BMI Online Editor

Defiant typhoon survivors welcome Christmas

Dec 272013

By Cecil Morella Children in Leyte (MNS photo) TACLOBAN, December 24, 2013 (AFP) – Philippine survivors of deadly typhoon Haiyan defiantly prepared to celebrate Christmas in their ruined communities Tuesday where hogs were being roasted, festive trees adorned streets and churches were filled to overflowing. “Nothing can stop us from welcoming Christmas even though we have lost our home,” 63-year-old butcher’s wife Ellen Miano told AFP from a tiny shanty rising from a field of debris in the central city of Tacloban. Haiyan’s ferocious 315 kilometers (195 miles) an hour winds flattened the gritty Magallanes neighborhood on Tacloban’s coast, then swept up everything else with giant waves in a day of terror on November 8. Tacloban and nearby districts accounted for more than 5,000 of the 6,000-plus confirmed deaths, with nearly 2,000 others missing, making it the country’s deadliest storm and one of its worst natural disasters. The storm made 4.4 million homeless and caused $12.9 billion in damage, according to the government, which estimates it will take the affected central region, an area the size of Portugal, four years to recover. Miano, who lives with her husband and four young nephews and nieces in the 2×3-metre (6×10-feet) home put together from salvaged wood and sheet metal, said the family would eat a traditional Christmas dinner at midnight, with fried noodles and sliced bread given to them by a relief agency. Their 20-year-old neighbor Ronfrey Magdua built a giant, 4-metre-tall star-shaped lantern using salvaged wood and wrapped in the Philippine Read More …

UK financial firm donates over P8-M to Sagip Kapamilya

Entertainment

Dec 272013

UK financial firm donates over P8-M to Sagip Kapamilya

Consul General Senen Malile with C&C Alpha Executive Director Bhanu Choudhrie and Luis Bariuan from ABS-CBN Europe (ABS-CBN News) LONDON – Investment company C&C Alpha Group has donated $200,000 (approximately P8,888,098) to ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya as part of the continuing aid efforts for the Philippines in the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan (local name: Yolanda). It was the largest cash donation by a single entity from the UK based on a list of aid contributions coordinated by the Philippine Embassy in London since relief efforts began a month ago. A simple ceremony at the Philippine Cultural Centre in London last December 19 officially marked the company’s contribution. Consul General Senen Mangalile from the Philippine Embassy welcomed representatives from C&C Alpha, including CEO Cherian Thomas and Executive Director Bhanu Choudhrie. “We’re overwhelmed by the enormity of the response, and the warmth and generosity of the British people, the UK government, and the international community in the UK. They all came up and proved that we do not stand alone in this catastrophe,” said Mangalile. “C&C wants to be involved in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the most affected areas, and that for us is the most important phase of the response to typhoon Haiyan.” The company, which has investments in the Philippines, specifically wants their contribution to go towards rebuilding affected communities through infrastructure and long-term projects. “We believe very strongly in the Philippines, and the people of the Philippines, especially the community that live here in the UK. And this disaster has Read More …

DPWH chief vows corrupt-free reconstruction in typhoon-hit areas

Entertainment

Dec 272013

DPWH chief vows corrupt-free reconstruction in typhoon-hit areas

Palo, Leyte (Mabuhay) – Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson vowed to fight against misuse of funds intended for reconstruction activities in typhoon-stricken areas. In a meeting Thursday with 16 regional directors, typhoon-affected DPWH employees and maintenance personnel who assisted in disaster response, Singson said that he will not forgive officials who will attempt to misuse rehabilitation funds. “Our fight against corruption will continue. We will make sure that budget will be used to rebuild areas destoyed by ‘Yolanda’ and should not fall into wrong hands,” Singson said. “I’m warning those who will take advantage in this task that we will not forgive you whether you are a congressman, regional director or division chief.” He said he had a meeting this week with rehabilitation czar former Senator Panfilo Lacson to discuss measures to ensure that reconstruction efforts will not be tainted with corruption, more so that these funds have been entrusted to the Philippine government by donor countries. The government aims to substantially complete the recovery efforts by June 2016 or before the end of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s term. It is expected to rebuild the lives of about 16 million people in central Philippines. Singson led the distribution of initial assistance to storm-affected DPWH employees in the region. Those whose houses were totally washed away received P5,000 each. Workers with partially damaged houses got P2,500 each. The DPWH chief vowed to give more assistance to displaced employees in the region on top of the Read More …

