BMI Online Editor

Jul 102016
 

CEBU CITY (PNA) – Thai Smile Airways has announced it will offer Bangkok-Cebu-Bangkok direct air services starting in October this year. Thai Smile, in a press statement by the Department of Tourism (DOT), said it will fly to Cebu daily, three times weekly in the morning and four times weekly in the afternoon. The airline will be using an Airbus A320 with 162 dual class seats, with 12 business class and 150 economy class seats. Cebu Association of Tour Operators president Edilberto Mendoza Jr. welcomed the entry of a new airline with a direct flight to another country. “It is really good news for all of us who loves to go to Bangkok. Cebu is really opening its doors to the rest of the world. Thanks to our new airport expansion that is opening very soon,” Mendoza said. Stephanie Villahermosa, managing director of Divaishnavi International Inc., a travel and tour agency, said Thai Smile’s entry to Cebu will definitely add “more fun, endless possibilities and wonders.” Thai Smile Airways is the regional airline and wholly-owned subsidiary of Thai Airways. Based in Thailand, it began operation in July 2012. The daily Bangkok-Cebu-Bangkok route is in addition to Thai Smile’s five international routes and 12 domestic routes in Thailand. Thai Smile executive Wutcharin Thatan said the airline expects a good amount of traffic from both ends, considering Bangkok is one of the popular destinations among Filipino business and leisure travelers. Thailand is also located strategically between the Philippines and Europe, the Middle Read More …

Jul 102016
 
Freedom of Information Act ready for the 17th Congress

Proponents of the Freedom of Information bill hail the technical working group of the House committee on Public Information for the approval of its consolidated version on Wednesday (September 3, 2014) at the House of Representatives in Batasan Complex, Quezon City. From left are Paranaque City Rep. Gustavo Tambunting; Ang NARS party list Rep. Leah Paquiz; Committee on Public Information chairman and Misamis Occidental Rep. Jorge Almonte; Cebu Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia; Akbayan party-list Rep. Barry Gutierrez and Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — A lawmaker has re-filed the proposed Freedom of Information Act to fully promote good governance, accountability and transparency in all branches of the government. Rep. Raul V. Del Mar (1st District, Cebu City) said the still unnumbered bill seeks to strengthen the right of Filipino citizens to information held by the government by full public disclosure of all government transactions involving public interest. “This same measure was already approved on third and final reading during the 16th Congress. However, due to lack of quorum of the last session day, the subject Conference Committee report was not ratified,” Del Mar said. Under the bill, request of information shall be free of charge and could be requested personally, by electronic means or by mail to the government agency concerned. The FOI Act shall cover the executive, legislative and judicial branches which shall include the national government and all its agencies, departments, bureaus, constitutional commissions and mandated bodies, offices of the Senators and Representatives, the Supreme Read More …

Jul 102016
 
Marian to rest from showbiz as Zia almost turns one

Marian Rivera (MNS photo) Marian Rivera intends to take a break from regular TV work now that her daughter Zia is almost one year old. Rivera said she has told her management that her daughter is her topmost priority and that she wants to witness Zia’s toddler years. “Hindi naman lingid sa kaalaman na kapag nagpakasal ka, automatic niyan magkakaanak ka. Nakipag-usap ako sa management ko and very honest naman ako na ang priority ko ay bumuo ng isang pamilya and pangarap ko talagang magkaanak,” she said. According to Rivera, she only agreed to have her morning show prolonged but will definitely take a rest from showbiz after its four-week extension. “Nag-extend ako ng four weeks pero after nun sabi ko, ire-rest ko na muna kasi ang hirap magka-soap. Lumalaki kasi ‘yung anak ko. Sa stage na ito, hindi ko kayang iwan. Aalis ako ng bahay, tulog si Zia. Pag-uwi ko, tulog. Ang sakit para sa akin. So sabi ko, palakihin ko muna ‘yung anak ko and then after niyan, doon pwede na ulit sumabak,” she said. Meanwhile, the actress-host also shared how grateful she is to Kris Aquino, who made her first TV appearance on her show after going on a showbiz hiatus. After the May elections, Aquino went to the United States with her sons where they had a vacation for two months. She returned to the Philippines days before her brother, former President Benigno Auqino III, ended his term. “Para ma-interview ko ang isang Kris Aquino, siyempre Read More …

