Vol. II No. 02 The Official Newsletter of the Philippine Embassy, Athens www.philembathens.gr December 2012 Ambassador Montealegre discusses Welfare of Filipino Migrants in Greece with Minister of Public Order and Citizen Protection Philippine Ambassador to Greece Meynardo LB. Monteale- gre paid a courtesy call on 04 December 2012, on Minister of Public Order and Citizen Protection Nikolaos Dendias.

Ambassador Montealegre conveyed appreciation for Greece’s hosting of close to 12,000 land-based and 50,000 sea-based Filipinos in the country. He highlighted the long tradition of friendship and cooperation that has al- ways existed between the two countries, and expressed hope for deepening such cooperation.

Minister Dendias told the Ambassador that Filipinos enjoy the high regard of Greek employers. He praised them for being friendly, well-mannered, peaceful, and law-abiding citizens. He also acknowledged the fact that Filipino work- ers in Greece are an important element in Greek society and economy.

Both the Ambassador and the Minister agreed to closely cooperate on matters concerning the welfare of Filipinos Ambassador Meynardo LB. Montealegre and Minister of Public Order living and working in Greece.  and Citizen Protection Nikolaos Dendias exchange views during the courtesy call of the Ambassador on 04 December 2012.

FilCom celebrates ‘Paskong Athens PE Meets the Hellenic- Ambassador Montealegre Meets with Pinoy” in Greece Filipino Chamber for Business and the Minister of Tourism of Greece Commerce

The Philippine Ambassador to Greece Meynardo LB. Montealegre met with the founding members of the Hellenic -Filipino Chamber for Business and Commerce, Mr. Yorgos Psinakis, Mr. Harris Ikonomopoulos, and Ms. Chris- tina Deligianni at the chancery on 22 October 2012. This is the first meet- ing between the Philippine Embassy in Athens and the Chamber.

Ambassador Meynardo Montealegre delivers his Christmas message to the Filcom mem- Also present during the meeting were bers. First Secretary and Consul General Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil, Third The Filipino community and the Philip- Secretary and Vice Consul Sheila pine Embassy in Athens celebrated Marie C. Tario, Labor Attache Romulo Philippine Ambassador to Greece Paskong Pinoy at the Athinaion Cinema Salud, Welfare Officer Leonor Maba- Meynardo LB. Montealegre met with on Sunday, 16 December 2012 in Athens. gal, and Philippine Honorary Consul H.E. Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of The celebration was well-attended by in Thessaloniki Nikolaos Margaro- Tourism of the Hellenic Republic on 21 Filipinos from all over Greece, many of poulos. November 2012 at the Ministry of whom are members of the different or- Tourism in Athens. ganizations. This years’s theme revolved In his opening remarks, Ambassador During the meeting, Ambassador Mon- around “Paskong Pinoy sa Gresya: Diwa Montealegre expressed support for ng Pagkakaisa,” inviting hope, optimism, the Chamber. He also stated that he tealegre apprised the Minister of the and true spirit of unity and cooperation looks forward to closer cooperation growing business confidence on the among the Filipinos in Greece amidst the and partnership between the Philip- , brought about by Presi- economic difficulties in the country. dent Benigno S. Aquino III’s transfor-

(Continued on page 8) (Continued on page 3) (Continued on page 3)

2 PhilippiNew s December 2012

Athens PE Conducts “Akyat Barko” Overseas OAV Activities Absentee Voting (OAV) Mobile Registration

On board MV Cosco Ningbo at Perama Port in Piraeus, Athens, on 7 September 2012. On board MV Thomson Majesty on 03 October On board on board MV Louis Olympia on 08 2012 October 2012

On board M Tanker Andromeda on 11 Octo- ber 2012 On board on board MV Louis Cyrstal on 12 On board MV Grandeur of the Seas on 19 Oc- October 2012 tober 2012

At the Pireaus Port Terminal capturing sea- farers on board MV Crown Princess and MYS Wind Spirit on 20 October 2012 On board MV Norwegian Spirit on 22 October On board MV Seven Seas Mariner on 23 Octo- 2012 ber 2012

