BMI Online Editor

AlkanSSSya launch in Boac

 Entertainment
Sep 172013
 
AlkanSSSya launch in Boac

The Social Security System (SSS) has partnered with the Caganhao, Amoingon, Balaring Tricycle Operators and Drivers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CABTOD MPC) to enable the association’s members to regularly save part of their daily income for monthly contributions under the SSS microsavings program called the AlkanSSSya. Photo shows (clockwise, from center) SSS Boac Branch Head Roman Belen, CABTOD MPC President Roberto Jagong, SSS Officer-in-Charge of Luzon Operations Group Josie Magana, Caganhao Barangay Chairman Noel Historillo and SSS Assistant Vice President for Luzon South Division Virginia Cruz during the signing of the AlkanSSSya agreement at the Caganhao Barangay Hall in Boac, Marinduque last July 23. CABTOD MPC members (right photo) as well as their spouses gamely participate in the ceremonial dropping of coins to kick off their AlkanSSSya savings as part of the program’s launch.    

The Annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture: a two-day hit!

 Entertainment
Sep 132013
 
The Annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture: a two-day hit!

by : Myrna  Aquitania Rex Navarrete The highly-attended annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC) this weekend which showcased Pinoy talent in various disciplines was indeed a successful event. Founded by a handful of artists and community leaders in 1992 and in cooperation with the City of Los Angeles’ Cultural Affairs Department, FPAC’s aim was to address the Filipino American community’s visibility in the community. The first event  took place at the Los Angeles City College  on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1992 where “3,000 participants braved the aftermath of the L. A Riots which occurred the week before. Since then FPAC has only grown stronger and bigger moving to Cabrillo Beach in 1994 to its present location at Pt. Fermin Park in the historic district of San Pedro in 2001.” The year before moving to Pt. Fermin Park, in 2000 “FPAC organizers officially launched Fil-Am Arts as a fully-operational 501 © 3 organization at the L.A. River Center. Currently, the FPAC is the “largest  presenter of Philippine arts and culture in Southern California. presenting over 1200 artists in 9 disciplines and attended by around 25,000 visitors throughout the country. FPAC is still a grassroots and community-led effort produced by a core group of 50 volunteer professionals in collaboration with around 50 community – based and civic organizations as well as 400 volunteers.” Consul Maria Hellen Barber-Dela Vega not only opened this year’s FPAC ceremonies but she was the recipient of the public service award and community awards for Judge Cas Tolentino and wife, Jennifer Tolentino and Read More …

PNoy: I don’t remember meeting Napoles before pork scam

 Entertainment
Sep 132013
 
PNoy: I don’t remember meeting Napoles before pork scam

President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Philippine Navy (PN) Flag Officer-in-Command (FOIC) VADM Jose Luis Alano during 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. In photo is Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gregorio Macapagal. (MNS Photo). MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday said that he does not remember meeting alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles even before the scandal broke out. “I tried to research in my mind if I ever came across her or even heard of her name and I hope I am not turning senile but I don’t recall any incident,” Aquino told reporters at the 7th ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City on Tuesday. “Did I ever meet her? Iyong to the level na baka nakipagkamayan o may nag “hi” ganoon, I can’t even say I ever said “hi” to her,” he added. After it was revealed that some lawmakers, the latest of whom is Senate President Franklin Drilon, were revealed to have met her before the controversy over the pork barrel came out, the President was asked whether he met Napoles in the past. Late last month, Aquino himself announced the P10-million bounty for Read More …

President Aquino lauds holding of 7th ASEAN Navy Chiefs Meeting in Manila

 Entertainment
Sep 132013
 
President Aquino lauds holding of 7th ASEAN Navy Chiefs Meeting in Manila

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). MAKATI CITY, Sept 10 (Mabuhay) — President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded the 7th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Navy Chiefs Meeting held at the Fairmont Hotel here on Tuesday. The President said in his speech keynoting the event that the meeting provided a venue where member-countries could come together and foster “a strong sense of regional solidarity” while upholding “our individual sovereignty.” “Our respective nations have all strived to uphold our individual sovereignty, while at the same time fostering a strong sense of regional solidarity—one that favors consensus and collaboration instead of discord, aggression, and imposition,” the President said. “And it is in meetings like this where we can make progress on that front—where we can truly solidify our ties and protect our common seas,” he added. He said the end result of the Asean Navy Chiefs Meeting was to ensure “freedom of navigation, the safety of commercial vessels, and the security of their civilian passengers” which he pointed out was in line with the goal of the ASEAN Economic Community, which we intend to establish by 2015. “This Read More …

MNLF asked to allow humanitarian aid to come in

 Entertainment
Sep 132013
 
MNLF asked to allow humanitarian aid to come in

Government troops take their positions as about 200 Muslim rebels, enraged by a broken peace deal with the Philippine government, held scores of hostages as human shields Tuesday Sept. 10, 2013 in a standoff with government forces for the second day with no solution in sight at the southern port city of Zamboanga, in southern Philippines. More battle-ready troops and police were flown to the southern port city of Zamboanga in a bid to end the crisis. (MNS photo) MANILA, Sept 10 (Mabuhay) — Senator Nancy Binay asked the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to allow humanitarian aid groups to enter controlled villages in Zamboanga City without fear of being killed. She noted stores, pharmacies and commercial establishments have closed because of the siege that started early Monday. “I appeal to the leadership of the MNLF, for humanitarian reasons, to allow those residing in the barangays under their control, access to food and other basic necessities,” she said. She also asked the National Food Authority (NFA) and the Department of Health (DOH) to set up mobile centers there to distribute rice, sugar, milk, medicines, etc. “Life has literally stopped in Zamboanga City. The national government must immediately ensure that the people of Zamboanga, especially those who have been displaced brought by the political tension, still have access to food and medicines. Immediate response from aid agencies like NFA and DOH is essential in providing the needed support in these times of conflict,” Binay said. She also appealed to the MNLF Read More …

