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VOICES FOR HOPE Fundraising Concert for Yolanda/Haiyan Victims to be held on Nov 17 Sunday

Nov 162013

Filipino-American Talents will perform at 4pm at White Memorial SDA Church in Los Angeles Everyone wants to help – the unimaginable destruction is hard to absorb, unfathomable and unbelievable. But indeed it is the painful truth for our countrymen back in Tacloban/Leyte. Thus, there was an overflowing of support from the Filipino-American Community and various Fil-Am Artists come together to inspire unwavering strength of spirit for those affected by the recent tragedy. Admission is free, so please bring anyone who is still hurting from this tragedy, and those who continue to worry about their loved ones as this atmosphere of generosity and the power of music may give them hope. Even if you have made donations elsewhere, please come and join in the spirit. This concert is also held as a thank you to those who have been tirelessly working to aid the victims. Organizations are urged to contact info@musicartsevents or call (818) 322-5018 if attending. We would like to acknowledge your presence and share the progress of your relief efforts as well. Sharing the message of hope through song are Pete Avendaño, Ivy Violan, Bernardo Bernardo, Louise Marie Cornillez, the Harana Men’s Chorus, Annie Nepomuceno, Erwin Andaya, Mirielle Enriquez, Daryl Ogalino, Lito Villareal, Nilo Alcala & Rasec Ortega, Binhi, Ameen Baghallian and Josie Gonzales. We shall be receiving monetary donations for ABS-CBN Foundation International, the main beneficiary. You may also opt to donate to the White Memorial Church’s relief fund. In-kind donations will be collected by CFC-Singles for Christ. “Voices For Read More …

Meat-Free Favorites : Roasted “Pommes”

Entertainment

Nov 162013

By Elena Johnson Unlike my last few recipes, this dish isn’t quite French-inspired. Instead, it’s inspired by the season and all of the beautiful fall produce available this time of year. I gave the recipe a French-inspired title, however. The French word for apple is “pomme” and the French word for potato is “pomme de terre” so this earthy side dish of apple, fingerling potato, and sweet potato is my take on roasted “pommes.” Roasted “Pommes” Roasted “Pommes” 6 servings 2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 cups sweet potatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes 2 cups fingerling potatoes, halved 1 large onion, cut into 1 inch pieces 2 medium granny smith or other tart apples, cut into 1 inch cubes ½ tsp. dried rosemary ½ tsp. dried sage ½ tsp. cayenne pepper 1 – 2 tsp. salt Place olive oil in roasting pan. Add sweet potatoes, fingerling potatoes, and onions. Stir to coat in oil. Roast in a 400°F oven for 20 minutes, stirring once during roasting. Add apples, spices, and salt. Stir to coat and continue roasting for 15 minutes more until all of the pieces are fork-tender. Adjust seasoning if needed. About the Author Elena Johnson Elena Johnson is a second-generation Filipino American living in Baltimore, MD. As a vegan chef and caterer she has been reinventing her family’s recipes and sharing them with friends, relatives, and those interested in vegetarian cooking. Elena is also the Special Projects Manager at Compassion Over Killing, a national animal advocacy organization focusing Read More …

Filipino Actor, Raymond Bagatsing, to be honored at OneFilAm Festival

General

Nov 162013

Filipino Actor, Raymond Bagatsing, to be honored at OneFilAm Festival

Raymond Bagatsing Raymond Bagatsing, one of the Philippines’ most celebrated super stars and a multi-award winning actor, will be the honorary guest at the OneFilAm Festival on November 16th, in Hollywood, California. He’ll receive a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’, as a highly regarded Filipino actor, for his contribution to film. Being in the spotlight comes naturally to Mr Bagatsing, who comes from a highly influential family in the Philippines. His grandfather Raymond D. Bagatsing Sr. was the longest standing Mayor of Manila for 17 years. The Bagatsing family has staying power, and Raymond is just getting started, as far as he’s concerned. He began the rise to stardom over 20 years ago, and since then has received much acclaim and many awards. Some notable are: the ‘Gawad Urian Award’ for ‘Best Actor’, which is the critics choice award by Academic Professors (for two years in a row), also the Famas Award by the Academy of the Philippines for ‘Best Supporting Actor’, as well as the FAPP-Film Academy of the Philippines Award, where he won ‘Best Actor’. Raymond has gone on to win the GMA 7 award for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ in television, and at the prestigious forum, the ‘Asian Television Awards’, he came out the winner yet again, with the ‘Best Actor in Television’ award. Raymond has also received the Academic Choice award called ‘Pasado’ for the ‘Best Supporting Actor’. On Saturday, Mr Bagatsing is up for the ‘Best Actor’ Award, along with his co-star Radhaa Nilia, who is also up for ‘Best Actress’, in the short Film ‘Freight Train’. The film is directed by Filipino-American director Zen Freese, Read More …

