It argued however that the zero tariffs on these products are of no consequence to their movement from Japan to the Philippines and vice versa since these products are prohibited or regulated under Philippine laws and regulations. Furthermore, the briefer states that the zero tariffs do not automatically mean that the parties are obliged to trade or accept such products in their territories. The government contends further by citing provisions in the JPEPA including the preamble that JPEPA upholds the implementation of Philippine laws and regulations particularly Republic Act 6969 or the Toxic Substance and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990. The government has been trying to downplay the issue raised by environmentalist. A recent newspaper report even quoted President Arroyo as saying that the controversy over toxic wastes was “uncalled for controversy, which slowed down the process of ratification”. Arroyo contends that JPEPA does not provide for the importation of toxic materials. Nurses and Care givers The claims of government on overseas employment particularly on nurses and caregivers must also be scrutinized. Two questions are relevant in this regard. First, do the provisions in the agreement actually constitute an easing of restrictions on nurses and caregivers? Would these provisions result to a real opening of the Japanese market for Filipino nurses and caregivers or merely an opening in paper? The agreement stipulates the following requirements for entry and temporary stay of up to three years for nurses and caregivers to Japan. For nurses, the applicant must be a licensed nurse in the Philippines with three year experience. In order to qualify as a nurse or care worker under Japanese Law, the applicants must first undergo training in Japan including Japanese language training for six months. After completion of the said training, applicants must undergo on-the-job training at the hospital under the supervision of a “kangoshi” or a duly registered nurse in Japan for nurses and a ”kaigofukushishi” or a certified careworker in Japan for caregivers. After the on-the-job training, the applicants must then pass the licensure examinations in Japan. A discussion of all these requirements at the Senate Hearing last November 27, 2006, prompted Senator Mar Roxas to remark “kung dadaan naman tayo sa butas ng karayom” (If (our nurses and caregivers) would have to go through the eye of a needle) then it is not such a big opportunity after all.” Granted however that our nurses and caregivers are able to go through the eye of the needle, the next question and perhaps more critical, would Filipino nurses and caregivers actually benefit? While there may be real economic benefits particularly income benefits, there are a host of other social costs associated with overseas employment that must be factored in. A report by Takemasa Ando , Japanese researcher from Waseda University in Japan argues that Filipino nurses and caregivers will be “integrated into the bottom level of Japanese labor market and forced to compete with Japanese part-time workers even though they acquire professional skills”. Ando contends that under the system of “dispatched labor” in Japan dispatched workers face unstable working conditions. They do not have a chance to develop their skill because over 70% of their contracts are good for one year only, and they do not enjoy the same level of social security as do full-time workers. Ando further refers to this system of dispatched labor as a new form of deprivation. Raw Deal The Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement is a raw deal for the Philippines. It was a haphazardly concluded agreement that was negotiated in almost total secrecy. The belated efforts of the Philippine government to make documents public after the deal was already concluded only underscores the government’s total disregard for public interest especially the interest of sectors whose livelihoods face serious threats from the liberalization being pushed by JPEPA. The rosy economic projections of the Philippine government on trade and investment belie empirical studies even by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that say that bilateral FTAs with Japan are not beneficial for most Asian economies and that only countries that already dominate the Japanese market would benefit from further market openings. In the case of the Philippines, figures cited by the DTI show that with the exception of fruits, Philippine exports to Japan hardly dominate the Japanese market. The DTI reports also that even in the agriculture and food sectors, the share of Philippine exports in the Japanese market is declining. Even areas in the agreement purported beneficial to the Philippines like overseas employment particularly the easing of restrictions on nurses and caregivers, closer examination would reveal that the purported gains may merely be paper gains rather than real substantive gains. In the end the cumbersome processes and procedures and requirements may even prevent the gains from materializing. Furthermore, whatever economic gains that would be achieved from increased labor exports to Japan carry social costs including strains on the Philippine healthcare system. The issue of toxic wastes dumping is something that must not be ignored given the notoriety of Japan as an exporter of waste to developing countries and the institutional weaknesses in the Philippines in the implementation of environmental laws and safeguard measures. It is now up to the Senate of the 14th Congress to study this agreement and weigh the projected benefits against the very real threats to our economy and our sovereignty source : by : Joseph Purugganan www.bilaterals.org

