Maniolas

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) – For President Benigno Aquino III, 2015 is a “pivotal” year for the Philippines, as the government would have a chance to project the country in the international arena, while preparing to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation-World Leaders’ Summit in November. In his message on Wednesday to newly designated diplomats to the Philippines, Aquino said 2015 will be an opportunity for his administration to showcase its gains to the world. “2015 is a pivotal year. We have already welcomed the first batch of delegates for APEC 2015, and we will continue welcoming guests and dignitaries from all over the world, all of whom will be able to personally witness the large-scale positive transformation of our country,” the President said. Also, Aquino assured the envoys he will continue his reform programs as his presidency draws to a close. Moreover, he said “2015 also provides another excellent opportunity for us to strengthen the gains of reform, explore avenues of cooperation, and… reinforce our ties with partners and friends both at home and abroad.” The Philippines has started hosting events leading to the high-level APEC meeting in November. This year’s summit will focus on “building inclusive economies,” which echoes the Aquino administration’s push for inclusive growth. Some 11.4 million families considered themselves Read More …

Senator Grace Poe (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes on Wednesday said he is willing to assist Sen. Grace Poe if she decides to run for higher office in 2016. Brillantes, who is set to retire as poll chief on February 2, said he will go back to private practice after his one-year ban from practicing electoral law is finished. “I cannot practice election laws for one year when I leave the Comelec. So by February 2016, before the elections, I might be able to come back, not as an acting practitioner but probably consultant to some candidates. If any presidential candidate would like some advice, I could probably give some advice,” he said. Asked who he will back in 2016, he joked: “The one who will pay the highest! I am just joking. I don’t want to make any commitment.” However, he also said he will probably help Poe if she decides to run in the 2016 polls. “Well if she runs in 2016, I will probably assist or help,” he said. Brillantes served as election lawyer of Poe’s father, the late actor Fernando Poe Jr., during his electoral campaign in 2004. He also served as the election lawyer of Benigno Aquino III during the 2010 presidential election. Senator Poe is reportedly being eyed as a possible presidential candidate of the Liberal Party in the 2016 polls. (MNS)

MANILA, Philippines – “18 roses. 18 candles. Cotillion de honor. I have always dreamed of being a debutante. Walking into an elegant ballroom wearing a beautiful gown and surrounded by my loved ones and friends. It was supposed to be my ‘coming out party.’  Instead, I was in hiding. I was six months pregnant at 18.” Such riveting words are written at the back of the book Sex, Virginity and Relationships: What I Wish I Knew in College, written by author and women’s rights advocate Pammy Godoy. A fervent supporter of women and empowerment and gender equality, Godoy bares her soul in this book that serves both as a cautionary tale — with lessons gleaned from her own personal past — and a catalyst for change, as it encourages teen girls to unleash their potential.  The volume includes an intimate portrait of the writer, providing a work book and tool kit that will drive readers to reflect on sexuality, teenage pregnancy, motherhood, and the need for young people to form a strong sense of self in the face of society’s often unequal stance between women and men.  Godoy has long been in the forefront of the fight for greater awareness. A graduate of University of the Philippines, Los Baños, and a holder of a master’s degree in Communication from UP, Diliman, Pammy has taught Gender Studies and Women’s Studies at De La Salle University–Manila and St. Scholastica’s College, respectively. She has been working with a United Nations agency since 2008 addressing Read More …

A vendor joins a crowd of churchgoers outside the Quiapo Church in Manila to sell calendars bearing the photo of Pope Francis on Friday (Jan. 2, 2015). The Pontiff is arriving in Manila on Jan. 15, 2015 for a four-day Apostolic and State Visit to the Philippines. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Filipinos’ Catholic faith may have drawn Pope Francis to visit the country even before the Bohol earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda, a seminarian researching on his life said Wednesday. Bro. Joseph Zaldivar of the San Jose Seminary in Ateneo de Manila University said the Philippines’ place as the center of Catholic faith in Asia may have been a consideration for the Pope, even before the natural disasters that cut across the Visayas in late 2013. “’Yung karanasan ng pananampalataya sa Pilipinas kumbaga nagno-nourish ng ibang bansa sa Asya at maging sa buong mundo, kaya mahalaga na ang pananampalataya dito sa Pilipinas ay talagang buong buo at kitang kita sa mundo,” Zaldivar said. He added: “’Yun ang gusto ni Pope Francis – na i-affirm tayo, na maganda ang inyong ginagawa, may malasakit sa inyong kapwa at malalim ang pananampalataya sa Diyos.” In a papal flight in July 2013, before the Bohol earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda, Pope Francis mentioned that he had received an invitation to come to the Philippines, as well as to Sri Lanka, the two countries in Asia that he will be visiting this month. “I have been invited to go to Sri Lanka and Read More …

Heart Evangelista says her groom, Senator Chiz Escudero, is very hands-on with the wedding preparations.