The GNP Team

Fil-Am Eric Cray is 400m hurdles Asian champion

 News
Jul 142017
 
Fil-Am Eric Cray is 400m hurdles Asian champion

Eric Shauwn Cray has won the Philippines’ first gold at the Asian Athletics Championships 400-meter hurdles event in India. Eric Cray [via Instagram] The Filipino-American athlete finished with the best time of 49.57 in the finals against the meet’s top 7 athletes. The 29-year- old Cray ruled his 400m hurdles heat with a time of 50.85 before clinching the gold at the finals. The 22 nd edition of the Asian Athletics Championships also awarded two other Filipino athletes. Mark Harry Diones bagged the silver medal at the Men’s Triple Jump finals event with a 16.45 meter finish. Ernest John Obiena picked up the bronze medal at the Men’s Pole Vault finishing at 5.50 meters. The Rio Olympian is touted as Asia’s top 400-meter hurdler and 100-meter dash sprinter after he clinched the 28 th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games golds in the two events in 2015. The track and field athlete who was raised and competed in tracks in the United States chose to don the Philippine colors after his Filipina mother swayed him, according to a media report. “It was also embracing a part of my heritage. And I was born in Olongapo so it’s fine. It also meant doing something for the Philippines,” Cray told Rappler. The Fil-Am athlete first represented the Philippines at the 2013 World Championships in Athletics. Cray will next defend his SEA Games titles in the 400m and 100m hurdles this August.   The post Fil-Am Eric Cray is 400m hurdles Asian champion appeared first on Good News Read More …

Pedicab is Best Film in Shanghai Film Festival

 News
Jul 142017
 
Pedicab is Best Film in Shanghai Film Festival

Pauwi Na, titled Pedicab in its international release, received the top 20th Golden Goblet Award as Best Film at the Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF). Pedicab [via SIFF] Pauwi Na (Pedicab) director Paolo Villaluna, with actors Cherry Pie Picache and Bembol Roco received the SIFF Best Feature Film award at the Golden Goblet Awarding Ceremonies in China. The Philippines’ entry was announced the winner – “For the humanism and universality of the story, for the simplicity of the style and realization – for the non-conformism with which it represented our desire to believe that there is a sense in this Universe, the award for the Best Film goes to PEDICAB, from the Philippines.” Pauwi Na (Pedicab) received the plum award from among three SIFF competitions and 24 nominations judged by a panel led by Cannes’ winning director, Cristian Mungui. When deliberating on the Golden Goblet Best Film awardee, the SIFF Jury reportedly paid more attention to the work itself compared with film background and director’s experience. Jury President Mungui revealed in an interview published by SIFF: “Selecting Best Film is always the hardest, for other categories have prominent and separate considering criteria. Yet every jury member had his or her own opinion on Best Film, so there was a lot of argument during the process. Fortunately, we finally reached consensus and basically every member’s requirement has been satisfied.” “Compared with the film production powers like Iran, Japan and Italy, Philippine production seems to be less familiar to the Chinese audience. Read More …

How To Say ‘No’ to Relatives Who Borrow

 News
Jul 142017
 
How To Say ‘No’ to Relatives Who Borrow

Chinkee Tan Do you have relatives who are always asking to borrow money from you? Lending money is okay, if the borrower knows how to pay it back. But if they don’t then we oftentimes end up on the losing end, being the bad guy, if we remind them of their debt. This can also lead to more stress just thinking how you will say NO to them the next time they borrow money from you. You have probably reached the point of not wanting to lend money to people. You are already at the verge of telling them so. Then, what’s stopping you? It is probably the need to reciprocate, showing “debt of gratitude” or what we know as “utang na loob”, right? Yes, your family and relatives may have had significant roles in helping you before, so now that you are the one who has a better position or situation in life, you want to show them your support. But inside, you are debating whether to help them or not. To clear your mind, let me share with you some tips to help you decide: PAYING BACK A “DEBT OF GRATITUDE” IS NOT MEANT TO LAST FOREVER As Filipinos, we have this tradition that we need to ALWAYS pay back our debt of gratitude. But it does not mean that are obligated to do so for the rest of our life. Traditions are good, but should not be abused. Paying back to show our gratitude to those who Read More …

