Balita online editor

Taipei asks Duterte admin for proof of Taiwan-based Bamboo triad

Oct 072017

MANILA, Sept 28 (Mabuhay) — Taiwan on Wednesday asked the Philippine government to provide information and evidence on the alleged Taiwanese drug cartel referred to by President Rodrigo Duterte as the major supplier of illegal narcotics in the country. Taking note of Duterte’s statement, Taiwan’s representative to the Philippines Gary Song-Huann Lin said he has already “requested our related agencies in Taipei to look into and investigate this matter.” “We also urged the Philippines to provide information and evidence through mutual legal assistance mechanisms and channels, through these information and evidence,” Lin said in a statement. Lin said Taiwan was committed to strengthen its anti-drug cooperation with the Philippines. Taiwan has no formal diplomatic relations with the Philippines in deference to the One-China Policy, which prevents countries from recognizing the self-ruling democratic island as a state. It is represented in the Philippines by the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO). In his speech on Tuesday night at the 120th anniversary of the Department of Justice, Duterte blamed a so-called Taiwan-based 14K Bamboo triad for supplying illegal drugs into the country. Duterte made the claim even after Philippine authorities recently intercepted a P6.4-billion drug shipment from China to Manila early this year. The drug syndicate, according to Duterte, cooks methamphetamine in the high seas and uses the Philippines as a transshipment point. Lin denied that Taiwan is the source of drugs in the Philippines. “Taiwan do not export drugs to this country,” Lin said. The Taiwanese official cited data by the Read More …

Palace: No ASEAN holiday declaration yet

Entertainment

Oct 072017

MANILA, Sept 28 (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Thursday clarified that it has not declared holidays in November coinciding with the Philippines’ hosting of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella made this clarification in light of a supposed Malacañang document circulating online saying that the government has declared November 13 to 15 as “special non-working holidays.” “It’s not official but I’m sure a statement will be forthcoming,” Abella said in a news conference in Malacañang. The Philippines chairs the ASEAN this year and has been a host to various activities and meetings. The 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings are scheduled to take place from November 10 to 14 in Clark, Pampanga and is expected to gather top officials from the bloc and its partner countries. (MNS)

Congress must tread carefully on cutting K-12 funding for free tuition law — CHED chair

Entertainment

Oct 072017

MANILA, Sept 28 (Mabuhay) –Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Patricia Licuanan said on Wednesday that Congress must take care in carving the K-12 program to provide funding for Republic Act No. 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. In a press conference, Licuanan said, “Congress has to proceed really carefully here because this is a very good thing to fund and we all want it funded. But to take from another important program and then put it there, in the end, students also will suffer.” CHED’s own K-12 budget to upgrade the skills of primary, secondary, and tertiary schoolteachers was already cut, though Licuanan is unsure if the amount was reallocated to the free tuition program. “There are cuts also in CHED from the K-12 budget. I don’t know if that was justified by the free tuition but that is very important. The K-12 budget is used in this particular case for faculty to get higher credentials so that the quality of education may also improve,” she said. About P30 million was stripped from the Department of Education’s school building program, particularly from unimplemented projects, and moved to the P40 billion fund the House appropriated from various agencies for the free tuition law. “That is the approach. Tthey look at what departments have excess funds and that’s where we’re getting the money,” Licuanan said. At least P51.4 billion is required to implement the free tuition law in state universities and colleges: P22.6 billion will be allocated Read More …

Jake Zyrus meets Angelina Mead King

Entertainment

Oct 072017

Angelina Mead King and Jake Zyrus (MNS photo) After reaching out to assure him of her support, trans woman, businessman and car enthusiast Angelina Mead King finally met singer Jake Zyrus at her shop. On Instagram, Jake Zyrus thanked King for welcoming him in her car shop and allowing him to try the simulator. In her Instagram page, King also thanked the singer for visiting her shop and even joked that Zyrus could be a car racer. Last July, after changing his name to Jake Zyrus, the singer shared that he was touched to have received a message of support from King. “I just wanted to reach out and show our support for you. Keep pushing the gender boundary to help pave the way for others who are afraid to become who they want to be,” King told the singer. Zyruds came out as a transgender man last June while King revealed early this year that she is a transwoman. She is married to model-host Joey Mead. (MNS)

