Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards, Inc. (PEBA)

PEBA ONLINE PRESENCE in Countries, States and Territories

2012-01-30T07:57:00.000-08:00

The following are the countries and territories where PEBA has online presence. Presence mean, there is a PEBA supporter, fan, or a blogger or a photographer who joined PEBA and whom PEBA have direct contact with

Afghanistan
Australia
Bahrain
Brunei
Canada
China
Taiwan
Denmark
Egypt
Finland
France
Hawaii
Germany
Ghana
Guam
India
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kenya
South Korea
South Africa
Kuwait
Laos (Cambodia)
Malaysia
Macau
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Palau
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom (Britain/London)
United States of America
Vietnam
Yemen

If you are reading this and your location is not included in the countries and territories above, please leave a comment or email us at contact@pinoyblogawards.com

©2012 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

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The Faces of OFWs' (Iba't Ibang Mukha ng mga OFWs) ABS-CBN Patrol ng Pilipino, 10 January 2012

2012-01-20T10:28:00.000-08:00

Featured in this documentary is Jebee Kenji Solis, the founding chair of the Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards. Hosted by Jing Castaneda and Jeff Canoy, watch the contrasting stories of the OFWs around the world.

PATROL NG PILIPINO

10 January 2012

PRESS RELEASE: ‘The Faces of OFWs’

Maraming mga Pilipino ang naghahangad makapagtrabaho sa ibang bansa para sa mas malaking sweldo at magandang oportunidad pero hindi lahat ng nakakaalis ay nagtatagumpay.

Abangan sa Martes ang Patrol ng Pilipino kung saan bibigyan ng mukha ang mataas na bilang ng mga Overseas Filipino Workers. Si Laarni Passion or ‘Ate Leny’ ay nagtrabaho ng siyam na buwan sa Jeddah bilang kasambahay. Ngayong nagdaang Pasko masuwerte siyang nakauwi sa kanyang pamilya. Pagkalipas ng Pasko, minarapat ng kaniyang pamilya na huwag na siyang bumalik pa sa Jeddah. Hindi man kataasan ang sasahurin dito sa Pilipinas mas pinili nilang mapunan ang pangungulila sa isa’t isa.

Kung si Ate Leny ay mag- isa sa ibang bansa iba naman ang sitwasyon ng pamilya ni Kenji Solis. Ang mga Solis ay magkakasama sa Saudi Arabia . Si Kenji, ang padre de pamilya kasama ang katuwang na si Sheila ay sa Saudi nakatira at nagtatrabaho kasama ang 2 supling Umuwi rin sila sa Pilipinas para sa kapaskuhan. Nais nilang maranasan ni Sophia, 4 na taong gulang na anak, ang pasko sa Pilipinas. Hindi masidlan ang tuwa ng bata dahil sa unang pagkakataon naranasan ng bata ang selebrasyon ng kapaskuhan. Sa Saudi Arabia kasi pinagbabawal ang selebrasyon ng pasko. Pinagkakasya na lamang nila ang kapaskukan sa pagbati sa kababayan tuwing may makakasalubong sa mga kalye ng Saudi.

Ang pagtatrabaho sa dayuhang bansa ay isang sugal. Minsan suwerte pero minsan buhay mismo ang nakataya. Kagaya na lang ni Jonard Langamin, 28 taong gulang, anak ni Nanay Edith, nakakulong sa Saudi. Limang taon nang nasa piitan si Jonard nang aksidenteng masaksak ang kapwa Pilipino sa barko. Napatawad na ng pamilya ng nasaksak si Jonard pero kailangan pa rin niyang kumalap ng 5 milyong piso para mapalaya. Limang milyong piso sa loob ng limang taon pero kulang pa rin ang panahon para makalap ito kaya 4 na buwan na lang bibitayin na siya kapag hindi nila nabigay ng buo ng 5 milyon.

Ang mga OFWs puno man ng luha ng pangungulila lahat ay buong buo ang pag- asa na papalarin sa ibang bansa. Ang iba nakakamit ang ninanais, ang iba naman minamalas. Pero kahit ano pa man ang kanilang sinasapit sa ibang bansa, lahat ang dahilan ay pagmamahal sa pamilya; mga OFWs na handang magsakripisyo mabigyan lang ng magandang buhay ang kanilang mahal sa buhay.

Tunghayan ang iba’t ibang mukha ng mga OFWs na ilalahad sa ulat ni Jeff Canoy sa Patrol ng Pilipino. Martes ng gabi 9:15pm sa DZMM Teleradyo at pagkatapos ng Bandila sa ABS CBN Channel 2.

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Paano na kaming mga maiiwan?

2012-01-17T04:21:00.000-08:00

Repost from LordCM's Blog

Isa sa pinakaimportanteng Ahensya ng Gobyerno ng Pilipinas ang Embahada na matatagpuan sa kahit saang panig ng mundo na may mga Filipino. Sila ang nagiging gabay o bantay ng mga Filipino sa ibang bansa, upang kahit papaano'y maging ligtas ang bawat OFW.

Sa halos walong na taon kong narito sa Palau, Minsan na rin akong nakapunta sa Philippine Embassy, ito ay nuong maexpired ang passport ko. Oo nga't sistema ng Pilipinas pa rin ang pinapairal nila sa Embahada, may mga kaunting kang mairereklamo, pero kung susumahin, mas marami ang magandang gawa kaysa hindi. Tulad na lang ng pagrerenew ng passport, di mo na kailangan pumila o magpaschedule para lang maghintay ng ilang buwan bago makapagparenew ng passport. Kaunting pirma dito, pirma duon, balik ka makalipas ang isang buwan, bago na ang passport mo.

Sa minsan pagpunta ko sa Embahada, dito ko rin nakita ang mga Kababayan nating minaltrato ng kani-kanilang amo. Sila yung mga Kababayan natin nakahanap ng paraan upang makatakas sa kanilang amo at magsumbong sa Embahada. Dahil sa tutuo lang, at sa pagkakaalam ko, Embahada lamang ang makakatulong sa kanila, ito lang ang makakapagbigay proteksyon sa kanila laban sa malulupit nilang amo, at ito lang ang magbibigay pag-asa sa kanila upang makabalik ng Pilipinas at makasamang muli ang kanilang pamilya. Kumbaga, sa Embahada lang sila ligtas sa kapahamakan.

Pero, sadya nga yatang mapaglaro ang tadhana. Nitong nakaraang araw may mga lumabas na balita na kasama ang Palau sa labindalawang bansa na tatanggalan ng Embahada sa kadahilanang kulang sa pondo ang ating Gobyerno.

Sa tutuo lang, napakasamang balita ito para sa mahigit apat na libong Filipinong umaasa sa tulong ng ating Embahada. Paano na lang ang mga Kababayan nating minalas at napunta sa mapagmaltratong amo? Saan na sila ngayon pupunta? Saan sila hihingi ng tulong?

Paano na kaming mga maiiwan?

Sana lang umabot ang blog post na ito sa kinauukulan pati na rin ang petisyon na ginagawa ngayon ng The Filipino Community na mapigilan pa ang pag-alis ng Embahada ng Pilipinas dito sa Palau.

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FMWG - Opposition to Increased Philhealth Premium Payment

2011-12-21T21:48:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2011

Dr. Eduardo P. Banzon

President and Chief Executive Officer

Philippine Health Insurance Corporation

Subject: Opposition to Increased Philhealth Premium Payment

Sir:

The Filipino Migrant Workers Group vehemently opposes the issuance of Philhealth Circular No. 022, s, 2011 which increased among others, the individual premium contribution of Overseas Filipino Workers from Nine Hundred Pesos (900) to Two Thousand Four Hundred Pesos (2,400) per year effective July 1, 2012.

The increase was not only arbitrary, but the circular itself is in clear violation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of R.A. 10022 otherwise known as the Amended Migrant Workers Act.

For millions of OFWs who are holding low-paying jobs and hardly benefiting from Philhealth, and particularly those who are already covered by more superior health insurance provided by their overseas employers, the present compulsory premium of Nine Hundred Pesos is already a burden. But to even increase it by more than 150% (without proper consultation) is downright callous and a clear manifestation of insensitivity to the feelings of the Migrant Sector.

Philhealth must also reckon with Rule XVII of IRR on R.A. 10022 which provides, under Section 4 on Government Fees, Administration Costs and Taxes, the following:

“All fees for services being charged by any government agency on migrant workers prevailing at the time of the effectivity of this Rule shall not be increased.”

