LIM GETS DONATION OF FLAGS FROM CFBCI

 

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim  received on Thursday 100 pieces of Philippine flags from the Chinese-Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) headed by  its president Lino Uy during their courtesy call at the Bulwagang Villegas Thursday morning.

Last month, the city of Manila observed the ceremonial cremation of flags during the National Flag Day as a final honor to the old flags and the ashes were stored in an urn that was buried under ground.  A marker was also placed above the burial ground for the flags.

About 400 damaged flags were collected from the different barangay halls, plazas and police outposts in the city.

Mayor Lim said the donation is timely as the country celebrates this Saturday the 112th Independence Day. The donated flags will be turned over to the different city schools.

Mayor Lim also stressed that the flag is a concrete symbol of the country’s freedom and democracy.

Joining the CFBCI President in the ceremonial donation were CFBCI Vice-President Lao Giok Chiao, Immediate Past President Siy Yap Chua and Director Stephen Sia.

MANILA CELEBRATES 138TH MARTYRDOM OF GOMBURZA

The City of Manila led by Mayor Alfredo S. Lim commemorated the 138th martyrdom of Filipino priests during the Spanish era and better known as GOMBURZA for Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora.    They were all killed in Luneta and buried in Pandacan (birth place of Father Jacinto Zamora). They were eventually buried in the Paco Park.   “Dapat lagi nating isinasaalala ang kabayanihan at pagkamartir ng ating tatlong pari.  Kahit na hindi sila lumaban o nagpakita ng katapangan sa giyera naipadama naman nila ang paninindigan para sa karapatan ng ating mga kababayang pari,” Lim told the youth in the audience   . Lim said the main concern of the three priests– GOMBURZA  was to give Filipino priests their own churches in accordance with the policy of the Catholic Church, which the Spanish friars did not observe because of professional jealousy. The friars wanted to stay as long as they wanted.     “Ang tatlong mga pari ay idinawit sa isang himagsikan sa Cavite kung saan naman ang mga tao ay lumaban dahil sa mataas na paniningil ng mga buwis.  At may nabasang sulat na gawa ni Padre Jacinto Zamora na may nakalagay na “Pulbura at Bala” kung saan ito ay isa lamang palabas na balak gawin ng mga pari”, Lim added.   Since the friars did not have any much evidence against the 3 Filipino priests, GOMBURZA were executed after two days in Luneta.   Lim told everybody present not to forget the traditional love for our country.  “Huwag nating kalilimutan na ang pag-aalay ng buhay ay isang pinakamahalagang  pagtitiis o sakripisyo ng isang tao alang-alang sa pagmamahal sa bayan.”   Lim said people must only vote wisely this coming election using your mind, heart and conscience in choosing the most deserving candidate.

BAYWALK IS A HAVEN OF PEACE FOR LOVERS AND FAMILIES – LIM

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim announced to his Facebook (FB) friends and the public about the fireworks display prepared by the City Government of Manila at Baywalk across the Rajah Sulayman Park on December 31, 2009 at 12 midnight to welcome 2010 with enchanting and magnificent sparks and lights.

His wish of a peaceful and quiet nation was emphasized in his FB shoutout. “I pray for peace not only in Manila but in our country as a whole.”

Baywalk, which was once known for loud and noisy restaurants which disturbed a lot of tenants and guests in the condominiums and hotels respectively in the nearby areas, was wiped clean when Lim assumed his mayoral post in 2007.

Some were disappointed especially the bar and restaurant owners but more lauded Lim’s action when they started to appreciate the beautiful view of Manila Bay and its sunset without distractions and hindrances, even from the comfort of their driving along Roxas Boulevard. The city government also put more pleasing lightings to liven the baywalk more which stretched up to its boundary in Vito Cruz.

Thus, on New Year’s Eve, Manila will be displayed with life and lights along baywalk. Contrary to critics’ claim that it is now dark and filthy, the “walk along the boulevard” as it was once fondly called, has been admired of its exposed beauty and splendor day and night. Couples and families walking along the baywalk watching the beautiful sunset and enjoying the sea breeze appreciated its quietness and serenity.

“At least now, the lovers and families walking along the baywalk can enjoy its tranquility. They can talk and chat without competing with the loud sounds from the bandstands. And in the event of an unexpected calamity like typhoon, the motorists will be safe from the possible dangers of the stalls’ parts flying around,” Lim said.