OAV Field Registrations in Corfu, Greece, 09 September; Nicosia ,Cyprus, 14-16 September; Thessaloniki, Greece, 14 October; and Kos and Rhodos Island, Greece, 25-27 October 2012

OAV Mobile Registrations in Crete, Greece, 21-22 April; Nicosia, Cyprus, 26-27 May; Zappieo, Athens, 10 June; Filcom Event, Athens, 02 September; and Patras, 31 October 2012

December 2012 PhilippiNews 3 Athens PE renews ties with the Local Gov’t Officials and Business Leaders of Patras Philippine Ambassador to Greece about by Meynardo LB. Montealegre met with President Be- various government officials and busi- nigno S. ness leaders during his official visit to Aquino III’s Patras from 29 to 30 November 2012. transforma-

During his meetings, Ambassador Mon- tional leader- tealegre explored areas of cooperation ship, particu- between the Philippines and the local larly his government and business community of strong cam- Patras. paign for transparency Ambassador Montealegre also high- and anti- lighted the growing positive business corruption. confidence in the Philippines brought The Philip- pines recently posted a GDP of 7.1% for the third quarter of In the photo: Ambassador Meynardo LB. Montealegre (center) with the Presi- 2012 surpass- dent of the Chamber of Commerce of Achaia, Mr. Platon Marlafekas, (left) and ing economic Philippine Honorary Consul in Patras, Mrs. Anastasia Manolopoulou (right). forecasts. Am- bassador Montealegre also underscored nis Dimaras, Mayor of Patras, Mr. Mano- the fact that from being a user of IMF lis Aggelakas, General Secretary of the resources for decades, the Philippines Decentralized Administration of Pelo- has now attained creditor status. ponnese, West Greece and Ionion, Mr.

The business leaders expressed great Platon Marlafekas, President of the Ambassador Montealegre (second interest in the Philippines and agreed to Chamber of Commerce of Achaia, Mr. from left) explores areas of coopera- Phaedon Couniniotis, President of the tion with Mr. Manolis Aggelakas, Gen- exchange information with the Philip- pine Embassy and the Philippine Hon- Federation of Industries of Peloponnese eral Secretary of the Decentralized and Western Greece. Ambassador Mon- Administration of Peloponnese, West orary Consulate in Patras. tealegre also met with members of the Greece and Ionion (center). Ambassador Montealegre met Mr. Ioan- Filipino community in Patras.

(Continued from page 1) Patras is located in northern Pelopon- …. Hellenic Filipino nese and is the third largest city of pine Embassy and Greece. It is the second largest port af- the Hellenic-Filipino ter Piraeus in Athens.  Chamber for Busi- ness and Commerce. (Continued from page 1)...Minister of Tourism Ambassador Mon- tealegre informed mational leadership, particularly his the founding mem- strong campaign for good govern- bers of the Chamber ance, transparency, and anti- of the recent devel- corruption. opments obtaining in the Philippines Ambassador Montealegre further primarily the posi- stated that in the first quarter of tive economic 2012, the Philippines posted a GDP growth, and the From left: Labor Attache Romulo Salud, Welfare Officer Leonor of 6.4% and 5.9% in the second growing business Mabagal, Consul General Charmaine Aviquivil, Honorary Consul Nikolaos Margaropoulos, Ambassador Meynardo LB. Montealegre, quarter surpassing economic fore- confidence by foreign Mr. Yorgos Psinakis, Ms. Christina Deligianni, Mr. Harris Ikono- casts. investors in the Phil- mopoulos, and Vice Consul Sheila Tario. ippines brought about Both Ambassador Montealegre and by the transforma- Minister Kefalogianni acknowl- tional leadership of President Benigno ing economic relations between the edged that the Philippines and S. Aquino III. Philippines and Greece. They stated Greece can learn so much from each

The Chamber acknowledged the nu- that both the Embassy and the Chamber other in terms of tourism promo- tion and industry development. merous positive developments in the can work together on joint activities Both sides agreed to revitalize rela- Philippines and agreed to work closely such as business seminars, and trade tions between the Philippines and with the Philippine Embassy in further- missions, among others.  Greece in the area of tourism. 

