An agreement between ASEAN countries which took 10 years to finalize has been signed by the leaders at the closing day of the ASEAN Summit hosted by the Philippines.. As expected, at least 212,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will benefit from a landmark pact signed by the 10 heads of state.
Under the Asean Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, Asean governments vowed to guarantee fair treatment and protection against abuse of migrant workers from neighboring countries.
The agreement was signed by leaders of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.
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The Asean consensus “establishes a framework for cooperation” in the region to safeguard the welfare of migrant workers, said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Many of us want to experience snow. But since the Philippines is a tropical country, we will never experience this, unless we go to another part of the world.
If you want to experience snow this coming December and celebrate your white Christmas abroad, here are 10 places you can visit visa-free. Just prepare your passport, and of course money.
1. Jeju Island, South Korea
With Koreanovela in our televisions, Korea is now loved by Filipinos. Even in our high school education, the Korean language is now part of it. Don't just dream of South Korea, because you have now a chance to visit the country without applying for a visa.
Jeju Island offers breathtaking natural beauty all year round with a winter climate comparatively warmer than Seoul and the rest of Korea.
If you are planning to visit Mongolia, you have to be very prepared, especially for the weather. Winter in the country is dreamlike with its vast and open countryside.
Although it doesn't snow much in the country, there are places where snow stays even until summer months due to a temperature that stays below zero.
Winters here are long and harsh, with temperatures here typically ranging from -20°C to – 45°C degrees. Most tourists flock here in summer to enjoy the comfortable temperatures and see the vast landscapes of wide open country and nomadic culture.
Ice sculptures are one way the Mongolians celebrate the winter.
3. Israel
During December, January, and February, Israel can be cold and rainy, but it can also be warm and sunny.
There are many Christian tourists, including Filipinos who visits Israel every December to experience different climate zone.
You can visit Bethlehem and Jerusalem and celebrates Christmas in Holy Land, where Jesus Christ was born. Israel has so many different climate zones every tourist can enjoy such as hiking in the snow.
4. Morocco
If you are holding a Philippine passport, you can visit and experience snow in Morroco without a visa. This is a country in North Africa. Its rich culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, European and African influences.
There are a lot of resorts in mountainous regions of this country that offers skiing activities.
5. Colombia
Los Nevados or the snow-capped Mountains is the only place you can celebrate your white Christmas. If there is a lot of snow, you can go skiing. Aside from snow you can experience a different kind of outdoor adventures in Colombia like diving, climbing, rafting, trekking and soar.
Colombia has a diverse climate, so if you want to visit, bring a different kind of clothes if you want to travel more.
Bogota and Boyaca reach temperatures below 0° Celsius, so a coat is needed. Some mountains are also covered in snow year-long. Cities along the Caribbean coast like Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta are hot and humid, while some cities at mid-altitude in the Andes like Medellín (the City of Eternal Spring), Manizales, and other cities in the Coffee Triangle region have beautiful temperate weather
6. Peru
Aside from Machu Picchu in Andes Mountain in Peru, this country can be one option for Filipinos who want to experience snow without applying for a visa.
If you are dying to see snow in Peru, you must visit Huaraz, near the capital Lima where you can enjoy skiing. You can also ski down the slopes of Huascaran if you are brave enough.
7. Ecuador
If you love mountain climbing in snow, this place is for you. Because in Ecuador, your have to climb as high as 6,000 meters or more for a peak covered with snow. The Ecuador Andes’ highest point is the Cayambe Volcano. It is permanently covered in snow so you can visit any time of the year.
8. Bolivia
You can experience snow in Bolivia in mountains surrounding La Paz. All you need is a certain level of fitness and energy to climb to the top of the glaciers. Even if you are beginners, you can climb because slopes are average and having no experience is not important.
9. Brazil
There is a lot of cities in Brazil that are located in higher altitudes in the southern region that have a snow every year. You can visit the Rio Grande do Sul, Parana, and Santa Catarina.
