Weekend Balita

Works of FilAm Artist Alfonso Ossorio on Exhibit in D.C.

Mar 112013

OSSORIO EXHIBIT. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. and his wife, Ma. Victoria, admire one of the artworks of Filipino American artist and patron Alfonso Ossorio (1916–1990) at The Phillips Collection in Washington D.C. The private museum currently has on exhibit the abstract expressionist works of Ossorio, American painter Jackson Pollock (1912–1956), and French painter Jean Dubuffet (1901–1985). Dubbed Angels, Demons, and Savages, the exhibit features 55 of their paintings and works on paper from 1945 to 1958. Photos also show the Ambassador with members of the University of Maryland Filipino Cultural Association and the Northern Virginia Rondalla who performed at the opening of the exhibit on Thusday. WASHINGTON, D.C.—The abstract expressionist works of noted Filipino-American artist and art patron Alfonso Ossorio (1916-1990) drew raves when they went on exhibit at a private museum here on Thursday. The Philippine Embassy, which collaborated with the Phillips Collection for its “Phillips After 5” event for the month of March, said almost 700 guests led by Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. and his wife, Ma. Victoria, attended the opening of the exhibit dubbed “Angels, Demons and Savages.” The exhibit features 55 paintings and works on paper of the Manila-born Ossorio and his equally famous artist-friends and contemporaries—American painter Jackson Pollock (1912-1990) and French painter Jean Dubuffet (1901-1985)—covering the period 1945 to 1958. OSSORIO EXHIBIT. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. and his wife, Ma. Victoria, admire one of the artworks of Filipino American artist and patron Alfonso Ossorio (1916–1990) at The Phillips Collection in Washington Read More …

President Aquino cites role of telecommunications in facilitating free flow of information

Entertainment

Mar 072013

President Aquino cites role of telecommunications in facilitating free flow of information

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the Meeting with local leaders and the community at the Rizal Park in San Pedro Street, Davao City on Wednesday (March 06, 2013). In photos are Team PNoy candidates that include Aurora Lone District Representative Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, former National Youth Commission (NYC) chairperson Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, former Akbayan Partylist Representative Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros-Baraquel, Senators Alan Peter “Compañero” Cayetano and Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero, former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairperson Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Senator Loren Legarda, former Senators Maria Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal and Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., Senators Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III and Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV, and former Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar. (MNS photo) MANILA, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the role of the telecommunications sector in facilitating the free flow of information to our countrymen. “Knowledge empowers our people and sustains the momentum of our nation’s ongoing revitalization. As part of the telecommunications sector, you act as conduits that facilitate the free flow of information to our countrymen,” the Chief Executive said in his message to the Federation of International Cable TV and Telecommunications Association of the Philippines (FICTAP) on Thursday. The FICTAP opened its 14th International Cable Congress and Exhibit on Thursday at the Manila Hotel. The event would end on Friday. “It is necessary that we remain attentive to the advances in technology in your industry, that we may keep our countrymen informed Read More …

Gerald on Maja: I found someone I want to be with

Entertainment

Mar 072013

Gerald on Maja: I found someone I want to be with

Maja Salvador (MNS Photo) Gerald Anderson (MNS Photo) MANILA, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) -– Gerald Anderson sees Maja Salvador’s companionship as a source of happiness. Shortly after the 2013 Golden Screen Awards night on Friday, where he won Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Drama Series for his title role in ABS-CBN’s “Budoy,” the 23-year-old Kapamilya actor addressed questions about his rumored relationship with Salvador. Clarifying that he and the “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” star are not yet a couple, Anderson nonetheless said he regards Salvador as someone “special.” “Hindi pa [kami]. Kumbaga, pwedeng dumaan muna kami sa mga… Paano ba? There’s always the right time. May tamang lugar, meron namang time para sa lahat,” Anderson said. “Like I said, wala po akong itatago sa inyo. She’s very special to me, yes. Pero kumbaga, sa akin na ‘yon. Sa akin na ‘yon,” he said. It was in early January when actress Kim Chiu expressed regret over her “wasted” friendship with Salvador, following reports of a blooming “relationship” between the “Thelma” actress and Anderson. Chiu and Anderson broke up in 2010 amid controversies surrounding their relationship. While Salvador has kept mum on her ties with Anderson, the “Budoy” star has expressed intentions to court the actress “if given a chance.” Asked on Saturday whether he has admired Salvador romantically for a while now, Anderson said, “Matagal ko nang nararamdaman. Alam mo ‘yung feeling na syempre, matagal na akong single. Matagal na rin po akong single.” “And you know, I found someone na Read More …

