Today we do not know what the year 2014 would bring for us. The New Year is a blank slate full of possibility. It is a time to look forward, with hope and optimism especially for our country. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appealed on world leaders to make 2014 the year of protecting people, their security, their fundamental rights, and their basic well-being, following the late President Mandela. Economically the International Monetary Fund expects the growth of the global economy will accelerate to 3.6 percent in 2014 from 2.9 percent in 2013. Prediction say China will do better than markets forecast, and East Asia will continue to grow with relative stability.

Pete Stark, an oil and gas analyst says, "There is increasing concern, especially among international oil companies, about the low levels of discoveries of conventional oil over the last several years." Unconventional oil and gas from shale resources have redefined the global energy landscape,andwill continue to expand its boom in North America and could spread elsewhere. According to the International Telecommunication Union, in 2014 the number of mobile-phone subscriptions will overtake the number of human beings.In 2014 money and technology may come from the West but some of the best ideas will come from unexpected places, as the developing world turns into the developer world.

There is a fast growth of middle class car lovers in emerging economies, and the effort to promote carbon-free energy will continue. According to studies, the Sun is currently gaining in activity and is expected to peak in 2013 or 2014, although nobody can be sure.In 1994, a solar storm caused major malfunctions to two communications satellites, disrupting television and radio services throughout Canada. Whatever comes in the future may the New Year give us the strength to face the challenges of life and courage to adjust the sail so as to take every situation to our stride.

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Tidbits:

The European Transport Workers' Federation (ETF) and International Dockworkers' Council (IDC) have pledged their support for dockworkers in Lisbon who have been under prolonged attack from their government and employers.

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Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. v. Laurente, G.R. No. 158883, April 19, 2006

Courtesy of Atty. Fidel Borja

"There is no question that the chronic renal failure of John Melchor, which eventually caused his death, is an impediment Grade 1 under the POEA Standard Employment Contract. Petitioner never disputed such fact. John Melchor is therefore entitled to 120% of the US$50,000 maximum amount, or a total of US$60,000. The terms of the POEA Standard Employment Contract on this point is clear, and thus there is no room for interpretation".