BMI Online Editor

Face it, unabated criminality remains a problem: Binay

Mar 082016

— Vice President Jejomar Binay and Sen. Gringo Honasan show their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Election in Manila on Monday, the first day of filing of COCs. Binay and Honasan will run under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) for the 2016 election. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) –Vice President Jejomar Binay on Saturday said that it’s high time to accept that unabated criminality is a problem that Filipinos face. Speaking to reporters after campaigning before market vendors at Mega Q-Mart in Quezon City, the opposition standard bearer highlighted the recent shooting in Zamboanga City of Saudi cleric Dr. Aaidh Ibn Abdullah Al-Qarni and Saudi diplomat Sheikh Turki Assaegh. “Dalawa ‘yon, ‘yong cleric at saka [Saudi diplomat]. ‘Yon ay itinatago sa atin ng pamahalaan,” Binay said. Al-Qarni and Assaegh were shot by a student in Western Mindanao State University where the prominent cleric spoke in a forum. After undergoing surgery, the two were declared out of danger. The gunman, Rugasan Misuari III, was however killed by Al-Qarni’s security escort, while two other suspects were arrested and charged with frustrated murder and attempted murder. “Laging sinasabi maganda ang peace and order. It’s high time already to accept that it is a problem. ‘Yong crime incidence, peace and order problems, drugs, ‘di ba?” he said. “Paulit-ulit na, that means it is very alarming. It is already 12 o’clock so kailangan nating harapin ‘yong problemang ‘yon,” he added. Binay also reiterated his intention to appoint his running mate, Sen. Gringo Honasan, as Read More …

PHL story of inclusive growth, people-centered dev’t brought to the fore in NY forum

Entertainment

Mar 082016

NEW YORK CITY – “It is my hope that the main lesson you will take away from the Philippine story is not only one of good governance, competitiveness, and economic growth; rather, might you share with the rest of the world the inspiring narrative of inclusivity, of a development centered on people, on an investment that reaps dividends with a human face.” This was how Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. concluded his Opening Remarks at the Philippine Business and Investment Forum (PBIF), which took place on 03 March 2016 at the Sheraton Hotel Times Square in New York City. The PBIF brought together influential leaders from the Philippine Government and private sector, along with their U.S. and international counterparts for an in-depth analysis of the Philippine economic and political situation and the opportunities it holds for investors, both in capital markets and in industry. The discussions also focused on the outlook for continued growth in the Philippines, the sustainability of reforms because of their institutionalization through legislation, and US investor sentiment. Ambassador Cuisia framed the discussions at the PBIF by asserting that the narrative of Philippine economic growth is not only an exciting story about the exceptional economic performance of the country, but also how inclusive growth became an important objective of national economic policy. The message of inclusivity was likewise a central theme of the Lead Panel composed of Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima; Chairman Arsenio Balisacan of the Philippine Competition Commission; Nouriel Roubini, Read More …

Parents are grumpy about Disney’s price hikes at the happiest place on earth

General

Mar 082016

Parents are grumpy about Disney’s price hikes at the happiest place on earth

Disneyland in Anaheim, California © AFP PHOTO/Hector MATA There’s a lot of grumbling about the happiest place on earth following news that Disney is hiking admission prices in an effort to ease traffic during peak season. Introduced this week, Disney’s new tiered system for one-day tickets will make visits to the parks more expensive during peak periods like spring break, the winter holidays and weekends, compared to a random weekday in October. Prices are split across three categories – value, regular and peak – and schedules will be made available online eight to 11 months in advance. In a blog post, Disney said the move is aimed at easing congestion at the parks during peak season. The new pricing is also in anticipation of upcoming attractions that are expected to draw huge crowds such as Avatar, Toy Story and Star Wars-themed lands. In April, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will debut a new stage show entitled “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away,” that will play out iconic moments from the film saga, as part of the ongoing roll-out that will end with the opening of the dedicated Star Wars theme park. But fans are expressing their displeasure at the new pricing scheme, pointing out that the parks are becoming increasingly unaffordable. “Such a shame. It was already expensive. This just pushes it over the top. I can travel to Europe for less than a Disney vacation,” reads a comment in response to the Disney blog post. Over on Twitter, another disgruntled fan Read More …

