The empowered women in Tawi-Tawi wore the best attire

Hadja Jumda A. Sali  with her friend. wearing a beautiful, elegant Muslim attire. These two women, they are very artistic on how to wore a cloth based on the activities they attended.

These two  empowered women would be the model of the new generations especially those young Muslim women or the millennial's  urged to  them to follow the right dress code where ever they attend to.

Colors and Styles

The range of clothing you find among Muslims is a sign of the great diversity among  the Muslim community. Many Muslims choose to dress in conservative earth-tone colors such as green, blue, gray, as well as the usual black and white. Beyond this, there are no specific meanings behind the choice of color. Some colors or clothing styles are more common in certain parts of the world, based on local tradition.(source from thoughtco).

Muslim attire is one of the bests religious attire of the world. Respectable and elegant, (By: Becky D. de Asis-The Southern Traveler)

Efforts to prevent NPA from accessing foreign funds underway

MANILA -- Efforts are now underway to restrict New People's Army (NPA) rebels from accessing funds they have acquired abroad.

This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato when asked on whether the government is doing something to stop the rebels from receiving funding abroad.

"Yes, including foreign funds they are receiving by deceiving the (foreign) donors and diverting the money to further their terroristic activities with the ultimate aim of toppling down the government and changing our way of life," he said in a message to the Philippine News Agency late Monday.

The military official earlier said only a unified and whole-of-government approach will defeat the NPA, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

"We have identified so many factors to eradicate the communist terrorists (and these are) prevent them from accessing funds, counter their mass base recruitment and front organizations," Detoyato said.

And they can only be neutralized effectively if the government will synchronize its efforts to counter them and the threats they pose.

"We can only do this effectively if the whole government will synchronize their efforts towards a common goal (which is aimed at containing these factors that responsible for the continued operation of the NPA movement)," the AFP official added.

Once this is done, Detoyato expressed confidence that the ideology espoused by Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison and his "blind followers" will be defeated once and for all. (PNA/By /Priam Nepomuceno)

Local tourists comprise 75% of arrivals in Dumaguete

DIVE DESTINATION. Apo Island in Dauin town, is among Negros Oriental's top tourist-drawers, being a favorite dive destination of many local and foreign visitors. (Photo by Judaline F. Partlow)

DUMAGUETE CITY – About 70 to 75 percent of the total tourist arrivals in Dumaguete City are local visitors and mostly Filipinos.

City Tourism Officer Jacqueline Veloso Antonio on Monday said it has been a trend since around 2014 that local tourists are far greater in number than foreigners, based on reports from hotels and resorts in this capital city.

“We ask them about occupancy and that means that this is only approximate and probably we have to add 25,000 to 30,000 as not all hotels religiously submit their data,” she pointed out.

“We only have data from 75 percent of the hotels in the city,” she said.

Available data from the City Tourism Office showed that total tourist arrivals in 2018 was pegged at 706,689, higher by about 14.75 percent compared to the previous year's 615,861.

However, according to Antonio, this does not include other tourists who are “unrecorded” to include those staying in Air BnB accommodations and smaller hotels.

Antonio attributes in part the spike in tourist arrivals in Dumaguete to those who come here for scuba diving in Dauin and other areas in Negros Oriental.

Meanwhile, Chinese, Korean, American, and Japanese nationals are the leading foreign tourists who visited and continue to visit Dumaguete City, she said. (PNA/By Mary Judaline Partlow )

Simunul women org supports the programs, project & activities of Pres.Council Hadja Jumda A. Sali

There are hundreds of empowered women's attended the whole day activities which organized by Simunul Women Organization headed by Wasilah Abdurahman in connection the women's month celebration.

Hadja Jumda A. Sali  was very thankful to womens in Simnul especially the wife of Mayor Nasif Ahmad Abdurahman because of their warm welcome and supports rendered to women's organization in Tawi-Tawi.

"Its always been a pleasure to impart message of love and concern to my fellow Tawi-Tawians especially this women's month  celebration", said Sali.

The women's group of Tawi-Tawi approved the programs and activities wherein the new president of the council give more importance on the recent problems of women's in their localities that needs her supports and approvals.(By: Becky D. de Asis-The Southern Traveler)

The empowered woman making impossible possible -Hadja Jumda A. Sali

 

The true story about the empowered woman is making the impossible a possible. Like Hadja Jumda A. Sali a wife of a politician and businessman Mayor Yshmael I. Sali of Languyan, Tawi - Tawi.

