BMI Online Editor

Sotto, Chiz defend Grace Poe over residency issue

Jun 052015

Senator Grace Poe (left) reverses roles with news photographers, taking the picture of newly elected Press Photographers of the Philippines officers shortly after their oath taking Monday at the Senate. Poe led the oath taking as chairman of the Committee for Public Information and Mass Media. (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Allies of the late Fernando Poe Jr. on Wednesday defended his daughter, Senator Grace Poe, who was accused of lacking the required residency to run for either President or Vice President in the 2016 elections. Acting Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III said that the residency requirement should not be a problem as Poe always had an intention to return to the Philippines and besides she has yet to decide if she will run for a higher post next year. Poe resided in the United States and became a dual citizen before her return to the country when her father died in 2004. “What I know is that she was born here and even if she stayed abroad for a while, she always had an intention to return. She came back in 2004 and stayed. Besides, what’s the big fuss e she has not decided?” he said. Sotto was one of those who convinced the late actor Poe to run for President in 2004. Senator Francis Escudero, for his part, scored Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco for raising the residency requirement against Poe. “Noong nakaraang buwan, sabi nila nais ni Vice President Binay si Grace. Pumirma lang siya sa committee report, Read More …

Run, Duterte, run

Entertainment

Jun 052015

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is a good alternative candidate for the 2016 presidential election. If ever he decides to join the presidential derby, he has a good chance of winning it. This will be the first time in Philippine history that a politician coming from Mindanao will be running for President of the Philippines. I’m sure Duterte will win by a big margin in Mindanao whether he will run against either Vice President Jejomar Binay or Interior Secretary Mar Roxas , or Senator Grace Poe. Mayor Duterte has a good track record as a public servant for many years which he could be proud of. He has transformed Davao city as the safest city in the country. Records shows that since Duterte became the mayor, the city became prosperous and crime incidence decreased tremendously. He is known in Mindanao as a hard worker and man of principle. He is also known for his uncompromising policy against crime, particularly drug trafficking. Duterte has been mainly responsible in breaking up organized crimes and bringing criminals to justice (or in hell) in Davao city. Lately, he was being accused by human rights activists as the head of a vigilante death squad allegedly responsible for the deaths or mysterious disappearance of criminals and drug lords in Davao city. Duterte lashed back at his detractors, saying that if elected President, he will kill 100,000 drug lords and criminals and dump their bodies in Manila Bay. Instead of being turned off by Duterte’s braggadocio, Filipinos, Read More …

Is bankruptcy the right thing to do?

Entertainment

Jun 052015

Ask yourself the following: Are you heavily in debt, with little prospect of relief in the near future? Have you had, or are your creditors threatening, a foreclosure on your home, a repossession of your car or other legal action to take your property? Have you experienced a dramatic drop in income? Are you frequently late paying bills? Do you only pay the minimum on your credit cards? Are you unable to make even the minimum payments? Do you have to sacrifice basic necessities to make ends meet? Are you paying more money than you make on basic living expenses? Are you losing sleep at night wondering how you’re going to make it? Have you bounced more than one check in the last two months? Are your wages currently, or in jeopardy of, being garnished? Have you recently become sick, or partially or totally disabled? Are you going through a divorce resulting in a decrease of income but an increase in expenses? People with high incomes and even higher debts can also qualify for debt relief through bankruptcy. If your answer to one or more of the above questions was a “Yes”, you should call me immediately. I can help you. Bankruptcy chapter 7 or 13 can eliminate your debt and give you a fresh start to rebuild your credit within a relatively short period of time. A clean slate is the ultimate tool of empowerment. It enables you to take back control of your finances, and plan for the Read More …

PHL Independence Day celebration in Carson June 6

Entertainment

Jun 042015

PHL Independence Day celebration in Carson June 6

(Courtesy of Philippine Independence Day Foundation, Inc. Facebook page} The Philippine Independence Day Foundation, Inc. (PIDF), in conjunction with the City of Carson and GMA “Kapuso” Network,will celebrate the 117th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day at the Carson Veterans Park (22400 Moneta Street, Carson, CA 90745) this Saturday, June 6. Thousands of people will enjoy the non-stop, day-long event jam-packed with entertainment and activities that feature the rich, beautiful, and spirited Filipino heritage. It truly is an opportunity to spend time with families and friends in the Filipino/Filipino-American Community of Carson, CA and across the South Bay Los Angeles Area. The eventful day kicks off with a Flag Raising ceremony, which will start at 8am, followed by an Ecumenical Service and a Community Mass afterwards. The parade, to be headed by 117th Philippine Independence Grand Marshal – Mayor ProTem Elito M. Santarina and Mrs. Anita Santarina – and to be participated in by a multitude of Community Organizations and Associations from all across Southern California, will be at about 10am. This will be followed by the day-long program featuring the wonderful talents of the following folks: Helen Chavez, US Veterans Chorale Group, Kyra De Castro (Young Singing Artist), Gems of Polynesia (The Youth of D’ Pacific Dance Troup), Laica & Laiza Parchamento (Multi-Talented Sisters), Apartment 18 (Boy Band), Andre Echave (Class of Magic), Macrea Decena (Singing Teen Artist), IMB-Academy (Filipino Martial Arts Demonstration), Carson Coeds & Carson Street Dance (Youth Street Dance Exhibition), Filipinas Chorale USA & D’Cherubs, Manny Evaldez (Sensational Singer from United Pampanga Leaders Council), Nessa Rica Ramos (YouTube Read More …

