Pinoy makes a name in Spain’s art of ham carving

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Who knows more about the finest, top of the class Iberian ham than the master ham carver himself Michael López? The first maestro cortador Filipino demonstrates the art and the science of carving one of Spain's most prized gourmet jamón ibérico de bellota cinco jotas. Watch out for my full TV report on ABS-CBN! #jamón #ham #iberianham #jamonibericodebellota #cincojotas #maestrocortador #hamcarving #hamcarver #gourmet #Spain #Madrid #España #gastronomy #gastronomia #foodculture #foodporn #tapas #Filipinos #Philippines #Filipinas #philippineflag #maestrocortadorfilipino #meliacastilla #arcoscuchillos #arcos #knives #jamondejabugo #jabugo #acorn #huesca

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SPAIN – Michael Lopez’s exceptional skill, hard work, and more than a decade of experience in ham slicing have earned him the title of first Filipino maestro cortador of cinco jotas hams, one of the priciest and famous Iberian ham brands. One leg can cost around 30,000 pesos.

Iberian bellota hams, whose curing process takes place for three years, come from pure-bred pigs exclusively fed with bellota or acorn.

“The pigs only and exclusively eat acorn. It’s the acorn that makes them a cinco jotas, which we have here, and the best ham available. The size is very important so you can savour it. It has to be very thin, very transparent,” said Restaurantes Cinco Jotas store manager Silvia Garcia in Spanish.

Lopez has been invited to carve this most prized Spanish gourmet for the most exclusive crowd and sometimes to the surprise of foreign and Spanish audience who wouldn’t expect a Filipino like him to master an art practically exclusive to Spaniards and more so represent Spain in international gastronomy congresses.

“Pag nagsimula ka nang mag-demonstrate, alam nila ang ginagawa mo, na magaling ka namang mag-explain so nakukuha mo yung respect,” said Lopez.

Recently, Michael, with his brother Mark, was invited anew to UEFA Champions League to slice hams for the V.I.P. crowd of Europe’s most prestigious football tournament.

Five-star hotels in Madrid like Melía have also regularly availed of Lopez’s services because of his work ethic and excellent work quality. They also trust Lopez because they know he will never tamper a fine product like the Iberian ham.

Lopez also participated at the international food fair Madrid Fusión Manila held for the first time in the Philippines last April.

“Na-enjoy ko nang husto kasi na-appreciate ng tao ang trabaho mo lalo na yung sa Pilipinas, sa Madrid Fusion Manila, enjoy na enjoy kasi Filipino ang kaharap ko,” said Lopez who considered the event a dream come true and even offered the Filipino crowd a free crash course on ham carving.

“Kailangan talaga super nipis ang hiwa (at) maganda, paano mo i-te-take advantage the entire piece. In different parts of the ham, mayroong different kinds of techniques,” advised Lopez.

Lopez added that one will get thick, gristly slices or worse cut one’s self if someone’s not skilled enough to slice the ham. He also stressed the importance of using a stable ham stand and special knives.

 

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A master ham carver's table. Jamón de Jabugo de Bellota Cinco Jotas + Cuchillos + Pan #jamonibericodebellota #cincojotas #iberianham #ham #jabugo #huesca #cuchillos #knives #pan #bread #jamonero #hamstand #pinzas #tongs #meliacastilla #lalbufera #maestrocortador #maestrocortadorfilipino #foodculture #food #foodporn #gastronomia #gastronomy #Spain #España #cocina #tapas #gourmet #mesa #table

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Lopez disclosed, in an exclusive interview with TFC’s Balitang Global, that he is excited to demonstrate once again the fine art of ham carving to fellow Filipinos as he is set to slice jamón ibérico de bellota cinco jotas for Chef Jessie at Rockwell in October. ABS-CBNnews.com

Here’s the related TV report in Filipino aired on TFC Balitang Global:

 

Pinoys seek justice for Filipina jailed in Spain

SPAIN – The Filipino community in Barcelona is rallying behind the family of a Filipina imprisoned for drug trafficking.

Emilia Dueñas was sentenced to three years and six months in prison in Barcelona for drug possession and trafficking.

In an interview with Balitang Global, Dueñas’ husband Meynardo Ramirez said that in 2013, police searched their flat for drugs while nobody was home. The police took their jewelry, passports, bank books, cellphones, 10,000 euros that they saved, and laptops including those of their bedspacers.

