2016 Toyota Highlander: Leader of the midsize crossover pack

 Entertainment
Oct 122015
 
2016 Toyota Highlander: Leader of the midsize crossover pack

Loyd Aler with Nile Villanueva, Sales Manager of DCH Toyota of Torrance. Nile is the new addition to dealership’s Filipino Department. The Toyota Highlander started the midsize crossover SUV category 15 years ago, so it had a head start on becoming a benchmark. The third-generation model, now entering its third year, offers room for up to eight, a choice of three powertrains and four model grades. It all adds up to the ideal family vehicle. The Highlander didn’t need much to get even better for 2016, but Toyota went ahead and made the towing package standard on all V6 models. The package includes a heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling, supplemental transmission oil cooler and 150-amp alternator and allows the V6 models to tow a trailer up to 5,000 pounds. Other powertrain choices include a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder in the LE front-drive model, and Hybrid Synergy Drive with 280 total system horsepower. The four-cylinder and the V6 are both teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Highlander is sized for families with up to 158.7 cu. ft. total cabin volume.  That includes 13.8 cu. ft. with the third seating row in use – a 34-percent increase over the previous generation (2013 model). With the 60/40 split fold-flat third-row seats lowered, cargo space expands up to 42.3 cu. ft. and then up to 83.7 cu. ft. with the 60/40 split fold-flat second row also lowered.  The second row offers bench seating for three, or two captain’s chairs featuring a Read More …

Palace asks public cooperation during APEC leaders’ meeting next month

 Entertainment
Oct 122015
 
Palace asks public cooperation during APEC leaders’ meeting next month

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 kick-off ceremony at The Eye Ballroom of the Green Sun Hotel in Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City on Monday night (December 01). (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – The Palace asked the residents of Metro Manila to go on vacation and seize the long break of students to decongest the metropolis during the country’s hosting the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit next month. Malacanang has declared November 18 and 19, 2015 as non-working holidays in the National Capital Region due to the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, which is being hosted by the Philippines this year. “Let us take advantage. Medyo matagal-tagal ‘yung bakasyon ng ating mga estudyante, ng ating mga anak, para naman maging maayos ang hosting natin ng pinakamalaking meeting, ang APEC (Leaders’) Summit,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview on Saturday. “Apart from our very own president, may 20 other member economy leaders pa ang darating sa bansa,” she told dzRB Radyo Ng Bayan. “At sinisigurado naman natin na magiging maayos at matiwasay ang kanilang pagbisita, ‘yun nga lang po humihingi kami ng inyong kooperasyon at pag-intindi, dahil marami tayong ilalatag na security measures.” Metro Manila residents could take advantage of the long vacation to visit places outside the Metropolis. The people could opt to visit the beautiful tourist spots outside of the national capital region or they can stay at home to avoid places where there are security preparations for Read More …

Palace says government prioritizing expanding PhilHealth coverage

 Entertainment
Oct 122015
 
Palace says government prioritizing expanding PhilHealth coverage

Members of Akbayan Partylist hold a protest, urging senators to thoroughly investigate the alleged syndicated eye scam, at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City on Thursday. Complaints have been raised against unscrupulous eye clinics that have performed scores of unnecessary medical operation on patients in order to bloat their payment claims from Philhealth. (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Palace said it continues to work on improving the country’s healthcare system particularly by expanding the coverage of the universal health care program, a Palace official said. According to the 2015 Quality of Death study index, the Philippines lacks government-led strategy for the development and promotion of national palliative care services. But in a radio interview on Saturday, Deputy presidential Abigail Valte said that although the government has programs for palliative care, its major thrust is having universal healthcare, noting they want a wider coverage of PhilHealth. “Kasi ito ang existing system natin for insurance or at least healthcare ng Pilipino. So in-improve natin ang services ng PhilHealth, at ngayon mas marami na nang sakit ang covered ng PhilHealth,” Valte old dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. The government reformed the PhilHealth system, she said, noting they removed the discretion on certain illnesses and standardized the range of diseases covered. Aside from from removing the discretion, she said PhilHealth also increased the number of health issues under its coverage, Valte said. “Mayroon na nga tayong Z-benefits package targeting ‘yung mga mas widespread na illnesses,” she explained. PhilHealth now also has 100 Read More …

Comelec announces schedule for presidential, VP debates

 Entertainment
Oct 122015
 
Comelec announces schedule for presidential, VP debates

Newly appointed Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman Andres Bautista (left) and commissioner Rowena Guanzon face the media at the COMELEC office in Intramuros, Manila on Monday. Bautista was the chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) prior to his new assignment. (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday announced the final schedule of presidential and vice presidential debates in 2016. Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said the debates will happen for four weeks next year from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bautista said the first presidential debate will happen on Feb. 21, 2016 in Mindanao. The second presidential debate is scheduled on March 20, 2016 in Visayas and the last presidential debate will be on Apr. 24, 2016 in Luzon. Bautista said three major television networks, including GMA Network, will draw lots and will be assigned a specific presidential debate to sponsor. The Comelec chief said they will implement a dual-moderator format for the Mindanao leg, panel discussion format for Visayas, and town hall format for the Luzon leg. “Merong lead stations na maghu-hold, pero lahat open for broadcast,” he said. Three officials have so far confirmed their intentions to run for president in 2016, including Vice President Jejomar Binay, Sen. Grace Poe and former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas. Lito Banayo, political adviser of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, said the local official will also run for president. Bautista, meanwhile, said the vice presidential debate will be held in Metro Manila on April 10. Senators Read More …

CHED declares November 17 and 20 as ‘school holidays’

