THE PBA-D LEAGUE AND ATC @ IBC 13 IN ACTION BY ARNIEL GUTIERREZ

It was January 25, 2011 when the  PBA D-League was establsihed after the proposed merger of the Philippine Basketball League and Liga Pilipinas failed after holding the Tournament of the Philippines which was composed by PBL and LP teams. Commissioner Chito Salud then proposed the formation of a D-League, which will fill the void left by the PBL.

The initial tournament was called  "The Foundation Cup" and started on March 12, 2011 at the Filoi Flying V Arena in San Juan. The tournament composed of 13 teams, with five teams (Junior Powerade, NLEX, Maynilad, Freego and Cafe France) having affiliation with existing PBA teams. Four teams (Cobra Energy Drink, Agri-Nature Inc./FCA, Pharex, and Cafe France) from the Philippine Basketball League filed for application in the PBA D-League, when they failed to acquire a sixth team in order to smoothly run the league. The NLEX Road Warriors became the champions of the tournament, winning two games to none against the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems.

The second tournament, dubbed as the "Aspirant Cup" began on October 20. Four teams (Maynilad, Junior Powerade, Max Bond and Pharex) did not join the tournament. However, two new teams (Boracay Rhum and Informatics Icons) made their debut in the D-League.

The current teams for 2014 are the following: Tanduay Light Rhum Masters, Café France Bakers-CEU, Cagayan Valley Rising Suns, Cebuana Lhuillier Gems, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Giants, Wangs Basketball Couriers, Racal Motors-Alibaba, AMA Computer University Titans, MP Hotel Warriors, MJM M-Builders, Hapee Toothpaste Bread Story and Smashing Bakers.

With this in hand and given credentials. The Asian Television Content  in partnership with the PBA-D League thus televised the ongoing basketball game of the PBA D League at the IBC 13 every Monday and Thursday. From 6pm to 11pm. Under the leadership of its President & CEO Mr. Reynaldo Sanchez of the ATC provides and telecast the live coverage of the games of PBA- D league is a great success.

ATC and IBC 13 Corporate Logo

THE URBAN CAFE TASTE OF AUTHENTIC SARAP NG PINOY CROX DELIGHT

A Delightful  Encounter With Urban Cafe
By: Ver M. Garcia

Shown in photos are bloggers Ver Garcia, Justin Posadas, Mike Laagan, Stephanie Lee, Zomato executives, represented by Elaine Taningco, Community Manager.. (Original Photo by VG)

The Bloggers enjoying the mouth watering taste of Urban Cafe's Exotic cuisine.. (Photo by Ver)


Welcome At The Urban Cafe.. A Place Where You Can Find Delicious Organic Crocs Meat.. A cozy place where to dine, relax and unwind.

It was one sunny afternoon.. we were invited by Zomato to cover and Blog, a leading Restop at the heart of Quezon City called the Urban Cafe owned by no less than Super Charming and hospitable Ms. Careen Belo daughter of construction magnate Mr. William Belo, of Wilcon Builders Supply.

We were hospitably treated well, sampling the taste of exotic crocs meat processed meat products coming from the finest organically grown crocs.

I was amazed and impressed with the taste  of the different menus that was served during the taste test. By the way, to give you a brief background of  how crocodile meat is being harnessed and conserved. I should say, it's typically similar with other typically grown exotic animals..

Quoting the company, Coral Agri-Venture Farm, Inc., it says,  about the benefits of "Crocodile has become a very popular meat both in Australia and overseas and is part of a developing cuisine that is uniquely Australian. It is a succulent white meat with a delicious and unique flavor. Crocodile meat is low in fat and high in protein and is best cooked in the same manner as lean pork or chicken. It can be prepared into a variety of dishes using wet and dry cooking methods and is ideal in marinade or sauce.

Crocodile is a white meat with a nutritional composition comparing favorably with that of more traditional meats, for example chicken. It has a delicate flavor so the use of strong marinades is not recommended. Light tropical fruits compliment crocodile meat well. It does tend to have a slightly higher cholesterol level than other meats but is low in fat (less than 1%) and high in protein. The crocodiles are produced in a free range environment and are chemical free, which delivers the best practices possible in animal welfare, conservation management and meat hygiene."

