BMI Online Editor

Kerry invites PHL to join Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

Dec 202013

President Benigno S. Aquino III and United States Secretary of State John Kerry, lead the ceremonial toasts during the Dinner at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (December 17, 2013). The visit to the Philippines is his first visit as Secretary of State. During his visit, the topics that are expected to be discussed are the broadening of economic and security cooperation of the Philippines and U.S. as well as strengthening of people-to-people ties. Humanitarian assistance and disaster response and cooperation on regional issues are also expected to be part of the agenda. In addition, Secretary Kerry will visit Tacloban City to meet people affected by Typhoon Yolanda as well as those involved in the relief effort. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacanang Photo Bureau) MANILA (Mabuhay) – US Secretary of the State John Kerry invited the Philippines to participate in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement adding he expects a Filipino delegation in Washington early next year. The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement would be able to raise standards of doing business, open up new opportunities, and convert 40 percent of the global GDP into one economic group for improved global trade, Kerry said in a message to the American and local businessmen in Manila Tuesday. He also said the TPP could create millions of jobs in the Asia-Pacific region. Kerry said the TPP will set standards for consumers and workers. “We will welcome a Philippine delegation to Washington at the end of January to start a technical consultation Read More …

Miss Philippines is Miss International 2013

Entertainment

Dec 192013

Miss Philippines is Miss International 2013

Miss Philippines’ Bea Rose Santiago was crowned Miss International 2013 The Philippines’ Bea Rose Santiago was crowned Miss International 2013 on Tuesday, adding to the string of victories of fellow beauty queens in the country. The four-hour finals night of the 53rd Miss International pageant was held at Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall in Tokyo, Japan, gathering over 60 candidates from around the world. Placing second to Santiago is Netherland’s Nathalie den Dekker, followed by New Zealand’s Casey Radley. Completing the Top 5 were Colombia’s Cindy Aguilar and Hungary’s Brigitta Otvos. For the final round, the remaining five contestants each gave a 30-second speech on the subject, “What I will do if I am crowned Miss International.” “The whole world saw how my country suffered,” Santiago said, referring to the devastation caused by super typhoon “Yolanda” in parts of central Philippines. “One by one, other countries helped. I would like to thank who helped my country in our darkest hours. You have opened my heart and eyes on what we can do to help each other.” “If I become Miss International, I would uphold international camaraderie. I will work to sustain the spirit of sympathy and spirit of hope. As long as we work together, there is hope.” One of the deadliest natural disasters to hit the Philippines, and said to be the most powerful typhoon to ever make landfall, “Yolanda” killed at least 6,000 and injured over 27,000 after it hit central Philippines on November 8. At least 3.4 million Read More …

Palace: Bus tragedies a reminder to common carriers to practice extraordinary diligence

Entertainment

Dec 182013

Palace: Bus tragedies a reminder to common carriers to practice extraordinary diligence

A policeman searches for personal belongings of passengers after a bus fell off an elevated expressway and crashed into a van below in Taguig city, south of Manila December 16, 2013. At least 21 people were killed during the incident, according to the police. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The deadly bus accidents that killed at least 20 people in the last two days should remind public transport operators of their duty to practice extraordinary diligence, Malacañang said Monday. Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda also assured the riding public the government is enforcing speed limits and other measures aimed at ensuring their safety. “I think tragedies like this fully serve to remind the common carriers that they have an obligation in transportation law, extraordinary diligence,” he said, adding sanctions are imposed upon them if an accident occurs. He said Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya ordered the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to order the immediate automatic suspension of all 78 units of Don Mariano Transport Corp., whose bus figured in an accident at Skyway early Monday. During the 30-day suspension, LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez was instructed by Abaya to investigate the drivers and have them undergo drug tests, while reviewing the performance record of Don Mariano Transport Corporation. Also, Abaya ordered Toll Regulatory Board executive director Edmund Reyes to review video footage of the Skyway accident and draw up measures to avoid a repeat of the bus fall from an elevated tollway. Lacierda also said the owner of Don Mariano Read More …

