Produced and voiced by Victor Dela Casa, this short, inspirational animated film quickly explains the role of GrainPro, Inc. GrainPro, the leader in Ultra Hermetic technology and solutions, is playing an important role in eradicating the cycle of hunger and poverty everywhere. GrainPro's innovations in safe storage and solar drying are now used in over 100 countries.
Watch to learn more.


Credits
Production
Animation, Story and Narration
Victor Dela Casa, Public Relations and Communications, GrainPro, Inc.
Photos
Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
Swathi Sridharan/ICRISAT
Andy Kristian Agaba/Gates Foundation
Neil Palmer/CIAT
Twin and Twin Trading
Lukas Bergstrom
Tanya Axisa/Department for International Development
John Warren/World Vision
Cate Turton/Department for International Development

Music
Inspiring Life by Adigold

We Are GrainPro
VP4020MSD0215
Copyright © 2015 GrainPro.
All rights reserved.

“I have been and remain a convert to hermetic storage, and I don’t hesitate to share this experience with friends and colleagues in my industry. Without a doubt, using SuperGrainbags will help ensure that your green bean inventory retains its quality levels. What’s your alternative? Think about it.”

My father once told me that ‘the military is the noblest of all professions’. I still believe it so.


Recently, I had the rare opportunity to board the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar docked here in SBMA. Having been involved in the past with the Canadian Navy, this is one prospect I was very excited to be part of.


The tour gave me an opportunity to speak to our brave mariners. Over coffee served hospitably by the ship’s mess crew, stories of bravery and heroism poured out.


The ‘Goryo’ and his courageous crew did saw action last year against China in a standoff at the disputed Scarborough Shoal. Goryo scared away several Chinese fishing vessels in the island knowing that a fleet of Chinese Navy ships are close by for an encounter.


While that effort may have been nothing to some, it must have been a precarious position for a crew still learning to operate and navigate a relatively modern ship. With very little experience and limited training, the crew could have been easily overwhelmed given the fact that they are up against a formidable force just waiting for them to make the slightest mistake.


A ranking naval officer I interviewed told me that the crew was ‘the real heroes of the Philippine seas’. Their bravery and valor shall not go unappreciated. Thank you, guys.


The BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and his twin, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, which was personally welcomed by President Aquino recently, were part of the Excess Defense Article program that we share with the United States. The vessels are free but the cost of transferring them, the upgrades, and other extras such as armaments are paid for by our government in its armed forces modernization initiative. Both are decommissioned U.S. Coast Guard cutter-class ships known for their ability to handle rough seas and remain on patrol for up to 30 days.


The Goryo looks good. Its slender frame makes it perfect for speed. The ship is equipped with both Diesel engines and gas turbine (jet) engines, which aligns with our ‘anti-nuclear’ energy policies. It has enough weapons and surveillance systems to matter. While there are still much needed improvements and upgrades, it is a good looking ship that will get us eventually to our ultimate goals.


Comparing them to Canadian ships I boarded like the HMCS Ville du Quebec and the HMCS Toronto, I can tell that the Goryo has a longer shape, it is quite roomy and moving around inside is not as hazardous (I’ve knocked my knees a few times on Canadian day tours climbing those stiff hatches). Its massive size shows American standards unlike the British-designed Canadian warships that are more compact.


As I was talking to the crew, I can tell the dedication and willingness of these brave men and women. They are, after all, the crème de la crème of our navy and their commitment to defend our nation is simply inspiring to say the least. However, the unfortunate realization that our navy lacked necessary tools, machineries and experience makes their noble mission a challenge.


Our navy never had equipment like these before. Aside from a few small patrol boats, the navy is in dire need of modernization. The arrival of these ships marks an exciting yet turbulent era when we are engaged in building a fleet to protect our borders – a fleet that we can all be proud of.

A ranking naval officer I interviewed told me that the crew was ‘the real heroes of the Philippine seas’. Their bravery and valor shall not go unappreciated. Thank you, guys.

As the crew hurriedly learns the ins and outs of these twin vessels, more upgrades are on the way. Six riverine patrol boats capable of shallow and open water deployment arrived recently for the Philippine

Marines to further buff up our maritime lineup. We are also expecting our first frigates by 2019. After that perhaps our first destroyer-class ships will arrive shortly.


