BMI Online Editor

Camille Prats finds new love

Dec 132013

Camille Prats (MNS Photo) Actress Camille Prats has found a new love two years after her husband Anthony Linsangan died of cancer. In her official Instagram account, Prats shared her happiness as she and boyfriend JJ Yambao celebrated their first anniversary. “Thank you for a fruitful and memorable year. Meeting you is definitely one of the most beautiful things life has given me. You came into my life the least I expected it, and I couldn’t be any happier. Thank you for saving me. For being my knight in shining armor. Cheers to our 1st year, forever more to go. belated happy 1st love. (love, love, love) @jjyambao1,” Prats wrote. For his part, Yambao similarly expressed his love for Prats – also on Instagram. “To the woman who holds my heart, happy first year with you!! May we have endless years and happiness together for the rest of our lives. There is nothing more i will ask because you showed me the best in the world. I loved you yesterday, i love you still, I always have… I always will. Happy anniversary mahal!!!@camilleprats,” he wrote. Prats and Linsangan, who were married twice, had a civil wedding in Los Angeles on January 5, 2008, while their church wedding was held on March 5, 2010. They have a son, Nathaniel Caesar. (MNS)

DSWD chief denies reports of US, UK food donations sold in markets

Entertainment

Dec 132013

DSWD chief denies reports of US, UK food donations sold in markets

British aircraft carrier, HMS Illustrious, carrying around 500 tons of aid for victims of Typhoon Haiyan docks at Pier 15 in South Harbor, Manila on Wednesday (December 11, 2013) for relief operation in Tacloban, Leyte. Led by Capt. Mike Utley, the Royal Navy ship carries supplies provided by the Department for International Development (DFID) including 12,500 blankets, 20,000 candles, 30,000 bags of rice and 9,800 tins of sardines, thousand cans of vegetables, shelter kits, and jerry cans. HMS Illustrious is replacing HMS Daring, which has been distributing aid in remote communities for the past week. (MNS photo) MANILA, Dec. 11 (Mabuhay) – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Soliman on Wednesday vehemently denied reports circulating in the foreign media that donations from the US and UK consisting of MREs (meal-ready-to-eat) are being diverted and sold in markets. She said that this claim is preposterous as the two nations did not made any food donations to the Philippines. “Per DSWD’s records, the UK donations that have entered the country only include non-food items such as shelter boxes, communication equipment, solar lights, and blankets among others,” Soliman said during a briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. She also added that these items are impossible to divert as all are consigned to non-government organizations and United Nations agencies except for the 504 tents which arrived in Manila last Nov. 25 and were consigned to the DSWD and another 576 relief Read More …

Aquino to show country’s resilience to calamities in Tokyo summit

Entertainment

Dec 132013

Aquino to show country’s resilience to calamities in Tokyo summit

President Benigno S. Aquino III reviews the honor guard during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal II on Thursday (December 12). To attend the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo, Japan. (MNS photo) MANILA, Dec 12 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III said his attendance to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo, Japan will provide him an opportunity to promote the Philippines’ resilience to calamities. In his departure speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Thursday, the Chief Executive said he also wants to show the country’s gratitude to Japan for its support and encouragement extended to the Philippines in the aftermath of super typhoon “Yolanda” (internationally known as Haiyan). “Tungkulin nating daluhan ito bilang kasapi ng ASEAN, at bilang isa sa malalapit na kaalyado ng bansang Hapon. Sa pagkakataon nga pong ito, tutungo rin tayo doon upang iparating ang ating pasasalamat sa mga karatig-bayang dumamay at nagpaabot ng ayuda sa Pilipinas nitong mga nagdaan na sakuna,” President Aquino said. “Tunay nga po, na sa panahon ng taimtim nating pangangailangan, ipinaramdam nila na hindi tayo nag-iisa. Ito po ang mga dibidendo ng marangal at mahusay nating pakikitungo’t pakikipag-ugnayan sa ating mga kaalyado’t kaibigan. Isipin na lang po ninyo, bago pa man humagupit ang bagyong Yolanda, nakapuwesto na ang mga kawani ng ASEAN Centre for Humanitarian Assistance o AHA sa Pilipinas upang sumaklolo at magbigay ng kalinga,” he stressed. The President thanked the Japanese Read More …

What to expect from Kathryn-Daniel horror film ‘Pagpag’