Sincerely,

Jun S. Aguilar

President

Filipino Migrant Workers Group

(Image source - http://www.philhealth.gov.ph/about_us/images/epb.jpg)

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PEBA 2011 Flashmob sa Trinoma

2011-12-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

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NGOs, OFW bloggers oppose Philhealth circular raising premiums of OFW members

2011-12-20T00:32:00.000-08:00

News Release

Blas F. Ople Policy Center

December 20, 2011

NGOs, OFW bloggers oppose Philhealth circular raising premiums of OFW members

Several non-government organizations involved in overseas employment issues banded together to oppose Philhealth Circular No. 022 that would nearly triple the amount of premiums to be paid by overseas Filipino workers by next year.

Philhealth convened a consultative meeting with a handful of non-profit organizations representing overseas Filipino workers this morning. Walter Bacareza, vice-president of its Member Management Group presented the agency's plans to increase membership rates including that of OFWs as well as the Board's intention to "revolutionize" healthcare services in the country. Philhealth vice-president for corporate affairs Gregorio Rulloda was also present in the meeting.

Former labor undersecretary Susan Ople of the Blas F. Ople Center, Luther Calderon, president of the Kabalikat ng Migranteng Pilipino, Inc., Apostol Gratela, chairman of the Kalahi-Advocate for Overseas Filipinos and Jun Aguilar of the Filipino Migrant Workers' Group objected to the planned increases citing the lack of consultations with the labor and overseas workers' sectors. With two weeks to go before the new rates are imposed, the health agency issued the invitations for today's consultative meeting to a handful of OFW sector representatives only yesterday. The circular itself was issued on December 15.

"On January 2, unless the Philhealth Board withdraws its circular, all overseas workers would be paying 300 pesos more for their Philhealth premium and for those unable to pay that amount within the first six months of 2012, they would have to pay 2,400 pesos as annual premium from July onwards, a huge amount compared to the current 900 pesos being shelled out by every OFW. These new rates are being imposed without consultations, without clear explanations, and without consideration given the heavy financial burdens already being experienced by our migrant workers' given the series of calamities and continued slowdown in the world economy," the leaders of the said NGOs said.

During the consultative meeting, Philhealth officials explained that the higher premiums would allow the agency to meet its performance targets as well as attain the country's Millennium Development Goals and aspiration for universal health care coverage. Vice-President Bacareza also cited the GOCC Governance Act of 2011 that includes a performance evaluation of all GOCCs.

"It is unfortunate that the Philhealth Board of Directors decided to issue and release this new circular while the nation is grieving over the deaths of so many of our compatriots in Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and other parts of the Visayans and Mindanao regions. We question the timing, the lack of consultations, and the inexplicable haste by which this new circular is now being imposed not only on our OFWs but on all workers covered by Philhealth," Susan Ople said.

Jun Aguilar of the Filipino Migrant Workers' Group who was a former OFW in Saudi Arabia said that most OFWs are not even aware of the benefits due them as Philhealth members. "My son is an OFW and he relies on the more efficient health care system in Saudi Arabia rather than Philhealth because that is where he is situated. Why should he now pay triple the cost of premium to enable Philhealth to meet its own internal targets?"

Aguilar also cited a provision in the Amendments to the Migrant Workers' Act otherwise known as Republic Act No. 10022 that prohibits any increases in government fees for services rendered to OFWs.

Another OFW advocate, Luther Custodio, objected to the planned increase and called for a more intensified information campaign from Philhealth about its "revolutionary" changes to the current national health program.

Moves to oppose the Philhealth premium increases are set to snowball with the participation of OFW bloggers that founded the annual Philippine Expat/OFW Bloggers Award (PEBA). PEBA founder Jebee Solis who is based in Saudi Arabia said his group will blog against the new Philhealth circular citing the fact that most foreign companies obtain health insurance for foreign workers.

Philhealth officials who were present during the consultative meeting with the NGOs promised to report to the Board the concerns of the OFW sector on the impact of the abrupt increase in Philhealth premiums on the expenses of every departing worker, and on those wanting to renew their memberships.

"We are appealing to the Philhealth leadership to be more considerate given these extraordinarily difficult times. Every OFW with relatives in calamity-stricken areas will be relied upon to help defray the rebuilding of homes, and the sustenance of their surviving kin. We seek a deferment of Philhealth Circular No. 022 pending more extensive consultations and so that all of us can focus our efforts and attention in helping out those devastated by the floods in Mindanao," the civil society leaders said.

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Photos of the PEBA 2011

2011-12-09T21:18:00.000-08:00

December 9, 2011

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The 2011 Winners of the 4th Blog and Photo Awards

2011-12-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

THE OFW BLOGGERS

TOP 1
Ako'y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko ay Pagbabago
blissfully RICH, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Richard M. Macarubbo

TOP 2
The Boomerangs and the Three Hunters
JP Quidores' Window,
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Jyppe A. Quidores

TOP 3
UUWI NA SI TATANG Pinoy Samut-Sari,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Ponciano U. Santos Detektibgapo

TOP 4
Alohagems Online,
Lihue, Hawaii Alohagems Online, Lihue, Hawaii
Shirley P Mandel

TOP 5
I'll Go Home and Shall Bring Change (A Dare for OFWs) OFW Chronicles,
Pinoy Abroad, Doha, Qatar
Ronald S. Mallari

TOP 6
Michael's Shades of Blue, Riyadh, KSA Michael's Shades of Blue,
Riyadh, KSA
Michael C

Juha TOP 7
THREE The Gasoline Dude, Singapore, Singapore Alex T. Molina

TOP 8
My Yellow Bells, Dubai, UAE My Yellow Bells, Dubai, UAE Carla Roque

TOP 9
WATAWAT SA PALIPARAN Buhay OFW,
Doha, Qatar Alex P. Flores

TOP 10 Sa Muling Pagbukas ng Tala_larawan Kuya Poklong, OFW Ako,
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Rodel M. Jaboli

PEBA PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD, OFW BLOGGER DIVISION 1 Michael's Shades of Blue Michael C Juha

THE OFW SUPPORTERS/HOME BASED BLOGGERS

TOP 1
isa PONG malaking karangalan kahit man lang sa maliit na paraan…
Oh My Doodles!,
Cavite
Aldous N. Sayno

TOP 2
I HAVE RETURNED… with new knowledge and expertise and with a renewed commitment
My World is Getting Smaller,
Quezon City
Reynaldo P. Ramos

TOP 3
Tuyong Tinta ng Bolpen,
Padre Garcia, Batangas
Joel D Laig

TOP 4
aspectos de hitokiriHOSHI,
Quezon City MM
Mary Jane C. Gonzales

TOP 5
Blessed Zyra
San Pedro, Laguna
Zyra Mae O. Bambico

TOP 6
Kol Mi Empi,
Quezon City, MM
Mark Paulines

TOP 7
Balikbayan Box Kwentong Makulit...
Tanauan City Batangas
Mark Alvin L. Sunpayco

TOP 8
Jay Rulez,
Cabuyao, Laguna
Rayan Jey P. De Lemos

TOP 9
Ang Alingawngaw ng Taribong,
Makati Phils
Gerald B. Soriano

TOP 10
Hiram na Kaligayahan , Las Pinas City
Joselito Velunta Rosales

NOKIA BLOG ENTRY WINNERS

TOP 1
I Own a Nokia and I Own a Destiny, Philippines
MEL (My Everyday Life)

TOP 2
Nokia Family, Makati, Philippines
Pinaywriter's Oral Diarrhea 2.0

TOP 3
TUTUTUT-TUTUT-TUTUTUT,
Abu Dhabi, UAE
blissfully RICH

ANY BLOGGER ANYWHERE WINNERS

OFW ADVOCACY
Diary ni Gracia
Gracia Amor

PERSONAL BLOG
Kwentong Makulit, Parang Ulay Sa Puwet
Mark Alvin L. Sunpayco


PICTURE! PICTURE! BLOG
A Little Bit of Something
Timothy C. Ramos Tim Ramos

LITERARY BLOG
Window Lad
Kelvin S. Mangundayao

FOOD BLOG
Pinoy Food Recipes: Lutong Pinoy na Pinoy
Louie Miranda

SHOWBIZ AND SPORTS BLOG

The Filipino-Japanese Journal
Maria Florenda N. Corpuz
&
The Hotdog Stand
Eric F. Dimzon

  GADGETS AND TECH BLOG
Tech At Hand Dot Net
Dexter C. Panganiban

TRAVEL BLOG
Lakwatsera de Primera
Claire Cardona Raborar

FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT BLOG
MOKONG
Sherwin A. Calalang

GEISER MACLANG'S SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
OFW Chronicles, Pinoy Abroad, Doha, Qatar
Ronald S. Mallari

PEBA MAPAGKAWANGGAWA AWARD FOR 2011

Jocelyn Torres Gundan
Al Ain City Daily Photo
Abu Dhabi, UAE

'The accolade for her dedication and enthusiasm as an OFW, a Nurse by profession, an active blogger and an amateur photographer whose photographs has made its way to "Sehaya" (Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority's stakeholder magazine), has been featured in "Oasis Living Magazine", a leading social blogging advocate for "Isang Minutong Smile" and "Pens of Hope".