“May pinapanhik pa silang aso. Wala. Wala silang nakuha. Betsin po ang kinuha nila. Tapos may aso pa nga pong pinapanhik para sila’y makasigurado, lahat, wala, yun nga po, betsin ang kanilang dinala at sabi iyun daw,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez recounted that when they arrived home, he and his wife were immediately arrested. He was later on acquitted but his wife was sentenced last year.

They filed an appeal but it was denied and she was eventually sent to Wad-Ras prison in Barcelona last month.

Ramirez said he and his wife make an honest living. He works as chief cook in a restaurant while his wife works as a factory worker of a grocery chain.

He suspects that the police were wrongly informed about the address of the drug traffickers. Instead of searching a nearby building where there were alleged drug traffickers, the police raided their flat.

Their former lawyer also promised that there was an 80% chance that they would win the case but Ramirez thinks that the lawyer did not defend them well.

“Bakit siya (abogado) nagpabaya…komo kami ay extranjero (foreigner) at sila naman komo ay taga rito, bakit naman kami pinabayaan? Hindi naman ako maghahabol kung yun ay tunay. Naaawa ako sa asawa ko. Alam ng Diyos yan na wala kang kasalanan,” Ramirez said.

KABAYANS HELP

Meanwhile, Filipino associations, the Filipino Personal Parish, and companies have started to collect signatures in the hopes of shortening Dueñas’ prison sentence.

Centro Filipino-Tuluyan San Benito volunteers placed a small table outside the San Agustin church in Barcelona where they explain about the campaign and ask for signatures from Filipinos who attend the Sunday Mass at the Filipino Personal Parish.

Organization coordinator Miguel Doctama said signatures from Filipinos would definitely help.

“Para mapagaan ang sentensya. Una, signature campaign, sulat ng presidente ng Centro Filipino, sulat ng pari ng parokya natin dito (at) pirma ng asawa na nagpapatunay na siya’y walang kasalanan. Marami po yun, mga anim na pamamaraan,” Doctama said.

Doctama cited the case of Filipino-Spanish “Crisanto,” who was accused of setting a homeless indigent on fire years ago. He said the signature campaign organized by the Filipino community contributed in his acquittal.

Relatives of Dueñas also asked for signatures in places frequented by Filipinos like remittance centers.

Metrobank Remittance Center manager Vilma Grace Miguel also supports the signature drive.

“Kawawa naman ang isang tao napapagbintangan ng isang bagay na hindi mo naman talaga ginawa. Naniniwala tayo na dito sa Barcelona, meron na talagang nangyayaring hindi kanais-nais at nai-involve talaga sa droga. Pero sa parte ko, naniniwala ako at na sana siya’y mapababaan ng kanyang sentensya kaya kami’y nakikiisa,” said Miguel.

Ramirez is also asking President Benigno Aquino III or any Philippine government agency that can help them achieve justice. ABS-CBNnews.com

Watch the related TV report aired on Balitang Global, TFC, ABS-CBN:

UP Manila Chorale int’l prize win to help Bohol quake survivors

UP Manila Chorale competing at 61st Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonia in Torrevieja, Spain. Photo from UP Manila Chorale Facebook Page.

The official choir of the University of the Philippines Manila, UP Manila Chorale (UPMC), reaped awards in the two international choir competitions held in Spain.

UPMC, under the baton of Prof. Eman P. de Leon Jr., bagged two awards at the 33^rd Cantonigros International Choral Music Festival held in Vic, Spain—second prize in the Folk Music Category and third prize in the Mixed Choir Category.

Photo from UP Manila Chorale Facebook Page

It also competed at the 61^st Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonia in Torrevieja, Spain where it took the top prize in the Polyphony Category.  The award includes a cash prize worth 10,000 euros (approximately PHP 500,000).

Proceeds of the cash prizes and donations they received during their European tour will be given to the NGO Habitat for Humanity to build houses for the Bohol earthquake survivors.

“Bilang mga nasa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas at bilang yung mga istudyante ko po ay istudyante ng Medicine or Dentistry, basta nasa field kami ng health sciences, talagang pinili namin na tumulong para doon sa mga kababayan natin kasi pagkatapos nilang mag-aral, doon din ang punta nila, manggagamot ng mga kababayan natin at tutulong doon sa talagang mga nangangailangan,” de Leon said.