Aquino assures enough funds to help Yolanda victims

Entertainment

Nov 142013

Aquino assures enough funds to help Yolanda victims

Aerial shot of the province of which was heavily damaged by super typhoon Yolanda (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday evening reassured the public that government has enough funds to help those affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). The President said the funds include some P16 billion in savings, P6 billion from the President’s Social Fund, and P1 billion from the calamity and contingency funds. “And yung sa reconstruction phase naman (As for the reconstruction phase), most of that would occur next year wherein the new budget hopefully will have been approved and there will be new funding for the rehabilitation,” he said after getting a briefing on the situation at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo. On the other hand, the President said the government can draw from the Quick Response Funds of agencies such as the Departments of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). He noted that the bulk of the DPWH’s work for now is clearing roads. “At isama ko na rin pala. Sinasabi ng DOST, DENR, na parang itong event na ‘Yolanda’ ay tapos na,” he added. Meanwhile the President reiterated that the government’s priority now is to restore power and communications to affected areas. He said the DPWH will clear roads to facilitate relief efforts, while the DSWD and agencies like the National Food Authority go full blast in repacking operations. For their part, the military’s C-130 planes and Read More …

Pacquiao torn by typhoon victims’ plight

Entertainment

Nov 142013

Pacquiao torn by typhoon victims’ plight

Brandon Rios (left) and Manny Pacquiao meet a Sentinel. (Chris Farina/Top Rank) MANILA, November 13, 2013 (AFP) – Boxing star Manny Pacquiao admitted feelings of anguish and regret after the final stages of training for a must-win fight kept him from visiting typhoon victims in his native Philippines. Pacquiao said he felt “very bad” for the thousands killed and displaced by super typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful ever recorded, which swept through central islands. But Pacquiao, who is training out of harm’s way in his home city of General Santos, said he could not jeopardise preparations for his November 24 fight against America’s Brandon Rios. “I really feel very bad over what happened in the Visayas region where more than 10,000 people are believed to have lost their lives,” Pacquiao said in a “statement to his people” posted on his website. “I really want to visit the area and personally do what I can to help our countrymen who have suffered so much in this terrible tragedy but I’m in deep training in General Santos City for a crucial fight so I regret I cannot go.” The 34-year-old Congressman pledged to send aid to affected areas, where the desperate search for supplies has turned deadly with eight people killed in a crush at a government rice store. “I will send help to those who need it the most and I enjoin all of you to pray for our country and people in these trying times,” he said. Pacquiao, Read More …

Roach now ‘son of Sarangani’

Entertainment

Nov 142013

By Joy R. Sevilla Coach Freddie Roach is GenSan’s adopted son: General Santos City (9 November 2013) – During the Sangguniang Panglunsod session on Tuesday, November 5, coach Frederick Steven “Freddie” Roach is formally accepted by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera as an adopted son of General Santos City by virtue of Resolution No. 470 authored by City Councilor Franklin Gacal. Gacal said naming Roach as GenSan’s adopted son was an act of acknowledging his contribution in bringing fame to the city worldwide. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo) ALABEL, Sarangani (November 11, 2013) – The provincial government of Sarangani has declared Frederick Steven “Freddie” Roach as adopted son of the province, being an instrument for molding Rep. Manny Pacquiao to become a world boxing icon, bringing pride to Sarangani and the Philippines. Roach received a plaque of appreciation from Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao during the flag raising ceremony at the Capitol Monday (November 11). Roach said it is a great honor for him to be acknowledged by the province as a Sarangani. Governor Solon, on the other hand, said Roach is an exemplar of excellence and discipline. “It is truly an honor to have Roach with us. We know how it is difficult to be a coach and mentor. It really requires a high level of skill. You need to have long patience, be excellent and be disciplined to study the technicalities of the sports,” the governor said. Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao also expressed her gratefulness to Read More …

Tustin Resident, dedicated mom and advocate will walk for son with autism Nov. 16

Entertainment

Nov 142013

Tustin Resident, dedicated mom and advocate will walk for son with autism Nov. 16