Here's how to prepare Crocs according to Coral: 


Crocs are easy to prepare and cook. It is best cooked from frozen as during the thawing process most of the moisture runs out decreasing the flavour. It should be cooked for two minutes on either side and then allowed to stand for a few minutes. It is best served just cooked (in red meat terms, medium rare). Remove excess fat after cooking. Do not use large number of ingredients (other than herbs or spices) - no more than three is recommended. If frying, always use butter or olive oil as they will not impart a flavour that is unique. Do not use margarine as the hydrogenated fats can emit an unpleasant flavour and prevent you from using other dairy products such as cream in the recipe. Keep it plain and simple.

In addition, the staff are friendly, courteous and accommodating, The chef is well trained and expert in his field of endeavor.
 

Some suggested marinades are: Any citrus (lime, mandarin, organe), Fruit chutneys (esp. mango), rosemary, garlic, basil, ginger, curry, chili, salt & pepper.

Do not overcook - best to saute in very hot pan to medium. Allow meat to rest before slicing to prevent moisture loss.

Here's are some palatable, tasty and juicy crocs meat served by their courteous food attendants. Sampling of this menus.. I can't help but all praises.. it's so delicious and mouth watering. I enjoyed this wonderful afternoon delight. More are in stored for the crocs connoisseur and dreams of wonderland.

Are you ready for this fabulous and exotic tasting? Then let's go over the food review's and photos. Grab one now:

It is one-hundred percent crocs meat,  good for the heart, low in calories and fats and good source of protein for the athletes and the weight watchers..

                                 The Exotic Menus of Urban Cafe:

                               Hungarian Cheese Sausage (VG photo).
                                             

                                Farm Bred Croc Tapa  (VG Photo)

                               Crispy Pan Roaster Croc. (VG photo)

                                Heart Smart Croc Tocino, (VG photo)

                                Hot & Spicy Dauntless Sisig. (VG photo)

                                         Crocs Hamburger with Fries. (VG photo)

                                 Urban Cafe Crocs Steak. (VG photo)

                               


  Healthfully  choose your own delight
   The Real & Authentic  Sarap Ng Pinoy.. Fresh From The Farm

                                 

    Mouth Watering Menus For The Health Buffs


We hope to see you at the Urban Cafe and savor the exotic and delightful difference of crocs cuisine. You are welcome at the Urban Cafe.
(VerGarciaBlogs)

                                                

BIGGEST PALLADIUM DEPOSITS FOUND IN SOUTHERN LUZON, NEGROS AND PANAY..

The Philippines Will Become  The Richest In Asia Reports

The Philippines will become the richest country in Asia.. because of the Palladium Minerals found in Southern Luzon and Negros and Panay.. Baka ibang bansa na naman ang makikinabang nito.. wag naman sana.. Kapag pinasukan na naman ng corruption ng mga opisyales ng bansa.. tulad  ng nangyari sa Malampaya oil deposits.. Baka mapunta na naman sa wala ang yaman ng bansa..Asan na ang malaking pera kinita dito sa Malampaya?   Kailangan nating ng Presidente may takot sa Diyos at ang inuuna ay ang kapakanan ng mamayang  Filipino. Then we might say 'This Nation will become Great Again'.. Please watch this video.. (VerGarciaBlogs)

                    Biggest Palladium deposits in the Philippines..                                 Bigge

DENGUE TRIPLE DRUG TREATMENT STUDY REJECTED BY PCP & PSMID

In Photo are the ff: Dr. Mario Panaligan, Dr. Francisco Tranquiluino, Dr. Tony Leachon and Dr. Rontgene Solante at the PCP Health Media Forum held every Tuesday at Annabels Restaurant in T. Morato, Q.C. (Original Photo by. Ver Garcia)

Dengue experts reject dengue treatment study;

call on doctors and government bodies  to adhere to ethics in clinical research

Members of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), together with the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID), criticized a clinical trial conducted in the Philippines of a novel triple-drug combination for dengue fever.  The two medical professional organizations stated the research study was poorly designed and the data analysis seriously flawed.

Controversy arose in recent weeks over the use of a proposed novel treatment that has three ingredients: oral artesunate, artemether (sprayed under the tongue), and berberine, an oral herbal medication. The triple drug combination has been recommended for use among dengue patients in several DOH hospitals under a “cohort study” protocol.

In a statement published in two newspapers yesterday, the PCP and PSMID said they fully support the global call for urgent research on new treatments for dengue but they cannot condone shortcuts in the search for a safe and effective dengue cure and raised major concerns on the trial. “The rights, safety, and well-being of the trial participants are the most important considerations and should prevail over interests of science and society,” they stated.

