BMI Online Editor

Feb 052015
 
Why Piolo said he’s not like Coco Martin

Piolo Pascual (MNS Photo) Piolo Pascual is not sure on when he will work on another television series. Pascual said he wants to take a break from doing soaps after his last series, “Hawak Kamay.” “Sabi ko kasi movie-soap-movie-soap. Mahirap magkakasunod na soap eh. Nakakapanghina,” he said. Pascual also noted that he is not like actor Coco Martin, who can keep up with doing several projects at at the same time. “Hindi ako si Coco [Martin], hindi ko na kaya na soap-soap. Saka ‘yung last na soap ko, feeling ko binigay ko na ‘yung kaluluwa ko dun sa soap eh. Hindi lang ako na-drain, ilang beses na ako ni-refill dun,” he said. Meanwhile, he told ABS-CBN News that he is also uncertain on whether or not his movie with Sarah Geronimo will still push through. “I can’t speak about that because hindi pa sila nagpi-pitch ulit. Ang assignment ko kasi was to do my backstory for the movie. Kasi with the recent developments parang hindi na tuloy ang Sarah (movie). But I cannot speak for Star Cinema. I will only find out once I meet them next week kung ano ang matutuloy,” Pascual said. But the actor stressed that he will definitely do a movie this year. Pascual clarified that he really wanted to work with Geronimo – even in another project. “I really want to work with her but I think it’s not the right project or something like that. We’ll see,” the actor said. (MNS)

Feb 052015
 
LA County to host used oil and filter recycling event in East LA

http://dpw.lacounty.gov/ According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recycling oil helps sustain nonrenewable resources, conserves energy, and saves money. Recycling just two gallons of used oil can generate enough electricity to run the average household for almost 24 hours. To assist in this effort, LA County Public Works will host a free used motor oil and oil filter recycling event on Saturday, February 7, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, at O’Reilly Auto Parts, located at 722 South Atlantic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90022. People who recycle oil filters will receive one new oil filter. In addition, free used oil containers, shop towels, and funnels will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Items for drop-off should be prepared by placing oil filters in sealed plastic bags and storing used motor oil in leak-proof containers. Used oil should not be mixed with any other liquid, including water. Used motor oil and oil filters also can be recycled for free at a local certified collection center or on weekends at a County-sponsored Household Hazardous Waste/Electronic Waste collection event. A full calendar of collection events and list of collection centers can be found at www.CleanLA.com. For additional information on the County’s oil and oil filter recycling program, call Edna Gandarilla, Program Manager, at (626) 458-6536.

Feb 052015
 
Tech guru guy Kawasaki partners with AARP on new web series

‘Technology: It’s Not Just a Guy Thing” Debuts at AARP.org Guy Kawasaki at AARP Studios in Washington, DC. WASHINGTON, D.C.,  – Technology entrepreneur and writer Guy Kawasaki is teaming up with AARP for a new web series about how people who are 50-plus can embrace technology. Debuting at www.aarp.org/guykawasakivideos, “Technology: It’s Not Just a Guy Thing” takes a look at how technology can empower people of all ages and change their lives. Hosted by Gil Asakawa, AARP/Asian American Journalists Association Social Media Fellow, “Technology: It’s Not Just a Guy Thing” will focus on the art of innovation, social media, the fundamentals of graphic design, and how digital media is changing the way we consume information. New episodes will premiere every three weeks until the end of March. “AARP shares my passion for helping people master technology,” said Guy Kawasaki. “Digital tools are creative, empowering, and entertaining and help us stay productive and connected.” “People age 50 and over are hungry for information about technology that they can understand and use,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Markets and Engagement for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience. “Guy Kawasaki, a pioneer in the technology industry, is the perfect person to help us go in depth on topics that are relevant to everyone.” Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva, an online graphic design tool. Formerly, he was an advisor to the Motorola business unit of Google and chief evangelist of Apple. He is also the author of The Read More …

Feb 052015
 
DOT in partnership with China Airlines and GTT International holds  Fam Tour to acquaint travel agents on Taiwan, PHL destinations