Entertainment

Dec 122013

What to expect from Kathryn-Daniel horror film ‘Pagpag’

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla (MNS Photo) “Pagpag,” the lone horror entry in the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival, marks the second time rumored couple Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla will co-star a full-length feature. Director Frasco Mortiz said fans can expect moments of horror, comedy and a little bit of romance between the “Got to Believe” stars. “May mga nanakot, may suspense, may kaunting comedy tapos siyempre, may kilig between Kathryn and Daniel,” he said. “Pagpag,” Mortiz said, is a film about a group of teenagers who refuse to believe the Filipino superstition of “shaking off” evil spirits after visiting a wake. “May mga na-violate sila sa lamay na mga pamahiin nating mga Pinoy…Tapos hindi sila nagpag-pag before umuwi. Hindi sila naniwala na dapat magpag-pag kayo pag galing kayo ng burol,” he said. But Mortiz said that moviegoers can expect a slightly toned down horror film, citing the audience its cast will attract. “’Yung pagka-horror niya kasi, hindi naman siya parang ‘Feng Shui’ (2004 film starring Kris Aquino) na parang hardcore na horror. Siyempre dahil medyo bata ‘yung audience namin,” he admitted. The film also features other Kapamilya stars such as Paulo Avelino, Nikki Gil, Shaina Magdayao and Miles Ocampo. “Feeling ko something to look forward to is ngayon lang ulit sila makakita ng ganitong klaseng pelikula na ‘yung mga hottest na teensters natin ngayon na magkakasama sa isang pelikula,” Mortiz said. “Pagpag,” along with seven other entries to the annual film festival, will open on Christmas day. (MNS)

2,800 typhoon-hit families to have new homes before Xmas

Entertainment

Dec 122013

2,800 typhoon-hit families to have new homes before Xmas

A professional diver dressed as Santa Claus interacts with children while swimming inside a giant aquarium as part of Christmas celebrations at the Manila Ocean Park November 28, 2013. The Philippines, a mainly Roman Catholic country in Southeast Asia, prepares for Christmas early – shopping malls start playing Christmas carols in September and lanterns and fireworks are put up in early December. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Government is stepping up efforts to build homes for some 2,800 families affected by super typhoon “Yolanda” before Christmas. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Saturday said the construction of 119 bunkhouse units in devastated areas in Eastern Visayas is being fast-tracked for completion on or before December 22. The bunkhouses will serve as temporary shelter for some 2,856 families displaced by the massive typhoon, which struck central Philippines last November 8. The DPWH said it is hoping that more bunkhouses will be completed in time for New Year. While site development and construction activities in 29 different sites are being hampered by sporadic heavy rains, the DPWH assured that private contractors have committed to work double time during good weather to facilitate the completion of the bunkhouses. Upon completion, the DPWH will turn over the bunkhouses to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for distribution to beneficiaries. (MNS)

Recto wants higher take home pay for Pinoys this Christmas

Entertainment

Dec 122013

Recto wants higher take home pay for Pinoys this Christmas

Actors and television host German “Kuya Germs” Moreno and Jake Vargas grace the Christmas tree lighting and fireworks display at the Tutuban Center in Divisoria, Manila.(MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto has filed a resolution seeking to increase the cap on the 13th month pay, Christmas bonus and other benefits exempted from income tax. Senate Bill No. 256 seeks to increase the cap to P75,000 from the current P30,000. Any amount in excess is already subject to the Tax Code. Recto said the ceiling was set by law almost 20 years ago. “We owe it to the people to amend laws that tend to be more repressive rather than be beneficial to the people. In this bill, we intend to breathe life again to the spirit of the law that, during the time of its passage, intended to allow the people to enjoy more of their hard-earned money,” he said. He said the P30,000 cap, set in 1994 via Republic Act 7833, no longer applies today. “At that time, the lowest monthly basic salary for government employees (Salary Grade 1, Step 1) was P2,800 and that of the President of the Philippines (Salary Grade 33) was at P25,000,” he said. At present, he added, the basic salaries have been adjusted such that SG-1 Step 1 now stands at P9,000 and SG-33 is at P120,000. Recto, former National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) chief, said the ceiling estimates is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). If the Read More …

