TRANSGENDERS MARCH FOR LGBT RIGHTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Some 65 transgender people paraded in a park in Quezon City, Philippines on Sunday to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia and Transgenders.

Participants walked the two-kilometre (1.2 mile) route in resplendent evening gowns with extravagant head pieces and big smiles before awards were handed out for the best dressed.

The International Day against Homophobia and Transgenders marks the date that homosexuality was removed from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1990.

But Soxy Topacio, the chairman of the Quezon City Pride Council, said more work needs to be done to ensure equality for gay, lesbian and transgender people.

AP Television

Quezon City, Philippines, 18 May 2014

1. Wide of crowd surrounding two transgender participants in the parade

2. Mid of transgender participant walking

3. Close of a participant

4. Mid of participant waving

5. Various of participants parading in evening gowns and elaborate head pieces

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Francine Garcia, transgender activist:

"This event is made to stop the people from their phobia on homosexuals and transgenders. Transphobia, that is"

7. Participant smiling while walking

8. Participant with a fan, walking

9. Participant in white and gold dress walking with escort

10. SOUNDBITE: (Tagalog) Soxy Topacio, Quezon City Pride Council chairman:

"Though gays are now accepted, homophobes still exist. They are still having a hard time accepting gays and lesbians that excel in fields that they don't like."

11. Participant in green waving

12. Participant showing off pink dress with a floral motif

STORYLINE:

Thousands of people joined the annual Metro Manila Pride March, on Saturday, in celebration of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) Pride Month in Marikina City in the Philippines.

The LGBT+ Pride March aims to promote gender equality and protest against current issues regarding human rights, peace, poverty and joblessness, under the Rodrigo Duterte administration.

This year's theme, "Rise Up Together", calls for equality and unity amidst a culture of impunity, misogyny and other forms of discrimination.

Manila - 30 June 2018

1. Various of participants during pride march

2. Participants holding placards

5. 'Pride March' placard

6. People holding up and playing under a rainbow flag

7. Participants holding up flags

8. 'Rise Up Together' banner held up during march

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Pastor Joseph San Jose, 33, Open Table Metropolitan Community Church:

"Our advocacy, primarily is, a LGBT acceptance, anti-discrimination bill and of course the freedom to marry, marriage equality."

10. People hoisting rainbow flag

11. Participants wearing costumes

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Paul Junio, 28, Love Yourself HIV Advocacy Group:

" First, I'm here because I'm an LGBT, I'm part of the LGBT community. I'm also here because I want to honor the people who have fought in the past to have our rights represented, to have our rights earned so we can have this march."

13. Participant holding rainbow flag

14. Participants during march

15. Rainbow flag

16. SOUNBITE (English) Maraya Nadora, 18, participant:

"I'm here because I want to celebrate my sexuality and I want to let people know that it's okay to be like this, it's okay to love someone with your same gender. God loves us no matter what we are because he created us like this.

17. Various of people in the parade

Over a thousand people took part in the annual Metro Manila Pride march on Saturday, celebrating and advocating for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Others (LGBTQ+) community in the capital of the Philippines.

This year's theme "Here Together" sought to foster an inclusive and supportive community, including non-LGBTQ+ people who stand up for those who are discriminated.

Nicky Castillo, Metro Manila Pride co-coordinator, said that his year's pride "is really about solidarity."

Aside from strengthening the community, the event also hopes to help fight against discrimination which is still an issue across various areas in the Philippines.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who is known to be an advocate for the LGBTQ+, was invited to be a keynote speaker to inspire attendees.

Hontiveros was also responsible for filing the Anti-Discriminatory Act in 2016, a senate bill that sought to eliminate prejudicial treatment of the LGBTQ+ such as in employment and education.

Currently, the bill still has not been passed into a law.

The march went on peacefully and participants were in high spirits, despite a few Christian protesters showing up in the area with their banners calling to "trust Jesus".

Marikina City, Manila 24 June 2017

1. Participants holding (English) "Here Together" banner for the pride march

2. Participant holding up rainbow flag

3. Placard reading (English) "LBT (lesbian, bisexual and transgender) well-being matters"

4. 'Team Rainbow' sign held up during march

5. People marching in the Metro Manila Pride march

6. Nicky Castillo backstage

7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Nicky Castillo, co-coordinator of Metro Manila Pride:

"We were thinking we need to rally more of our allies to speak up and stand up for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) rights. So 'Here Together' is really about solidarity."

8. People from abroad march at the Metro Manila Pride

9. Child waving flag and participating at the march

10. Attendees dressed up in traditional clothes in block colours to make those of a rainbow at the march

11. Senator Risa Hontiveros speaking on stage

12.SOUNDBITE: (English) Senator Risa Hontiveros, guest speaker at Metro Manila Pride:

"We are still fighting against certain limitations, constraints, even threats to the lives and rights of LGBT persons."

13. Gay couple posing in front of "Here Together" backdrop

14. Participants take pictures under giant rainbow flag

15. Amber Quiban posing for a photo

16. SOUNDBITE: (English) Amber Quiban, attendee of Metro Manila Pride:

"So I am here today to celebrate my pride. My pride which is my diversity from everyone. My pride which is my identity. And my pride which is myself - like, my real self that is not the ones being suppressed by community."

17. Small group of Christian protesters at the march holding a placard that reads (English) "Trust Jesus"

18. Participants march while holding giant rainbow flag

Some 65 transgender people paraded in a park in Quezon City, Philippines on Sunday to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia and Transgenders.

Participants walked the two-kilometre (1.2 mile) route in resplendent evening gowns with extravagant headpieces and big smiles before awards were handed out for the best dressed.

The International Day against Homophobia and Transgenders marks the date that homosexuality was removed from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1990.

But Soxy Topacio, the chairman of the Quezon City Pride Council, said more work needs to be done to ensure equality for gay, lesbian and transgender people.

AP TELEVISION

++NIGHT SHOTS++

1. Wide of crowd surrounding two transgender participants in the parade

2. Mid of transgender participant walking

3. Close of a participant

4. Mid of participant waving

5. Various of participants parading in evening gowns and elaborate headpieces

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Francine Garcia, transgender activist:

"This event is made to stop the people from their phobia on homosexuals and transgenders. Transphobia, that is"

7. Participant smiling while walking

8. Participant with a fan, walking

9. Participant in white and gold dress walking with escort

10. SOUNDBITE: (Tagalog) Soxy Topacio, Quezon City Pride Council chairman:

"Though gays are now accepted, homophobes still exist. They are still having a hard time accepting gays and lesbians that excel in fields that they don't like."

11. Participant in green waving

12. Participant showing off pink dress with a floral motif

English/Nat

Hundreds of gay and lesbian Filipinos were joined by their supporters when they marched through the streets of the capital Manila in celebration of gay pride month.

Wearing colourful costumes and holding placards, they danced and paraded to push for the recognition of the gay community and to end discrimination.

The placard says it all.

The gay and lesbian community in the Philippines sees nothing wrong with love between people of the same sex.

This was the message of a colourful parade in Manila on Saturday.

More controversially they want to promote same-sex marriage in this predominantly Catholic nation, where it is considered very much a taboo.

Hundreds of Filipino gays and lesbians joined by their supporters - some from as far away as Europe and the United States - got together for the festive affair.

Wearing colourful and unique costumes, they managed to draw the attention of many onlookers.

Participants in this march say there is nothing wrong with people from the so-called third sex.

They hope the march will give them greater recognition and end some of the discrimination against gays in the Philippines.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"We are doing this event because we are proud of what we are, we are proud of how God made us to be."

SUPER CAPTION: Edgar Mendoza, Gay man

This parade is held every year in June, as the gay and lesbian community around the world celebrate gay pride month.

Manila, Philippines - June 26 1999

1. Tight shot of placard "same sex, same love"

2. Wide shot of lesbians holding placards and streamers

3. Wide shot of gay supporters with umbrella display

5. Group with umbrella display

6. Cutaway of spectators

7. Close up of three gays dancing

8. Spectator watching

9. Wide shot of gay march showing gay in a swimsuit wearing red cape

10. Spectators

11. Tracking shot of two gay men in colorful costumes

12. Tracking shot of gay man wearing costume

13. Gay man wearing Marilyn Monroe costume marching

14. Edgar Mendoza on stage

15 SOUNDBITE: (English) Edgar Mendoza, gay man

16. Tight shot of dancing feet, pan up to back of gay dance, zoom out wide

17. Shot of gay man dancing

THOUSANDS MARCH FOR PRIDE IN MANILA

Thousands of people joined the annual Metro Manila Pride March, on Saturday, in celebration of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) Pride Month in Marikina City in the Philippines.

The LGBT+ Pride March aims to promote gender equality and protest against current issues regarding human rights, peace, poverty and joblessness, under the Rodrigo Duterte administration.