Enrique Gil admits feelings for Liza Soberano

Entertainment

Jun 042015

Enrique Gil admits feelings for Liza Soberano

Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano (MNS Photo) Enrique Gil has fallen in love with onscreen partner Liza Soberano. The two established a bond working as love team partners on the recently concluded teleserye “Forevermore.” They are now doing their first film together, “Just The Way You Are.” Asked about the status of their relationship, Enrique shared, “Okay naman. It’s good. Meaning very good, meaning very special.” The Kapamilya actor revealed that he already told Liza he has feelings for her. “Opo, nasabi ko na po sa kanya iyon,” he said. Enrique admitted it wasn’t love at first sight. He has known Liza for some time prior to doing “Forevermore,” however, he wasn’t really that attracted to her. “Nu’ng una na nakilala ko siya, nag-hi nga lang ako pero hindi ko masyado napansin,” he said. It was only after they got to know more of each other on the set of the series that his feelings for the actress developed. “Nu’ng sa Baguio nu’ng nagkwento siya sa akin about her life, (nabuo ’yung) respeto ko sa mga pinagdaanan niya. Tapos ’yung (idea na nag) trust siya sa akin tungkol sa buhay niya. So medyo mas lumalalim na ’yung pag-uusap namin, so doon nagsimula,” he said. Enrique and Liza became quite close that they started missing each other’s company during shooting breaks. “Everyday magkasama sa taping. Kapag wala kayong (taping), nami-miss niyo ang isa’t isa kasi hindi ka sanay na wala siya. So doon nagsimula,” he said. Aside from Liza being beautiful, Read More …

Bonta Bill to modernize the state victim compensation program ok’d

Entertainment

Jun 042015

Bonta Bill to modernize the state victim compensation program ok’d

AB 1140 protects victims of domestic violence, children, rehabilitated individuals, and victims of online crime Rob Bonta (Photo courtesy of http://asmdc.org/) (SACRAMENTO, CA) – Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) announced today that his bill to modernize the California Victim Compensation Program passed the Assembly with strong bipartisan support (78-0). “AB 1140 modernizes the California Victim Compensation Program to more fairly care for victimized children and adults in California,” explained Bonta. The California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (board) administers the California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) to compensate victims of specific types of crimes through the Restitution Fund. Existing law sets forth the various eligibility requirements and limits on the amount of compensation the CalVCP may award. Bonta explained that the bill contains balanced and common-sense changes to what is considered an outdated program. “The CalVCP framework was developed several decades ago and has not been thoroughly revised since that time. To address some of the outdated restrictions and the need to modernize the program, the board conducted a Statute Modernization Project, bringing together various stakeholders to make recommendations on updating the program to better serve victims. AB 1140 implements many of those stakeholder recommendations, including several intended to soften restrictions preventing victims of domestic violence and persons on probation or parole from fully participating in the program.” For example, current law restricts compensation to persons on probation or parole and those who have participated in a crime that resulted in their injuries. AB 1140 would delete those restrictions and allow Read More …

Thai superstar Bie Sukrit to lead cast in the world premiere of ‘Waterfall,’ an epic new musical; Show to run May 29, 2015 to June 28, 2015

Entertainment

Jun 042015

Thai superstar Bie Sukrit to lead cast in the world premiere of ‘Waterfall,’ an epic new musical; Show to run May 29, 2015 to June 28, 2015

WATERFALL15 PASADENA, CA – The Pasadena Playhouse (Artistic Director Sheldon Epps) announced today that, Thai superstar Bie Sukrit, along with Emily Padgett, Thom Sesma, and J. Elaine Marcos will lead the cast of the world premiere of WATERFALL, an epic new Broadway bound musical love story, featuring a distinguished international creative team and a cast of 20. Preview performances begin May 29, 2015 with the official press opening on June 7, 2015 at The Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino Avenue in Pasadena). WATERFALL is an epic love story, set in Bangkok and Tokyo between the turbulent years of 1933 and 1939, as a monarchy falls in Thailand and Japan is on the brink of war. A young Thai student (Sukrit) falls in love with the American wife (Padgett) of a Thai diplomat (Sesma), and the story of their forbidden love parallels history as the new democracy of Siam moves into the vortex of Japan prior to WWII. With a gloriously romantic score, WATERFALL is a modern love story of timeless scale. WATERFALL marks a groundbreaking collaboration between American and Asian theatrical artists. The musical, based on a contemporary classic Thai novel, Behind the Painting by Sriburapha, features book and lyrics by Tony Award-winner Richard Maltby Jr. and music by Oscar-winner and two- time Tony Award nominee, David Shire. The production will be directed by Broadway and Thai theatrical impresario Tak Viravan and co-directed and choreographed by Tony Award-nominee Dan Knechtges. Casting for WATERFALL is by Stewart/Whitley. Sheldon Epps, Artistic Read More …