10. Vietnam
Much closer to the Philippines, since it is located, Southeast Asia. But don't your know that there's a snow in Vietnam? Yes and you can found it in Sapa. Sapa is widely known as the most wonderful snowfall scene in Vietnam.
Snow practically falls at the end of December which is a great time for a Christmas holiday and New Year vacation. This place is considered to be ideal for tourist to experience a snowy winter in a tropical climate nation.
Other areas in the country such as Tam Dao, Dong Van, and Mau Son Mountain also experience snow during the later part of the year.
But before going we advise that you check personally the consular website of each country you would like to visit since they are changing policy without prior notice.
The result of a year-and-a-half long survey conducted by Transparency International with over 20,000 participants from different countries in the Asia Pacific region revealed the top five most corrupt countries in Asia and the Philippines is nowhere in the list. The survey was conducted based on bribery rates happening in 16 countries in Asia. The survey result shows that corruption and bribery is alarmingly prevalent and deeply rooted in these countries.
The largest percentage of the age bracket being hit by bribery are younger people below 35 years old at 34 per cent. They are the most vulnerable to paying bribe just to access government services. Followed by over 35 to 54 years old at 29 per cent and those who are 55 above comprises 19 percent of those who pay bribe for public services. Another alarming fact is that ins some countries, poor people are more likely to pay bribes compared to the rich people.
However, in some countries, the trend seems to reverse. Rich people are most likely to pay bribes maybe because they have the resources to give it when asked.
Let's take a look on the List of the Top 5 Most Corrupt Countries in Asia 2017 : Myanmar sits at #5 with bribery rate of 40 percent.
Pakistan follows with the same bribery rate.
With 41 percent , Thailand is at #3.
Vietnam follows with a high 65 percent bribery rate.
Leading the list is India with bribery rate of 69 percent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's move in fighting corruption is a wise one, otherwise, India's reputation of being corrupt will mark his administration if he cannot do anything about it or at least prevent the country from leading the most corrupt list.
Just like President Rodrigo Duterte's previous trips, his recent trip from Malaysia gives another good outcome.Aside from strengthening the brotherhood of two nations against terrorism and other issues, a chance to show goodwill and friendship has once again proved Asian courtesy among our greatest traits.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, after meeting with Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, has allowed the release of 7,000 Filipinos detained in Sabah. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that the two countries agreed for gradual repatriation of the Filipinos in Malaysia.
President Duterte said that repatriation of illegal Filipino immigrants is among the agreements between him and Prime Minister Najib Razak. According to President Duterte, they both committed to have a joint coordination for the “pursuit, interdiction, and arrest” or criminals and terrorists plying the waterways between the Philippines and Malaysia. He also said that Malaysia will help for theimplementation phase of the peace process between the Philippine government and the MILF.
The Philippine government has also shown the same courtesy to the government of Vietnam when President Duterte send off 17 Vietnamese fishermen to freedom after they were apprehended for trespassing .
The freed fishermen, with their boats carrying fresh supplies, sailed from the coastal town of Sual, Pangasinan with one of the boats bearing a sign saying: "President Duterte Thank you. From: Vietnam fishermen".
President Duterte said that the case was brought to his attention During his visit to Hanoi. As a sign of good will and friendship, the Vietnamese are now free and at the comfort of their home and beloved family.
However,the fate of these five Filipino Seaman was far different.They had been held captive by Somali pirates and suffered a different fate with the hands of the ruthless bandits. Some even cried while relating their ordeal with the unforgiving pirates.They even said they were lucky to be alive.
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Meanwhile, a video of the Pope Francis talking about forgiveness has become viral as more views are added in just a matter of minutes. The post now has around 3.2 million views and counting.
The Pope's message says:
Freeing prisoners like President Duterte and the Asian counterparts did, shows a great form of forgiveness. It is a great gesture of goodwill and brotherhood that promotes good relationships. Forgiveness build walls instead of burning bridges. Asians are compassionate people.They are living in a world of superb diversity despite the differences in culture, religion and idealism. Read More:
