BMI Online Editor

Join us for a free screening of the film “Call Me Kuchu”

Oct 242013

Sponsored by the David Kato Vision & Voice Award and the City of West Hollywood. Directed by Malika Zouhali-Worrall and Katherine Fairfax Wright, “Call Me Kuchu” follows the work of Ugandan LGBT activists David Kato, Frank Mugisha, and others to defeat state-sanctioned homophobia while combatting vicious persecution in their daily lives. Learn more and watch the trailer at callmekuchu.com. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and reception featuring: * Malika Zouhali-Worrall, Director * Katherine Fairfax Wright, Director * Frank Mugisha, Ugandan LGBT Activist and Winner of the RFK Human Rights Award The screening is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Please RSVP at apla.org/callmekuchu.

Strengthened Study Now Pay Later Program pushed

Entertainment

Oct 232013

Strengthened Study Now Pay Later Program pushed

President Benigno S. Aquino III poses for a group photo with the Iskwelahang Pilipino Rondalla during the courtesy call held at Malacanang’s Heroes Hall. The ensemble formed in 1986 through the vision of Cristina Castro who, with a shoestring budget, searched for several years to find a teacher while building up an arsenal of instruments for the children the IP Rondalla has flourished as a truly Filipino American expression, incorporating into its repertoire aspects of traditional and contemporary music from the Philippines and the United States.also in photo are Violaere Rodriguez Bailey, Education secretary Bro. Armin Luistro and IP Rondalla founder Cristina Castro (MNS photo) MANILA, Oct. 21 (Mabuhay) – A lawmaker has moved to strengthen the Study Now Pay Later Program (SNPLP) pioneered by President Aquino’s late father, Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., to enable the government to reach out to more poor but deserving students. Rep. Eric Olivarez (1st District, Parañaque City) filed House Bill 265, to be known as the Reformed Study Now Pay Later Act of 2013, which provides for a reinforced financial assistance program for qualified individuals. The bill mandates that seventy percent allocated for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) annually through their various financial assistance programs shall go to the SNPLP’s Loan Trust Fund. Likewise, the amount derived from loan repayments of borrowers, including the principal and interests, shall accrue to the Loan Trust Fund. Olivarez said the SNPLP is a big help not only for Read More …

Anne had female admirers in grade school

Entertainment

Oct 232013

Anne had female admirers in grade school

Anne Curtis (MNS Photo) Anne Curtis thinks it is about time that the lesbian community also gets its own pageants, just like gays. This comes after the actress was asked for her reaction on their new segment on “It’s Showtime” called “That’s My Tomboy” which made it to the local Twitter trending topics for two consecutive days. “I think it’s about time that they get to have their own pageant. Ang po-pogi nila. But then you get to know the deeper side of them because you get to see that they are still in touch with their feminine side,” she said. “Nandoon pa rin naman ang pagkababae nila. It’s just that they are attracted to the same sex,” she added. According to Curtis, having lesbian friends is nothing new to her since she went to an all-girls school when she was in grade school. Asked if she also had female admirers, Curtis admitted: “Yes, when I was in grade 7, kasi all-girls [school] ako. Hindi naman [ako niligawan], grade 7 lang so puro padala ng letter. You’re all friends eh. Wala pang malice.” New endorsement Meanwhile, Curtis said she is happy to have another company which trusted her to be their endorser. Curtis was recently launched as the face of a videoke microphone due to her fondness for singing. “I didn’t know what to say when I was informed that I’m going to be the endorser. All I can say was ‘Are you serious? Me? Why not!’ Being a singer Read More …

Twelfth Annual Autumn Festival Brings Magic and Beauty of the Fall Season to Aquarium of the Pacific

Entertainment

Oct 232013

Twelfth Annual Autumn Festival Brings Magic and Beauty of the Fall Season to Aquarium of the Pacific

Celebrate the arts, cuisines, and cultures of China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines on November 9-10, 2013, at the Aquarium A Celebration of Asian CultureDelve into the arts, cuisines, cultures, and marine environments of Asia during the Aquarium of the Pacific’s twelfth annual Autumn Festival. (www.aquariumofpacific.org) WHAT: In China, people celebrate the Moon Festival. In Japan, regional harvest festivals, or matsuri, are held. Chuseok is the traditional Korean fall festival. Celebrate the magic of fall through the arts, cuisines, and cultures of China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines during the Aquarium of the Pacific’s eleventh annual Autumn Festival. Held Saturday and Sunday, November 9-10, 2013, this festival offers a weekend of diverse learning opportunities and family entertainment. The festival will feature live music and dance performances, cultural arts exhibits, and crafts. Throughout the weekend artisans and other vendors will be displaying and selling their works. Various ethnic entrees will also be available for purchase. WHERE: Saturday & Sunday, November 9-10, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. WHERE: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 INFO: (562) 590-3100 or www.aquariumofpacific.org COST: Autumn Festival is included with general admission—$25.95 adult (12+), $22.95 senior (62+), $14.95 child (3-11), and free for children under age 3 and Aquarium members AQUARIUM: The Aquarium of the Pacific, a nonprofit institution, is dedicated to an aquarium dedicated to conserving and building natural capital (nature and nature’s services) by building social capital (the interactions between and among peoples). Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages Read More …