“Also, it stopped the accumulation of garbage in Manila bay as well. Because even if the people at that time said they were not throwing garbage in the bay, they couldn’t avoid the plastic cups and paper plates which the restaurants at that time were using, from being blown into the waters of the bay.” 

“They said a lot of jobs were lost when the restaurants were removed, but we have to follow the law. No drinking in public and say no to noise pollution. Besides, how can jobs be lost, most of them had their main branches in the inner Manila like Malate. I was told the crews were only taking shifts between their main branch and the one they have put up in Baywalk.”

“I have already talked to our officers to revive the Saturday activities when we had replaced the baywalk restaurants and stalls with serenades from the school chorales and bands as well to give some entertainment to the passers by and public in a non-busy day.This will also encourage our public school students to participate, cultivate, and show their talents.”

(Mayor Lim’s Facebook: Alfredo Lim. Please visit www.manilacityph.com or www.fredlim.com for the link. Thank you.)

MANILA REMEMBERS JUSTICE FOR THE POOR AUTHOR

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led the celebration of the 81^st birth anniversary of the late Vice-President of the Republic Salvador “Doy” Laurel in the wreath-laying ceremony held at the Roxas Boulevard corner Pedro Gil Street .  The celebration was also attended by Laurel ’s wife, Mrs. Celia Diaz-Laurel and family and close friends.

Others who offered wreaths were, National Historical Institute Executive Director Ludovico Badoy, Manila Historical and Heritage Commission Vice-Chairperson Gemma Cruz-Araneta, City School Superintendent Dr. Ponciano Menguito, Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino Chairman Joe Lad Santos.

Lim told the students present of an interesting background of Laurel being the fifth son of the late President Jose P. Laurel and served as Vice-President of teh Republic together with then President, the late Corazon Aquino. 

He also commended Laurel ’s action in giving way for his presidential bid for President Aquino in the snap election. He was the founder and standard bearer of the United Nationalists Democratic Organizations (UNIDO).

The mayor admired Laurel ’s stand and fought against the Martial Rule during the Marcos Regime.  “Bihira lang ang mga taong tumayo at lumaban sa diktaturya na kagaya ni Doy Laurel ”, Lim added.

Lim challenged everyone present that the key is in their hands towards change.  “Kayo ang hahatol kung sino ang dapat na iluklok sa pwesto at iyan ang hamon sa atin ni Doy at President Jose P. Laurel”, Lim stated.

Doy Laurel ’s wife, Celia, cited one of the most notable deeds when Doy Laurel authored five “Justice for the Poor” laws, also known as “LaurelLaws.

Mrs. Laurel said, “Doy Laurel never failed to think about the country though he was in abroad and sick”.  She shared the words of Doy saying, “You don’t have to be in the government to serve people.  Your neighbors are already enough.  Serving them means serving the country because they are citizens of this country.”

“Love for country is something that no one can take away from you”, the words from Celia Laurel which she asked the future generations to remember.  Through this, the dream of President Laurel and her husband, Doy, will come true, she added.

Lim commended the students from Jose P. Laurel High School who rendered a song number that touched and impressed the people present and said that they must be given a scholarship in music in order to develop more of their singing talent.

PAINTING EXHIBIT PAYS TRIBUTE TO CORY

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim will formally open on Monday the “Democracy in Yellow” painting exhibit, a tribute to the late President Corazon Aquino organized by the Manila Historical and Heritage Commission, Office of Councilor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, the Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Museo ng Maynila and Sigwada Gallery.

 

            The painting exhibit comes after the 100^th day death anniversary of the late president, considered a national icon for democracy, to be held at the Lacson Underpass, Quiapo.

 

            The Mayor will deliver the opening remarks while Councilor Nieto will explain the background of the project. Nonoy Alkalde of Pinikpikan, Dom-An, Sagada, Mountain Province will give a special presentation.

 

Aquino’s daughter, Pinky Aquino Abellada will then give her message.

 

Lim will then lead the ribbon-cutting to formally open the exhibition along with Pinky Abellada, Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Councilor Nieto and Cecile Pagaduan of Sigwada Gallery.

 

The Manila City Chorale and Manila City Band will render the “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” song which became associated with the late president.

 

 On Tuesday, November 10,2009 at 10 a.m., the exhibition will be brought to the Rodriguez Hall, 2^nd Floor of City Hall. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be led by Mayor Lim, Vice Mayor “Isko Moreno” and Councilor Nieto to be followed by a public viewing while the  Manila City Band plays the songs “Magkaisa” and “Bayan Ko.”