'PEBA PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD, OFW BLOGGER DIVISION
Michael's Shades of Blue, Saudi Arabia
Michael C Juha

'PEBA PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD, OFW BLOGGER DIVISION
The Filipino-Japanese Journal
Maria Florenda N. Corpuz

BEST BLOG ENTRY AWARD, OFW BLOGGER DIVISION

USA & CANADA
Alohagems Online, Lihue, Hawaii

ASIA & PACIFIC
The Boomerangs and the Three Hunters
JP Quidores' Window, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA
Ako'y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko ay Pagbabago
blissfully RICH,
Abu Dhabi, UAE

BEST BLOG ENTRY AWARD, OFW SUPPORTER DIVISION

METRO MANILA
I HAVE RETURNED… with new knowledge and expertise and with a renewed commitment
My World is Getting Smaller,
Quezon City

LUZON
isa PONG malaking karangalan kahit man lang sa maliit na paraan…
Oh My Doodles!,
Cavite

©2011 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

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4th International Blog and Photo Awards - PEBA 2011

2011-12-07T22:48:00.001-08:00

Kayo ay malugod na inaanyayahan sa ika-4 na gabi ng parangal at pagpupugay sa mga expats at OFW sa kanilang galing nila sa pagsusulat ng blog at pagkuha ng mga larawan.

Ang PEBA ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng mga lumahok. Hindi man po kayo matatawag upang tumanggap ng tropeo subalit ang gabi po ng parangal ay para sa lahat na sumali sa taong ito at gayundin po ang inyong pamilya. Sana po ay makapiling namin kayo sa gabing ito at sama-sama tayong magdiwang ng tunay na diwa ng Pasko at ng inyong kabukasan na ibahagi sa buong mundo ang inyong mga kwento, saloobin, hangarin at layunin sa buhay.

Ang layunin ng PEBA ay hindi lamang po magbigay parangal sa mga nanalo sa taong 2011 kundi gusto naming kilalanin na ang inyong mga akda sa blog ay kinakapulutan ng aral, inspirasyon kung hindi man kasiyahan/entertainment sa iba.

Maraming salamat din sa lahat ng mga dedicated volunteers ng PEBA na patuloy sa walang sawang suporta at tulong sa ibat-ibang panig ng mundo mula sa mga isla ng Palau hanggang sa Gitnang Silangan: UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, KSA, Israel, gayundin sa taga-USA, Pilipinas, at iba pang bahagi ng mundo.

Pasalamat din sa lahat ng partners tulad ng AYALA OVERSEAS FILIPINO VIPinoy Program, NOKIA Philippines, GLOBE TELECOM at iba pang sponsors:

Ayala Land International Sales (ALISI)
Hotel Elizabeth
Fersal Hotel
LoadMeNa.com (Booth)
LBS Recruitment Solutions (Booth)
Mega Manpower Corporations
Chingu Buko House
Arts of Cabinets
Bersikulo Designs

NGO Partners
Blas Ople Policy Center
Patnubay Riyadh

Media Partners
Geiser Maclang
DZXL -RMN Bantay OFW Program
DWIZ Global Pinoy

Magkita-kita po tayo bukas 5PM, Biyernes, Dec 9 sa Trinoma Activity Center, Quezon City.

Mabuhay ang mga Pinoy Expats at OFW!

Maligayang Pasko po sa ating lahat!

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PEBA and Social Remittance

2011-11-25T07:53:00.003-08:00

Social remittance as a concept is not something new in the Filipino diaspora. In the 1800’s, the ideas in the novels of Dr. Jose Rizal and the writings from the La Solidaridad by Filipino heroes paved the way for a revolution.

In the 21st century, blogging is the new form of social remittance of Filipinos working and living abroad. Through their blogs, they are publishing their stories to inspire others, advocate causes, help others and muster support from their readers to help effect change in their own little ways.

For more than 30 years, Filipinos have been in constant motion for greener pastures due to poverty and limited job opportunities in the country. Today, the unemployment rate is still high at 7.2%, which does not include those who consider themselves underemployed.

Diaspora is more than a phenomenon; it is a necessity when Filipinos migrate to work or reside permanently in the West and other developed countries.

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Official List of PEBA 2011 Nominees

2011-11-11T19:36:00.000-08:00

Here are the lists of the OFFICIAL PEBA NOMINEE LIST PER DIVISION

OFW DIVISION, BLOG ENTRY

1. OFW Chronicles, Pinoy Abroad, Doha, Qatar

2. El Stupendo Files, Alberta Canada

3. Buhay OFW, Doha, Qatar

4. Field of Dreams: Abdul Hakeem , London, UK

5. BlogEoz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

6. JP Quidores' Window, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

7. Kuya Poklong, OFW Ako, Kuwait City, Kuwait

8. Pinoy Samut-Sari, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

9. Diary Ni Gracia, Kuwait City, Kuwait

10. Ang Blog Ni Ana Banana, Abu Dhabi, UAE

11. The Backpack Man, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

12. blissfully RICH, Abu Dhabi, UAE

13. When She Cries, She Writes, Dubai, UAE

14. Paghahanda sa Pag-uwi, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

15. KrisJewel, It's All About My Daily Life, Abu Dhabi UAE

16. BulakBolero, Singapore

17. CARLO MAGNO, Life Beneath the Desert Sun, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

18. First Time in KOREA, South Korea

19. The Gasoline Dude, Singapore, Singapore

20. Alohagems Online, Lihue, Hawaii

21. About OFWs, , Riyadh, KSA

22. PinkDiaries, Thailand

23. My Yellow Bells, Dubai, UAE

24. Michael's Shades of Blue, Riyadh, KSA

25. Applefunks12, Maidan Hawalli Kuwait

HOME BASED DIVISION, BLOG ENTRY

1. My World is Getting Smaller, Quezon City

2. Kwentong Makulit... Tanauan City Batangas

3. PSYCHABLES, Davao City

4. CuteBerl, Quiapo, Manila

5. Oh My Doodles!, Cavite

6. A Boy Named Xander, Makati

7. +dreamland+, Meycauayan, Bulacan

8. Jay Rulez, Cabuyao, Laguna

9. Hiram na Kaligayahan , Las Pinas City

10. Blessed Zyra, San Pedro, Laguna

11. aspectos de hitokiriHOSHI, Quezon City MM

12. Kol Mi Empi, Quezon City, MM

13. The Filipino-Japanese Journal, Quezon City, MM

14. Tuyong Tinta ng Bolpen, Padre Garcia, Batangas

15. Japan Style, Pasig City

16. Ang Alingawngaw ng Taribong, Makati

17. Ako.Ian.Tamad, Rizal Phils.

NOKIA ESSAY CONTEST

Nokia Family

Somewhere in the World there is an OFW

Nokia and My Sister

Ang Kasaysayan ng Nokia Cellphone sa ating Buhay

My First Cellphone

The Operation: Snakes

Magic

Nokia: My Inheritance

STANDARD o SPECIAL?

TUTUTUT-TUTUT-TUTUTUT

My Nokia Shining Moment

Si Blue

Salamat sa Lahat - Isa Kang Alamat

Most Memorable Experience with my Nokia Phone

NOKIA "re-Connecting People"

Kahit na NOKIA N70 langang Cellphone Ko

The Virtual Handkerchief

aNO KIA Memory? 3210!

Pinaglumaang Nokia

I Own a Nokia and I Own a Destiny

Tarti-triten: Simbolo ng Tagumpay

The Amazing Grace of Nokia

ANYWHERE, ANY BLOGGER CATEGORY

Personal Blog

Kwentong Makulit, Parang Ulay Sa Puwet

Dose of Influence

+dreamland+

A Boy Named Xander

Blissfully RICH

Mary Jane’s Niche

Cuteberl’s World: Panibagong Simula

X-SPOT

Carlo Magno

My So-Called Life

My Yellow Bells

Jay Rulez

Semidoppel’s Reports

Anything Under the Sun

I Conquer

Blessed Zyra

aspectos de hitokiriHOSHI

Ghillcorner.com

Psychables

Ako.Ian.Tamad

L Abad

Picture! Picture! Blog

Me,Mice- Self and I

Camera ni Cabrera

Al Ain City Daily Photo

Photo Craft

A Little Bitof Something

Trabyaheng Blog (Travel Blog)

Pusang Kalye

No Spam No Virus No Kiddin’!