Fam tour affords  travel agent-participants new resources and tools for promoting tourism products and services in both countries By Manny V. Ilagan, PDOT-Los Angeles Philippine Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim from Los Angeles, Manny V. Ilagan, Tourism Director-OIC, PDOT-Los Angeles, Depi Cheng of China Airlines, and Eliza Chung of GTT International/Majestic Vacations with the participants of the DOT-China Airlines-GTT International Fam Tour to the Philippines. MANILA – A guided Fam Tour recently conducted jointly by the Philippine Department of Tourism’s United States offices, China Airlines and GTT International/Majestic Vacations focused the spotlight on tourism destinations in both Taiwan and the Philippines. The Fam Tour, the first of its kind that showcased destinations in two countries, was held January 24 to 30, 2015 in line with the Department of Tourism’s marketing campaign to promote the Philippines as part of a twin destination tour packages or an extension vacation destination to other Asian countries. The joint Familiarization Tour, which is participated by Chinese-American, Vietnamese and some Filipino-American travel agents, is seen as an excellent way of increasing the tour operators’ product/destination knowledge to effectively promote, market and sell the Philippines to both individual and group travelers looking for destinations that cater to all kinds of travelers. Philippine Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim from Los Angeles, Manny V. Ilagan, Tourism Director-OIC, PDOT-Los Angeles, Depi Cheng of China Airlines, and Eliza Chung of GTT International/Majestic Vacations with the participants of the DOT-China Airlines-GTT International Fam Tour to the Philippines. The Fam Tour further aims to establish Read More …

Feb 052015
 
Sharon to play Napoles in comeback film?

Sharon Cuneta (MNS Photo) Megastar Sharon Cuneta denied Saturday that her comeback film will be based around the life of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles. In a Facebook post, Cuneta dismissed rumors suggesting that she will portray the Napoles in an upcoming biopic. She also denied that her daughter, KC Concepcion, will be playing the role of Jeane Napoles. “Why is there a rumor going around that my comeback movie will be based on the Janet Lim Napoles story, and with KC playing the role of her daughter?” she wrote. Napoles is currently detained for allegedly diverting millions in pork barrel funds to bogus non-government organizations. “No one has spoken to me about this, and so it is totally untrue,” Cuneta added. “I already have a comeback project waiting, and with a company that has my full trust and respect.” The veteran actress earlier made headlines after she announced her departure from TV5. “I am going to drop clues every now and then as to the things I will be working on which will start sooner than you think!” she said at the time. In 2012, Sharon signed a reported record-breaking P1-billion contract with the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned network. She hosted her own talk show entitled “Kasama Mo, Kapatid,” and became a co-host of a musical variety show “The Mega and the Songwriter” alongside Ogie Alcasid. She also starred in the comedy series “Madam Chairman,” which premiered on 2013. It was her first TV series in 35 Read More …

Feb 042015
 
PNP probers of Mamasapano encounter named

President Benigno S. Aquino III condoles with the family of the fallen Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) Troopers during the Necrological Service at the NCRPO Multi-Purpose Center of Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Friday (January 30). (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday reiterated its vow that justice will be served for the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers killed during a botched anti-terror raid in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. said “no stones will be left unturned” as the Board of Inquiry prepares its investigation on the Mamasapano, Maguindanao encounter. PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Benjamin Magalong will head the BOI. He is joined by Chief Supt. Catalino Rodriguez, head of the PNP Directorate for Research and Development; and Chief Supt. John Susito. An Operational Audit Team will also be looking into the details of the operation “from start to finish.” It will be composed of Sr. Supt. Benigno Durano, Sr. Supt. Ceasar Binag, and Sr. Supt. Robert Po. Cerbo again assured that the families of the slain policemen will be receiving financial assistance amounting to at least P1 million. The families will also be receiving other benefits such as a monthly pension and scholarships. An officer will be assigned to each family to help them with the requirements. Meanwhile, 13 SAF members remain in hospitals, most of them in Metro Manila. The PNP said they will be receiving benefits as well. (MNS)