‘World is behind you’, Ban tells typhoon survivors

Entertainment

Dec 272013

‘World is behind you’, Ban tells typhoon survivors

By Marlon Tano President Benigno S. Aquino III and United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon troop the line during the Departure Honors at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby for his Courtesy Call on Saturday (December 21, 2013). The UN Chief is also scheduled to visit communities that were devastated by super typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City, one of the areas hit hardest by the super typhoon when it made landfall in the Visayas and Southern Luzon last November 08, 2013. (MNS photo) TACLOBAN (AFP) – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Philippine typhoon survivors Saturday to “never despair”, vowing to rally global backing as they rebuild their lives from one of their country’s deadliest disasters. “Never despair. The UN is behind you. The world is behind you,” the UN chief said during a visit to the devastated central city of Tacloban, which suffered more than 5,000 deaths from Super Typhoon Haiyan as it crashed through the central islands of the Philippines on November 8. Wearing a baseball cap and a tan shirt, the 69-year-old South Korean UN chief walked through a narrow, debris-strewn street in Fatima, a coastal district in the city of 220,000 people that was obliterated by tsunami-like storm surges wrought by the typhoon. A ship that ploughed through the neighborhood after being hurled by huge waves lay stranded nearby, six weeks after the deluge. Ban also visited a Tacloban tent school, put up by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), where pupils who had lost their homes sang Read More …

Honda’s new crossover launches in Japan, headed for US in 2014

Entertainment

Dec 272013

Honda’s new crossover launches in Japan, headed for US in 2014

The Honda Vezel will roll into US dealerships in the second half of 2014.©Honda (Relaxnews) – A new compact SUV available with a choice of fuel or hybrid engine, the Honda Vezel hits the Japanese market Friday, December 20. The Vezel is expected to arrive in the US in the second half of 2014 before heading to Europe in 2015. The Honda Vezel runs on a 1.5L fuel engine, paired in the hybrid version with an electric motor and the brand’s Intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive transmission (i-DCD). This hybrid drivetrain was developed as a replacement for a 2.0L engine. The Vezel enters the market as Honda’s first hybrid equipped with the Real Time All-Wheel-Drive system, which works to ensure optimal distribution of power to all four wheels. This option is also available on the standard fuel-engine version. Honda plans to market the crossover in the US from the second half of 2014 and in Europe from 2015.

Rocco feels so blessed

Entertainment

Dec 262013

Rocco Nacino (MNS Photo) GMA Artist Center (GMAAC) talent Rocco Nacino feels so blessed this 2013 and for good reasons, most of all for his various TV programs and movies, making him one of the busiest actors today. Rocco is, of course, currently portraying the role of Jerry on “Akin Pa Rin Ang Bukas” which topbills Lovi Poe. Aside from the primetime series, Rocco ventures into hosting as he joins GMA News reporter and anchor Mariz Umali on “Out Of Control,” which started airing last Nov. 23. The show tackles binge eating and social phobia, and airs every Saturday afternoon. The Kapuso heartthrob will also be visible on the silver screen as he stars in the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir.” In a recent interview with the versatile actor, he admits that 2013 has been a good year for him. “Kahit nakakapagod at nakaka-drain, I feel motivated. I’m excited and blessed to have several projects. I get good and significant roles so hindi ko dapat pabayaan ang mga opportunities na ito. Kaya I’m thankful ngayong 2013 for all the blessings that I’ve been receiving,” Rocco shares. Recently, Rocco’s groundbreaking program “Bayan Ko” was awarded at the Philippine Quill Awards for Excellence and 2013 Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA). (MNS)

Will glasses-free 3D finally take off in 2014?

Entertainment

Dec 262013

Will glasses-free 3D finally take off in 2014?