(Update 3) DOH clears 21 dairy products of melamine contamination

(Update 3) DOH clears 21 dairy products of melamine contamination -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said a China-made product, Jolly Cow Slender High Calcium Low Fat Milk (1 liter), had tested positive for melamine, while clearing 21 other dairy products. Health Secretary Francisco Duque said authorities have been given instructions to seize the product from store shelves to protect the public from melamine poisoning. Jolly Cow Slender High Calcium Low Fat Milk (1 liter) is distributed locally by Flying Ace Corp.. Melamine, a chemical used for plastics, has been found in some infant formula manufactured by Chinese firms. Four Chinese infants have died while more than 50,000 have been hospitalized due to melamine poisoning. Lourdes Santiago, officer-in-charge of the Bureau of Food and Drugs Laboratory Services Division, said the product had a melamine level of 4 parts per million, which is higher than the US Food and Drugs Administration standard of 2.5 parts per million. Second negative list The 21 dairy products cleared by BFAD of melamine contamination are: 1. Anmum Materna Milk Powder Chocolate Flavor (400g) 2. Bear Brand Choco (300g) 3. Bear Brand Sterilized Milk (200ml) 4. Cadbury Choclairs 5. Carnation Calcium Plus Non-fat Milk Powder 6. Klim Instant Full Cream Milk Powder 7. Milk Chocolate Bar (40g) 8. Monmilk Breakfast Milk Walnut Milk Beverage 9. Monmilk Hi-calcium Low fat milk (1L) 10. Monmilk Deluxe Pure Milk 11. Nestle Chocolate Flavor Ice cream 12. Nestle Dairy Farm Pure Milk 13. Nestle Fresh Milk (1L) 14. Nestle Kitkat 15. Nestle Milk chocolate (40g) 16. Nestle Pops Ice cream 17. Nestle Vanilla Flavor Ice cream 18. Nestogen 1 DHA 19. Nesvita Cereal Milk Drink 20. Blue Tree Express Milk Drink or Green Apple Flavor (500ml) 21. Prime Roast Instant Nutritious Cereal (28g) Last week, the DOH identified Greenfood Yili Fresh Milk and Mengniu Drink as having tested positive for melamine. The BFAD declared 28 other products, including popular milk and chocolate brands, free of melamine. Duque said BFAD has lined up close to 100 dairy and meat products from China for possible melamine contamination. He said because of the limited capacity of the BFAD laboratory, milk and milk products from China will be prioritized for testing. Crackdown on illegal importers Duque said the government will also intensify its campaign against illegal milk importers after discovering that some of the melamine-positive products were shipped in illegally. BFAD director Leticia Gutierrez said food importers must secure a license food and allow their products to undergo BFAD testing before they can be imported and sold locally. "It is only when BFAD has declared a product safe for consumption can Customs release it," she told reporters. Joyce Cirunay, BFAD products and services division chief, also said the bureau is now requiring companies and manufacturers to submit documents listing raw materials used in the production of imported food. The DOH earlier filed cases against the Sta. Lucia Metro East Supermarket between Cainta, Rizal and Pasig City after inspectors found a China-made milk product being sold there. source : by DAVID DIZON, abs-cbnNEWS.com

Overseas Filipino Workers Benefits:The Pag-IBIG Overseas Program (POP)