It takes time to modernize the armed forces especially for a country going through major socio-economic changes such as ours. It takes funds and know-how and both of which are in limited supply. Funds are also needed to recruit the manpower for this undertaking. Knowing well these challenges, I feel that the acquisition of these cutters for the first phase of our naval modernization is ‘tactically’ and ‘strategically’ advantageous to us.


Based on the discussions, I concluded that there is a real need for schools, more outreach programs, and heightened recruitment. We need to strengthen our tactical, operations, and engineering schools that teach our naval recruits the specific courses they require for their respective naval trades.


To do this, I believe that we need to start outreach programs to get the support of our local politicians and leaders who will lobby for investing in these schools. Outreach programs could also expose our youths to potential careers in our navy.


Manning the seas and protecting our borders from potential foreign threats take courage. The brave men and women of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar are few in number, but proud. To me, they are real-life heroes who put their lives on the line as a sign that our nation will not be bullied; that we will fight for the integrity of our borders.


This experience to me was an eye opener. There are certain realities exposed in our talks about the sort of cold war we have with China. There are certain realities and limitations articulated about the current relations of our country with our allies. Some of these realities are good but for the bad ones, it’s just heartbreaking.


In the end, it is still down to us Filipinos to defend our nation. If that time comes, are we ready?



A Great Time at Tropical Bay


My kid recently celebrated his sixth birthday at the newly-opened Tropical Bay Restaurant along Magsaysay Rd. I’d like to say hi and thanks to Ms. Lailani V. Strickland, her kids and her friendly staff for taking care of us that night.


We had a marvelous time. I tried their U.S. porterhouse steak, my wife had the tilapia, and the kid feasted on chicken wings. The food was simply amazing!


The acoustic set they had playing perfectly complements the light atmosphere and the overall dining experience. Finally, I appreciate the thoughtful birthday cards the kids prepared for our son.


You guys are simply awesome and I look forward to coming back someday soon.


For those looking for a wholesome family venue, you can contact Tropical Bay Restaurant at (047) 223 7777.

A safer workplace makes for happier and more productive employees. With so many on-the-job injuries occurring on a daily basis, workplace safety remains a key concern in the country’s labor industry.

A recent report released by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health or National COSH pair personal stories to government data. The report highlights the need for more reforms on worker health and safety.

Released just days before the Workers’ Memorial Day weekend, the report reflects on recent accidents from 2011 and reminds employers to follow proven safety practices and complying with standards imposed by OSHA. Unfortunately, many companies complain about these regulations, choosing profits before employee safety.

The report also pushes for reforms designed to better protect temps, immigrants and energy-sector workers who work in hazardous workplaces. It emphasizes the need for adequate training and better safety protocols. It also puts emphasis on workplace violence, inadequate fines for violations, and whistle blower protection.

The numbers are baffling. According to supporting figures, nearly 13 workers are killed on the job every day. This is a clear warning sign to legislators to come up with tougher laws that would encourage employers to take workers’ safety more seriously and allow workers to make it home safely after their shift.

As many of these accidents are preventable, it is hoped that the eye-opening report makes an impact among federal and state lawmakers in the hopes of exposing any shortcomings in the system.

While lawmakers put more time in debate and less in actually legislating reforms that support worker safety, victims are often encouraged to speak to an Occupational Safety and Health Administration official for assistance.

Living trusts allow a family to customize their estate planning based on the individual needs of each family member. It is also effective in avoiding taxes as well as the probate process which we all know can be very expensive.

The death of a loved one can start off a complex legal and business process. Often, it falls to relatives to deal with the affairs of the departed’s estate. It is important that living trusts and wills are carried out and followed through to avoid issues that hurt beneficiaries after the departure of their relative.

Typically, it is important to start funding a living trust while the person is still around to do so. The effectiveness of a living trust is dependent on this. It means that trusts needs to have assets re-titled to it in order to reflect the ownership of the trust. Bank accounts, investments, stocks, bonds and assets all have to be re-titled accordingly.

Bank accounts can be easily transferred and bank managers can assist in the process. Investment accounts require that a new account be established first before transferring existing accounts. Stocks are a bit more complicated as it will require a stock power which must include a Medallion guarantee stamp. Savings bonds require that government forms be filled out and stamped with the same Medallion stamp.

