BMI Online Editor

U.S. Embassy in Manila to continue operations despite shutdown

Oct 042013

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 08: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton welcomes President of the Republic of the Philippines Benigno S. Aquino III, (R), during a luncheon at the Department of State, on June 8, 2012 in Washington, DC. Later today President Aquino is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Operations at the U.S. Embassy in Manila will continue despite the budget lapse that led to the shutdown of American government agencies. “Activities carried out by the Bureau of Consular affairs, both domestically and abroad, are fee-funded and will continue operations,” embassy spokesman Kurt Hoyer said on Wednesday. “The department will continue visa issuance overseas. We will also continue our passport operations,” he added. The shutdown of US government agencies was caused by failure to meet a deadline to pass a budget, sparking speculations that President Barack Obama may completely forgo his Asian trips, including a two-day visit to the Philippines, or limit his travel time in Asia to deal with the crisis. “Previously, the department relied on a mixture of fees and appropriated funds for its consular operations but has moved to funding from retained fees,” Hoyer explained. “Thus, we can continue these operations even given the appropriations lapse. The Department will continue visa issuance overseas,” he said. (MNS)

President Aquino cites Newborn Screening Society of the Philippines for cooperation to curb diseases

Entertainment

Oct 032013

President Aquino cites Newborn Screening Society of the Philippines for cooperation to curb diseases

President Benigno S. Aquino III answers questions from the members of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) during the BCBP Grand Breakfast at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on Wednesday (October 02). The BCBP develops Christian leaders to become agents for justice and sound development in the work environment. In photo are Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., BCBP national president Lito Manuel Jimenez and BCBP chairman of the board Eduardo Pelaez, Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo and Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson. (MNS photo) MANILA, Oct 3 (Mabuhay) — President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the Newborn Screening Society of the Philippines, Inc. (NSSPI) for its cooperation with the government to curb disease. “I am confident that your solidarity will drive our efforts to curb disease at its roots, and to protect our youth from potential impediments to their individual progress,” the Chief Executive said in his message to the NSSPI on Thursday. The NSSPI opened on Thursday its two-day Annual Newborn Screening Convention 2013 entitled, “Facing the Challenges of Expanded Newborns Screening” at the Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Manila. “Our nation relies on your collective to establish the practice of newborn screening as a determined step towards a robust tomorrow, with the fresh research and innovations you will uncover today,” the President said. President Aquino said the pursuit of development is centered on capacity-building, beginning from the empowerment of the people and extending to the advancement of the Read More …

Angelica Panganiban not ready to be a mom

Entertainment

Oct 032013

Angelica Panganiban not ready to be a mom

Angelica Panganiban (MNS Photo) ACTRESS Angelica Panganiban said she’s not ready yet to settle down and start a family. The Kapamilya star said this after she was asked on the pregnancy of close friend and “Banana Split” co-host Melai Cantiveros, who is expecting her first child with boyfriend Jason Francisco. Angelica said it is a big responsibility and her main focus remains to be her show biz career and immediate family. “Malaking responsibilidad ‘yun and I think ‘yung ganoong mga bagay ay pinaghahandaan, pinag-iisipan, pinag paplanuhan. Mas gusto kong nasa tamang plano ‘yung pagkakaroon ko ng additional sa akin buhay.” What’s important is that she’s happy in a relationship with boyfriend John Lloyd Cruz, she said. “Happy and nagpaplano na kami,” she jokingly said. Angelica added, “Okay naman kami, busy siya and busy din ako. Lagi kasing perfect, everyday.” The two recently celebrated their first anniversary together. Angelica revealed their respective families were present during the small dinner. “Makapag-celebrate lang, magkasama kayo and maging thankful sa nabigay na pagkakataon na maging masaya yung buong taon. Kung sino ang mga naging mahala sa atin, nakatulong sa atin na makaabot sa ganito, naging parte sila ng buhay natin, so wag natin ipagdamot na yung celebration ay sa atin lang,” said Angelica. When asked how their first year went, especially with all the intrigues and controversies, Angelica said they’re happy and they don’t let intrigues affect the relationship. “Okay na okay kami kaya yung intriga hindi siya nag matter talaga. Para hindi nga Read More …

Aquino issues proclamation declaring regular holidays, special non-working days and special holidays for schools in 2014