L.A. City Council proclaims October 2013 as Fil-Am Histroy/Heritage Month

Entertainment

Oct 232013

L.A. City Council proclaims October 2013 as Fil-Am Histroy/Heritage Month

Consul General Ma. Hellen Barber De La Vega addressing the LosAngeles City Council. Los Angeles, 21 October 2013 – The Los Angeles City Council, led by Councilmembers Mitch O’Farrell and Jose Huizar, honored the Filipino American community in Los Angeles by presenting a Resolution proclaiming October 2013 as Filipino-American History/Heritage Month. Members of the City Council praised the Filipino-American community for its achievements, contributions and the 426 years of historical presence in the United States. The paintings of Filipino American artists – Mr. Alex Gantioqui, Mr. Bobby Romero and Mr. Cesar De Vera are featured at the City Hall Bridge of the East Gallery Los Angeles City Hall Building to commemorate Filipino-American History Month. Consul General Maria Hellen B. De La Vega and Linda Granados, President of the Los Angeles Filipino Association of City Employees (LAFACE), accepted the resolution in behalf of the Filipino-American community in Los Angeles. Consul General De La Vega with Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell(Council District 13) Councilwoman Nury Martinez (Council District 6) with LAFACE officers andFilipino artists Alex Gantioqui, Bobby Romero and Cesar De Vera.

Govt to launch ‘structural resiliency program’ for public buildings – DPWH

Entertainment

Oct 222013

Govt to launch ‘structural resiliency program’ for public buildings – DPWH

Residents walk past a destroyed church belfry in Tubigon, Bohol , a day after an earthquake hit central Philippines October 16, 2013. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) –Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson on Thursday said the government would implement a “structural resiliency program” for all public buildings to keep these functional even after strong earthquakes. “We have what we call ‘structural resiliency program’. Ibig sabihin niyan ay imbes na ire-repair lang namin mga lumang buildings we will retrofit and upgrade them (It means instead of repair, the old building will undergo retrofitting and upgrading,” Singson said after the send off ceremonies for President Benigno Aquino III at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Thursday morning. President Aquino left for a two-day state visit to South Korea. Singson said the government would prioritize the program on government hospitals, public schools, and government buildings. He said they would come up with a template of the standards that should be followed. “Ang ibig sabihin ng programang ito (structural resiliency) we cannot upgrade them unless they are compliant with the new building code para sa ganoon kapag nangyari ang ganito (strong earthquake), sana naman ay hindi na, ay magiging operational pa rin sila. We will make them structurally fit (The program means we cannot upgrade them unless they are compliant with the new building code so if ever a strong earthquake will hit, I hope not. We wikll make them structurally fit) ,” he said. A 7.2 magnitude quake hit Central Visayas on Tuesday, killing Read More …

De Lima hopes Napoles appearance in Senate won’t affect plunder complaint

Entertainment

Oct 222013

De Lima hopes Napoles appearance in Senate won’t affect plunder complaint

Blue Ribbon Committee chair, Sen. Teofisto Guingona III and Justice Secretary Leila De Lima reconcile after Guingona earlier admits being “disappointed” for not bringing whistle blowers during the pork barrel scam probe at the Senate on Tuesday (Sept. 24, 2013). Both parties shake hands after. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Thursday expressed hope that the appearance of Janet Lim-Napoles will not have any adverse effect on the plunder complaints the controversial businesswoman is facing before the Office of the Ombudsman. “Sana nga anything that is done or that will transpire or happen in that proceeding na andyan si Mrs. Napoles ay hindi makakaapekto sa Ombudsman cases. Hindi makaapekto sa aming complainants at sa takbo ng kaso,” De Lima told reporters, adding that it will all depend on what Napoles discloses in the probe. But she believed that Napoles would just invoke her rights during the hearing being conducted by the Senate blue ribbon committee. “Depende kung me sasabihin siya kasi very possible na mag-iinvoke lang siya ng mga rights like right to remain silent, right against self incrimination. I wouldn’t really know, depende yan kung ano ang kalalabasan,” De Lima said. During a privilege speech Wednesday, Senate President Franklin Drilon said he has signed the subpoena requiring Napoles to attend the Senate probe on the alleged pork barrel scam. The move preempted a Senate caucus where senators are supposed to decide on whether or not to summon Napoles to the investigation. For her part, Read More …