Real estate is transferred into a trust through a new deed prepared by an attorney. Personal property can be willed into a trust or transferred using an Assignment of Personal Property. Approval of other partners is required before interests in private stocks can be transferred. This may require a lawyers help. Life insurance can be easily designated to the trust which will act as the beneficiary of the policy.

Finally, like most states, retirement accounts like IRAs may require the help of an expert. Often IRAs are not taxed while it is locked. A transfer of these accounts may have serious tax ramifications.

This is why the help of a knowledgeable legal professional may prove invaluable in estate planning because they have the knowledge and experience to properly manage and execute any estate plans. Legal professionals are able to sit down, discuss available strategies and even do the necessary legwork. They can also be relied on to carry out the estate’s will and trust.

For years, we Filipinos have been viewed negatively by foreign eyes. We’ve suffered ethnic slurs, racial profiling and more.

During the different periods of our history, colonizers, in an effort to demoralize us, called us “indios,” “monkeys,” and “baka.” Translated, these slurs mean just about the same thing --- “idiots”.

Some still continue to call us names in recent years such as the time when someone relegated us as a nation of nannies. Accusations of ignorance, incivility and opportunism have somewhat turned Filipinos into cheap artists offering cheap labor.

We swallowed our pride and allowed ourselves to be the so-called “bitches” of other countries because of poverty. And yet, we are also to blame for our own misfortunes.

Political minds at play met undignified words with their brand of verbal retaliation and nothing more. While we hurrah their efforts, not much has changed. After two EDSA revolutions, we are still the same old country basking in our perennial triumph of being the next tiger economy of Asia that couldn’t seem to shrug off the word “next.”

But how can this country jump to the next level when it’s in such a mess?

Dan Brown’s recent novel, Inferno, was quick to point out that Manila is “the gates of hell.” While he did not lambast the Philippines entirely, Manila, for all practicalities sake, is the Philippines. It is our nation’s capital and the city that represents everything that is our country to the rest of world. To describe it as filthy and evil says an awful lot about us Filipinos.

Criticism should be a catalyst for change. It’s funny that we’ve been so negatively criticized and branded before but remain numb and unwilling to change our selfish ways.

I don’t like Manila or my country being branded the gates of hell no more than the next guy. And yet, urbanization anywhere here leaves a trail of garbage and corruption unimaginable. And so, I would be a hypocrite not to agree that somewhere in this country, hell has an office.

Am I angry at Dan Brown? No. Am I angry with my fellow Filipinos? Not really. I’m just disappointed and amazed that despite years of negative branding, we’ve continued to tolerate the same. We haven’t grown, we got stunted.

But why would Mr. Brown call us that? For the uninitiated foreigner who enjoys a higher standard and quality of life, our country might as well be the gateway to hell.

The stench of rot, defecation and piss that greets you in Manila is probably as putrid as hell itself. Sadly, that’s just the first thing one has to face if they wish to acclimate themselves to our country.

I’ve had the opportunity to live in Canada for over a decade as a federal government public servant. I travelled to the U.S., visited Australia, and crossed the pond to Europe. Unfortunately, the Philippines is a far cry from the places I’ve seen.

I always had high hopes that there’ll be changes in our beloved country. But not much really happened. We are still a desperate nation ruled by selfish people who only want to enrich themselves. There’s poverty, corruption and kids who are undisciplined. Our nation’s future is secured. We will dejectedly endure more of the same.

Rich countries are prosperous for a reason. There are probably a hundred reasons why they’ve become powerful. I won’t elaborate on that. All I can say is that their leaders and their citizens are truly concerned and genuinely care in protecting their nation’s best interests. Unhindered by religious dogmas, they change constantly…for the better.

One example I observed is that they don’t mind the mess inside their homes but they freak out when someone throws garbage on the street when it’s not collection day. We Filipinos work the other way around. We are clean inside our homes but we are apathetic to anything outside of it.

We are a nation who is more interested in the cultures of other. Some foreigners even questioned our identity and authenticity citing our ability to embrace foreign cultures better than we do with our own. Thanks to our fascination to foreign media, we became culturally-savvy. And yet, we fail pick-up the very virtues that made them so great.

