mike in manila - island life

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

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    FYI News Features

    July 4th, 2006

    From 1946 to the mid-60's, the 4th of July was the day that Filipinos celebrated Independence Day, but for the past 40 years, it has been downplayed to a mere Fil-Am, Friendship Day. But for the American community here, this day marks the two countries' shared values and vision, remembered as intensely as when they fought their common enemies side-by-side. Michael Cohen

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    Lifestyle Feature

    June 6th, 2006

    Name a favourite spot in the nation’s capital and Baywalk would surely top the list nowadays. This, after the Manila City government did a total make-over of what was once a dimly-lit bicycle lane frequented by shady characters, transforming it into a vibrant park that appeals to people from all walks of life. —Ron Jalmasco

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    News Feature

    June 1st, 2006

    Around 3,000 Filipinos leave the country every day to work abroad. While government acknowledges that Overseas Filipino Workers are the prime movers of the economy, it is alarmed by the inevitability of a brain drain here at home. —Ces Vitan

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    News Feature

    June 1st, 2006 Impassioned speeches and slogans filled the streets of Metro Manila and other Philippine cities on Labor Day, as thousands of the country's work force expressed their frustration over low wages and rising prices of commodities, oil and utility services. —Doris Bigornia.
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    Environment Feature

    May 29th, 2006 It is nice to watch children build their dreams, albeit on sand castles, but to see those dreams fall apart along the banks of a dying river negates the essence of both childlike faith… and dreams. —Ces Vitan
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    FYI Health Feature

    May 24th, 2006 It need not be a fad to be fit. With stress and unhealthy lifestyles, it still pays to be conscious about one's health and well-being.
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    News Feature

    May 18th, 2006 Overseas Filipino Workers are often extolled as heroes, but with every cent they remit back home comes an even bigger sacrifice. Save from enduring the difficulties of working away from home, they face the risk of drifting farther from the family they work hard for. –Ces Vitan
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    FYI Environment Feature

    May 15th, 2006 He could have made it as a bigtime businessman, but Toto Malvar chose to follow God's lead... to go live with His people, nurture them, as they learn to nurture their environment. --By Ron Jalmasco
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    News Feature

    May 14th, 2006

    A not-so-uncommon sight during rallies is the big number of children and teens participating—perhaps too young to understand the cause that they, or their elders, are marching for. —Erika Guarino