This year's theme, "Rise Up Together", calls for equality and unity amidst a culture of impunity, misogyny and other forms of discrimination.

Manila - 30 June 2018

1. Various of participants during pride march

2. Participants holding placards

5. 'Pride March' placard

6. People holding up and playing under a rainbow flag

7. Participants holding up flags

8. 'Rise Up Together' banner held up during march

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Pastor Joseph San Jose, 33, Open Table Metropolitan Community Church:

"Our advocacy, primarily is, a LGBT acceptance, anti-discrimination bill and of course the freedom to marry, marriage equality."

10. People hoisting rainbow flag

11. Participants wearing costumes

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Paul Junio, 28, Love Yourself HIV Advocacy Group:

" First, I'm here because I'm an LGBT, I'm part of the LGBT community. I'm also here because I want to honor the people who have fought in the past to have our rights represented, to have our rights earned so we can have this march."

13. Participant holding rainbow flag

14. Participants during march

15. Rainbow flag

16. SOUNBITE (English) Maraya Nadora, 18, participant:

"I'm here because I want to celebrate my sexuality and I want to let people know that it's okay to be like this, it's okay to love someone with your same gender. God loves us no matter what we are because he created us like this.

17. Various of people in the parade

English/Nat

Gays and lesbians in the Philippines celebrated their second Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride March this weekend.

Decked out in colourful costumes, and carrying pro-gay banners, they marched around Manila's Malate district calling for a "truly free society".

The sound of beating drums led a very festive gay pride march in Manila on Saturday.

Some 300 gays and lesbians, wearing fancy costumes gathered together to signify unity among Filipino gays, bisexuals, lesbians and transgenders.

44 different homosexual organisations took part in this colourful parade replete with floats and cultural dances.

Their message- "stop discrimination".

They say members of their sector of the society should be allowed to pursue their dreams and each one should be regarded just like any other individual- regardless of their sexual orientation.

Among those who stood out in the parade is one participant who came wearing a police costume.

His message of protest was directed to the military and police forces of his homeland.

Recently, the Chief of the Philippine Armed Forces drew criticisms from the gay community after he was quoted as saying that there is no place for gays in the military.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"This would be a good venue for me to stage my own protest against the policy of exclusion. I want to tell them that not all gays and lesbians are you know, incapable of serving the military or the police force. I think that....just give us a chance and you'll see we can make good policemen and good military men."

SUPER CAPTION: Joaquin (Last name withheld)

This is the second parade of its kind in Manila and organisers say they will hold it every year in line with their desire for freedom of expression in a truly free society.

Manila, Philippines - 21 June 1997

1. Drums beating before march

2. Gays in bikinis riding float

3. Wide shot of march

4. Gays in various costumes during march

5. Gays dancing to beat of drums

6. Tracking of crowd watching parade

7. Gays in horse-driven carriages

8. Gays holding banners

9. More of gays in various costumes

10. Placard showing gender signs

11. SOUNDBITE: (English) Joaquin

12. Various top shots of parade

English/Nat

About 500 gays and lesbians marched through the streets of Manila on Saturday to celebrate \"International Gay Pride Month\".

Colorful and outlandish costumes characterised the parade which calls for a stop to discrimination against non-heterosexuals.

It was a first for the Philippines, a turnout of about 500 people for a march in support of the country's gays and lesbians.

Demonstrations have been held here before, but in a predominantly Catholic country, few people attended.

Gays in colourful and outlandish costumes led the march along the streets of Manila to mark \"International Gay Pride Month\".

Drums were beating as the marchers held streamers and raised placards to demand equal rights for non-heterosexuals.

The message was to urge the Philippine society to stop discrimination against gays and lesbians and accept them as normal people.

SOUNDBITE:

\"We're parading, we're trying to be proud of ourselves, we're celebrating our being gays and lesbians, we're fighting for equality, we're trying to fight for indiscrimination and we're here to party.

SUPER CAPTION: Tonette, Lesbian

Many of the marchers waved rainbow-coloured paper ribbons associated with the gay movement.

Some of the marchers belonged to the five-year-old Metropolitan Church of Manila, which advocates same-sex marriage. The rite is condemned by the Roman Catholic church.

In a bold gesture, one participant was wearing a priest's robe with a rosary dangling on his chest. He was holding a crucifix as he paraded along the streets. He said it was his way of winning the attention of the church and compelling it to recognise and accept gays.

SOUNDBITE:

\"I know a lot of people there that they feel...they hide themselves although they are gay but they will not tell about themselves that they are gay, you see because they are so afraid about it, because they are going to be discriminated they are gay, but I'm asking for in behalf of all the gay community, they should be respected and they should be treated equally.

SUPER CAPTION: Joshua, Gay

The marchers say that lesbians and gays face discrimination at work and within their families. Some of them have been kicked out of work when their employers find out their sexual orientation.

But others who have been successful in show business and other professions, are generally tolerated by Filipinos, though they are often objects of ridicule.

Manila, Philippines June 22 1996

1. Gays holding banner "Lesbian Gay Pride March"

2. gay wearing latex breast

3. various of gays in outlandish costumes

4. gays dancing to beat of drums

5. wide shot of march

6. banner "gay awareness year"

7. placard "lesbian rights now"

8. lesbians holding banner "lesbian rights are human rights"

9. crowd waving at march, pan to young gay boy in pink swimsuit

10. SOUNDBITE: Tonette

11. marchers waving colorful ribbons during march

12. reverse shot of march

13. Joshua among other gays

14. placard "stop homo phobia"

15. SOUNDBITE: Joshua

16. far shot of marchers

17. various close ups of gays in costumes

18. crowd watching

19. reverse shot of gays holding hands

20. reverse of gay with condoms hanging on his costume

GAY PRIDE MARCH IN MANILA

Over a thousand people took part in the annual Metro Manila Pride march on Saturday ( 24 JUNE), celebrating and advocating for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Others (LGBTQ+) community in the capital of the Philippines.

This year's theme "Here Together" sought to foster an inclusive and supportive community, including non-LGBTQ+ people who stand up for those who are discriminated.

Nicky Castillo, Metro Manila Pride co-coordinator, said that his year's pride "is really about solidarity."

Aside from strengthening the community, the event also hopes to help fight against discrimination which is still an issue across various areas in the Philippines.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who is known to be an advocate for the LGBTQ+, was invited to be a keynote speaker to inspire attendees.

Hontiveros was also responsible for filing the Anti-Discriminatory Act in 2016, a senate bill that sought to eliminate prejudicial treatment of the LGBTQ+ such as in employment and education.

Currently, the bill still has not been passed into a law.

The march went on peacefully and participants were in high spirits, despite a few Christian protesters showing up in the area with their banners calling to "trust Jesus".

Marikina City, Manila 24 June 2017

1. Participants holding (English) "Here Together" banner for the pride march

2. Participant holding up rainbow flag

3. Placard reading (English) "LBT (lesbian, bisexual and transgender) well-being matters"

4. 'Team Rainbow' sign held up during march

5. People marching in the Metro Manila Pride march

6. Nicky Castillo backstage

7. SOUNDBITE: (English) Nicky Castillo, co-coordinator of Metro Manila Pride:

"We were thinking we need to rally more of our allies to speak up and stand up for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) rights. So 'Here Together' is really about solidarity."

8. People from abroad march at the Metro Manila Pride

9. Child waving flag and participating at the march

10. Attendees dressed up in traditional clothes in block colours to make those of a rainbow at the march

11. Senator Risa Hontiveros speaking on stage

12.SOUNDBITE: (English) Senator Risa Hontiveros, guest speaker at Metro Manila Pride:

"We are still fighting against certain limitations, constraints, even threats to the lives and rights of LGBT persons."

13. Gay couple posing in front of "Here Together" backdrop

14. Participants take pictures under giant rainbow flag

15. Amber Quiban posing for a photo

16. SOUNDBITE: (English) Amber Quiban, attendee of Metro Manila Pride:

"So I am here today to celebrate my pride. My pride which is my diversity from everyone. My pride which is my identity. And my pride which is myself - like, my real self that is not the ones being suppressed by community."

17. Small group of Christian protesters at the march holding a placard that reads (English) "Trust Jesus"

18. Participants march while holding giant rainbow flag

SHOTLIST:

1. Wide of parade with participants holding banner reading in English "Task Force Pride"

2. Mid parade passing by

3. Mid woman holding placard reading in English "love sees no gender"

4. Wide of Malate church then pan down to gay parade

5. Participant wearing catholic priest clothing

6. Participants hold placard reading in English "whether you're straight or queer God created us equally" and another participant holding banner reading in English "everyone deserves to be respected"

7. Close on-lookers watching parade

8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Eva Callueng, participant:

"We are celebrating human rights week and part of the human rights week is the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) rights where we are pushing for the recognition of sexual orientation and gender identities..."