Entertainment

Oct 022013

Aquino issues proclamation declaring regular holidays, special non-working days and special holidays for schools in 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III heads the Globe Southeast Asia-Japan (SJC) Submarine Cable System launching ceremony at The Globe Tower, 7th Avenue corner 32nd Street in Taguig City on Friday (September 27). With the President during the ceremony are DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo; Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; Gil Genio head of Globe Business; Yukido Oda, President of KDDI from Japan; Ooi Seng Keat, Vice President of Carrier Services/Singtel; and Song Dai of Brunei International Gateway. One of the main beneficiaries of the Globe-SJC interconnection will be the local business process outsourcing and the outsourcing-off shore sectors, currently regarded as the “sunshine industries” in the country. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III issued a proclamation declaring regular holidays, special (non-working) days and special holiday for schools for the year 2014, a Palace official said. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda announced during the regular press briefing in Malacañang Palace on Monday that the Chief Executive issued Proclamation 655 on Sept 25. The following regular holidays and special days for the year 2014 shall be observed in the country: Regular Holidays for 2014 are as follows: New Year’s Day Jan 1 (Wednesday); Araw ng Kagitingan; April 9 (Wednesday); Maundy Thursday April 17;Good Friday April 18; Labor Day May 1 (Thursday); Independence Day June 12 (Thursday); National Heroes Day, Aug 25 (Last Monday of August); Bonifacio Day Nov 30 (Sunday); Christmas Day Dec 25 (Thursday);Rizal Day Dec 30 (Tuesday); Special (non-working) Days: Chinese New Year Jan 31 (Friday); Black Saturday, Read More …

Pacquiao files bill providing OFWs with handbook on their rights, responsibilities

Entertainment

Oct 022013

Pacquiao files bill providing OFWs with handbook on their rights, responsibilities

World Boxing Organization welterweight champion and congressman Manny Pacquiao (L) of the Philippines looks at documents shown by his attorney Remigio Rojas during a news conference in Manila March 26, 2012. Pacquiao, vowed to fight to the finish until the final and last round the tax case against him saying it has affected his training for the June welterweight fight against U.S. boxer Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco (PHILIPPINES – Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW SPORT BOXING) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel Pacquiao has filed a bill which seeks to provide overseas Filipino workers with a handbook that contains pertinent information that can help them address their problems and concerns which he hopes would prevent them from becoming victims of human trafficking. Pacquiao said House Bill 2981 will mandate the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to publish, disseminate and update a handbook on the rights and responsibilities of OFWs. “The handbook aims to serve as their ready reference if and when they need to assert their rights as migrant workers. It will be written in simple language with translations in native dialects that the OFWs can readily understand,” he explained. Pacquiao said he is hoping the measure can also help end the country’s problem on human trafficking. “Many OFWs fall prey to the crime because they are unaware of their rights,” he said. The boxing icon-turned-lawmaker is a known advocate of the rights and welfare of migrant workers and the cause of human trafficking victims. He had vocally supported Read More …

DOJ readying charges vs Misuari for rebellion, violation of int’l humanitarian law

Entertainment

Oct 022013

DOJ readying charges vs Misuari for rebellion, violation of int’l humanitarian law

Police present to the media 15 Muslim rebels of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), who had surrendered to the government soldiers, at a police station in Zamboanga city in southern Philippines September 19, 2013. Police said the death toll in the fighting between the soldiers and the rebels has reached 104, and around 110,000 have been displaced. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Justice is preparing to charge Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari with rebellion and violating international humanitarian law over the bloody standoff between his followers and government troops in Zamboanga City. Although Misuari has not personally been involved in the fighting in Zamboanga, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said he remains accountable because of “command responsibility.” The MNLF fighters involved in the standoff are led by one of Misuari’s most trusted lieutenants, Habier Malik, who security forces say remains holed out in Zamboanga. De Lima said part of the basis for including Misuari in the charges the government will be filing over the standoff are the testimonies of captured or surrendered MNLF fighters, many of whom have been subjected to inquest proceedings. The standoff entered its 19th day on Friday and has, so far, claimed the lives of around 160 combatants and civilians, left more than 350 wounded, and displaced up to 120,000 persons. (MNS)

