Courtesy of Youtube Kababayan Today : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxIW4zf7YBM&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLB4153E657B73239F
Nov 012013
BMI Online Editor
Nov 012013
Consul General Maria Hellen M. Barber-De La Vega addressing the audience. Los Angeles, 30 October 2013. – A seminar on Franchising and Business Opportunities in the Philippines was held at the Rizal Hall of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles on 29 October 2013. This event was held in cooperation with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, Los Angeles (PTIC), the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) and the Council on Trade and Investments for Filipino Americans (COTiFA). In her remarks, Consul General De La Vega mentioned that the Philippine Franchising Industry is poised to register sustained growths of 20% in 2013 and 30% in 2014 based on the number of franchises. The Philippines is also emerging as one of the best destinations for overseas expansion for franchising firms. PFA Vice Chairman Bing Sibal-Limjoco gave an informative presentation on topics such as: the Philippine Franchising Sector; How to Invest in the Right Franchise Wisely; and, How to Franchise your Business. About 56 Fil-Am entrepreneurs expressed interest on Philippine franchising. Seated (L-R) Consul General De La Vega, PFA Vice Chairman Limjoco, PNB General Manager Ric Ramos with DTI Representative Dinsay and members of COTIFA. PFA Vice Chairman Limjoco lecturing to the audience. (L-R) Consul General De La Vega; PFA Vice Chairman, Bing Sibal-Limjoco; PNB General Manager Ric Ramos and DTI LA Representative Jose Dinsay.
Nov 012013
With Special Appearances by Raymond Bagatsing, Radhaa Nilia, and Ayvee Verzonilla Freight Train Official Poster LOS ANGELES CA – 2013 short film Freight Train will screen at Barnsdall Gallery Theater at 4800 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90027 on November 16th, 2013 at 3:30pm. A special appearance will be made by Actor Raymond Bagatsing, Actress/Producer Radhaa Nilia, and Producer/Songwriter Ayvee Verzonilla. The film will be screened in English. This film is the powerful first effort of Nike Commercial Director Zen Freese with a stirring performance by Award-winning Actor Raymond Bagatsing. The cost of attendance is $10 per film. For more information, call Founder Adrian Lecaros at (818) 584-6588 or visit the official festival website at www.onefilam.com. Acclaimed Filipino actor Raymond Bagatsing stars in this emotionally intense short film. The film is directed, written, and edited by Nike Commercial Producer Zen Freese. The piece is produced by Radhaa Nilia and Ayvee Verzonilla. Ayvee Verzonilla, songwriter of “Bad Girls All Star Battle” main title on Oxygen will perform an original song at the event. About the film: A happily married man wakes up alone, and suicidal. On the edge of losing his sanity, he’s forced to sift through his shattered memories. For more information about Freight Train, visit www.freighttrainthemovie.com. Raymond Bagatsing Action Raymond Bagatsing Action Radhaa Nilia Producer/Director Raymond Bagatsing Headshot Freight Train Stills Freight Train Stills Freight Train Stills Director Zen Freese Ayvee Verzonilla Ayvee Verzonilla headshot
Nov 012013
Banaue Rice Terraces MANILA (AFP) – Philippine conservationists hit out Sunday at a wakeskating “stunt” that took place at an ancient mountain rice terrace, accusing sponsors of exploiting the UNESCO World Heritage site. Professional wakeskaters Brian Grubb of the United States and Dominik Preisner of Germany are shown on a video on YouTube skimming on the waters of the Banaue rice terraces in the Philippines’ northern mountain region. Wakeskating is similar to the popular water sport wakeboarding but users are not bound to the board. “I noticed that on the back of the bills here, you could see all these rice terraces and tonnes of water,” Grubb says in the video, which was uploaded Thursday and already viewed over 241,000 times as of Sunday. “It’s just a wakeskate paradise but no one even knew it was here.” Although they said they obtained permission from local tribal leaders, the video quickly spread on social media, drawing mixed reactions from Filipinos. “Wakeboarding at the terraces? It is a stunt totally inappropriate to the site. And stunt it is,” Augusto Villalon, president of the Heritage Society, told AFP. “The world heritage property and the local residents should not be exploited.” Sponsors Red Bull defended the event, saying in a statement attached to the video: “Respect for the environment was a priority from the beginning of this project! “The team has assured that the plants and wildlife have neither been damaged nor disturbed at any time during the project. “All agreements have been made Read More …
Nov 012013