Another Public-Private Partnership project rolled out this month

Entertainment

Jun 042015

Another Public-Private Partnership project rolled out this month

(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Marubeni officials, led by chairman Teruo Asada, during the courtesy call at the Momo Room of the Imperial Hotel on Tuesday (June 01) during his State Visit to Japan. (MNS photo) TOKYO, Japan (Mabuhay) – Another major Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project will be rolled out this month, President Aquino said here Tuesday. In his message during the get-together with members of the Filipino community in Japan, held at the Okura Hotel, President Aquino said his administration has been aggressive in pursuing major PPP projects for the benefit of the country. (TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Ambassador Manuel Lopez witnesses as Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and JETRO chairman Hiroyuki Ishige sign the Memorandum of Understanding on Business Promotion Cooperation during the meeting at the Ume Room of the Imperial Hotel on Tuesday (June 02) as part of his State Visit to Japan. (MNS photo) “Mula nga po Disyembre 2011 hanggang nitong Mayo, nakapag-award at nakapaglagda na ng siyam na PPP projects ang inyong pamahalaan at inaasahang madaragdagan pa ito ng isa ngayong buwan,” he said. President Aquino reported that 15 PPP projects are in the pipeline, and are already in the process of procurement and roll-out. He noted that under the “tuwid na daan” good governance, his administration has surpassed the number of solicited PPP projects approved under the past three administrations. (TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) officials, Read More …

PNoy likens China to Nazi Germany anew

Entertainment

Jun 042015

(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the meeting with the Filipino community at the Ascot Hall of the Okura Hotel on Tuesday (June 02) during his State Visit to Japan. (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday drew a parallel between present day China and Nazi Germany during a speech in Japan, hinting the world cannot continue to appease Beijing as it claims ever-more territory in the South China Sea. The comments came as disquiet grows over the quickening pace of China’s land reclamation program in international waters, including its construction of a runway long enough for large military planes. “If there was a vacuum, if the United States, which is the superpower, says ‘we are not interested,’ perhaps there is no brake to ambitions of other countries,” Aquino told an audience of business leaders in Tokyo when asked about China’s rising might and the role of the US in checking it. “I’m an amateur student of history and I’m reminded of… how Germany was testing the waters and what the response was by various other European powers,” he said referring to the Nazis’ territorial conquests in the months before the outbreak of World War II. “They tested the waters and they were ready to back down if for instance in that aspect, France said (to back down). “But unfortunately, up to the annexation of the Sudetenland, Czechoslovakia, the annexation of the entire country of Czechoslovakia, nobody said stop. “If somebody Read More …

Nancy Binay denies prior knowledge of Grace Poe residency issue

Entertainment

Jun 042015

Nancy Binay denies prior knowledge of Grace Poe residency issue

Senator Francis Escudero, Chairperson Committee on Finance, along with Senator Nancy Binay, presides the deliberation of the 2015 proposed budget of the Commission on Election (COMELEC) on Tuesday (August 26,2014) at the Senate Building in Pasay City. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Senator Nancy Binay on Wednesday denied having any prior knowledge on the residency issue hurled against Senator Grace Poe by Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, the interim president of United Nationalist Alliance and an ally of her embattled father Vice President Jejomar Binay. In an interview with reporters, Binay said she was surprised when she saw Tiangco on television saying Poe lacks the required residency to run for president or vice president in next year’s elections. “Actually, nagulat na nga lang din ako na naglabas siya ng ganun. I guess like everybody else I was surprised na nag-presscon pala siya kahapon,” she said. “I have nothing to do with it, in fact napanood ko na lang siya nung nakauwi ako. Parang ‘Oh my God’ ganun pala yung sinabi ni Cong. Toby,” she added with a chuckle. She further said that she has yet to talk with Tiangco regarding Poe’s residency issue. Poe, who, like the elder Binay, is performing well on surveys on possible presidential candidates, is one of the senators who signed the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee report recommending plunder charges against Vice President Binay in connection with the alleged overpricing in the Makati City Hall Building II construction. Sen. Binay, who said those who signed the report Read More …

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