Nothing is wrong with taking inspiration from others or from going abroad to work. I did it and I think it was one of the greatest learning experiences of my life. And like most expatriates, I’d rather be here. But you can’t buy in completely to that notion when you see how our country is being panhandled.

We are a paradox. Despite our better points, we prefer to put the bad ones out on display. If that’s the case, then why are we so offended of being viewed so negatively? How do we expect foreigners to love our country when we ourselves can’t even stand it?

In my experience, Filipinos who go to these beautiful countries tend to adjust and abide by their rules. It stupefies me that we can’t muster any effort to do that here.

Truth hurts. It always does. But we’ve only resorted to countering with words. Too much talk, not much work. If we wish to be competitive, we have to take action.

Negative reactions will not change how the world sees us. We have to change how we think and start really caring if we want to gain the respects of outsiders. We can’t ride the coat tails of other Filipinos who became successful internationally. We have to do it collectively or risk sharing the downfall.

As for Mr. Brown, I think we should be thankful he pointed out our faults. He should even be commended. I haven’t read the book but I’m interested. I want to know how others view us as a people. And maybe everyone should have the same opinion on the matter.

Criticism should be a catalyst for change. It’s funny that we’ve been so negatively criticized and branded before but remain numb and unwilling to change our selfish ways.

Just my two cents…

Hollywood helped make prenups quite popular in recent years. Despite its new found popularity, bringing up the subject of prenuptial agreements can still open up a can of worms causing partners to question trust and honesty concerns.

According to a 2012 American Institute of CPAs survey, money is a big source of problem between couples. It is among the biggest reason for many bouts between couples which eventually leads to a divorce. Many wealthy investors however see advantages in prenups seeing them as a tool that can easily sort out disputes. 

Wealthy folks, those with at least $5 million in net assets, were recently surveyed by an investment site about prenups which found that almost all of them were in favor of having such legal documents before saying “I do.” In fact, over two-thirds of this exclusive group recommends preparing and signing prenuptial agreements to anyone looking to marry.

The survey also asked what advantages a prenuptial agreement presents. The respondents pointed out four major benefits namely asset protection, opens up discussions, protection for heirs and inheritors, and property division.

Of course, a prenup is designed to protect one’s assets and separates any liabilities acquired prior to marriage. On this end, it can do wonders especially in a property dispute ensuring a smoother sailing divorce. It also prevents spouses from acquiring these pre-marital assets should children be named as benefactors.

The survey also found that respondents believe discussions about prenups, as difficult as it may be, can get couples accustomed to talking about their finances. It allows for a frank and open discussion of money concerns, not just of assets but of all liabilities as well.

Prenuptial agreements are a thorny subject that many find intimidating to talk about. But if we consider the opinions of the wealthy and powerful, we will find that there are benefits to opening up discussions on the matter.

Nobody said that breaking up doesn’t hurt. Divorce tends to be stressful and going through it alone only makes it more difficult. For those going through a divorce proceeding, it can get very traumatic.

The good news is that love after a divorce is still possible. There are many lessons to be learned that could be useful in future relationships. A recent article tackles five love lessons that help those who went through the pain of divorce bounce back, recover and start over.

According to experts, when one views each date and relationship as their teacher, important love lessons will be learned along the way. These lessons can help in developing a positive outlook as one journeys to find love again, even after a divorce.

The first lesson is to understand that not all relationships are meant to be forever and blaming one’s self for why the marriage fell apart isn’t advisable. Breakups happen for a reason, and often it takes both parties to ruin it. Having a sympathetic legal professional tackling the complexities of a divorce could prove invaluable in getting one’s mind out of the divorce legalities.

Each breakup or divorce exposes certain red flags and it’s important to identify each one sooner. This second lesson talks about knowing exactly what a potential lover should look for in their future relationships by setting standards and boundaries.

Third, a person’s self-esteem and confidence attracts the quality of their mates. Those that live in a mess will soon discover that it’s up to them to raise themselves up and get their lives together.

The fourth lesson talks about finding the source of happiness. A person who is happy and exudes certain positivity tends to pull people who are equally self-fulfilled to them. Happy people create happy relationships. This increases the chance the relationship will succeed.

