Maniolas

Toni Gonzaga (MNS Photo) Toni Gonzaga has replied to criticisms of her hosting during the Binibining Pilipinas coronation night last Sunday, pointing out that she was given instructions to lighten up the atmosphere of the three-hour-long pageant. The event, which was held at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, was co-hosted by Xian Lim and past title winners Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, and Ariella Arida. At the start of a press conference held Tuesday for her new film “You’re My Boss,” Gonzaga thanked pageant organizer Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. for “giving me the opportunity to host a big event.” Addressing her critics, Gonzaga continued: “To those who were not pleased, sa mga hindi natuwa, hindi naibigan ‘yung napanood nila noong Sunday, I’m humbly asking for apology if I offended or I have maligned or I have hurt anyone of you, but it was never my intention.” Among the personalities who criticized Gonzaga’s hosting was Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2000 Nina Alagao, who referred to the actress’ hosting as “over-confident almost to the point of arrogant.” The 2015 Binibining Pilipinas titlists pose after being crowned on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. The winners from left, are: 1st runner-up Hannah Ruth Lulu Sison, Miss Tourism Ann Lorraine Colis, Miss Intercontinental Christi Lynn McGarry, Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, Miss International Janicel Lubina and Miss Supranational Rogelie Catacutan. (MNS photo) Celebrity fashion designer Cary Santiago called Gonzaga’s comments “inappropriate,” adding that she was supposedly “rude to the candidates whose nerves are shot already.” Others expressed dismay Read More …

President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Nidec Corporation founder, chairman, president and chief executive officer Shigenobu Nagamori during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 18). Also in photo is Nidec Corp director and first vice president Toshihiko Miyabe. (MNS photo) MANILA, (Mabuhay) – Administration ally Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday urged President Benigno Aquino III and the Supreme Court to suspend the implementation of the K to 12 education program. “Nanawagan ako kay PNoy [at sa] Supreme Court para ipa-suspend ang K to 12 dahil hindi pa handa ang ang ating public education system at hindi talaga kaya ng mahihirap na magulang magpaaral pa ng dagdag na 2 years sa high school,” he said. He also supported the petition filed by the Coalition for K to 12 Suspension before the Supreme Court. Trillanes claimed he had visited several schools and found that teachers have been unprepared for the K to 12 program’s supposedly rushed curriculum. The senator has always been against the implementation of the K to 12 program, even saying that the government should address first the lack of classrooms and textbooks. Under Republic Act 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, a student will be required to undergo kindergarten, six years of elementary, four years of junior high school and two years of senior high school. It will be rolled out in school year 2016-2017. On the other hand, data earlier provided by the Department Read More …

President Benigno S. Aquino III personally extends his condolences to the family of slain Marine Corporal Josen Mias and Sergeant Francis Jeffel Flores during the wake at the Fort Bonifacio Naval Station Mortuary in Taguig City on Monday afternoon (March 16). President Aquino recognized the heroism of the two marines killed in encounters with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Wednesday said that while President Benigno Aquino III has taken responsibility for the Mamasapano debacle it does not necessarily mean that he will apologize for it. “We had discussions with him yesterday but none touching on the call for him to issue an apology over it,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte told Palace reporters when asked about calls for Aquino to give a public apology. “So far, he has been focused on what can be done in the aftermath of the January 25 incident and he has been focused on these things,” she added when asked why Aquino has not considered apologizing despite saying he was also responsible for what happened. Both former President Fidel Ramos and Senator Grace Poe said the President should consider saying sorry for his involvement in the botched operation, which resulted in the deaths of 44 policemen, 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters and five civilians. “Why is it so difficult for him to say sorry about that?” Ramos told reporters on Wednesday. “Saying I’m sorry humbly and sincerely would do 90 percent of the job Read More …

President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 110th Commencement Exercises of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sundalong Isinilang na may Angking Galing at Lakas, Handang Ipaglaban ang Bayan (Sinaglahi) Class of 2015 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15, 2015). The PMA boast of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Monday defended leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) from allegations that they are not Filipino citizens. In a note sent to reporters, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. echoed MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal’s statement that these accusations were “baseless.” Coloma pointed out that Iqbal and MILF chairman Al Haj Ebrahim Murad’s citizenships have remained unquestioned for almost two decades. “For the past 17 years, or dating back to the Ramos administration, Messrs. Murad and Iqbal have engaged the Philippine government in peace negotiations,” he said. “Throughout this period, their citizenship has never been questioned.” “In fact, both houses of Congress have recognized their legitimate roles in the peace process by inviting them to appear in congressional hearings,” he added. Last week, former Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan claimed that Murad and Iqbal own Malaysian passports, based on information he received through a Facebook private message. Alunan also accused Malaysian government, which facilitated peace talks between the MILF and the Philippine government, of orchestrating everything that is happening with the peace Read More …

President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Oscar Lopez; PMA Commandant of Cadets BGen. Rozzano Briguez; and PMA Academic Group head Col. Joseph Villanueva, presents the Presidential Saber Award and diploma to Cadet First Class Arwi Martinez for topping the Sundalong Isinilang na may Angking Galing at Lakas, Handang Ipaglaban ang Bayan (Sinaglahi) Class of 2015 during the 110th Commencement Exercises of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15, 2015). The PMA boast of a long and illustrious history of preparing only the best Filipino men and women for military service. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Instead  of pointing blame to others, sacked Special Action Force (SAF) head Director  Getulio Napeñas should  be man enough to accept his fault on the  Mamasapano operation, Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV  said on Monday. “For us, this is clear, being  a former military officer, when  you’re given a mission, and  you fail,  then you’re accountable for it. You can’t blame anyone,” Trillanes, a former  Navy officer, told reporters in an interview at the Senate. “They are blaming  the  6th  Infantry Division  supposedly for not responding, that’s not true. Because  in the Oplan Exodus itself, I asked   Gen.  Napeñas, where  was  the 6th ID here? What’s  their  role? None. So  why will you blame  a unit which  was not in the plan.  You have decided to exclude them, then when you failed, you will blame Read More …