Overseas Filipino Workers Benefits: The Pag-IBIG Overseas Program (POP) POP SAVINGS PROGRAM The Pag-IBIG Overseas Program (POP) is a voluntary savings program which aims to provide Filipino overseas contract workers, immigrants and naturalized citizens the opportunity to save for their future and the chance to avail of a housing loan of as much as P 2,000,000.00 WHO ARE QUALIFIED TO BECOME MEMBERS OF THE OVERSEAS PROGRAM? Any Filipino or former Filipino citizen who works overseas is eligible to become a member of the Pag-IBIG Overseas Program by accomplishing the Members Data Form and paying the required monthly membership contributions HOW MUCH IS THE REQUIRED MONTHLY SAVINGS UNDER THE OVERSEAS PROGRAM? Gross Monthly Income of Member Required Monthly Savings US$ 1000 and below - US$ 20.00 Over US$ 1000 to US$ 2000 - US$ 40.00 Over US$ 2000 - US$ 50.00 The member may remit or deposit either in US$ Dollars or the corresponding Philippine Peso equivalent based on the prevailing exchange rate as of payment date. WHAT ARE THE SALIENT FEATURES OF THE SAVINGS PROGRAM? -Guaranteed by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines -Tax-Free Interest Earnings (No Witholding Tax) -Fixed Interest Rate of 7.5%/annum for Peso Savings and 3%/ annum for US$ Savings -Portable (Even if member change employer/country of work) WHEN CAN MEMBERS WITHDRAW THEIR SAVINGS? Upon the occurrence of any of the following: -membership maturity of 5 or 10 years -separation from work due to health reasons -Total Disability or Insanity -Death WHERE CAN MEMBERS FILE THEIR APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP, WITHDRAWAL OF SAVINGS, REMIT OR PAY THEIR MONTHLY SAVINGS? Pag-IBIG Overseas Program Office POP Overseas Offices Accredited Overseas Marketing Representatives Metro Manila and Provincial Offices Accredited Collecting Banks/Remittance Companies WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED TO APPLY FOR REFUND OF SAVINGS? -Original copy of POP Passbook -Application for Provident Benefit -Special Power of Attorney (if applicable) HOW LONG IS THE PROCESSING PERIOD? Three (3) working days WHERE CAN I PAY? Remittance of Contributions may be made through our accredited collecting banks: Europe PNB London (Savings Acct. No. 0725-219601-401) ABC UK (UKD 2000097) Asia Pacific PNB HK (Savings Acct. No. 0730-475270-501) United States of America Oceanic Bank (Savings Acct. No. 3700143) PNB New York (Savings Acct. No 1713) ABC Guam (Savings Acct. No. 5000-00355-4) Middle East BPI – Atrium (Savings Acct. No. 3124-0221-09) Speed cash ABC Head Office (Savings Acct. No. 1002-071759) Canada Bank of Nova Scotia (Savings Acct. No. 2164-10) Remittance may also be made to any of the following banks: RCBC (Savings Acct. No. 8000-08787-5) PNB Makati Ave. (Savings Acct. No. 265706641-1) LBP (Savings Acct. No. 2204-008496) PCIB (Savings Acct. 5463-00176-8) POP HOUSING PROGRAM The Pag-IBIG FUND is a nationwide savings fund established in December 14, 1980, through Presidential Decree No. 1752. Pag-IBIG is one of the strongest financial institutions in the country today with an asset level of over P112.4 billion (as of Sept 2000). Active membership stands at 4,884,555 (as of Sept 2000) nationwide. As a shelter agency, Pag-IBIG has made possible the construction of over 463,318 (as of Sept 2000 housing units all over the Philippines under its various housing programs. WHAT IS THE PAG-IBIG OVERSEAS PROGRAM? The Pag-IBIG Overseas Program aims to provide Filipino Overseas workers/immigrants the chance to avail of a housing loan of as much as P2,000,000 and the opportunity to save for their future. AM I