PHL Embassy in KL Recognizes Model Malaysian Employers

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz and Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya (sixth and seventh from left, respectively) join the o cials of the model employers in after they were bestowed plaques of recognition. Also in photo is Labor Attaché Elizabeth Marie Estrada (rightmost).

he Philippine Embassy in tary Rosalinda D. Baldoz, who was in protection of our migrant workers is and rewards system for compliant Kuala Lumpur recognized Kuala Lumpur for a visit. of paramount importance and a na- principals and employers,” Secretary model employers of Filipino Secretary Baldoz cited the pro- tional policy. In relation to work mi- Baldoz said. Tprofessionals and workers in cient skills of Filipino professionals gration, it is our stated principle that “People are a nation’s best re- Malaysia in ceremonies held on August and workers who have contributed the possession of skills is the highest source, and so it is with companies. 26, 2015 at the Royale Chulan Hotel. much to the vibrancy of both the Ma- form of protection. The awarding of Employees are a company’s best as- Gracing the occasion was Philip- laysian and Philippine economies. recognition certi cates to some of you set. Deal with them fairly, and they pine Labor and Employment Secre- “Under Philippine laws, the this morning is part of our incentives (Continued on page 2) PHL Embassy, UMFM Host IFTAR Reception

he Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur solidarity as individuals who care deeply for each opened its doors on July 9, 2015 for an in- other,” Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said in his terfaith celebration as it co-hosted an iftar welcome remarks. He also thanked the co-hosts (breaking of the fast) reception, in coopera- and Muslim friends for the opportunity to share the Ttion with the Union of Muslim in Malaysia iftar experience. (UMFM), the Felo Muda Dakwah (FMD) and the For his part, YADIM Deputy President Dr. Yusry Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM). Mohamad expressed his appreciation to the Embas- YADIM Deputy President Dr. Yusry Mohamad sy for co-hosting the iftar, saying that he is “pleas- led the 150 guests comprised of o cers and mem- antly surprised” that a foreign mission opened its bers of the UMFM headed by its President, Atty. doors for Muslims to have iftar together. Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya (center) presents Amilizan Mazlan, leaders of the Federation of Fili- “It is a wonderful idea which is full of positive a token to Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM) Deputy President Dr. Yusry Mohamad pino Associations in Malaysia, Muslim students and spirit and very much in line with the state of this (right). Also in photo is Union of Filipino Muslims other guests. blessed day for Muslims. The has always in Malaysia President Amilizan Mazlan (left). “The presence here of peoples of many faiths been a great neighbor, and Islam places a special is a manifestation of our reverence and deep love appreciation of neighbors,” Dr. Yusry said. almost all the major cities and towns of the Philip- of God and an expression of our abiding apprecia- There are some four million Muslim Filipi- pine archipelago. “They are part and parcel of the tion for all the blessings that He has given us and nos. They live mostly in the Bangsamoro, but also vibrant, multicultural nation that is the Philippines, our families. It is also a celebration of our unity and among Christians and peoples of other faiths in (Continued on page2)

