Maniolas

‘Federal Republic of the Philippines’ By Jelly F. Musico President Rodrigo R. Duterte is assisted by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez in waving the Philippine Flag during the Send-off Ceremony for the Philippines’ delegation to the Rio Olympics 2016 at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday, July 18, 2016. Also in the photo is Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Jose ‘Peping’ Cojuangco. (MNS photo) MANILA  (PNA) – Presumptive Senate President Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III is expecting President Rodrigo Duterte to push the shift of the form of government to federalism in his first state of the nation address (SONA) on Monday. ”I’m hoping to hear some priority legislative suggestions from president and the shift to federalism,” Pimentel said in a Senate media interview. Pimentel, whose bid for Senate presidency has the support of at least 15 senators, said he is also hoping for the president to prioritize the income tax reform. ”Perhaps it’s (SONA) like a reportorial unless he has an idea of a new law or policy that needs congressional cooperation. Basta federalism ang aking hinihintay,” Pimentel said. As expected, Pimentel said Pres. Duterte will also mention his ongoing all-out war against crimes, illegal drugs and corruption. In the Senate, outgoing Senate President Franklin Drilon filed last July 3 a resolution calling for a constitutional convention to review the 1987 Constitution. Drilon said that Resolution of Both Houses No. 1 calls for a convention, whose members shall be elected by January next year, Read More …

Jacinto Ng (L), Asia United Bank (AUB) Corp chairman, leads the ceremonial ringing of the bell at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), as Anita Ng (2nd L), PSE Chairman Jose Pardo (2nd R) and PSE official Vivian Yuchengco look on, in a financial district of Makati city, metro Manila May 17, 2013. Philippine lender Asia United Bank Corp jumped as much as 9.5 percent on its market debut on Friday after an oversubscribed public offer, the first listing since the country won investment rating upgrades from two agencies this year. (MNS photo) MANILA  (PNA) – The local stock market closed at its new 2016 high above 8,000-level on Tuesday on positive corporate earnings prospects and stable economic outlook. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) advanced 49.76 points or 0.62 percent to 8,036.01 from previous day’s 7,986.25 finish. This is the second time the local stock barometer breached the 8,000-mark this year but still lower than the record high level of 8,127 achieved in April last year. “Expectations of better second-quarter earnings boosted prices higher,” said Jonathan Ravelas, chief strategist at Banco de Oro Unibank. Ravelas believes that the index has “still some gas” to retry the 8,136 levels in the near-term. Victor Felix, equity analyst at AB Capital Securities, said the local bourse also rallied on stable economic outlook by the Asian Development Bank. The ADB has maintained its economic growth projection for the Philippines at 6 percent this year and 6.1 percent for 2017. All counters rose moderately, except Read More …

Architect Dominic Galicia presents the architectural design of the “Tree of Life” in the shape of a DNA strand that will be at the center of the new National Museum of Natural History. WASHINGTON, DC – Art and science enthusiasts and members of the Filipino community gathered at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy on Friday, 15 July 2016, for a presentation by Architect Dominic Galicia on the creation of the new National Museum of Natural History in Manila’s Rizal Park. The Museum of Natural History will be housed in the building of the former Department of Tourism located beside the Museum of Filipino People, former Senate building and the National Gallery of Art, which is the former Department of Finance building. No changes will be made to the building’s façade which follows a neoclassical style dating back to the pre World War II era. The museum’s retrofitting will follow an environmental theme and will use environment-friendly technology. Architect Dominic Galicia and interior designer Tina Periquet are in charge of the museum’s design. A “Tree of Life” in the shape of a DNA strand will be at the center of the building and a glass dome will cover its central courtyard. “Similar to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History here in Washington, D.C., our very own National Museum of Natural History will serve both as a symbol and an institution geared towards understanding how nature continues to shape the Filipino way of life. It promises to tell us our origins Read More …

AFI head praises designer for “Rock The Runway” fundraiser on July 28 in Avalon Hollywood (Leftmost) Celebrity designer Rocky Gathercole will feature a collection for the exciting “Rock the Runway” on July 28 at the landmark Avalon Hollywood. (Center) From left, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. (ALKFI) Chief Finance Officer Noemi B. Samson, Rocky Gathercole, ALKFI Donor Management Head Josine Reyes and ABS-CBN Integrated Public Service Head and ABS-CBN Foundation International Managing Director Jerry Bennett during the visit of Gathercole to the Foundation office in Manila. Gathercole chose one of the Foundation’s core programs – Bantay Bata (Child Watch) – as the beneficiary of “Rock the Runway”. (Photo by Marianne De Vera/ABS-CBN Global Corporate Affairs & PR). (Right) Couture and Compassion meet via “Rock The Runway”, a benefit event featuring the designs of Rocky Gathercole. HOLLYWOOD, CA  – A heartwarming lovefest ensued upon the recent visit of Rocky Gathercole, famed Filipino designer to the biggest music stars, to the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya (Family Service) Foundation, Inc. or ALKFI. The designer to celebrities like Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez and Carrie Underwood dropped by to express his commitment to helping one of ALKFI’s core programs called, Bantay Bata (Child Watch), Asia’s model for child care services. Gathercole was warmly welcomed by ALKFI Chief Finance Officer Noemi B. Samson, ALKFI Donor Management Head Josine Reyes and concurrent ABS-CBN Integrated Public Service Head and ABS-CBN Foundation International Managing Director Jerry Bennett during his visit. Come July 28, at the landmark Avalon Hollywood, Gathercole will unveil a collection for the show, “Rock The Runway”, proceeds of which will benefit Bantay Bata.  The Read More …

DRILON’S EULOGY TO BENITEZ: Senate President Franklin M. Drilon delivers his eulogy to the late Senator Helena Benitez, who passed away last Thursday at the age of 102. “Senator Helena Benitez was one of the fortunate people who were blessed with a long life. She did not only bring honor to her family, community and country, she also opened doors that were previously closed to women. In her lifetime, she paved the way and inspired Filipino women to persevere and prosper in their fields of endeavor,” Drilon said.(MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – Lawmakers from the present and past Congresses gathered at the Senate Tuesday to pay their last respects to former Senator Helena Benitez, who passed away on July 14 at the age of 102. The necrological services began shortly past 10 a.m., after the urn containing Benitez’s ashes was brought to the Senate session hall. Among the lawmakers who attended the event were outgoing Senate President Franklin Drilon, Senators Risa Hontiveros, Loren Legarda, Vicente Sotto III and Leila de Lima, and former senators Wigberto Tañada, Leticia Ramos Shahani and Santanina Rasul. SENATE RESOLUTION: Senate President Franklin M. Drilon (4th from right) presents a Senate resolution expressing its sympathy and sincere condolences to the family of former Senator Helena Z. Benitez, during a necrological service at the Senate, July 19, 2016. Benitez died at the age of 102. In photo are Benitez’s family, led by her niece, Petty Benitez-Johannot (fourth from left), Commission on Higher Education chair Patricia B. Licuanan Read More …