ELIGIBLE TO AVAIL OF THE POP HOUSING LOAN? If you are active POP member who has remitted at least 12 monthly membership contributions, you may avail of a housing loan provided that: You are insurable and are not more than 65 years old at loan maturity. You have the legal capacity to acquire and encumber real property. You have no outstanding Pag-IBIG housing loan either as a principal borrower or as a co-borrower. You are updated with your Pag-IBIG multi-purpose loan payment, if applicable. CAN I USE THE LOAN TO BUY A HOUSE AND LOT OR CONSTRUCT A HOUSE ON MY LOT? YES. You may use your POP Housing Loan to finance any of the following projects: Construction or completion of a residential unit on your own lot. Purchase of a lot and construction of a residential unit thereon. Purchase of a residential house and lot, townhouse, or condominium unit. Purchase of a fully developed residential lot not exceeding 1,000 square meters. Major repairs, expansion or renovation of an existing residential building, townhouse or condominium. Refinancing of an existing loan with an institution acceptable to Pag-IBIG Fund provided the said account is current and updated for the past 24 months. LOAN-TO-COLLATERAL RATIO The ratio of the loan amount to the appraised value of the collateral shall not exceed the following rates: LOAN AMOUNT With Buyback Guaranty Without Buyback Guaranty Up to P 150,000 100% 100% Over P 150,000 to P 225,000 100% 100% Over P 225,000 to P 500,000 100% 90% Over P 500,000 to P 1M 90% 80% Over P 1M to P 2M 90% 70% A maximum of three (3) qualified Pag-IBIG members may be tacked into a single loan which is secured by the same collateral, provided they are related within the first civil degree of consanguinity or affinity. WHAT IS THE INTEREST RATE FOR THE POP HOUSING LOAN? The interest rate will vary depending on the loan amount of consanguinity or affinity. DO I HAVE AN INCENTIVE FOR PROMPT PAYMENT OF MY MONTHLY LOAN AMORTIZATION? YES. As an incentive for prompt payment of your housing loan amortization,Pag-IBIG will charge a lower interest rate on loans, which shall be paid on or before the due date as follows: LOAN AMOUNT If the payment is made on or before due date If the payment is made after date Up to P 150,000 6% 8% Over P 150,000 to P 225,000 9% 11% Over P 225,000 to P 500,000 10% 12% Over P 500,000 to P 2M 12% 14% CAN I BORROW UP TO Php 2 MILLION? YES. You may borrow up to P 2,000,000 subject to your actual need, your capacity to pay and the loan to collateral ratio. Likewise, there is a corresponding loan ceiling for your monthly contribution: Monthly Membership Contribution Loan Ceiling US$ 20.00 up to P1, 000,000 US$ 40.00 over P 1,000,000 - P 1,500,000 US$ 50.00 over P 1,500,000-P 2,000,000 Based on the capacity, to pay the monthly amortization on your loan shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of your net disposable income as supported by the Employment Contract or the Certificate of Income duly certified by your employer. The net disposable income shall be your gross family income less the statutory deductions and monthly amortization on outstanding obligations. The gross family income shall pertain top your income, the income of your legitimate spouse and unmarried children, provided they are living with you and are Pag-IBIG members. "POP HOUSING LOAN SEMINAR" When :Held every Saturday 10:00AM Venue: Room 608, Atrium of Makati Building, Makati Avenue, Makati City. For inquires/confirmation: call tel number:8114031 Ms. Jo Leonin or email us at: housing@pagibigoverseas.com The seminar is free and open to all. sorce : http://www.pagibigoverseas.com

