The has reiterated that on a global scale, the A (H1N1) virus is still on 5th level, with continuous monitoring of all affected countries.
As such, there has been no reported case of A (H1N1) in the Philippines, and is thus declared as an H1N1-free destination. The government is closely screening all inbound travelers in six international airports with thermal scanners to detect body temperatures. Special isolation areas have also been put up in these airports to quarantine travelers exhibiting flu symptoms, especially those coming from places with reported cases of the virus.
A tighter security has also been implemented in entry seaports and other airports servicing chartered flights. The government further required public and private hospitals to be on heightened alert and to monitor and report suspicious cases.
The has announced no cancellations on tour packages to the country. Regional tourism units have been instructed to stay vigilant and work in close coordination with concerned government agencies in monitoring H1N1 cases in tourists. The department likewise urges local tourists to travel to domestic destinations in light of the current situation.
Keeping in mind the increased speed and volume of international tourism amid global economic challenges and the pressing influenza concern, the echoes the statement of the . The has not advised travel restriction, but instead urged a more proactive stance towards responding to the matter.
So, no need to fret here. This means continuing influx of tourists from all over the globe..hopefully A(H1N1)-free too!
is the abbreviation of (Day of Spanish), an initiative of Instituto Cervantes. Instituto Cervantes has been chosen, as one of the centers that will be part of the grand celebration of .
es la abreviatura de , una iniciativa del Instituto Cervantes. Instituto Cervantes de Manila ha sido elegido como uno de los centros que participaran en la gran celebracion de .
The celebration starts with you sharing your favorite Spanish word..just choose from the wide Spanish vocabulary (my favorite is “Amor”), it’s up to you! Place your choice in a video and submit it to Antonio in the Cultura Department and make the necessary arrangements.
La celebracion empieza contigo compartiendo tu palabra favorita en español. Elige una palabra española. Explica por que en un video corto. Para realizar el video, ponte en contacto con antonio en el (Area de Cultura).
*Click and watch a sample here from ICManila:
Apuntante y se parte de la gran celebracion de la lengua española! “Te Quiero Mucho mi amigos y amigas!”
The MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking) campaign is an award-winning multimedia initiative to raise awareness and increase prevention of human trafficking and exploitation. MTV EXIT was launched in Europe in 2004, in partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Sida, and expanded across Asia with USAID in 2007. To date MTV EXIT has produced many MTV documentaries and other programming on trafficking, including Traffic: An MTV EXIT Special, presented by Lucy Liu; Inhuman Traffic, presented by Angelina Jolie; over a dozen localized language versions presented by Asian celebrities; short films; public service announcements; and animation. MTV EXIT and Radiohead collaborated on an anti-exploitation video for their song All I Need, which premiered across MTV’s global network on 1 May 2008. MTV EXIT has also established partnerships with over 100 non-governmental organizations, distributed hundreds of thousands of anti-trafficking brochures in over 25 languages, and reached out to millions of young people through anti-trafficking messages at concerts and music festivals featuring R.E.M., Radiohead, The White Stripes, The Hives, Thievery Corporation, and hundreds of other international and local artists. For more information see .
Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking is defined by the United Nations as “the recruitment, transportation, and receipt of a person for sexual or economical exploitation by force, fraud, coercion, or deception” in order to make a profit. The UN estimates that at any one time there are 2.5 million trafficked victims in the world, with the majority of these victims in Asia and the Pacific. It is the second-largest illegal trade after drugs, with criminal traffickers earning over US$10 billion every year through the buying and selling of human beings. Often, victims are young men and women – the MTV demographic – who are guilty only of wanting a better life.
MTV Europe Foundation
Launched in 2003, the MTV Europe Foundation is a UK-based charity (Reg. No. 1103267) whose overarching aim is to utilize and maximize the power of MTV’s network to educate youth and adults on critical social and human rights issues.The Foundation produces multimedia programming and events aimed at raising awareness and influencing attitudes and behaviors on key issues, as well as inspiring young people to take action.In addition, the Foundation seeks to support nongovernmental organizations that are working on the ground to address these issues and effect positive change.