The choir also shared their world-class talent in music to international audience and fellow Filipinos living in Europe.  As part of their European tour “Talindaw 2015”, they also performed in Switzerland, France, Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Germany, and Czech Republic.

In Barcelona, Spain, UPMC participated in the 17th anniversary of the Filipino Personal Parish Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción y San Lorenzo Ruiz held at Iglesia de San Agustin.

The choir sang Spanish, Filipino, classical and popular music to the delight of Filipino residents in Barcelona.

 

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Something soothing and soporific from the University of the Philippines Manila Chorale who just had their concert at Iglesia de San Agustin as part of the Filipino Personal Parish's 17th anniversary celebration. It's their rendition of the Spanish song by Mocedades "Eres tú". The official choir of my alma mater recently reaped awards, under the baton of Prof. Eman de Leon Jr., in Cantonigros and Torrevieja International Choir Competitions. The last stop of their "Talindaw 2015" European tour is Frankfurt, Germany slated next week. Proceeds of cash prize and donations raised will be donated to Bohol earthquake survivors through Habitat for Humanity. More power to them and to our kababayans abroad who always open their homes to accommodate these talented students and goodwill ambassadors! Details on TFC Balitang Global and ABS-CBNnews.com #iskolarngbayan #upmanilachorale #upmc #talindaw #torrevieja #cantonigros #iglesiadesanagustín #anniversary #parish #parroquiadeinmaculadaconcepcionysanlorenzoruiz #mocedades #erestu #choirs #Spain #España #Barcelona #concert #Frankfurt #Germany #Europe #goodmusic #supportmusicians #supportartists #bayanihan

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“Napakaganda, naalala ko tuloy ang aking Inang Pilipinas,” said Emma Mercado.

“Napakaswerte ng parokya na meron tayong UP Choir from Manila. Kayamanan ng bayan yan,” said Thezz Saulog.

Filipinos in Barcelona also showcased the treasures they have in the community during the event—the the Filipino-Spanish youth talent in dancing and choir singing, which also won the hearts of the audience. ABS-CBNnews.com

Watch the related TV report aired on Balitang Global, TFC, ABS-CBN:

‘Taklub’ makes it to Gijon Int’l Film Fest in Spain

SPAIN – Just after winning the Ecumenical Jury Prize-Special Mention at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival last May, Filipino filmmaker Brillante Mendoza’s “Taklub” is still on a roll, this time competing at the Official Section of the Gijon International Film Festival in Asturias, Spain.

Starring Nora Aunor, the film is about the life of survivors of supertyphoon Yolanda.

The festival which will be held in November is famous for featuring independent films from around the world.

Last year, the festival invited Mendoza as its guest of honor.

Recently, his work was featured in a presentation by the Casa Asia in Barcelona.

Mendoza is considered as someone who continues the legacy of Lino Brocka, Kidlat Tahimik and other prominent directors who used their films to criticize social ills in the 70s.

Award-winning director Brillante Mendoza in 2013 Sitges International Film Festival in Spain with the author.

Jorge Ivan Argiz, program director of the Gijon International Film Festival, said Mendoza doesn’t surrender to what the market dictates. He maintains his identity as a director and continues to fight for cinema literacy and portrays reality.

Director Nacho Carballo of the Gijon International Film Festival added that Mendoza is a great filmmaker with fresh and unique films. Most importantly, his films tackle the real issues of Philippine society.

Aside from the praises he receives, the Filipino director knows how to interact with people, according to Gloria Fernandez, director of CineAsia, who wrote a book about him.

Mendoza is also behind the films “Masahista”, “Foster Child”, “Manoro”, “Kinatay”, “Lola”, “Thy Womb”, and many more. He said his stories are based on ordinary people in extraordinary situations. ABS-CBNnews.com

Watch the related TV report aired on Balitang Global, TFC, ABS-CBN:

Robin Padilla wants Duterte-Lacson for 2016

SPAIN – Actor Robin Padilla is one of those urging Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to run for president in the 2016 elections. For the first time, Padilla has expressed support for former senator and rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson to be Duterte’s running mate.

