Maniolas

Protesters rally in front of the Chinese Consulate in Makati City on Tuesday, denouncing China’s claim to most of the West Philippine Sea including areas claimed by the Philippines. The protest comes as a UN tribunal in the Hague begins a hearing the Philippines’ claim on the disputed Spratly Islands.(MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — A Chinese Coast Guard vessel entered the country’s exclusive territory and crossed paths with the Philippine Coast Guard, PCG spokesperson Commander Armand Balilo said Thursday. “Very polite naman yung exchange of messages. Nagpakilala lang sila (Chinese Coast Guard) at nagpakilala lang din kami. Nagtanungan lang,” Balilo said in a chance interview with reporters at the sidelines of the turnover of a search and rescue vessel loaned from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Balilo said the face-off, which happened three weeks ago, occured 73 to 100 nautical miles from Subic coast, a traditional fishing area for Filipino fishermen. Balilo said the two PCG vessels were accompanying the fishermen when one Chinese Coast vessel passed by in the area. “We have been patrolling the area, assisting our fishermen. Kaya nandun yung mga barko ng Coast Guard. We intend to continue patrolling doon. It is part of the West Philippine Sea. It is within our exclusive economic zone,” Balilo said. Balilo admitted that the two PCG vessels were comparably smaller than the passing Chinese Coast Guard vessel. “But they were very cordial. No untoward incident happened. Hindi rin naman pinigilan makapangisda ang ating fishermen,” Balilo clarified. This was Read More …

Mr. Ted Wilson (right) shows Mr. Roberto Mercado the Philippine stamps that were on display at the Postal Museum’s William H. Gross Stamp Gallery. WASHINGTON, DC – The Mama Sita Foundation officially handed over a donation of Mama Sita commemorative stamps to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum during a simple turnover ceremony held at the museum lobby on 15 August 2016. The late Teresita “Mama Sita” Reyes was an iconic figure in Philippine culinary arts history, pioneering the use of mixes and seasonings that accompany Filipino food. The series of commemorative stamps were issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation in honor of her contribution and influence in the propagation of authentic Philippine cuisine as well as to honor her birth centenary in 2017. Mr. Roberto Mercado (5th from left) hands over the commemorative Mama Sita stamps to Mr. Ted Wilson (6th from left) of the Collections Department of the National Postal Museum on 15 August 2016. “The stamps signify the flavors that the Philippine cuisine offers as well as the country’s vision of sharing our biodiversity to the rest of the world,” Mr. Roberto Mercado, consultant and representative of the Mama Sita Foundation said. “We love to have it,” Mr. Ted Wilson of the Postal Museum’s Collections Department received and welcomed the inclusion of the stamps to the museum’s collection on display. After the ceremony, Mr. Wilson took Mr. Mercado and other Philippine Embassy representatives to a brief tour of the Postal Museum’s William H. Gross Stamp Gallery. The turnover ceremony was organized by the Mama Sita Foundation in collaboration with Read More …

President Rodrigo R. Duterte meets with Miss Universe 2016 Pia Wurtzbach during a courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday July 18, 2016. (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Wednesday gave a glimpse of what it considers as achievements of President Rodrigo Duterte in his first 50 days in office. Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar told reporters THAT Duterte’s top achievements would be the mass surrender of drug users and pushers and the decline in crime rate last month as a result of the government’s intensified campaign against criminality and illegal drugs. Andanar also mentioned the suspension of mining firms that allegedly did not comply with environmental safety standards, the historic release of the first executive order on freedom of information, launching of the one-stop service center for overseas Filipino workers, reopening of the Malacañang of the South in Davao City and fight against contractualization. Also on the list is the country’s third hosting of the prestigious Miss Universe pageant slated for next year, the increase in the allowances of Filipinos competing in the Olympic Games, appoinment of leftist individuals to Cabinet positions, hotlines for emergencies and citizens’ complaints, planned administrative order on task force that will address media killings, name-and-shame campaign against suspected drug lords and their protectors, and the $2.4 billion infrastructure grant from Japan for the construction of a 38-kilometer railway from Manila to Bulacan. In a statement, Andanar said this will be the first time that an incumbent President will Read More …

Philippine National Police chief Director General Roland Dela Rosa speaks to politicians and police officers named by President Rodrigo Duterte as allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade. Some personalities on Duterte’s list “voluntarily surrendered” at Camp Crame on Monday.(MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Wednesday said at least two  to three police regional directors might be sacked if they will not step up their efforts against illegal drugs. “Mga dalawa or tatlo na medyo kailangan pa talagang magsumikap,” Dela Rosa said in an interview after the launch of the PNP’s health and fitness program at Camp Crame  in Quezon City. Dela Rosa said he found the efforts of the Police Region Office 5 and 6 lacking. “Kasama na diyan yung Region 6 … meron tayong information na ongoing pa yung drug trade doon, yung mga drug lord doon eh namamayagpag pa rin. Medyo kulang pa but the regional director promised me that he will step up his campaign,” he said. “Yung Region 5, tahimik,” he added. Dela Rosa said the National Capital Region is barely passing but he knows the efforts the officers are exerting. “Metro Manila so far so good sila, but still they have to step up,” he said. Dela Rosa said if he will take into consideration his own standards, the regional directors are doing well but they may fall short as they need to eradicate illegal drug operations in six months. “So far okay kung babatayan Read More …

2016 Nissan Versa Note: The 2016 Versa Note is offered in a range of five well-equipped models: S, S Plus, SV, SR and SL. Each is powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine. Versa Note S features a 5-speed manual transmission. The S Plus, SV, SR and SL models are equipped with a next-generation Nissan Xtronic transmission, helping them achieve 40 miles per gallon highway fuel economy. NASHVILLE, Tenn  – For the second consecutive year, the Nissan Versa Note has been named by the editors at Kelley Blue Book to the annual KBB.com “10 Best Back-to-School Cars” list. Once again the vehicles selected for a “Back-to-School” recommendation had to be available for under $20,000 and meet the editors’ criteria of being safe and stylish. The 2016 Versa Note has a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price* (M.S.R.P.) of $14,230 USD. KBB.com, utilizing its Fair Purchase Price (FPP) data, ranked Versa Note the second lowest priced vehicle on the 2016 list. “We are honored to be recognized by the editors of Kelley Blue Book for the second school year in a row,” said Dan Mohnke, vice president, Nissan Chief Marketing Manager & Marketing Operations. “Versa Note offers a great combination of available safety and security features, combined with an affordable price. It also has the sporty style and roomy, versatile interior that is perfect for the demands of campus life.” The 2016 Versa Note is offered in a range of five well-equipped models: S, S Plus, SV, SR and SL. Each is Read More …