Finally, the wounds of a divorce take time to heal. Learning to wait, knowing what worked and what didn’t, and making one’s self happy should be the priority before moving on to the next relationship.

Deaths caused by drivers on the phone were recently found to be seriously underreported. While the perils of distracted driving continue to be understated, several car accidents here are suspected to have been caused by distracted motorists who are either answering their phones or replying to text messages.

According to sources, a recent analysis of state and federal data by the National Safety Council or NSC revealed that there was strong evidence drivers involved in many accidents from 2009 to 2011 had been using a cellular device at the time.

The study also revealed that only half of the accidents from 2011 were coded in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA’s accident database as involving cellphone use. It was an improvement from previous years which saw only eight percent in 2009 and 35 percent in 2010. Yet, it is still a far cry from actual numbers that could’ve convinced lawmakers to pass new laws to prevent such distractions.

The problem seen by the NSC is the lack of effort to record the specific circumstances of each accident. Even when drivers already admitted to using their cellphones, authorities still fail to record it in the database. The NSC suspects that the number is much higher than what is being reported. Unfortunately, accurate statistics may be a definite improbability.

The NSC’s data is considered by many, including insurance companies, as the bible from which data about accidents are based. Yet, the council’s analysis found large variations among states in their reporting of distracted driving. One official told sources that unless drivers tell officers that they were on the phone, distracted driving doesn’t get reported. A subpoena is necessary in order for officers to investigate cellphone use in most states.

NHTSA acknowledged weaknesses in their data but promises that efforts are underway to strengthen collection practices by working with local authorities and lawmakers. So far 35 states have told the Governors Highway Safety Association or GHSA that they have adopted new forms to report cellphone use during accidents.

The process of adoption is a long, tedious process that costs money. California’s family law provisions allow for such legal adoptions to qualified parents in the state. In Orange County, depending on the type of company or firm used to make the adoption, the process can cost potential parents tens of thousands of dollars.

So it comes as no surprise that many parents are resorting to using social media instead of conventional means. Sites such as Facebook’s Marketplace or Youtube provide opportunities to biological and adoptive parents to connect get to know each other and arrange the adoption – and it only costs a fraction of what it would cost if parents go through an agency.

Often, parents create a page where they can post media content. This is the means by which they introduce themselves to other parents who are looking to either adopt or offer their child up for adoption.

Experts however warn parents about potential issues with this unconventional method. While it may work for some families as it expands the search, this method presents certain risks to parents.  One issue experts worry about is how social media sites handle privacy. While most sites do have good privacy settings, most parents tend to ignore these settings. As a result, information posted online end up getting used against posters.

The FBI has investigated certain cases wherein the birth mom involved tricked families into paying expenses without any intention of actually handing over the child. Experts warn that the internet have vulnerabilities that make scams easier.

According to experts, anyone taking this course should involve a legal professional immediately who knows the many adoption scams in the country. The adoption process involves many, often tricky, legal documents that necessitate parents and legal professionals to confirm information. The process also needs a legal professional to review and sign any legal documentation.

Adoption may cost money but if done right, it is money well-invested. A legal professional may prove helpful during adoption to avoid all other family legal issues that may arise.

Carpentier and Ginger

When Jamie Carpentier divorced with his wife 10 years ago, little did he knew that he would also lose custody of his Basset Hound, Ginger. After his former spouse got the puppy, she had the dog given up to a local animal shelter without Carpentier's knowledge.

The pup was soon adopted by an older couple who cared for her until they couldn't anymore. Ginger was once again sent to an animal shelter.

That's when Carpentier happened to check the listing of adoptable dogs on the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, N.H. He read about a Basset named Ginger. The dog is about the same age as the pup he once lost. After seeing the pictures, a connection was made.

Carpentier arrived at the shelter as Ginger was waking up from a nap. Her eyes lit up when she heard her former master's voice. Immediately, she ran to Carpentier and gave him a couple of licks and kisses.

"She knows who I am, she remembers my voice," Carpentier said.

The story was recently featured in the Nashua Telegraph. Click here for the full story.

For the players of the National Football League, the excitement and adulation of fans comes with a price. Injuries are synonymous to professional sports but in football, injuries can get very fatal and sometimes, can result in wrongful deaths.