MTV Networks in Asia
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks in Asia comprises three distinctly branded channels in the region: MTV, the world’s largest television network and the leading multimedia brand for youth; Nickelodeon, the leading entertainment brand dedicated exclusively to kids; and VH1, the music video network that keeps adult viewers connected to the music they love. MTV Networks has the following channels and programming services in South and Southeast Asia: MTV Asia, MTV China, MTV India, MTV Indonesia, MTV Mandarin, MTV Pakistan, MTV Philippines and MTV Thailand, Nick Asia, Nick India, Nick Indonesia, Nick Pakistan, VH1 India, VH1 Indonesia and VH1 Thailand. MTV and Nickelodeon’s businesses also include branded consumer products, program sales and digital media including online and wireless.
Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc.
Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc. (VFFI), a non-government organization established in 1991, is in the forefront of the War Against Human Trafficking campaign launched in August of 2008. VFFI works for the protection and justice of trafficked women and children and the domestic workers. VFFI operates halfway houses in seaports and airport. Together with its multi-sectoral partners, the organization provides assistance to women and children in trafficking situations. The organization provides services such as legal assistance and psychological aid through counseling and life skills training to trafficking victims and survivors.
USAID
USAID, the United States Agency for International Development, is an independent US government agency that receives foreign-policy guidance from the US Secretary of State.Since 1961, USAID has been the principal US agency extending assistance to countries worldwide recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms.USAID’s Regional Development Mission for Asia, based in Bangkok, oversees a broad portfolio of regional and transnational programs, and also provides support to several USAID bilateral missions in Asia.Its regional approach addresses problems that cross national boundaries, such as human and wildlife trafficking, HIV/AIDS, natural resources conservation, trade, and political and economic conflict.See and for more information.
May 18, 2009 – The Campaign and today announced the launch of a nationwide initiative to fight human trafficking through a series of concerts and television programs kicking off May 22 with “Live in Manila,” a free concert at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. (End Exploitation and Trafficking) is produced by the MTV Europe Foundation in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Live in Manila will feature performances from some of the Philippines’ top home-grown artists including Christian Baustista, Gary Valenciano, Bamboo, Pochoy Labog, Sponge Cola, Kjwan, Callalily, Pupil, Duster, Kitchie Nadal, Rico Blanco, Itchyworms, Kamikazee, Moymoy Palaboy and Parokya ni Edgar. All have committed their support to fight human trafficking by taking part in the concert. The event will be hosted by VJ Kat Alano and actor, Epi Quizon. Baustista narrated the anti-trafficking documentary “TRAFFIC: An Special” and is the campaign’s ambassador in the Philippines.
To support the concert and the campaign, a group of anti-trafficking organizations headed by the Visayan Forum Foundation will march from Roxas Boulevard to the concert grounds. The march will begin at 2 p.m. and reach the Mall of Asia shortly before the 6 p.m. concert begins. Approximately 5,000 people are expected to take part. These groups will disseminate important information about human trafficking and its prevention to concert goers.
The UN estimates that at any one time there are 2.5 million trafficking victims in the world, with the majority of these in the Asia/Pacific. Human trafficking is the second-largest illegal trade after drugs, with criminal traffickers earning over US$10 billion every year through the buying and selling of human beings. Victims are often young men and women — ’s demographic — who are guilty only of wanting a better life.
“I am incredibly proud to perform at this important concert,” Christian Bautista said. “I hope that through my music and involvement in this event and the campaign that millions of people learn about this tragic form of slavery.”
“The power and influence of music is a great force for change — by holding this concert tour across the Philippines we are harnessing this power; using it to inform and mobilize young people in the fight against trafficking,” said Simon Goff, ’s Director.
The concert will be broadcast on and will include live footage as well as key information about human trafficking. All television programming is produced rights-free and free of charge for all broadcasters and organizations.
For free ticketsto this concert-for-a-cause event:
– visit to win tickets; or
– visit any Redemption Booth at the SM Mall of Asia starting May 16 – May 22 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; or
– VFF / MTV EXIT Redemption Booth – May 22, 2009 MOA Concert Grounds
[VFF Office - No.18 12th Avenue, Barangay Socorro, 1109 Cubao, Quezon City from May 16 to May 22, 2009]
– call MTV on 706-1580 for additional ticket outlet details
MTV EXIT is PRESENTED BY: Mtvexit.org, USAID and VISAYAN FORUM FOUNDATION; CO-PRESENTED BY: GMA 7, QTV and SM MALL OF ASIA; SPECIAL THANKS TO: ARMVET PRINTING COMPANY, PADI’s POINT and FISH & CO.; OFFICIAL RESIDENCE:MANILA HOTEL; OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNERS: FRIENDSTER, Business Mirror, Business World and THE PHILIPPINE STAR; OFFICIAL RADIO PARTNERS: 90.7 Love Radio, 96.3 WROCK, YES FM 101.1, MELLOW 94.7, UR 105.9, NU 107 and Y101 Cebu
is a cutting edge and innovative educational campaign designed
to raise awareness and increase prevention of human trafficking and
exploitation. Utilising the power and influence of music, film, and
celebrities, the campaign has produced award-winning On Air, On-The-
Ground, and Online components that have successfully reached and
educated over 20 million people since its launch 2004. in Asia and Pacific is produced in partnership with USAID.