Prunes are Plum Full of Antioxidants That May Slow the Aging Process

Prunes are a good source of fiber and have long been recognized as a nutrient-rich fruit with multiple health benefits. But according to a recent study from Tufts University in Boston, prunes may also help slow the aging process in both the body and brain. The study ranked the antioxidant value of commonly eaten fruits and vegetables using an analysis called ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity). Prunes topped the list with more than twice the antioxidant capacity as other high-scoring fruits such as blueberries and raisins. (See table at end for ORAC values of fruits and vegetables.) ORAC is a test tube analysis that measures the total antioxidant power of foods and other chemical substances. Early findings suggest that this same antioxidant activity translates to animals, protecting cells and their components from oxidative damage. The studies conducted at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University found that feeding middle-aged rats foods with plenty of antioxidants prevented some loss of long-term memory and learning ability. "If these studies are borne out in further research, young and middle-aged people may be able to reduce risk of diseases of aging – including senility – simply by adding high (antioxidant) foods to their diets," said Floyd P. Horn, administrator of the USDA's Agricultural Research Service, in Beltsville, Md. Antioxidants are special compounds that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. When healthy cells are damaged, they are more susceptible to aging, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers. Diets that contain fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, and are low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol, are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Prunes, which are dried plums, are a good source of fiber and make an excellent choice. The role of fruits and vegetables in health promotion and disease prevention may be related to compounds other than the vitamins, minerals and fiber found in these plant-based foods. In addition to well-known antioxidant vitamins A and C and beta-carotene, there are over 1,800 biologically active compounds that are not vitamins nor minerals that have been identified in foods. Research is just beginning to identify these compounds and describe their activity in the human body, however, many are believed to offer the protective benefits of antioxidants. According to Dr. Prior, who is coordinating these studies at Tufts University, "If we can show some relationship between ORAC intake and health outcome in people, I think we may reach a point where the ORAC value will become a new standard for good antioxidant protection." Top-scoring fruits and vegetables