Jumda is a businesswoman by profession, she divided her time equally, Sending her children in school, managed her business on time and served her husband all the time he needs her.

She is very successful because he always very dedicated to her family before everything. She acquired  the skills and confidence and sending help to her community to help the needy people and give food to the hungry children in the streets.

She is authentic - empowered, successful woman in Tawi -Tawi province. She is the  shining woman example of today. (By: Becky D. de Asis)

Hja.Jumda Abdullah Sali, one of empowered woman in Tawi-Tawi

Tawi - Tawi women urged to become model of change

 

Bongao, Tawi-Tawi  - Jumda A. Sali president of women council of this province  urged to women around  to become a model or instrument of change, this was disclosed during the women's day celebration in Bongao yesterday.

Sali reminds women that they  are capable of becoming a better, empowered, progressive women  themselves. The celebration  theme " we make change for women" the theme activity that focus on women innovation, " It is a big challenge to women,Kailangan natin magbago at makisabay sa panibagong panahon na naayon sa ating panuntunan bilang isang makabago at maunlad na kababaihan, hindi lang sa ating bansa kundi sa buong mundo", Sali lauded during the celebration..

The celebration was successful and attended more empowered women coming from different agencies, municipalities of this province to join to observed this women's day celebration with # balance for Better, which urges the women achievement, raise awareness against bias, and take action to equality. (Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)

Fashion, arts and design introduce in Languyan every special occasions - Hadja Jumda A. Sali

 Madam Jumda Sali (left) with Languyan official candidate for Budjang of Tawi -Tawi 2018 (rightMiss Ahrzinaiza A. Abah  t worn  their Batawi Attire

Creativity is the best policy of the fashion world today...

Muslims in the Philippines are regarded to have high appreciation and love of arts. They are very fashionable and very creative of making beautiful dresses deriving from their culture on arts and tradition.

Some of which are Tausug, Sama, Yakan, M’ranao, Maguindanao, and Iranon. Each tribe has its own culture. Each has its own perception of arts, beauty, fashion and style.

 Tausog or Sama clothing is remarkably beautiful and creative and full of historical design to present of their living condition.

Mayor Yshmael Sali (left) with his brother (2nd from left) together with Bong and Atty. Pershing Taiyab (right) worn their Badju lapih and Kuput attire.

The native attire of a Tausug and Sama consists of Badjuh Lapih (upper) and Kuput (pants) for boys; while the top for girls are Batawi and Sablay for formal occasions, and Sambra and Supa-Supa for daily use and while  the pants for the girls are called Sawwal however it has a different design that would fit the top.

Like Batawi (also known as Badjuh Masigpit), it is the most beautiful of the aforementioned attires. It can be made out of velvet or silk.

It is designed intricately to fit perfectly into anyone who wears it.

Their outfit is also jeweled with gold buttons. The Sawwal is wrapped around the waist and secured by a belt. Over the Batawi and sawwal is called Kindang which is a piece of cloth with embroidered designs and hanged from the shoulder. It can also be wrapped around the waist and it is truly beautiful.

Mindanao has a lot to offer to the world  a true beauty and culture says Hadja Jumda A. Sali, Pesident of Women's Council of Tawi-Tawi.

Therefore, the municipality of Languyan every foundation anniversary celebration has always included in their lists to introduce  Arts, Fashions and designs one of their  highlights every year celebration. 

Different clothings, deigns and styles being wore by some beautiful ladies and men during special occasions or parties in Mindanao.(By: Becky D. de Asis)

Savoring Antipolo's tasty 'kasoy'

(Photo by Darwin Pesco, OJT)

 MANILA -- Aside from its magnificent Antipolo Cathedral (also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage), which is a must-see place for Filipinos planning to visit or work abroad, the city's tasty "kasoy" (cashew nuts) is one of the reasons why local tourists prefer to flock to this hilly destination - located some 21 kilometers from Manila.

Incidentally, "kasoy" is one of the mainstay of Antipolo's "Sumakah Festival", which is the contraction of the popular "suman" (rice cake), "kasoy" and the "hamaka", which is described as a form of transportation using the "duyan" (hammock).

"Kasoy" is derived from the Portuguese "acaju", "acajuiba" or "cajueiro" which comes from Indian words acaju or acajou, based on Doreen Fernandez’s book, “Fruits of the Philippines”.

Many "kasoy" stores are found around downtown Antipolo, near the cathedral, aside from the two long lines of stalls near the Sumulong Highway just before the Antipolo City Public Market.