“Tandaan naman natin na si Sen. Lacson ang nag-iisang senador na hindi kumuha ng pork barrel…Kaya kung mamarapatin ang dalawang magaling na lalaking ito, sana magkaroon ng tambalan ang Duterte-Lacson,” said Padilla.

Padilla further reiterated his support for Duterte, who, however, is still not inclined on joining the presidential race despite his improving survey ratings, especially in Mindanao.

“Ang Davao ay number 8 sa safest city sa buong mundo…Tandaan natin ang progress ay susunod kapag may peace. Walang progress kapag walang peace,” Padilla added.

The actor has been very vocal about his stand on the peace process in Mindanao. For him, peace is long overdue given the many agreements already signed such as the “Tripoli Agreement, Jakarta Accord, and now the Bangsamoro Basic Law.”

“Parang babaeng nililigawan lang yan. Pagka gusto ka ng babae, hindi na kailangan ng napakaraming bolahan, pero pag ayaw ka ng babae, wala na, kahit na ano pang gawin mo, magkikisay ka pa diyan, tapos! Ganyan ang peace talks sa atin.”

Padilla believes that only through Duterte’s federalism will Mindanao achieve true autonomy, comparing it to Spain’s model of autonomous governments.

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Consulado general de filipinas Jordi Puig Roches

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The actor is currently in Barcelona to celebrate Philippine Independence Day with the Filipino community.

 

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Ang mga Spanish- Filipino ng Catalonia

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Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia, a region with an autonomous government which is clamoring for independence from Spain.

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Daniel and Robin Padilla. With Filipino action superstar Robinhood Cariño Padilla. If I'm not mistaken he's the first Filipino actor I have interviewed and the interview went really well. He's very brave to speak his mind. One can write three headlines from just one interview with him. He even considers himself "revolutionary", very fitting for his role in the movie about a Philippine national hero who revolted against the Spanish colonizers–Andres Bonifacio. The award-winning movie "Andres Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo (the first president) will be shown in Barcelona, Spain on June 20, Saturday, 8 p.m. at Iglesia de San Agustin. Everyone's invited to watch the 2014 MMFF Best Picture and there you could also meet personally the very approachable Mr. Robin Padilla. It's for free and open to the public. The day after, June 21, Sunday, lots of activities will be held in front of MACBA to celebrate the Philippine Independence Day in Barcelona. #independenceday #philippineindependenceday #Philippines #arawngkalayaan #andresbonifacio #andresbonifacioangunangpangulo #Barcelona #Spain #robinpadilla #Filipinos #filipinas #España #independencia #arawngkasarinlan #iglesiadesanagustin #iglesiadesanagustín #filipinosinbarcelona #filipinosinspain #artista

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Despite being very political in his pronouncements, Padilla denied any plans to run in the 2016 senatorial race, saying he considers himself “revolutionary.”

“Ang isang rebolusyonaryo, kailanman hindi magpapaalipin sa mga kapitalista. Pag ako’y naging pulitiko, alipin ka na ng kapitalista at magsisimula mo nang ipagpalit ang kayamanan sa karapatan.”

His award-winning movie on the Father of the Philippine Revolution, “Andres Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo,” will be shown on June 20 at Iglesia de San Agustin in Barcelona, Spain, where many kababayans are expecting to see their idol in person. ABS-CBNnews.com

For Padilla, OFWs are heroes like Bonifacio:

Hustisya mailap pa rin sa pamilya ng biktima ng hit and run sa Barcelona

 

 

Angelica Manongsong Dalisay

For English please visit the following link: Still no justice for teen Pinay hit-and-run victim in Spain

Ni Daniel Infante Tuaño

Nagpamisa si Ginang Siony Manongsong Dalisay sa Iglesia de San Agustin sa Barcelona para sa yumaong anak na si Angelica, biktima ng hit and run.

Isang taon na ang nakalipas pero sariwa pa rin sa ina ang trahedya.

Nasagaan habang tumatawid ang 17-taong-gulang na si Angelica sa pedestrian lane sa Munisipalidad ng Gava sa Barcelona.

Ligtas ang kasamang anak at nobyo niya pero nahagip siya at binawian ng buhay dahil sa matinding sugat na natamo.

Ayon sa public attorney na ibinigay sa naulilang pamilya, kusang sumuko ang suspek dahil natunugan niyang mahuhuli na siya ng pulis base na rin sa nakuhang impormasyon sa mga testigo.