DOH update in Melamine

The Department of Health on Friday said Green Food Yili Pure Milk and Mengniu Original Drink Milk from China have both tested positive for melamine contamination. Updated LIST: DOH head Duque identified the products that have been tested and FOUND NEGATIVE for melamine. 1. Anchor Lite Milk 2. Anlene High calcium low fat milk UHT 3. Bear Brand instant 4. Chic Choc milk chocolate 5. Farmland skim milk 6. Jinwei Drink 7. Jolly Cow pure fresh milk 8. Kiddie Soya Milk Egg Delight 9. Lactogen 1 DHA infant formula 10. M&M milk chocolate candies 11. M&M peanut chocolate candies 12. Milk Boy 13. Nestogen 2 DHA follow-up formula 14. Nestogen 3 DHA follow-up formula 15. Nido 3+ prebio with DHA 16. Nido Full Cream milk powder 17. Nido Jr. 18. No-sugar chocolate of Isomalt 2 Oligosaccharide 19. Nutri Express milk drink 20. Pura UHT fresh Milk 21. Snickers fresh roasted in caramel nogut in thick milk chocolate 22. Vitasoy soya milk drink 23. Wahaha Orange 24. Wahaha Yellow 25. Want want Milk Drink 26. Windmill Skim Milk Powder SINGAPORE -- White Rabbit Creamy Candy, a popular Chinese brand milk candy, pulled from shelves after being found to be contaminated with melamine on Sunday. -- On Friday, the city state banned the import and sale of milk products from China after finding melamine in two China-made products -- "Dutch Lady" strawberry flavored milk, and "Yili Brand" dairy fruit bar yoghurt flavored ice confection. These are the only candies I know that turned out positive of melamine content. Here in the Philippines if BFAD would only work in urgency, I think I would have already made it public here. And if you remember the recall for White Rabbit candies last July 2007 but this was due to the formaldehyde contamination.

Do You Believe in Mananangal ?

What are Manananggal? The scariest goriest bad ass vampires you are ever to come across. By day, they look like beautiful women. In fact, the more adoring males they come across they often turn into their consorts who guard their queen fanatically, especially when her inanimate body is most vulnerable: at night. The word Manananggal roughly means "self-remover" in Tagalog. This is because at night, a Manananggal's head lifts from her body cavity, and she flies about, her internal organs hanging from her floating head. Alternatively, she turns her arms into wings, or spouts wings, and severs at the torso instead. The smell of vinegar gives them away, the fluid that preserves their ghastly parasitical cohabitation with their daytime body. Manananggal prey on pregnant women, specifically the fetus, almost exclusively. They have a tube which comes out of their mouth to perform the feeding, You kill a Manananggal by putting salt on its lower body while the head is flying about. But of course, you have to get past the fanatical consorts which guard her vulnerable lower half first. If a Manananggal cannot reunite with its lower half by sunrise, she dies. The salt prevents this. They are part of a larger group of corpse-loving changelings called Aswang, of which they are perhaps the strongest and most powerful.

what is the size of your shoes?

size matter? In the song “Girls Lie, Too”, Terry Clark sings: Girls lie, tooWe don’t care how much money you makeWhat you drive or what you weighSize don’t matter anywayGirls lie, tooMen tell lies to avoid trouble, simplify conversation, or to make themselves look better. Women lie to save the ego of the person they are taking to. And we know how fragile a man’s ego can be. A woman will let a guy think he’s the biggest she’s ever had, because otherwise he’d go curl up in the fetal position in a corner. She’ll says size doesn’t matter even to a guy she dislikes, because she doesn’t want to hurt his feelings. But its also a way to make conversation simpler. We know you don’t want to listen to a real explanation, which is a bit complicated. And which might still send you curling up in a corner. Poor baby. The answer is "it depends."All things being equal, yes, women do prefer a larger penis. Larger than what? Thats one of the complications. There are studies all over the internet, and the “average” they find is different in every study. Four inches. Seven inches. Anywhere in between. I could cite the sources, but you wouldn’t read them anyway. You can measure all you want and you still won’t know what Jane or Mary will think til you try it out. Every woman has her own definition of large and small, and her own preferences. If you are an average guy, you might really impress Jane, then get a fatalistic sigh from Mary. But you shouldn’t be out with two women in one night, anyway. Another complication is that all things are never equal. A smart woman won’t reject a guy thats a little smaller than her preference until she finds out what else he can do! Does he look into her eyes and make her feel desirable? Does he touch her in places her bikini doesn’t cover? Does he use his hands, his tongue, and (if neccessary) toys or medication? Is he an enthusiastic muff diver? Some talents will compensate well for other shortcomings. There are so many things that factor in, women have a hard time justifying a yes or no answer about whether penis size matters. Yet another complication is that troublesome male ego itself. A guy with a huge penis gets a lot of interest, leading to a lot of unearned pride. I’ve heard that some young men are deliberately lousy in bed. That way, the unimpressed hookups don’t want a repeat performance, and you’re free to go on to the next conquest. That will catch up to you eventually. Besides the possible market saturation (especially in a small community), you’re going to tire of the chase as you age. The problem with this guy is that he’s got a big penis and nothing else. If a woman doesn’t sprout orgasms every time, he figures there is something wrong with her, because after all, he’s hung like a horse. What else can a girl ask for? Heh, maybe that he stop acting like a horse's ass. Its possible to have too much of a good thing. Past a certain size, a big dick starts to look like a choking hazard. One more complication to consider. Can a woman tell how big guy is without seeing? There is that old canard about shoe size... I once had a new boyfriend who was 6’ 7”. My two girlfriends would stare at his shoes. Then they asked to measure his hands. They were green with envy. His shoes were size 14. I married him. Your results may vary. (click to enlarge... as if it were that easy) In researching this article (yeah, thats what it was... research), I found the difference in the way men and women look at penis size is that men think of it in terms of masculinity, heirarchy, and dominance in comparison to other men. Women just want what makes them feel good, and there are many ways to do that. We aren’t going to measure you. Honest. At least not in an obvious manner. Referring to The Serenity Prayer here, guys should stop worrying about what you can’t change, and focus on what you can change. If you are giving your best and a woman rejects you because your penis is too small for her, there is someone else out there who will either appreciate what size you have, or will appreciate what you do to satisfy her in other ways. Those of you with an oversized dick, use it wisely. And don’t make your woman have to explain all this again.