California Pacific, San Francisco, RNs Say ‘Yes’ to CNA

Entertainment

Dec 182013

California Pacific, San Francisco, RNs Say ‘Yes’ to CNA

Despite anti-union pressure, RNs vote by 52% for union Holiday cheer. California Pacific RNs celebrate election vote. Resisting a heavy-handed pressure campaign by their employer and frontline managers, registered nurses at California Pacific Medical Center’s Pacific campus, Sutter Health’s largest hospital in San Francisco, have voted to join the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United. The final count, in a secret ballot, mail campaign counted today by the National Labor Relations Board, was 351 for CNA to 321 for Sutter, a 52 percent margin. Though 42 challenged ballots remain outstanding, CNA today said it was confident the nurses, and their desire for a collective voice for their patients and colleagues would prevail. A clear majority of nurses voted for CNA representation despite intensive pressure and intimidation by hospital managers in mandatory group meetings and one-on-one meetings with department supervisors that RNs say violates the letter and spirit of a free and democratic election. Management’s campaign featured a series illegal actions, that resulted in a series of unfair labor practice charges against the hospital, charges that have been found meritorious by the NLRB. “The election is now over,” said CNA co-president Zenei Cortez, RN. “We salute the courage and determination of California Pacific RNs to work together to be able to more effectively advocate for their patients, and work with their CPMC colleagues to improve standards for all Sutter nurses.” “California Pacific and Sutter executives should respect the democratic decision of the Pacific nurses to be part of the CNA family, and Read More …

Post-Yolanda rebuilding to cost P130 billion – Aquino

Entertainment

Dec 182013

Post-Yolanda rebuilding to cost P130 billion – Aquino

TOKYO, Japan – Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III along with fellow regional leaders offers a toast during the Luncheon Meeting hosted by Keidanren and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and industry (JCCI) at the Golden Room of the Keidanren Kaikan in 1-3-2 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo on Saturday (December 14, 2013) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. At the summit, the Leaders of ASEAN and Japan will primarily set the future (long-term) direction of ASEAN-Japan relations, to cover politico-security, economic and socio-cultural cooperation. They will also exchange views on regional and international issues. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Philippines will need nearly $3 billion to rebuild parts of the country destroyed by the deadliest typhoon in its history, President Aquino told reporters in Japan on Friday. He added that scores of towns and cities across the central islands that were devastated by super typhoon Yolanda needed national government help to clean up debris and restore damaged infrastructure. “The task is really daunting, is it not? That’s why we are saying it will take about P130 billion ($2.94 billion) to put everybody in at least a better situation than where they were,” he said, according to a transcript released by Malacañang palace. Yolanda smashed across the central islands with peak winds of 315 kilometers (195 miles) an hour on November 8, unleashing tsunami-like storm surges that killed thousands of people on the islands of Leyte and Read More …

Aquino: Capture of NPA land mine factory to prevent injuries to noncombatants

Entertainment

Dec 182013

Aquino: Capture of NPA land mine factory to prevent injuries to noncombatants

Misa de Gallo, the first day of the 9-day “Simbang Gabi,” the novena of dawn masses from December 16 to Christmas eve, at the Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Dasmariñas City, Cavite on Monday (December 16, 2013). In photo are the traditional favorites of “bibingka” (rice cake) and “puto bumbong” (rice cake cooked in bamboo tube) usually seen outside churches around Christmas season. (MNS photo) TOKYO, Japan (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Friday night said the capture of a land mine factory of the communist New People’s Army by government forces in Agusan del Sur province in Mindanao will prevent injuries to innocent civilians. The President lauded the state forces (the Eastern Mindanao Command) that discovered and captured the facility last Wednesday (December 11), saying the Philippine government is a signatory to an international agreement against the use of land mines. “It has prevented injuries especially to noncombatants,” he said, noting such land mines had wounded many innocent civilians who should have been spared from the fighting. He added the discovery of the factory is “a very significant find,” with more than 100 assembled mines and components. President Aquino said land mines had been very destructive even to those not involved in fighting between government forces and the NPAs. But he also noted the National Democratic Front insisted that there are “exemptions” where certain types of mines are legal. “Bakit pa (kailangan ng distinctions) kung mines are indiscriminate? Theoretically dapat ang combatants lang ang napapasok sa sagupaan, pero Read More …

LG to launch world’s first All in One Chrome OS computer

Entertainment

Dec 182013

LG to launch world’s first All in One Chrome OS computer

The LG Chromebase©LG (Relaxnews) – The Chromebase will be the first desktop computer to run Google’s cloud-based operating system and will be demonstrated for the first time at the International CES in January. Designed to be fast and simple to use, the Chrome OS and all of its applications exist online where they are perpetually updated and improved, meaning that Chrome computers contain very little on their hard drives. This makes them potentially virus-free and ensures that they boot up in seconds, rather than minutes. As well as fast operating speeds, the Chromebase boasts a full HD 21.5-inch display and the whole device is housed in a clean, minimal white angle-poise shell. The low-power and low-graphics operating system allows computer companies to use much more basic components and processors, but LG has chosen to go in the opposite direction and as well as an excellent display, the computer gets a latest-generation Intel Celeron processor, integrated speakers and a 1-megapixel webcam. However, in keeping with other Chrome computers, the Chromebase only gets a 16BG solid state hard drive, meaning that if users want more space they’ll have to look to the cloud or invest in a standalone hard drive. Connecting one shouldn’t be a problem, though as the computer offers 3 USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 port, as well as HDMI in. The International CES opens its doors to the public on January 7.