President Aquino to pursue closer PHL-Japan ties in Tokyo visit

Entertainment

Dec 122013

President Aquino to pursue closer PHL-Japan ties in Tokyo visit

President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, review the honor guards during the Arrival Ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Saturday (July 27, 2013). The visit of Prime Minister Abe will further advance the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Japan. The last time that the prime minister of Japan visited the Philippines was in December 2006 when Prime Minister Abe visited Manila during his first term as the head of the Japanese Government. Japan is one of only two strategic partners of the Philippines. In 2012, Japan was the Philippines’ number one trade partner and provider of official development assistance as well as the second major source of approved investments and third source of tourist arrivals. (MNS photo) TOKYO, Japan (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III will pursue closer ties between the Philippines and Japan during his visit here this week for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Commemorative summit. President Aquino and the Philippine delegation are to take part in several events aimed at bolstering various aspects of Philippine-Japan friendship. On Friday, the President is scheduled to receive an Honorary doctorate law degree from Sophia University. The President is then expected to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for a bilateral meeting and a working lunch at the Prime Minister’s official residence. He is then to meet with the Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) at the Keidanren Read More …

President Aquino orders early release of bonuses for gov’t workers

General

Dec 122013

President Aquino orders early release of bonuses for gov’t workers

President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the nation in commemorating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio at the Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City on Saturday (November 30, 2013) with the theme: “Bonifacio: Dangal at Kabayanihan.” Also in photo is National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Acting on instructions issued by President Benigno S. Aquino III, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released a total of P6.2 billion to support the Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) for government employees, which was made available to government workers as early as end of November. The PEI, which is normally distributed to public servants in December, was released a full month ahead of its regular release schedule to accommodate the urgent needs of government employees nationwide, particularly those stricken by a succession of severe calamities, including the more recent 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Bohol and typhoon Yolanda. The Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) – which is distributed to employees at P5,000 each – shall be granted across the board to all public officials and employees holding regular plantilla positions in departments/agencies, state universities and colleges, and government-owned or controlled corporations. Uniformed/military personnel will likewise be supported by this release, as well as contractual and casual personnel who have rendered at least nine (9) months of service for 2013. “President Aquino understands the urgent needs of those affected by typhoons and disasters, especially our government employees who’ve worked tirelessly to help other Filipinos recover Read More …

New pact allows information cooperation, exchange between Phl and Myanmar media

Entertainment

Dec 092013

New pact allows information cooperation, exchange between Phl and Myanmar media

His Excellency U Thein Sein, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar,is being escorted by Department of Agriculture Sec.Proceso Alcala during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument in Manila on Thursday, the 2nd day of his state visit to the Philippines. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Media entities in the Philippines and Myanmar can now strengthen their information cooperation following the signing of a memorandum of understanding in Malacañan Palace on Thursday. The memorandum of understanding was signed on the second day of Myanmar President Thein Sein’s state visit to the Philippines. Signing it were Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. and Myanmar Deputy Minister for Information Ye Htut. The MOU provides for an exchange of visits of journalists, cooperation between private radio and TV networks, and sharing of best practices in media’s role in national development and the peace process. It covers news exchanges, radio and television broadcasting, film industries, public relations, printing and publishing. (MNS)

Enrile: You can’t force me to resign

Entertainment

Dec 092013

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, poses questions to Janet Lim-Napoles, alleged pork barrel scam mastermind during the hearing on Thursday (Nov. 7, 2013) at the Senate building in Pasay City. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile will not be resigning anytime soon after allegedly funneling his pork barrel funds to fake non-government organizations linked to Janet Lim Napoles. Enrile said he will not follow the example of Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon who resigned after being included in the second batch of cases filed in connection with the P10 billion pork barrel scam. The minority leader said Biazon resigned out of delicadeza and his decision should be respected. Enrile said lawmakers like himself who have been linked to the scam cannot be likened to Biazon. He said he cannot be forced to resign because he was voted into office, unlike presidential appointees whose alleged wrongdoings would embarrass the President. Enrile said he is ready to face the complaint filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman and that he is innocent of any crime unless proven guilty. He, however, conceded that he cannot win in the court of public opinion. Enrile is one of 39 individuals who were included in the first batch of cases filed by the Department of Justice in connection with the pork scam involving Janet Lim Napoles. The scam allegedly involved the funneling of lawmakers’ priority development assistance funds to fake NGOs set up by Napoles. A Commission on Audit report earlier Read More …

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