Maniolas

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 kick-off ceremony at The Eye Ballroom of the Green Sun Hotel in Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City on Monday night (December 01). (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – For President Benigno Aquino III, 2015 is a “pivotal” year for the Philippines, as the government would have a chance to project the country in the international arena, while preparing to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation-World Leaders’ Summit in November. In his message on Wednesday to newly designated diplomats to the Philippines, Aquino said 2015 will be an opportunity for his administration to showcase its gains to the world. “2015 is a pivotal year. We have already welcomed the first batch of delegates for APEC 2015, and we will continue welcoming guests and dignitaries from all over the world, all of whom will be able to personally witness the large-scale positive transformation of our country,” the President said. Also, Aquino assured the envoys he will continue his reform programs as his presidency draws to a close. Moreover, he said “2015 also provides another excellent opportunity for us to strengthen the gains of reform, explore avenues of cooperation, and… reinforce our ties with partners and friends both at home and abroad.” The Philippines has started hosting events leading to the high-level APEC meeting in November. This year’s summit will focus on “building inclusive economies,” which echoes the Aquino administration’s push for inclusive growth. Some 11.4 million families considered themselves Read More …

Senator Grace Poe (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes on Wednesday said he is willing to assist Sen. Grace Poe if she decides to run for higher office in 2016. Brillantes, who is set to retire as poll chief on February 2, said he will go back to private practice after his one-year ban from practicing electoral law is finished. “I cannot practice election laws for one year when I leave the Comelec. So by February 2016, before the elections, I might be able to come back, not as an acting practitioner but probably consultant to some candidates. If any presidential candidate would like some advice, I could probably give some advice,” he said. Asked who he will back in 2016, he joked: “The one who will pay the highest! I am just joking. I don’t want to make any commitment.” However, he also said he will probably help Poe if she decides to run in the 2016 polls. “Well if she runs in 2016, I will probably assist or help,” he said. Brillantes served as election lawyer of Poe’s father, the late actor Fernando Poe Jr., during his electoral campaign in 2004. He also served as the election lawyer of Benigno Aquino III during the 2010 presidential election. Senator Poe is reportedly being eyed as a possible presidential candidate of the Liberal Party in the 2016 polls. (MNS)

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels — entry courtyard with fountain, in Downtown Los Angeles, California. (photo courtesy of http://en.wikipedia.org/) On Sunday, January 18, 2015 at 3:30 pm, a mass sponsored by Santo Niño Cruzada USA with the participations of the Cathedral Knights of Columbus and a Sinulog Group will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels to celebrate its 28th year anniversary of the solemn Feast of Santo Niño, the Divine Infant Jesus. During the 16th century, the first Santo Niño statue was given by the Spaniards to the Queen of Cebu. Although the devotion to the Divine Infant has roots in Europe, Filipinos are known for their fervent devotion to the Infant Jesus, celebrating with religious and civic activities. As a result, Filipino immigrants brought their Santo Niño to the United States to be their spiritual recourse, assistance and protector. We celebrated the first Feast of Santo Niño on January 10, 1986 at then Saint Vibiana’s Cathedral in Los Angeles. It was in the summer of 1988 that the original group of Santo Niño devotees was formally organized under the name, Cruzada de Santo Niño, and had the election of officers

Lourdes “Odette” A. Ricasa is a globetrotting traveler, author, poet, painter and realtor who has traveled to 257 countries and has accumulated a total of 1.8 million flight time miles, having been awarded a certificate by the Travelers’ Century Club, honoring her for travelling to more than 250 countries worldwide for constant travelling. For the past 14 years, Odette has likewise established a travel group called National Travel Club whose monthly meetings have guest speakers presenting and sharing their travel experiences worldwide. World traveler, author, poet Odette Ricasa in front of Golestan Palace, Iran. Her passion for traveling began when she was in high school and dreamt to live in the US to enable her to travel the world. And that’s exactly what she did when she immigrated here, ‘got married and worked two jobs, setting aside all their extra income for travel expenses. For Odette, “travel gives a new concept in my spirituality. I love the sounds, the smell, the laughter and social temper of the world…When I board a plane, there is soulfulness that cheers my soul – embracing civilization and the beauty of our planet; it symbolizes people’s lives and culture.” Further, Odette writes: “travel is an indescribable joy, a dash of rainbow, a strong determination to see the smiling sky and feel the warm earth. A sudden feeling of strength, in a sort of confused reverie with colossal nerves, we continue to destinations to have a special meaning; we end up discovering mysterious things. It is important to have a Read More …

Giovanna Fontanilla (2nd left), director of the University of Santo Tomas Community Development Office, announces Pope Francis’ activities when he visits the pontifical university during his trip to the Philippines in January. The Pope will meet with leaders of various religions and youth representatives. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Pope Francis has been honing his English speaking skills for his upcoming visit to the Philippines on January 15 to 19, the Vatican said on Wednesday. Translating Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi’s speech at a press conference on Wednesday, Pontificio Collegio Filippino rector Fr. Gregory Ramon Gaston in an interview on state-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), said the Italian and Spanish-speaking Pope will deliver all his speeches and homilies in English. “Pinaghahandaan niya talaga… Hindi lang inihahanda ang texts na gagamitin, kung hindi, pina-practice kung paano ito sasabihin, ang mga text na ito,” Gaston said. He added that should the Argentine Pope encounter any difficulties with the language, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle will translate for him. Gaston also pointed out that since some Filipinos know how to speak in Spanish, the Pope may use that to communicate. “Marami rin marunong mag-Spanish sa Philippines, so baka mag-konting Espanyol siya,” he noted. He also said the Pope is now more confident with his English-speaking skills after he successfully spoke the language in some of his speeches during his visit to South Korea last year. Pope Francis will also be speaking English during his trip to Sri Lanka, where he will spend Read More …