Brain injury concerns are the hottest topic in the NFL today. With the deaths of several former players and long-lasting injuries to those still alive, many are questioning and suing the league alleging that money was more important than the health of players.

Last week, the lawsuit filed by the family of deceased former NFL star Junior Seau was consolidated with the rest of the more than 1,000 lawsuits filed against the NFL over concussion-related brain injuries. Players are trying to make a push to have the class action case tried.

A federal judge in Philadelphia is presiding and will decide if the class action can proceed. Her decision comes with huge financial repercussions for both sides. It is not expected that a ruling will come out immediately but the case is pretty strong against the league with a large possibility of actually going to trial.

One of the issues of concern contends that the NFL hid facts and failed to protect its players because the sport thrives from the amount of violence played. The NFL explains that they are not at fault and weren’t hiding anything from players who knew well the risks of playing the sport.

Despite the counter-claims, NFL has begun enforcing rules to ensure player safety from concussions and brain injuries, including investing on research to develop better gears. Experts see the moves to be connected to a recent study that ties concussions to brain injuries and caused the suicides and deaths of many former players including a few Hall of Famers.

The judge presiding in the “Man in Black” bank robberies case wants to make sure that the defendant knew that self-representation may not be a wise move. The defendant is facing federal criminal charges after a string of felonies and armed bank robberies across the state that started in 2011. He is being tried in the U.S. District Court in St. Paul.

The alleged suspect told the judge that he understood the risks of self-representation. He will have a standby counsel who will provide the necessary help if he needs it.

The 50-year-old former nursing home executive is charged with 13 counts of armed bank robbery. The upcoming trial only involves a count with two more trials to split the other 12 counts.

According to sources, the defendant dismissed his appointed representation believing that the team is unfit to represent him. He cited that the original appointed team failed to get the court to try him separately for each counts believing he could be prejudiced in the eyes of the jurors if all counts are tried jointly. Mingling all evidences might confuse jurors and wrongfully prejudice the accused.

He has filed numerous motions in complaint about his jail food to standing when a judge or jury enters and leaves the courtroom. He has also questioned the lack of bank robbery data as well as possibility of fictitious testimonies against him. It is found that the accused is a follower of Islam.

He also sued both the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Federal Public Defender’s Office over wrongful claims, bad representation and rights violations.

It is yet to be seen if the accused can pull self-representation off in such a serious case as armed robbery. Often, it is highly recommended that a professional team be assembled to represent and defend an accused in such cases.


Keywords: Man In Black, self-representation

The recent case of an adopted American Indian child who was returned to her biological father has reached the courtroom of the nation’s highest judicial body. In it, a dispute that pits a father’s right as well as his heritage against the rights of adoptive parents who only wishes what they believe is the best interest of the child.

The law protecting the rights of aboriginal children and their adoptions are under the care of a federal act, the Indian Child Welfare Act, which was passed in 1978 to ensure that the heritage of American Indians are continued and protected from consequences of adopting and assimilating these children into non-Indian families.

It is difficult to measure such a case and one could only feel bad for the child caught in the middle. For the judges presiding, their decision will have a great impact in future decisions as well as possible federal laws covering the topic.

This act gives protection to a father who wants his daughter to grow within the confines of his racial and cultural heritage. But sympathy should also be directed towards the girl’s adoptive parents who have developed a deep bond with the child in hoped of providing a life believed to be better by our standards.

The adoptive parents have to prove to the courts that being with the child’s biological father is not beneficial to her. By law, in a case such as this, children are not to be taken from their Indian families unless if there is reasonable doubt that custody by an Indian parent will likely results in serious emotional or physical damage to the child.

Other underlying angles are also disputed. A court brief for the adoptive parents and for the guardians began to suggest that the ICWA might cause a racial preference which should be voided under the Equal Protection Clause. It was justified that the issue is more political than racial in nature to accommodate Indian tribes as a dependent nation and not a race.

It is difficult to measure such a case and one could only feel bad for the child caught in the middle. For the judges presiding, their decision will have a great impact in future decisions as well as possible federal laws covering the topic.


Keywords: father's rights, paternity case, Indian Child Welfare Act