9. SOUNDBITE: (Filipino) Eva Callueng, participant:

"...so we are her to celebrate our rights and freedom and to have fun."

10. Wide of on-lookers watching the parade

11. Gay participants dancing on a float

STORYLINE:

The gay and lesbian community came out in force in Manila's Malate tourist district on Saturday to hold a gay pride parade.

Around two hundred lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youths filled the streets, calling for an end to discrimination, ahead of Human Rights week.

They carried placards demanding equal rights, and dressed up in colourful costumes.

One participant, Eva Callueng said the parade was important to the gay community.

"We are celebrating human rights week and part of human rights week is the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) rights where we are pushing for the recognition of sexual orientation and gender identities so we are her to celebrate our rights and freedom and to have fun" she told AP Television.

Police who guarded the march said it was peaceful and ended without any incident.

Several hundred gays, lesbians and transgender people held a Gay Pride rally on Saturday in the Philippine capital to celebrate the US Supreme Court decision recognising gay marriages in all US states.

About 500 people marched around Manila's Rizal Park to promote LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) rights, many carrying placards and streamers reading "Fight for Love" and waving rainbow banners.

Some came with pets dressed in rainbow costumes.

The rally was scheduled to commemorate the 1969 demonstrations in New York City that started the gay rights movement around the world.

In the predominantly Roman Catholic Philippines, where the church has fiercely opposed gay marriages along with divorce and artificial contraceptives, activists said they expect the "conservative majority" to continue to block human rights for LGBT people.

Same-sex unions are not legally recognised in the Philippines because the country's civil code limits marriages to a man and a woman.

AP TELEVISION

Manila - 27 June 2015

1. Wide of rally participants marching on the streets with banners and rainbow flags

2. Close of sign reading (English): "Thank you US Supreme Court for marriage equality!!!"

3. Group holding umbrellas coloured half in white and the other half in rainbow colours, reading (English): "We fight for justice"

4. Close of man getting a rainbow drawn on his right cheek

5. Group of friends talking with one wearing red wings

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Kuya Manzano, 27, actor:

"I'm super happy. It's a big step for humanity. Because everyone looks up to the US; and the Philippines a lot. So it's a big step that a big country made that so we can all follow after. Why not?"

7. Lesbian couple sitting on rainbow-coloured blanket on grass, with their dog wearing a rainbow-coloured cape

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Nikki Castillo, 24, freelance writer:

"I read this morning that the next step would be pushing for a comprehensive anti-discrimination bill. Because even if you have the right to marry the person that you love, all over the US and the Philippines, you can get evicted out of your home just because you married the person you love. So it's a good thing, it's a victory, and we should celebrate it but we shouldn't rest on our laurels because there's a lot of work to be done."

9. Wide of two homosexual couples; one woman with a rainbow flag hanging on her bag

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Nicole Hoy, 48, owner of a call centre company:

"When we get married next year, we're planning on getting married in the States, we can pick any state we want. We're not limited to the states that it ha been approved in. We have the freedom to do it anywhere we want so it's very exciting for us because we're getting married next year."

11. People lining up behind a large rainbow-coloured flag

12. Wide of people marching on the streets, with rainbow flags, and banner in front reading (English): "Fight for love."

English/Nat

The President of the Philippines has launched the countdown to the country's celebration of a hundred years as a separate state.

As part of a special parade - 100 days before the anniversary - President Ramos and his wife Amelita unveiled a huge billboard near the Presidential Palace.

It's being billed as the celebration of a century but already - 100 days early - the festivities have begun as a wave of national pride sweeps over the nation.

Philippines President Fidel Ramos arrived at the Freedom park just across the Malacanang Presidential Palace in Manila to join in the celebrations.

Various activities have organised as the nation prepares to celebrate 100 years of freedom.

Ramos and his wife Amelita unveiled a billboard which will be used to count down the one hundred days left before the official celebration on June 12.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"And it is only proper that the entire nation marks the beginning of the countdown to the Centennial, for the Centennial is a celebration of the entire Filipino people."

SUPER CAPTION: Fidel V. Ramos, Philippines President

The government has ordered employees to wear national costumes once a week to keep up with the spirit of the celebration.

But there are no complaints here. These people say they don't mind paying for the costumes themselves if it means being part of the festivities.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

Out of our efforts, out of our own pockets, we voluntarily bought the Filipina dress, and some of our male employees bought their Barongs because we want to be really part of this celebration."

SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop

The National Centennial Commission has announced a series of activities and programs which celebrations which they say should take place all year round.

Commission Chairman Salvador Laurel says everything is all set.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"This is very significant because we consider ourselves fortunate to be alive at this point in our history.

SUPER CAPTION: Former Vice President Salvador Laurel, National Centennial Commission Chairman

A group of Filipino revolutionaries proclaimed independence from Spain on June 12, 1898 - marking the end of more than three hundred years of colonial rule.

The Spaniards were defeated in what is now known as the 1898 Battle of Manila Bay, where a U.S. naval fleet led by Commodore George Dewey destroyed the Spanish armada.

The victorious U.S. forces were initially friendly with the Filipino revolutionaries, but then replaced Spain as the Philippines' colonial ruler and killed thousands of Philippine nationalists

Manila, Philippines, 5 March 1998

1. Procession of Philippine flags

2. Wide shot of marching students

3. Students waving Philippine and Centennial flags

4. Arrival of President Fidel Ramos and National Centennial Commission Chairman Salvador Laurel

5. Students waving flags

6. Wide shot of stage

7. Ramos and Laurel during playing of national anthem

8. Wide shot of delegates on stage

9. Various of singers of national anthem

10. Wide shot of crowd

11. Ramos unveiling Centennial countdown billboard

12. Centennial countdown billboard being unveiled

13. Delegates clapping

14. Shot of sign saying 100 days to June 12

15. Balloons being released tilt down to crowd and stage

16. Crowd

17. President Ramos approaches stage

18. SOUNDBITE: Fidel V. Ramos, Philippines President

19. Various of delegates and government employees wearing traditional Filipino costume

20. SOUNDBITE: Vox pop

21. Laurel with wife

22. SOUNDBITE: Salvador H. Laurel

23. Wide shot of crowd in front of Centennial countdown

24. Shot of Centennial countdown

English/Nat

Up in the Ifugao Province in the northern Philippines stands what has been one of the country's pride for thousands of years - the Banaue rice terraces.

Today the terraces are still used by residents of Banaue, but how long they will remain intact is coming into question as the country's modernisation drive has had far-reaching effects on the land.

These are the majestic Banaue rice terraces - a world cultural heritage found in the Ifugao province of the Philippines.

The terraces have stood here for at least two thousand years, since the ancestors of this land carved them out from the steep slopes of the Cordillera mountain range.

Legend has it that the Ifugaos, who regard rice as their staple food, believe rice is a gift from the gods.

In giving thanks, they carved out the rice paddies from the rough mountainsides as a tribute to the heavens.

The town of Banaue is situated one thousand meters above sea level and is about a ten- hour drive from the capital of Manila, but tourists never fail to visit this place, which has been dubbed the 'stairway to heaven'.

This is the twelfth visit for Belgian national Maurice Debleeckere.

He loves coming back and seeing it again and again, and each time he says he brings friends with him.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"They are unique. They call it the eighth wonder of the world, and I really believe, because the view from each village is really unique. Very impressive. Also when you think it's 2000 years old, you cannot believe how they make it during that period."

SUPER CAPTION: Maurice Debleeckere, Belgian tourist

Despite its remote location, Banaue has not escaped the problems of the modern world.

In search of better lives, farmers have abandoned some of the paddies to move elsewhere.

Those who stay try to make extra income by planting high-yielding crops, ruining the soil and the irrigation system.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"The irrigation system is already not enough. The irrigation system and the watershed where the irrigation system comes is being destroyed, little by little."

SUPER CAPTION: Dojoe Reyes, community development officer

Dojoe Reyes works for the Ifugao Northern Upland Communities Sustainable Development Program - which is a non-governmental organisation partly funded by the Australian AID.

They have been in Ifugao province since 1989, trying to convince its residents not to leave the place by teaching them other means of livelihood which will not damage the terraces.

Reyes says the problem is real and something has to be done about it.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"Definitely they are being abandoned and some of the enterprising community members who have this money usually buy the abandoned terraces and convert these to planting of high value crops."

SUPER CAPTION: Dojoe Reyes, Community Development Officer.

Today, Banaue has retained much of its timeless ways. People of this town take pride in their woodcarvings and woven fabrics.

But their greatest pride will always be the rice terraces which they inherited from their ancestors.

