Maniolas

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is now one of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) “Living Legends” after being immortalized in her own stamp. Pia Wurtzbach stamp [via PHLPost] The reigning title holder of the Miss Universe pageant was presented her own stamp frame after she turned ended her reign as the local Binibining Pilipinas Universe. In ceremonies after the Binibining Pilipinas 2016 pageant in April, Postmaster General Joel Otarra presented the stamp frame to Wurtzbach saying, “It is our privilege to personally present to Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach her own stamp as this is equally important to us because it seldom for us to issue a stamp to living person. She will now join the roster of PHLPost's Living Legends.” PHLPost acknowledged the Filipina Miss Universe who brought home the crown after 42 years, as one of the "exceptional Filipinos who have brought pride and glory to the country and setting as role model in their chosen field." The stamp features a photo of Wurtzbach when she was crowned Miss Universe 2015 in Las Vegas last December. The souvenir sheets feature a special embellishment called tactile glittery texture embossed to enhance the important look and feel of the stamps. The glitters are on her crown which when touched will feel rough in texture. A total of 101,000 pieces of limited edition regular commemorative stamps feature the beauty queen, along with 5,000 pieces of souvenir sheets. Wurtzbach joins the elite roster of PHLPost “Living Legends” which include boxing champ Read More …

Trip Advisor lists Nacpan beach, a white-sand beach nested in El Nido, Palawan as one of the top beach destinations in the world. Nacpan and Calitang Beach, El Nido [via Yahoo!] The travel rating website evaluated the splendid beach as: “A long coastline, golden sand, beautiful crystal waters and a completely virgin landscape make a visit to this place unforgettable!” The country’s tropical pride was recognized together with other world-class beaches–West Bay Beach in Honduras, Ngapali beach in Myanmar, and Flamenca Beach in Puerto Rico. Nacpan beach, which is 17 kilometers from the El Nido town proper, is located at Sitio Calitang and has an enormous four-kilometer shoreline of cream-colored sand and plenty of coconut trees. It is situated near the unexploited Calitang beach. Here are the top 10 beaches as compiled by Trip Advisor: Grace Bay – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (British territory in the Carribean) Baia do Sancho – Fernando de Noronha, Brazil Playa Paraiso – Cayo Largo, Cuba Anse Lazio – Praslin Island, Seychelles Cayo de Agua – Los Roques National Park, Venezuela Flamenco Beach – Culebra, Puerto Rico Playa de Ses Illetes – Formentera, Spain Ngapali Beach – Ngapali, Myanmar West Bay Beach – Bay Islands, Honduras Nacpan Beach – El Nido, Philippines   Related posts: Travelers’ Choice names Top PH beaches Boracay’s White Beach one of world’s best Boracay, El Nido in Asia and World’s best beaches list Euro blogger Sabrina tells world to bucket list PH

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) reports that by the end of 2015 an estimated 1.5 million Filipinos have earned dollars without leaving the country, having found work through the internet. The report says Filipinos working online are given jobs in writing, graphic and web design, desktop publishing, software development, audio and video editing, and as virtual assistants. The earning rates average $3per hour and $250 per project. Variations in income rates depend on the job’s level of difficulty. The worker’s online reputation is also considered, gleaned from ratings given by previous online employers. Online Jobs can be found through job portals such as UpWork.com, Freelancer.ph and OnlineJobs.ph. Employers are usually small to medium-sized companies or individuals abroad who choose to outsource certain jobs and functions in order to be cost effective. An online worker needs a computer with Internet access as well as the necessary skills to do the job. The key requirement of internet access need is where the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Office of DOST steps in to boost the number of online income earners, targeting Filipinos in the provinces to use this alternative means to earning income. “The Juan Konek Free Wi-Fi Internet access in public places project hopes to address this. With faster Internet connectivity available in all municipalities, this can significantly increase the number of Filipinos earning a living through the Internet,” DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo said in the DOST release. Juan Konek is part of the ICT Office’s Digital Empowerment Read More …

The Philippine capital of Manila is set to host the World Street Food Congress 2016 (WSFC16) in April. World Street Food Congress 2016 WSFC16 announced the gathering in Manila, touted as “one of the world’s best food destinations” from April 20-24, 2016. The world’s most influential movers, thinkers, food gurus and advocates will be together for 2 days at Bonifacio Global City Manila in the WSF Dialogue to share their latest ideas, developments, ideals and opportunities about culinary street food culture. Participants from 10 countries will also offer their specialized fare at the WSF Jamboree, a street food feasting festival which will last for 5 days. Cooking demonstrations amid live music will be open to the public. The WSF Awards will cap the event with recognition given in 5 categories, recognizing the best soldiers and leaders in the field of culinary street food. Filipino food has been gaining recognition around the world with food festivals dedicated to the country’s unique fare. WSCF brought about a dozen international and local media for a 15 hour Food Frenzy Safari in February, to sample the offerings of Manila and Pampanga. Reviews of the trip affirmed that comfort heritage street food such as that offered in the Philippines are the flag bearers of excellent but inexpensive food fare. WSFC16 in Manila is the 3rd edition since its establishment in 2013.   Related posts: Int’l TV Food host says Filipino food is next big thing Filipino street food a big hit in Australia Filipino food, Read More …

Filipino champion boxer Nonito Donaire reclaimed his World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantam weight title with a unanimous decision over Cesar Juarez of Mexico. Nonito Donaire [via Philstar] In a Puerto Rico match that is described by ESPN as a Fight of the Year contender, Donaire referred to his boxing match as, “the toughest fight I’ve ever been in my life. It was an amazing fight.” The Filipino Flash controlled the first 6 rounds of the fight and twice knocked down his opponent. However, a tough Juarez kept his aggressive stance and kept exchanging blows with the Filipino boxer. In post-fight interviews Donaire admitted to injuries which slowed him down during the latter part of the match. The Filipino boxer suffered an eye cut and swelling. He was also weakened in the final rounds by a bad spill that twisted his leg. “I couldn’t throw a punch from the leg, I was only throwing shoulder punches,” Donaire told media. He was able to maintain his lead by landing punches against a furious opponent. The ring action was applauded by the audience which gave both fighters a standing ovation at the end of the match. The 5-weight division title winner won back the belt after losing it in 2013 to Cuba’s Guillermo Rigondeaux who afterwards lost the title due to inactivity, giving way to the Donaire-Juarez match for the vacant title. He said he wants a rematch with Rigondeaux. The win improved Donaire’s record to 36-3 with 23 knockouts.   Related Read More …