The Backpack Man

RichardDiongson.Com

Digifotoblog.com

The Travel Teller

Confessions of a Pinay Travel Junkie

From Nasugbu to the World

Dream World Travel

Lakwatsera de Primera

www.juanderfulpinoy.com

OFW Advocacy Blog

Diary ni Gracia

OFW Ako!

Buhay OFW

The Filipino-Japanese Journal

The Hotdog Stand

myphotographics

Flavours of Iloilo

Pinoy Food Recipes: Lutong Pinoy na Pinoy

Pinoy Tsibog

Food and Health

MOKONG

Tech At Hand Dot Net

AskHideki.com

The Visual Merchandising

Tuyong Tinta ng Bolpen

Tula, Kwentula at Opinyon ni “Dregm”

Window Lad

Momsicle

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PR: International Blog Awards to honor the homecoming of OFWs & Filipino Expats

2011-10-11T03:46:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 10, 2011

International Blog Awards to honor the homecoming of OFWs & Filipino Expats

MANILA, 10 October 2011 – Pinoy Expats OFW Blog Awards, Inc., an international alliance of OFW & Pinoy Expatriate Bloggers will put to center stage the return of Philippines modern-day heroes as PEBA 2011 celebrates the “homecoming” of OFWs and Filipino Expatriates. Joining this year’s celebration are Ayala Malls, Nokia and Globe Telecoms.

PEBA is on its 4th year of recognizing Blogs written from all over the world by Filipino workers and expatriates. This year is unique from the previous awards night as it will also honor the talent of Filipinos abroad in the field of photography.

“We wanted to bring a message to the world that despite the hardship experienced by our fellow Filipinos working or residing abroad, we continuously think of returning to the Philippines with honor and our dignity intact.” according to Mr. Segre, Director of Global Affairs. The focus this year is to promote the beauty of the Philippines and declare that OFWs and Filipino expatriates are returning home to effect positives changes learned from their respective host countries. The theme, "Ako’y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko’y Pagbabago" (I Will Return, I Will Bring Change) brings to life the aspiration of Filipino workers abroad.

PEBA is going back to the basic; it will bring the advocacy to a wider audience by increasing PEBA’s visibility in the shopping malls. We want to come closer to the hearts of Filipino people, including to those who do not Blog, to the mall-going Filipinos and help us campaign for change and support the blogging Filipinos abroad.

We would like to promote the importance of Blogging because it enable and empower Filipinos in various parts of the world, encouraging them to express their thoughts, ideas and share their individual experiences.

The PEBA 2011 awards night will be held in Trinoma Activity Center on December 9, 2011 at 5PM. The winning entries of PEBA 2011 Photo Contest will be exhibited in Market Market Mall and will be attended by OFW advocates in the government, diplomatic corps and NGOs.

Contact Information:

Pete E. Rahon | PEBA 2011 Chairman

Mobile: +63917-733-7152 | Email: peterahon@pinoyblogawards.com

Mark Aethen Agana | Head of Public Relations and Media Affairs

Mobile: +63927.339.1454 | E-mail: mark.agana@pinoyblogawards.com

F. Jigs G. Segre | Director of Global Affairs & Strategic Initiatives

U.S. Contact No.: +1510.589.2950 | E-mail: jigsegre@pinoyblogawards.com

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PEBA 2011 "WHERE THE HEART IS" PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS

2011-10-10T03:59:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

It took quite a while before we managed to announce the winners of this year's PEBA 2011 "Where The Heart Is" Photo Contest. That's primarily because we've really had a tough time judging and computing scores. All photos are beautiful and worthy of honors. The scores were so close to each other. But the moment has come. This is it!

We made a twist on this year's announcement of winners. Instead of the usual photo plus caption, we made a sortta, kindda coffe table book that features the TOP 30 photographs.

Visit the "Where The Heart Is" book here:

http://issuu.com/thepinktarha/docs/peba_photocontest2011/1

Open publication - Free publishing - More contest

We're anticipating that this will not go as smoothly as possible because some might encounter technical problems getting in the site (depending on your internet connection's speed) and so tonight or tomorrow morning, we will upload a photo album containing the winning entries and the top 27 on the 3 participating Facebook pages: The Pink Tarha, PEBA, and Globe Kababayan.

The TOP 3 will receive gadgets (to be posted later). The most popular entry will receive a Swatch watch courtesy of PEBA and the Most Liked in the Globe Kababayan page will receive a prize from the Globe team. Winners of the 60th and 88th photo entry submitted will be receiving their prizes via mail. We're sending them tomorrow. All participants will receive a certificate of participation from us via email, which we'll send as soon as possible. Winners can claim their prize in Manila from Mr. Pete Rahon. Please bring your ID. If winners can't get their prizes personally, they can send a representative with an authorization letter and ID.

Winning photos will be part of an exhibit in the Trinoma Mall on the day of the PEBA 2011 Awards Night. More details will be announced later.

Thank you very much for supporting the PEBA 2011 "Where The Heart Is" Photo Contest! Good luck and God bless to all.

Sincerely,

The Pink Tarha

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Best OFW Advocacy Blog Category Award

2011-09-06T14:54:00.000-07:00

Best OFW Advocacy Blog Category Award

In recognition to the global contribution of Pinoy Expats and OFWS and their phenomenal presence in blogsphere, the PEBA 2011 Committee has unanimously agreed to include its search for Best OFW Advocacy Blog Category Award to complete the 12 blog categories for PEBA's Any Blogger, Anywhere.

OFW Advocacy Blog are blogs written by individuals which focusses on the valuable contributions of the Global Filipinos, stories about courage, heroism and sacrifices through essays and ancedotes, poems and literatures or through pictures and other acceptable medias that are OFW oriented articles. Blogs that are OFW oriented (minimum 60% of total posts must focus or OFW related articles) and has been blogging for the last 6 months are eligible to join. Current nominees' blogs will be re-assessed and will be contacted by the Committee for re-classification and approval.

Online nomination is also open for the following blog categories: (1) Personal Blog, (2) Showbiz and Sports Blog, (3) Food Blog, (4) Fun and Entertainment Blog- Lighthearted and funny blog about life and everything that will make a reader smile or laugh, (5) Gadgets and Tech Blog (6) Negosyo, Entrepreneurship and Investment Blog (7) Wellness, Beauty and Kakikayan Blog (8) Literary Blog (9) Family and/or Inspirational Blog (10) Picture! Picture! Blog (11) Biyaheng Blog (Travel Blog).

For more details, click here

©2011 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

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Kailan Ka Uuwi?

2011-09-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

This is an original post from PALIPASAN.

Kailan ka uuwi? Katanungang payak subalit may hatid na kurot sa puso ng bawa't OFW kapag ang mahal sa buhay ang naghahanap ng katugunan.

Ilang beses ko na bang narinig ang tanong na ito?

Kailan ka uuwi Daddy? Inosenteng tanong ng aking bunso nung unang taon na ako'y mag-abroad. At makalipas ang 20 taon ko sa bansang banyaga, ito pa rin ang katanungang namumutawi sa kanyang mga labi, sa pangungulila sa isang ama na halos isang buwan lang sa bawa’t taon akong nakakasama at lagi kong sinasabi "Huwag kang mag-alala, uuwi si Daddy".

Kailan ka uuwi? Tanong ng aking asawa na pilit ikinukubli ang impit na pagtangis ng aming damdamin na pinaghiwalay ng malawak na karagatan, at sa kanyang mga panaghoy aking ibinubulong "Huwag kang mag-alala uuwi ako".

Kailan ka uuwi, tanong ng aking nagiisang kapatid, mga pamangkin at mga kaibigang nananabik na ako'y makaharap matapos ang matagal na di pagkikita. "Darating ako dyan, basta antayin ninyo ako, darating ako".

Walang katiyakan, pero puno ng pag-asa.

Kailan nga ba ako uuwi? 20 taon sa abroad, matagumpay na nakapagpatapos ng dalawang anak sa kolehiyo, may maayos na tahanan at kaunting impok, subalit tila ang kasagutan kung kailan ako uuwi ay napakailap at walang katiyakan.

Siguro pinalad lang ako na nagkaruon ng maayos na trabaho at magandang mga benepisyo kaya’t sinasamantala ko ang pagkakataon at umaasang muling makapiling ko ang aking pamilya sa bansang banyaga kahit pansamantala.

