The GNP Team

Barney Almazar wins SEA Young Lawyer of the Year

 News
May 302017
 
Barney Almazar wins SEA Young Lawyer of the Year

Filipino lawyer Barney Almazar has been awarded the South East Asia Young Lawyer of the Year by the 13th Asian Legal Business Law Awards. Barney Almazar [via Facebook] Almazar, the director for Gulf Law Consultancy which provides legal assistance to Filipinos in the UAE, bested 450 other nominees for the award. In his Facebook post, the University of the Philippines and La Salle Greenhills graduate wrote about how special the award was for the next generation of lawyers who are living and working in streets and homes instead of the court or corporate boardroom. The Young Lawyer of the Year also considers the award as posing a challenge to young lawyers to make the legal profession more than just a career path but rather a vocation. “I come from a country where human labor is considered as a ‘commodity’ for export, a means to an end for more than 10 million Filipinos around the world. The very reason why for the past 4 years, I have devoted my practice in bringing foreign investments to the Philippines, promoting Philippine brands in the Middle East, creating more jobs back home,” wrote Almazar about his advocacy work at the UAE. The Asian Legal Business awardee also challenged lawyers to remember to use the practice of law to democratize wealth, ensuring social justice.   The post Barney Almazar wins SEA Young Lawyer of the Year appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Dubai lawyer advocates migrant Filipino rights, receives award Young’s Town sardines Read More …

Carmen Legarda is 1st Filipina UK MP candidate

 News
May 302017
 
Carmen Legarda is 1st Filipina UK MP candidate

The Green Party in the United Kingdom has fielded human rights advocate Carmen Legarda as its candidate to be a member of parliament for Hendon- the first Filipina to be given the distinction. Carmen Legarda [via Facebook] The British-Filipina Legarda stands on a platform of human rights, stating that as a woman, an ethnic minority of Spanish-Filipino heritage, and as a human resources worker in 30 countries she “experienced firsthand how our society labels and segregates, rather than unites.” The University of the Philippines graduate has facilitated equality and diversity seminars worldwide, and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (FCIPD). She is currently a consultant for immigration and employment law advice. Consistent with her political party’s Green Politics, Legarda espouses ecological concerns citing the Barnet Green Party monitoring that identifies parts of Hendon with air pollution at double the legal limit. The Green Party candidate is also proposing better community coordination with police about crime in Hendon, more affordable housing and university tuition for students. Legarda is running for the British general election which will be held on June 8, 2017.   The post Carmen Legarda is 1st Filipina UK MP candidate appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Filipina is Asia’s Next Top Model 1st Runner-up Filipina is 1st Asian, female President of a P&G global business Carmen’s Best local ice cream goes global Filipina is World’s Greatest Bartender

Nico Santos cast in Crazy Rich Asians movie

 News
May 302017
 
Nico Santos cast in Crazy Rich Asians movie

Nico Santos [via Facebook] Comic Nico Santos has been cast in the upcoming Warner Bros. romantic comedy movie, “Crazy Rich Asians.” Santos, who plays the role of Mateo in the NBC hit comedy series “Superstore,” confirmed on twitter his inclusion in the film a day after Deadline Hollywood published an article announcing Santos’ joining the cast that includes Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Ken Jeong, Gemma Chan, and Awkwafina. “Crazy Rich Asians” is based on Kevin Kwan’s first novel in a trilogy, adapted to film by Adele Lim and Peter Chiarelli and directed by Jon M. Chu. The movie tells the story of Rachel Chu (Wu) who is surprised to find out her boyfriend Nick Young (Golding) is a member of an influential family in Singapore and needs to adjust to new friends and enemies to prove she is worthy to be the wife of Asia’s most eligible bachelor. The bio of the Philippine-born and raised Santos states he began his career in the United States as a stand-up comic in San Francisco, who immediately “became a popular fixture in the Bay Area comedy scene with his acute observations and quirky characters.” “Charming audiences with his sarcastic wit and outrageous sensibility, Santos has that rare ability to be crass and snarky while at the same time remaining completely likable,” his Superstore bio adds. The Superstore actor who plays a queer and undocumented Filipino worker competing against lead star Ben Feldman’s character Jonah, has also appeared in “2 Broke Girls,” Read More …

