Republic of San Marino and the Philippines: Inter-country adoption partnership

The Republic of San Marino, one of the European microstates in the Council of Europe, has partnered with the Philippines for its very first inter-country adoption program.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, PJ Lhuillier Inc. president and CEO and the Honorary Consul General of San Marino to the Philippines, initiated the inter-country adoption program between the two countries.

The Republic of San Marino Head of Affairs Sylvie Bollini recently visited the Philippines to scout for orphanages with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB).

ICAB, created by Republic Act 8043 of 1995, is the Philippine government’s central authority on inter-country adoption of Filipino children. It seeks to place Filipino children with suitable foreign adoptive families abroad to ensure their protection, security, and best interests.

“Life today is very hard, especially for orphaned children. Because we have good relations with the Philippines, we decided to help through the Inter-Country Adoption Program,” said Bollini.

She emphasized that the agreement respects the rights of the children as it adheres to laws enacted by the United Nations. These children’s rights include regular parent assessments and assistance in the issuance of visas to children to be adopted.

An enclave landscape surrounded by Italy and situated on the eastern side of the Apennine Mountains, San Marino has approximately a population of 30,000. It has one of the most stable economies in Europe.

“The country has the lowest unemployment rate and zero national debt. It is one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of gross domestic product per capita,” Lhuillier said. 

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Top 10 Things You Should Know About San Marino

1.      Full name: The Most Serene Republic of San Marino (Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino)

2.      The world’s oldest constitutional republic and oldest written constitution still in effect (301 A.D.)

3.      Geography

·         The third smallest independent state next to the Vatican and Monaco, with 60.5 sq km land area.

·         Located in Western Europe, landlocked within Italy

4.      Total population: 30,000

5.      Official language: Italian

6.      People in San Marino are called Sanmarinese

7.      Sports in San Marino: Foorball, Baseball, Grandprix Racing and Tennis

8.      Economy:

·         Currency is the Euro and is officially a part of the Eastern Union

·         GDP (2007) Total: $904 M (195^th)

·         Per Capita: $34,600 (12^th)

9.      Tourist Arrival is 3.5M per year. This contributes over 50% to their GDP. It was recently included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

           Top export product is Wine and is also known for their coins and stamps.

Over 10,000 runners join 2nd NatGeo Earth Day Run

Over 10,000 runners join 2^nd NatGeo Earth Day Run

More than 10,000 professional and recreational runners took part in the second NatGeo Earth Day Run at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City. The annual race for the environment featured 3K, 5K, and 10K categories and a new and more competitive 21K chase.

“I thank our runners for supporting NatGeo Earth Day Run and National Geographic Channel’s advocacy to create awareness on caring for our planet. This shows how far they are willing to go to help save the environment,” said Jude Turcuato, Fox International Channels territory director.

“We are pleased with this year’s field which has more than doubled to 10,335 from last year’s 5,000 runners,” said Turcuato, who credits the huge turnout of participants to the growing popularity of running as a sport.

This year’s NatGeo Earth Day Run attracted students, professionals, athletes, health buffs, weekend runners, mid- and long-distance runners, and celebrities, including celebrities Kim Atienza, Venus Raj, Sponge Cola’s Yael Yuzon, and last year’s women’s 3K champion Karylle Tatlonghari.

One of the most popular runs in the country today, NatGeo Earth Day Run is sponsored by PLDT My DSL, in cooperation with Petron Turbo Diesel and Canon, in partnership with Bonifacio Global City and Greenbelt, and with the special participation of Cushe and official insurance provider Prudential Guarantee.

NatGeo Earth Day Run is also sponsored in part by Tapa King, Del Monte, First Endurance, Magnolia Lite, Anchor Shape-up, Intel, San Mig Coffee, Ayala Multisport, and Merrell.

Overall, there were 24 winners in the men’s and women’s divisions in four categories. Each received a cash prize, trophy, and certificate from National Geographic Channel while all 21K runners who crossed the finish line received finisher’s medals.

 

Enjoy Star Movies' April epic romance and fantasy flicks

Enjoy Star Movies’ April epic romance and fantasy flicks

Are you looking for an escape to the time of magic and imagination? Or are you up for a tear-jerking heavy dose of teenage coming of age story and a romantic New York love affair?

Witness an action-packed trip through the deserts of Persia, a heartwarming cougar-style love affair in New York, a teenage story of two star-crossed lovers, and a journey through imagination with awesome visual effects and choreography.

This April, you don’t have to choose as Star Movies lets your mind travel the depths of fantasy and reality.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (April 3). Go on a journey with Jake Gyllenhaal in this epic adventure in the heart of Persia. After he was falsely accused of killing his adoptive father, Prince Dastan (Gyllenhaal) tries to avenge his death by discovering the identity of the true killer. Along the way, he joins forces with the mysterious Princess Tamina (Gemma Artenton) as they go against the dark forces and guard an ancient dagger, which holds the famed Sands of Time.

Remember Me (April 10). Robert Pattinson switches from brooding vampire to rebellious NYU student Tyler Hawkins in Remember Me. After his brother’s suicide and his parents’ divorce, Tyler becomes isolated and troubled. He meets fellow NYU student Ally (Emilie De Ravin), and find strength and inspiration in each other. As Tyler and Ally strive to overcome their own tragedies, love seems like a possibility on the horizon, until their secrets start to unravel and threaten to tear them apart.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (April 17). Experience a fantastic visual ride into the world of imagination and stories of Doctor Parnassus. Played by Christopher Plummer, Parnassus leads a traveling troupe, which includes Anton (Andrew Garfield), Percy (Verne Troyer), and his daughter Valentina (Lily Cole). Because of a deal with Mr. Nick (Tom Waits), Parnassus is on a race against time to save Valentina from becoming another soul sacrifice. Then Tony (played by Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, and Jude Law), an unpredictable comical man with amnesia, enters the picture, and he might be Valentina’s only hope.

The Men Who Stare at the Goats (April 24).  George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, and Kevin Spacey star in a comedy war film that is loosely based on Jon Ronson’s book of the same name. Reporter Bob Wilton (McGregor) lands himself a story of a lifetime where he meets former U.S. Army member Lyn Cassady (Clooney). Together, they try to uncover the secret of a unit that employs paranormal powers and goats in their missions.