Nadistract umano ng celphone ang suspek habang nagmamaneho. Nadiskubri ring expired na ang driver’s license niya at hindi siya ang may-ari ng sasakyan.

Ang suspek ay kinasuhan ng homicide at failure to lend help to injured persons.

Kasalukuyan siyang nakalalaya, pero bawal siyang lumabas ng bansa at pinagrereport sa husgado kada lunes.

Naghihintay pa ng resolusyon mula sa husgado para makapagsampa ng “acusacion” o karampatang kaso laban sa suspek.

“Kung titingnan ko bilang optimista, makatwiran lang na sa loob ng isang taon, magkakaroon na ng hearing, dahil kontrolado na rin ang tema, alam na kung sino,” ani Atty. Ramon Ga Rojas Jaile sa Español.

Masama ang loob ni Ginang Siony sa mabagal na pag-usad ng kaso. Gusto na sana nilang makamit ang hustisya bago pa man iuwi ang abo ni Angelica sa Pilipinas.

“Hintay ka nang hintay, nakakasama ng loob. Gusto kong magalit pero kanino? Yun umiiyak na lang ako dahil habang nagsisindi ako ng kandila sa ceniza nya gabi-gabi gusto kong sabihin na ayan na may nangyari na sa kaso, may nanagot na sa gumawa sa iyo, pero wala, wala akong masabi dahil wala naman talaga. Sabi nga nila walang kasingsakit na mawalan ng isang anak,” ani Gng. Manongsong Dalisay

Nanawagan si Gng. Siony sa konsulado at mga asosasyong pilipino na tulungan siyang mapabilis ang resolusyon sa kaso.

Ang ulat na lumabas sa Balitang Global, TFC, ABS-CBN

Pinay sa España nagnakaw umano sa alagang matanda, timbog!

As reported by Daniel Infante Tuaño on Balitang Global, TFC, ABS-CBN

For English, please click this link: abs-cbnnews.com

 

Mossos d’Esquadra

Kalaboso ang isang Pilipina sa Barcelona matapos umano niyang pagnakawan at painumin pa ng pampakalma ang inaalagaang matanda.

Nakapiit sa Barcelona ang Pilipinang si “Marilou”, ‘di tunay na pangalan, taga-Barcelona sa kasong pagpapainom niya ng benzodiazepine, isang gamot na pampakalma, para nakawan ang matandang inaalagaan.

Anim na buwang inalagaan ng suspect ang matanda at siya lang ang parating kasama.

Noong una, mga alahas umano na nagkakahalagang 9,720 euros o mahigit 460,000 pesos ang ninakaw niya.

Pero ayon sa pamilya ng biktima – maraming alahas pa na aabot sa 35,000 euros o higit 1.6 million pesos ang nawawala.

Sa imbestigasyon ng pulisya sa rehiyon ng Catalunya, Mossos d’Esquadra, nagwithdraw pa raw ang suspek ng 18,700 euros o higit 880,000 pesos sa bank account ng biktima simula noong kalagitnaan ng Pebrero.

Dahil sa paglala ng kalusugan ng 85-taong gulang na biktima, nagdesisyon ang pamilya na ipasok siya sa residencia o nursing home pero pag kailangan, si Marilou pa rin ang nag-aalaga.

Nagsimula raw magduda ang pamilya nang makitang maraming withdrawal sa bank account ng matanda.

Pinacheck up nila ang biktima at napatunayang pinapainom ng gamot pampakalma kaya nagsampa na ng kaso ang pamilya laban sa suspect.

Nadakip si Marilou noong ika-18 ng Marso at nakuha rin sa kanya ang bank book at credit card ng matanda, 725 euros, at authorization para magwithdraw na umano’y kanyang pineke.

Hindi pa malinaw ang motibo ng suspect sa pagnanakaw ayon sa pulisya.

“Maaaring dahil sa utang. May pinagkakautangang malaki. Pero kaduda-duda ang teoryang ito dahil noong nagpunta ang pulisya sa bahay nya para masusing magimbestiga, napag-alamang bumili pa ito ng iphone 6 na nagkakahalaga ng 1,000 euros,” ani Carlos Fernandez sa Catalan, caporal ng Police Investigation Unit ng Mossos d’Esquadra.

