Maniolas

In this photo taken Feb. 25, 2014 by surveillance planes and released Thursday, May 15, 2014, by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, a Chinese vessel, top center, is used to expand structures and land on the Johnson Reef, called Mabini by the Philippines and Chigua by China, at the Spratly Islands at South China Sea, Philippines. The Philippines has protested China’s reclamation of land in the disputed reef in the South China Sea that can be used to build an airstrip or an offshore military base in the increasingly volatile region, the country’s top diplomat and other officials said Wednesday, May 14, 2014. The white arrow was added by the source. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has already protested China’s reported reclamation project on a disputed reef in the South China Sea. Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario said the DFA sent a note verbale to China on October 10 regarding its reported construction activities, including the building of an airstrip, on Fiery Cross or Kagitingan Reef. “We looked at our records and discovered that a note verbale has already been sent,” he told reporters at the sidelines of the DFA’s budget deliberations in the Senate on Tuesday. “We were protesting the activity,” he said in an ambush interview. The Philippines includes Kagitingan Reef within its territory as part of the Kalayaan Group of Islands. China, meanwhile, claims almost the entire South China Sea as its own, covering territories claimed by the Philippines, Read More …

LBC office LBC continues to deliver smiles all around the world by opening a bigger and better branch in Carson City. The grand opening was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 21636 Figueroa St. Carson, CA 90745. This is actually not the first time LBC has opened a branch in Carson. In fact, LBC has been present in Carson for many years since the late 80′s. But according to Mr. Michael Salomon, LBC’s Vice President for Operations in Northern California, LBC believes that by moving to this new location they will be able to provide better service by making the location more accessible and convenient for the Filipino residents in Carson. This new branch is relatively close to most local Filipino stores and restaurants that Pinoy residents in Carson frequently visit. LBC Carson branch employees eagerly await customers at their newly opened branch. “Our main goal is really to continue to strive to make life more convenient for the Filipinos,” said Mr. Michael Salomon.  And with this in mind, LBC has been providing quality service for money remittance, ocean and air forwarding to the Philippines for many years. LBC does not only move boxes, it also aims to move lives through their various retail products and services. In fact, LBC currently has an on-going promo called “Smile and Drive,” through which, LBC is giving away $250,000 worth of prizes. A total of 9 brand new Toyota Corollas will also be raffled off to LBC customers who Read More …

The 2014 MiniMini is trimming back its range from eight to five models.©Mini (Relaxnews) – BMW has announced that it’s to cut the Mini range down to size in order to focus on five key ‘Superhero’ models. And to give customers even greater levels of care and service. Speaking at an event at BMW’s headquarters in Munich, the Mini brand’s chief, Peter Schwarzenbauer said that the decision was to ensure each new Mini really stands with its own personality and capabilities “Like a superhero.” When BMW resurrected the Mini in 2001 it did so with a single model available in three levels of trim and performance. However, over the past 13 years the range has slowly swollen and there are currently eight different Minis available plus limited edition models. But rather than diluting the brand, the expansion has worked — Mini is enjoying record sales — and has led to some imitation, most notably from Fiat with its equally retro-styled 500 being stretched into a range including a five-door model, a people carrier and most recently, a crossover miniature SUV. Although Schwarzenbauer wouldn’t be drawn on specifics, the cars most likely to get the chop will be the Paceman, the Coupé and the Roadster. Slimming down the range will also give Mini the space to add new levels of customer care and individual service. Bringing a premium touch to the mass market car buying experience is a growing trend. Citroën has recently spun out its DS range as a separate premium Read More …

by Elena Johnson Chimichurri is a fresh and simple sauce commonly used in Argentina. It gives a vibrant, herbal flavor to any food it accompanies. Here, I’ve paired it with marinated grilled tofu. Chimichurri is also a delicious compliment to grilled seitan (wheat protein), grilled asparagus, and sautéed mushrooms. Chimichurri Tofu Chimichurri Tofu Makes 16 pieces (2) 14-oz. blocks extra firm tofu, drained Marinade: 1 ½ Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. black pepper 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 2 Tbsp. olive oil Chimichurri: ½ cup parsley, finely chopped 5 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. black pepper ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper ⅓ cup olive oil Wrap each block of tofu in a few paper towels and place them side by side on a large plate. Set another plate on top of the tofu, and weigh it down with something heavy (e.g. cans of beans or a cast iron pan). Press and drain the tofu for at least 20 minutes, then remove the plates and paper towels. Slice each block of tofu crosswise into 8 even pieces. Whisk marinade ingredients together in a shallow casserole dish. Place tofu slices in the dish and turn them over to coat all sides. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, turning occasionally. Meanwhile make the chimichurri. In a small bowl mix parsley, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Mix in the olive oil and set aside to allow the flavors to meld. Place Read More …

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago attends the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing of the P10 billion Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam Thursday, November 7. Santiago reminded Napoles that she cannot just invoke her right against self-incrimination (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is supporting a proposed measure of Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago which seeks the creation of a presidential debate commission. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said requiring presidential and vice-presidential aspirants to face each other in a debate would be for the benefit of the voters. “Pagdating sa lebel ng presidential, nagiging issue dito ang pagsipot ng kandidato. Kung bahagi na ng batas ang debate, na talagang itinalaga for this purpose, siguro mas lalalim ang usapan pagdating sa mga isyu at iba’t ibang plataporma ng mga kandidato,” Jimenez said. Santiago’s Senate Bill 1797 seeks to establish a Presidential Debate Commission which will “schedule the debates for the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, submit reports evaluating the debates scheduled by the Commission itself and by other agencies, organization or the mass media, and formulate the guidelines for the adoption of the best format for the debates.” Santiago’s bill remains pending with the Senate committee on electoral reforms and people’s participation. Jimenez believes the public wants the presidential debates institutionalized. “Nararamdaman namin na gusto rin talaga ng publiko. Ang kailangan eh matimbrehan ang mga kongresista na ito ang gusto ng kanilang constituency,” he said. (MNS)