 Entertainment
Oct 122015
 
CHED declares November 17 and 20 as ‘school holidays’

President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Tarlac State University (TSU) president Dr. Myrna Mallari and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairperson Patricia Licuanan, dons an academic gown, hood, cap and medal during the Conferment of the Degree of Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa) at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 14, 2015). (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) — The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has declared November 17 and 20 as “school holidays” to give way to the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Leonida Calagui, CHED-National Capital Region director, said in her memo dated September 18 that the said dates are declared school holidays “to contribute to the security of the APEC Leaders and avoid road infractions/traffic alterations.” “All higher education institutions in the National Capital Region are hereby enjoined to give their students alternative activities and assignments to keep them off campus and roads on the said dates.” the memo reads. In a separate memo issued by the Department of Education’s National Capital Region office, it also suspended classes on November 17 and 20 due to the APEC meet slated on November 18 and 19. President Benigno Aquino III has declared November 18 and 19 as non-working holidays. The meeting will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.(MNS)

Obama honors Fil-Am legacy in US defense, labor movement

 Entertainment
Oct 122015
 
Obama honors Fil-Am legacy in US defense, labor movement

White House event kicks off Fil-Am History Month By Nimfa U. Rueda Melissa Ramoso, deputy district director for California State Senator Ted W. Lieu and former state chair of the California Democratic Party, chats with musician Apl.de.Ap during a break at the White House event.(courtesy of Melissa Ramoso) LOS ANGELES – President Obama this week honored Filipino-Americans who “helped build and defend” the United States at the first ever celebration of Filipino-American History Month at the White House. In a message that was read before some 200 Fil-Am elected officials and community leaders attending the event in Washington DC, Obama acknowledged the contributions of thousands of Fil-Ams who fought for the US in World War II. He also recognized the Fil-Ams who led the fight for better conditions and wages for Filipino and Mexican farmworkers in Delano, California in the ‘60s and early ‘70s. The three-hour event, hosted by The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) and the White House Office of Public Engagement, was streamed live. Nani Coloretti, the highest ranking Fil-Am in the Obama administration, was the keynote speaker. Fil Am History Month 2015 “You know, it’s a good indicator that you’ve arrived when you don’t only have your own month but that the White House is saying they want to celebrate it too,” said Coloretti, deputy secretary of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Coloretti credited her Filipino grandfather, who was a labor organizer in Hawaii, for inspiring her commitment Read More …

2016 Toyota Sienna: It’s a space shuttle, a power broker, a limousine and even a bit of a sport sedan

 Entertainment
Oct 112015
 
2016 Toyota Sienna: It’s a space shuttle, a power broker, a limousine and even a bit of a sport sedan

Toyota Sienna In the kid-friendly, parents-rule world of family vans, The Toyota Sienna remains the only model available with all-wheel drive. But that’s just one of the many compelling qualities that make the Sienna a standout. For 2016, upgraded multimedia features augment the parents’ side of the equation. Toyota has made across-the-board enhancements to the Entune multimedia head units in the 2016 Sienna. The new Connected Navigation Scout GPS App Link for Entune® Audio Plus uses the customer’s smartphone to provide navigation functionality through the head unit. And iPhone® users will be pleased to know that all available head units now integrate Siri® Eyes Free mode. The new Sienna Outdoor Package introduced for 2015 returns for 2016, bundling roof rack cross bars, all-weather floor mats, mud guards and door sill protectors. Power Broker The Sienna conquers that obstacle course called the everyday with a silky-smooth 266-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination gives the Sienna confident power for urban trekking or highway merging while using fuel efficiently. The standard Tow Prep Package allows the Sienna to pull a 3,500-pound trailer. Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and a wide stance help deliver a solid, direct on-road feel. Aerodynamic under-body elements may seem a bit naughty to mention for a family vehicle, but they do enhance Sienna’s dynamic performance. Road Warrior When was the last time you heard “lowered, sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, side skirt body elements and smoke-look sport trim mentioned in the same sentence as “family van?” The Sienna SE Read More …

Dennis and Jennylyn: Moving forward

 Entertainment
Oct 112015
 
Dennis and Jennylyn: Moving forward

Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Who knew a failed romance could lead to deeper friendship? Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado broke up in 2011 because of a small disagreement that escalated into a bigger fight. These days, they are enjoying each other’s company doing triathlons and shows here and abroad. Both welcome their rekindled friendship made easy by the fact that they now know each other’s flaws. “Siyempre matagal na din naman ’yun. Kumbaga marami kaming natutunan and alam na namin kung bakit nangyari ’yun,” Dennis said. However, Jennylyn maintained that they have set limitations. “Kumbaga may mga bagay na alam na namin sa sarili namin na hanggang du’n lang. May mga bagay din na alam mong hindi mo na kailangan sabihin kasi nasa tamang edad na rin kayo,” she said. Believing everything happens in God’s perfect time, Jennylyn said, “Hindi mo dapat pinipilit ang mga dapat mangyari eh. Kailangan mo siyang intayin kasi darating yan sa tamang panahon. Katulad nu’ng sa amin (Dennis), nagkasalubong lang kami tapos nagbatian lang.” Jennylyn Mercado (MNS Photo) For his part, Dennis simply let go of past heartaches happened and moved on. “Mahirap din kasi ’yung may dala kang mabigat sa pakiramdam na feeling mo kailangan tanggalin,” he said. With each of them putting their focus on their child, Dennis noted, “Mag-a-asawa pa rin naman ako pero gusto ko ’yung nagawa ko na lahat. Gusto ko kasi na kahit ’di na ako magtrabaho eh, enough na ang lahat para Read More …

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