Dagdag ni Fernandez dati nang may kasong pagnanakaw at estafa si “Marilou” pero nakalalaya dahil wala pang sentensya.

Hindi makapaniwala ang mga taga-Barcelona sa pangyayari dahil kapulaan ito sa magandang imahe ng mga Pinoy.

Ayon naman sa police na half Filipina-half Spanish na si Elizabet Cano Beredo,walang dapat ikabahala ang mga Pilipino.

“Nakakagulat ang nangyari pero isolated case lang ito. Tiwala pa rin sila sa mga Filipino. Wala namang problema sa mga Filipino kumpara sa ibang nasyonalidad.”

Sinubukan ng Balitang Global na kunin ang panig ni Marilou sa pamamagitan ng kanyang abogado pero tumanggi siyang magbigay ng pahayag.

PH artifacts part of newly-opened museum in Barcelona

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Bulul. 19th century figures believed by the Ifugaos to protect ricefields and bring abundant harvest. Part of the Filipino collection at Barcelona's newly opened Museum of World Culture. #culture #world #museum #Ifugao #Barcelona #Spain #Philippines #guardian #figures #rice #harvest #beliefs #sculpture #art #ancient #riceterraces #bulul

A post shared by Daniel Infante Tuaño (@danielchronicle) on Mar 22, 2015 at 7:59am PDT

 

SPAIN – Artifacts from the Philippines are included in the permanent collection of the newly opened Museum of World Cultures in Barcelona, Spain.

The Museu de les Cultures del Mon (in Catalan), which opened in February, holds a collection of artifacts from four continents—Africa, Oceania, the Americas, and Asia.

On display in the Philippine section are 19th century Bulul, figures believed by the Ifugaos to protect rice fields and bring abundant harvest, Kalinga’s war shield kalasag, objects of daily use such as spoons and accessories from Isabela and Bontoc, karaban or a bamboo quiver that holds darts from Palawan, mamaan or betel nut boxes from Lanao, and 6th century burial urns from Sultan Kudarat.

 

 

Burial urns from Sultan Kudarat

These are one of the oldest collections the City Council of Barcelona has according to the Museum’s technical director Quim Vicente.

A part of it was brought to Spain during the Barcelona Universal Exposition of 1888 and some were donated by Folch Archaeological Foundation.

Barcelona-based Filipino resident Joel Sibay was surprised to see a Filipino collection in the museum.

“Maganda yung mga koleksyon natin na tinatangkilik sa ibang bansa at malaking bagay sa atin yan,” Sibay said.

Neighboring country Indonesia also has their Wayang Kulit marionettes on display.

Masks of all shapes and sizes from Africa, towering spirit figures bisj from Papua New Guinea, one of the few remaining pieces of fasting Buddha Gandhara, and a figure from Mexico that represents sports and human sacrifice are among the museum pieces that can also be seen inside.

With the help of interactive maps, more can be learned about the traditions and beliefs behind the collections.

“I really like the museum. I didn’t know what I was going to find and I’m very impressed. It’s very well organized. The figures, the little sculptures I think are very, very nice. I’m learning a lot,” museum visitor Marta Perez said.

The museum, housed by renovated medieval mansions Palau Nadal I del Marquès de Llió, can be found at the city’s Gothic Quarter right in front of the popular Picasso Museum. It used to be the location of Barbier-Mueller Pre-Columbian Art and Design museums. Daniel Infante Tuaño, ABS-CBNnews.com

Watch the related TV report aired on Balitang Global, TFC, ABS-CBN:

 

How Pinoys in Europe are affected by weakening euro

By Daniel Infante Tuaño

SPAIN – Filipinos in Europe are already complaining of the continuous depreciation of euro.

They can’t help but compare the euro-peso exchange rate 10 years ago, when a euro was pegged at P70. But in March, the euro plummeted to almost P46, making it almost equivalent to one US dollar.

Some Filipinos have to send more euros so their families in the Philippines can receive the same amount they have been receiving every month.

Barcelona resident Bryan Avila sends monthly remittance to his parents in the Philippines.

Avila, married and has two kids, needs to further tighten his belt as he also allots a budget for his family in Barcelona.

“Kontrol ngayon dahil mababa ang rate, sa mga bilihin dito, sa mga gamit ng bata, mga pagkain, mga pambayad ng bahay. Budget na budget talaga,” Avila added.