Jul 102016
 
Enchong now willing to accept more daring roles

Enchong Dee (MNS Photo) Actor Enchong Dee, who is marking his 10th anniversary in showbiz, plans to reinvent himself by taking on characters that are far from his usual “boy-next-door” roles. The 27-year-old is currently promoting his new movie “I Love You To Death” with Kiray Celis. “Ayoko na nung the usual siguro, ‘yung boy-next-door. Sawang-sawa ka na. Pero siyempre, hindi mo naman maiiwasan ‘yon, babalik at babalik ka rin because ‘yon nga ‘yung strength mo. Siguro I will do that once and then, I will do other things. Kumbaga, variation,” he said. According to Dee, he is also ready to accept more daring roles, including those that may require nudity. “Pag-iisipan ko ‘yon,” he said. “Hindi naman tayo ‘yung basta, ‘O dito sa proyektong ito, maghuhubad ka.’ Okay, maghuhubad ako, ano ang kuwento?” He is even open to do a same-sex kissing scene. “I don’t mind. I will do it. Sabi ko nga, kung yun ang nakaplano,” he said, adding that as long as he likes the project, he will give it his all. “Bilang artista, ang trabaho namin ay hindi maging bida, hindi maging paulit-ulit. Ang trabaho namin ay pag-aralan ang trabahong nabigay sa amin. At kapag nagsabi ka ng yes sa proyektong ‘yun, kaakibat nun ang maraming bagay,” he said. “Kaakibat nun ‘yung promo, hindi ka nagrereklamo sa set, nakikitungo ka sa lahat ng katrabaho mo, simply because you said yes,” he added.(MNS)

Jul 102016
 
‘Going Green’ to honor the late OC Green advocate Linda Sarno

Rational occupants of the planet Earth are rallying to save and conserve the resources that God has placed in their hands if they still so desire to enjoy what is has to offer in this generation and the next. This is plain and basic faithfulness to the concept of stewardship which had gone berserk with irrational abuses that man has subjected the environment and now are reaping the expected results of their blatant disregard for their discordant behavior. The world, fortunately is heeding the wake up call that if man doesn’t do his share in conserving and protecting, or being good stewards of the natural resources that surround him, he himself will be among the first victims of this utter disregard. Already, in many parts of the world, governments are joining the advocacy to arrest the damage resulting from many years of neglect. In Orange, conservationists and green advocates will bring to focus their shares in stewarding resources to help arrest the harmful effect of years of utter disrespect for nature. The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County joins this year’s effort,  its eight consecutive years of faithful advocacy, in raising public consciousness on this burning concern and elicit wider support in saving the planet from destruction. “Green” Fil-Am Chamber -The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County will host this year’s 8th Annual Green, Conserve and Health Expo on August 4th at the Pacific Ballroom of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel in honor of the late Atty. Read More …

Jul 102016
 
OUTLANDER among  Kelley Blue Book’s ‘Most Affordable Three-Row Vehicles ‘

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, recognized for having over 100 improvements as compared to the 2015 model-year, has been rated third in Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com list of 10 Most Affordable Three-Row Vehicles of 2016. Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com editors highlight the 10 new 2016 model-year affordable vehicles that can seat seven or eight passengers, perfect for families on a budget. The list features six minivans and four SUVs, with prices ranging from $23,000 to $30,000. “We set a new value standard for the brand when we launched the 2016 Outlander last year, and to see it is recognized by such an informative and trusted source in the automotive industry confirms that Mitsubishi is making a name for itself in the SUV/CUV segment,” said Don Swearingen, Chief Operating Officer, MMNA. “Our objective was to provide consumers with a reliable, value-oriented vehicle that offers them the technology, safety and utility today’s families require; this shows we are doing just that.” Each of the 10 featured vehicles detail fuel economy, horsepower, pricing information, photos, links to both expert and consumer reviews and ratings, and more. Ranked as number three the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is recognized for continuing to reward buyers with more features for their money, and offering impressive warranties (5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty). For more information, visit Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com: http://mediaroom.kbb.com/10-most-affordable-three-row-vehicles-2016  

Jul 092016
 
FACC-SLAA holds workshop on social media marketing on July 11

Carson, CA – The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce South Bay will hold its second entrepreneurial workshop on Monday, July 11 at the Double Tree by Hilton Carson Hotel at 2 Civic Plaza Drive at 6:30 pm. The hotel is right across CarsonCommunity Center. The business workshop will be conducted by Sweeney Mae, a marketing coach and marketing manager of South Bay Pavilion. Among the topics which will be discussed area are social media marketing, display advertising, E-commerce, viral, inbound and video marketing and downloading apps to enhance marketing. Sweeney Mae said, “Social media isn’t a place to do hard sell. It’s a platform to allow your customers and prospects to learn more about who you are.” She stressed that social media must be used to strengthen the brands of the products or service that businesses provide. Cynthia Tan, president of the FACC-SLAA added that the workshop is free. A major sponsor of the business workshop is Tesoro Carson. For more information, call 310. 987.8886 or go to the facebook page FACC-SLAA. 

