BMI Online Editor

Binay supports order for Roxas to lead in the relocation of illegal settlers

Sep 122013

President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Vice President Jejomar Binay during the 115th Anniversary of the Philippine Navy at the Commodore Posadas Wharf, Headquarters, Naval Sea Systems Command in Naval Station Pascual Ledesma, Fort San Felipe, Cavite City on Tuesday (May 21). At present, the Philippine Navy is a force of 26,000 personnel composed of sailors, marines and civilian employees. (MNS photo) MANILA, Sept. 9 (Mabuhay) – The Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Monday assured members of the House of Representatives that they fully support President Benigno S. Aquino III instructions to Interior and Local Government Sec. Manuel Roxas II to lead in the relocation of informal settler. This was assured by Lawyer Benjamin Martinez, chief of staff of Vice President Jejomar Binay who leads the budget presentation of the Office of the Vice President. The OVP is asking for the approval of P417.296 million budget for 2014, an increase of measly P721,000 from P416,575 million for 2013. Last Friday, Roxas was grilled by UNA Secretary General and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco during a congressional budget hearing over the role of the DILG in implementing housing projects for informal settlers. Tiangco claimed that Roxas already encroached the power of National Housing Authority (NHA) who is mandated by law to be the lead agency of the government to build government shelters. NHA is under Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) which is under the direct supervision of Vice President Binay. But Roxas was quick to explained that Read More …

Melai confirms pregnancy, will marry Jason

Entertainment

Sep 122013

Melai confirms pregnancy, will marry Jason

Jason Francisco and Melai Cantiveros (MNS Photo) Celebrity couple Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco for the first time admitted that they are planning to tie the knot soon after confirming the comedienne’s pregnancy. The former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemates said they were neither shocked nor saddened when they learned about the news that Cantiveros is pregnant. “Positive na positive. I’m very happy. Nung nalaman ko, hindi ako kinabahan kasi gusto naman talaga namin ni Jason. Nung nagbalikan kasi kami, gusto na talaga namin i-level up ‘yung relationship,” Cantiveros said. She added: “Lagi akong nilalagnat so nagpa-check up ako. Doon ko nalaman na positive daw na buntis ako. Magkaaway pa kami noon, sinamahan niya lang ako. Nung sinabi ko sa kanya, nawala ang kanyang pagkagalit.” Apart from Francisco, Cantiveros said she first broke the news to her mother, who was also very happy for the two of them. “Yung mama ko talaga tinawagan ko. Sabi ko, ‘Ma, buntis ako.’ Tapos sabi niya nanloloko lang daw ako. ‘Buntis ako, bakit ayaw mo maniwala?’ Ayaw nila maniwala talaga. Sabi ko, ‘Kapag ganyan, hindi na ako magloloko kasi buntis nga ako.’ Hindi na nagsalita ‘yung mama ko. Okay naman siya, happy naman siya,” she said. Francisco, for his part, said he recently went home to Mindoro to personally tell the good news to his family. After informing their families about the matter, Francisco said he immediately thought of a plan on how to propose to Cantiveros. Relating how the proposal happened, Cantiveros said: “Paggising Read More …

Agri chief denies rice crisis, vows to go after ‘saboteurs’

Entertainment

Sep 122013

Agri chief denies rice crisis, vows to go after ‘saboteurs’

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the National Food Authority will name the parties behind the hoarding of rice will be named soon, but not while an investigation is still ongoing. She said the NFA is not keen on publicizing names at this time, lest those involved be tipped off. MANILA, Sept 9 (Mabuhay) – There is no rice crisis. This was the categorical statement from the government as it vows to go after “influential people” potentially involved in rice smuggling who are floating the rice shortage scenario, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said Monday. In an interview after his agency’s budget hearing at the Senate, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala belied reports that the government will import more rice this year to address a supposed rice crisis. “Hindi ko nga po alam kung saan nanggagaling ang kwento na magi-import na naman ng panibago ang bansa natin. Hindi po tayo magi-import. Wala pong crisis sa bigas,” he said. During the hearing, National Food Authority (NFA) administrator Orlan Calayag said the country currently has a total rice buffer stock of 1.7 million metric tons, which he said is enough to last for 51 days. “That’s even more than what we are required to keep,” Calayag said. “Wala po kaming nakikitang shortage in terms of production.” The NFA chief added that some rice traders may be behind reports of rice shortage in an effort to hike up the prices of their remaining stocks ahead of the harvesting season. “Ito po kasi ang kaunting window Read More …