Other Filipinos resort to reducing their remittance or doing extra jobs like Leonilyn Jabon Noche.

“Hindi na talaga kaya yung gastusin dito, yung bahay natin dito na tinitirahan, hindi katulad sa ibang bansa na Saudi, Hong Kong mas libre yung pagkain, libre yung tinirahan, so parang pareho na rin lang kung iko-compare mo sa ibang bansa,” Noche said.

Roger Rafanan is fully aware of his fellow Filipinos’ plight every time he talks to them in his remittance agency.

Rafanan said usually Filipinos send 50 percent of their salary. But due to the depreciation of the euro, some of them are forced to send more than that even though they are not earning more.

“Dahil instead na budget nila dati, dadagdagan pa nila…Hindi naman tumataas yung sahod,” Rafanan said.

Carrer de Joaquin Costa in Barcelona, Spain

According to economist and financial expert Dr. Ricardo Barcelona of Barcino Capitas Limited, the European Central Bank has implemented a policy that intentionally weakens the euro called quantitative easing, which means the Bank buys more US dollars to depreciate the value of euro against the US dollar.

If the euro becomes weak, exports from Europe will become cheaper, sales will increase, and this will eventually bring economic growth to Europe.

“Dito naman sa Pilipinas, ang policy naman ng Central Bank natin, ang tinitingnan nilang exchange rate is Peso-US dollar. Magpadala ka ng euro, ang ginagawa ng mga bangko papalitan yung euro mo to US dollar, ang US dollar mo ipapalit ng peso. Kapag exchange mo ng euro (equivalent to) 1.05 (dollars) na lang, konti yung dollar na makuha mo, ‘pag palit sa peso konti ang makuha mo,” Barcelona explained.

Filipinos in Europe, he added, should pay more attention at the prevailing euro-US dollar exchange rates.

Nonetheless, Barcelona has a positive forecast for Europe.

In 2015, the value of euro and US dollar will be equal, but in 2016, euro will become stronger again against the dollar and European economy will grow especially the Spanish economy.

Barcelona, on the other hand, reminded that Filipino families should not be dependent on exchange rates but rather learn how to manage the remittances.

He also stressed the positive aspect of “malasakit”, however, in the long run it could be detrimental as some families take advantage of this and can become overly dependent on the remittance.

“Yung isa may malasakit sa familia so positive yun. Ang negative side nyan, aasa na lang tayo. Aasa kay ate. Aasa kay kuya. Yung pangalawa, yung mga remittance natin sa isang period yun na pwede tayong magtrabaho, malakas, healthy pa tayo so gawin natin yang opportunity na mag-ipon. Finally, self-reliance talaga ang importante. The beginning and the end of everything is the initiative from the individual,” Barcelona advised. ABS-CBN

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Pinoy basketball player in Spain gets own Nike jersey

SPAIN – A Barcelona-based Filipino playing for Spain’s 3×3 street basketball team has once again brought pride, especially to Filipinos in Spain.

Nike Spain has produced basketball jerseys that bear the surname of Ruben Zaballa, the only Filipino player representing Spain in FIBA’s international street basketball tournaments.

According to Zaballa, only 3,000 shirts have been released in Spain last January but more shirts will be available this summer.

His photo with Filipinos wearing the Zaballa jersey went viral among Filipino residents in Spain.

Recently, Zaballa was given the “Lifetime Achievement Award” by Filipino organization Barcelona All Filipino Sports Commission (BAFSCOM) for serving as an inspiration to fellow Filipino basketball players.

The former UE Red Warriors varsity was MVP for a number of times in BAFSCOM leagues and Spain-wide tournament for Filipinos Ambassador’s Cup.

“Proud ako kay Ruben dahil napakagaling niya maglaro ng basketball hindi lang dito sa liga namin ng BAFSCOM, sa Europa (rin),” said BAFSCOM president Allan Mabilangan.

“Pinatunayan ko lang na hindi puro height ang labanan dito, kundi yung sabi nga sa national team natin, puso, puso, saka yun nga, siyempre trust in God, yun ang pinakaimportante roon,” said Zaballa.

Self-discipline and right attitude are also important to reach one’s dream, he added. Daniel Infante Tuaño ABS-CBN

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