The GNP Team

May 062017
 
It’s Just A Habit!

Chinkee Tan Are you always late? Are you always unable to finish your work or assignments? Are you always short on cash? Are you always in debt? Does this conversation look familiar… Why are you late? Traffic! Why didn’t you finish your work or assignment? I was busy! Why are you short on cash again? My salary or allowance is too small! Have you heard other people give these kinds of reasons? Or maybe, have you made excuses like these? Do you want to know the real reason behind being late, not being able to finish your work/assignment, or being short on cash and being in debt? HABIT! Being late is a habit! Not finishing your work/assignment is a habit! Not having enough and always being in debt is a habit! Are you always drinking, smoking, gambling, or partying? Or what about biting your nails, eating junk food, doing Facebook non-stop, or spending too much time on TV? One thing that is common in these examples is that they are all BAD HABITS. Why are they BAD? It’s simple. They’re bad habits because they cause serious damage to a person. They negatively influence a person in terms of work or studies, and in life, in general. I know this one person who grew up in an all-boys school. And then, because of peer pressure, he tried drinking alcohol at the early age of 16. His reason? Well, there’s nothing wrong with just a bit of alcohol. “I’m just trying it Read More …

May 032017
 
Filipinos can now travel to Taiwan visa-free

The Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs (ROC MOFA) is relaxing rules for Taiwan visitors from countries, including the Philippines, covered by the New Southbound Policy starting June 1. The Philippine Travel Agencies Association with Representative Lin [via Taiwan ROC] The ROC announcement lists a Visa Exemption trial program for Philippine nationals, for a period of one year. “The adjustments are being made following consultations with other ministries as part of an effort to implement the new policy. They are intended to attract nationals from Southeast and South Asian countries to Taiwan for tourism or business purposes, as well as to broaden and deepen Taiwan’s interactions, exchanges, and cooperation with these nations at all levels,” according to the ROC release. “The new regulations were decided at an interministerial meeting held by MOFA that was attended by the competent authorities in the areas of national security, police affairs, investigation, immigration, tourism, and economy and trade,” ROC MOFA added. Taiwan was earlier reported to already welcome Filipinos holding Philippine passports who want to visit Taiwan for 30 days. Online registration is required at https://nas.immigration.gov.tw/nase/ prior to arrival. Taiwan is listed on the Visa Restrictions Index 2017 issued by Henley and Partners as one of the 61 countries allowing Philippine passport holders visa-free access.   The post Filipinos can now travel to Taiwan visa-free appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: 61 countries where Pinoys can visit without a visa Pinoy WW II vets allowed to reunite with children in America Enjoy Read More …

May 032017
 
Amanpulo a world-class luxury beach resort

Amanpulo has been ranked as the 5th Top Luxury Beach Resort on the Financial Times’ Pink Sand 2017 list. Amanpulo sunset [via Aman] The Pamalican Island private retreat praised for its white powdery beaches adjacent to seven square kilometers of pristine coral reef, is accessible only by private plane to the island’s own airstrip. The Financial Times’ Pink Sand 2017: The World’s Best Beach Hotels section for luxury beach hotels ranked the Northern Palawan island as 5th out of 10 listed entries. “This is the place to live out luxury desert island fantasies,” says James Jayasundera of Ampersand Travel on the Financial Times list description. Amanpulo pool villa [via Aman] “From the moment the private plane touches down on the island’s airstrip, you know you’re in for something special. Spend days windsurfing, sailing or scuba diving, relaxing in the spa or taking it easy in the hammock of your luxury casita.” Amanpulo is found in Palawan which also recently topped the World’s Friendliest Islands list released by Travel + Leisure. The Philippine resort is ranked on the Pink Sand 2017 together with top-ranking North Island, Sychelles and 8 other world-renowned beach resorts.   The post Amanpulo a world-class luxury beach resort appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Nacpan Beach in Trip Advisors list of World’s Best Palawan, Boracay in Conde Nast, Trip Advisor top list Travelers’ Choice names Top PH beaches Palawan, Boracay, Cebu voted World’s Best Islands