size matter

In 2001, Dr Eduardo Gomez de Diego of the SizeGenetics medical company came across some research on average penis size published by the Spanish Society of Andrology. The results surprised Diego as they didn't agree with the results he had obtained from his own clinic's survey examining the size of the average Spanish male. This spurred Diego to enhance his own survey and to expand it by gathering results from other countries. The statistics took over a year to gather from journals and studies published around the world and the results have now been made available.Diego admits that the results are not exhaustive. "We couldn't find references for many countries and in some cases we couldn't even find the appropriate people to talk to about it," he said. "Specialist journals and other sources like urologist associations tended to be the sources for the results we did gather."The survey covers 15 countries with the results pulled from sources such as the Journal of Sexology in Japan, the Jacobus Survey in India and the Clinic for Men in Chile.The survey turns up some surprises for anyone who thought that all men were created equal.Penis Size Around The WorldCountry Flaccid Length(inches)Erect Length(inches)United States 3.4/5.0 (147% +/-)Germany -/5.6Spain -/5.3France 4.7/6.2 (132% +/-)Japan 3.1/5.1 (164% +/-)Brazil -/4.8Italy 3.9/5.9 (151% =/-)Venezuela 3.7/5.0 (135% +/-)Mexico -/5.9Greece -/4.8India -/4.0Saudi Arabia -/4.9Chile -/5.5Colombia 3.5/5.4 (154% +/-)Korea (1) 2.7/3.7 (137% +/-)Korea (2*) -/6.1* The second Korean result was kindly provided by a reader who says it comes from a study conducted on a college campus by The Korean Consumer Protection Board. (We're currently trying to track that study down.)The percentages show the increase from flaccid to erect penis indicating that averages fail to show the dramatic incrases or lack thereof in showers vs. growers. From information derived from the Durex condom survey and other data on AVERAGE penis sizes including the Master's and Johnson and Kinsey studies the following are the approximate results:1. Blacks: 5.85-6.25 inches2. Caucasians: 5.5-6.0 inches3. Asians: 5.0-5.5 inchesStatistically these survey results may likely not be significantdue to undisclosed data about the samples drawn.As a personal researcher on penis size data I would support the categories and rank by race of the data. Ironically the bell curve ranks intelligence just the opposite with asians at the top, blacks at the bottom and caucasians in the middle. Whether evolutionary significance predisposes the black race to generally have larger numbers of individuals with average and above average size remains to be verified but is strongly suggested in most sexuality surveys conducted over the last 50-65 years.Note: Penis sizes by race are also classified by range: So that it may be truthfully stated based on the available evidence that almost 70% (68.13%) OF ALL MEN have an erect penis between (4 inches - 8 inches) approximately. However it is strongly suspected by this researcher that the population of all ethnic groups of adult men in the world is not 'normally' distributed and so results will not conform to measures of central tendency exactly as should be predicted. In other words in the absence of strict statistical tests and measures of the population, values of penis size by race should be considered hieuristics or rule of thumb or general notions based on 'some' tests, observations, self-reports, historical and other documents etc. and nothing more or less.I do believe the suggestive evidence however from my own checks that Asians do have average penis length some where close to 5 inches. One researcher however attests to a self-report of an Asian male who claimed a 7 inch penis and from estimates of penis lengths observed among Asian porn actors, reasonable measurements could approxiamate 6-8 inches.Note: Porn actors however of whatever race are selected primarily based on significantly larger than average penis size (length &/or width) for the startling and sometimes traumatic/fear-based psychological effect produced. This effect supports the notion that a "Bigger penis is a better penis" for a man and consequently his female partner and this holds true regardless of race.Further speculative data (based on available information) on average penis size ranges by race are as follows:1. Asians (4-6) inches, 68% men over 19 years.2. Caucasians (5-7) inches, 68 % men over 19 years.3. Blacks (6-8) inches, 68 % men over 19 years.This information is inclusive of mixed race yet suggestive that a mixed race individual would be classified according to one of the three given categories based on general 'look' or predominant physical features.Finally, no discussion of penis size is complete without a discussion of vigina size: A key to good sex is match because vagina sizes vary just as penis sizes vary. Length of the average unaroused vagina according to several textbooks I've read, the length of the vagina should be 3-4 inches long (7-10cm) (ref: Tim Chard, Basic Sciences for Obstetrics and Gynecology)Golfcrazie 03:32, 23 August 2007 (UTC)Other studies and articles I've read the unaroused and unpenetrated vagina is from 2-4 inches long (3" on average). Measurements are slightly different depending on whether you're measuring across the anterior or posterior wall, and position women is in (e.g. sitting, standing, etc...). (Comment: if 3" and increases 100% that gives only 6" max (but showers/growers may apply here and that being smaller vaginas may be able to increase a bit more percentage wise than large ones; clearly a 6-7" capacity would easily accommodate the average penis). So I suspect that Philippino females are built on the average to feel comfortable with the average Philippino male. Problems as to size arise only where you have males from one end of the spectrum mating with females at the other end: that is, a large penis tries to get into a small vagina or the small penis mates with a large vagina. A key to good sex is match because vagina sizes vary just as penis sizes vary. Length of the average unaroused vagina according to several textbooks I've read: the length of the vagina should be 3-4 inches long (7-10cm) (ref: Tim Chard, Basic Sciences for Obstetrics and Gynecology)Golfcrazie 03:32, 23 August 2007 (UTC)Other studies and articles I've read the unaroused and unpenetrated vagina is from 2-4 inches long (3" on average). Measurements are slightly different depending on whether you're measuring across the anterior or posterior wall, and position women is in (e.g. sitting, standing, etc...). (Comment: if 3" and increases 100% that gives only 6" max (but showers/growers may apply here and that being smaller vaginas may be able to increase a bit more percentage wise than large ones; clearly a 6-7" capacity would easily accommodate the average penis). But the average vagina may be stretched (and I do not mean permanently) by a large penis causing perhaps for the very beginning a "desirable feeling of fullness" but quickly becoming sore during even the regular duration of intercourse. Very large ones can hardly get it in without difficulty. Then women get real mad when you hit the cervix. And the news is out there are more complaints about the large penises than the small ones. Or the lady with the larger than average vagina who says she needs a large, fat one and the small guys need not even take off their pants.But for 70% of males and females more a less a few points size is not a problem. They fit each other comfortably and have done so for 120,000 year more or less. 5 months ago