Aquino to encourage more investments, renew ties on his first visit to Korea

Entertainment

Oct 222013

Aquino to encourage more investments, renew ties on his first visit to Korea

President Benigno S. Aquino III answers questions from the media during the press briefing after gracing the 7th ASEAN Navy Chiefs Meeting (ANCM) at the Ballroom 2, Raffles and Fairmont Hotel in Makati Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (September 10). With theme: “Partnership for Peace and Prosperity” to highlight the need for strengthened cooperation among the ASEAN Navies for peace, stability and progress in the ASEAN region. (MNS Photo). MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday vowed to bring home more investments and forge stronger ties on his first state visit to South Korea. In his pre-departure speech, President Aquino underscored the importance of having renewed ties with South Korea whose nationals remain as one of the top tourists entering the country in recent years. “Tayo naman po ay tutungo ngayon sa South Korea, upang asikasuhin naman ang kinabukasan habang inaasikaso natin ang kasalukuyan. Alam po ng lahat na marami pong investors na galing sa Korea, layon po natin lalo pang dagdagan ang kanilang investments sa ating pong bansa,” President Aquino said. The President pushed through with his South Korea trip after visiting quake affected areas in the Central Visayas region. President Aquino said other key Cabinet members are now overseeing relief operations in devastated areas. “May mga nagtanong po kung dapat tayo tumuloy matapos ng nangyari na lindol sa Kabisayaan. Ang sagot po natin dito: Habang inaasikaso nga ho ang kasalukuyan, dapat naman ho siguro huwag natin pabayaan ang kinabukasan,” he added. The Chief Executive said Read More …

Remittances grow fastest in seven months – Bangko Sentral

Entertainment

Oct 222013

Remittances grow fastest in seven months – Bangko Sentral

A man arranges his peso bills inside a currency exchange shop Friday, Nov. 9, 2007, in Manila, Philippines. The dollar closed Friday at 42.795 pesos, where the peso rose to a new seven-year high on prospects of further U.S. interest rate cuts and likely increases in remittances from Filipinos overseas. (AP Photo/Pat Roque) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Money sent home by Filipinos who live and work overseas quickened to its fastest pace in seven months last August, fueled by sustained deployment of workers abroad, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Wednesday. Cash remittances – money sent through banks and transfer agents – grew at annual rate of 6.8 percent to $1.918 billion in August, preliminary central bank data showed. This is the fastest growth rate since January’s revised 8 percent increase, according to central bank records. Total cash transfers grew by 5.9 percent to $14.545 billion in the first eight months of the year, above a Bangko Sentral forecast of 5 percent for 2013. “The steady deployment of OF (overseas Filipino) workers remained one of the key drivers of the growth in remittance flows,” Bangko Sentral noted in a statement. According to Philippine Overseas Employment Administration data, approved job orders in January to August rose 39 percent annually, primarily in services, production and technical jobs in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Qatar. Listed Bank of the Philippine Islands’ (BPI) lead economist Emilio Neri Jr. gave a bank’s perspective to remittances. “August was disaster ridden, and we Read More …

Recto wants to convert ‘pork’ in 2014 budget to disaster fund

General

Oct 222013

Recto wants to convert ‘pork’ in 2014 budget to disaster fund

An image of Virgin Mary and baby Jesus is seen in front of the collapsed centuries-old Our Lady of Light church in Loon, Bohol, a day after an earthquake hit central Philippines October 16, 2013. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The government should convert the P25-billion allocation for the controversial Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), commonly known as “pork barrel,” to disaster relief funds that will help rebuild areas affected by recent natural disasters that hit the country, Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto proposed Thursday. In a statement, Recto said the government should consider beefing up the P7.5-billion proposed calamity fund for next year, which he said “is not enough” given the recent “tragedies on the ground.” “If the budget is ballyhooed to be based on needs, then the earthquake in the Visayas and other expenditure-causing calamities must be factored in,” the senator said. Typhoon Santi hit parts of Central Luzon over the weekend, leaving eight people and leaving over two million people without electricity. On Tuesday, a magnitude-7.2 hit central Visayas, leaving 158 reported dead so far and destroying some heritage churches in Bohol and Cebu. Recto proposed that Malacañang and Congress should consider “tweaking” the spending plan for next year to create “budget space” for calamity relief work. He particularly specified PDAF allocations as a possible source of relief funds. The senator added that a provision can also be introduced in the 2014 budget that will allow the government to channel excess revenues or savings for disaster relief. Read More …

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