CNN features Philippines’ first female-led brewery

 News
May 222017
 
CNN features Philippines’ first female-led brewery

CNN Travel has featured Palaweňo Brewery, the first female-led brewery found in the island paradise of Palawan. The CNN video feature and accompanying article published in May, shows how the first and only craft beer in Palawan began with Aya Javier’s foresight of how craft beer can be a unique business in the Philippines. Javier chose to set up the brewery in Palawan, known worldwide for being a top beach destination. "When people come on vacation, most of them are traveling halfway around the world," says the Palaweño's founder and brewmaster. "So when we are brewing beers, we want that to emulate whatever Palawan is all about. We try to incorporate what is Palawan, like our honey here — we have three types of honey in Palawan. And what makes it a local beer is the water — so clean and pure." Producing the Ayahay Craft Beers, the Palaweňo Brewery offers 5 homegrown beer flavors that are handcrafted and manually prepared using local ingredients and from other corners of the world: Hunter (Honey nut brown ale), Ayahay Ipa (India pale ale Happy beer), Palaw’an (Honey Kolsch Tribal Beer), Palawan Wit (Belgian wheat beer, The Last Frontier’s first craft beer), Ambog Ale (American amber ale brewed with extra ego). The craft beers brewery currently prepares nearly 1,200 cases of beer monthly for distribution to restaurants, hotels, and bars in Puerto Princesa, their home base.   The post CNN features Philippines’ first female-led brewery appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Read More …

Bollywood star stuns at Cannes with Filipino couture

 News
May 222017
 
Bollywood star stuns at Cannes with Filipino couture

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wearing Filipino couture made heads turn at the 70th Cannes Film Festival. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wearing Michael Cinco’s creation [via Facebook] The former Miss World wore Dubai-based Michael Cinco’s creation on the red carpet – a full skirted powder blue gown from the Impalpable Dream at VERSAILLES collection, described by various news sites as giving the Indian actress a fairytale princess look. The Impalpable collection was topbilled at the Paris Fashion Week in 2016, marking the first time a Filipino designer was given the spotlight. The influential Indian actress wore another Filipino creation by Manila-based Mark Bumgarner –a nude lace gown with colourful floral embroidery, during the second round of media interactions. L’Oreal Paris tweeted photos of their brand ambassador’s looks as “stunning” and akin to a queen. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wearing Mark Bumgarner’s creation [via Facebook] “She looked ethereal as she walked the red carpet sporting a straight out of a fairytale gown designed by Michael Cinco… It seemed as if Aishwarya brought to reality a princess straight out of a fairytale!” wrote India’s News 18. Cinco talked to Khaleej Times about how Aishawarya wearing his gown was a dream come true. "I love costumes. I love watching Hollywood movies. In fact it was the movies that inspired me to become a designer. It has always been a goal for me to see the celebs wearing my couture gowns on the red carpet." Cinco has dressed such international celebrities as Jennifer Lopez, among many Read More …

Gulf News highlights 10 reasons to visit the Philippines

 News
May 192017
 
Gulf News highlights 10 reasons to visit the Philippines

Gulf News has recommended 10 reasons for UAE travelers to visit the Philippines. [via We the Pvblic] Writer Cleofi Krista Pimentel Capili’s “Travel Guide: Top 10 reasons to visit the Philippines from the UAE” recommended travel to the archipelagic islands for its colourful festivals, jeepneys, beautiful beaches and diving sites. The travel guide affirms how the country’s tourism slogan, “It’s more fun in the Philippines!” can actually be taken seriously by visitors. “No matter where you are, you aren't ever more than two hours away from lush green areas, white sand beaches, lakes, rivers, tropical islands or mountains,” writes Capili. The Gulf News travel writer goes on to recommend the country for both solo and group travelers, considering the many island groups to explore, the popular travel destinations in the cities of Manila, Davao, Cebu, Angeles, and the longest coastline in Asia at 36,289 km. Here are the 10 reasons a visit to the Philippines is a must: Their contagious smile  “Filipinos are born with happy hormones. They would never hesitate to invite you over to enjoy lunch, merienda – local term for afternoon snacks, dinner and will even invite you to stay in their homes. Get ready for non-stop karaoke singing, parties and delicious food,” writes Gulf News. The world has affirmed the country with some of the World’s Friendliest Islands. They speak English Foreigners who travel to the Philippines can easily communicate with the locals as 90 percent of Filipinos can speak English. The cheap flights Airfare to Read More …

Indonesian retailer Alfamart to expand PHL chain

 News
May 192017
 
Indonesian retailer Alfamart to expand PHL chain

The Alfamart chain of convenience stores is set to nearly double its presence in the Philippines with an additional 200 stores. Indonesian operator Sumber Alfaria Trijaya (SAT) currently operates 210 stores in the Philippines in a joint venture with SM Investments. SAT President Hans Prawira announced the expansion plans of the store chain saying it sees the Philippines as an untapped market for smaller than traditional convenience stores. "The characteristics of the [Philippines] market are similar [to Indonesia]. The difference is that there are not many minimarkets in the Philippines. So it's like a blue ocean," Prawira said in an Nikkei Asian Review report. Sixty of the planned new Alfamart outlets were already added in the first quarter of the year according to SAT. The company aims to operate 400 outlets in two years to make the chain profitable. SAT’s stakes in the Alfamart Philippines venture with SM which started in 2014, is at 35%.   The post Indonesian retailer Alfamart to expand PHL chain appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: PHL among world’s best in Coastal Cleanup initiative Google, Int’l SOS to expand Philippine workforce US think tank: PHL most resilient emerging economy Coca-Cola to pour in 1.2 billion dollars in PHL expansion