President Aquino cites support of Davaoeños in making government reforms possible

Entertainment

Mar 072013

President Aquino cites support of Davaoeños in making government reforms possible

President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte during the Meeting with local leaders and the community at the Rizal Park in San Pedro Street, Davao City on Wednesday (March 06, 2013). (MNS photo) DAVAO CITY, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) — President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the people of Davao for supporting his administration’s reform program saying that with their help, his agenda of ridding government of graft and corruption is now bearing fruit. In his speech during a meeting with local leaders and the community at the Rizal Park here on Wednesday, the President said that after a little over two years in office, the benefits of an efficient and effective government that is made for the people is nearing realization. He said that through the implementation of infrastructure, education, and business programs in the province, more prosperity has been coming to the people and the province of Davao. “Mula po sa ipinagkaloob ninyong tiwala noong nakaraang halalan, hanggang sa patuloy ninyong pakikiisa sa tuwid na daan, lagi po tayong makakaasa sa suporta’t pakikiisa ng mga Davaoeño. Daghang salamat sa mga kabag-uhan na inyong gihimo ug padayon pa nga ginahimo,” the President said to delight, loud applause and cheer of the residents of Davao. “Mulat po ang mga Davaoeño sa mga tagumpay na nakamit natin dahil sa pagtitiwala ninyo sa ating agenda ng mabuting pamamahala,” he added. For infrastructure, the President said that since July 2011 to April 2012, the Department of Public Works Read More …

DOH-NCR hosts public consultation on RH law draft IRRs

Entertainment

Mar 072013

(DOH logo) The Department of Health Center – National Capital Region (DOH-NCR) will host a public consultation and review tomorrow, March 8, on the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10354, also known as the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law of 2012 (RPRH Act of 2012), with various sectors of society including religious groups, Metro Manila mayors and city health officers, women’s and children’s groups, and media organizations. “We would like to enjoin the support of all sectors in this public consultation so that they may express their views, opinions and recommendations on the provisions stated in the RH law and once it is implemented, we expect that it will significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality in the country and save countless of lives especially that of mothers and their children,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo declared. With the actual implementation of the RH Law, the DOH will fully carry out its mandate of reducing maternal and infant mortality rate through comprehensive reproductive health care services such as providing modern family planning methods, safe birth deliveries, adequate supply of blood and quality care in all of its health care facilities. The rights of women and family will also be protected, Janairo added. The RP RH law drafting committee will be conducting the IRR consultation which is also called Usapang Kalusugang Pampamilya”. Other consultations were also conducted in the cities of Cebu and Davao and were attended by LGUs, hospital chiefs, the academe and various NGO representatives. Among Read More …

PHL calls for immediate and safe release of Filipino peacekeepers

Entertainment

Mar 072013

( United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations) The Philippine Government has received confirmation from the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations that 21 Filipino peacekeepers assigned to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights have been detained by an armed group. All Filipino peacekeepers are reported to be unharmed and that negotiations are underway to secure their safe release. The Government is likewise coordinating closely with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations on the matter. The Philippine Government is calling for the immediate release of 21 Filipino peacekeepers who are part of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights. “The main concern of the Philippine Government at this time is to ensure the safety and well-being of our peacekeepers. We wish to reiterate that UNDOF’s freedom of movement and safety and security must be respected by all parties in the area,” Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario said.

Online plan to boost Philippine eagle numbers

Entertainment

Mar 032013

Online plan to boost Philippine eagle numbers

(Philippine Eagle Foundation Logo) MANILA, Feb 28 (Mabuhay) -– The mating rituals of two captive Philippine eagles are being broadcast live over the Internet to rally global support for saving of the world’s rarest and biggest raptors, conservationists said Thursday. Livestreaming the pair gives a global Internet audience a rare insight into the courtship, mating and chick-rearing habits of the birds, which could soon become extinct, said Philippine Eagle Foundation spokesman Rolando Pinsoy. “This will give everyone a chance to learn more about this species and understand why we have to save them,” Pinsoy said. Customarily, the female lays a single egg in November or December and the chick hatches a month later, he said. In a project backed by the US-based Raptor Resource Project and the Internet videosharing site Ustream.tv, the pair can now be viewed 24 hours a day over the next 12 months at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/29615691 “Even for biologists, there is so much more that we need to learn about this species,” Pinsoy said. The Philippine eagle, or Pithecophaga jefferyi, is the world’s largest eagle in terms of length. It is found only in the country’s vanishing forests, where hunting, logging and land conversion all threaten its survival. The bird, with a distinctive shaggy and cream-colored crest, grows to up to 3.35 feet (one meter) in length with a wing span of up to seven feet. According to the foundation and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, there are only about between 180 to 500 pairs Read More …