Subalit, ang ating mga kapatid kong OFW na kasalukuyang naiipit sa kaguluhan sa bansang Libya, Syria, Iraq at Afghanistan, kailan kayo makakauwi. Lubos ko kayong nauunawaan sa inyong pag-aatubili na umuwi sa ating Inang Bayan kung saan mas lalong walang katiyakan kung may hanapbuhay pa bang naghihintay sa inyong pagbabalikbayan. Ang akin laging dalangin nawa’y patnubayan kayo ni Bathala at gabayan kayo sa inyong kalusugan’t kaligtasan.

Sa aking mga kababayan at sampu ng kanyang pamilya na pinagpalang manirahan sa Amerika, Canada, Europa, at mga bansang mauunlad, kailan kayo uuwi upang bisitahin man lang ang bansang ating pinagmulan? Nawa’y habang tinatamasa ang mga biyayang pinagkaloob sa inyo ng Maykapal, at huwag sana ninyong limutin ang mayamang kultura na inyong kinamulatan at ipagmalaki ang lahing Pilipino kung saan nagmula ang di mabilang ng Bayani ng ating Lahing Kayumanggi.

Tulad ng aking panulat, anumang haba ng sanaysay ay hahantong din sa wakas, tulad ng isang awiti’y may simula at katapusan. At tulad nating mga OFW at Expats, sa kabila ng mausok, buhol buhol na traffic sa EDSA, sobrang init o maulan na panahon at nakakasukang kalakaran sa politika, uuwi’t uuwi tayo upang muling makasama ang ating mahal na pamilya at madama ang tunay na kulturang Pilipino sa tamang panahon.

Kung tutuusin, may 7,107 na dahilan upang ikaw ay umuwi kaibigan at nawa’y sa iyong pagbabalikbayan, bitbit ang iyong maleta na puno ng bagong kaalaman karanasan, kwento ng buhay at pagmamalaskit sa kapwa Pilipino, sa iyong pag-uwi nawa’y ikaw ang simula ng pagbabago.

Ikaw, kailan ka uuwi?

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PEBA POLL VOTING

2011-08-31T15:54:00.000-07:00

PEBA Voting officially starts now!

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OUR Nominees PROFILE

2011-08-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

to VIEW their PROFILES or READ THEIR BLOG ENTRIES,

Click the Profile Link

NOKIA ESSAY CONTEST

1. "Nokia Family"

2. "Nokia and My Sister"

3. "Ang Kasaysayan..."

4. "My First Cellphone"

5. "The Operation: Snakes"

6. "Somewhere..."

7. "Magic"

8. "Standard O Special"

9. "My Inheritance"

TO JOIN, click here

ANY BLOGGER, ANYWHERE NOMINEES

PERSONAL BLOG

Mary Jane's Niche

Cuteberl's World: Panibagong Simula

Kwentong Makulit, Parang Ulay Sa Puwet

Diary ni Gracia

Dose of Influence

+dreamland+

A Boy Named Xander

Blissfully RICH

LITERARY BLOG

Tuyong Tinta ng Bolpen

Tula, Kwentula at Opinyon ni "Dregm"

FAMILY / INSPIRATION BLOG

Momsicle

PICTURE! PICTURE! BLOG

Me,Mice- Self and I

TRABYAHENG BLOG

Pusang Kalye

No Spam No Virus No Kiddin’!

GADGETS AND TECH BLOG

Tech At Hand Dot Net

Other Available Blog Categories:

SHOWBIZ & SPORTS

FOOD

FUN & ENTERTAINMENT

NEGOSYO, ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INVESTMENT

WELLNESS, BEAUTY & KAKIKAYAN

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PEBA 2011 First Batch of Nominees

2011-08-07T02:03:00.000-07:00

Presenting our first batch of 2011 PEBA Nominees in a video.

Note, for better sound and quality, watch in HD format.

We would like to invite you to join our exciting for this year

BLOG ENTRY CONTEST, Nomination Form

ANY BLOGGER, ANYWHERE! Nominate a Blog

NOKIA ESSAY CONTEST, Nomination Form

For blog entry contest, in OFW and Home Based bloggers Division, we will be awarding the prestigious Top 10 Bloggers of the Year. The Most Popular Blog Award is another prestigious award with trophy for the most number of accumulated Facebook Likes, Poll result and number of comments. Voting will start earlier, that is September 1, 2011 until December 5, 2011.

Nokia Essay Writing contest will win a Nokia phone and other cool gadgets.

Blog entry nominees and Nokia Essay contestants are eligible to join the raffle promo and will have the chance to win in the raffle of LCD TV, Netbook/Slim CPUs, Nokia Phones and other gadgets.

JOIN PEBA CONTESTS NOW!

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Any Blogger, Anywhere!

2011-07-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

SCROLL DOWN, NOMINATION FORM can be found below this post. :)

We always believe that we have the obligation to honor bloggers, OFW and supporters of our cause. We conceived the idea of honoring bloggers in different categories two years ago, and we recognize the fact that not all can relate to our yearly theme, or that not all are good in writing essays and stories or conveying their message through words. We hope our friends and fellow bloggers will support this idea and join this unique PEBA 2011 Awards!

Read and nominate now!

ANY BLOGGER, ANYWHERE!

General Guidelines

1. Overseas and local (home based or Philippine bloggers) can join the contest. PEBA nominees in the blog entry division can still be nominated in the category division.

2. At least 6 months presence in the blogging world with at least one post per month.

3. Blog should be 60% personal in nature and not more than 40% commercial or paid ads blog posts. To qualify for a specific blog category, the blog site must contain at least 60% posts related to the category it is intending to join/participate from the 6 months of his blogging career.

4. In the event that a blog has been nominated by friends to different categories, the Nominated Blogger will be contacted by the Contest Secretariat through a Verification Form to confirm his/her PREFERRED CHOICE in the blog category that he/she intends to join.

5. During the Pre-Selection stage, the Contest Secretariat will assess and review the blog contents of all nominees and determine if each Nominee’s blog are properly classified in the correct blog group category (e.g. If a blog contains a multi or combination of personal, photo blog articles and travel blogs, for the last 6 months, his blog posts/articles will be re-assessed from the last 6 months on which category he/she has written most. If 6 months is not enough to determine the site categorization requirement, we can go further within the last 12 months of their blog career.)

6. All nominees shall be informed of their nomination for acceptance and the correct category that their blog will be entered into the contest as determined by the Secretariat.

7. Blogger who maintained various blog sites can have his/her site nominated at different categories however, he is only entitled to one blog per category. (i.e. A blogger has 3 blog sites, one is dedicated to photo blog and the remaining two sites are both for travel blogs. In the contest, he is only allowed to enter one blog for the photo blog category, and he/she has to choose on his/her remaining two sites on which one to enter for the travel blog)

8. Previous PEBA winners, except for current PEBA volunteers/bloggers are allowed to be nominated and to join in the contest.

9. Blog posts that contains sexually explicit, extreme violence or offensive languages which are not suitable for Age Group "below 18 years old" MUST BE properly declared, tagged and labeled before joining to warn the general public that the blog contents is suitable for adult and mature readers only.

10. Blog posts that contain articles that directly invoke racism (discrimination based on race and ethnic belief & skin color, religious belief, sex and sexual preferences including articles that demean the Overseas Filipino Workers) are prohibited to join this event.

11. If you find your friends or even yourself and your blog qualified for this event - Fill up the Nomination Form and read the Nomination Process.

12. A FAQ will be presented in the contest page and subject items will be introduced as necessary as we meet new queries that warrant posting on the FAQ page.

Nomination Process to the Category Division

1. PEBA invites blog writers, readers and followers to fill up the nomination form to endorse and nominate their favorite blog sites for the PEBA 2011.

2. Blog sites that are endorsed and nominated by bloggers, readers and followers must meet the PEBA General Eligibility Requirements of the PEBA 2011.

3. All blog site owners/authors who are endorsed and nominated shall be contacted by the PEBA Secretariat through email for confirmation purposes within the next few days.

4. Nominated (endorsed) blogger are requested to review the Nomination Form data given by his/her endorser for any changes and fill up other missing information’s that maybe required by the Secretariat and subsequently, nominee must submit their confirmation of their nomination by forwarding the e-mail back to the PEBA Secretariat.

5. Nominated blogger who meets all the requirements and accepts their nomination will receive a Nominee Badge from the PEBA Secretariat through e-mail and it must be displayed in his/her blog sidebar linking to PEBA Awards, www.pinoyblogawards.com as a verification requirement throughout the

contest.