AsiaOne recommends 14 Pinoy local foods to eat

 News
May 192017
 
AsiaOne recommends 14 Pinoy local foods to eat

AsiaOne has published a report highlighting 14 local food delicacies in the Philippines. Clockwise from top left) tortang talong, bulalo, chicharon bulaklak, balat ng manok, ginisang ampalaya and tawilis. [via AsiaOne] gress-2016-in-april/” target=”_blank”>World Street Food Congress from May 31 to June 4 – and ended up with a favourites list. The writer of the AsiaOne article, “14 local foods to check out in the Philippines,” said his impression of Filipino food “was that they were never bland. They were all rich in not only taste, but also culture and history – with many dishes, you can savour the foreign and indigenous influences from centuries ago.” The Filipino food tour had the media team sample over 30 types of food in Manila and Pampanga. AsiaOne recommended the following popular Pinoy fare: Bulalo Praised by AsiaOne as “The clear broth may look plain, but it's full of flavour. This comes from simmering beef shanks and marrow bones for hours, until the fat and collagen are melted into the stew.” Chicharon bulaklak The Pinoy popular appetizer and pulutan (beer grub) of deep-fried ruffled fat “Sounds super unhealthy, but it's super shiok.” Balat ng manok The pulutan favorite deep fried chicken skin was presented with thick seasoning batter likened to KFC’s. Ginisang ampalaya The writer sampled the dish of sautéed bitter gourd with eggs and pork at Bulaluhan sa Espana and said it “came with a good level of saltiness” and taken at breakfast or appetizer at lunch. Tawilis The crispy deep fried freshwater Read More …

Why Do People Get Scammed?

 News
May 192017
 
Why Do People Get Scammed?

Chinkee Tan There are a lot of different scams out there right now. No matter how many scams are being reported on the news, you would be surprised at how many people are still being victimized by them. Most scams make use of highly persuasive techniques. Yes! They are very persistent. Just as the famous news anchor Mike Enriquez says, “Hindi kita tatantanan!” (I will not leave you alone!) Unless and until you don’t fall for their scheme, they will not stop convincing you and persuading you to join them and do whatever it is that they are asking of you. They will make you feel excited of what the “business” has to offer. They will do anything and everything just to get you on their side – they are always putting their best foot forward. They will not tell you anything but the good things – benefits, advantages, all the things that will make you go “Wow!” Other scammers on the other hand, persuade people by instilling fear. They say things like, “If you don’t go into this business, you will lose a lot. You will miss half of your life. You will regret it for the rest of your life.” So why are people being victimised by these scams? Here are some reasons. IGNORANCE – NEVER INVEST IN SOMETHING YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND NO MATTER HOW PROFITABLE IT MAY BE They simply don’t know. Of course! If you yourself know that what you are gettng yourself into is a Read More …

Francis Sollano is WEF Global Shaper for Trashion works

 News
May 172017
 
Francis Sollano is WEF Global Shaper for Trashion works

Artist and humanitarian Francis Sollano has been featured at the 2017 World Economic Forum on Association of Southeast Asian Nations (WEF-ASEAN) for being a Global Shaper with his works of art called “Trashion.” Francis Sollano [via Bamboo Culture] The Cebu-based designer is the first Filipino to be given the spotlight at the WEF-ASEAN. Sollano is featured in the WEF Global Shapers Community as one of the world’s leading young people who are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to make a contribution to their communities. His expertise is listed in the Sustainability and Environment-Fashion section. The 30-year- old is featured as the “Trashion and installations artist known for contemporary takes on upcycling garbage into wearable art and converting urban spaces. Aside from being a humanitarian and ambassador for various initiatives, he is a self-made social entrepreneur; incorporates love for the natural environment in delicate handmade creations under own label.” The University of the Philippines graduate has had his Trashion works covered in international design publications and exhibited across the globe in major cities including Paris, New York, London, Tokyo, Singapore and Bangkok. Trashion [via Facebook] As an advocate and Executive Director for the Youth for a Livable Cebu, Sollano “hopes to bring the movement to an international platform, advocating for sustainable practices and livability in various communities.” The visual artist has partnered with commercial institutions driving programs that allow him to acquire the garbage materials he uses. These solutions work as a system on its own – Read More …

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