Diplomatic Brief 12 Layout .indd 5 11/13/15 8:42:36 AM PHL Participates in Malaysian Food and Hotel Showcase hilippine food manufacturers and ex- porters participated at the 13th Ma- Playsian International Festival of Food, Drinks, Hotel & Foodservice Equipment, Supplies, Services and Related Technol- ogy or Food and Hotel Malaysia (FHM 2015), which opened on September 29 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center. Philippine Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur J. Eduardo Malaya visited the Philippine Pavilion where nine compa- Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya (left) and Special Agriculture Representative Ana Abejuela (second from left) with the Philippine delegation to the Food and Hotel Malaysia 2015 at the Philippine pavilion. nies showcased foodstu , snacks, condi- ments, sauces and juices. The company to the vibrant two-way  ow of trade and hotel, restaurants, food services, bakery representatives were accompanied by investment between Malaysia and the equipment, supplies and retail industries. the Department of Agriculture (DA). Philippines. We are more than happy to With over 50 countries represented, the The participating companies includ- introduce Philippine products to the Ma- event features business-to-business en- ed Alter Trade Fair Organization, Natural laysian market. A lot of Philippine prod- gagements, a culinary exhibition and an Quantum Diversi ed Products Inc., Cho- ucts are ready not only for the Malaysian opportunity for buyers and other visitors coVron Global Corporation, VFC Condi- market, but also for the Muslim markets to see and even taste the latest products ments, Germano’s Chilli, Orich Interna- generally as these products are already and services o ered by the food, beverage tional Traders Inc., Lao Integrated Farms, halal certi ed,” Ambassador Malaya said. and hospitality industry worldwide. o Inc., Navarro Foods International Inc., and The Philippine delegation also at- Mama Sita’s (Marigold Manufacturing tended an importers’ lunch on October 1 (PHL Embassy , UMFM Host IFTAR. . .from Page 1) Corp). at the Seri Paci c Hotel, featuring a fusion and we are proud of our Muslim Filipinos,” Ambas- Special Agriculture Representative of Malaysian-Filipino cuisine. The Malay- sador Malaya added. sian dishes were prepared using Mama Ana Abejuela coordinated the participa- The event coincided with the 22nd day of the tion of the group in the FHM 2015. Sita’s mixes and sauces. holy month of Ramadan, and entering the 23rd “The participation of Philippine food FHM is considered as Malaysia’s of- companies in the FHM 2015 is a testament  cial trade exhibition for food, drinks, night, considered an auspicious event among Mus- lims as it is the Laylat al-Qadr or the special night of power. It is one of odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan, and Muslims believe that on this night, the blessings and mercy of Allah are abundant, sins are forgiven, and supplications are accepted. YADIM was established by the Malaysian Gov- ernment in 1974 as a foundation to promote posi- tive dawah (preaching Islam) work in the country. The Embassy and the UMFM also hosted an iftar reception on June 25. The July 9 event was the Incoming Special Agriculture Representative for Malaysia Nonet Fulgencio (right) joins Ambassador Ma- second iftar reception at the Embassy, followed by laya and Ms. Abejuela at the pavilion. a Hari Raya reception in August.o

(PHL Embassy in KL Recognizes. . .from Page 1) rie Estrada were Resorts World Genting (Genting will be announced later this year in Manila. will give you back a hundred fold in terms of pro- Malaysia Bhd), Boustead Heavy Industries Corp “Filipino workers around the world are well ductivity and loyalty,” Philippine Ambassador to Bhd, MMC Oil & Gas Sdn Bhd, iTac MSC Outsourc- regarded because of their competence, hard work, Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya said. ing Sdn Bhd, Jabil Circuit Sdn Bhd, In neon Tech- English pro ciency, and positive work ethic. We are “These companies have not only bene ted nologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, AIG Shared Services glad that Malaysian companies have seen their ex- much from their engagement of Filipino profes- (M) Sdn Bhd, Encora Technologies Sdn Bhd, Rene- emplary value,” Ambassador Malaya added. sionals and skilled workers but also have been our sas Semiconductor KL Sdn, Schlumberger Business The companies were chosen based on their track steadfast partners in safeguarding the rights and Support Hub Sdn Bhd, KNM Process System Sdn record on employee protection and welfare promo- welfare of their workers. We are recognizing them Bhd, Technip Geoproduction Sdn Bhd, and Sapura tion. They also have programs on employee welfare today, with the hope that other employers would Kenchana HL Sdn Bhd. and have no complaints pending against them. follow their good examples,” he added. They will also compose the short-list of nomi- Numerous Filipino workers in Malaysia are in Bestowed plaques of commendation by Am- nees for Malaysia for the ministerial-level and pres- the services, IT, engineering, entertainment and bassador Malaya and Labor Attache Elizabeth Ma- idential level awards for model employers, which teaching sectors. o

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Diplomatic Brief 12 Layout .indd 2 11/13/15 8:42:34 AM PHL Postmaster General Visits KL to Boost New PhilPost Services