A. AWARDS CATEGORIES

1. Personal Blog - Blogs written by individuals about themselves which does not necessarily adhere to a specific theme but must be specifically be about the blogger's life, his first hand account on events and his personal experiences.

2. Showbiz and Sports Blog - An entertainment blog that discuss or promote entertainment industry ranging from TV shows, theater acts, and movie films, musical shows, concerts and popular music. Sports blog discuss or analyze anything sports-related, including professional sports team, sports players and other related content.

3. Food Blog - Blog which focuses on food and recipes and its preparations which may also include restaurants reviews.

4. Fun and Entertainment Blog- Lighthearted and funny blog about life and everything that will make a reader smile or laugh

5. Gadgets and Tech Blog - This category discusses about electronic gadgets, mobiles and computers, tablets and video game consoles and other electronic machine and new gadget inventions.

6. Negosyo, Entrepreneurship and Investment Blog - Blog that focuses on world commerce which covers the modern business trends such as marketing & finance and advertising. It also discusses about remittances, rates and OFW opportunities for entrepreneurship.

7. Wellness, Beauty and Kakikayan Blog - Blog topics on beauty, fashion, personal styling, clothing, cosmetics and accessories and other related contents for men and women.

8. Literary Blog - Blogs on contemporary and modern prose and poetry where style, narrative forms and literrary merits are shared. This includes literary reviews on reviews on literary books and poems from popular authors.

9. Family and/or Inspirational Blog - This category is for blogs which center around the topics of family, raising children, marriages and relationship and inspirational, any religious and spiritual content.

10. Picture! Picture! Blog - Blog which present and feature photographs taken by the author or others and post or shared as a blog.

11. Biyaheng Blog (Travel Blog) - This category is for blog which explore world travel, tourism, travel writings which include personal account and experiences of country's culture and visited sites.

B. CRITERIA and JUDGING PROCESS

1. There will be two phases of judging process.

Selection of Finalist based on the following - A PEBA pre-selection committee (Finalists Jurors) will review all the blogs based on the following criteria’s in each category:

• Form (30%) (Element, Blog Layout, Theme, Design)

• Substance (50%) (Total Impact and Over All Blog Content)

• Originality (20%) (Uniqueness among other nominees in a particular category)

(A single or few nominees on a particular category does not guarantee a win. PEBA has certain criteria’s and standard that will be used to assess blog entries.)

2. PEBA General Board of Trustees and other selected judges will determine the final winner in each category. All the BOT and judges decisions are final, protests or reconsideration is not allowed.

3. The PEBA BOT will pick the blog winner in each category that they all believe has made a greater impact to the Filipino’s at home and abroad than the rest of the finalists.

4. Each winner in every category will receive an online badge, and a framed PEBA Certificate. Other awards and prizes, if there’s any will be announced later.

5. Deadline of nomination will be on October 31st 2011, 11:59 P.M. Philippine time.

For more details regarding the contest, email us at nominees@pinoyblogawards.com

The Nomination Form:

Fill the nomination form below

********************************************************************

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They Answered, and More Are Still Coming!

2011-07-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

WHERE IS YOUR HEART?

1. WHO MAY ENTER
The contest is open to all Filipinos living and working outside the Philippines aged 18 and above. Officers and volunteers of the Philippine Expats/OFW Blog Awards and their immediate family members are not eligible to join.
Contest is open to all casual, amateur, and professional photographers.

2. HOW TO ENTER
Each entrant can only submit 2 photos. All entries must be submitted and received by August 01, 2011 at 11:59PM Philippine time. An email of receipt and acceptance from the official email pc@pinoyblogawards.com will be sent once your entries are received.
Submit your entries in an email to pc@pinoyblogawards.com.

3. CRITERIA OF JUDGING
All photos will be uploaded in one album at the PEBA, The Pink Tarha, and Globe Kababayan Facebook pages.

A set of judges (men and women who are passionate and professionals in photography) will be chosen to judge the photos according to the following criteria:

a. Originality 40%
b.Quality 40%
c. Overall Impression 20% (Likes)

4. AWARDS

Only three winners will be chosen: one grand winner and 2 runners-up. Most Liked photo will also receive an award. Per judge’s decision and discretion, other special citations and awards will be given. The first 50 persons to join will each receive Globe TipIDD cards worth P300

5. PRIZES

The winner will receive a certificate from PEBA and a Samsung Galaxy Tablet from Globe Kababayan. The runners-up will receive a certificate from PEBA and a Blackberry 3G Curve.

If you have more questions and suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact us pc@pinoyblogawards.com and thepinktarha@gmail.com. We’ll be happy to get in touch with you. Happy shooting (photos only, okay?)! Good luck! :)

Click to read the full details and guidelines here

https://www.facebook.com/notes/peba-inc-pinoy-expatsofw-blog-awards/the-peba-2011-where-the-heart-is-photo-contest-full-mechanics/189169751136559

http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/2011/06/peba-2011-where-heart-is-photo-contest.html

44 photo entries so far here.

You can still join, just submit your entries to pc@pinoyblogawards.com

©2011 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

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Project NeaLShai

2011-07-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

NealShai, from Sharon Flores Facebook account, a jargon name of her 9 years old son and her name.

Who is she? She was a caregiver in Haifa, Israel. Her story was brought to PEBA's attention a few days ago by some of her concerned friends, fellow caregivers Mush and Mazelle.

They been doing everything they could to support Sharon and send her home. Why?

She is 32 years old single mom, and is working for 5 years as caregiver in Haifa. For more than one month, she had been hospitalized, and her friends and family learned from the doctor taking care of her, that she needs immediate medication and treatment for stomach cancer.

Her friends had been persistently asking the support of the embassy in Israel to repatriate Sharon so she can spend most of her remaining days with her son. The embassy said they can't help her because she was UNDOCUMENTED after her employer died of old age, and she decided to stay even without documents so she can support her son and family.

We found out that the embassy wanted Sharon to stay and stabilize at the hospital before flying home. The doctor advised otherwise because chemotherapy could weaken her more.

The letter below was from Mush, Sharon's friend and also a caregiver. We forwarded this letter to The Ople Center through the effort of Ms. Susan Ople, and the Patnubay who knew well the rules regarding this situation.

The Ople Center contacted the embassy in Israel, and do more of the contacting in Manila.

As of this writing, Sharon is being flown from Haifa to Manila.
We would like to plead for support moral and financial and donation, or even sponsorship of her son's education.

Sharon and her son

Here is the letter from Mush:

Magandang araw po sa inyong lahat.

Si Sharon Flores po, 32 years old, ay isang caregiver dito sa Israel. Mahigit isang buwan na po ang nakakaraan ng mag umpisang sumakit ang kanyang tyan, ayon po sa mga doktor, ang pananakit daw po ng kaniyang tyan ay sanhi ng appendicitis, kung kaya madalian po siyang inoperahan upang alisin ang knyang appendix. Ilang araw siyang tumagal sa hospital, hanggang pauwiin na sa kanyang bahay. Pagkaraan ng ilang araw, tumawag muli ang doktor sa kanya upang pabalikin sya sa hospital dahil may nakita silang iregularidad sa knyang sikmura. Mula noon ay ini confine sya sa hospital at sumailalalim sa iba't ibang tests. Pagkatapos ng ilang araw, lumabas ang findings ng doktor at nadiagnose sya na merong STOMACH CANCER, STAGE 4, at ipinayo ng mga doktor na iuwi na sya upang sa Pilipinas sumailalim ng chemotherapy. Sa kasalukuyan po ay naka confine pa din sya sa hospital habang hinihintay ang mga dokumentong kailangan nya sa kanyang pag uwi, at inaasahan po namin na makakauwi sya sa susunod na linggo.

Siya po ay isa lamang sa napakaraming Pilipino na nakikipagsapalaran sa bansang ito at nagtatrabaho kahit walang dokumento. Siya po ay nasa ilalim ng kategoryang UNDOCUMENTED WORKER, at sinabi po ng DFA na wala syang matatanggap na kahit na anong benipisyo mula sa gobyerno. Wala din pong maibigay na tulong pinansyal ang Philippine Embassy dito sa Israel o kahit na po sa OWWA ay di sya entitled sa kahit anong benifits dahil sa status nya . Bilang isang breadwinner ng pamilya, sya po ay walang ipon na pera at meron po syang 9 na taong gulang na anak na lalaki na nangangailangan ng suporta at pagmamahal nya. Sinubukan na po namin na makakolekta ng kaunting pera mula sa mga malalapit na kaibigan pero alam ko po na hindi yun sasapat para sa pagpapagamot nya.