Anne Curtis on settling down: Huwag muna

 Entertainment
Sep 132013
 
Anne Curtis on settling down: Huwag muna

Anne Curtis (MNS Photo) Actress Anne Curtis said she’s not yet ready to settle down. This after her sister, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, said that she wants to see Anne walking down the aisle. “Huwag naman muna, not yet. Definitely not anytime soon,” said Anne, who is currently dating food blogger Erwan Heussaff. Anne said that she is just happy that her family is close to Erwan, the brother of her celebrity friend, actress and model Solenn Heussaff. “It’s always a great feeling when you know that your family loves the person you love,” she said. In a previous interview, Erwan said he and Anne are in no rush to tie the knot, adding that they are “still young.” “I think what we have is really cool and really strong. We are really happy with each other. It’s an understanding relationship, we’re both from completely different industries and I think that’s why it’s working so well,” he said. “We are busy and we are in love, so it’s good,” he added. (MNS)

Jamie Rivera releases first Christmas album

 Entertainment
Sep 132013
 
Jamie Rivera releases first Christmas album

Jamie Rivera (MNS Photo) For the first time, singer Jamie Rivera released her own Christmas album. Rivera, dubbed as the country’s “Inspirational Diva,” now has a Christmas album titled “My Christmas Gift,” which is produced by Star Records. It is now available in physical and digital formats with the carrier single, “Joy to the World.” Rivera’s daughter is also part of the album as they recorded a duet of the Christmas song “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” (MNS)

PHL Consulate General supports U.S. DOL’S Education Initiative on Worker’s Rights

 Entertainment
Sep 122013
 
PHL Consulate General supports U.S. DOL’S Education Initiative on Worker’s Rights

The above photo on the left shows Consul General Maria Hellen Barber De La Vega addressing Carson City Officials and participants of the Youth Conference.Los Angeles, 28 August 2013 – Officers and Los Angeles, 10 September 2013 – On the occasion of Labor Rights Week 2013, Consul General Maria Hellen Barber Dela Vega expressed support for the US Department of Labor’s (US DOL) initiative to educate Filipino migrant workers on labor rights. On 5 September 2013, Consul General Dela Vega chaired a panel discussion to discuss issues concerning labor, with the underlying goal of informing the Filipino community that labor laws apply to all workers in the US regardless of their immigration status. In her discussion, Director Kimchi Bui of the Wage and Hour Division, Los Angeles District Office, US DOL, highlighted the migrant workers’ vulnerability to exploitation. She encouraged the audience to afford themselves of available federal mechanisms in order to protect their labor rights. Mr. Angelo Gustavo, Alternate Dispute Coordinator at the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, made a presentation focusing on federal laws which prohibit employment practices that discriminate on grounds of race, sex, religion, and ethnicity. While there are cases where the employer does not intentionally discriminate against applicants or employees, the employer’s actions may have the effect of depriving, or otherwise adversely affecting, individuals with respect to employment opportunities. Mr. Gustavo informed the audience that in cases of employment discrimination, an effective dispute mediation offers the offended employee with an opportunity to be heard and understood. The wronged employee also stands Read More …

Billy Crawford says sorry to Andi Eigenmann

 Entertainment
Sep 122013
 
Billy Crawford says sorry to Andi Eigenmann

Billy Crawford (MNS Photo) Singer-host Billy Crawford has apologized to actress Andi Eigenmann, whose name has been dragged into his breakup with long-time girlfriend Nikki Gil. Eigenmann and Crawford are co-stars in the upcoming comedy film “Momzillas,” which hits theaters on September 18, and many believe the rumors started because of it. In a press conference for their movie, Crawford and Eigenmann opened up about the rumors. “Nakakahiya sa mga kasamahan ko with all the news that have come out – na naging bading ako, na-link ako sa tatlong babae, isa buntis daw sabi. So, ang masasabi ko lang, people have already made their decisions whatever or whoever they are and they speculate kasi buhay namin open book,” Crawford said. “Andi became a friend of mine through the film. We became close that’s really true. I already apologized to Andi dahil nadadamay siya sa personal life ko. I don’t mean harm for anyone. Kaya ayaw ko na lang magsalita kasi they already made up their mind at hahaba lang ng hahaba,” he added. The “It’s Showtime” host stressed he is now ready to move on from the breakup. “I’ve already closed the chapter, closed the book, and I’m already to move and it’s a blessing for me working with these people,” he said. Despite the controversy, Crawford said he is very open to work with Eigenmann again. For her part, Eigenmann appealed to public to respect Crawford’s statement. “Sana i-respect na lang si Billy kung ano ‘yung sinagot niya dati. Read More …

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