he Philippine Postal Service (PhilPost) launched in Malaysia its innovative pro- grams and services for , including its money remittances services, Tduring the visit of Postmaster General Ma. Jose na M. Dela Cruz on July 10 to 13. On July 12, Postmaster-General Dela Cruz met with the o cers and members of the Federation of Filipino Associations in Malaysia (FFAM) and other members of the Filipino community to present the new services being undertaken by the Philippine Postal Service (PhilPost). One of the new services is money remittance which o ers a cheaper service fee, yet it is more reliable and faster, according to the Postmaster General. Aside from the remittance service, PhilPost continues to improve its mailing system, parcel delivery and international express transfers. Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya and Postmaster-General Jose na dela Cruz (top photos) give their mes- In his remarks before the presentation, Am- sage during the meeting with the Filipino community. The Philippine Postal Service (PhilPost) is undertak- bassador J. Eduardo Malaya conveyed his warm ing information dissemination programs to inform Filipinos of its new and upgraded services. greetings to the Postmaster General and her deliver the new postal services to every Filipino The PhilPost has partnered with the Interna- delegation during their visit to the Embassy and who avails of them. tional Money Express (IME) Kuala Lumpur in the encouraged the Filipino community to support The Postmaster General also conveyed her money remittance business. PhilPost’s schemes, which will boost the Philip- heartfelt thanks to the FFAM leaders and to the IME Chief Executive O cer and Director Espen pine economy. Embassy o cers and sta who made the meeting Kristensen said during his remarks before the lead- Postmaster General Dela Cruz, who was pre- a huge success. ers of FFAM that Filipinos are one of their favorite viously the provincial governor of Bulacan and the “This is so far one of the biggest and the most enthu- clients, and “we are dedicated to extend e cient rst woman Postmaster General, is committed to siastic crowd that we have visited overseas,” she said. and a ordable services to them.” o Malaysia Craft Festival Features PHL Indigenous Music and Mat Weaving Filipino indigenous music and mat weaving were among the highlights of the rst-ever Kuala Lumpur International Craft Festival (KLICF 2015) held from September 10 to 13, 2015 at Kompleks Kraf. kulintang and Cordillera’s gong and bamboo instruments were played by the musi- cal group University of the Philippines’ Tugtugang Musika Asyatika (UP TUGMA) at the festival’s open- ing ceremonies, while mat weaver Sarifa Dakula showcased the indigenous mat-weaving industry of southern Philippines. The Philippine participation was made possi- ble with the cooperation of the Philippine National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA). The Tres Marias, composed of Malaysia-based Filipino entrepreneurs Gretchen Ong, Peaches Aberin and Vida Sockanathan, also featured Filipino (Left photo) Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya and mat weaver Sarifa Dakula with one of her nished works (Top photo, right) University of the Philippines’ Tugtugang Musika Asyatika (UP TUGMA) perform at the opening cer- capiz products at the international crafts tent. emonies. (Bottom photo) Consul General Macaraig explains the capiz displays to Malaysian Tourism and Cul- (Continued on page 4) ture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Nazri Abdul Aziz (center). Also shown is Cultural Attache Helen Grace Cuisia.