Tax evasion raps filed vs trading firm, model agency

Entertainment

Mar 032013

Tax evasion raps filed vs trading firm, model agency

(Bureau of Internal Revenue Logo) MANILA, Feb 28 (Mabuhay) — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) charged a Laguna-based trading company with willful failure to pay due taxes amounting to P4.49 million. Charged before the Dept. of Justice (DOJ) was Jera Marketing, Inc. (JMI) and its president, Ester R. Almendrala, for alleged violations of Sec. 255 in relation to Sec. 253 of the National Internal Revenue Code. BIR Commissioner Kim Henares bared that JMI was issued a Letter of Authority (LOA) for the examination of its books of accounts and other accounting records for taxable year 2006. However, JMI reportedly failed to submit these documents. The BIR then issued a subpoena duces tecum, Preliminary Assessment Notice, and a Formal Letter of Demand pointing out the firm’s tax liabilities but, again, JMI allegedly failed to settle the same. The case against JMI is the 152nd filed by the bureau under its Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program under the Aquino administration. Meanwhile, a separate complaint was filed by the BIR against the owner of a casting firm for a total tax liability amounting to P6.61 million. Angelica Bonnevie Mara was charged for “willful failure to evade or defeat tax and for deliberate failure to supply correct and accurate information in her income tax return (ITR) for taxable year 2009.” Mara owns Model Shop Casting Studio with business address in Makati City. BIR Commissioner Kim Henares said a preliminary investigation was conducted on Mara’s alleged tax evasion scheme. In the course of Read More …

Council passes Garcetti immigration legislation

Entertainment

Mar 032013

Council passes Garcetti immigration legislation

Garcetti legislation to hel p immigrants become residents and citizens Los Angeles City Council member Eric Garcetti LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles City Council approved legislation introduced by Councilmember Eric Garcetti to move Los Angeles immigrant residents to the front of the line when it comes to citizenship and fully participating in L.A. civic life, which would benefit the entire city and our economy. The legislative package, authored by Garcetti, reestablishes the city’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and creates the nation’s first local initiative to help immigrants through the legal process of becoming a resident and citizen as proposed by President Obama’s federal immigration reform effort. “Immigration reform is coming, but any federal program can be daunting to navigate, particularly for immigrants,” Garceti said. “This office will help L.A. immigrants cut through the red tape so they are at the front of the line when it comes to President Obama’s new pathway to citizenship. Helping deserving immigrants earn legal status will build stronger L.A. communities and a stronger L.A. economy.” In addition to offering services to immigrants to help their residency and citizenship requirements, the legislative package aim is to help immigrants learn about city services – for example preventative care so that immigrant Angelenos get help they need and taxpayers don’t incur higher costs driven by emergency room visits.

FVR: Time to let more foreign investors in by Charter change

Entertainment

Mar 032013

FVR: Time to let more foreign investors in by Charter change

Former President Fidel V. Ramos during the 27th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the People Power Monument in White Plains corner Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) on Monday (February 25). This year’s theme is “Pilipinas Natin, Abot Tanaw Na!”. The 1986 peaceful and bloodless uprising ousted the dictatorship and catapulted the late Corazon C. Aquino to the Presidency. (MNS photo) MANILA, Feb 26 (Mabuhay) — Former President Fidel V. Ramos on Tuesday called for a constitutional change that will open the country to more foreign investments. “Historically, Filipinos have opposed constitutional change. But, my dear friends, we have to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution to be more in sync with the development we’re trying to achieve,” Ramos said as he received a lifetime achievement award at The Joint Foreign Chambers’ of the Philippines Arangkada Forum: Realize the Potential! He noted the need to review the 1987 Constitution which limits foreign equity ownership on land utilities, telecommunications, among others to 40 percent. The charter was drafted during the term of then-President Corazon C. Aquino, mother of President Benigno S. Aquino III. In September 2011, Congressional leaders batted for a bicameral constituent assembly in reviewing the Constitution and for the Senate and the House of Representatives to vote on it separately. Discussions, however, took a back seat, with the Cabinet review on the economic costs and gains to changes in the foreign ownership provision. Businessmen and economists have pointed out that the provision is a bottleneck to more Read More …

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