Filipinos on Pohnpei, Micronesia

Monday, July 13, 2009

UFCP NEWSBRIEF – Vol. 2009-002

UFCP Celebrates 111th Philippine Independence

The United Filipino Community of Pohnpei (UFCP) spearheaded the celebration of the 111th Philippine Independence Celebration here in Pohnpei, FSM.

The celebration started on June 12, 2009 with a flag raising activity at the FILCOM Center. Last June 14, a parade of floats was held and was followed by a cultural presentation (see related story).

The Guest Speaker of the celebration was Pohnpei State Governor John Ehsa. The Governor acknowledged the the contributions of the Filipino workforce here in Pohnpei and encouraged everyone to continue helping each other.

This year’s festivity was also attended by the Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy Mr. William Douglass, Deputy Chief of Mission & Councilor of the Embassy of the People’s

Republic of China Mr. QIN, Jien, the Consul and Second Secretary of the Australian Embassy Mr. Julian Parker, and Senator Aurelio Joab of the Pohnpei State Legislature.

To all of you who helped make this celebration a success - MARAMING SALAMAT PO!!! ®

SPORTSFEST 2009 - A Success!!!

The UFCP Sports fest 2009 was a big success! Though there were only three sports categories (basketball, volleyball and lawn tennis), players, committees, team followers and spectators were all happy and they all enjoyed each and every game.

There were many FIRSTS in this year’s sports fest: 1. It is the first time that the inter-color format was introduced in the basketball competition; 2. It is the first time that the basketball and volleyball teams were sponsored by the Filipino-owned businesses here in Pohnpei; and last but not the least, 3. it is the first time that there was no technical foul called on unruly or over-complaining players, coaches, or fans. There was not a single protest and there was not a single altercation.

The uniforms of all the players and sports committee members were sponsored by DROPS of Life & Scoobys.

LKL Construction thru it's manager-owner Mr. Lito Laurel sponsored all the trophies and medals for all sports events including the trophies for Best in Float & Best in Cultural Presentation.

To Rey, May & Lito, Maraming Salamat po! ®

UFCP Sportsfest 2009 Results

Basketball:

Champion - LKL

1st Runner-up - Drops of Life

2nd Runner-up - J&P

Volleyball:

Champion - Grace Special Bakery

1st Runner-up - Scooby’s

2nd Runner-up - RAM Auto Parts

Tennis:

Champion: Ray Garcia, Ed Ochoco, Gaby Estur & Ray Almeda

1st Runner-up: Rene Merencillo, Robel Basa, Loren Peterson & Tess delos Reyes

2nd Runner-up: Dindo de la Pena, Jeero Basa, Jojo Maglaqui & Armand Mariano

3rd Runner up: Ausel Rabino, Danny Dumantay, Ed Parce & Gary Garsain

CONGRATULATIONS to all of you!!! ®

KBP wins BEST FLOAT

The Katilingbang Bisaya sa Ponape (KBP) organization won the 2009 Best in Float Competition. The competition was held on the occasion of the 111th Philippine Independence Day celebration. KBP took home a beautiful trophy and $150.00 cash prize. Mr. Tony Reyes donated $100.00, and UFCP added $50.00.

Participants to this year’s float competition were: RAM Auto Parts, KBP, Kaselehlia Diner, LKL Construction, & J&P Construction. The judges were Mr. Ray Musada, Mr. Alfonso del Campo, and Mr. Roldan Laguerta.

To the float sponsors, participants, judges, and all who worked hard for floats, maraming salamat po! ®

Official Score:

1st - KBP - 285 points
2nd - K. Diner - 273 points

3rd - RAM - 257 points

TINIKLING DANCERS win Cultural Dance Presentation

The Tinikling Dancers won the 2009 Cultural Dance Competition during the 111th Philippine Independence Day Competition. The triumphant dancers took home a beautiful trophy and $150.00 cash prize (sponsored by UFCP).

There were six dance groups who participated in the said cultural dance contest, namely; Bulaklakan, Itik-itik/Polkabol, Pandaggo Rinconada, Igorot, Pandaggo sa Ilaw, and Tinikling. The judges were Senator Aurelio Joab, Dr. Vicente Loyola, and Mr. Roldan Laguerta.