PCP President Dr. Anthony Leachon said it is the obligation of health professional groups to call for stopping the expanded use of scientifically unproven treatments, such as this triple drug combination, touted as a “promising” drug for dengue fever.

“The only basis for expanding the use of this drug combination to several DOH hospitals was a study on 290 dengue patients in one medical center. They claimed there were no deaths due to dengue among 145 patients who received this treatment in the clinical trial. However, they are not saying in public that those who did not get this treatment also survived, which does not provided extra benefit in preventing deaths,” said Dr. Mario Panaligan, member of the PCP Board of Regents and Vice President of PSMID.

This drug was also said to help eliminate the dengue virus faster in patients’ blood than those who did not receive the treatment. The PCP and PSMID said the diagnostic test strategy used to detect virus in the blood was not the most accurate test available.

  

Another claim that the drug combination worked in children and adults with dengue was also dismissed by PCP and PSMID. Aside from the flawed study that failed to prove it worked, the groups said it was unethical for the investigators to test drugs in children without first testing them in adults. They said increased vulnerability of children and the elderly calls for special vigilance among the concerned groups.

“The three-drug combination is said to kill viruses, bacteria and parasites. In the case of the malaria parasite, only artemether and artesunate have been unequivocally proven to be effective, while berberine has not. The proponents of this research are not telling the public that unwarranted and widespread use of artemether and artesunate in the community will promote malaria resistance to the drug – a serious public health problem that the government should address immediately,” said Dr. Rontgene Solante, former President of PSMID and one of the experts on infectious diseases in the country today.

Dr. Francisco Tranquilino, PCP Regent for Ethics Committee added that in the interest of patients’ safety and welfare, the DOH, Food and Drug Administration, the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board, and the doctors-researchers themselves should vigorously ensure that the principles of Good Practice in clinical research are followed. 

“We call on our colleagues to conduct clinical trials in accordance with the ethical principles consistent with the Declaration of Helsinki, Good Clinical Practice Guidelines, and the applicable regulatory requirements,” Tranquilino said.

They also called for transparency, recommending publication of the full trial report for public scrutiny, or at least sharing it to all concerned parties. Lastly, PCP and PSMID reminded researchers and research sponsors that the design of trials should be technically sound. They stated, “The protocol should be approved by an accredited ethics review board, consisting of members who have no apparent conflict of interest.”

Worldwide, dengue fever affects over 50-100 million people a year, leading to 500,000 cases of shock, and 22,000 deaths. In the Philippines, the DOH reported close to 60,000 cases of dengue for January – September 2014, with 242 deaths (or 4 deaths among 1,000 cases), mostly in children. (VerGarcia/TeddyChoBlogs)

Greenpeace Exposes Illegal Catch Of Baby Tuna Undermining The Philippine Tuna Industry By: Ver M. Garcia

 

GREENPEACE showing the illegal catch of baby tuna.

Manila  – Greenpeace releases earlier the results of an investigation into juvenile by catch, showing evidence that ‘baby’ skip jack, yellow fin and bigeye tuna are unloaded regularly at the General Santos fish port.  The investigation is carried out in the lead up to the annual meeting of tuna stakeholders at the 11th Western and Central Pacific Commission (WCPFC) meeting, currently being held in Apia, Samoa.  

Greenpeace compiled evidence that confirmed juvenile ‘baby’ yellow fin and bigeye tuna are being traded at substantially less than the average size at maturity of 1 meter in length, and even below the weight limit of 500g, set by Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) 226, which allows the catching and trading of juvenile tunas as small as 500 grams in weight or just tens of centimeters long [1]. Bigeye and yellowfin tuna are considered mature and able to reproduce when they are about a meter long.   

A few months ago, the WCPFC Scientific Committee released information that the current population of the Pacific bluefin tuna is now estimated to be only at 4.2%, and bigeye tuna at 16% of its original spawning biomass [2].

“The world’s tuna stocks are in decline and nothing is being done to stop the catching of baby tunas - which are vital in keeping the fisheries alive. This is a direct result of the continued expansion of fishing fleets, and increasing fishing capacity and effort especially through the use of fish aggregating devices, or FADs, by purse seine vessels,” said Mark Dia, Regional Oceans Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia, and an observer at the WCPFC.  “Despite the red alert on bigeye tuna, fishing companies continue to fish them like there’s no tomorrow.  It is time for the WCPFC to tackle unchecked overfishing and demand that member countries like the Philippines take proactive measures to arrest this alarming decline in the stocks.  Failure to do so only relegates the WCPFC to an expensive talk shop,” added Dia.