Top 10 Richesr Filipino

Forbes released the 40 Richest Filipinos last July 18, 2007. Our country made a comeback with a second quater growth of 7.5% which is the highest since 1997 and unemployment went down to 8% which is the lowest in those two decades. Here is Top Ten richest in the Philippines Rank No. 1- Jaime Zobel De Ayala. The 73 year old patriach of Ayala Corporation with a networth or $2 billion. Maried with 7 children and his children now hold his wealth with his eldest son Jaime II as chief executive. Rank No. 2 - Henry Sy & family. One of the Taipans in Philippine Business. He formed the Philippines’ second largest bank after the merger of Equitable PCI and Banco de Oro. He is married with 6 children and has a newtworth of $1.7 Billion at the age of 85. He owns the Philippines’ shopping mall developer SM Prime Holdings. Rank No 3. Lucio Tan & family. As a kid he mops floors to pay for school tution. Eventually he became a chemical engineer who now owns the nation’s largest cigette manufacturing company, Fortune Tobacco as well as Philippine Airlines. Tan is believed to be a former ally of the late president Marcos. He has a networth of $1.6 billion at the age of 73 with 6 children. He also called LT and used as an example in many network marketing meetings in topics showing the difference between an employee and an employer. Rank No. 4 - Andrew Tan. Andrew was a son of a factory worker. He even walks miles on his way to school since cannot afford the fare. Now he is the president of Megaworld Corporation. He is now included in the list of Filipino billionaires with a networth of $1.1 billion. Rank N0. 5 - Manny Villar. Manuel “Manny” Bamba Villar, Jr. currently the nation’s Senate President. In early childhood, he grew up in slum areas as a hardworking son of a shrimp vendor. He is the founder of Camella Homes and now he is the largest shareholder of Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. Manny is married with 3 children and currently $940 Million in networth. Rank No. 6 George Ty. He is the founder of Metropolitan Bank and Trust popularly known as Metrobank. He also has stakes in the BPI and Philippine Savings Bank. Now, he develops luxury condominiums in Mandaluyong teaming up with John Gokongwei. His Toyota Motor Philippines is the country’s No. 1 vehicle in all of vehicle sales categories supplying almost half of the Philippines’ cars and trucks. He is now 74 years of ag, married with child children and has a networth of $870 Million. Rank No. 7 Andrew Gotianun. Andrew controls Filinvest Development Corp which holds 70% of Filinvest Land, and East West Bank. he started early in life salvaging World War II ships and later on branched into car financing. He is married and has $860 Million in Networth and has 2 children. Rank No. 8 Enrique Razon Jr. He is the president and chairman of International Container Terminal Holdings, Inc., International Container Terminal Services Inc. and Sureste Realty Corp. Still young at 47. He has a networth of $820 Million and married with 2 children. Rank No. 9 Tony Tan Caktiong & family. Founder of Jollibee Foods Corporation who later aquired Greenwich, Chowking, Red Ribbon and the latest, Hongzhuangyuan a 33-branched food chain in China. He is 57 yearls old, married with 3 children and has a networth of $790 Million. Rank No. 10 Oscar Lopez & family. He has a networth of $775 Million at the age of 77, married with 8 children and He is the chairman of Lopez Group Foundation, Inc. He also controls a stake in ABS-CBN Foundation.

Its Kulam is True ?

Kulam is a kind of witchcraft practiced in the Philippines. Witches who use kulam are called mangkukulamand are often feared for their use of black magic. Nowadays however, there has been a move to revamp the image of kulam and present it under a more flattering light. A few locally published books, such as Tony Perez's Mga Panibagong Kulam (Modern Spells), hope to achieve this by bringing their case to a younger, more open-minded market. Be that as it may, many still hold the traditional view of kulam as a dark, evil form of sorcery. Superstitious Filipinos intimate that mangkukulam are often from the islands of Siquijor and Samar, and the province of Sorsogon. Even in this day and age, residents of these places are often regarded with suspicion by neighboring communities. Incidentally, these areas are also known for their many "faith healers." Kulam is heavily influenced by voodoo, and the foremost image of kulam in the public imagination involves kulam practitioners using a rag doll to injure their intended victims. Something belonging to the victim must be obtained by the practitioner in order for the curse to work, and it's often said that the closer the object is to the intended victim, the stronger the spell will be. Thus, things like a strand of hair, spit, or drops of blood are highly recommended for maximum effect. The mangkukulam starts the curse by tying a string around the body of a black rag doll. She then utters an incantation - often in Pig Latin - invoking various spirits and elementals. The string around the doll symbolizes the witch's power over the victim, and at this point, anything she does to the doll will be also be felt by the victim. She may prick his arms with a needle, submerge his head under water, set his limbs on fire, and so forth. Believers insist that the curse can only be lifted by two methods: removing the string tied around the doll, or killing the witch herself. Kulam, however, exists in a wider context, and is not simply about sticking needles into dolls. Most people see the mangkukulam as a kind of village witch, and often go to her for things such as love spells, spells to catch a cheating husband, etc. Sometimes the mangkukulam will maintain a rivalry with a village arbularyo or medicine man. Other times, the mangkukulam herself doubles as the village's witch doctor, or faith healer, "curing" sicknesses inflicted upon them by the local versions of dwarves, wood nymphs, and other spirits. Interestingly enough, Philippine witchcraft often co-exists harmoniously with Catholicism, especially in the country's rural areas. Good witches invoke the name of saints, whisper Latin prayers, and even wear scapulars to ward off the machinations of their evil counterparts. Black witches, on the other hand, are said to be in league with the devil himself.