To the dance contest sponsors, dancers, judges, and all who worked hard for the dance presentations, maraming salamat po! ®

Official Score:

1st - Tinikling - 292 points

2nd - Itik-itik - 289 points

3rd - Pandango Rinconada - 288 points

UFCP gives appreciation to sponsors

On the occasion of the 111th Philippine Independence Day celebration, the United Filipino of Pohnpei presented Plaques of Appreciation to various companies for their continuous support to the organization. UFCP President Engr. Gerry Figueras, together with all the UFCP Officers, awarded the said plaques to the generous companies.

The companies are as follows: CTSI-Western Union, Ace Hardware, Pohnpei True Value, VCS, Do-It-Best, Scooby’s, Drops of Life, RAM Auto Parts, Genesis Hospital & Pharmacy, Medpharm Clinic & Pharmacy, Grace Special Bakery, PLEC, Kasehlelie Diner, Car Care Center, RJ Electrical & Refrigeration Svcs., LKL Construction, J&P Construction, Kar Kitz, Happy Mart, FSMTC, and R.S.Roque Commercial Arts,

To all of you, Maraming Salamat Po!

Philippine Embassy in Palau to visit Pohnpei for MRP

The Philippine Embassy in Palau is scheduled to visit us here in Pohnpei on the first week of September 2009 for the personal appearance requirement of the Machine Readable Passport (MRP).

As early as the last quarter of 2008, the UFCP has been disseminating the information about MRP. Flyers were posted in the bulletin board of the different stores here in Pohnpei. The flyer came from the Philippine Embassy in Palau, which reads as follows: “By the year 2010, all United Nations Member countries will have to comply with the requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organization which is: ALL PASSPORTS MUST BE Machine Readable Passports (MRP) or e-PASSPORTS.”

MRP Forms

As early as June 14, 2009, the UFCP has been distributing passport renewal application forms. Attached with the said form is the step by step instruction sheet. For application forms, please contact any UFCP officer.

WHEN & WHERE to SUBMIT?

The deadline for submission of passport renewal application forms is on July 17, 2009. You can submit the said forms together with your payment to: 1. Gerry Figueras, 2. Jojo Pulmano (FSM Telecom.), 3. Rafael Pulmano (4TY Apartment), or 4. Marilyn Tiburcio (RAM Auto Parts).

FACTS on MRP

1. Requirement by 2010

As stated in the announcement from the Philippine Embassy in Palau, it is a requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organization, and that ALL United Nation member countries (NOT ONLY Philippines) have to comply.

2 .Personal Appearance

To renew the old passport to MRP, personal appearance is a requirement. That is the reason why representatives of the Philippine Embassy in Palau are coming here in Pohnpei.

3. Why I need to avail it now?

The representatives of the Philippine Embassy in Palau are coming in Pohnpei for the MRP only ONCE - Sept. 2009. Since personal appearance is a requirement, the ONLY other way to renew the old passport to MRP is to go personally to the Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines. ®

STAP to hold Bingo Fund Raising

The Samahang Tagalog Atbp. sa Ponape (STAP) will hold a bingo-fundraising on August 23, 2009 at PICS Cafeteria. The prizes for the said bingo-fundraising are as follows: $500, $250 and $100, plus 10 consolation prizes. Tickets are $5.00 each (equivalent for 2 bingo cards), and are still available from any STAP officers, as well as at the gate on game day.

Let’s all support this worthwhile endeavor. See you there!

UFCP mourns death of Athena

June 8, 2009 is a day of mourning for the Filipinos in Pohnpei. Athena Jean Mariano, who just turned four years old last May 24, passed away at Genesis Hospital due to Cardiopulmonary Arrest. Athena is the daughter of Armand & Juvilen Mariano. Her cadaver was flown to the Philippines on June 18, 2009.

God Bless her soul!!! ®

Reminders from the P.R.O. (Mr. Russell Figueras)

1. POT LUCK Assignments

There are hundreds of Filipinos in Pohnpei. If, in case, you do not receive you any pot luck assignment, please bear in mind that ALL FILIPINOS are invited in any UFCP activity. Furthermore, Potluck assignments are just suggestions; you can bring any dish you prefer.