Fish aggregating devices, locally known as payaos, are fishing devices that continuously attract fish and other ecologically related species.  When used together with purse seine nets, the catches can be as high as 100% juvenile tuna [3], together with endangered turtles and sharks [4].

Although the WCPFC has already imposed a four-month FAD ban in the high seas, Greenpeace said this is not enough. Backed by strong scientific evidence, the environmental group said any use of FADs by purse seine fleets is simply unacceptable.

Philippine fishing communities are also in favor of banning the use of purse seine on FADs. Small scale fishers who use selective or low impact fishing gear argue that they simply cannot compete with commercial fishing fleets that regularly use FADs which end up depleting fishing grounds, adding to local fishers’ woes.

“There are no more fish left for us to catch, even within our municipal waters. These purse seiners with their FADs rob us of our fish catch and take away everything, including baby fishes,” said Pablo Rosales, National Chairperson of Pangisda Pilipinas. “What’s worse is that our own Philippine government has a promotion policy on FADs. If nothing is done to stop FAD use with unsustainable fishing gear, then we will be fished  out of existence.”

“Six years after issuance of Fisheries Administrative Order 226 to protect tuna, and in the light of amendments to the Fisheries Code, it is time for the Philippine government to strengthen the law and ensure it’s fully enforced,” said Vince Cinches, Greenpeace Philippines Oceans Campaigner. “If we want the Philippine tuna industry to have a future, we should only allow fishing capacity that does not deplete fishing grounds, and ensure fair and sustainable fishing for both small-scale and commercial fisheries.  The government should also provide much needed protection for tuna spawning grounds within Philippines waters. ”

Greenpeace and fisherfolk are demanding that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) urgently reduce the number of purse seiners, to align with sustainable catch levels and allow overfished bigeye and other tuna stocks to recover. To tackle bycatch of juvenile bigeye and yellowfin tuna, the BFAR must also ban the use of fish aggregating devices (FADS) by vessels using unselective fishing gears such as purse seine nets, and create a fisheries administrative order that prevents the catching, landing and selling of juvenile tuna.  Together, these measures present an   effective strategy to conserve the dwindling tuna stocks. (VerGarciaBlogs)

DOLE CELEBRATES 81ST ANNIVERSARY AND FACELIFT OF ITS ENTRANCE LOBBY.. By: Ver M. Garcia

NEWLY RENOVATED DOLE LOBBY. (from R-L) DOLE Assistant Secretary Katherine Brimon; acting Secretary Reydeluz Conferido; Assistant Secretary Gloria Tango;  Trade and Industry NCR Officer-in-Charge Director Ferdinand Monfoste; and NWPC Executive Director Criselda Sy, lead in the ceremonial ribbon cutting of the  newly renovated DOLE entrance lobby, in Intramuros, Manila,  as part of the opening activities for the 81^st DOLE Anniversary Celebration. (Photo by Jomar Lagmay, LCO)      

DISKWENTO CARAVAN AND LIVELIHOOD FAIR IN DOLE 

INTRAMUROS OPENS.  Department of Labor and Employment acting Secretary Reydeluz Conferido (2^nd from right) and Assistant Secretary Gloria Tango, leads in the ceremonial ribbon cutting during the opening of Diskwento Caravan and Livelihood Fair in DOLE Intamuros, Manila, as a kick-off activity for the 81^st DOLE Anniversary Celebration. Joining the acting Secretary Conferido are (from L-R) Cristy Quismundo, Internal Audit Service Director; Violeta Munoz, Administrative Service Director; Representative from Department of Trade and Industry; Criselda Sy, NWPC Executive Director; and DOLE Assistant Secretary Katherine Brimon. (Photo by Jomar Lagmay, LCO). (VerGarciaBlogs)     

ABU DHABI 3RD MINISTERIAL MEETING IN KUWAIT A BIG SUCCESS..

3RD MINISTERIAL MEETING. Labor Ministers of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue Member-States at their 3rd Ministerial Meeting in Kuwait pose for a posterity photo at the conclusion of the meeting at the Sheraton Kuwait. H. E. Hind Sobeeh Barak Al-Sabeeh, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of Kuwait, the incoming ADD Chairman, (7th from left) is flanked by Philippine Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, representing the Philippines as the outgoing ADD Chairman. On Baldoz's left is H.E. Qatar Labor Minister H.E. Abdullah Saleh Al-Khulaifi with whom Secretary Baldoz had a bilateral meeting in Doha, Qatar last Sunday.