4 PhilippiNew s December 2012

Ambassador Montealegre visits the Thessaloniki International Fair positive business confidence in the Philip- pines brought about by President Benigno S. Aquino III’s transformational leader- The Thessaloniki Internatio- ship, particularly his strong campaign for nal Fair is one of the biggest transparency and accountability. As a expositions in Greece. The result, the Philippines is now dubbed as Fair is currently on its 77th one of the “Breakout Nations” surpassing year and is being held from 8 economic forecasts. In turn, the local busi- to 16 September 2012 at the ness leaders were impressed to hear Thessaloniki International about the latest achievements of the Phi- Exhibitions and Congress lippines. Center. The Fair features various thematic sections for Thessaloniki is located in northern Greece automobiles, building mate- and is the country’s second major econo- rials and construction, ener- mic, industrial, commercial and political gy, furniture, Greek regions, center, and a major transportation hub state organizations, inven- for the rest of southeastern Europe. It was tions, e-gaming, and farming. the second largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire.  From right: Ambassador Montealegre, Mr. Papakonstantinou, During his meetings, General Director of Helexpo SA, and Mr. Margaropoulos, Phil- Ambassador Monteale- ippine HonCon in Thessaloniki gre explored areas of economic cooperation The Philippine Ambassador to Greece between the Philippines and the Meynardo LB. Montealegre visited the business community of Thessaloni- Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) on 8 ki. The meeting with Mr. Bakatselos September 2012. He also met with Mr. was an opportunity to discuss the Dimitrios Bakatselos, President of the details of an Investment Seminar on Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) the Philippines to be held in Thessa- Ambassador Montealegre met with Mr. Bakatselos, of Thessaloniki and Mr. Ioannis Papa- loniki in the last quarter of this year. President of the CCI of Thessaloniki, and his team to konstantinou, General Director of Helexpo Ambassador Montealegre also high- discuss details of a planned Investment Seminar on SA during the visit. lighted in his meetings the growing the Philippines.

Ambassador Montealegre Meets with the Athens PE Meets with the Chairman of Thenamaris Ships Management President of Stealth Maritime Corporation Philippine Ambassador to Greece Philippine Meynardo LB. Montealegre met with Mr. Ambassador Ioannis C. Martinos, Chairman of Thena- to Greece maris Ships Management, on 16 Novem- M e y n a r d o ber 2012 at the Thenamaris Headquar- LB. Mon- ters in Vouliagmeni, Greece. tealegre met with Mr. During the meeting, Ambassador Mon- H a r r i s tealegre expressed appreciation to Mr. Vafias, Presi- Martinos for hiring Filipinos to man dent of Thenamaris’ vessels. He also encouraged Stealth Mari- Mr. Martinos to consider investing in the time Corporation, on 6 November 2012 at shipbuilding sector in the Philippines, Ambassador (center) meets Mr. Martinos the Vafias Group headquarters in Athens. which is now number four as a ship- (left), Chairman of Thenamaris Ships Mana- building nation. gement and Mr. Tsapoulis, Deputy Manager Mr. Vafias conveyed to Ambassador Mon- of the Marine Personnel Department (right). tealegre his appreciation to the Philippine Mr. Martinos informed Ambassador Government for recognizing companies, Montealegre that his company has with the overall strategy of the Philip- such as Stealth Maritime Corp., that hire a around 1,000 Filipino employees. He pines and its systematic approach in number of Filipinos. According to Mr. likewise acknowledged the fact that the developing its economy. Vafias, Filipinos comprise at least 90% of Philippines is number one in the world the crew in each of Stealth Maritime’s ves- in terms of manning services for con- Mr. Martinos and Ambassador Mon- sels. Mr. Vafias further stated that his com- tinuously producing high quality offi- tealegre agreed to cooperate with one pany prefers Filipinos for their skill, hard cers. another in further strengthening eco- work, and fluency in English. Mr. Vafias nomic ties between Greece and the Phil- Ambassador Montealegre informed Mr. and Ambassador Montealegre agreed to ippines. cooperate with one another in further Martinos about the growing positive strengthening economic ties between business confidence by foreign investors Thenamaris was founded in 1970 and Greece and the Philippines. on the Philippines through the transfor- provides management services to the mational leadership of President Be- Stealth Maritime Corp. was founded by Mr. owners of more than 50 modern tankers nigno S. Aquino III. Mr. Martinos replied Harris Vafias in 1999. Today, it is Greece’s and bulk carriers, mostly built after the that they, at Thenamaris, are following year 2000, of an overall tonnage of fourth largest shipping group. Stealth closely the developments in the Philip- about four million tons deadweight.  Maritime’s tankers trade worldwide.  pines. He stated that he is impressed