Apr 252017
 
Top Japan brokerage invests P1.3B in COL Financial

Daiwa Securities Group has acquired a 14.9% stake in COL Financial Group, the leading online brokerage company in the Philippines. The Japanese brokerage firm announced to media the acquisition of shares valued at 3 billion yen (USD 27.4 million, PhP 1.32 billion). In a media release Daiwa said the investment in COL Financial provides Daiwa with an opportunity to participate in the fast-growing Philippine economy and further allows Daiwa to have a platform for further expansion in other Asian countries. “The securities market in the Philippines is currently significantly under-penetrated with less than one percent of population owning a brokerage account, which to our view, is an extremely good opportunity to work together with COL to help grow the retail brokerage industry in the country,” said Daiwa. “With this investment, we aim to build a stronger relationship with COL Financial and leverage the resources and networks of each other in future business development.” Daiwa brings its investment to the Philippine online brokerage firm reputed to be the fastest growing online stockbroker with over 200,000 customers and PhP 61 billion in customer assets.   The post Top Japan brokerage invests P1.3B in COL Financial appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Alibaba’s Jack Ma invests in Globe’s digital financial services Japan’s Sogo Sosha to invest almost P 200B in PH economy Coca-Cola to pour in 1.2 billion dollars in PHL expansion Filipinos win top prizes in Japan soy sauce cook fest

Apr 252017
 
Pinoy Jins win 4 golds in ASEAN Taekwondo Tilt

Filipino taekwondo jins won 16 medals in the 6-country 13th ASEAN Taekwondo Championship held in Malaysia. The Pinoy jins finished second overall carrying the colors of the Smart/MVP Sports Foundation. The Filipino gold winners in the Senior division were: Jenar Torillos Christian Al Dela Cruz Kristopher Robert Uy Leila Delo In the Junior Division, Romelle Pablo Jr. won the gold. Silver medalists in the senior division: Karen Cells Rheza Aragon Rhezie Aragon Noelyn Campos Ma. Kaye Shannelle Romuar Joaquin Mendoza Jr. Reign Charisse Ragutana received the silver in the Junior division. Bronze medalists (Seniors): Eldridge Justin Langit Abram Lance Cuvinar Bronze Medalists (Juniors): Sturdy Jay Gilbuena Catryn Janiella Gilbuena With reports from Katherine Anne M. Baltar   The post Pinoy Jins win 4 golds in ASEAN Taekwondo Tilt appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: PH team wins 5 World Taekwondo Golds Pinoy fencers win 3 golds, 10 medals in SEA tilt PH hosts Rio Olympics Taekwondo qualifiers Pinoys bag 3 golds at Dragon Boat Worlds in Russia

Apr 212017
 
Vivid Games creates realistic Manny Pacquiao video game

Multiple-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has entered the video gaming scene as the legendary Real Boxing Manny Pacquaio in the enhanced version of the top fighting video game. The newest Vivid Games offering of the Real Boxing series allows players to step into the shoes and box as Filipino eight-division World Champion and fight in weekly tournaments, playing solo, and in a Special Event prepared by Pacquiao. Unique in-game prizes from skins to gear with some bearing the Philippine colors are all branded by the famous boxer himself, declared the mobile game company. The game can be played online and on local multiplayer, with a variety of single player modes. The game includes a challenge room with 17 challenges to gain rewards, and even an old-style side scrolling arcade games feature. The game description states Real Boxing® Manny Pacquiao features ultra-realistic lifelike graphics, with extensive motion capture technology featuring professional boxers. Real Boxing, the world’s most known mobile boxing franchise, is played by over 43 million gamers. Real Boxing Manny Pacquiao is now available for download on Androids and iOs platforms.   The post Vivid Games creates realistic Manny Pacquiao video game appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Manny Pacquiao named 2015 Asia Game Changer of the Year Pacquiao still reigns supreme as “People’s Champ” Pacquiao nominated as BWAA Fighter of the Year 1st Pinoy video game featuring National Heroes

Apr 212017
 
SM publishes pioneering book on PHL’s ageing population

SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, has published a pioneering book on the value of the ageing population of the Philippines. Authored by University of the Philippines professor Clarita Carlos, the pioneering book entitled “Population Ageing in the Philippines, Issues and Challenges” presents facts and figures on the rapidly increasing ageing population in the Philippines. Professor Carlos during the launch of the book at The Podium said that senior citizens have the power to elect the next president of the country. The prominent academic said that anyone vying for the presidency should tap into the 60 years and old and above age group because they will play a major role in electing the president in the next election, according to the SM release. “The population of the elderly in the Philippines will be more than 10 percent in 2020, thus political leaders should think of reaching out to (them). Not only is this mandated in the Philippine Constitution (under Article XIII) but the number is also significant in electing the next president of this country by 2022,” Carlos said. She pointed out that the elderly population in the Philippines is increasing faster than the growth of the population. In 2000, there were 4.6 million senior citizens or about 6 percent of the population. In 2010, the number grew to 6 million or 6.9 percent of the population. By 2022, the elderly is expected to be around 12 million which is a significant factor in the election Read More …