PH DELEGATION AT 3rd ADD MINISTERIAL MEETING. Philippine Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz (6th from left) joins the members of the Philippine Delegation to the 3rd Ministerial Meeting of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue of which the Philippines is the outgoing Chairman. The delegation is composed of (L-R) Dir. Saul de Vries of the International Labor Affairs Bureau; Assistant Labor Attache to Kuwait Lily Pearl Guerrero; Labor Attache to Abu Dhabi Atty. Ofelia Almenario; Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Chief Rebecca Calzado; Undersecretary for Social Protection and POLOs in the Middle East in-charge Ciriaco Lagunzad III; Sec. Baldoz; Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Chief Hans Leo J. Cacdac; Labor Attache to Qatar Leopoldo de Jesus; Labor Attache to Kuwait Cesar Chavez; Labor Communications Director Nicon F. Fameronag; and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Deputy Director General Irene Isaac.   

(Photo by Judith Mag-uyon). 

________________________________________

Abu Dhabi Adopts Philippines Comprehensive Information and Orientation Program for Migrant Workers

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz recently lauded the success of the 3rd Ministerial Meeting of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD), hosted by and held in Kuwait, citing the ADD’s adoption of the Philippines’s proposal to implement a Comprehensive Information and Orientation Program for Migrant Workers, a joint undertaking of ADD member-states aimed at fostering professional relationships between migrant workers and their foreign employers, as well as intermediaries.

Officially known as the Ministerial Consultations on Overseas Employment and Contractual Labour for Countries of Origin and Destination in Asia, the ADD was established in 2008 and groups together eleven Colombo Process countries of migrant worker origin, namely, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam; and nine Asian destination countries, namely, Bahrain, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

                                                        Labor Sec. Rosalinda D. Baldoz

“The Philippines is now prepared to shepherd the implementation of the Comprehensive Information and Orientation Program for Migrant Workers,” said Secretary Baldoz in a statement after the ADD Ministers adopted the Philippine proposal, together with two others.

“The overwhelming support of senior officials of ADD member-states to this project encourages us to accelerate the preparatory work toward the development of the various orientation and education modules of the project,” she added.

The other day, senior officials of ADD member-states overwhelmingly voted, after extensive discussions, to recommend the project for adoption in the Ministerial Meeting.

The Philippine proposal seeks to facilitate workers’ adaptation to their employment overseas and familiarize them with their rights and responsibilities, as well as with grievance mechanisms in their country of destination.

“The project’s objective is to prepare migrant workers for overseas employment through education and timely information for better adaptation. It seeks to ease adjustment difficulties of temporary migrant workers,” Baldoz explained.

The CIOP, which is for two years, involves a joint education module for each of the four stages of migration—before departure, upon departure, upon arrival, and upon return—to prepare migrant workers. It involves the development of a framework for the implementation of a Pre-Employment Orientation Session (PAOS); Pre-Departure Orientation Session (PDOS); Post-Arrival Orientation Session (PAOS); and Reintegration Counseling. It also involves capacity-building for trainors and program managers.

“Once they arrive in their COD, the government and employers of the receiving country shall use the education module to integrate them much faster, not just in the workplace, but also in the society of the receiving country. This will minimize problems attendant to migration,” Baldoz said.

She acknowledged that most, if not all, ADD labor-sending member-states have already institutionalized Pre-Departure Orientation Sessions, or PDOS, for departing migrants, but she said these still can be improved, citing the Philippines’s Comprehensive Pre-Departure Education Program that includes language training, culture familiarization, and stress management.

She also cited the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar, or PEOS, which is now online.

She said the project will enable labor-sending and labor-receiving countries to share responsibility in responding to the critical need for relevant orientation and education of migrant workers at the point of decision to work overseas, at the workplace, and upon their return to their home countries.

“All stakeholders must be committed, both in COO and COD, to minimize problems in the entire cycle of migration, and maximize the opportunities offered by international labor migration,” said Baldoz.

She added that the Philippines, as lead of the project management team, is set to meet with other team members, namely, Bangladesh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Vietnam, and Thailand, in the first quarter of 2015 to begin work on the development of the program management framework and the PEOS, PDOS, PAOS, and reintegration counseling modules. (TedyChoBlogs)