Filipinos call it the eighth wonder of the world. And while some of its residents have neglected it, people are working together to maintain its beauty, trying to keep it unharmed by modern civilization.

Banaue, Ifugao Province, Philippines - 14 March 1997

1. Wide pan of Banaue rice terraces

2. Wide shot of rice terraces in Bangaan village

3. Rice terraces

4. Panning shot of rice terraces

5. Far shot of rice terraces

6. Farmer working on rice terrace

7. Farmers working on rice terraces

8. Tourists looking at rice terraces

9. Tourists onboard jeep

10. SOUNDBITE: (English) Maurice Debleeckere, Belgian tourist

11. Panning shot of abandoned terraces

12. SOUNDBITE: (English) Dojoe Reyes, Community Development Officer

13. Exterior of INUC-SDP office training centre

14. Sign of INUC-SDP office training centre

15. Rice terraces

16. Various of irrigation at rice terraces

17. General shot of Banaue town

18. People walking on terraces

19. SOUNDBITE: (English) Dojoe Reyes, Community Development Officer

20. Banaue street scenes

21. Banaue woodcarver

22. Banaue villagers dressed in Ifugao costume

23. Close-up of old woman

24. Shot of Bangaan village then zoom out to surrounding rice terraces

KEYWORDS: UNUSUAL

SHOTLIST:

1. Huge banner "No to war, No to US Aggression", leading march

2. Protesters holding placard that reads: "Filipinos against war"

3. Wide shot of anti-war marchers, including nuns

4. Reverse shot of anti-war march

5. Wide shot protesters

6. Protesters marching holding banner "Condemn US war of aggression in Iraq"

7. Male protester with peace sign painted on face

8. Priests among protesters

9. Nuns praying during protest

10. Protesters, then pan to placard "No to Bush, Yes to peace"

11. Wide shot protest

12. Statue of Virgin Mary mounted on a jeep

13. SOUNDBITE: (English) Pastor Saycon, Civic Leader:

"(Message to US President George W. Bush) Humble yourself and you will be exalted. What we feel most is that he (Bush) has gone in too much, and maybe because of this, pride will be the determining factor."

14. SOUNDBITE: (English) Serafin Sabala, Protester:

"We don't want the US to have war with Iraq, because it will cause a lot of big problems in our country. One thing is that an economic crisis will again arise."

15. Banner "Oppose US Terrorism, Reject GMA (President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's) support to the US war on Iraq"

16. Various protesters holding banners

17. Police at protest

18. Protester wearing headband "US imperialist number 1 terrorist"

STORYLINE:

Thousands of religious and civic leaders gathered for an anti-war march in Manila on Friday, denouncing military action against Iraq and the policies of US President George W. Bush.

Priests, nuns and students attended the protest, which was organised by the Catholic Church.

Demonstrators chanted against possible US-led military action in Iraq, and voiced concern that many innocent lives would be lost if there was an attack.

As they walked towards a bayside park near the US Embassy, the protesters prayed for peace.

The protest was also critical of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo - with many demonstrators saying she should focus on the country's economy rather than on military action against Iraq.

SHOTLIST

1. Huge banner "No to war, No to US aggression" at start of march

2. Protesters holding placard that reads: "Filipinos against war"

3. Wide shot of anti-war marchers, including nuns

4. Reverse shot of anti-war march

5. Wide shot protesters

6. Protesters marching holding banner "Condemn US war of aggression in Iraq"

7. Male protester with peace sign painted on face

8. Priests among protesters

9. Nuns praying during protest

10. Protesters, then pan to placard "No to Bush, Yes to peace"

11. Wide shot protest

12. Statue of Virgin Mary on a jeep

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Pastor Saycon, Civic Leader, in a message to US President George W. Bush

"Humble yourself and you will be exalted. What we feel most is that he (Bush) has gone in too much and maybe because of this, pride will be the determining factor."

14. SOUNDBITE (English) Serafin Sabala, Protester:

"We don't want the US to have war with Iraq, because it will cause a lot of big problems in our country. One thing is that an economic crisis will again arise."

15. Banner "Oppose US Terrorism, Reject GMA (President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's) support to the US war on Iraq"

16. Various protesters holding banners

17. Police at protest

18. Protester wearing headband "US imperialist, Number 1 terrorist"

19. Wide shot banner "no to US war on Iraq"

20. Protesters with anti-war placards

21. Ground shot of anti-war march

22. Wide shot of march

23. Wide shot of huge crowd at Quirino Grandstand

24. Wide shot of Bishop Teodoro Bacani

25. UPSOUND (English) Teodoro Bacani, Catholic Bishop:

"We all desire peace. We all want peace. We are born for peace."

8. Wide shot of huge crowd, zoom-in on Vice President Teofisto Guingona (in white shirt)

9. Wide shot of crowd

STORYLINE

Tens of thousands of Filipinos rallied in Manila on Friday against a possible US-led war on Iraq and a planned

US-Philippine counter-terrorism exercise.

Police estimated up to 30-thousand people took part in the rally, the biggest anti-war demonstration so far in Manila.

The march, capped by oecumenical prayers, was a rare show of solidarity among Christians, Muslims, politicians and rival left-wing groups.

Those groups, which espouse the same cause but have shunned joint rallies since the split in the local communist movement in the early 1990s, showed up in force to march to the seaside Quirino Grandstand near the US embassy.

The protesters criticised President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo - with many demonstrators saying she should focus on the country's economy, rather than on military action against Iraq.

The rally had called by influential Roman Catholic church leaders and Vice President Teofisto Guingona, who has been critical of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's pro-US policies.

Addressing the crowd, Bishop Teodoro Bacani lambasted US President George W. Bush's plans to attack Iraq, saying the world wanted peace.

And in a statement, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines sought more time for UN arms inspections and urged Iraqi leaders to cooperate fully with them.

The protesters also opposed a planned counter-terrorism exercise on the southern island of Jolo, in which US soldiers could be allowed to engage in combat operations against the Muslim extremist Abu Sayyaf group.

Guingona on Friday said he had sent a letter to Arroyo urging her to publicly disclose the terms of reference for the counter-terrorism drills.

US officials said last week that Special Forces troops would be allowed in combat, but the Philippine government denied this.

Defence Secretary Angelo Reyes was meeting his US counterpart Donald Rumsfeld in Washington on Friday to discuss the exercise.

SHOTLIST:

23 March 2001

1. Wide shot of pool at night, as swimmers dive

2. Swimmers on water

3. Woman swimmer goes underwater

4. Wide shot os restaurant with glass windows overlooking pool

5. Water ballet dancers shot through glass window of restaurant

6. Restaurant guests watching

7. Water ballet viewed through glass

8. More of ballet sequence in water

9. Water ballet dancers emerge from water then goes down again

10. Restaurant guest watching as water ballet dancer emerges on glass window beside him

11. Water ballet dance sequence

12. SOUNDBITE: (English) Miok Loyola, Public Relations Manager, Sulu Hotel

"First, they have to maintain their figure, they have to be physically fit and personality pleasant, otherwise, they have to undergo strict gymn

activities, they have to be disciplined with you know, their regular routines as well, and they have to undergo excessive training for at least a month

20 March 2001

13. Head swimmer Lucille Salvador giving instructions before going down the water

14. Salvador performing water dance sequence viewed through glass windows

15. SOUNDBITE: (English) Lucille Salvador, head swimmer

"If the water is cold, we get cramps and muscle sprain. Then during rainy days, especially when there is lighting, we are forced to get out of the pool,

because we might get struck by the lightning.

Q: So the show stops?

A: Yes."

16. Salvador doing another ballet stunt underwater

17. restuarant guest watching

18. more dance sequence underwater

19. VOX POP: (English)

"Its my first time, so I found it very interesting, and the dancers are really great

20. three water ballet swimmers form a circle, as another swimmer goes through

21. Guests watching water ballet through the glass

22. Salvador comes into the water and dancers wave goodbye through window

STORYLINE:

Four swimmers dive at night at the pool of the Philippine's Sulu Hotel.

No, its not a swimming competition, neither is it just a leisurely swim.

Its actually a show....and the audience are inside a restaurant.

Sulu Hotel prides itself with the only restaurant in Asia that features aqua ballet. Instead of staging a live musical show or a play, the Giulin Restaurant entertains

its patrons with a unique water ballet show, viewed through glass windows from the restaurant.

The swimmers, all wearing the same colour of swimwear, do several sequences of leaps and tumbles in what really seem like ballet under water.

The hotel has been featuring this kind of show for more than thirty years, and its something which they continually try to enhance. For now, there are only

four dancers, but they hope to have more before the end of the year.

Its not easy to get talents, as those who make it will have to adhere to strict rules, according to Sulu

Public Relations Manager Miok Loyola, who also oversees entertainment at the hotel.

Head swimmer Lucille Salvador has been doing the show since 1990.