Siya po ay isang mabuting halimbawa ng isang mabuting mamamayan, na handang ibigay ang lahat para sa mga mahal nya sa buhay, at sya din po ay kabilang sa mga bagong bayani ng ating bayan. Sayang po kung basta na lamang isusuko ang laban kung dahil lamang sa kakulangang pinansyal. Kaya po bilang isang kaibigan, na nakakita at nakasaksi sa kanyng kahirapan, idinudulog ko po sa inyo, at nagmamakaawa po ako, na sana ay tulungan nyo sya na madugtungan pa ang kanyang buhay, para sa kanyang anak na umaasa na sa paglaki nya ay may ina sya na makakatuwang sa buhay.

If you wish to donate or offer prayers and support for Sharon,

Mobile No. +639474773934

Bank Details

Name: Banco De Oro

Savings Account Name: Sharon Flores

Savings Account No.: 6320062362

please email at contact@pinoyblogawards.com

PEBA would like to thank again Mush and Mazelle for their courage and unfaltering support to Sharon at the lowest times of her life, as well as the Ople Center and Patnubay Riyadh for helping our distressed Kababayans. Mabuhay po kayo!

©2011 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

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What is Your Company Color and Status?

2011-06-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

There are 4 certain categories and colors in the Nitaqat system - Excellent, Green, Yellow and Red. As per the data shown below, you can find out your company status depending on the number of total employees and the number of Saudi's your company employ.

Image courtesy of the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Labor

VIEW or DOWNLOAD THE PDF HERE

ENLARGE THE IMAGES BELOW as per company categorization.

The data below was from the Saudi Ministry of Labor and using Google Chrome and Google Translate, PEBA was able to come up with this table.

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Symposium on Saudization in Manila

2011-06-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

Ms. Susan Ople of the Blas Ople Foreign Policy Ceter lead the Symposium on Saudization today June 23, 2011 at Midas Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Atty. Koko Pimentel welcomed participants from the OFW Families, Recruitment Agency and the NGOs.

Mr. Lito Soriano presented a powerpoint showing statistics emphasizing on the nature of the deployment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) where only 36% are new hires and the majority at 64% are rehires. And of the total 2008 data from CFO (Comm. of Filipino Overseas), of the 2.2M deployed abroad 53% (47% the rest of the world) are found in the Middle East (ME) where 1.3 (regular and irregular/undocumented) Filipinos work in KSA. He stressed that the biggest challenge for OFWs in the Middle East is downsizing. It was re-echoed by a participant from a recruitment agency that once KSA implemented a successful Saudization it would follow that other countries in the ME would follow suit.

The Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affair (OUMWA) Executive Director Eric Endaya offered several suggestions in addressing and counteracting Saudization like expanding TESDA training, providing more consular offices and labor officials abroad, revisit and analyze

RA 10022 Amendatory Law on Magna Carta for Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos (provision on mandatory insurance for migrants deployed by recruitment and/or manning agencies. ). He proposed the need to include the private sector in reviewing the law and encouraged the symposium participants to submit their policy proposal to address Saudization.

In the forum PEBA founder Kenji Solis’s video interview was presented together with a video from Patnubay ng Riyadh. It was seen from the interviewed that some are not familiar about Saudization or still confused with it. Only few of them are aware of the color coding system of Nitaqat.

Mr. Jun Aguilar, Jr. of the Filipino Migrant Workers Group presented the Nitaqat System. The Saudization law which is aimed at placing skilled and qualified Saudis in a career field and creating business growth was already put forward since 1994 but this year in 2011 September 10; the Saudi government will fully implement the law. So only three months are given to those companies in the yellow (partially satisfied Saudization requirement, their employees going on 6 years will not be rehired if the company will not fully comply to reach the green category) and red (contravened or ignored Saudization) categories to comply with the law. OFW who are in the household work (domestic helper, gardener, etc) and those who work in companies with less than 10 workers are exempted from the law. Platinum (company with exceptional record) and green (company that complies with Saudization) categories are the safe companies that OFW should belong to.

According to Mr. Aguilar the Saudi government is keen to implement Saudization this time given that they have already outlined concrete process to implement it and providing penal provisions for those who will not comply. Several ministries are also linked on this effort that includes the Ministry of Labor, the Minsitry of Interior (that issues Iqama/Jawazat) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This action from the government of providing jobs for Saudis is seen as their answer in preventing revolts in the Kingdom like those that happened in other Gulf countries where youth are asking for jobs.

Although considered as an adversity but there is also opportunities that await OFWs like possible of being upgraded to a better paying and more stable job. The speaker suggested that OFWs be provided information in finding out companies in the platinum and green category; OFW families be prepared of the possible implication of Saudization; and for the government to come-up with a comprehensive reintegration plan for OFWs.

In the symposium the government representatives from OWWA and POEA were at the receiving end of several tough questions they managed to answer with their best. One of the contentions raised by recruitment agency is RA 10022 where they foresee themselves going bankrupt if they will be the ones to cover for repatriation of OFWs (deployed and covered under RA 10022) who will be affected by Saudization law.

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Tweet ni Rizal sa mga OFW Contest

2011-06-18T05:52:00.000-07:00

Maligayang bati sa ika-150 taong Anibersaryo ng Kaarawan, Gat Jose Rizal!

So, here goes our twitter contest to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary.

Simple lang ang rule:

1)pen to all Filipino citizens, 12 years old and above with twitter account and mobile phone.)

2) Follow us on twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/pebawards

3) Tweet on your own twitter status your answer to this:
Sa kaarawan ni Jose Rizal ano ang kaniyang mensahe sa mga Bagong Bayani?

4) Include in your answer this hash tag #pebawards

5) Example - Mga Bagong Bayani tuloy ang laban walang iwanan! #pebawards

6) We will post all tweets on our blog and FB page.

7) Winners will be selected after 24 June 2011 and judges' decision will be final.

8) The three most creative and interesting tweets will receive a mobile phone load of 300, 200 and 100 pesos respectively.

Contest starts 18 June and ends 24 June 2011 at 11pm. Sali na!

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Happy Independence Day Philippines!

2011-06-11T13:11:00.001-07:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE THE PHOTOS. The following are taken from the photo entries of the entrants of the PEBA 2010 International Photo Contest!

by: Russellamiel
Location Paju South Korea
Profession/Job: OFW Factory worker
Short Explanation/Interpretation: PATRIOTISM waves on a foreign land

by: fdeasis
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Profession/Job: writer/artist
Interpretations/Short Explanation: OFWs raising of the Philippine flag. Love
of country, never to forget.
Independence day 2010.

by analindenhann
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Profession/Job: Full time Mom & Student
Interpretations/Short Explanation:"Proud to be Filipino" My son shouted upon stepping on the frozen lake in Copenhagen.

©2011 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

The PEBA 2011 "WHERE THE HEART IS" Photo Contest

2011-06-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, we're The Pink Tarha and we're proud to be a part of this year's PEBA and GLOBE Kababayan SIM by Globe Telecom Photo Contest! We'll put the girly, light factor in this competition, lol. Let's start with this:

Rain, clouds, more colors, vintage effect? What happened? Don't fret, it's still the PEBA 2011 Photo Contest. We just added a fun, very colorful side to it. Of course, it's hand-in-hand with the theme of the PEBA 2011 Blogging Contest. This is our first major project as a blog, and the first tie-up we have of PEBA Inc... please support us! Grab your cameras and shoot!

Here's the gist: All Filipinos living and residing abroad and of legal age are eligible to join this photo contest. Think of a subject/subjects that will show us where your heart is, what you consider "home." A home is not just a place, right? Capture your interpretation of the theme with the use of your cameras! We don't discriminate so you can use whatever camera you have, as long as you pour lots of creativity and mix in passion. :) Submit your photos (a maximum of 2) at pc@pinoyblogawards.com starting today until August 1, 2011. Worthy judges will be taking a look at your photographs and your family and friend can support you through the Facebook pages of PEBA, The Pink Tarha, and the Globe Kababayan. Winners will be receiving electronic gadgets and more prizes from our wonderful sponsors. For more information, please read THIS. (If that doesn't work because sometimes Google Docs is choosy aka nagiinarte, haha, then you can also click here. ;)

We'll be giving away Globe TipIDD cards worth P300 each for the first 50 participants. We'll be awaiting, rather eagerly, your wonderful photos! :)

Again, don't forget to read the full mechanics and rules HERE (It's a must!). It's just four pages and font 12 so it won't be stressful to read. If you have more questions such as why there are clouds and rain in the poster above or who's that guy holding the camera or why you should join, don't hesitate to email us at pc@pinoyblogawards.com or thepinktarha@gmail.com. Don't be shy now. :)

Kindly share this to your family, friends, and fellow photographers. More photos, more happiness shared. :)

Me@Work Photo Contest Winners are...

