Maniolas

Sylvia La Torre and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle The Philippines’ legendary veteran entertainer, Sylvia La Torre, and her granddaughter, Broadway performer and TV-film actress Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, will be the special guests in the August 13 concert of the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO). La Torre and Perez de Tagle will perform a duet and solo numbers with FASO, the only Filipino symphony orchestra outside of the Philippines. The beloved icon and her talented granddaughter singing with a full orchestra will be a landmark Filipino-American musical event. FASO, under the baton of musical director and conductor Robert “Bob” Shroder, will also play “Peter & the Wolf,” Sergei Prokofiev’s well-loved children’s classic (to be narrated by Joan Almedilla), cherished movie and television tunes, including themes from “Stars Wars” and “Harry Potter” films, Broadway favorites and Filipino music gems. Titled “FASO Plays Prokofiev’s ‘Peter & the Wolf,’ ” the exciting concert for children and adults will be staged on Saturday, August 13, at the John Wayne Performing Arts Center at 1440 E. Broadway, Glendale, California 91205. It will be La Torre and Perez de Tagle’s first time to collaborate musically with FASO. La Torre, a national music treasure who joined a singing contest at the age of five in 1938 in Manila, is acknowledged as the first Filipino artist to enjoy a hugely successful career in all major entertainment fields in the Philippines: radio, television, record, stage and film. Now based in California, La Torre, known as the Queen of Kundiman Read More …

Jasmine Curtis-Smith (MNS Photo) Jasmine Curtis-Smith was at a loss for words when she was informed that she will be working with multi-awarded actress Vilma Santos in her next movie. Curtis-Smith said she loves working with experienced actors in the entertainment industry because she can learn from them. “Actually when we had a meeting, nagulat ako na siya ‘yung binanggit na actress. Sabi ko, ‘Are you sure about this?’ My gosh naka-work ko na si Superstar, tapos ngayon ka-work ko naman si Ate Vi na favorite ni mommy. I was beyond happy not only for myself but naisip ko, my gosh, my mom will definitely come home for this. Ako, swerte ko lang. I’m very thankful,” she said. Curtis-Smith appeared in the 2014 indie film “Dementia” with Nora Aunor. She said she might play the role of Santos’ daughter in the still-untitled project, which will be directed by Quark Henares. With her steady stream of TV and movie projects, the 22-year-old said she is just grateful that her managers continue to believe in her. “I’m happy kasi that’s always been my goal. I want to be known as an actress, not just for my name or the sister or just another talent,” she said. Curtis-Smith first became popular as the younger sister of Kapamilya star Anne Curtis. (MNS)

2017 Honda Accord Sport Special Edition TORRANCE, Calif  – New Sport Special Edition adds premium features in a value package Sporty and sophisticated styling returns with popular features including Honda Sensing, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. More powerful and fuel-efficient 2017 Accord Hybrid launched earlier this month The 2017 Accord Sedan and Coupe hit showrooms this Monday with a new Sport Special Edition, ready to continue Accord’s three-year streak as the most popular car in America with individual retail car buyers. Retaining many of the popular enhancements introduced last year, the 2017 Accord will be available starting June 27 at Honda dealerships nationwide with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $22,3551. The 2017 Accord Sedan and Coupe are available in a variety of trims, with 4-cylinder and V6 powertrains, 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions, and a continuously variable transmission. For 2017 Honda is introducing the Accord Sport Special Edition sedan with premium features consisting of leather seats with red stitching, heated seats and “Special Edition” badge. The significantly refreshed 2017 Accord Hybrid, featuring a new version of Honda’s two-motor hybrid powertrain technology with both class-leading power and fuel economy ratings, rounds out the 2017 Accord lineup as it launched earlier this month. The Accord received significant upgrades for the 2016 model year, including dynamic new styling, a more rigid body, upgraded chassis and upsized wheels and tires on select models. The 2017 Accord carries over the expanded LED exterior lighting and premium features and technologies of the Read More …

By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata President Rodrio Duterte, accompanied by his children (from left) Sebastian, Victoria, Davao Mayor Sara, and Davao Vice Mayor Paolo. (Malacanang photo) MANILA, June 30 (PNA) – His slogan during the last presidential campaign was “Change is coming” and most of the Filipino people are now waiting for it for the good of the country. In his inaugural speech in Malacanang as the 16th President of the Philippines on Thursday, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte noted that “change must start with us and in us.” He emphasized that the ride will be rough, but he encouraged everyone to join him in the journey towards a brighter future. Duterte vowed to listen to the murmuring of the people, feel their pulse and supply their needs. The new President said his administration will also focus on fighting three major problems in the country—corruption, criminality and rampant sale of illegal drugs. He added, “Erosion of faith and trust in government – that is the real problem.” His administration advocates transparency. One of his first orders to Cabinet secretaries and heads of agencies is to refrain from changing and bending the rules of government contracts already approved. President Rodrigo Duterte Meanwhile, Duterte cited that he will serve everyone and not only one, but also pointed out, “I have no friends to serve, no enemies to harm.” “Malasakit, tunay na pagbabago” (concern, real change) – these are two of Duterte’s promises to the Filipinos. “I am ready to start my work for Read More …

Presidential Adviser on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Panfilo M. Lacson answers questions from the media in an interview after he delivered his address at a forum in Makati City last January 23. The former senator had refused to accept his pork barrel funds from the start. He said in a privilege speech that the funds had corrupted legislators. Now, even the members of the media are being named as those who received “payolas.” (MNS photo) MANILA  (PNA) – Criminality, particularly drug-related offenses, may be on the way to being greatly minimized in the first 100 days of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, Senator-elect Panfilo M. Lacson said. Lacson cited significant strides made by law enforcers particularly against the illegal drug trade, with suspected drug users and pushers turning themselves in to police weeks before Duterte formally assumes his post on June 30. “Even before President-elect Duterte formally assumes the presidency, we have seen how suspected drug users and pushers turned themselves in to police in past weeks out of fear. Never in the history of criminality in the Philippines have we seen drug users, pushers and the like surrender in this manner,” said Lacson, who served as chief of the Philippine National Police from 1999-2001. “I hope the incoming administration can maintain this momentum and catch more pushers starting July 1. While it is impossible to eradicate crime, it is quite doable to greatly minimize it,” he added. Lacson said he is hopeful Duterte will fulfill his campaign promise of a strong Read More …