She says she loves being under water, so she does not mind the rigid training, and the other

sacrifices she has to make during a performance.

A group of Australian professional swimmers trained the first batch of aqua ballet dancers at the Sulu hotel when the show began in 1967.

Salvador says most of their stunts are still those handed down by the original swimmers.

But even so, the show undoubtedly provides an additional

treat to those dining in the restaurant.

The underwater ballet dancers perform at night, with three sets of 30 minutes each every weekday.

IRAN'S 'A SEPERATION' ADDS FOUR MORE AWARDS AT ASIA AWARDS

At the 6th Asian Film Awards (AFA) held in Hong Kong Monday (19 MARCH 2012), 'A Separation'" walked away with the awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenwriter and Best Editor.

Although lead actress Leila Hatami lost to 'A Simple Life's Deanie Yip in the Best Actress category. She was all smiles backstage and said that she's very happy and proud.

Best actress winner Deanie Yip thanked "A Simple Life" director Ann Hui and co-star Andy Lau.

Yip admits to being disappointed that Andy Lau did not win in the Best Actor category. However, she said all nominees had "equal opportunities"

When asked what's next for her, Yip said that she's going to take a break and watch solar eclipse in Australia.

Indonesian actor Donny Damara beat out hometown favourite, Hong Kong actor Andy Lau, and won Best Actor award for his portrayal of a transgender in the film "Lovely Man".

Damara said that he dedicate this award to Indonesia and thank his friends and family for their support.

A total of 14 awards and three special awards were handed out on Monday night. 2 Awards that were voted by the fans were the People's Choice Awards for Favorite Actress and Actor.

Hong Kong movie star Andy Lau was the recipient of Favorite Actor. While on stage receiving the award, he planted a kiss on fellow winner, Filipino actress Eugene Domingo.

Backstage, Domingo giggled when she talked about the kiss and calling it "too much".

Established since 2007, The Asian Film Awards (AFA) makes presentations in a range of categories such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, in recognition of artistic achievements in the cinemas and film industries of the Asian region.

The 6th AFA is one of the Opening Gala events of Entertainment Expo Hong Kong and takes place with two other flagship events: the 36th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), and the 10th Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF).

Full List of winners

The winners of the 6th AFA are:

Best Film

NADER AND SIMIN, A SEPARATION (Iran)

Best Director

Asghar FARHADI ? NADER AND SIMIN, A SEPARATION (Iran)

Best Actor

Donny DAMARA ? LOVELY MAN (Indonesia)

Best Actress

Deanie IP ? A SIMPLE LIFE (Hong Kong)

Best Newcomer

NI Ni ? THE FLOWERS OF WAR (Mainland China)

Best Supporting Actor

Lawrence KO ? JUMP! ASHIN (Taiwan)

Best Supporting Actress

Shamaine BUENCAMINO ? NI�O (The Philippines)

Best Screenwriter

Asghar FARHADI ? NADER AND SIMIN, A SEPARATION (Iran)

Best Cinematographer

Jake POLLOCK, LAI Yiu-fai (HKSC) ? WU XIA (Mainland China / Hong Kong)

Best Production Designer

YEE Chung-man, SUN Li ? WU XIA (Mainland China / Hong Kong)

Best Composer

CHAN Kwong-wing, Peter KAM, Chatchai PONGPRAPAPHAN ? WU XIA (Mainland China / Hong Kong)

Best Editor

Hayedeh SAFIYARI ? NADER AND SIMIN, A SEPARATION (Iran)

Best Visual Effects

Wook KIM, Josh COLE, Frankie CHUNG ? THE FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (Hong Kong / Mainland China)

Best Costume Designer

YEE Chung-man, LAI Hsuan-wu ? THE FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (Hong Kong / Mainland China)

The winners of the special awards of the 6th AFA are:

The Lifetime Achievement Award

Ann HUI

2011's Top Grossing Asian Film Award

LET THE BULLETS FLY

The Edward Yang New Talent Award

Edwin

People's Choice Awards: My Favourite Actor

Andy LAU ? A SIMPLE LIFE (Hong Kong)

People's Choice Awards: My Favourite Actress

Eugene DOMINGO ? THE WOMAN IN THE SEPTIC TANK (The Philippines)

AP Entertainment

Hong Kong, 19 March 2012

1. Wide of Leila Hatami, actress, and Hayedeh Safiyari, editor of "A Separation", winner of Best Film and Best Editor walking on stage

2. Zoom in on Hatami and Safiyari

3. SOUNDBITE (English), Leila Hatami/ Actress, (translating for Safiyari) "She's of course very honored to take part in this film"

4. SOUNDBITE (English), Leila Hatami/Actress, on the roles she'd like to tackle next:

"I don't have anything specific. Until now, I want to show a several sides of me, but now I'm relaxed, and I think I have shown everything. (The roles) can be whatever"

5. Various shots of Deanie Yip, winner of Best Actress at photo call

6. Tilt up shot of Yip on stage

7. SOUNDBITE (English), Deanie Yip/Actress, on what's next for her:

"No, I'll be going to Australia for total eclipse. Solar total eclipse. Um, Nov. 15th"

8. Shot of Yip speaking

9. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin), Deanie Yip/Actor, on Andy Lau's Best Actor nomination

"Yes yes, I'm disappointed (he didn't win). However, we all had equal opportunity, right? "

10. Donny Damara, actor and winner of Best Actor walking on stage

11. Wide of Damara on stage

12. SOUNDBITE (English), Damara/Actor, on his friends and family's support

"They really supported me. All of my friends, all of my family. Everybody supported me because I have to separate between my role and my real life"

13. Wide of Shamaine Buencamino and winner of Best Supporting Actress

14. SOUNDBITE (English), Shamaine Buencamino, on her Filipino pride "I'm very very proud to be a Filipino. I always tell them that we have so much to be proud of. We're very talented. Our race is great"

15. Mid shot of Lawrence Ko, actor and winner of Best Supporting Actor

16. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Lawrence Ko/Actor, on the late director Edward Yang:

"I thanked someone on stage just now. He was the one who brought me into the film industry. He has taught me a lot of things. It's director Edward Yang. When I was little, we worked on several films together. He taught me something very very important which is to have passion for films. He is the biggest movie buff I have ever met. I hope to be like him one day, in love with films"

17. Pan shot of Ni Ni, actress and winner of Best Newcomer on stage

18. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin), Ni Ni/Actor, on receiving the Best Newcomer Award:

"I'm so surprised. I never thought I could win this award. I was very emotional when I went on stage. I was emotional because I won this award, and also because Andy Lau presented me with this award. I'm very happy"

19. Wide of Eugene Domingo, actress and winner of People's Choice Award for Favorite Actress

20. SOUNDBITE (English), Eugene Domingo/Actor, on getting a kiss from Andy Lau on stage:

"And that kiss from Mr. Andy Lau that is too much! Oh my god. So I'm happy, I'm so thrilled and so thankful. This is unforgettable. I'll be back, I'll be back, I'll definitely be back"

21. Andy Lau, actor and winner of People's Choice Award for Favorite Actor and Eugene Domingo at photo call

STORYLINE:

Li Tie, newly appointed head coach of Chinese National team said on Sunday he will work hard with his team to build up a squad that can fight all kind of battles.

The former China international and Everton midfielder met the press in hotel in Beijing before heading to Guangzhou for the National team training camp.

The CFA (Chinese Football Association) announced Thursday that Li Tie has been appointed as the national team manager, filling the void left by Italian coach Marcello Lippi.

Li said his agreement with CFA at current stage is good for half a year and he will stay if he and his squad can fulfill the target to advance to the top 12 in 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

42-year-old Li Tie was Lippi's assistant when the Italian took Guangzhou Evergrande to the Chinese Super League and AFC Champions League double in 2013.

Li again joined Lippi's coaching staff when he took over the Chinese national team in 2016.

Li got his first head coaching position at Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune in 2016 and then took the reigns at first division side Wuhan Zall in 2017 which he led to the league title the following season.

After Lippi announced his resignation following China's 1-0 loss against Syria in a November World Cup qualifier, Li took over as caretaker coach.

Li's first test in the permanent hotseat will be March's World Cup qualifier at home against the Maldives.

China are currently sitting second in Group A, trailing leaders Syria by eight points in a pool which also features Philippines and Guam.

Beijing, China - 5th January 2020

1. 00:00 Lie Tie, newly appointed head coach of Chinese National Football team

2. 00:06 Logos of Chinese Football Association and Chinese National Teams (men's and women's )

3.00:13 SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Li Tie, New China National Team Head Coach (on being appointed China head coach)

"Leading up to today, I have been thrilled and I can now tell my children with honour and pride that their daddy has achieved another important dream in his life."