December 2012 PhilippiNew s 5 participate again in the said Festival next year. th PHL joins the 50 Lefkas International Folklore Consul General Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil, Vice Consul Sheila Marie C. Tario and other Festival in Greece Embassy staff watched and supported the Group’s performances.

The Kaloob Ministry is committed to the studious research, documentation, preservation, appre- ciation, promotion and creative reuse of fast- vanishing Philippine indigenous music, dance and rituals.

The Ambassador expressed his appreciation to The KALOOB performs Tinikling in the Open Theater of Lefkas which impressed the Lefkadian audience Mayor Aravanis and the organizers for inviting The Philippines, represented by the Kaloob Phil- opening ceremony on 19 August upon the invita- and hosting the Philippines to participate in the ippine Dance and Music Ministry under Eduardo tion of the Mayor of Lefkada, Mr. Kostas Ara- Festival during his call in the Mayor’s office. Lapiz as its founder, president and artistic direc- vanis, and to support the group. T h r o u g h tor, participated in the 50th Lefkas International Thirty-four Kaloob members represented the the Festi- Folklore Festival in Lefkada, northwestern island group during the Lefkas Folklore Festival. The val, the of Greece from 19 to 26 August 2012. Em b a ssy Group’s performances of and Tinikling The Festival gathered 34 performing groups from wowed the audience during the street parade and aims to regional parts of Greece and other countries the opening ceremony held in the town center of showcase including Estonia, Mexico, Venezuela, Japan, Lefkada on 19 August. the rich c u l t u r a l China, Israel, India, Poland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, The dance troupe also performed Tinikling, Bi- Bulgaria, and Palestine. Lefkada invited the Phil- heritage of nasuan, Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Maglalatik and other the Philip- ippines through the Philippine Embassy in Ath- traditional dances and music. ens, which coordinated the Philippine participa- p i n e s This is the first time that the Philippines is partici- t h r o u g h tion with the Kaloob Ministry, the DFA and the pating in the Festival. The audience was im- dance and Ambassador Montealegre exchanges NCCA, as part of its economic and cultural pro- pressed with the colorful and graceful presenta- gram. music to pleasantries with Mayor of Lefkas, Mr. tion of the dance troupe. The organizers ex- the Greek Kostas Aravanis. The Philippine Embassy led by Ambassador pressed their interest to invite the Philippines to audience. Meynardo LB. Montealegre, joined the festival’s