Dacia upgrades its Duster SUV without raising the price

General

Sep 122013

Dacia upgrades its Duster SUV without raising the price

The new and improved Dacia Duster will have the same price tag as the previous model.©Raphaël Hetier / Dacia (Relaxnews) – The new and improved Duster was squarely in the spotlight at Dacia’s stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show, presenting a redesigned, more dynamic body. At a time when a number of car makers are “urbanizing” their SUVs, the Duster still stands out as a tough and rugged off-road adventurer. Dacia, the Romanian car manufacturer owned by Renault, has presented a new, better-equipped version of its Duster, which it will most likely sell at the same price as the previous model. The SUV now includes cruise control, assisted rear parking and a path control system, in addition to a fresh new design that matches the brand’s other 2014 models. Along with its style upgrade, the Duster has also become more efficient. Dacia reports that the model’s new TCe 125 fuel engine has an average fuel consumption of just 6L/100km, and a new shift-up indicator alerts drivers through a visual signal when shifting into the next gear will increase efficiency. For the protection of passengers and drivers, the Duster is now equipped with front airbags and head-thorax side airbags, as well as visual and audio alerts when the driver or passengers have failed to buckle their seatbelts. The back seat includes ISOFIX car seat attachments to ensure maximal safety for child passengers. Dacia is reportedly going to market the new Duster at the same price as its predecessor, which is currently Read More …

LA 18 KSCI-TV Harvest Moon Festival 2013

Entertainment

Sep 112013

LA 18 KSCI-TV Harvest Moon Festival 2013

Family Entertainment & a Chance to Win a Brand New Car + Cash Giveaways! (www.la18.tv) Arcadia, CA – LA 18 KSCI-TV celebrates the 18th Annual Harvest Moon Festival on Sunday, September 22 at the beautiful Arcadia County Park from 11am to 5pm. Drawing large crowds from across Southern California, LA 18 hosts the most exciting festival of the season. The Harvest Moon Festival is a holiday boasting a centuries-old tradition, celebrated by many Asian communities. Steeped in cultural tales to delight children of all ages, the festival centers around the full moon, bountiful food, and family gatherings. LA 18’s celebration brings tradition with a contemporary twist in this family-friendly event of Asian cuisine, live entertainment, kids’ activities, shopping and amazing prize giveaways. Visitors can enter for their chance to win a brand new Car or one of several Cash Prizes given away every hour from 1pm to 4pm. Bring the kids to the McDonald’s® Family Pavilion for fun activities, then cool off with a deliciously refreshing sample of McDonald’s® New McCafé Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie. Visit the Hyundai booth to experience the all-new 2013 Sante Fe Sport, built for today’s family, and the 2013 Sonata Hybrid, the first non-plug-in hybrid with next-generation lithium polymer battery technology. Get the best deals at the Wells Fargo booth in the Business Square, where giveaways, games, and a photo booth will delight visitors. There’s so much more to experience at all of the various themed pavilions – including the Asian Food Zone, free medical screenings Read More …

NURSES BACK IN DEMAND IN CANADA…BUT ONLY IN QUEBEC

Entertainment

Sep 112013

NURSES BACK IN DEMAND IN CANADA…BUT ONLY IN QUEBEC

By Atty. Henry Moyal Atty. Henry Moyal and Lani Misalucha (photo courtesy of www.moyal.com) When the Federal Immigration Minister announced the list of “occupations in demand” in Canada last May 2013, it took many by surprise. The announcement that narrowed the list to only 24 occupations was not the surprise but the occupations themselves. A quick perusal of the list illustrates that engineers make up for most of the occupations and that doctors and nurses were off the list. Applicants who seemingly qualified as nurses for the past decade were now shut out of the competition and had to find other ways to enter Canada (for example via a spouse’s occupation or as a live in caregiver). However, the Quebec government has just announced that effective immediately 20,000 selection certificates will be issued for occupations in demand in their province and nurses are in high demand. The Canadian Nurses Associations predicts that 60,000 nurses will be needed by 2022 in order to fill labor shortages. As such, it may be possible for nurses who qualified previously under the Federal Immigration stream to now qualify under the newly revamped Quebec program. It should be noted that Quebec is a French speaking province and a high allocation of points are awarded for those who are proficient in French but it may be possible to qualify without much French knowledge as nurses have now been awarded 16 points for training (the maximum amount). Some of the other requirements to qualify are: Must complete Read More …

PHL only emerging Asian nation with strong momentum: OECD

Entertainment

Sep 112013

PHL only emerging Asian nation with strong momentum: OECD

Workers of National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) rush the beautification of all Manila City parks including Luneta Park on Monday (Sept. 9, 2013) (MNS photo) PARIS, September 9, 2013 (AFP) – Growth is picking up pace in most major rich nations but momentum is slowing or stable in emerging economies, the OECD said on Monday. Economic growth is accelerating in the United States, Britain and the eurozone, while it is above trend in Japan, according to the OECD’s index of composite leading indicators. The index is considered to be a reliable guide to future economic activity. The index suggested Italy and France are switching to growth. But the OECD, grouping 34 advanced countries, said growth was below trend in Brazil and India. Meanwhile it was returning to trend in China and was around trend level in Russia. In a separate report, the OECD said the Philippines was the only emerging Asian nation with strong business cycle momentum, although China and Singapore have stabilized. The OECD said “the key imminent downside risk facing Southeast Asia, China and India is the turmoil in the financial market, triggered by the prospects of tapering of quantitative easing (QE) policy in the US.” The US stimulus program led to a flood of funds into emerging markets seeking higher returns, but the impending shift in monetary policy has seen a sharp withdrawal, causing currencies and equities in some emerging markets to slump.

