U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton Visits the Philippines

America's most popular and powerful woman, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived today in the Philippines for a two-day visit.

At a press conference, Clinton announced that "the United States is committed to a strong partnership and alliance with the Philippines."

"I would just reiterate that the US stands ready to assist our friends in the Philippines who are seeking to counter terrorism and radical extremism," she adds.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo conferred to her the Sikatuna award with the rank of Datu in a ceremony at the Bahay Pangarap in Malacañang Palace. This award is given by the Philippine government to diplomats, officials and nationals of foreign countries who have rendered extra ordinary service in fostering, developing and strengthening relations between the Philippines and their country.

A Filipino is among the 2009 Top 10 CNN Heroes

Another Filipino is in the global limelight lately and this time, it is Efren Peñaflorida's turn to shine. He is included in the elite top 10 CNN Heroes for 2009.

It started with 9,000 nominations, then went down to 28 and was trimmed to the final 10. Each of the ten finalists got $25,000. The ultimate hero will bring home a whopping $100,000.

Modern Day Hero Efren Peñaflorida gained the attention of everyone when his Dynamic Teen Company won the Bayaning Pilipino award for the great work they did in keeping the kids off the streets in Cavite through education.

They help educate the kids using teaching materials found in their Kariton Klassroom which is a mobile cart classroom.

Let us help our fellow Filipino win this presitigious award by voting in the CNN Heroes website. Just click here to be redirected to the site to vote.

Above photo by CNN's Lilibeth Frondoso features Efren Peñaflorida.

Update: 28-year old Efren Peñaflorida won the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year and will receive a $100,000 cash award from CNN.

Saving the Pasig River

On November 8, 2009, more than 21,000 people participated in the Philippine International Marathon 2009: Run for the Pasig River organized by the Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP).

This run-for-a-cause project headed by ABS-CBN Foundation's Gina Lopez aims to clear the Pasig River of garbage and squatters.

Runners had the opportunity get close to the river by a non-traditional route that crossed nine of the 13 bridges of the waterway. Some portions of the race enabled runners to run alongside the river.

The Run for Pasig River shows the participants the sorry state of the river and how they can help in saving it.

Among those who joined the run were former Philippine President Fidel Ramos and his wife former First Lady Amelita "Ming" Ramos, ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez, Jaime Zobel de Ayala and former Miss Universe Margie Moran-Florendo. The race was won by Vincent Chepsiror of Kenya.

Years ago, on June 19, 1998 a special stamp was issued to highlight the Piso Para sa Pasig campaign which aims to keep the Pasig River alive.

Royal Mail Turns Down Benny Hill Stamp

I used to watch the Benny Hill show on tv. He is one of the popular comedians in the United Kingdom aside from Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) with his show being aired in ITV for 20 years.

The committee meeting of the Royal Mail confirms that the Benny Hill proposed stamp was rejected because his saucy antics contravened company policy on harassment in the workplace.

"Benny Hill has been included in previous presentations but concerns were raised by our public relations team as it was in direct opposition to company's policies on harassment in the workplace."

The Benny Hill show is best known for its closing credits wherein Hill chased scantily-clad women.

Instead, a picture of a front door from the opening credits of Rising Damp was chosen for the stamp commemorating the 50th anniversary of ITV.

More of this story here.

Pacman is on Time Magazine's Cover

Just days before his scheduled boxing match with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao found himself on the cover of Time Magazine Asia Edition.

“I absolutely had no idea that when I started my career in boxing, to provide a better life for myself and my family, that I would now be where I am today and on the cover of TIME Magazine,” Pacquiao was quoted as saying.

He further adds “..a fighter’s dream is to win a world title and gain financial stability. But what is happening to me now is the most humbling experience of my life. It is a great honor for me to be the face of my people and to let everyone know we are a small but mighty country. I have great pride for all of the Filipinos living throughout the world and it is these people that I fight for each and every time I step into the ring.”

More of this report from the ABS-CBN news website.

Philippine Heroes On Stamps Exhibit

On August 23-26, 2007, Cebu Stamp Club, Incorporated presented the Philippine Heroes On Stamps Exhibit at the Elizabeth Mall, Cebu City, Philippines.

Continuing the Tribute to Cory Aquino Exhibit at SM City Cebu

Come December 28-30, 2009, the Tribute to Cory Aquino Stamp and Photo Exhibit which was launched in Ayala Center Cebu last August 27-30, 2009 will be at SM City Cebu Mall.

In the Ayala Center Cebu exhibit, the new Cory stamp issues of September 8 and September 18, 2009 were not included as the stamps were non existent then.

The two new Cory issues which consists of full sheets, blocks of four, singles and First Day Covers (see photo above) will be featured at the SM City Cebu show.

As a side presentation, the Cebu Stamp Club's Cebu StampShow 2009, an annual stamp competition among club members will also be included.

A new poster design, souvenir covers and canceller will be made to highlight the event. Special exhibit stamp booklets with the new Cory stamps will be given to deserving Cebu Stamp Club members and friends.