PHL Dance Troupe Wows Greek Audience at the EARTHDANCERS” Festival

The KALOOB Philippine Music and Dance Minis- Aside from the Philippines and Greece, try impressed the Greek audience with its rousing the Earthdancers Festival gathered nine performance of “Maglalatik” to the tune of “Zorba, (9) other performing groups from different the Greek” during the 2nd International Culture countries such as Argentina, Bulgaria, Festival “EARTHDANCERS” from 29 August to Egypt, France, Mexico, Palestine, Portu- 02 September 2012 at the Municipalities of Ga- gal, Turkey, and Venezuela. latsi and Marathonos, in Central Greece. The The Philippine Embassy led by Ambassa- th The Kaloob performs “Maglalatik” to the tune of “Zorba Group earlier participated in the 50 Lefkas Inter- dor Meynardo LB. Montealegre, joined the the Greek” during the closing ceremony held at the Alsos national Folklore Festival in Lefkada, northwest- Festival’s opening and closing ceremonies ern island of Greece from 19 to 26 August 2012. Veikou Open Air Theater, Galatsi,Greece. on 29 August and 02 September , respec- The Group’s participation in both Festivals was tively upon the invitation of the Mayor of Galatsi, coordinated by the Philippine Embassy in Athens Mr. Kyriakos Tsiros, and to support the group. The Filcom members felt very proud to witness as part of its economic and cultural diplomacy During the main performances from 30 August to the group’s lively and colorful presentations and program. 01 September, the dance troupe performed Sing- marveled at the well-researched and authentic kil, Tinikling, Binasuan, Pandanggo sa Ilaw, and rendition of the Filipino traditional music and The Group, led by Mr. Lapiz, called on the Am- dances. They expressed the hope that another bassador on 28 August at the Philippine Em- other traditional dances and music. Philippine group will visit Greece soon to show- bassy. The Ambassador thanked the Group for The Philippines participated in the Festival for the case the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines its impressive performances at the Lefkas Festi- first time. The audience was impressed with the through dance and music to the Greek audience. val and the Earthdancers Festival in Galatsi. colorful and graceful renditions of Kaloob’s reper- toire of dances including Cordillera Mr. Lapiz and the Group expressed their sincere Suites, Barrio Suites and Lumad appreciation to the Philippine Embassy for all the Suites. The organizers expressed support extended by the Ambassador and offi- their admiration of the Group’s per- cers and staff of the Embassy during the group’s formances and professionalism. call at the Philippine Embassy held on 28 August 2012. Members of the Filipino community numbering to 80 trooped to the The Group capped their five-day presentation in Open Theater to watch the group’s Athens and the Attica area with a rousing medley performance. The Filcom members of Filipino dances during the closing ceremony in Galatsi on 02 September 2012 rented a bus during the opening and the closing ceremonies of the Festi- The Kaloob donated a set, Agong and Embassy officials pose with the Kaloob group after the latter’s val to catch the Group’s presenta- bamboo poles for Tinikling to the Embassy and a performance at Outdoor Theater of the Sports and Cultural tions. set of T’boli costumes, gong and bamboo sticks Center of Nea Makri, Marathonos, Greece. to the Museum of Lefkas. 

6 PhilippiNew s December 2012

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF SERVICE FEES (EFFECTIVE 01 OCTOBER 2012) OLD NEW

Consular Updates PASSPORT SERVICES EURO EURO 1. Regular Passport (32 pages with 5 years validity) 60.00 54.00

2. Amendment of Regular Passport 20.00 18.00 ANNOUNCEMENT 3. Replacement of Lost Passport 90.00 81.00 4. Travel Documents 30.00 27.00 The general public is advised VISA SERVICES FOR ALIENS that the Greek Ministry of For- 1. 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa for pleasure/business/health a) Single entry valid for three (3) months 30.00 27.00 eign Affairs now requires that b) Multiple entry valid for six(6) months 60.00 54.00 Philippine public documents c) Multiple entry valid for one (1) year 90.00 81.00 that have to be presented in the d) For restricted aliens, single entry 40.00 36.00 territory of the Hellenic Repub- 2. 9(b) Transit Visa, single entry valid for 3 months for a stay of not more than 72 hours a) For non-restricted aliens 20.00 18.00 lic should henceforth be legal- b) For restricted aliens 40.00 36.00 ized exclusively by the compe- 3. 9(c) Seaman Visa (Individual) 20.00 18.00 tent Hellenic Consular authori- 4. 9(d) Crew List Visa of vessels ties in the Philippines (i.e. Greek a) Crew members of not more than forty (40) 100.00 90.00 b) Crew members from forty-one (41) to one-hundred (100) 150.00 135.00 Embassy in ). c) Crew members from one hundred (100) to two hundred (200) 200.00 180.00 Thank you. d) Crew members in excess of two hundred (200) 250.00 225.00 5. 13 (a-f) Non-quota immigrant visa: 150.00 135.00

a) Spouses of Filipino Citizens & unmarried children under 21 years old PHL Independent Short Films b) Filipino woman who lost their Philippine citizenship under 21 years old Participate in Three Film Festivals c) Former Filipino naturalized in a foreign country