Sunshine: 13 years with Cesar is enough

Entertainment

Oct 022013

Cesar Montano and Sunshine Cruz (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) -– In the 13 years that they were living in one roof, Sunshine Cruz revealed she does not understand why her estranged husband Cesar Montano would always bring back her past as a bold star every time they would have misunderstandings. A teary-eyed Cruz said she does not know why Montano couldn’t just move on from the past. “Mayroon sigurong mga tao na hindi makakalimot sa past ng ibang tao. He would always tell me na dati kasi akong bold star. Masakit kasi kahit naman naging ganun ako, first boyfriend ko ‘yun eh. At 13 years na, ikaw ‘yung may ginagawa, tanggapin mo. Huwag mong ibalik ‘yung past, pelikula iyon eh,” she said. Asked if this made her regret what she did before, Cruz said: “Dahil sa hirap, dahil sa mga naririnig ko, yeah sometimes. Parang why did I do this, I was so stupid. Pero nangyari na iyan eh. Hindi rin naman mag-mourn ako forever because of what I did before.” But Cruz said she endured all this for the sake of their three children. But what really broke the camel’s back, according to the actress, what when one of their daughters asked her to talk to Montano because of a picture they saw in their father’s phone. “We were having lunch one day and my 8-year-old told me na kausapin ko daw ‘yung tatay nila kasi may nakita sila sa phone. To cut the story short, I tried reaching Read More …

DAR announces schedule for distribution of land titles to Hacienda Luisita beneficiaries

Entertainment

Oct 022013

(Department of Agrarian Reform Logo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — After years of struggling for land ownership, farmworker-beneficiaries of Hacienda Luisita will finally receive land titles for the farm lots allocated to them. DAR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Anthony Parungao announced that DAR will begin distributing the certified true copies of the Certificates of Land Ownership Award (or CLOAs of the land titles given to agrarian reform beneficiaries) to qualified farmworker-beneficiaries (FWBs) in the 10 barangays of Hacienda Luisita starting September 30 up to the middle of October. Parungao said that as of September 25, 2013, the CLOAs of about 5,800 qualified FWBs who had signed and filed their Application to Purchase and Farmers Undertaking (APFU) were already generated by DAR and registered with the Register of Deeds. He said only 296 FWBs have yet to claim their Lot Allocation Certificates (LAC), while only 377 FWBs have yet to sign and file their APFUs. He, however, clarified that the DAR continues to seek out the FWBs who have yet to claim their LACs or file their APFUs. He noted that a good number of FWBs are either working abroad or living outside of Tarlac, and were thus unable to claim their LACs or sign and file their APFUs. “Their CLOAs will be generated and registered as soon as they have signed their APFUs”, Parungao said. “We have taken the initiative of searching for these beneficiaries to see how we can help them claim their lots. Our field facilitators are out there seeking Read More …

Meat-Free Favorites : Spaghetti Squash with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

Entertainment

Sep 272013

Meat-Free Favorites : Spaghetti Squash with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

By Elena Johnson As the temperature starts to drop in Washington DC, harvest flavors are taking center stage. In this simple recipe I pair roasted spaghetti squash with a creamy pumpkin sauce. The sauce can also be used with pasta, but I like this recipe because having the squash serve as “noodles” increases the amount of veggies in the dish. Spaghetti Squash with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce Spaghetti Squash with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce Serves 2 – 4 1 spaghetti squash, halved and seeded Canola oil or cooking spray 2 tsp. salt, divided 2 tsp. black pepper, divided 12 oz. silken tofu 15 oz. can pumpkin puree 1 ½ cups vegetable broth ¼ cup nutritional yeast 2 tsp. Italian seasoning 2 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. cayenne pepper ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes, optional Place squash halves on a baking sheet and spray with oil. Sprinkle with 1 tsp. of salt and 1 tsp. of black pepper. Bake at 375°F for 30 – 45 minutes until the squash can be easily separated from the skin. Remove from oven and cool. Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, puree the remaining ingredients, including the remaining salt and pepper, until smooth. Heat mixture in a large saucepan over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to shred the flesh and scoop it out into a large bowl. The squash should have the consistency of fine noodles. Gradually add Read More …

Iwa Moto gives birth to baby girl

Entertainment

Sep 272013

Iwa Moto (MNS photo) Sexy actress Iwa Moto and Panfilo “Pampi” Lacson Jr. welcomed a baby girl on Monday. This was confirmed by Lacson himself as he posted a video on his personal Instagram account showing Moto and their new daughter named Eve. “Welcome to the world Eve,” Lacson briefly said in the caption. Moto is seen crying in the video as she mumbled a few words to her daughter’s ear. Lacson, who is the estranged husband of Jodi Sta. Maria, has a son, Thirdy, with the “Be Careful With My Heart” star. They announced their separation in March 2011 but their marriage has yet to be annulled. Moto said it was Thirdy who picked the name Eve for his little sister. Prior to Lacson, Moto was in a relationship with actor Leandro Muñoz. (MNS)

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