Jericho apologizes to Jennylyn for backing out of MMFF film

Entertainment

Oct 072017

Jericho apologizes to Jennylyn for backing out of MMFF film

Jericho Rosales (MNS photo) Jericho Rosales has apologized to Jennylyn Mercado after he backed out from their supposed reunion movie “Almost Is Not Enough,” which is an official entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. Rosales and Mercado first teamed up in the acclaimed movie “Walang Forever” in 2015, for which they won acting awards in the MMFF. It has since been reported that Derek Ramsay will now play his role in the movie. In an interview, Rosales explained why he decided not to do the movie, which will be directed again by Dan Villegas. “Hindi lang ako preparado ngayon. Hindi ko gustong gamitin ‘yung tatay ko or something (but) I just realized na hindi ako prepaado for a project this year. Ang daming nangyari sa akin. Parang nahirapan ako. Nag-iba ang direction ng mga gusto kong gawin,” said Rosales whose father passed away last March. Rosales, who is ready to work again on his upcoming TV series “Love Will Lead You Back,” admitted that he has already apologized to Mercado and Villegas for what happened. “I love Dan, I love Jen. I saw Jen yesterday (Tuesday) and briefly I said, ‘Pasensiya na’ at naiintindihan naman nila. I want to apologize to everyone who thought na magkakasama kami ni Jen. Hindi pa naman huli ang lahat. Personally gusto ko makatrabaho si Jen. She’s one of the best actresses na nakarabaho ko, na masarap makasama,” Rosales said. “Hindi ko lang nakita ang sarili ko doon sa sitwasyon na ‘yon. Alam Read More …

Zanjoe Marudo gets International Emmys acting nomination

Entertainment

Oct 072017

Zanjoe Marudo gets International Emmys acting nomination

Zanjoe Marudo (MNS photo) Zanjoe Marudo is nominated in the 2017 International Emmy Awards. He’s in the running for the top male acting honorm thanks to his portrayal of a single father who raised his children inside a cave after a storm ravaged their home in “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” The Kapamilya star is competing against Brazil’s Julio Andrade, France’s Kad Merad, and Oscar-nominated actor Kenneth Branagh. His nomination follows Jodi Sta. Maria, who also scored one in the international awards show last year. The actress fell short in taking home the honor for her role in “Pangako Sa ‘Yo.” The winners will be announced on November 20 in New York. Organized by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the International Emmy Awards aims to recognize showmakers for “inspiring audiences worldwide with their creativity and talent.” This year’s list features 44 nominees across 11 categories and 18 countries. Meanwhile, it was also revealed that TV Patrol bagged a nod for its special coverage of super typhoon Lawin (international name Haima) at the 38th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards. The awards show focusing on news and current affairs programs will announce its winners on October 5, also in New York.(MNS)

Faeldon snubs Senate probe anew over ‘impartiality’ of some senators

Entertainment

Sep 122017

Faeldon snubs Senate probe anew over ‘impartiality’ of some senators

Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon (MNS Photo) MANILA, Sept 7 (Mabuhay) — Former Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon snubbed the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on the P6.4-billion shabu shipment Thursday morning, saying he no longer has faith in the supposed “impartiality” of some senators. In a letter sent to the committee chaired by Senator Richard Gordon, Faeldon explained that his absence is “not to defy the Senate as an institution” but rather, “a way of protesting.” “I continue to have the highest respect for the Senate as an institution but I no longer have faith in the impartiality in some of its members who have lied to malign me and other innocent resource persons,” Faeldon said. In his previous appearance, Faeldon risked being cited in contempt after he refused to answer questions of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who had said that he was at the heart of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) controversy. “This is not to defy as an institution. This is a way of protesting. I want my team and I to be last victims of baseless accusations, persecution, and condemnation,” Faledon said. It was Faeldon’s second time to skip the hearing since the committee issued a subpoena against him. Gordon said the committee will hold an executive session to discuss whether Faeldon should be cited in contempt. “The remarks are contemptuous. He has been properly invited and subpoenaed. Although he has grievances, I’d like the Senate to address this particular matter,” he said. (MNS)

STATE FARM® PARTNERS WITH KCON TO BRING THE FIRST EVER VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE TO FESTIVAL FANS!

