Maniolas

President Benigno Aquino III deliver his message during inauguration of the Iloilo River Plains Subdivision Phase 1 in Brgy. Lanit, Jaro District, Iloilo City on Friday (June 27, 2014) Photo by: Ryan Lim/ Malacanang Photo Bureau MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Aquino has ordered the Department of Agriculture to check the phytosanitary condition of some 100 metric tons of smuggled garlic from Hong Kong, with the end goal of unloading this in the market. Aquino also raised concerns that some individuals may be increasing the prices of garlic artificially as there is enough supply. “We have already increased the monitoring activities of the Department of Trade and Industry,” the President said in an interview aired over state-run Radyo ng Bayan on Tuesday. The smuggled Taiwan garlic, with an estimated value of P30 million, arrived in two separate shipments seized at the Port of Batangas. The shipments, however, carried no phytosanitary clearance. Retail prices for the commodity soared to as high as P300 to P400 a kilo, from the usual P60 to P90. In the first quarter alone, the Department of Agriculture monitored that garlic prices increased by 213 percent. (MNS)

A systematic review of previously published research from 1946 to January, 2014 to has shown that when it comes to the manual pelvic exam, the risks outweigh the benefits.© TDHster/shutterstock.Com (WASHINGTON–AFP) – A manual pelvic examination in which gynecologists use their hands to feel around for potentially cancerous masses is not needed for most women, a leading doctors’ group said Monday. The American College of Physicians said women should still see their doctors annually for regular Pap smears and cervical exams to screen for cancer and sexually transmitted infections. However, a systematic review of previously published research from 1946 to January, 2014 to has shown that when it comes to the manual pelvic exam, the risks outweigh the benefits, said the findings in the Annals of Internal Medicine. “Routine pelvic examination has not been shown to benefit asymptomatic, average risk, non-pregnant women,” said co-author Linda Humphrey. “It rarely detects important disease and does not reduce mortality and is associated with discomfort for many women, false positive and negative examinations, and extra cost.” The pelvic exam occurs when the doctor inserts his or her fingers in the patient’s vagina, then uses the other hand to feel the outside of her abdomen for bumps or masses. Rather than doing a pelvic exam for every woman, doctors should limit it to women who have symptoms such as vaginal discharge, abnormal bleeding, pain, urinary problems or sexual dysfunction, said the ACP. Already, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says a pelvic exam is Read More …

Marian Rivera (MNS Photo) PRIMETIME Queen Marian Rivera was hailed FHM’s Sexiest Woman in the Philippines for the second straight year. The men’s magazine announced, through its website, that Rivera bagged again the coveted title, her third since topping the list in 2008 and 2013. Out of a total 13 million votes, the GMA-7’s Primetime Queen received 1,529,974 votes, almost double in number from her last year’s figure (890,490). Rivera is one of the tv network’s biggest and busiest stars today. The actress recently topbilled evening series “Carmela,” joined noontime variety show “Eat Bulaga,” and launched her self-titled dance program. She also endorses Belo Medical Group and clothing line Bench. Following Rivera’s lead are Sam Pinto (1,482,072 votes), “The Legal Wife” actress Angel Locsin (1,042,226 votes), Jennylyn Mercado (1,025,702 votes) and Cristine Reyes (858,283). The Top 100 list is published in the July 2014 issue of FHM. (Sunnex) (MNS)

SAN ANTONIO, Philippines (June 30, 2014) U.S. Marines assigned to1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, conduct a joint amphibious landing exercise with Philippine marines during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2014. In its 20th year, CARAT is an annual, bilateral exercise series with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez/Released) SAN ANTONIO (AFP) – More than 200 US and Filipino Marines launched a mock amphibious assault Monday on an enemy beachfront close to a disputed South China Sea outcrop. Amid driving rain and rough waves, five amphibious assault tanks roared off from a US destroyer anchored off Zambales province, about two hours drive northwest of Manila, and landed on the soggy beach peppered with imaginary foes. US Marines scanned the horizon on scopes mounted on assault rifles as they dramatically emerged from the hatch, while their Filipino counterparts took firing positions on the ground. Shots later rang out towards enemy positions in an assault that lasted about an hour. The drill was part of week-long, annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training that the United States bilaterally holds with Asian allies, including the Philippines, to boost maritime security. About 1,000 US and Filipino troops and five warships, including an American missile destroyer, took part in the training, which began last week. Philippine fleet commander Jaime Bernardino told reporters at the start of the war games last week that they were designed to Read More …

Volleybelles: For over a decade now, the Best Center has been providing kids with the scientific method of volleyball training.   MANILA, Philippines – This year, hundreds of kids signed up for a productive summer at BEST Center Volleyball Summer Clinic.  With its focus on the scientific method of teaching, kids learn the fundamentals of volleyball in the best way for only BEST Center uses this kind of teaching method in the country. The pioneer scientific sports center in the Philippines, BEST Center fosters learning beyond the four walls of the classroom. For over a decade, it has been providing sports training in volleyball that enhances kids’ physical, mental, and social well-being.  “Learning the basics and mastering these would help them take in the advanced skills easily, allowing them to adapt quickly,” explained Nic Jorge, founder of BEST Center. Just like 12-year-old active volleyball player Mevean Tominez who signed up for the summer clinic to improve her footwork, which is an important basic skill in volleyball. After the training, she was able to master the footwork and gained volleyball techniques that she could use when competing in school. BEST Center also brings together kids who have the same love for sports, and lets them discover friendship, cooperation and sportsmanship, which is true enough in Nicole Andres’ case for the summer clinic helped her gain new friends and overcome her shyness. The sports clinic also drives young ones to stay fit and healthy by engaging themselves in various physical activities included Read More …