For vendor Sol Retereza, 52, the delicious and exotic taste of "kasoy" is the reason why local tourists are always touring around the city.

Cashew nuts in Antipolo are typically sold at PHP50 per small glass.

Prices go up depending on the size of the container.

"Kasoy" also sell much faster during the holidays, according to 35-year-old Victor Tejano.

He also added that the "kasoy" he sells are sourced from Palawan, Batangas, and Bataan.

“Cashew nuts are so delicious that is why they continue to come back for it. Sometimes, it comes in various flavors like adobo, garlic and barbecue," 21-year-old Janeth Dungo said. Also, she added that there is a slump on selling the exotic nuts during weekdays.

“Many people return here frequently because the cashew nuts taste good. We have flavors like adobo and plain ones. These are the bestsellers,” Tina Bitong, 60, said.

She added that her product is sourced from Vietnam.

Her view on the tastiness of the "kasoy" is also shared by fellow vendor, Lucy Tolentino, 57.

“The cashew nuts here are delicious. This is what Antipolo is known for. This is what tourists are looking for when they come here,” she added. ( By Priam Nepomuceno / With reports from Darwin C. Pesco, OJT/PNA)

Boracay citation reflects acceptance of PH tourism reforms: DOT

Blessed Virgin Mary Grotto at the White Beach, Boracay. (Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism)

MANILA -- The recent naming of Boracay and El Nido as Asia's best beaches in the TripAdvisor 2019 Travelers' Choice Award reflects acceptance on the country's reforms and new policies to attain sustainable tourism, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said Sunday.

“We take it that this TripAdvisor citation of Boracay and El Nido is indicative of the positive reactions to the reforms and new policies being implemented in an effort to inculcate a culture of sustainable tourism. This bodes well with our campaign of highlighting the people’s genuine testaments and reactions to our destinations,” Romulo-Puyat said.

Boracay's White Beach, described as the island’s most popular beach, was ranked 9th among the beaches in Asia while El Nido, Palawan’s Nacpan Beach and Las Cabanas Beach were voted as the 13th and 22nd best.

The TripAdvisor’s 2019 Travelers’ Choice Awards ranks beaches, destinations, attractions, among others, based on millions of traveler reviews and opinions.

Boracay's White Beach received over six thousand reviews with 62 percent excellent rave reviews and 24 percent very good rating, with most of the comments acknowledging the successful rehabilitation of the island.

“Boracay still has it! After the six months rehab the Boracay White Beach is cleaner and clear. It has maintained its popularity among tourists and locals. It’s really lovely during sunsets. The burst of colors is awesome. I saw garbage bins which were absent before,” shared TripAdvisor reviewer mariasusnaf2018.

"The best beach in the world. Experience the new, renovated and clean White Beach of Boracay. It is excellent for watersports and I can swim here the whole day. Be careful with the sun and always use your sunblock with high factor. Food are excellent everywhere you go,” commented jguzon from Oslo, Norway.

Yapak Beach, the second largest beach in Boracay and is named after the prevalent white puka seashells, was also listed at 25th.

As of February 27, a total of 320 accommodation establishments in Boracay accounting to 11,662 rooms have been declared DOT-accredited.

“The Inter-Agency Task Force is excited for the completion of the island’s rehabilitation; the second phase on April and the third on December this year. It will further promote the better Boracay and see #MoreFunForever,” Romulo-Puyat added.

The DOT, together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, has identified El Nido as among the destinations up for rehabilitation.

Last year, the agencies mapped out the rehabilitation plan of El Nido. (By Joyce Ann L.)

The message of Mayor Hadji Serbin C. Ahaja to the newly Interim Chief Minister of BARMM

Greetings:

Hon. AL HAJ MURAD EBRAHIM

Prime Minister, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

Cotabato City

Dear Prime Minister,

Congratulations on your assumption to office as the Prime Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

I strongly hope and wish that BARMM under your leadership will be a good vehicle for the attainment of lasting peace and sustainable development in all five provinces and three cities of the BARMM.

Let us start to unite and do away with tribalism, let the Yakans, Maguindanaons, Meranaos, Tausug and Sama people and the lumads unite under this Bangsamoro government.

I send my best wishes for your continued happiness, health and success as well as for the prosperity of the people in the BARMM communities.

May I again congratulate you on your appointment as Prime Minister of the BARMM. Please accept the assurances of my support for your highest consideration.

Very truly yours,

(Sgd.)Hadji SERBIN C. AHAJA

Municipal Mayor
Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi