Balita online editor

From picking Oscar winners to frying a tilapia

Mar 032014

Ruben and Janet Nepales as guests on Kababayan Today’s Academy Awards Special with TV host Jannelle So. They agree on who will and who should win an Oscar award this Sunday; but they disagree (and sometimes argue) on how to fry a tilapia. “Our biggest argument was how to fry a tilapia. Two writers attempting to be chefs bring out the worse in us,” said kababayan Hollywood journalist Janet Nepales. Janet and her husband, Ruben Nepales are both members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA.) Every year, they guest on Kababayan Today’s Academy Awards Special, as they predict who will win and discuss who should win a gold statuette in four categories: Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Picture. “We did not talk about each other’s choices,” both disclosed before taping; adding that they wanted to surprise each other and see each other’s reactions about their picks. But as it turned out, they surprised each other by making the same choices – Janet’s List: Best Director – WILL: Alfonso Cuaron for “GRAVITY,” SHOULD: David O’Russell for “AMERICAN HUSTLE;” Best Actor – WILL: Matthew McConaughey for “DALLAS BUYERS CLUB,” SHOULD: Matthew McConaughey for “DALLAS BUYERS CLUB;” Best Actress – WILL: Sandra Bullock for “GRAVITY,” SHOULD: Cate Blanchett for “BLUE JASMINE” Ruben’s List: Best Director – Should win: David O. Russell, Will win: Alfonso Cuaron; Best Actor – Should win: Matthew McConaughey, Will win: Matthew McConaughey; Best Actress – Should win: Cate Blanchett, Will win: Cate Blanchett And even Read More …

Heavy rain forecast for Southern California areas

Entertainment

Feb 262014

SCE Reminds Customers to Stay Away From Downed Power Lines ROSEMEAD, Calif., Feb. 25, 2014 — With heavy rains forecast through the weekend in most of the Southland, Southern California Edison (SCE) reminds its customers that outages may occur and to never approach or touch downed power lines. SCE will take steps to position additional personnel, which includes restoration and repair crews. Additional call center representatives will handle customer inquiries through the weekend during the predicted rainstorm conditions. The National Weather Service predicts two separate storm fronts moving through Southern California in the next few days. The first storm is expected to remain north of Southern California, but scattered showers are still expected to reach the Los Angeles basin as soon as late Wednesday night. The second storm system is anticipated to be much stronger and is expected to move directly over Southern California late Friday afternoon, with showers lasting through Saturday and possibly Sunday. If you see a downed power line or dangling wire — even if it appears not to be live — don’t touch or approach it or anything that is in contact with it and call 911 immediately. Customers may report outages at 1-800- 611-1911, online or through the SCE Outages app. SCE will provide the latest information about outages at its website and on Facebook and Twitter. Customer safety is a top priority for SCE. Here are important tips to keep in mind: · Watch for traffic signals that may be out. Approach those intersections Read More …

Manny Pacquiao has two missions in Las Vegas fight

Entertainment

Feb 212014

Manny Pacquiao has two missions in Las Vegas fight

There are two things that 8-division world champion Manny Pacquaio would like to bring with him when he takes to the ring on April 12, 2014 for his rematch against 2-division champion Timothy Bradley. “Nasa kanya kasi ‘yung korona ko e. Gusto ko maibalik ulit,” he said in an interview with “Kababayan Today.” (He has my crown. I want to get it back.) When the two first faced off in Las Vegas on June 9th 2012, the welterweight bout went the distance, And after 12 rounds, Bradley’s hands were raised as the winner by split decision. Not only did that controversial Bradley victory stop Pacquiao’s dominance in the division; he also put an end to the Filipino boxing champ’s 15-bout winning streak, raising speculations that Pacquiao has lost his fire and drive in the ring. In the upcoming rematch, Pacquiao added that he also plans to bring this famous “killer instinct” back on the ring. “Siguro this time around kailangan ko nang ibalik yung killer instinct ko and aggressiveness ko sa itaas ng ring and throwing a lot of punches. Kailangan dumaan sa puspusang training, ” he said. (Maybe this time around I would really need to bring my killer instinct back and aggressiveness in the ring; and throwing a lot of punches. I need to go through rigorous training.) It’s been five years since Pacquiao has stopped a fight. In 2009 was his last knock out win, against Miguel Cotto. In fact, he has been the one knocked out Read More …

Filipino figure skater hailed after reaching Sochi final

Entertainment

Feb 142014

Filipino figure skater hailed after reaching Sochi final

MANILA, February 14, 2014 (AFP) – Philippine Olympic figure skater Michael Christian Martinez was hailed as a hero on Friday even as a senior sports official denied accusations that the government had failed to support him. The 17-year-old, the lone representative of the tropical country at the Sochi Games, made history after he qualified Thursday from the men’s short program for the free skate on Friday, despite numerous disadvantages, including being forced to learn his craft on a skating rink in a shopping mall. Local news reports suggested his family had struggled to pay for his training and that the government did not provide any support. But Ricardo Garcia, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, said Martinez had received adequate financial support from the government and private donors. “We are very happy with his performance. For a guy who learned how to skate in the Philippines, to make it to the finals… it is really amazing,” Garcia told AFP. “This is a very big issue for us. We have an athlete who is an Olympian who made it to the final rounds,” he added. Some of the country’s wealthiest tycoons were sponsoring Martinez and the national skating association never asked for additional funds for him, Garcia said. The Philippine Olympic Committee asked the government for $7,200 to cover some of Martinez’s additional expenses but this money was released in December, he added. Speaking after his performance at the Iceberg Skating Palace on Friday, Martinez was elated with his performance: “The Read More …

Aquino likens China’s rulers to Hitler

Entertainment

Feb 052014

“You may have the might, but that does not necessarily make you right,” Philippine President Benigno Aquino said as he warns China’s efforts to claim disputed territories are like Nazi Germany’s before World War II. By Karl MALAKUNAS MANILA, February 5, 2014 (AFP) – Philippine President Benigno Aquino has warned China’s efforts to claim disputed territories are like Nazi Germany’s before World War II, drawing a fierce Chinese response on Wednesday branding him ignorant and amateurish. In an interview with the New York Times, Aquino called for world leaders not to make the mistake of appeasing China as it seeks to cement control over contested waters and islands in the strategically vital South China Sea. “At what point do you say: ‘Enough is enough’? Well, the world has to say it – remember that the Sudetenland was given in an attempt to appease Hitler to prevent World War II,” Aquino told the New York Times in Manila on Tuesday. Aquino was referring to the failure by Western nations to back Czechoslovakia when Adolf Hitler-led Nazi Germany occupied western parts of the European nation in 1938 ahead of World War II. Aquino’s comments come less than two weeks after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe raised the temperature in a parallel territorial dispute with China by appearing to compare Sino-Japanese relations with the run-up to World War I. Japan and China are at loggerheads over the sovereignty of disputed islands in the East China Sea, raising fears about a military confrontation between Read More …

Republicans endorse path to legalize immigrants

General

Jan 302014

Republicans endorse path to legalize immigrants

“This problem has been around for at least the last 15 years. It’s been turned into a political football. “I think it’s unfair, so I think it’s time to deal with it,” House Speaker John Boehner has said before partymates agreed on a new principle regarding undocumented immigrants. By Michael Mathes CAMBRIDGE, January 31, 2014 (AFP) – Republican lawmakers endorsed in principle the legalization of millions of undocumented immigrants on Thursday, but stopped short of backing a pathway to citizenship. The majority party in the House of Representatives did, however, specify that it backs opportunities for young immigrants brought to the country illegally by their parents to become US citizens. Most experts agree the Republicans’ low level of support among voters of recent immigrant stock cost their candidates badly in recent elections, and the party is under pressure to reach out. But many within the party ranks fear that passing legislation to help regularize the situation of millions of undocumented migrants could hurt them with voters from their white conservative base. At a retreat for Republican representatives under the leadership of House Speaker John Boehner to set priorities ahead of November’s mid-term elections, members drew up an outline approach. “There will be no special path to citizenship for individuals who broke our nation’s immigration laws – that would be unfair to those immigrants who have played by the rules and harmful to promoting the rule of law,” said the draft, obtained by reporters. The draft said such immigrants “could live Read More …

‘Let’s Play Two’: Pacquiao vs. Bradley rematch April 2

Entertainment

Jan 252014

‘Let’s Play Two’: Pacquiao vs. Bradley rematch April 2

The first time these these two titans met on June 9, 2012, Manny Pacquiao (left) thought he won the fight, but judges “saw” it otherwise and Bradley “defeated” the eight-time champion. A subsequent review by officials said Pacquiao did win, but won’t and didn’t get the crown. A rematch is slated for April this year. NEW YORK (January 25, 2014) – Bob Arum and Todd duBoef, CEO and President of Top Rank, respectively, and Michael Koncz of MP Promotions are pleased to announce that an agreement was reached today for undefeated two-division world champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against Fighter of the Decade Congressman Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, Pacquiao-Bradley 2 will take place, Saturday, April 12, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View. Both fighters and their teams will embark on a U.S. media tour the week of February 3, including press conferences in Los Angeles and New York on Tuesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 6, respectively. Ticket information and other details on the promotion and the media tour will be released shortly. When Pacquiao and Bradley rumbled the first time, on June 9, 2012 at the MGM Grand, Bradley’s hand was raised via a controversial split decision, ending Pacquiao’s welterweight title reign as well as his seven-year, 15-bout winning streak. Though both fighters claimed victory neither Read More …

PHL celebrates as caregiver wins Israel’s X Factor

Entertainment

Jan 152014

MANILA, January 15, 2014 (AFP) – Celebrations broke out in the Philippines Wednesday after a Filipina who has spent nearly half her life as a caregiver overseas won Israel’s first “X Factor” competition. Rose Fostanes, one of millions of Filipinos working abroad, won the television talent show late Tuesday with a rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” that delighted fans in both countries. Local television, news websites, social media and even the president lavished praise on the unmarried, openly gay 47-year-old, who has worked abroad for more than two decades – including six years in Israel – to support her family. “We know the situation she was in and we are very proud that she has again given the Philippines pride in the showcase of her talent,” President Benigno Aquino’s spokesman Edwin Lacierda told reporters Wednesday. “The Filipino has an innate advantage when it comes to the arts…It clearly shows that the excellence of the Filipino can be expressed anywhere, everywhere, when they are given the opportunity to show their talent.” Fostanes has been likened by fans to Susan Boyle, the middle-aged Scottish singer whose humble looks and shy demeanor belied a scintillating voice that captivated millions on the television talent show “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2009. Fostanes’ day job had been to care for an elderly employer in Tel Aviv. She is one of some 10 million Filipinos, about a tenth of the population, who have gone to work abroad to escape poverty and joblessness back home. Israel’s media Read More …

Village Buildah is launching a car raffle fundraising

Entertainment

Dec 202013

A Mercedes Benz 2014 C250 car will be raffled off with proceeds supporting The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Gawad Kalinga and Typhoon Haiyan victims (December 13, 2013 – Los Angeles) – Village Buildah, a non-profit 501(c) (3) foundation, is launching their car raffle fundraising on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at 6pm at the Airtel Plaza Hotel in Van Nuys. With the purpose of giving hope and shelter to indigents and a mission to pay it forward to help the poor by pooling their resources, Village Buildah supports with Gawad Kalinga in building villages with values formation. Through Western USA, a community of 30 families, living under a bridge for more than 30 years in Barangay Guihing Hagonoy, Davao Del Sur in Mindanao was chosen to be the recipient of the first out reach of 24 homes. This fundraising will complete 6 more homes. “This is a perfect time to be true to ourselves and appreciate all there is to our life. The blessings we have received, we want to pass it on and give back to the community. Village Buildah Foundation will take every opportunity to help and this will be our social responsibility.”, said Gene Gatmaitan, founding member and chairperson of Village Buildah. Credited with the heart to help and an oath of stewardship for mankind, the founding members, all of which are alumni from San Sebastian College, Central Luzon State University, University of the East, UP Los Banos, San Beda College and Silliman University, Read More …

US local officials express sympathies for typhoon victims

Entertainment

Nov 132013

Washington, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements encouraging support for the victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda: Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair: “I am deeply saddened by the destruction caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. My thoughts are with individuals, families and loved ones affected by this disaster. The United States committed to sending $20 million in assistance to support recovery efforts. I will do everything I can as Chair of CAPAC to help support the people of the Philippines and their families.” Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12): “We continue to learn more on the true extent of the damage done by Super Typhoon Haiyan, but there is little question that the storm brought devastation to thousands of lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the survivors working to pull their communities back together. The United States will do all we can to help those in need – both in these critical early days and in the rebuilding that will come. Under the direction of President Obama, USAID and the Department of Defense are already taking a leading role in delivering disaster relief supplies to the affected areas. Super Typhoon Haiyan was strong, but the people of the Philippines will prove themselves stronger.” Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI): “My heart goes out to the people of the Philippines and to the families in Hawaii who are worried about their loved ones overseas. During Read More …

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