Manila unfazed by threats

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila tourism industry remains unfazed despite warnings from several countries that terrorist attacks might hit Metro Manila and Mindanao.

Countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, and the United Kingdom have already issued travel advisories against the Philippines because of these terror threats, but the City of Manila is keeping its head up and optimism level high as no negative impact has been made on its tourism industry.

Gemma Cruz-Araneta, head of the Manila Historical and Heritage Commission, and Chief of Staff and Media Information Bureau Chief Ric De Guzman believe that tourists have nothing to worry about in Manila, since the police always make sure that the areas are “secure.”

De Guzman noted that the city police have strengthened their presence in major installations. “General Rongavilla and his men have been roving and inspecting LRT stations and shopping malls.”

“And if you look at our night spots any day of the week, there are still a lot of foreigners,” he added. (Czarina Nicole Ong)

PH envoy to Saudi proposed
Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia urged President Aquino to appoint a Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, expressing hopes that the next Philippine envoy to the Kingdom will be a career diplomat.

Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona said it has been almost two months since Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Antonio Villamor ended his tour of duty.

“Up to this date, there is no Philippine Ambassador yet to Saudi Arabia,” Migrante said in a statement.

Philippine Consul General in Jeddah Ezzadin Tago is currently the Charge d’ Affaires at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.

Monterona said that in order to improve foreign service, particularly in responding to the needs and concerns of OFWs, President Aquino should appoint career diplomats.

“OFWs in Saudi Arabia deserve a career diplomat with strong credentials and plentiful experience on various OFWs woes and concerns,” he said.

Monterona also expressed concern that without an appointed Philippine envoy to Saudi Arabia, cases of abuses, maltreatment, and labor malpractices might not be properly attended. (Madel Sabater)

Feast of Saint Martin of Tours
The Catholic Church marks this Thursday the life and times of St. Martin of Tours, the patron saint of soldiers and of France.

Every year, on his feast day, hundreds of pilgrims and devotees gather at his national shrine, his burial site in France, which has become a popular pilgrimage site and tourist attraction.

In the country, festivities in honor of their patron will be held in Taal, Batangas; Bocaue, Bulacan; and Dumalag, Capiz.

Born in Hungary in 316, St. Martin entered the army at the age of 23. After he left the service, he started to preach all over Europe, converting thousands to the faith. In Italy, he was referred to as the “Glory of Gaul.”

In 371, St. Martin was elected bishop of Tours, France, where he founded monasteries, educated the clergy, destroyed pagan temples, and gave particular attention to the conversion of the rural population.

Many miracles were attributed to St. Martin since his death in 397, making him one of the most popular saints of the Roman Catholic Church. (Christina I. Hermoso)