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Diplomatic Brief 12 Layout .indd 3 11/13/15 8:42:34 AM (Malaysia Craft. . .from Page 3) Meanwhile, Ms. Dakula comes Culture in line with the Malaysia Year from a family of mat weavers, taking of Festivals 2015, the KLICF brought UP TUGMA is the premiere up the craft when she was 12 years together artists from 32 countries in organization of Asian music stu- old. She shares that weaving comes a platform for exchange and knowl- dent-performers in the country, naturally to her, and she has been edge sharing for entrepreneurs, local affiliated with the UP College of teaching and sharing her knowledge craftsmen and international artists. Music’s Department of Musicol- to younger mat-weavers. At the same time, the festival aimed ogy. The organization was es- She and her family are advocat- to expand business linkages among tablished to build and develop a ing the continued sharing and edu- craft producers and exhibitors. more conscious audience base for cation of the young on mat weaving With the theme “Unite Crafts Asian music and culture, and to among her people in Kumaralang, Society”, the festival brought togeth- raise the bar of Philippine indig- Consul General Macaraig (left) Zamboanga del Sur. er 430 entrepreneurs through activi- enous music in the global com- presents a capiz tray to Tourism One of the activities organized by ties such as bazaars, demonstrations munity. Minister Datuk Seri Nazri. the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism and and cultural performances. o PHL Production of “Saturday Night Fever: PHL Artist’s Impressionism Works Shine in The Musical” Wows Malaysian Audience The “Saturday Night Fever: The Musical”, Art Expo Malaysia 2015 featuring a predominantly Filipino cast and crew, wowed Malaysian audiences at its pre- miere in Kuala Lumpur held on September 4 at the Istana Budaya (Malaysia National Theatre). Embassy o cers and sta led by Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Medardo G. Macaraig joined the opening night audience composed of Malaysian o cials, theatregoers, artists and members of the media. “We are extremely proud of these artists, Deputy Chief of Mission and Con- who once again proved to the public that Filipi- sul General Medardo Macaraig nos are competent and talented in the theatre (rightmost) with (from right) musi- arts. They have elevated the pro le of the Phil- cal producer Bobby Barreiro, direc- ippines and the Filipino community here. The tor Bobby Garcia and Minister and Consul Maria Antonina Mendoza- musical also highlighted the fact that Filipinos Oblena. can mount and execute a world-class theatre Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya (right) and Filipino artist and art educa- production,” Consul General Macaraig said. tor Rodney Yap (left)  ank National Visual Arts Gallery chairman Dato’ Corp brought in the production to Malaysia, Mahadzir Lokman (second from left) and a Malaysian Ministry of Tour- Based on the 1977 movie of the same supported by Malaysia Major Events, the Ma- ism and Culture o cial at the Philippine Embassy booth at the Art Expo title starring John Travolta, Saturday Night Fe- laysian Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Malaysia’s (AEM) 2015 Embassy Row. ver tells of the coming of age of Tony Manero, Istana Budaya. The production had a month- a young man who dreams of life beyond his long successful run in Manila and proceeded to The abstract-surreal impres- around the Philippines and overseas. Brooklyn neighborhood, and spends his week- Singapore after the Kuala Lumpur leg. sionism artwork of Davao-based artist His works won acclaim in the Philip- ends being the “disco king”. Dancing helps The Filipino production team and cast and art educator Rodney Yap received pine Art Awards from 2007 to 2012, him to momentarily forget the realities of a included veteran theatre director Bobby Garcia, praises at the Art Expo Malaysia (AEM) winning the top plum in 2007, 2009, dead-end job, family troubles, racial tensions in producer Bobby Barreiro, and theatre actors 2015 held on September 10-13 at the 2010 and 2011. the local community, and his association with Mikkie Bradshaw, Bibo Reyes, Nel Gomez, Rafa a gang of macho friends. The musical features MATRADE Exhibition and Convention His works can be best described Siguion-Reyna, Altair Alonso, Carla Guevarra- the music of The BeeGees and incorporates the Laforteza and Jamie Wilson. Center in Kuala Lumpur. as abstract-surreal impressionism and dance moves of the disco era. Americans Brandon Rubendall and Mr. Yap represented the Philip- are very contemporary. He employs Filipino company Atlantis Theatrical Jenna Rubali played leads Tony Manero and pines at the Embassy Row of the AEM. multi-layering technique, with calli- Entertainment Group and Ten Bridges Media Stepahine Magano, respectively. o This is the third time the PHL Embassy graphic linear images. participated in the AEM, joining the Mr. Yap, who has been hailed as embassies of Argentina, Belgium, Bra- the “best in Asia” by Malaysia’s Dusun Diplomatic BRIEF zil, France, Iran, Italy, Mexico, Mon- Magazine, comes from the Manobo The Diplomatic Brief is a quarterly publication of the golia, Romania and Venezuela in the tribe and was raised in Davao City. He Embassy of the Philippines No. 1 Changkat Kia Peng yearly art fair. holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Kuala Lumpur 50450 Malaysia “For the third year, we are glad to Major in Painting, from the Ford Acad- (603) 2148-4233/9989/4862/4654 showcase Filipino artistry through Ma- emy of Arts in Davao City. www.philembassykl.org.my laysia’s biggest art show. Mr. Yap’s works The AEM now on its ninth year Editorial Coordinator: embody the best of Philippine art, and his is the longest running international Johann Veronica M. Andal Editorial Assistant: participation has made us proud,” Am- art fair in Southeast Asia, featuring 70 Emryss Esparto bassador J. Eduardo Malaya said. established and reputable art galleries It is published with the support of An artist and art educator, Mr. from 30 countries, exhibiting 2,000 Forex Cargo Malaysia Yap has mounted solo exhibitions in pieces of artwork (including paintings, (Alan Canlas and Tess Dizon) Concept/design and layout by Davao, Manila, Brussels and Warsaw, sculptures, installation and photogra- www.oscardecastro.ca and has participated in art exhibits phy), under one roof. o

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