2. ABULOY

UFCP is NOT SELECTIVE in helping any FILIPINO in Pohnpei, whether active or not active in UFCP activities. The UFCP ALWAYS extends its help to our kababayans who lost a loved one. In case of death of a father, mother

Help to our kababayans who lost a loved one. In case of death of a father, mother, brother, sister, son or daughter, please inform the details to any UFCP officer. However, UFCP also respects the decision of some members who choose not to ask for “abuloy” from the community.

3. Be on Guard

The thieves’ flavors of the month are Filipinos. RAM Auto Parts & the apartment of Elsa Veloso were recently the victims of burglars. Let us always be alert and do some preventive measures. Memorize the State Police telephone number: 320-2221. ®

RENEW YOUR OLD PASSPORTS TO MACHINE READABLE PASSPORTS (MRP)

STEPS TO DO :

Get MRP application form from any UFCP Officer.

Fill it up and have it notarized (FREE at Pohnpei Supreme Court and Micronesian Legal Service)
Have your pictures taken (1.77 x 1.37, blue background, preferably matte photo paper)

Return your MRP application form to Gerry Figueras, Jojo Pulmano, Marilyn Tiburcio, or Ralph Pulmano on or before July 17, 2009, with your payment of: $50.00 (renewal fee), $2.00 (3x shipping), $3.00 (3 pcs. passport picture—optional*)

*UFCP Fundraising: you can have your pictures taken at the UFCP President’s house on July 15, Wednesday, from 5:30-8:00 P.M.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT?

After reviewing all application forms, UFCP will send the said forms to the Philippine Embassy in Palau.
Upon receipt, the Embassy will encode the applicant’s required personal Data for the production of the applicant’s passport COMPUTER GENERATED FORMS (CGF).
The Embassy will come to Pohnpei (Sept. 2009) with the CGF for the applicant’s signature, thumb mark, and confirmation of entries.
The CGF will then be sent to DFA, Manila, Philippines for the processing of the MRP.
Upon receipt of the NEW Machine Readable Passports, the Embassy will inform UFCP to send current passports to Palau for cancellation, then the Embassy will send back to UFCP both the old and new passports.

The Birth of Filipino Badminton Club in Pohnpei (FBCP)

Right after the UFCP Sportsfest & Philippine Independence Day Celebration, a group of Filipinos here in Pohnpei formed a new organization, and they call themselves Filipino Badminton Club in Pohnpei (FBCP). At present, they are having a badminton tournament which is held every after office hours on a make-over badminton court close to the Pohnpei Immigration Office. Kudos to the new organization!!!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

UFCP Celebrates 111th Philippine Independence Day In Pohnpei

More Photos....

Monday, March 9, 2009

UFCP NEWS BRIEF - Vol. 2009-001

FSM SS Law: CB15-52 affects Filipinos in FSM

For Catholics in the whole world, the season of Lent had just began. After 40 days, comes the resurrection. On the other hand, Filipinos in FSM will soon have another cross to carry until they are sixty!

Congressional Bill No. 15-52 is set to amend the FSM Social Security Law. Filipinos in the FSM will, again, be affected by the said proposed law, especially Section 809 which states: “Foreigners who are not citizens of the Marshalls, Palau or the U.S. will be paid in lump sums equal to their contributions while employed in the FSM as of the date the employee turns 60 or dies. Further, they must be fully insured to be qualified for this lump sum benefit.”

The UFCP articulated its concern during the public hearing for the said CB15-52 last January 28, 2009. The UFCP also sent a letter to Sen. Joseph Urusemal expressing its comments to the proposed amendment (see page 2). In turn, Sen. Urusemal replied to the said letter.
The question now is—when will the Filipino OFW experience “resurrection”? ®

UFCP Appoints Ralph Pulmano as Treasurer

n its Special Meeting last February 7, 2009, the UFCP Officers have unanimously approved the appointment of Mr. Rafael Pulmano as UFCP Treasurer. Mr. Pulmano replaced Mr. Raul Miralles who resigned last January 2009.

