Two important events are happening this week – Labor Day and Press Freedom Day to p focus attention on the plight of workers and the practice of the free flow of responsible information all over the world. Both labor and information are vital keys to the growth of the engine of the social order and social growth, thus we consider this week as an all-important time of the year.

Our cover story this week focuses on the experiences of a young Negrense when he spent a year of studies in Korea. The student, James Philip Gonzales, recounts his discoveries and shares his realization of the way of life there and what these mean to him as a young Filipino.

Our back cover feature takes you to Iligan,  a place in the heart of Mindanao, which is known as the “Waterfalls City”. The article shows the charm and appeal of the city, which has numerous attractions, including old homes and a rich cultural fare.

While we are writing this, the Puerto Princesa Palarong Pambansa is halfway. The city is host to the games for the first time. Despite the initial glitches, the games are going well and most visitors are taking their time checking out the sidelights of the city – the tourism destinations, validating the city officials’ claim that, Puerto Princesa is the premier sports tourism destination in the country.

The Palaro has shown that the  residents of the city and the Palawan province are sports loving if we are to base our observation on the crowds gathering  at the venues everyday, particularly during the opening last Sunday, when more than 15,000 flocked at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex. The sports lovers endured the afternoon heat for more than four hours, to watch the pageantry and colors of Philippine culture as showcased by the 17 participating delegations at the parade of athletes.

Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn has waxed sentimental, when he replied: “The trouble with hello is goodbye”, in  a StarLife interview on his assessment of the games. The past six days have been exciting, it’s too bad that good things, instead of bad things come to end, he said.