Maniolas

Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Who knew a failed romance could lead to deeper friendship? Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado broke up in 2011 because of a small disagreement that escalated into a bigger fight. These days, they are enjoying each other’s company doing triathlons and shows here and abroad. Both welcome their rekindled friendship made easy by the fact that they now know each other’s flaws. “Siyempre matagal na din naman ’yun. Kumbaga marami kaming natutunan and alam na namin kung bakit nangyari ’yun,” Dennis said. However, Jennylyn maintained that they have set limitations. “Kumbaga may mga bagay na alam na namin sa sarili namin na hanggang du’n lang. May mga bagay din na alam mong hindi mo na kailangan sabihin kasi nasa tamang edad na rin kayo,” she said. Believing everything happens in God’s perfect time, Jennylyn said, “Hindi mo dapat pinipilit ang mga dapat mangyari eh. Kailangan mo siyang intayin kasi darating yan sa tamang panahon. Katulad nu’ng sa amin (Dennis), nagkasalubong lang kami tapos nagbatian lang.” Jennylyn Mercado (MNS Photo) For his part, Dennis simply let go of past heartaches happened and moved on. “Mahirap din kasi ’yung may dala kang mabigat sa pakiramdam na feeling mo kailangan tanggalin,” he said. With each of them putting their focus on their child, Dennis noted, “Mag-a-asawa pa rin naman ako pero gusto ko ’yung nagawa ko na lahat. Gusto ko kasi na kahit ’di na ako magtrabaho eh, enough na ang lahat para Read More …

By Abner Galino Sofia Frank, a preliminary figure skater, currently holds the Sandy Gollihugh Future Star Trophy for a sterling performance at the 2015 Pasadena Figure Skating Club Open Competition. She recently placed second at the 2016 Southern California Inter-Club Invitational Series where she competed against 17 top divisional point earners of the previous year’s skating competitions season. A 9-year-old Filipino-American girl from Pasadena is currently making ripples in the figure skating scene here in southern California. Sofia Frank, a preliminary figure skater, currently holds the Sandy Gollihugh Future Star Trophy for a sterling performance at the 2015 Pasadena Figure Skating Club Open Competition. She recently placed second at the 2016 Southern California Inter-Club Invitational Series where she competed against 17 top divisional point earners of the previous year’s skating competitions season. The previous year was exceptionally fruitful for Sofia wherein she landed first place finishes at the Golden West Championship, Glacier Falls Preliminary Dramatic Showcase and the Southern California Open Championship. That same year, Sofia bagged the third place at the Showcase for Skaters. Sofia is looking forward to a successful campaign at the Skate SWP 2016 Non-Qualifying Championship and the 2016 Southwest Pacific Regionals Non-qualifying Championship. The young skater excels in Axel, Double Loop, Double Toe and Combination Biellman Spin which in layman’s terms means jumps, spins, speed, strength, flexibility and graceful movements on ice. Just like all athletes dedicated to their craft, Sofia’s achievements could have not come forth without discipline and determination. The girl skates six Read More …

Workers arrange sacks of rice at a warehouse in Taguig City on Tuesday. The Department of Agriculture announced that the Philippines is now one of the top rice producers in the world. However, the El Niño’s effects might affect rice production targets this year. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) called out the government for supposedly failing to tackle the pressing problem of smuggling, particularly in agriculture products. The alliance, which counts the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) among its members, criticized Justice Secretary Leila de Lima for being “the biggest obstacle” to bringing smugglers to justice. SINAG Chairman Rosendo Co cited the case of businessman Davidson Bangayan who is accused as being the big-time rice smuggler known as David Tan. In January last year, FPI Chairman Jesus Arranza submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) documents showing that Bangayan and Tan were one and the same person. But the case remains pending with the DOJ despite the pieces of evidence that supposedly warrant the filing of charges against Bangayan. “Ano pa ang kulang na ebidensya? Wala na akong maisip pa… Kailangan pa bang makitang may pasan siyang bigas?” Arranza told reporters on Thursday. Bangayan has denied the allegations. The DOJ needs to establish a probable cause only to elevate the case to the courts, which have discretion over matters pertaining to evidence, lawyer Virginia Laxa Suarez said during the same briefing. “Kailangang magpaliwanag ang DOJ dahil masama itong mensahe. Bakit kapag big-time smugglers ang Read More …

Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo arrives with husband, Jose Miguel, at the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court in Quezon City, Metro Manila, April 11, 2012. Arroyo entered a plead of not guilty to allegations of graft and corruption in the tainted telecommunications deal with China in 2007. REUTERS/Cheryl Ravelo (PHILIPPINES – Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will file her certificate of candidacy for the congressional seat of the 2nd district of Pampanga next week. Lawyer Raul Lambino, an official of Arroyo’s Lakas CMD party, said he is preparing Arroyo’s nomination. Arroyo is up for one more term in the 2016 elections. “Pagkakaalam ko, magpa-file siya para sa kinatawan ng ikalawang distrito ng Pampanga under Lakas CMD. Pine-prepare ko na ang kaniyang CONA (certifcate of nomination and acceptance) as official candidate of LAKAS.” Arroyo, who is detained on a plunder charge for the alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) funds, need not personally file her candidacy. “Most likely, isa sa staff namin based sa Pampanga [ang magpa-file]. Hindi pa niya sinasabi anong date.” Lambino said Arroyo has yet to pick the presidential candidate she will back in the elections, and that Lakas has no party choice yet. So far, the Lakas members have individual preferences, he said. Lakas chairman Danilo Suarez is backing Vice-President Jejomar Binay. Lambino himself is backing Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who has yet to finalize his plans. “Walang party stand kung sino susuportahang president. Wala pa rin ako Read More …

Coco Martin (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Now that Coco Martin is turning 34 on his birthday on November 1, friends are urging him to find a girlfriend. “Para next year, when you turn 35, ikakasal na kayo,” they goad him. Coco himself agrees that he should start looking for a bride. He has invested his earnings well. Thus, he can afford to support a family. As “King of Teleserye” on ABS-CBN, he is never without a project. He is currently playing the title role in “Ang Probinsyano,” a series which have been adapted from the film, “Ang Probinsyano” of Fernando Poe, Jr. Coco plays a policeman in the series, a dream role for him as he has always dreamt of joining the force. Playing his lola is no less than FPJ’s widow, Susan Roces, who volunteered for the role. Maja Salvador and Bela Padilla are Coco’s leading ladies. (MNS)