ON AIR:
―Documentary: ’s flagship programming includes three 30-minute documentaries. Traffic, Sold, and Inhuman Traffic address
the issue of human trafficking in the Asia-Pacific, South Asia, and Europe respectively and are presented by multiple local and international
celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Lara Dutta of India, Rain of Korea, and Tata Young of Thailand.
―Drama: ’s innovative approach to drama includes a Manga-style animation called Intersection. Produced in Korea for the Asia-
Pacific region and voiced by local celebrities, the programme is due to be launched in 2009. This followed the production in Europe of a
series of docu-drama short films called Parallel Lives. A feature film is currently in production in India for the South Asia region.
―Music Videos: Award-winning collaboration with Radiohead for their All I Need track from the album In Rainbows.
―Event Programming: Series of live event programmes from ’s events including Placebo live at AngkorWat, Cambodia.
―Public Service Announcements (PSAs): Creative series of PSAs produced locally across Asia and Europe.
ON THE GROUND:
―Concerts: Production of multiple awareness raising concerts across Asia and Europe featuring local and international artists including Placebo, The Click Five and Ian
Brown. The current event tour in Asia recently included a series of concerts across Cambodia, the highlight being the first-ever rock concert held at the iconic Angkor Wat. In 2009, events are planned in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Nepal.
―Collaboration Events: Linking with artist tours and other musical and cultural events to disseminate anti-trafficking information. These have included Radiohead, R.E.M., and Thievery Corporation tours as well as music festivals in Europe and Japan, MTV awards
events, film festivals, and fashion shows.
―Anti-Trafficking Organisations: programming and anti-trafficking information
has been distributed to hundreds of anti-trafficking organisations fighting slavery on-theground. The programming continues to be used to educate at-risk communities as well as in training of police officers, border guards and the judiciary.
ONLINE:
―: A 26-language anti-trafficking awareness and prevention website. Includes streaming and downloads of programming, safe migration advice, information on trafficking and links to local anti-trafficking organisations and helplines.
―Social Networking and Video Sharing: has profiles on the most popular social networking and video sharing sites internationally including MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, Orkut, and Hi5. Through these sites is disseminating anti-trafficking information as well as building a network of people committed to ending exploitation and trafficking.
TO DATE HAS REACHED OVER 20 MILLION PEOPLE WITH CRUCIAL ANTI-TRAFFICKING INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION. Many of those people at-risk of being trafficked do not have access to MTV channels, therefore, all programming is produced rights-free. In Asia and Europe over 40 broadcasters have aired programming.
2009 PHILIPPINES CONCERT TOUR KICKS OFF MAY 22 AT THE MALL OF ASIA CONCERT GROUNDS TO RAISE AWARENESS AND INCREASE PREVENTION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
WITH THE SUPPORT OF:
CHRISTIAN BAUSTISTA, GARY V., BAMBOO, POCHOY LABOG,
SPONGE COLA, KJWAN, CALLALILY, PUPIL, DUSTER, KITCHIE NADAL, RICO BLANCO, ITCHYWORMS, KAMIKAZEE, MOYMOY PALABOY AND PAROKYA NI EDGAR
So let’s all troop to MOA this Friday (May 22) and support another worthwhile advocacy.
The Author: Born celestial, adopted & raised on earth by an uber Mafia-esque family, Interior Designer, a Betan bar aspirant (Beta Sigma Lambda) and so much more.
Also blogs at: www.munchandgulps.blogspot.com & www.shopsowee.blogspot.com
This is a PR4 blog which started in 2008 that contains an array of viral information about lifestyle, entertainment, advocacy, food, travel, tech & gadgets and so much more.