NOTARIALS AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES Three Philippine independent (indie) short films took 1. Solemnization of Marriage 60.00 54.00 part in three different film festivals in Greece in Sep- 2. Birth/Marriage Registration 25.00 22.50 tember to October 2012. 3. Authentication/Acknowledgement of Documents 25.00 22.50

The film “Manenaya“(Waiting) by indie director Rich- 4. Certification for sealing of casket 60.00 54.00 ard Legaspi, participated in the competition program 5. Certification to the correctness of a copy/extract of document 25.00 22.50 of the International Film Festival of Drama held from 6. Copies of official records & documents or for certificates in the form of "TO WHOM IT 60.00 54.00 17 to 22 September 2012 in Drama City MAY CONCERN" (Northeastern Greece) 7. Translation Services (Per page & fraction thereof) 25.00 22.50

“Manenaya” is a story of a determined woman and 8. Interpretation Services (Per hour & fraction thereof) 60.00 54.00 her journey through life under the backdrop of the 9. Any other certificates 25.00 22.50 various landscapes of Pampanga. She brings with 10. Fax charges (Per page & fraction thereof) 25.00 22.50 her a wooden casket for her husband, a victim of th ing gamble. film “Manenaya” was well received by the Greek political killings. It won the Jury prize award in the 8 Ms. Agnes-Macam Romero and Elizabeth Bognot audience. Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival in July 2012. Masangkay, Kapampangan indie/theater actresses The film, “Hunger Pangs” and “Patronage Politics” by Another Legaspi film, “Pamatid-Gutom” (Hunger th represented the Philippines in the two film festivals. Mr. Seymour Barros Sanchez participated in the Pangs), competed in the 9 Naoussa International International Film Festival of Patras City held from 30 Film Festival held from 26 to 30 September 2012 in Athens PE coordinated with the organizers of the two Festivals, PHL Honorary Consul Nicolaos Margarou- September - 06 October 2012 in Patras, Greece. Naoussa, Northern, Greece. poulos of Thessaloniki and the Filipino community in “Patronage Politics” is a short documentary of endur- “Pamatid-Gutom”, which stars Mercedes Cabral, is a Thessaloniki for the smooth participation of the ing patterns of patronage politics in the Philippines. stark rendition of electoral politics in post-EDSA Filipino actresses in the festivals “Patronage Politics” chronicles the activities through- Philippines. A mother, desperate to feed her child, out a typical election season. By examining the fiesta takes part in the feeding program of the mayor of the From Naoussa, the two actresses proceeded to mentality of Filipinos and their attitudes towards city. Upon seeing the favorable response of the wife Athens where the Embassy hosted a simple dinner for them on 01 October 2012. According to them, the politics, several gripping comparisons will be drawn. of the mayor to her child, she undertakes a disturb- HonCon Anastasia Manalopoulou of Patras attended the film screening of “Patronage Politics.” Athens PE signs a MOU with the IST College Post also communicated with Director Legaspi and The Philippine Embassy in Athens was informed that it was a great honor for him that signed a Memorandum of Under- his films were finalists in the competition program standing (MOU) with the Independent of the Festivals although they did not win any Science and Technology College (IST awards.  College) in Greece on 14 November

2012. Philippine Ambassador to Greece Meynardo LB. Montealegre PhilippiNews signed the MOU on behalf of the Phil- Is published by the Embassy of the Philippines in Athens, Greece. ippine Embassy, while Dr. George Kastrinakis, pursue various activities such as the provision First Secretary and Consul General Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil Editor-in-Chief General Director and Legal Administrator of IST of two full scholarships for Filipino secondary Third Secretary and Vice Consul Sheila Marie C. Tario College, and Ms. Daphne Fountoukakou, Head school graduates in Greece, organization of Managing Editor of Quality Assurance and Legal Administrator of cultural exhibitions and events, facilitation of Joanne M. David Associate Editor IST College signed on behalf of IST College. cooperation and exchanges of students and Byron Villanueva The MOU aims to further relations between the academic personnel, among others. Photographer