Feb 042015
 
MILF to decommission firearms in February

PEACE ADVOCATES UNITE FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE. Peace and social justice advocates led by former Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani, Atty. Christian Monsod and Akbayan Chairperson Risa Hontiveros reiterated their call to render justice to all those who perished in the Mamasapano incident and for lasting peace in Mindanao. KUALA LUMPUR (Mabuhay) – The peace panels on Saturday announced that the ceremonial decommissioning of forces and firearms of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) would take place in February. The decommissioning or disarmament of the MILF is considered the most tangible proof that the Moro secessionist movement had ended and the rebels were now ready to lay down their firearms. “To the MILF, decommissioning is not only an emotional issue, it is an ultimate sacrifice. It is also sensitive, that it is almost a taboo to discuss. But there is no other way, there is no escaping that decommissioning MILF weapons and combatants – and putting beyond use –  have to be undertaken by MILF, as part of the comprehensive normalization process of the Bangsamoro (under the CAB),” MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said. The peace panels led by Iqbal and government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer held a joint press conference to address the bloody Mamasapano incident that threw a monkey wrench in the peace process. Turkish ambassador Hayder Berk, head of the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB), said at the press briefing that “decommissioning is an important and integral part” of the peace process. He also stressed the need for “trust and Read More …

Feb 042015
 
LTFRB to regulate Uber, other taxi apps

Firefighters struggle to put out the fire at a residential area in Andrews Avenue in Maricaban District, Pasay City Sunday. The fire, which reached its fourth alarm, razed 3,000 houses, according to reports. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Winston Ginez said they are planning to regulate taxi booking apps such as Grab Taxi, Easy Taxi and Uber. During a hearing of the House committee on transportation, Ginez said the draft order would officially categorize these apps as “transport network companies.” These are distinct from transport service vehicles which can be public utility vehicles accredited by the TNCs. Ginez insisted that these companies will be regulated, citing public safety. They will be required to have certificates of public conveyance before operating once the rules are implemented. The draft rules are the product of consultations with stakeholders. Ginez said TNCs cater to “millennials” who have access to digital apps. TNCs will be be required to have separate insurance aside from passenger insurance of operators. TNCs must have zero tolerance for drug and alcohol use by their drivers. The LTFRB said they will not accredit TNCs who won’t take liabilities for any problems in the operations. The TNC definition doesn’t cover pre-booked taxi services via text or phone call, and should be done by a digital platform. The LTFRB said TNCs are not to be considered public utility vehicles but they will still be accredited. Ginez said the LTFRB is supportive of new approaches to addressing Read More …

Feb 042015
 
Record 56.4 million tourists flocked to NY in 2014

Ice skaters in New York’s Central Park©Stuart Monk/shutterstock.com (New York–AFP) – A record 56.4 million tourists visited New York last year, drawn by its diverse culture, low crime and “dynamism,” and generating $61.3 billion for America’s largest city, officials said Monday. The number of visitors tops the previous record of 54.3 million in 2013, with steady increases every year since 2009, city hall said. More than 42 million tourists came from elsewhere in the United States, while among foreign visitors those from Britain, Canada, Brazil, France, China, Australia and Germany were the most common, in that order. “Our excellent quality of life, low levels of crime and constant dynamism continue to attract record tourism each year, and 2014 was no exception,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. The New York tourist industry employs 359,000 people and generates $21 billion in wages, city hall said.

Feb 042015
 
Philippines opens mammoth casino-resort, seeking high-rollers

Signature Club: Located at the lobby of Crown Towers, exclusive members-only Signature Club presents a lavish private gaming experience with its very own private salons and more unparalleled privileges for the favored few. Manila (Philippines) –  AFP (Joel GUINTO) A new mega-casino opened in the Philippines Monday as the fast-growing southeast Asian nation ups its bid to become a world gaming destination. Manila aims to rival Macau and Las Vegas in terms of gaming revenues, and the ‘City of Dreams’ is the latest in a string of casinos that have opened in recent years. The new casino is an imposing structure on Manila Bay with six gleaming golden towers surrounding a giant egg-shaped dome, and industry and government leaders hope that it will attract cashed-up tourists from other parts of Asia. The casino is a joint venture between the country’s richest man Henry Sy, Australian billionaire James Packer and Lawrence Ho, son of Macau casino mogul Stanley Ho. “The goal is to find the best (sites) in Asia… The Philippines is one of the fastest growing economies anywhere in the world. We’ve seen the market really pick up,” Ho told reporters. Ho also acknowledged the huge cost of building the resort. The Philippine government requires a minimum $1 billion investment for new casinos built in the area. Packer said jokingly that the resort was inspired by Hollywood movies “Casino” and “Oceans Eleven”, and Robert de Niro, Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio have appeared on giant billboards and TV commercials to Read More …