4. 00:26 Various presser

5. 00:40 SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Li Tie, New China National Team Head Coach (saying he wants to turn around the struggling China national team)

"For a coach, it is the highest honor to be able to take the position of head coach of his national squad.  At the same time, it is also an enormous responsibility. Me and my team will try our best, work hard every day and hopefully we can build up a team that can fight all kinds of battles with good style and spirits."

SNTV file, 29th February 2016 – Qinhuangdao, China.

6. 01:05 Various Li Tie, head coach of Hebei China Fortune FC and players launching the new season of 2016

5th January 2020 - Beijing, China

7. 01:21 SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Li Tie, New China National Team Head Coach (saying he will not favour native born players over naturalised players in the China squad)

"I will treat all players equally, I don't mind if the player is a naturalized player or a domestic one, old or new, the door of National team is open to all the qualified players, as long as they have good performance in the domestic league or in the National team's training camp.  Everyone has the opportunity to become a member of the national squad. About Wu Lei, I don't think I need to talk a lot about him, he is the only player from China playing in the World top 5 leagues. His performance was so good and I watched his game last night, he really has won honor for our Chinese footballers. I hope Wu Lei can continue to work hard and maintain his good form continuously."

SNTV File, 28th March 2013 – Beijing, China

8. 02:00 Assistant coach Lie Tie training other players of Guangzhou Evergrande training, while Marcelo Lippi preparing for the training on the field

5th January 2020 – Beijing, China

9. 02:16 SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Li Tie, New China National Team Head Coach (on what he learned from his predecessor Marcello Lippi)

"I worked together with Coach Lippi for five years, including three years in Guangzhou Evergrande and two years in National team. I learned a lot from him and one of the major point is his desire for the win, which I have not seen from many other coaches. I also learned a lot from him about his dedication to the football."

SNTV file. 29th February 2016 – Qinhuangdao, China

10. 02:45 Li Tie coaching Hebei China Fortune FC

5 January 2020 – Beijing, China

11. 03:00 SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Li Tie, New China National Team Head Coach (on his greatest moment as a player, qualifying for the 2002 Worrld Cup)

"The first beautiful moment in my life is the night of October 7 2001 when the dream of several generations of Chinese footballers was accomplished at my hometown – Shenyang. I will never forget that picture. I am very lucky that I could play full-time in three group matches in 2002 FIFA World Cup, That experience is my lifetime treasure. All the effort of our Chinese footballers, including this generation and those in the future are aiming for the goal to qualified for the FIFA World Cup once again."

12.03:49 Various Li Tie presenting national team's invitation to Zhang Xizhe

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION:   04:04

SHOTLIST

Tokyo - 12 July 2007

1. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe addressing crowd during election campaign

2. UPSOUND (Japanese) Shinzo Abe, Japanese Prime Minister :

"I cannot just be satisfied with the success (of reforms) alone. I need your support to push forward the reform. I cannot lose this election."

3. Wide of people waving Japanese flags

4. Abe shaking hands with supporters

Tokyo - 11 April 2007

5. Wide, zoom in of Abe shaking hands with Wen Jiabao, Chinese Prime Minister

Tokyo - 7 March 2007

7. Protest by women who say they were used as sex slaves

8. Close of photo on banner

9. Various of protest

Tokyo - 26 July 2007

10. Set up shot of Kazuhisa Kawakami, Professor in Politics, Meijigakuin University

11. SOUNDBITE (Japanese): Kazuhisa Kawakami, Professor in Politics, Meijigakuin University:

"The reform pushed by (former Prime Minister Junichiro) Koizumi and his successor Abe brought in economic growth and deregulation. However, the reform also cut off the social weaklings, while creating so many wealthy people. Japan had been under the convoy system (the system where the government protects private companies) and kept certain degree of social equality by doing so. But, now (with this reform), the people of Japan are worrying about such social disparity."

Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture - 26 March 2007

12. Various of Naoto Kan, acting representative, Democratic Party of Japan, Japan's biggest opposition party campaigning talking to crowd

13. SOUNDBITE (Japanese): Yasuyoshi Doi, Dentist, Vox pop:

"Liberal Democratic Party (Japan's ruling party) has been in power way too long and it no longer works. They raised the tax on health insurance, right?"

14. SOUNDBITE (Japanese): Emiko Moro, social worker, Vox pop:

"He (Abe) is still young and lacks decisiveness. It is premature, he is too young for the position. He needs to improve a bit more. If he could do that, Abe should be able to perform well."

15. Kan shaking hands with supporters

FILE: Tokyo, Date unknown

16. Various of Japanese parliament building

STORYLINE:

Japanese politicians travelled to the far corners of the country on Friday amid intensifying campaigning for Sunday's upper house elections, with polls showing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling party may be regaining some ground but is still trailing the opposition.

Abe, the first Japanese prime minister born after World War II, has put changing the way Japan views its wartime history front-and-centre ahead of a major parliamentary election this weekend.

Heading into Sunday's upper house elections, Abe is stressing a "Beautiful Japan" platform of promoting patriotism, overhauling the constitution so that the military can play a bigger role abroad and revising school textbooks - critics would say whitewashing history - to bolster national pride.

But his avowedly nationalist stance doesn't seem to be swaying voters, who seem more focused on scandals in his Cabinet and a perceived lack of leadership.

His support rating, which once stood at 70 percent, has plummeted to around 30 percent.

Abe himself is not up for re-election on Sunday, but polls suggest his party could suffer a major setback.

Abe is still reeling over anger from comments he made regarding "comfort women," the euphemism for forced prostitution during World War II.

He found himself in a firestorm - at home and abroad - after saying there was no proof Japan's government had coerced any of the women into prostitution.

Historians say as many as 200-thousand women, mainly from Korea, China and the Philippines, worked in Japanese military brothels in the 1930s and '40s.

Many victims say they were forced to work as sex slaves by military authorities and were held against their will.

A resolution in the US Congress called on Japan to apologise for its use of prostitutes on the front lines during World War II.

Abe retorted that the resolution was "not based on fact."

Wartime issues still define relations between China and Japan, but a visit by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to Japan in April helped ease differences.

So far, Abe also faces Japanese peoples' anger over problems with the national pension system, questionable use of public funds for private offices by Cabinet members and a widening gap between the rich and poor.

"The reform pushed by (former Prime Minister Junichiro) Koizumi and succeeded by Abe brought in economic growth and deregulation. However, the reform also cut off the social weaklings, while creating so many wealthy people," said Professor Kazuhisa Kawakami from Meijigakuin University on Friday.

Half of the upper chamber's 242 seats are up for grabs in Sunday's vote.

Abe's party and coalition partner the New Komei Party need 64 seats to maintain their upper house majority.

The ruling bloc currently controls the chamber with a combined 132 seats.

A loss wouldn't immediately threaten LDP rule.

The upper house is largely ceremonial, and the ruling party would retain its iron grip on the lower house, which chooses the prime minister.

LDP officials said this week they would keep Abe in place no matter what happens.

But a total disaster at the ballot box - such as a failure to win at least 40 seats - could sap support for Abe and force him to step down.

WORLD NEWS REVIEW 1999

Duration 59:20

Sound: Ch 1 Nat Sot

10:00:00

TITLES

KOSOVO

10:01:05

Young boy crying - dead bodies on ground following massacre of ethnic Albanians

Young woman sitting alone

Houses covered in snow

Separatist guerrilla gunmen running in snow

Man firing automatic weapon

Another man firing continuously

Armoured personnel carrier/tank

smoke rising over houses in distance

People walking along road, some on tractors and other farm vehicles

woman with baby

people standing around

10:02:03

woman crying

Missile being fired - nights shots of NATO forces on ship

Fighter plane landing on deck, GV's of traffic speeding along on bridge before attack, people running in street: Clinton's voice heard over all the shots: "The dangers of acting now are clearly outweighed by the risks of failing to act."

Clinton speaking:

In words: "May innocent people -

Out words: " - destabilise neighbouring nations."

Night scenes of attack - flares against red sky, buildings burning

GV Countryside at day time

long line of civilian refugees through fields

10:03:00

Fighter planes along and interior controls showing laser-guided weapons attack sequence on monitors

NATO commander speaking:

In words: "If you were -

Out words: " -concentrate right there."

Wrecked train, various shots of debris

Wounded with bloodied face and bandage on head in hospital

GV Wrecked houses and burning village - bodies lying by roadside, wounded being taken away

10:04:07

Man sitting in debris and crying

Other distressed people crying

boy crying sitting on cart piled with belongings

Milosevic speaking:

In words: "Before 24th of March -

Out words: " - everybody knows it."