IS glasses-free 3D destined to go mainstream?©Collina/shutterstock.com (Relaxnews) – A number of companies will be pushing the technology and its features at next month’s International CES in the hopes of reigniting interest in 3D, a feature that many consumers feel is simply a fad. Just like ultra-high-definition, glasses-free 3D TV is nothing new and there were a number of TV sets capable of delivering both at last year’s International CES. However, the signs are that 2014 is going to be the year in which companies really try to press the technology and its advantages in order to win over skeptical consumers. Chief among these will be Stream TV Networks, a company that has pioneered something called Ultra D, a proprietary technology — i.e., one integrated into other manufacturers’ devices — that not only offers glasses-free, ultra-high definition 3D on TVs, but can be integrated into PC monitors and tablets too. What’s more the company has a supporting technology that can automatically convert 2D to 3D. It debuted the technologies last year but will be displaying a much more advanced version at this year’s event. Also hoping to impress consumers is US firm IZON which will be showcasing 32-inch, 47-inch and 55-inch ultra-high-definition sets with its own glasses-free 3D technology (which it co-developed with Dolby) built in. Both companies promise that their technology is easy to use and won’t cause eye strain and that the viewing angle is wide enough (150°) that everyone gathered around the set has the same experience. However, despite the initial Read More …

Rhian Ramos, KC Montero break up

Entertainment

Dec 262013

KC Montero and Rhian Ramos (MNS Photo) Rhian Ramos and KC Montero have ended their relationship after almost two years of being a couple, the actress confirmed Tuesday. “If there’s such a thing as a good breakup, then I have one,” the 23-year-old TV star said, referring to her amicable split with Montero. While she did not specify when they decided to end their relationship, Ramos said it happened before typhoon “Yolanda” made landfall last November 8. Ramos is only happy to remain friends with Montero, saying they continue to regularly see each other even after the separation. “Sometimes kasi, the people that you really want to keep in your life, you just make sure they’re there… I want him to be a friend that I can have around for a lifetime,” she said. Asked if she is ready to entertain new suitors, Ramos said, “No, not really. I just want to be able to take the next bit of time to discover myself and be good to me and, wala, just grow up by myself.” (MNS)

Aquino signs P2.265-T ‘pork-less’ budget for 2014

Entertainment

Dec 262013

Aquino signs P2.265-T ‘pork-less’ budget for 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III signs into law Republic Act No. 10633, the Php 2.265-trillion General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2014, in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (December 20). Witnessing the ceremony are Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Representatives Pangalian Balindong, Maria Zenaida Angping, Cesar Sarmiento and Emil Ong. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – With more than a week before the end of the year, President Benigno Aquino III on Friday signed the P2.265-trillion budget for 2014 sans the controversial Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). At a ceremony in Malacañang, Aquino signed the 2014 General Appropriations Act, which is 13 percent or P258.7 billion higher than the current year’s budget. Of the P2.265-trillion budget, 37.2 percent (P841.8 billion) will go to social services; 26.2 percent (P593.1 billion) to economic services; 16.7 percent (P377.6 billion) to debt burden; 16 percent (P362.6 billion) to general public services; and 4 percent (P89.5 billion) to defense. The 2014 budget is supposed to be free of PDAF, which has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, although budget watchdogs claimed discretionary funds were not completely removed from it. According to the Department of Budget and Management, most of the P25.2 billion originally allocated for PDAF have been “rechanneled” to the regular programs and projects of agencies, especially those needed for response to recent disasters. In a statement on Friday, Senate President Franklin Drilon commended the “speedy” approval of the budget, saying this will “translate to the timely Read More …

Don’t let PHL become a ‘forgotten crisis’: UN chief

Entertainment

Dec 262013

Don’t let PHL become a ‘forgotten crisis’: UN chief

President Benigno S. Aquino III bids farewell to United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon at the Malacañan Palace Grounds after the courtesy call on Saturday (December 21, 2013). The UN Chief is also scheduled to visit communities that were devastated by super typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City, one of the areas hit hardest by the super typhoon when it made landfall in the Visayas and Southern Luzon last November 08, 2013. (MNS photo) MANILA (AFP) – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on donor nations Sunday to ramp up aid to typhoon-battered Philippines as it grapples with a funding shortfall on the long road to recovery. “We must not allow this to be another forgotten crisis,” Ban told reporters a day after touring the storm-ravaged city of Tacloban. He said the UN had only achieved 30 percent of the $791 million in aid it had appealed for to boost relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan last month. “I am appealing (to) the donor community, to speed up, scale up their support,” Ban said, adding that he had met with the ambassadors of key donor countries in Manila on Sunday. He said he was deeply moved and inspired by his visit to Tacloban on Saturday, where despite the many challenges “people are working hard to recover”. Ban acknowledged some bottlenecks in relief efforts in the immediate aftermath of the typhoon owing to logistical challenges in reaching remote central Philippine islands impacted by the typhoon. However, Read More …

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