Maniolas

Arci Muñoz (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actress Arci Muñoz, fresh from the success of “Always Be My Maybe,” revealed that, if given the opportunity, she would happily take on the role of the iconic Filipina superhero Darna for a planned Star Cinema film. “It’s actually a big task. Pero if I will be given a chance, of course. Who am I to say no? It’s like the biggest role that if ever na matatanggap at gagawin ko, sino ba naman ako para humindi?” she said. The 28-year-old actress added: “If ever they are going to offer it and it’s really a big challenge for me kasi mahirap ‘yun, hindi siya basta basta, pero oo naman, of course.” Among those who have portrayed Darna, a comic book character created by Mars Ravelo and artist Nestor Redondo, were Vilma Santos, Angel Locsin, and Marian Rivera. Locsin was supposed to reprise her role for the 2016 film, but had to back out after discovering that she had developed a disc bulge in her spine. She is currently undergoing medical treatment for the injury. Several actresses have since been named as possible replacement for Locsin, including Muñoz, Nadine Lustre, “Dolce Amore” star Liza Soberano, and Jessy Mendiola.(MNS)

by Rob Woollard WBC 2015 Asia Pacific Promoter of the Year Brico Santig of Highlands Promotion said Manny Pacquiao (above photo) has just showed that he can still catch up with his opponents and also has that knockout power. “However, he might have no more time to fight if he gets elected as Senator. He will be very busy already.” Photo: Mikey Williams / Top Rank Las Vegas, United States | AFP |   – Manny Pacquiao admitted he was “50-50” about retirement after bidding farewell to boxing Saturday with a vintage performance to defeat long-time rival Tim Bradley. The 37-year-old had promised to deliver an explosive display and did not disappoint 14,665 fans who had crammed into the MGM Grand Garden Arena to catch what may have been the final curtain call of an icon. Pacquiao, the only man to capture world titles in eight different weight divisions, produced flashes of brilliance and knocked down Bradley twice on his way to a unanimous decision in the welterweight duel. It was the sort of performance his admirers believe could persuade him to prolong a career that has earned him more than $500 million over 21 years. A smiling Pacquiao later appeared before reporters and admitted that while he was conflicted about quitting the ring, his decision – for now – was to spend more time with his family before concentrating on his political career in the Philippines. Asked if he might best serve his homeland by continuing to fight, Pacquiao said he had promised his Read More …

By Azer N. Parrocha Taiwan’s Taitung No. 1 Hot Air Balloon called “Kid’s Hooray” MANILA, April 12 (PNA) – This year’s 2016 Lubao International Balloon Festival, which will run from April 14-17, 2016 at Lubao, Pampanga, will feature Taiwan’s Taitung No. 1 Hot Air Balloon called “Kid’s Hooray”. This was after the Taitung County Government and the Lubao International Balloon Festival Inc. (LIBF) signed a “memorandum of understanding” (MoU) to have a better collaboration to further promote hot air balloon festivals in the region. They have also invited the LIBF to join the Asia Hot Air Balloon Alliance which aims not only to promote Hot Air Balloon Festivals but also multi-destination travel in Asia. During the event, Taiwan’s Taitung County Government Tourism Department Vice-Director Wang will lead two pilots and Taitung’s “Kid’s Hooray” during the launching ceremony on April 14. “Kid’s Hooray”, which is the first ever legally registered balloon in Taiwan, was a created by five elementary students in the East Rift Valley of Taitung, Taiwan. Taitung is the third largest county in Taiwan, located in Eastern Coast and they are much known for their hot air balloons because of their strategic location. “Kid’s Hooray” serves as a good-will ambassador representing Taitung, which has already flown in countries, such as Australia, Vietnam, Canada, New Zealand and Spain. The Taitung County Government expressed confidence that participating in the LIBF would enhance Taiwan-Philippine substantial relation and people-to-people understanding. Wang noted that Taiwan’s participation in the balloon festival symbolized the friendship between Read More …

National Printing Office (NPO) personnel test run official ballots to vote-counting machines (VCMs) at National Printing Office (NPO) in Diliman, Quezon City, on Saturday (April 9, 2016). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon) WASHINGTON, D.C. – The final testing and sealing (FTS) of COMELEC vote counting machines (VCMs) for the 2016 Philippine National Elections was held at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy on Wednesday, 06 April 2016. Consul Katrina Borja-Martin led the FTS along with Embassy personnel who took their oaths as Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) and Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group (SBRCG) last 23 March 2016. The FTS checks the security and accuracy of the VCMs using test ballots, which are fed to the machines. It also checks if the count of the machines will match the manual counting done after the actual voting. The Embassy tested three (3) VCMs during the FTS, using 10 test ballots each for the 47 precincts under the Post’s jurisdiction. “The machines are in good condition, but it is very important that the voters follow the instructions about shading the ovals that correspond to the respective candidates that they want to vote for, to ensure that their votes will be read and counted by the VCMs,” Consul Borja-Martin said. “The ovals have to be fully-shaded in black ink, no check or cross marks. The votes cast should also not exceed the number of vacancies,” the Consul re-iterated. The FTS is the last preparatory step for the Overseas Voting that Read More …

Presidential candidate Sen. Miriam Santiago (right) and vice-presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (left), the son of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, gesture to supporters during a campaign rally in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Tuesday, at the start of the campaign for the May 10 national elections.(MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has taken the sole lead in the Social Weather Station’s (SWS) latest voters’ preference survey for vice president. Marcos got 26 percent in the latest survey conducted from March 30 to April 2. The survey, which had sampling error margins of ±3 points, was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults. Business World, which published the SWS survey, said 1,377 of the respondents are validates voters. Marcos gained a one-percent increase from SWS’ March 8 to 11 survey, where he got 25 percent. Sen. Francis Escudero fell to second place with 21 percent. He lost seven percentage points compared to the March 8 to 11 survey. Escudero was statistically tied with Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo who got 19 percent, which is 6 percent lower compared to her score in the previous survey. Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, meanwhile, got 13 percent, gaining one-percentage point from the March 8 to 11 survey. Sen. Gregorio Honasan and Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV both got five percent. Honasan had four percent and Trillanes got five percent in the previous survey. The six candidates faced off in the first and only vice presidential leg of the Commission on Elections-initiated PiliPinas Debates 2016 Read More …