Refugees - women and children along in field

Red cross shelters and vast crowd of refugees

Supply planes overhead

NATO peacekeeping troops arriving by air

Huge troops presence on ground

APC along

10:05:03

Convoy of jeeps

Night scenes - people cheering troops through street

Russian troops along

Crowd cheering

CLINTON

10:05:28

Hilary Clinton in visual effect talking about guns over shots of school shoot out

GV Capitol Hill

Senate interior - session in progress to decide on Clinton trial

Senate spokesman at microphones

Clinton and Monica Lewinsky embracing

Clinton speaking (denial):

In words: "I did not have -

Out words: " - Miss Lewinsky."

Ken Starr out of building

Piles of papers being removed from van

CU Newspaper headlines

Clinton speaking:

In words: "My opinion is that -

Out words: " - I intend to do."

10:06:28

GV Interior senators gathered in chamber to listen to Lewinsky evidence

Monica Lewinsky speaking:

In words: "I wanted to get out -

Out words: " - I'd enjoy doing."

GV Senate chamber and speaker at microphones with results of vote

Announcement of Clinton "not guilty"

Clinton along with dog

Monica Lewinsky along at London Heathrow airport

Monica Lewinsky book launch and Lewinsky sitting down to sign copies

10:07:26

Clinton and Hilary out of church

Hilary on walkabout and chatting to people

Supporters holding up pro-Hilary banner

Hilary Clinton speaking:

In words: "We have to do more -

Out words: " - hands of animals."

People coming out of building with hands over head after shootout at high school in Colorado

People crying and comforting one another

GV crowd gathered at memorial service

10:08:17

Manson speaking:

In words: "I'm sure to some people -

Out words: " - harm someone else."

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow

Monica Lewinsky arriving

Warren Beatty

GV Building "Trump Tower"

Donald Trump speaking

In words: "January or February -

Out words: "a decision in either January or February."

10:09:15

Trump away down steps

Bill Bradley campaigning

Supporters cheering and waving

Al Gore campaign and handshakes

George W Bush in crowd of supporters

Bush with black schoolchildren in classroom

Robert Downy outside courthouse

GV air view of drug laden speedboat along and being shot at by US coastguard helicopter

BURMA

10:10:28

Opium plant and poppies in field

GV Fields and people

Heroin packets burning in crates

Troops sitting by roadside stall

THAILAND

10:10:52

Man being treated by healer

Man slicing herbs

Various traditional herbs and remedies

Doctor digging plans claimed to contain breast-enlarging properties

CU Poster promoting cream made from the plant

Doctor in talks with Japanese businessmen

JAPAN

10:11:16

Woman in traditional Geisha costume

Geisha girls down street

beauty therapist applying product on customer

Kimono being modelled

Silk production process - material being dried in snowy landscape

Japan Labour Day march and demo - vast crowd

Woman examining world's first portable video phone and demonstrating

CU Computer screen - pan to model applying make-up and lounging around while camera catches all to show on website, including model stepping into the shower

SOUTH KOREA

10:12:43

Buckets lying and ground and women putting buckets on their head

Piano playing and women singing with buckets over their heads

GV Night scenes of street and neon signs

Former President Kim Yun Sung into building and handshakes

Red paint being thrown on his face and him being led away

NORTH KOREA

10:13:32

People waving red flags and singing

Workers nearby rebuilding dam

Singers cheering them along through snowfall

Family in small shelter - child sleeping on ground

Woman with bowl of cabbage and corn stalks

Children in school

Doctor speaking:

In words: "This stunting -

Out words: " - but mentally."

Young children looking thin and weak sitting on bed

Woman with crying baby in her arms

North Korean warship at sea

South Korean patrol boats and sea battle

INDONESIA

10:14:55

GV Parliament chamber

President Habibi announcing East Timor referendum

East Timor separatist gunmen along in forest area

Protesters chanting after referendum announcement

Clashes in street between different groups

Huts burning

Old woman crying

UN observers panel

Troops along

10:16:01

UN Spokesman:

In words: I don't accept -

Out words: " - favour pro-independence people."

Voters in queue

Defence Minister Wiranto singing at party

Habibi listening

Indonesian troops in street fighting

Smoke rising in the distance

People jumping over walls to get into UN compound for safety

Children fleeing

Plane landing and forces out

Australian troops along

Woman shouting in street as Aussie troops go by

Children in shelter

GV aerials of devastated East Timor area

Presidential candidate Xanana Gusmao amid tribal dancers

Supporters applauding

MALAYSIA

10:18:02

Protesters throwing stones after Ibrahim arrest

Riot police lined up

Cannon being fired from vehicle

Anwar Ibrahim at microphones

Ibrahim away after arrest - freeze on picture

CAMBODIA

10:18:29

Body of Cambodian singer Piseth Peaklica and mourners around

PHILIPPINES

10:18:45

CU Feet in red shoes - tilt up to show Imelda Marcos

Various shoes on display

Imelda Marcos speaking:

In words: "You know people and friends -

Out words: " - another museum."

GV Traffic jam

Woman singing inside car on microphone with music from karaoke machine

Taxi driver who offers karaoke facility in his cab

CHINA

10:19:31

Chinese leader President Jiang inspecting parade at 50th anniversary celebrations

GV Parade and celebrations in Beijing

Military hardware on display

Red flag being unfurled

More military hardware

Top shot - marchpast with red flags and cheer leaders

Jiang waving

balloons being released and people running forward

People lined up to practise Falun Gong meditation

CU Computer screen with message from leader

TIBET

10:20:44

GV Hilltop monastery

Monks in courtyard

Monks in prayer and chanting

GV Tibet settlement project

Chinese poor in countryside who are to be resettled in Tibet

Dalai Lama along in India

Dalai Lama speaking to supporters

GV Air view of crowd

President Jiang waving

Anti-Jiang protesters in Europe

CHINA

10:21:52

Jiang into room amid press and photographers

Chinese people in English class learning "crazy English"

Teacher of revolutionary method speaking:

In words: "I think my method -

Out words: " - which produce language."

Men teaching troops crazy English

10:22:39

Classical Chinese garden for sale to USA

Car being unveiled

General Motors spokesman:

In words: "To build cars -

Out words: " - in China."

Various shots of brand new All-Chinese car

Aftermath bombing of Chinese embassy in Belgrade

Chinese Ambassador

GV Exterior Chinese Embassy in Belgrade

Protests in China outside US Embassy in Beijing

US report released on Chinese espionage activities

GV File footage showing details of designs Chinese have copied

10:24:07

US Spokesman:

In words: "The PRS has also -

Out words: " - not yet deployed."

Chinese at press conference and spokesman in Chinese

GV Press conference

INDIA

10:24:39

aircraft

Indian missile on display

Pakistanis chanting after nuclear test

GV Kashmir

gunmen firing and artillery being fired

Indian flag on hilltop

Pakistani flags being laid on ground to claim territory

Gunmen along in mountains

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif

Army leader Parvez Musharaff

Night scenes after military take over in Pakistan, army vehicles along

Musharaff on national TV - people watching in café

BHUTAN

10:26:18

GV area and TV tower

First TV pictures and applause - logo BBS TV

Bhutan Queen Ashi Tshering Pem Wangchuck inaugurating speech

Satellite dishes on rooftops and outside small houses

TV transmission tower

WORLD RECORDS

10:26:57

GV Mount Everest

George Mallory's belongings being shown at press conference

Spokesman for expedition:

In words: "We think we can -

Out words: " - out best shot."

GV Mount Everest area

Balloon up and along and over terrain

Balloon over desert area

Brian Jones and Picquard being applauded after record set

25 people piling into Mini car and record being set

Man down steps on hand only (Handwalking)

Man approaching finishing line and applause

Man spinning around

Israel - kissing contest and winners kissing

MIDDLE EAST

10:29:13

Supporters chanting

Ehud Barak

Netanyahu at microphones

Barak along with wife and flowers at Rabin's memorial

Arafat and Barak signing accord

Buses along as Palestinian prisoners released

Women wailing

Clashes at unauthorised Jewish settlement in West Bank

Israeli troops forcing settlers out

Man ebing pushed over and clashes

10:30:44

Woman settler speaking:

In words: "What happened today -

Outwords: " - we are not going to let him."