Drilon: Aquino TV ad to boost Mar’s numbers

Entertainment

Mar 072016

Drilon: Aquino TV ad to boost Mar’s numbers

Liberal Party (LP) chairman President Benigno S. Aquino III raises the hands of LP Presidential Candidate former DILG Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and LP Vice Presidential Candidate Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo during the Meeting with Local Leaders and the Community at the PAG-ASA Gymnasium in Barangay F.E, Marcos, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija on Wednesday (February 24, 2016).(MNS photo) MANILA, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) – Senate President Franklin Drilon is optimistic that the recent television advertisement of President Aquino endorsing Liberal Party bet Mar Roxas will add “at least 10%” in the survey ratings of the administration bet. “Alam mo si President Noy, at this stage of his presidency, he has the highest trust rating. We are confident that his endorsement will bring at least 10 points,” Drilon said. In his television advertisement, President Aquino described Roxas and his running mate, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, as the only tandem who “loves” the Filipinos. Senator Francis Escudero, a leading vice-presidential candidate, lamented Aquino’s decision to come up with a TV endorsement for the LP bets, saying this goes against the values of fair play supposedly being espoused by the “Daang Matuwid” governance. Meanwhile, Drilon also said that he is hoping that the Supreme Court, which is “duty-bound” to decide on Senator Grace Poe’s cases, will decide on the matter tomorrow as it holds an en banc session. Drilon also said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) decision allowing on-screen verification of votes instead of giving the Read More …

Top MNLF exec says Misuari’s endorsement of Duterte not linked to peace process

Entertainment

Mar 072016

Top MNLF exec says Misuari’s endorsement of Duterte not linked to peace process

Presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte chants “Mabuhay ang Moro people!” before entering his vehicle after his campaign rally in Cotabato City on Saturday. Majority of the Bangsamoros in the event expressed support for Duterte for his clear stance on resolving the Mindanao conflict.(MNS photo) KIDAPAWAN CITY, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) -– A top official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) clarified that the recent pronouncements of their chairman, Professor Nur Misuari, is not, in anyway, connected to the ongoing peace process between their group and the Philippine government. In an interview, lawyer Randolph Parcasio, also chief MNLF negotiator for the MNLF-GRP peace talks, said that he respects Misuari’s position. “Each one of us has his own position as to whom to vote,” said Parcasio. On Sunday, Misuari spoke to MNLF sympathizers and leaders who gathered in Kidapawan City where he asked them to support Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s presidential bid. Misuari spoke through a mobile phone patched to a microphone and was heard by hundreds of his supporters during their general assembly held at the JC Complex in the city. When asked if he was surprised to hear Misuari endorsed, for the first time, a presidential candidate, the lawyer said, “For the first time, Mindanao people was offered an opportunity of having a President that comes from Mindanao.” For Parcasio, Duterte’s heart is for Mindanao, adding, “His finding solution to problems faced by the Moro and the indigenous peoples is proof of his sincerity in public Read More …

Poe on impending SC decision: I’m at peace, happy

Entertainment

Mar 072016

Poe on impending SC decision: I’m at peace, happy

Students from the Batangas State University welcome presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe in Lipa City on Friday. Poe and running mate Sen. Chiz Escudero made rounds in several schools in Lipa City, amid cases seeking her disqualification in the 2016 national election.(MNS photo) MANILA, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) – Senator Grace Poe said she is at peace, and not bothered at all, by whatever the Supreme Court (SC) will decide on the disqualification case against her. “Wala (None),” was Poe’s categorical answer when asked in an ambush interview in Butuan City on Monday if she had any apprehensions about the impending decision of the high tribunal. Asked why, the senator said: “Hindi ko alam. Kasi para sa akin mas mabuti na ring magkaroon ng katapusan ang isang bagay, kung ano pa man ‘yan.” (I don’t know. For me, it would be better if things would be decided on, whatever it may be.) “At sabi ko naman gusto kong makapaglingkod sa ating mga kababayan, pero kung ano man ang magiging desisyon ng Korte Suprema ay tatanggapin ko, pero ang aking ipinaglalaban dito ay para sa mga ibang batang katulad ko rin na doon talaga—sa tingin ko – dapat magkaroon ng malinaw na desisyon ukol dito,” she said. (I’ve been saying I would like to serve our fellow countrymen, but whatever the Supreme Court decision would be, I would accept it. But I’m fighting for the rights of other foundling like me and that matter—I think—should be given a clear decision.) Poe was Read More …