Known as Paeng or Kuya Ralph by his friends, Mr. Pulmano is a Certified Public Accountant & has a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He is at present, a professor at the College of Micronesia, National Campus. He first worked in Saipan for almost five years before he came to Micronesia. His famous website, http://www.rafaelpulmano.com/, gained him great respect from his friends and colleagues. He was the president of STAP in 2008. He is the brother of UFCP Vice President, Jojo Pulmano. Mr. Ralph Pulmano was sworn into office by the UFCP President, Engr. Gerry Figueras last February 14, 2009. ®

UFCP Celebrates Valentine’s Day

The United Filipino Community of Pohnpei (UFCP) celebrated Valentine’s Day at Club Flamingo last February 14, 2009. There were songs & dances performed by the KBP family. Highlights of the program were the induction of Mr. Rafael Pulmano as UFCP Treasurer, and the search for Mr. & Ms. UFCP Valentine and Mr. & Mrs. UFCP Valentine. Ric Esperanza and Jackie Hernaez were the Mr. & Ms. UFCP Valentine 2009. On the other hand, there was a tie between Arnel & Marlyn Faustino and Ray & Emma Garcia for the Mr. & Mrs. UFCP Valentine 2009. The winning pairs were then serenaded by the Martin Nievera of Pohnpei, Mr. Madz Fermil.
The said Valentine’s Party was well attended, not only by Filipinos, but also by other nationalities. Mr. Julian Parker, the Australian Embassy Consul, graciously joined the party, and on the spot, donated a bottle of wine for UFCP Mr. & Mrs. Valentine.

The celebration also showcased the delicious food prepared by the three Filipino-owned restaurants in Pohnpei: Kasehlelia Diner, LKL Restaurant and Pepper & Spice. UFCP ordered a total of 275 take-outs from the said restaurants.

Thank you all for your support! ®

Visa Schedule Changes

There is a change in the schedule for Visa Services of the US Embassy here in Pohnpei. In the email sent by the Embassy to the UFCP President, it says that starting March 16, 2009, the Consular Section will be open for Visa Services on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM by appointment only.

Please pass this to our Kababayans. ®

UFCP mourns death of 3 Kababayans

In a span of 9 days, three of our Kababayans joined their Creator in Paradise.
On February 3, 2009, Concepcion Hufana, popularly known as Manang Hufana passed away in her Quezon City home. Her family found her dead in her bedroom on that morning. At the time of her death, she was on a one-month vacation to the Philippines. She comes from San Juan, La Union. Manang Hufana, 77 years old, was a resident of Pohnpei for more than 20 years. She owns the Hufana Apartments. On the same day, upon learning of what happened, friends of Manang Hufana started a 9-day rosary-novena at the Roman Catholic Church which ended last March 3, 2009. A prayer service was also held at the Assembly of God Church last March 1, 2009.

Two days later, or on February 25, 2009, Sabino Abante, a seaman of the fishing vessel Win Farr 636, met an accident while fishing and died on the spot. His cadaver was brought to the PNI State Hospital last Feb. 28, 2009. He is from Batangas City.
On the dawn of March 4, 2009, Marvin Manapeng, a carpenter of A&P Const. Co., suffered a heart attack and was declared Dead on Arrival (DOA) at the PNI State Hospital. He is 38 years old and from San Gabriel, La Union. A prayer service was held for Marvin last March 6 at the UFCP President’s residence.

To Manang Hufana, Sabino & Marvin, may you all rest in peace! ®

KBP to hold Bingo Fundraising

The Katilingbang Bisaya sa Ponape (KBP) will hold a bingo-fundraising on March 22, 2009 at PICS Cafeteria. According to Mr. Jun Yap, the newly elected KBP President, the proceeds of the said Bingo Fundraising will be for the group’s Medical Mission to be scheduled later this year. The prizes for the said bingo-fundraising are as follows: $500, $300 and $200, plus 10 consolation prizes. Tickets are $5.00 each (equivalent for 2 bingo cards), and are still available from KBP officers, as well as at the gate on game day.

Let’s all support this worthwhile endeavor. See you there! ®

STAP has new President

Ms. Vida Ricafrente is the newly inducted President of Samahang Tagalog at iba pa sa Ponape (STAP). The induction was held simultaneously with the group’s Christmas Party last Dec. 13, 2008 at the Cupids Bar.