Entertainment

Sep 092017

STATE FARM® PARTNERS WITH KCON TO BRING THE FIRST EVER VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE TO FESTIVAL FANS!

Los Angeles, California (August xx, 2017) – This summer, State Farm partnered with KCON USA, the world’s largest Korean culture convention and music festival, to bring K-Pop (Korean pop) fans their first-ever virtual reality experience at this year’s New York and Los Angeles festivals. This would be the first time State Farm has ever sponsored a KCON festival, marking its entry into the world of Hallyu. “State Farm is thrilled to be helping dedicated fans experience the excitement of KCON in both New York and Los Angeles, and especially proud to be presenting VR content for the greater online audience,” said Patty Morris, Brand Content Director at State Farm. At State Farm’s 360° booth for KCON 2017 New York and Los Angeles, fans immersed themselves in exclusive VR content featuring their favorite K-Pop stars using Oculus powered headsets. Fans were able to hangout backstage with KNK and Highlight as well as view concert performances from NCT127, Twice, GFriend and more. State Farm 360° VR goggles were also distributed to fans so they could access and view the content from home via their mobile devices. Fans were also able to stop by the State Farm 360° booth to store personal belongings in lockers, use the charging stations for their devices, and take photos at the 360° photo booth. Several State Farm Help Desks were also stationed around both conventions to help fans with any KCON questions. At KCON Los Angeles, onsite activities included a visit from popular Asian-American YouTube influencers, JRod Read More …

Iraq war veteran ‘Bagyo’ fights the fight of his life By Abner Galino

Entertainment

Sep 092017

Iraq war veteran ‘Bagyo’ fights the fight of his life By Abner Galino

Iraq war veteran ‘Bagyo’ The scorching daytime heat and the cold nights of the desert around the Al Numaniyah district in Iraq were all but sparse memories for Filipino American Marine Sgt. Mark Villamac Ho, better known here in Los Angeles as “Bagyo” – the hip-hop artist. The invasion of Iraq resulted in deaths of more than 4,000 American soldiers who participated on two large-scale military operations codenamed “Operation Iraqi Freedom” and “Operation New Dawn” from 2003 to 2011. More than half a million Iraqi people perished, including civilians and fighters. Bagyo, then with the MWSS-271 Crash Fire Rescue of the United States Marine Corps (USMC), drove a Humvee or whatever military vehicle available to him throughout these episodes of blood and gore — pulling out comrades, civilians and even enemies from wrecks and fires. Today, the pacified Al-Numinayah district is home to an airbase of the re-established Iraqi armed forces. It is also where US coalition forces operate. “It was an honor to have served in a time when my country called upon me,” Bagyo recalled. “I was nothing and it was a chance to become something bigger than I was. Not only for myself, but for my country, my family and my friends.” Bagyo survived the war, albeit unscathed. He was diagnosed with mild symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Luckily, Bagyo has his family, his friends, his hip-hop music and the Filipino American community on which to distract the anxieties from those nightmares entangled in his Read More …

Duterte vows to pursue case vs cops in Arnaiz slay

Entertainment

Sep 092017

Duterte vows to pursue case vs cops in Arnaiz slay

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte meets with Carlito and Eva Arnaiz, parents of the slain teenager Carl, who was allegedly killed in a shootout with policemen on August 17. The parents of the slain teenager as well as the victim’s sister Camille paid a courtesy call on the President at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on September 6, 2017. During their meeting, the President assured a thorough and impartial investigation will be conducted in the case. (Photo by Ace Morandante/Presidential Photo) MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday promised that cases would be pursued against policemen implicated in the killing of 19-year-old Carl Angelo Arnaiz. In his speech during the 60th anniversary celebration of the Social Security System (SSS), Duterte said he was late because he met with the parents of the slain teenager in Malacañang. “I’m a bit late because the parents of Arnaiz, the latest victim of, I don’t know, who (is) still under investigation. I ordered the Secretary of Justice to take over the investigation of the case,” he said. The President said that he would only defend security forces if their actions were done in the performance of duty, stressing that he would never allow his troops to kill defenseless persons, including enemies of the state. “Ang sinabi ko naman (What I said) we will protect soldiers and policemen, no doubt about it, but there should always be the element of the performance of duty and you do not kill defenseless persons,” he said. “I’m sorry but I will Read More …

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