Philippines and Greece in the academic and At present, IST College has already granted full Address: 26 Antheon St., Paleo Psychico 15452 Athens, GREECE cultural fields, particularly in shipping, tourism scholarship to a Filipino student for the current Tel. Nos.: +30 210 6721837 or 883 /2106722 011 Fax No.:+30 210 6721 872 and education. Under the MOU, each side is to academic year.  Email: [email protected] Website: www.philembathens.gr

7 PhilippiNew s December 2012

need-based skills up- or technical jobs in their office, depending LABOR PAGE grading and capability- on their educational background, with building training in additional pay.

order to enhance the Some 72 and 78 OFWs have successfully potentials, employabil- completed the requirements of POLO’s ity and global competi- skills upgrading training in Caregiving, tiveness of our house- Greek Language, Computer Literacy and hold service workers Mediterranean Cooking during the Winter (HSWs) in Greece (as and Fall sessions, respectively. compared to their Post has also concentrated in providing counterparts from guidance to OFWs on how to manage their other labor sending finances, conducting seminars/ Embassy officials attended the POLO’s Technology-Transfer countries), that would orientations on values re-direction, entre- Training on Mediterranean Cooking Class held at the VISMAG allow them to move to Center. preneurship appreciation, business coun- a higher level of service seling and technology-transfer. These In the face of the lingering economic re- -oriented work category (i.e. care givers, efforts are in line with the Philippine gov- cession in Greece since 2008, Post has hotel/restaurant workers and office re- ernment’s thrust in tapping the OFWs as strengthened its on-site reintegration ceptionists). potential investors and partners in eco- preparedness program in anticipation of It may be noted that caregivers are in nomic development of the country. While any untoward displacement of overseas high demand in Canada. Some graduates entrepreneurship has been considered as Filipino workers, as a result thereof. from the POLO’s skills training who were the best alternative to overseas opportu- Greece basically caters to household not lucky enough to renew their employ- nities, it could also trigger local employ- workers only. ment contract, have managed to transfer ment generation, and somehow mitigate Thus, the Philippine Embassy through the to Canada as care givers, while some the alarming adverse effect of the social Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) HSWs have been given opportunity by cost of migration to the Filipino families . has been focusing its efforts in conducting their employers to perform either clerical 

Athens PE Participates in the Friends of the our nation’s th Child’s 13th International Christmas Bazaar Athens PE Marks 116 Anniversary of freedom from Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal foreign oppres- The Philippine Embassy in Athens participated sion.” in the 13th International Christmas Bazaar from He also pointed 24 to 25 November 2012. The bazaar was held out that the occa- at Helexpo Palace in Marousi, Athens. Other sion provides an embassies also participated in the bazaar. opportunity to The bazaar was organized by the Friends of the celebrate not Child, a charitable association of Greek women merely Rizal’s which was established in 1987. The proceeds death, but more will be used to support the Friends of the Child’s importantly, his Nursery School for children of single mothers in brief but mean- need. The Philippine Embassy in Athens led by Ambassador Meynardo LB. ingful life and his

The Philippine Embassy showcased Filipino Montealegre and Filipino community leaders sing the “” vital influence on th products such as dried mangoes, native bags, during the 116 Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal on 30 all Filipinos. “In December 2012. pouches and fans, placemats, and ladies’ ac- his short lifetime cessories (including necklaces made from fresh spanning only 35 water pearls). The Philippine Embassy in Athens celebrated years, he has done far more for the country than the 116th anniversary of the martyrdom of Philip- Filipino cooked food (pancit, puto, lumpiang other men have been able to do in their entire pine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal together with life,” the Ambassador stated. shanghai, longganiza, empanada, butsi and Filipino community leaders in Athens on Sun- siopao) that have been enjoying popular patron- In line with the theme “Rizal 2012: Ehemplo ng day, 30 December 2012. age were also sold during the event.  Sambayanan sa Tuwid na Daan,” Ambassador Embassy officers and staff and FilCom leaders Montealegre also encouraged all present to gathered in front of the Rizal bust at the Em- emulate the life of the national hero, saying that bassy grounds to sing the national anthem, it provides an inspiration for all Filipinos to strive “Lupang Hinirang,” and pledged allegiance to to live their lives following the straight and nar- the Philippine flag through the recitation of the row path, which is also in accordance with Presi- “Panunumpa sa Watawat.” Ambassador dent Aquino’s emphasis on adhering to “tuwid Meynardo LB. Montealegre then offered a floral na daan” in his governance.