Jul 072016
 
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents ‘Out Of This World’

A cosmic family adventure light years beyond your expectations The all-new, immersive production debuts of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents “Out Of This World” on the West Coast for the first time in the 145 year history of Ringling Bros., marking the national tour’s World Premiere at Staples Center in Los Angeles; playing Staples Center from July 14 – 19, followed by Citizens Business Bank Arena/Ontario from July 22 – 26 and rounding out the Southland engagement at the Honda Center/Anaheim from July 29 – August 7. First-Ever West Coast National Tour Debut Blasts Off July 14th – August 7th Throughout Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) – Prepare to blast off on an intergalactic adventure for space-age family fun as the ultimate circus experience launches into the future with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Out Of This World. Audiences will take the helm to join the Circus Space Fleet on a heroic quest of good versus evil that will let imaginations run wild with unexpected surprises and thrills at every turn. This all-new, immersive production debuts on the West Coast for the first time in the 145 year history of Ringling Bros., marking the national tour’s World Premiere at Staples Center in Los Angeles; playing Staples Center from July 14 – 19, followed by Citizens Business Bank Arena/Ontario from July 22 – 26 and rounding out the Southland engagement at the Honda Center/Anaheim from July 29 – August 7. Through the lens of a magic telescope, Read More …

Jul 072016
 
Duterte admin not relying on BPO as growth driver

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte salutes the colors with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana at the 69th Anniversary of the Philippine Air Force at Air Force City in Clark Field, Pampanga. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — The business process outsourcing (BPO) sector continues to be a major growth driver of Philippine economy, but the economic managers of the Duterte administration are not keen on relying too much on the sector as technological advancements may lead to a decline in its contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP). “Secretary Dominguez is raising concerns on BPO. We should not be too reliant on BPO. It might change in the future,” newly-appointed Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno told reporters in a briefing in Pasay City. Finance Secretary Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez III said the country has to prepare and make sure that the economy will not be affected in case the demand for manpower will no longer be as robust as it is now. Although this may not be in the immediate future, manpower may be taken over by artificial intelligence, the Cabinet official noted. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte addresses Philippine Air Force 69th anniversary celebration at Haribon Hangar, Clark Air Base in Pampanga. (MNS photo) “We just want to make sure we are prepared if there are any breakthrough developments in new technology for artificial intelligence,” Dominguez said. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed the services sector, which includes BPO, was the main driver for the first quarter gross domestic product (GDP). Read More …

Jul 072016
 
Dela Rosa on naming of suspects: I can’t question president’s wisdom

Philippine National Police Chief Director-General Ronald dela Rosa answers questions during a press conference at Camp Crame, Wednesday. Three high-ranking PNP officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs tagged by President Duterte reported to Dela Rosa to clear their names. (MNS photo) MANILA, July 7 (Mabuhay) — Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa firmly said Thursday he has no right to question the President Rodrigo Duterte’s naming of top police officials allegedly linked to illegal drug syndicates. In an interview on News To Go, Dela Rosa said when pressed for comments on Duterte’s dropping of names: “The President is the President. I cannot question his wisdom. Alam niya ang ginagawa niya.” He has sufficient information to back up his claims, he added. During the Philippine Air Force’s 69th anniversary on Tuesday, Duterte named Joel Pagdilao, Edgardo Tinio, Vicente Loot, Bernardo Diaz, and Marcelo Garbo Jr. as among police officials linked to drug rings. Earlier reports, however, said Malacañang had refused to disclose pieces of evidence of Duterte’s claims against former and active police officials, citing the constitutional right of suspects “to due process.” Asked if the PNP have documents linking the accused to illegal drugs trade, Dela Rosa again said that [the documents] are classified and disclosure to public is prohibited. “As I’ve said, kung mayroon [man] kaming hawak [na ebidensya] hindi namin sasabihin dahil wala pang nai-file na kaso. Classified ang mga dokumento na ‘yan,” he added. Under the supervision of the Department of Interior and Local Government, the National Read More …