Koronadal City breaks 2 Guinness World Records

 News
Jul 112017
 
Koronadal City breaks 2 Guinness World Records

Koronadal City in South Cotabato has made two new Guinness World Records as part of their effort to promote motorcycle road safety. [via Facebook] Koronadal made the new record for Most Engines Started Simultaneously with 3,184 people and motorbikes. The same event scored the 2 nd world record for Most Motorcycle Horns Sounded Simultaneously done by 3,177 people. The two new Guinness records for the Philippines were attempted on April 29, 2017 with a total of 3,336 motorcycle riders converged along a stretch of the main highway. The event was led by Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel, LGU-City of Koronadal, Petron, National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs, Inc. and South Cotabato Motorcycle Club. Ben Backhouse, head of records management for Asia Pacific of Guinness World Records, confirmed the approval of the new titles in an email to Mayor Miguel: “We are thrilled to inform you that your application for most engines started simultaneously has been successful and you are now the Guinness World Records title holder!…Your second record attempt (most motorcycle horns sounded simultaneously) has been approved as well. Congratulations on an amazing event, you are officially amazing.” “At this point I would like to say it’s been a pleasure working with you and I wish you the best of luck with any future record attempts,” Backhouse added. The city government had paid around P850,000 to Guinness to facilitate the world record bid, revealed the Philippine News Agency release. The historic world record bid involved visiting and local motorcycle enthusiasts, lined Read More …

Lou Jen Saldo is 2017 Fitness Universe Champion

 News
Jul 112017
 
Lou Jen Saldo is 2017 Fitness Universe Champion

Lou Jen Saldo [via Facebook] Fitness trainer, model and athlete Lou Jen Saldo has won the Fitness Universe Championships, and the Ms. Bikini Short Class Champion title of Ms. Bikini Universe in the USA. Saldo, a member of the Philippine Women’s National Rugby team-the Lady Volcanoes, said she was surprised when she won the international competition titles in her 2 categories. “Actually, I never expected to win. Since I was still on the jet lag, I knew it would be hard for me to do things especially since the time here and in the Philippines is very different, it was hard to adapt to it,” Saldo admitted in a Fitness Universe statement. The bodybuilder banked on the world renowned Filipino tenacity and faith in persevering through the difficulties she faced in the foreign environment saying, “I just stayed strong and believed to myself that no matter what happened, I would showcase what I have. I never stopped praying and had a strong faith that I knew I could do this, and I would make it. Smile and Shine.” Fitness Universe Championships is the first major international competition for Saldo. The Fitness Universe Champion is a personal fitness trainer, Muaythai instructor and licensed Kickboxing instructor who previously won the Slimmers World International / Ms. Great Bodies 2016.   The post Lou Jen Saldo is 2017 Fitness Universe Champion appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Pia Wurtzbach to crown new Miss Universe in Manila Pia Wurtzbach is Miss Universe 2015, Read More …

UP Student wins Global Wetlands Youth Photo contest

 News
Jul 112017
 
UP Student wins Global Wetlands Youth Photo contest

University of the Philippines (UP) engineering student Gabriel B. Mejia has won the Global Wetlands Youth Photo Contest 2017. Gabriel Mejia [via Ramsar] The 21-year old civil engineering student’s winning photo was an aerial view from atop Mt. Sawi of the Gabaldon floodplains in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Mejia in a Ramsar interview recounts how he took the winning shot after a 4-hour drive and a whole day climb, “I was mesmerized by the natural beauty and formation of the place and I couldn’t resist taking the shot. I was inspired by the fact that the floodplain looked like the African continent and how it connected the two rural towns showing the unity of life.” Located between two rural towns, the Gabaldon floodplain has been known to protect the communities in the region by absorbing and storing excess rainfall and storing it for the dry season. The Philippines is listed with 7 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), with a surface area of 244,017 hectares. An arial view of the Gabaldon floodplain of Neuva Ecija, Philippines. Floodplains can be compared to giant reservoirs that when left intact store flood waters. [by Gabriel Mejia via Ramsar] The mountaineer and explorer says he has plans “to become an environmental and coastal engineer in the Philippines to create and design a sustainable and environmentally friendly structure that will protect both the coastal communities and marine wildlife living in our country.” The photo by this aspiring environmental engineer and travel photographer who wants Read More …

Globe connects with MMDA to enhance disaster resiliency in Metro Manila

 News
Jul 112017
 
Globe connects with MMDA to enhance disaster resiliency in Metro Manila

Globe Telecom is again joining forces with the Metro Manila Development Authority in carrying out the 2017 Metro Manila Shakedrill, aimed at building on the country’s disaster management capacities in the event a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hits the metropolis. The drill has been set on July 14, 2017. MMDA Chairman Danny Lim presses the button to symbolize the launching of the 3rd MMDA Shakedrill 2017 In line with the partnership, Globe will be providing various connectivity tools that would assist MMDA in implementing the drill. Such connectivity tools include prepaid SIMS, prepaid credits and internet connectivity in each of the MMDA’s quadrants as well as in the agency’s emergency operations center. Globe will also provide mobile cell sites in each of MMDA’s quadrants. “As a telecommunications provider, Globe Telecom is deeply aware of the need to continue building on the organization and the country’s disaster preparedness capabilities. In line with the company’s own sustainability initiatives, we are glad for the chance to continue providing support for MMDA’s efforts in enhancing the country’s resiliency in the event of a major disaster such as a 7.2 earthquake,” Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto said. In 2014, Globe became the first telecommunications company in the Philippines to secure an enterprise-wide business continuity ISO certification. This means that the telecommunications provider has adequately equipped itself to respond and address disruptive incidents such as natural calamities for business continuity purposes. The certification is significant as it attests to the company’s readiness in Read More …