Pet owners hold up their pets dressed in costumes during the Scaredy Cats and Dogs Halloween costume competition at Eastwood mall in Quezon city, metro Manila October 26, 2013. According to an official from the organiser Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), the annual event, which had at least one hundred competitors who joined with their pets, aimed to give pet owners a chance to bond with their pets and experience Halloween together. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Swiss companies are giving the Philippines a closer look as the Southeast Asian place to invest in, lured by the investment grade rating awarded by major debt-watchers earlier this year. “The Philippines is now on the radar screen as it continues to attract more Swiss investments while those already invested have been expanding their operations,” Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Ivo Sieber said in an interview with reporters Monday. Meteomedia, a Weather Station Measurement Network company, which operates in Germany Switzerland, is expanding in the Philippines, according to the ambassador. The company is expanding partnerships with Globe Telecom, Smart Communications and SM Prime Holdings. Meteomedia provides custom-made weather forecasts for telcos, mining companies, and retailers, using data processed from over 17,000 stations across the globe. Apart from Meteomedia, Swiss companies are keen on investing in business process outsourcing (BPO). However, many issues have emerged in the process of placing the Philippines under a magnifying lens, the ambassador noted, saying Swiss businessmen are particularly wary of the Patrimony Law which limits foreign investors from Read More …
Nov 012013
Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta (MNS Photo) It’s confirmed: Actor Richard Gomez will reunite with former girlfriend Dawn Zulueta in the upcoming series “You’re My Home.” Gomez and Zulueta said they are happy to work again together for their fans after the success of their love team’s reunion in last year’s phenomenal hit series “Walang Hanggan.” “Right after ‘Walang Hanggan’ maraming may gusto na gagawa kami ng soap pero it took a while. So ngayon pagpasok ng 2014 mayroon silang mapapanood na Richard and Dawn,” Gomez said. “Siyempre gusto na naming i-announce sa mga fans na matagal nang naghihintay, to give them an idea kung anong klase na magkakaroon kami,” Zulueta said. The two said the upcoming series is a family drama. “This time we start off as a married couple and what a married couple goes through – conflicts (and) differences,” Zulueta said. “Then along the way kung ano ‘yung mga romantic, ‘yung mga sweet moments doon na lang papasok. Ang importante ay makita nila ‘yung value nung soap. It’s really about family, how they cope up with struggles,” Gomez added. According to Gomez and Zulueta, they both have the support of their respective partners. “In fact, matagal na niyang gustong masimulan dahil madami nang naghihintay na mga fans na magkaroon ng follow up ‘yung Richard and Dawn,” said Gomez, who is married to 4th District of Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres. “Matagal na niyang alam na mayroon kaming project (ni Richard),” said Zulueta, who is married to Davao Del Read More …
Nov 012013
Saturday, November 16. Opening ceremonies at 9:00 am, Forgotten Soldiers at 10:00 am, Barnsdall Gallery Theater, 4800 Hollywood Blvd. Sacrifice, courage and betrayal. At the beginning of World War II, General Douglas MacArthur’s 80,000 Filipino and American troops on Bataan faced one of the worst atrocities in military history–the Bataan Death March. In this stirring documentary movie, Lou Diamond Phillips narrates as ten survivors describe the battles of Bataan, Corregidor, the Death March itself, and ultimate victory over the enemy; over photographs, reenactments and actual footage of the battles. The 12,000 Filipino soldiers of the Philippine Scouts were the backbone of General MacArthur’s doomed forces, but few Americans today are even aware of this unique segment of the United States Army. They are America’s FORGOTTEN SOLDIERS. The OneFilAm Film Festival showcases Filipino American values, culture and tradition through the best current independent films produced, directed or starred in by Filipino Americans. Film lovers will have a unique opportunity to view four movies which have won acclaim and have been lauded as fine examples of the Filipino American spirit and identity. In addition to the showcase films, the Barnsdall public park will be filled with booths presenting the best food and cuisine, art and photo exhibits, and a myriad of products and services presented by the FilAm community’s premiere organizations and business entities. For additional information call 818-584-6588. Come see Forgotten Soldiers at the OneFilAm Film Festival, Saturday, November 16!