Congratulations Tita Vida! ®

TDIP repaints tables at Causeway

The Timpuyog Dagiti Ilocanos iti Pohnpei (TDIP) has started the repainting of its landmark project – the concrete tables and benches at the Causeway. As usual, the sponsors donated the materials, and the members provided free labor. The said concrete tables and benches were constructed in 2006. ®

KBP Inducts New Officers

The Katilingbang Bisaya sa Ponape (KBP) inducted its new set of officers last January 3, 2009 at the Sea Breeze Hotel & Restaurant. The Inducting Officer was Atty. Leonito Bacalando, Jr. The newly-elected president is Engr. Fermil Yap, Jr., who is at present the PMU Resident Engineer here in Pohnpei. He is married to Leonila W. Yap, and they are blessed with two children. The complete list of the newly-inducted KBP officers are: President Fermin Yap, Jr.; V-Pres. Mae Manlapaz; Sec. Vanesa Palacio; Treas. Emy Villegas; PRO Edward Bravo & Jackie Hernaez; Board of Directors: Roselyn Reyes, Emer Canama, Rene Adlawon, Kit Serena, Alfred Fuentes and Myrna Mohillo.

Congatulations! ®

Western Union continues Free Passport Renewal Shipping

Western Union will again sponsor this 2009 the quarterly FREE Passport Renewal Shipping. In this time of economic crisis, this is a very big help to us OFWs in Pohnpei. Each shipping from Pohnpei to Palau & vice-versa costs $160.00 / 2lbs.

In return, let us continue supporting Western Union. ®

UFCP makes plans for Independence Day

In preparation for the Philippine Independence Day Celebration, the UFCP will hold an Inter-Color Sports Tournament starting April 5, 2009. There will be basketball (men), volleyball (women), tennis, chess, billiards and other indoor games. The chairman of the Sports Committee is Mr. Tony Reyes. Mr. & Mrs. Rey Manlapaz of Drops of Life/Scoobys will sponsor the uniforms of the players.

Interested players are asked to fill out forms, and there will be a drafting / lottery of players for each team on March 22, 2009, 9:30 A.M. at the PICS Cafeteria. Everyone is encouraged to attend. For more details, please see posters, flyers, Mr. Tony Reyes or any UFCP officer.
The awarding of prizes for the said tournament will be during the UFCP Philippine Independence Day Celebration on June 14, 2009. Enjoy & have fun! ®

Machine Readable Passport (MRP) by 2010

A few months ago, UFCP received an advisory from the Philippine Embassy in Palau that by the year 2010, all United Nations Member countries will have to comply with the requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organization which is: ALL PASSPORTS MUST BE Machine Readable Passports (MRP) or e-PASSPORTS. To apply for an MRP, personal appearance of the applicant is required.

The UFCP is at present working out with the Philippine Embassy the schedule for a mobile passport, which means, representative/s of the Embassy will come to Pohnpei for the processing of the said MRP. Everybody is advised to prepare the $50.00 passport renewal fee, so when the Embassy reps come, we are all ready.

Watch out for more updates! ®

Process your POEA Anywhere

Do you know that you can process your POEA anywhere in the Philippines? No need to wait for long lines! No need to spend money travelling to the nearest POEA office from your place.
You can now apply for your Overseas Exit Clearance (OEC) online via www.citizenservices.com.ph/poea/index and have your OEC delivered back to you. Should you choose to apply for your OEC online, aside from accomplishing your OFW Information sheet & submitting supporting documents, you will have to pay OWWA/Philhealth membership fees, POEA Processing Fees, Courier Delivery & Teleserv Service fees at an Aboitiz/2Go branch. Total amount to pay is P 2,650.00.

MRP Requirements

Below are the requirements for renewal of passport to Machine Readable Passport:
· Personal Appearance is required.
· Present passport & photocopy of pages 1,2,3 (amendment) inside & back cover.
· The pages showing latest Bureau of Immigration departure & arrival stamps.
· Three colored photos of the applicant taken against a royal blue background & no shadow. Appicant should be in decent attire with collar & sleeves and in dark-colored shirt. Photo size: 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm. Ears should be visible. Wearing of accessories, coloredcontact lenses or eyeglasses, with name/name board are not allowed.
· DFA has the right to reject photos that do not comply with specifications & international standards.
· For more details, visit http://www.dfa.gov.ph/.