Julie Diep (center) with Jennifer Jones (left) and Pam Eisenberg. TUSTIN, CA –Surfer girl and mom to a child with autism, Jennifer Jones knows about the obstacles and challenges of being a family member to a person with autism, and will walk during Orange County Walk Now for Autism Speaks for her son Dylan, 13, on Saturday, November 16, 2013, at the Orange County Great Park, El Toro Field at 6990 Marine Way in Irvine, CA. Newly hired to Autism Speaks as the Manager of Field Development for Autism Speaks Southern California, Jones’s passion is to raise public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society, and she will be one of an expected 8,000 autism supporters to attend the 10th Anniversary OC Walk Now for Autism Speaks, to be held at The Orange County Great Park El Toro Field. Walk Now for Autism Speaks is North America’s largest grassroots autism walk. For more information contact: Jennifer Jones, Manager of Field Development for Southern California Autism Speaks, 323-297-4757 or Jennifer.jones@autismspeaks.org, Jess Block, Autism Speaks Publicist, 909-706-8525 or JessBlockPR@gmail.com, Pam Eisenberg, Senior Director of Field Development for Southern California Autism Speaks, 310-948-4426 or pam.eisenberg@autismspeaks.org, Public Information, orangecounty@autismspeaks.org, 323-549-0500 x74765. ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY WALK NOW FOR AUTISM SPEAKS: The 10th annual Orange County Walk Now for Autism Speaks will be held November 16, 2013 at the Orange County Great Park, El Toro Field at 6990 Marine Way in Irvine, CA. Service Champions Heating & Air Conditioning is the 10th Read More …

World sends emergency relief to battered PHL

Entertainment

Nov 122013

World sends emergency relief to battered PHL

Marines board a KC-130J Hercules aircraft Nov. 10, 2013, at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, moments before departing for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey MANILA (AFP) – The United States, Britain, Australia and the United Nations mobilised emergency aid to the Philippines as the scale of the devastation unleashed by Super Typhoon Haiyan continued to emerge Tuesday. The Pentagon sent Marines and equipment while Britain was to send a ship and a transporter plane to assist with the relief effort followng the typhoon, which may have killed more than 10,000 people in what is feared to be the country’s worst natural disaster. Even Vietnam, despite coping itself with a mass evacuation programme as a weakened Haiyan swung through its territory Monday, provided emergency aid worth $100,000 and said it “stands by the Philippine people in this difficult situation”. The relief operation was focused on the city of Tacloban on Leyte island, four days after one of the biggest storms in recorded history demolished entire communities across the central Philippines and left countless bodies as well as gnawing desperation in its wake. Delivering on a promise of quick help from President Barack Obama, about 90 US Marines and sailors based in Japan flew into Tacloban aboard two C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, after receiving a bird’s eye view of the immense scale of destruction across Leyte. They brought communication and logistical equipment Read More …

Pentagon orders aircraft carrier, ships to PHL

Entertainment

Nov 122013

Pentagon orders aircraft carrier, ships to PHL

U.S. Marines board a KC-130J Hercules aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, to depart for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan, Nov. 11, 2013. The Marines are assigned to the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey WASHINGTON, November 11, 2013 (AFP) – US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered the aircraft carrier USS George Washington and other American ships to head to the typhoon-stricken Philippines, the Pentagon said Monday. The carrier, which has 5,000 sailors and more than 80 aircraft aboard, is currently in Hong Kong for a port visit. The crew is being recalled early from shore leave and the ship is expected to be underway later this evening, the Pentagon said in a statement. “In company with the carrier will be the cruisers USS Antietam and USS Cowpens and the destroyer USS Mustin. The supply ship USNS Charles Drew is already underway and will rendezvous with the group as they get closer,” it said, noting the ships should be on station within 48-72 hours. The USS Lassen, also a destroyer, got underway Sunday for the region. On board the USS George Washington are sailors and “aircraft designed to perform various functions including disaster relief,” including the Sea Combat Squadron 12 flying the MH-60S Seahawk helicopter; and the “Saberhawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77. “As needed, these ships and aircraft will be able to provide humanitarian assistance, supplies, and medical care Read More …

Tacloban faces ATM looting, fuel shortage

Entertainment

Nov 122013

Tacloban faces ATM looting, fuel shortage

Residents stand on the ruins of their house amidst other destroyed houses after Super Typhoon Haiyan battered Tacloban city in central Philippines November 10, 2013. One of the most powerful storms ever recorded killed at least 10,000 people in the central Philippines province of Leyte, a senior police official said on Sunday, with coastal towns and the regional capital devastated by huge waves. Super typhoon Haiyan destroyed about 70 to 80 percent of the area in its path as it tore through the province on Friday, said chief superintendent Elmer Soria, a regional police director. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Tacloban is now facing law and order problems and a risk of a fuel shortage, according to Southern Leyte Rep. Roger Mercado. Mercado said he has received reports that people have resorted to looting automated teller machines (ATMs) out of despair. “I hope the Office of the Civil Defense will focus on this. We also asked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to send troops in the area to maintain peace and order,” he said. An earlier clip showed the looting at Gaisano mall in Tacloban City after the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda as hundreds of residents took advantage of the breakdown in law and order out of despair. Mercado also appealed to the private sector to send help, especially as supplies for basic goods are nearly dissipated. “We are also seeing long lines in gas stations. I fear a shortage of fuels in the entire region 8,” Read More …

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