bouquet to the bust of Dr. Rizal. The Filipino community leaders actively partici- In his message, the Ambassador highlighted the pated in the event through a poetry reading of significance of the martyrdom of Rizal, saying the 14 stanzas of Rizal’s final and well-known The officers and staff of the Philippine Em- that he “died holding steadfast to his belief that masterpiece, “My Last Farewell.” This was bassy during the 13th International Christmas the freedom of all Filipinos is worth dying for,” followed by a viewing of the Rizal exhibit and a and that “his death galvanized the hearts and Bazaar which was held from 24 to 25 No- simple salu-salo.  vember 2012 at Helexpo Palace, Athens. minds of all Filipino patriots, paving the way for

8 PhilippiNew s December 2012

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Ambassador Meynardo LB. Montealegre Ambassador Montealegre attended the FILBAG Ambassador Montealegre attended the KA- opened the tournament during the Purebats 10th Annual Bowling Team Tournament Opening PAMILYA FAIR and TFCKat Contest held 14 Intercolor Basketball Tournament held on 02 on 14 October 2012 in Patision, Athens October 2012 at Danaos Theater. September 2012 at Fokianos Gymnasium.

Embassy officials attended the Accredited Ambassador Montealegre led the induction Ambassador Montealegre delivered his inspira- Community Partner (ACP) Christmas Get- of the officers of the UNIFIED Guardians in tional message during the 19th Anniversary of El Together and Oath Taking Ceremony held on Athens, Greece held on 03 November 2013 at Shaddai held on 04 November 2012 at Leondio 08 December 2012 at VISMAG Center. the President Hotel Lykeio.

(Continued from page 1)… Paskong Pinoy Youth.

Cyprus Corner A rousing Chrismas medley from talented The finale of the program was a special Filcom members, including finalists of Christmas presentation showcasing the the recently held TFC Kat Contest started talents of rising singers and dancers from the program at 10:00 a.m, followed by the Expats Pinoy Artistic Guild.  the re-enactment of the Nativity by stu- dents from the Philippine School in More Paskong Pinoy 2012 photos could Greece and invocation by thechildren of be accessed at the Embassy website. Saint Denise Catechism. During the morning program, the Ambassador deliv- ered his Christmas message to the Filcom members calling for unity amidst adver- sity. He also encouraged the members of the community to rally behind fighting vices and dangerous drugs as well as maintaining the good image of the Filipi- nos in Greece. The children enjoyed the parlor games, raffles and received gifts from the organizers.

Other presentations followed from Phil- ippine Cultural Educational Academy, Bagong Kapwa Ko Pilipino Athens Or- Athens PE conducted two mobile con- ganization, Bicolanos in Greece, Filipino sular outreach activities in Nicosia, Community Academy Institute in Athens, Cyprus conducted from 14 to 16 Sep- Catholic Union of Filipinos in Athens, St. tember and 01 to 03 December 2012. Denis English Community Choir, KASAPI/ A total of 1,293 e-passport applica- Munting Nayon/DIWATA Youth Singing tions were processed during the visits. Group, Philippine Guardians Brother-

The Philippine Honorary Consulate, hood International Greece Chapter, Youth the POLO-OWWA Cyprus and some for Christ Dancers, Philippine School in members of the Overseas Filipino Vol- Greece, Filipino Bowlers in Athens unteer Cyprus (OFVC) assisted the Greece, Unified Guardians in Greece, consular team.  Triskelion International, and El Shaddai