Pamalican Island crowned world’s best beach by Suitcase Mag

 News
Jul 072017
 
Pamalican Island crowned world’s best beach by Suitcase Mag

Pamalican Island has been ranked first in the Top Ten Beaches in the World list of Suitcase magazine. Pamalican Island [via Suitcase Mag] Pamalican, home to top world-class luxury beach resort Amanpulo, outranked the best beaches in Hawaii, Polynesia, Thailand, Brazil, Panama, India, Miami, British Virgin Islands, and Swansea. Suitcase contributor Jaime Rose described the Philippine destination: “Beaches don’t come any more perfect than those on the Pamalican in the Philippines. A private island housing the exclusive Amanpulo hotel, the pristine beach shines like a halo as you land on the island via private plane.” “With each villa leading lazily down to its own stretch of beach, privacy and exclusivity allow you to enjoy this slice of paradise with super luxury trimmings.” Suitcase, a multimedia travel magazine that is re-imagining travel, recommends Pamalican and the listed beaches: “As much as we love cultural city break or adrenaline-filled adventure, there’s no denying that a simple image of a sweeping white-sand beach can render us weak at the knees. It’s as if it calls out to a primordial instinct within our travelling souls, beckoning us to be beside the sea once more.” “Life’s a beach… Read this, then book that flight.” Pamalican Island is found in the Cuyo Islands in the Sulu Sea, between Palawan and Panay, in the north part of the Palawan Province of the Philippines. The island is set in the middle of a 7-square-kilometre coral reef.   The post Pamalican Island crowned world’s best beach by Suitcase Mag appeared first on Good Read More …

Dutch banking giant ING bullish on the PHL economy

 News
Jul 072017
 
Dutch banking giant ING bullish on the PHL economy

Netherlands-based global financial giant ING has projected a positive growth rate for the Philippines under the 6-year term of the Duterte administration. Philippine Stock Exchange [via Business World Online] ING Philippines economist Joey Cuyegkeng in a client briefing said he foresees a 6.5 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate until the year 2022 even if the country is placed on “autopilot.” The senior economist said in a forum that “A 6- to 6.5-percent growth rate is feasible even without any new reforms,” according to an Inquirer report by Doris Dumlao-Abadilla. Cuyegkeng is also reported by Manila Standard as saying the positive GDP rate is driven by investments, higher fiscal spending, and robust domestic demand. The Philippine economy is in a “sweet spot of relatively fast growth and low to moderate inflation” with growth drivers now expanding to include agriculture and industry services. The ING experts also project growth by 8.1 percent for the industrial sector, and 3 percent for the farm sector. The service sector is seen to keep its growth rate at the 6.6 percent.   The post Dutch banking giant ING bullish on the PHL economy appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Makati Business Club remains bullish on PH economy PHL posts strongest economic growth in Asia at 7.1% PHL is Asia’s fastest growing economy in 1st Qtr 2016 Japan’s Nomura upgrades PHL economic growth

Jophel Ybiosa awarded 1st place in Moscow Int’l Foto Awards

 News
Jul 072017
 
Jophel Ybiosa awarded 1st place in Moscow Int’l Foto Awards

Filipino photographer Jophel Ybiosa has been awarded the 1 st Place Category Winner at the 2017 Moscow International Foto Awards (MIFA) for his photograph depicting a popular Manila scene. Jophel Ybiosa [via Facebook] Ybiosa’s entry titled "The Feast of Black Nazarene in Manila" won the Events Professiona category with its black and white depiction of the annual January procession of pilgrims. The Feast of Black Nazarene in Manila [by Jophel Ybiosa via Moscow Foto Awards] The MIFA description of Ybiosa’s winning photograph reads, “Throughout the grand procession, devotees are walking barefoot and trying to touch the image of Black Nazarene with the hope of receiving a blessing or miracle. Participation in the procession can be considered risky because of possible injuries or even casualty brought upon by fatigue, heat and stampede of congested crowd.” The 6-time Philippine Dangal ng Ani awardee was also included in the Best of Show Exhibition of MIFA, the biggest photography competition in Russia and one of the biggest in the world. The cruise photographer also received an Honorable Mention in the Fine Art-Portrait Category for his photograph titled “The Imbalanced Mindset.”   The post Jophel Ybiosa awarded 1st place in Moscow Int’l Foto Awards appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: 6x Ani awardee Ybiosa honored for multiple int’l photo tilts Pinoy Photogs win Dubai HIPA International awards Teri Malvar 1st Filipino Best Actress in Moscow FilmFest Danny Ocampo honored in Sony Photography Awards

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