2011-06-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

We are thankful for our sponsor,
Nokia Philippines,
as well our entrants for this simple Liking contest.
A bigger project is about to begin, and we encourage many others to join in the 2011 PEBA International Photo Contest. We are so excited to announce it!

We understand and we know you do too that this is just a "liking" contest. The real contest is about to begin with, of course, much bigger prizes. We thank you again, for your support by joining our contest. Each of you, entrants, will receive a T-Shirt from PEBA, and we will announce in our PEBAWARDS Facebook Page where can you claim the shirt.

"Like a motherly love and Care"
"450 Likes"

Jay-Ann Santos a baby sitter from Milan, Italy.

"That's Gen.. our big baby girl.. and I am her little Ate taken last April 01, 2011 in Pacific Palm Corp office"

"425 Likes"

By Leila Las-ay, a Sr. Admin Assistant from Mabini, Manila, Philippines.

"Aspiring Writer/Blogger"
I admit writing is not my field, the reason why I was criticized before on my writing outputs.... Mistakes? A lot!, but I believe they are part of the learning process.... So at this point, as my journey of being a writer continues, I am well certain that I am already immune of criticisms and ready to face challenges in the future.
"337 Likes"
By Jose Peñas Jr., a Freelance Article Writer/Full Time Blogger
from San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, Philippines

Are you seeing two beautiful mobile phone in black and pink color? Yes, that's yours. Yup, you are right, three of you winners will receive each of this special thank you prize from our sponsor Nokia, and of course, from PEBA!

This Nokia C3 Nokia mobile device is equipped with a Wifi, a camera, a Bluetooth, a 2.4 inch screen and a support for up to 8GB storage on an SD Card.

"Designed to put messaging and social networking in the palm of your hand this tiny tyke comes packing access to your favourite Instant Messaging, social networking and email accounts, all courtesy of Nokia Messaging."

* * Create a Nokia application for your own Blogand get a chance to win in a raffle, an LCD TV, Netbook, Nokia phones, etc. Click here!

©2011 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

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LCD TV, NETBOOK and PHONES from NOKIA and PEBA

2011-05-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

Nokia Essay Writing Contest and Raffle

Share to us a creative essay on how you use your Nokia phones to connect to your love ones and/or your most memorable experiences/moments with your Nokia phones. You can be as unique and inspiring as you want.

Who can join?

Any blogger can join the contest and raffle promo, local or OFW. All PEBA blog entry nominees are automatically included in the raffle promo.

When is the start of the posting of entries?

May 01, 2011 up to November 01, 2011

What are the prizes?

Initial raffle items and prizes for the raffle to be won are the following: LCD TV, Netbook, Nokia Mobile Phones and other gadgets. For the best Nokia Entry post, a Nokia mobile phone to be announced later.

How to join?

There are two contests for PEBA 2011 and Nokia Philippines

A) Essay / Blog Writing Contest

Essay/Blog Writing Contest about your most memorable experience with your Nokia phone.

a) Any Filipino blogger at home and overseas can submit/join.

b) An online form will be provided for the entrants to fill the details of the owner, blog and link of the blog entry. SEE BELOW

c) Submission of entry starts May 31, 2011 and ends on November 01, 2011.

d) Winners will be judged by Nokia representatives and PEBA officers.

B) Raffle through OVI Apps

a) All Essay/Blog Entrants are automatically included in the raffle promo.

b) In any case that the winner of the essay contest will win in the raffle’s major prize, he can claim the highest valued prize.

c) To join the raffle, any blogger can apply their blog into an OVI Nokia Application by filling the application here http://www.ovi.com/appwizard

d) Once your blog was approved as an application, you must display the banner in your blog sidebar and notify PEBA by emailing contact@pinoyblogawards.com with approved OVI link at the body of the email.

e) An online list of raffle entrants will be published at the PEBA website.

f) Raffle will be drawn on the night of the awarding ceremony of the PEBA 2011 Awards.

g) All winners must present a valid ID when claiming the prize.

h) Failure to claim the prize after 30 days of the notification will be forfeited.

BLOG ENTRY DETAILS FORM

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“Pinoy Abroad” - PEBA 2011 1st Nominee

2011-05-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

Mr. Ronald Mallari, an OFW from Doha, Qatar has been blogging since 2009 writing personal anecdotes and literary poems and the author behind OFW Chronicles: Abroad "which bears witness to the journeys of the OFW around the world, their struggles, sacrifices, success and triumphs".

OFW BLOGGER NOMINEE NO. 1

OFW CHRONICLES: PINOY ABROAD

DOHA, STATE OF QATAR

PEBA takes pride as Kuya Ronnie's blog entry entitled "I’ll Go Home and Bring Change (A Dare For OFWs)" has been accredited as PEBA 2011's 1st Official Nominee. As it takes the lead as first Nominee in the OFW Division, his literary entry narrates the emotional struggle of each OFWs abroad as it brings inspirational challenge to the Global Filipinos to "dream big and plan for the future" and be one of the successful OFWS to make a difference and become contributors to our country's economy.

And his inspiring words to our fellow OFWs "Be the beacon of hope for those who are lost at sea."

Follow his entry and get inspired as you read his closing literary poems entitled “Plight of the Firefly”.

Support PEBA 2011, let your blog shine, be a Nominee and inspire the world. You could be our next blogging hero.

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Sponsors 2011

2011-05-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

PEBA is a non-profit organization, with three major social programs.

· PEBA Cares supports and conducts project for the Orphanage Homes, Home for the Aged, Disabled, and environment friendly events like tree planting activities.

· PEBA Help is a migrant/OFW help center that supports distressed OFW’s anywhere in the world, in a partnership with the RMN News Bantay OFW Radio Program and the Blas Ople Policy Center

· PEBA Scholars is a partnership with the Believe International, a non-profit organization based from the USA that supports poor but deserving Filipino kids to school. PEBA, through our sponsors has several scholars.

The rest of the donation will be used in the venue and rentals for

events, trophies, awards and the operating cost for the PEBA, Inc

The following are our PEBA 2011 partners and sponsors.

PEBA Partners :

A place to connect with Nokia & Nokia fans from across the Philippines. Here you can find out all the latest news on Nokia products and services through previews, tips, tricks, offers and more.

NGO SPONSOR:

MEDIA PARTNER:

PEBA HOTEL

GRAPHIC and DESIGN SPONSOR:

FURNITURE SPONSOR:

DONORS

The Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards (PEBA), Inc. is a non-profit, non-stock organization of international Filipino Bloggers located from different parts of the world & duly registered in Securities & Exchange Commission and Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Over the span of 3 years, PEBA has gained international acceptance with over 300 active Filipino blogging members from the Philippines and across the globe who use blogs as their mode of expression where they post literary arts, anecdotes, photos, videos and other forms of multimedia. Our network of bloggers are using the social media to write and capture photos through a multi-faceted topics ranging from politics, entertainment, fashion, technology, travel and leisure, advice & support groups, environmental protection and other imaginable topics.

On our 4th year of recognizing international Filipino bloggers and photographers with this year’s theme, "Ako’y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko’y Pagbabago" (I Will Return, I Will Bring Change); PEBA 2011 aims to highlights the emotional journey of our returning Balikbayans as they share the fruits of their hard labor, their knowledge and wealth gained abroad to bring the change they want to be for their families, relatives, communities and country.

This event will be broadcast live through Internet Streaming and will be covered by international bloggers, podcasters, local and international press (including TV, radio and newsprint organization). The awards night will be attended by vacationing OFWs while our 300-strong bloggers who are based in different parts of the world would be updated on this momentous event. The video of the event would then be archived and posted in PEBA YouTube, PEBA Facebook Fan Page, PEBA Twitter, KABLOGS and PEBA Online Magazine, The Kablogs Journal websites ensuring longer online presence.

The awards night will be held tentatively on December 10^th, 2011 and the venue (within Metro Manila) will be officially announced in our websites as well in radio stations and leading national newspapers.

PEBA 2011 promises to be the most spectacular event of the year and we want to offer your business the opportunity to get involved. We are hopeful to build a long-term partnership with your Organization as our Sponsor and mutually we and our global members will promote your business as PEBA partner.

If you are keen on sponsoring PEBA 2011, please download the Sponsorship Values here.

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