Fil Am law enforcer arrested for gun smuggling

Entertainment

Sep 112013

Fil Am law enforcer arrested for gun smuggling

Gun smugglers: From left Rex Maralit, a New York Police Department officer; Ariel Maralit based in the Philippines, and Wilfredo Maralit, a Customs and Border Patrol agent assigned at Los Angeles International Airport. One is NYPD cop, another a Customs and Border Protection officer; Brother in PHL also charged in trying to obtain military-grade assault rifles, sniper rifles and other high-powered weapons for smuggling to the Philippines Federal agents have arrested Rex Maralit, a New York City Police Officer assigned to police headquarters in Manhattan, and his brother Wilfredo Maralit, a Customs and Border Protection Officer assigned to Los Angeles International Airport, pursuant to arrest warrants issued in the Eastern District of New York. The two men, along with a third brother, Ariel Maralit, are charged with conspiring to violate the Arms Export Control Act by exporting high-powered weapons from the United States to the Philippines without a license from the U.S. State Department, and with conspiring to engage in unlicensed firearms dealing. The government is coordinating with foreign authorities regarding the apprehension of Ariel Maralit. The arrests were announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James T. Hayes, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York; Craig W. Rupert, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS); Joseph Anarumo, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), New York Field Division; and Raymond W. Kelly, Commissioner, New York City Police Read More …

Kris ‘willing to sacrifice’ love life for kids

Entertainment

Sep 092013

Kris ‘willing to sacrifice’ love life for kids

Kris Aquino (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Host-actress Kris Aquino announced during her television show that she is willing to sacrifice her love life for her children. Aquino believes that she has to sacrifice something to “get something good from God.” Aquino’s marriage to basketball player James Yap was annulled last year. She has two sons — Joshua, with actor Phillip Salvador; and Bimby, with Yap. “Ito honest ha, kasi iniisip ko, sige for you to get something good from God, kailangan mayroon kang ready i-sacrifice. Tapos naisip ko, in fairness sa akin, I did a good job with the two boys, parang behaved sila and hindi sila mga brat and all. “So sabi ko, ‘sige na nga. God, if my two boys will remain good until the day I die at happy sila, kahit hindi mo na ako bigyan ng love life, okay lang. Basta mabait ‘yung mga anak ko,” she said. Aquino has denied having any “secret relationship,” dismissing rumors that she is dating Brazilian model Daniel Matsunaga, celebrity chef JP Anglo, and a doctor. Last year, the actress-host said she believes she will find “true love” in 2013. Currently, Aquino is a proud stage mom to Bimby, who is now doing his debut film, “My Little Bossings,” with child star Ryzza Mae Dizon and veteran comedian Vic Sotto.(MNS)

Microtel Philippines

Entertainment

Sep 092013

by : Rhony Laigo Microtel Philippines Director Albert Banaag during Tuesday’s presentation of Microtel Philippines’ planned expansion in the country by building 14 more inns & suites all over the archipelago for a total of 25 by 2016. The U.S.-owned hotel chain offers an affordable, family-friendly, “clean & safe” suites for an average of $85 per night for a family of four, including taxes and breakfasts. Photo: Joy Marino Microtel Philippines, part of the Wyndham hotel chain, will build more hotels thereby offering more rooms as it looks to a bullish Philippine tourism industry that is expected to double if not reach 10 million tourists in the next few years. In a U.S. roadshow presentation, Microtel Philippines officials said they plan to expand to the Bicol Peninsula and Subic while the new Microtel branch at the Ayala UP Technohub near the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City is expected to open later this year. Microtel Philippines Director Albert Banaag who, along with Mindanao Area General Manager Rene Alberto Jorolan flew all the way from Manila, met with Los Angeles-based Fil-Am journalists in Glendale last Tuesday and said they expect to have 25 Microtel Philippines Inns & Suites up from the current number of 11 by 2016. Each Microtel Philippines Inns & Suites has at least 50 “safe and clean” rooms. According to Banaag, the first Microtel in the Philippines was built in Tarlac near Hacienda Luisita in 2006, which was the first international hotel suite chain of its Read More …

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