Pre-trial of Bong Revilla’s plunder, graft deferred anew

Entertainment

Mar 072016

Pre-trial of Bong Revilla’s plunder, graft deferred anew

Senator Bong Revilla, shown in photo on his way to be detained on plunder and graft charges, said his lawyer, Sal Panelo, only talked about the rats and roaches in his cell in jest. Revilla’s lawyer has said the senator’s family saw rats “as big as cats” inside the senator’s cell. (MNS photo) MANILA, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) – For the fourth time, the Sandiganbayan First Division deferred the scheduled pre-trial of the plunder and graft cases against Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. in connection with his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam. At the scheduled pre-trial on Monday, the prosecution panel admitted that it is not yet done with the marking of voluminous documentary evidence for the graft case. Revilla’s lawyer Ramon Esguerra, in turn, manifested that their camp will first await for the prosecution to finish with its marking of exhibits in order for his client to identify the best counter exhibits to present. Under the rules of criminal procedures, only the marked evidence will be allowed to be presented before the court during the trial proper. Meanwhile, for the plunder case, both the prosecution and the defense admitted that they were not yet done with the stipulation of facts. Revilla, in an alleged conspiracy with his former chief of staff Richard Cambe, is accused of amassing P224-million worth of kickbacks by allocating his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel for 2006 to 2010 to the fake non-government organizations allegedly owned by businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, the Read More …

Jessy open to audition for Darna role

Entertainment

Mar 072016

Jessy Mendiola (MNS Photo) Jessy Mendiola admitted that she is willing to audition for the role of Darna in the planned superhero film adaptation. Earlier, director Erik Matti admitted that Star Cinema has yet to find an actress who will replace Angel Locsin as Darna. Matti said he suggested to the ABS-CBN film outfit to hold auditions for the role since it would require a lot of action scenes. Mendiola said it would be an honor for her to portray Darna in the upcoming film. “Bakit naman hindi? [Audition] naman talaga ang dapat,” she said. “I am really happy and flattered that people want the role for me. I do want the role also. But kung kanino man mapupunta yon, I’m sure naman napag-isipan ‘yan mabuti ng mga kataas-taasan.” Asked how she would prepare for her audition should it push through, Mendiola said: “Proper training, proper workshop, proper guidance.” “Ako kasi, ang tingin ko sa isang heroine, hindi lang yung physical or look yung pagiging hero. Kailangan yung personality niya, yung pinagdaanan niya, yung aura niya, kung gaano siya kalakas, kung paano niya tine-take ang mahihirap na bagay sa buhay, ‘yun ang superhero para sa akin,” she added. Matti weighed in on the actresses who are supposedly being considered to play the Filipina superhero. According to Matti, Mendiola could be a good fit for the role, but he added: “Maputi lang siya masyado. Personal ko ito na comment ha, hindi ito comment ng ABS-CBN. Maputi lang masyado si Jessy. Pinay Read More …

What Kris learned from Wenn Deramas

Entertainment

Mar 072016

Kris Aquino (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Kris Aquino on Tuesday paid tribute to film and TV director Wenn V. Deramas, who died on Monday due to cardiac arrest. Deramas directed Aquino in the 2012 movie “Sisterakas,” whichalso starred Ai Ai delas Alas and Vice Ganda. He also did the 2014 movie “The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin,” which starred Aquino’s son James “Bimby” Yap Jr. with Aquino herself making a cameo. Wenn Deramas (MNS Photo) “Si Direk Wenn, he was proud of himself and he should be and parang laging ini-instill niya sa lahat ng tao na ipagmalaki mo kung ano ang nagagawa mo, kung sino ang natutulungan mo kasi nagbibigay ka ng inspirasyon sa iba,” Aquino said as she shared the lessons she learned from Deramas. “Palagi niyang sinasabi respetuhin mo ang oras ng ibang tao, huwag kang male-late. Kasi ang daming pwedeng manakaw sa iyo na pwede mong mabili ulit, pwedeng ibalik sa iyo. Pero ang oras, kapag nawala na sa iyo, kahit kailan hindi na maibabalik,” she said. Aquino added that Deramas, who is best known for his comedy blockbusters, loves making people laugh. “Alam mo ganoong tao lang talaga siya na he would make you laugh,” Aquino added.(MNS)

Gloria wants Isabelle to delay her wedding

General

Mar 072016

Gloria wants Isabelle to delay her wedding

Gloria Diaz (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — While Gloria Diaz is not against the decision of daughter Isabelle Daza’s decision to settle down with French national Adrien Semblat in December, she has suggested that Isabelle wait for at least three more years before walking down the aisle. “After all, she’s only 27. And I do think 30 is the right age for her to marry,” she explained. She said she was 36 when she married Isabelle’s dad. “And yet, naganak pa ako ng dalawa. “Yes, dalawang babae. Isabelle and Ava,” she beamed. Adrien, the country manager of Adidas Philippines, is only the second boyfriend of Isabelle. They were introduced by a common friend. The two will have a Catholic ceremony and as much as possible, they want to keep the wedding very intimate, with only close friends and family in attendance. Isabelle is currently busy with her new soap, “Tubig at Langis,” which also stars Zanjoe Marudo and Cristine Reyes. Since both of their jobs are here, Isabelle reportedly has no plans of leaving showbiz after their wedding.(MNS)

Older Entries Newer Entries