Sunset and silhouette of troops dragging men away

Crowd gathered in Jerusalem with Israeli flags

Barak speaking in Hebrew

People at wailing wall

Barak at wall

Israeli planes in air over Lebanon border area - smoke rising from attack

Syrian troops dancing and celebrating

GV Pro-Assad rally

Syrian President Assad with supporters after winning election

10:32:15

King Hussein of Jordan out of plane with wife Noor

Convoy along with coffin of Hussein

Mourners

Clinton at funeral for other former US presidents including, Bush and Carter

Crown Prince Abdullah

Iran - people around painting

CU Painting by Hitler

Iranians around painting

CU details on painting

Air view of vast crowd of pilgrims at Mecca and the stoning of the devil ceremony

GV Pilgrims and prayers

Buses along with pilgrims on busy highway

KURDS

10:34:00

Plane landing and Kurdish guerrilla leader Abdullah Ocalan with blindfold

Kurdish gunmen firing automatic weapons and other gunmen along

Kurdish refugees

Gunmen setting up firing position

Smoke rising and gunfire heard

CU Ocalan

Demonstrators in Europe including aftermath of woman setting fire to herself

Police and cameramen and crowd

Ocalan into courtroom and sitting in glass booth

Kurdish spokesman

GV Kurdish gunmen in mountains

EARTHQUAKES

10:35:20

Wreckage after massive Turkish earthquake

badly damaged buildings

Boy in bed with ceiling collapsed over him

People and debris

Injured being pulled out of debris

rescue workers drilling through debris

workers in wreckage

Survivor looking on from under piled up wreckage

Survivor being taken away on stretcher

10:36:26

GV area where earthquake hit

Bodies covered and men digging graves

Scenes of damage to entire street

Woman pulled out from under debris in night scenes

Bunting and decorations for Taiwanese New Year celebrations

Man on ladder of knife blades - CU feet on knife blades

Children looking

Bell being rung in temple

Aftermath earthquake

Woman stuck in wreckage

another woman being helped out of wreckage

People in wreckage and others being rescued

Rescue workers and crane

WEATHER DISASTERS

10:37:46

China - houses submerged in water

Red Cross worker along in temporary shelter

People on boats on swelling river

10:38:06

India - bullock being led through water

Rising water and man wheeling scooter along

people crying

Men wading through water with bicycles in hand

10:38:22

Brazil - Forest fires

helicopter overhead

Fires burning

Shacks or poor amid blazing fires

RUSSIA

10:38:44

Moscow - hot summer - woman along past fountain, others seated eating ices

GV Fountain in park

Birds in dry grassland in Russian countryside and effects of drought

Men in dry fields

Locusts on crop

Plagues of locusts in field

Farmer speaking in Russian

Russian winter scenes and reindeer hunt - herds of reindeer being chased by hunters

Men skinning reindeer after killing

10:39:54

Small aircraft along in air and ballet dancers on top

Ballerina on tarmac and plane over her head

10:40:11

MIR space station and scenes of last spacewalk

Cosmonauts into capsule

Cosmonauts coming in to land on earth and landing

10:40:48

GV Moscow street scene and people buying newspapers

Bank building

Interiors of bank

Spokesman:

In words: "Russia today is a

Out words: "- criminal state."

10:41:08

GV Kremlin exterior

Interiors - various rooms

Yeltsin's daughter Tatyana

Yeltsin sipping champagne

Prime Minister Primakov into room

New Prime Minister Sergei Stepashin

Vladimir Putin arriving

Yeltsin and Putin

Putin chatting

10:40:15

Mourners and Gorbachev at Raisa funeral

Raisa Gorbachev in coffin

Putin at coffin

Gorbachev, Putin and other mourners at funeral

Wrecked buildings, troops in street after bombings

Various shots of bomb damaged buildings

People with flowers at coffin of victim

Russian forces engaged in attacks on Chechnya

Men running

Russians firing heavy artillery

Chechen guerrillas firing back

Chechen civilians fleeing the area and stranded at border with razor wire fencing

GV Refugee camp with tents

EUROPE

10:42:45

Celebrations, champagne, balloons at launch of single European currency

CU coins

Unveiling of currency exchange rate board

BRITAIN

10:44:08

Queen along in carriage at Ascot

Ladies in hats - various outrageous hats

Horses running in races

Naked man hanging from lamp-post and naked woman on ground arguing with police

Naked protester talking:

In words: All of us all the time -

Out words: " - connected with it at all."

Country cottage on wheels - man driving along

10:44:53

Prince Charles with Camilla Parker Bowles, out of building and camera flashes and crowds cheering

Prince Edward with Sophie Rhys Jones after announcement of engagement

Prince Edwards speaking:

In words: "I managed to -

Out words: " - it was coming."

Newspaper headlines and photograph of Sophie topless

SHOWBIZ

10:45:22

Mick Jagger along and being cheered by fans

Jerry Hall along in evening dress

Brazilian dancer Luciana on stage with naked pregnant tummy on show

Actress Julia Roberts out of car

Hugh Grant with Liz Hurley

Julia Roberts being asked about kissing Hugh Grant - says he's very English

Diana Ross at Heathrow airport surrounded by police after assaulting security officer

Ross speaking:

In words: "A woman puts her hand -

Out words: " she did not!"

FRANCE - BRITISH BEEF

10:46:23

Cow out of pen

Cattle auction

Cattle in field

Demonstrators in Paris against British beef - various placards in French

British members demo

Cattle in shelters and feeding

GERMANY

10:47:01

Gay Pride celebrations in Berlin

Israeli Prime Minister Barak with German Chancellor Schroeder paying tribute to victims of Nazi holocaust at site of former concentration camp

Barak laying wreath

AUSTRIA

10:47:34

Voters in Austria

Freedom party leader Jorge Haidar at press conference

Sounds of screaming and camera crews crowded in hallway

Anti-Nazi woman protester with banner and others with her

Haidar speaking:

In words: "I am no Fascist -

Out words: " - pure democrat."

Helicopter in snow

More rescue helicopters overhead

GV Aftermath of avalanche after heavy snow

GV Ski resort

SOUTH AFRICA

10:48:29

Ghadaffi off plane and greeting Nelson Mandela - both men embracing

Mandela and Ghadaffi at lunch

Ghadaffi waving to supporters

Mandela with wife onto podium

Mandela onto stage with successor Tabu Mbeki

Vast crowd cheering

Cannons being fired and air display

NIGERIA

10:49:06

Celebrations and dancers in Nigeria

People watching celebrations

Obasanjo in festive hat and robes

Obasanjo speaking:

In words: "They know -

Out words: " - trust me."

Painted face

ANGOLA

10:49:34

Jeep along

Wreckage of UN plane in countryside

People in makeshift shelter on railway platform, cooking etc

Woman and child camped under train

Train standing and people camped on platform

Makeshift homes under railway platform

Young children cooking

UGANDA

10:50:08

GV Countryside - mountain gorilla along

Lodge of tourists and belongings being carried through

Tourists in grounds

GV Mountain area and pan to mist rising

RWANDA

10:50:49

People in prison yard and cramped conditions inside prison with Hutu prisoners in Kigali prison

Roman Catholic bishop talking in French

Aftermath of attack on church and skulls on ground

CUBA

10:51:30

baseball game and US team arriving and parading

Castro arriving for game

ARGENTINA

10:51:56

Prince Charles walking along and at dinner and toast

Anti-British poster outside in street

COLOMBIA

10:52:13

Bodies in field

President Andres Pastrana speaking Spanish

President holding talks with revolutionaries in the open

people protesting

Riot policfe and TV images of fighting

Vast demo and people marching along

VENEZUELA

10:52:59

Marchers and riot police - clashes between Presidential supporters and opponents

Vehicle spraying demonstrators

President Chavez along in open car, waving to supporters

Parade of military hardware and air display

Chavez addressing crowd

BOLIVIA

10:53:35

Women prisoners on hunger strike bound to pillars, railings and others lying on beds with stitched up lips

CU lips being cut open

BRAZIL

10:53:52

Stockbrokers in casual clothes and various views of carnival costumes and dancers

PERU

10:54:13

Women in mini skirts

GV Civil service building and women entering in mini skirts

President Fujimore speaking about skirts

PANAMA

10:54:43

GV Vast crowd waving flags

GV Panama Canal

First female President Mireya Moscoso

MEXICO

10:55:03

Pope along in mobile with motorcade

Pope speaking

Stadium and vast crowd

THRESHOLD OF THE MILLENNIUM

10:55:28

CU hungry child - other children

Water bottles arriving and being fought over in West Bank

Woman filling up water bottle from tank

Irish singer Bono

Bono speaking:

In words: "We are talking about -

Out words: " - to be remembered for."

Field and greenery

People in field in Tanzania

Woman along

Weapons along

GV Air view of Chernobyl power plant in russia

10:56:40

Japanese workers being tested for radiation

GV Empty streets

Wind power for renewable energy - windmills turning in field

Chicken manure into furnace for electricity

CU Furnace burning

Colombia shuttle crew along including woman Eileen Collins

Shuttle lift off

US astronauts at space station

Graphics of small plane designed for Mars flight

Clock turning and chime

GV Night scene of Westminster and Houses of Parliament

Big Ben approaching midnight

Laser beams in Egypt

Sphinx pyramid illuminated

New Millennium sun rising over Pacific Island of Kiribati

Two children at beach at sunrise

10:58:59 END TITLES

10:59:20 END