Maniolas

Pope Francis celebrates a Mass for cardinals and bishops who died in the past year, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Monday, Nov. 3, 2014. AP MANILA, Philippines–As expected, 99 percent of some 1,200 Catholics from Metro Manila and four neighboring provinces areas expressed “positive sentiments” about Pope Francis’ scheduled state and pastoral visit to the Philippines next January in a recent survey conducted by the Church-run Radio Veritas. In the “Veritas Truth Survey,” conducted during the third quarter of the year, 504 or 42 percent of respondents said they were “happy about the Holy Father’s visit to the country” from Jan. 15 to 19. Two hundred and forty, or 20 percent of respondents said they felt “blessed” while another 20 percent said they were “overwhelmed.” Seventeen percent, or 204 people, said they were “excited” while only 12, or a low one percent did not have any reaction towards the Pope’s visit. Asked about the perceived social impact of the trip, 35 percent of respondents expressed confidence it would further strengthen the Roman Catholic religion in the country. Others responded that the visit would likely result in stronger ties between the Vatican and the Catholic church in the Philippines (33 percent); bring the Filipino youth closer to the Catholic church (14 percent); improve Church-state relations (8 percent); give importance to Church teachings about social issues (5 percent); encourage more Catholics to join the “religious life,” (4 percent); and help improve the country’s tourism industry, 1 percent. Asked what social Read More …

OLONGAPO CITY, Zambales, Philippines—If there is any group here that is elated to know nine American ships have canceled their port calls, it is the organization that works to save bar workers and women in the city from prostitution. Members of the Buklod Center Inc., a drop-in center for women who used to be involved in the sex trade, said having no American troops around will reduce the number of women exploited and lured into prostitution. Alma Bulawan, Buklod executive director, said she felt relieved that nine US ships scheduled to visit Subic this month and in December have canceled port calls. “If they will not come here, women, especially those working in night clubs, will not be abused or exploited,” Bulawan told the Inquirer on Monday. Bulawan said her group, which was established in 1987, has been working hard over the years to erase Olongapo’s image as a “sin city,” acquired through its red light district that catered for decades to thousands of us soldiers stationed on the former US Naval Base or US warships calling at port to resupply and afford their crews rest and recreation. “When the Americans left their naval base here [in 1992], we’ve proven to the world that we’re better off without them,” Bulawan said. The Americans left their military bases in the country after the Philippine Senate rejected the extension of the Philippine-US military bases agreement in 1991. The former American-controlled naval base here and the Clark Air Base in Pampanga province have Read More …