Nov 012013
By Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services Logo of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services There has been a lot of confusion about some recent notices to consumers from insurance companies that sell coverage in the individual insurance market, and I’d like to clear up the facts. Today, more than 3 out of every 4 Americans get insurance from an employer, Medicare, Medicaid, or the Veterans Benefits Administration. Americans who purchase insurance on their own, however, generally buy coverage in the individual insurance market. Before the Affordable Care Act, coverage in the individual market often was unaffordable, had high co-pays or deductibles, or lacked basic benefits like maternity care, mental health services, and prescription drug coverage. These plans also had high turnover rates, and often were not renewed at the end of a plan year. One study showed that more than half of enrollees in the individual market left their plan within a year. The health care law is creating new protections for people in the individual market, as well as strengthening employer-based coverage. In the Health Insurance Marketplace, consumers will no longer be charged more because of gender or a pre-existing condition, recommended preventive services will be covered with no additional out of pocket cost, there will be caps on out of pocket costs, and plans will have to offer a basic package of 10 categories of essential health benefits. Some insurance companies that sell products in the individual market are making changes to their plans. Plans that were Read More …
Nov 012013
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Chicane, pictured at the Goodwood Motor Circuit.©Rolls-Royce (Relaxnews) – The latest “bespoke” model from Rolls-Royce was designed in honor of the Dubai International Motor Show, which will open its doors November 5. The Phantom Coupe Chicane pays homage to Goodwood, home to the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit and to the prestigious auto manufacturer’s headquarters. Mohammed El-Arishy, Rolls-Royce Brand Manager in Dubai, expressed his ambition to create “an automobile that captures all the unique atmosphere and history of the Goodwood Motor Circuit.” In response, the British brand’s custom design department developed this exceptional model using carbon fiber rather than wood for the exterior panels, and adding flair through red interior upholstery and wheels that match the body. The Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Chicane is powered by the traditional 460hp V12 engine. The manufacturer has not yet released details on availability dates or pricing for the luxury vehicle, which will be unveiled in a world premiere in Dubai. The Dubai International Motor Show takes placeNovember 5-9, 2013 at the Dubai World trade Center. Website: dubaimotorshow.com db/ls/lwt
Oct 302013
Consul General Maria Hellen Barber De La Vega with Ms. World 2013 Megan Young. Los Angeles, 28 October 2013 – Ms. World 2013, Megan Young paid a courtesy call on Consul General Maria Hellen Barber De La Vega at the Philippine Consulate General on 25 October 2013. Ms. Young was accompanied by Miss World Events Director Steve Douglas. In their discussion with Consul General Maria Hellen Barber De La Vega, they informed that Miss World, aside from being a beauty pageant, is a platform for young women in making a difference. As Ms. World, Megan will be travelling to 40 countries. She will be involved with charity projects such as fund raising for Haiti and fund-raising for ventilator machines for the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and the Tuloy Foundation in Alabang, Philippines headed by Father Rocky Evangelista. Tuloy Foundation started years ago with only 12 children from the streets and presently has over 900 children in their compound. The Tuloy Foundation has built a gymnasium and a church and providing education for children, aside from housing 200 to 300 children. Ms Young was born in Alexandria, Virginia of a Filipina mother and American father. She moved to the Philippines when she was a child. She went to school in the Philippines and pursued a career in show business. Ms. World 2013, Megan Young at the Philippine Consulate General (L-R) Consul Charmaine Serna-Chua, Deputy Consul General Daniel Espiritu, Ms. Megan Young, Consul General De La Vega, Consul Marlowe Miranda, Vice Consul Read More …