Aquino calls for mechanism to combat Climate Change in wake of ‘Yolanda’

Entertainment

Dec 182013

Aquino calls for mechanism to combat Climate Change in wake of ‘Yolanda’

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers arrival statement at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday (December 15) from Tokyo, Japan where the Chief Executive attended the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit. (MNS photo) TOKYO, Japan (Mabuhay) – To avoid a repeat of the devastation brought by super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan), President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday called for an international mechanism to combat climate change. Speaking at the session of the ASEAN Japan Commemorative Summit here, the President said the consequences of global climate change do not discriminate between economic powerhouses and developing states. “It is incumbent upon all of us, especially for the countries that have the capacity to contribute significantly in combating climate change, to come up with an equitable mechanism that every nation, every corporation and every individual will adhere to. I have personally witnessed the degree of devastation brought by Haiyan. And it is my belief that we all have a crucial role to play in ensuring my nation or any nation for this matter does not once more suffer through a tragedy of this scale,” he said. Yolanda tore through the Visayas and Southern Luzon last Nov. 8, leaving more than 6,000 dead in its wake. While President Aquino thanked the ASEAN and Japan leaders for the help they extended to those affected, he also lamented less industrial nations such as the Philippines “bear a disproportionate amount of suffering from the effects of climate change.” “As we all know, our respective nations cannot be caught in Read More …

Vic Sotto claims MMFF top spot

Entertainment

Dec 182013

Vic Sotto (MNS Photo)k Days before the grand opening day of the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in theaters, comedian Vic Sotto is already claiming the box-office top spot for his movie “My Little Bossings.” Directed by Marlon Rivera, the film centers on the life of Torky Villanueva, played by Vic, who works as a bookkeeper for millionaire cash management specialist Barbara Atienza (Kris Aquino). The story will start to unfold when Barbara will entrust her son Justin (James “Bimby” Yap Jr.) to Torky. The latter will try to balance his family life with his niece Ica (Aiza Seguerra), a street kid named Ching (Ryzza Mae Dizon) and Justin when they all live under one roof and face each other’s personal conflict. “This is about a father and his daughter, relasyon ng mag ama at ng mga anak. Relasyon ng dalawang magkaibigan na bata na galing sa dalawang magkaibang mundo. Dito, it doesn’t really matter kung ano ka or sino ka basta ang in-offer mo ay tunay na pagkakaibigan,” the “Eat Bulaga” main man said. According to Vic, he’s certain that the movie will garner good box-office results as it caters to all ages, people from all walks of life. He said that they will not only present a comedy movie but a film for the whole family. “We made it a point that it’s for the whole family, wala siyang tina-target na edad. All bases cover,” he said. “I personally wanted to present something new, Read More …

Aquino airs concern over China’s air defense zone

Entertainment

Dec 172013

Aquino airs concern over China’s air defense zone

TOKYO, Japan – President Benigno S. Aquino III along with fellow regional leaders attends the luncheon meeting hosted by Keidanren and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Golden Room of the Keidanren Kaikan on Saturday (December) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit, the culminating event to a full year of activities commemorating 40 years of ASEAN-Japan relations. (MNS photo) TOKYO, Japan (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday aired concern over China’s recent establishment of an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), along with recent claims by Chinese officials that such zones may be replicated. In his statement at the session of the ASEAN Japan Commemorative Summit here, the President also made a new call for a peaceful and rules-based approach to resolving territorial disputes, including those with China. “The Philippines’ call for peace and stability in our region is amplified by recent developments in the East China Sea, on the establishment of an Air Defense Identification Zone, which raises concerns over international civil aviation, safety and security,” he said. “We all should view with greater concern the recent pronouncements of Chinese officials that China will establish other ADIZs in due course,” he added. In the Philippines’ case, President Aquino said the country is pursuing a two-track approach to disputes in the sea “known-by-many-names.” Such an approach is both peaceful and rules-based, and the Philippines is advocating the conclusion of the legally binding code of conduct as soon as possible, he added. “To Read More …

Older Entries Newer Entries