Apr 212017
 
Backstabber

Chinkee Tan Have you ever been backstabbed? Are you a victim of people talking behind your back? You ask them what the problem is. “Nothing,” they answer. But the whole office or class already knows what the problem is. Or sometimes you’ll hear them say, “I’m not mad. We’re done with that.” But the moment you leave, they start spreading news and rumors about you. This is called BACKSTABBING. Some people try to hide their backstabbing by saying they’re just concerned about you. Then suddenly they say bitter and bad things about you. For example, in the office, someone got promoted or you were able to achieve an award, and were recognized for your effort. Then the people you call your friends say things like, “Don’t mind them! Just remember that I’m happy for you!” “They’re just jealous!” “They’re only saying those things because they’re not getting promoted no matter what they do!” But, little did you know that to other people, this is what they say: “He really is getting more boastful. He wasn’t always like that.” “It should have been me. He was just sucking it up with the boss.” “His head is getting big!” In this situation, you’ll see how backstabbing DESTROYS SOMEONE’S LIFE instead of helping him/her change for the better. If you’ve experienced backstabbing, instead of getting annoyed about it, why not just try to understand why people are acting that way? Why do people backstab? LOW SELF ESTEEM They don’t think so well of Read More …

Apr 192017
 
4 Filipinos cited as Forbes Asia leading millenials

Four Filipinos have been included in the 2017 Forbes Asia “30 Under 30” list of 300 millenials, “impressive young entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of innovation.” The second edition of the list of game changers in the Asian region lists Filipinos in four different industries: Maricor Bunal, 29, COO of Growthsolutions, has been ranked as a game changer in the Finance and Venture Capital industry for co-leading Loansolutions.ph, a network of lenders that has helped 2,000 clients secure loans with an average amount of $2,200. “The two-year- old startup got seed funding from a group of international and local investors led by KK Fund. Along with thinking about the company's future as cofounder and COO, Bunal wears several hats – from content manager to sales tracking,” according to the Forbes citation. Matthew Cua, 28, founder of SkyEye Analytics, is included in the leaders of Industry Manufacturing and Energy for designing drones to conduct aerial surveys and produce maps or models. Forbes cites the company as having started as in university project, and being part of the United Nations OCHA (Office for Coordination of Human Affairs), which is asked to participate in times of natural disasters. Gian Scottie Javelona, 24, founder of OrangeApps, is ranked as a young leader in EnterpriseTechnology who runs OrangeApps, a cloud-based platform where schools and universities can manage multiple processes like student enrollment, grades, HR and payroll. Forbes makes a note how “At 19, Javelona launched the first mobile app for a school in the Philippines that covers access Read More …

Apr 132017
 
Archie performs in Manila in latest comics edition

Archie Comics is highlighting the Manila concert grounds in its newest spring annual issue. Archies Funhouse Comics Double Digest #26 titled “On The Road Again!” features The Archies garage band from Riverdale coming to the Philippines to perform in Manila concert grounds as part of their international concert tour. The first preview of the publication shows the popular comics character of Archie Andrews – the freckle-faced redhead – with his pals Jughead Jones, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, and Reggie Mantle excitedly talking about going to the Philippines for their concert. A second teaser of the comic strip shows the group arriving in Manila exclaiming, “Hey, we’re in Manila! It’s the capital of the Philippines!” “This is where we’re going to play! The Manila concert grounds!” Jughead then says, “I’m a big fan of Filipino culture…I hear the barbecue here in the Philippines is practically an art form!” The Archie comics issue featuring the Philippines written by Dan Parent, is being released on April 19.   The post Archie performs in Manila in latest comics edition appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Filipino artist draws Darth Vader, Star Wars comics Manila’s iconic spots featured on global coloring book Manila in Forbes Best Budget Travel Destinations UK’s Independent says trendy Manila is back in fashion