Congratulations to former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza for the successful launching of his memoirs tonight 6 pm upwards at the Maynila Ballroom of the Manila Hotel in Manila City, the Philippines tonight with guests led by former Philippine President Joseph "Erap" Estrada (now running for mayor of Manila) and Philippine Vice-President Jejomar "Jojo" Binay.

It was also the birthday celebration of the ex-mayor's son and ABS-CBN 2 television host Kim Atienza.

Mayor Lito Atienza is now a congressional candidate of the Buhay partylist in the May election.

I believe Lito Atienza is a good man, a dynamic and decisive leader whom we should vote for.



Congratulations, best wishes!

More political leaders should write their memoirs in order to give historians and students of politics more reference materials, as well as to promote publishing and reading of books in the Philippines!

P.S. Thanks very much to Manila Hotel doorman Steven (I forgot to get his surname), who surprisingly greeted me by my full name "Good evening Mr. Wilson Lee Flores" because he reads my columns in the Philippine Star. Thanks, best regards Steven!

NEWS! Philippine Vice-Pres. Jojo Binay's Oct. 23-28 trip to Israel continues strong tradition of historic Philippine-Israeli friendship 

The Philippines has been a supporter of the state of Israel since voting for its 1948 independence in the United Nations, and also for allowing European Jewish refugees of the inhuman Nazi Holocaust to settle in the Philippines in the early 20th century.

I believe we should continue strong support for Israel, even as we also support peace for the whole Middle East and a future independent state for Palestinians in an atmosphere of peaceful co-existence with Israel.

It is with great pleasure that we share the details of the official visit of the Philippine Vice-President, His Excellency Jejomar C. Binay.

The popular vice-president will be in Israel from October 23 to 28, where he will be hosted by the President of Israel, His Excellency Shimon Peres and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

Among other activities include his visit to the Old City of Jerusalem, the Philippine community in Israel and Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum.

Binay will be accompanied by officials from Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.

(Below is photo of Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman---second from left---and Israeli President Shimon Peres---fourth from left. Seated between them is Russian President Vladimir Putin during his trip to Israel)

(Below some more images of Israel and Philippine Vice-President Binay)