Maniolas

Most Filipinos strongly support the Philippine government’s handling of its territorial row with China, including its decision to elevate its dispute before an international tribunal, amid Beijing’s expanding presence in the South China Sea, a national survey said Monday. Independent pollster Social Weather Stations also reported that Filipinos have a high distrust of China. The SWS survey, commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs, was the first attempt to measure public sentiment over the varying approaches to dealing with long-unresolved territorial conflicts. With 1,550 respondents 18 years old and above from all over the country, the SWS found that many Filipinos have a strong awareness of the Philippines’ conflict with China. According to the survey: 81 percent (62 percent strongly agree and 20 somewhat agree) agree with the government’s filing of case against China through the United Nations; 80 percent (56 percent strongly agree and 24 percent somewhat agree) think that the Philippines should ask the help of other nations regarding China’s continuous strengthening of military forces in the South China Sea; 93 percent believe that the Philippines should defend its territory and natural resources in the West Philippine Sea through lawful means (Manila calls parts of the South China Sea that fall within its exclusive economic zone the West Philippine Sea); and 77 percent recognize international law as a great equalizer against countries that are stronger militarily and economically.  “The overwhelming support of the Filipino people for the arbitration case and our rules-based approach to the West Philippine Sea Read More …

HIS penchant for arts has led him into making functional pieces of furniture with some touches of Mindanao designs for a decade now. Jon Traya, homegrown artist and owner of Raya Arts and Furniture, said what makes his creation distinct is that in every artwork, one can glean through it a brimming Mindanaoan culture. But more than just a furniture maker and designer, Jon is also advocating the promotion of different tribes in Mindanao that he plans to come up with one piece that is infused with the cultures of IPs and Moro combined. “Nag visit kami sa Teduray (South Upi, Maguindanao), may weaving sila, gusto ko i-combine sa design, in that context pwede ang muslim at IP magkasama sa isang design,” he said, adding that even through his creations — an expression of peace — the moros and the IPs can live in harmony. There, he learned that most of the Tedurays are weaving crafts that can be integrated into his furniture. “I-integrate lang naman sa existing design, kunyari sa sultan chair ko, pwedeng ibi-built in nalang as accent sa chair,” he said. Traya had also seen the woven products of the Tedurays with great potential if developed further into other forms other than crafts, which can add value to their products. Traya added he is also hoping that more budding artists will engage in furniture making following Mindanao designs, and encouraging even those in the industry to go a notch higher in furniture designs. He said Mindanao has Read More …

MANILA, Philippines – The reform program initiated by the Aquino administration to strengthen customs enforcement in a bid to stop smuggled and counterfeit products entering the country has yielded positive results barely four months since its implementation. Data from the Department of Finance showed that emerging cash collections by the Bureau of Customs from November 2013 to January this year grew 19.26 percent, a significant jump from the meager 4.76-percent growth recorded in the pre-reform period (January to October 2013). Collections totaled P81.32 billion for the three-month period, up from P68.19 billion a year ago. January to October 2013 collections, on the other hand, reached P250.08 billion compared with P238.73 billion. “One of the key performance indicators for the reform’s success is the improvement in its cash collections. One can draw a line before and after October, when the reform operations and personnel movements stabilized, and observe that the initial major elements of the President’s Customs Reform Program have been substantive and generated significant growth in revenues for the government. These are encouraging initial results. The numbers tell us the reform program is starting to work,” Customs Commissioner John Phillip Sevilla said. The  reform  program involved the top-to-bottom reorganization of the Bureau which led to the appointment of new top level customs officials, the reassignment of posts of BOC officials and employees, the creation of two new units — Office of Revenue Agency Modernization and  Customs Policy Research Office – to ensure proper enforcement of customs laws and regulations. Business Read More …

SINGER-actress Vina Morales denied that she had filed a physical abuse case against her former lover, businessman Cedric Lee, the leader of the group who beat up television host-comedian Vhong Navarro. Navarro has filed several criminal complaints against Lee, model Deniece Millinette Cornejo and six others in relation to the mauling incident last January 22 at a condominium unit in Bonifacio Global City. Cornejo, for her part, filed a rape complaint against Navarro before the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office. Since the January 22 incident, the businessman’s personal connections were scrutinized in the media, including his prior relationship with Morales. A statement released by Morales’ camp through Cabochan Brizuela Tolentino and Radovan Law Offices said the rumor of a supposed physical abuse are baseless. “For the record, contrary to what has been aired or written, our Firm maintains and so holds that the news tidbits with reference to the infliction of the physical violence at any given time to her person by Mr. Lee is purely fictional, conjectural and speculative,” the statement said. It added: “Reports had it likewise about supposed involvement of PNP (Philippine National Police) officers in the loop regarding the alleged PNP personnel assigned to Mr. Lee. Our position is that should there be any breach of protocols, we believe that the PNP hierarchy would be able to address these concerns as their established systems provide.” Morales then appealed to the public to refrain from including her and her daughter in the Lee, Navarro and Cornejo controversy. “We Read More …

MANILA, Philippines – The product: Elizabeth Arden De- luxe two-tier compact (P5,950) with animal print box What it is: The box includes 10 Beautiful Color eyeshadows, Beauti- ful Color lipgloss wands in Rose Gold and Sweet Pink, Lip Pencil in Cocoa Rose, Eye Pencil in Cocoa Brown, Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara, Ceramide Ultra Lipsticks in Cameo, Peony and Ruby Rose, and a three-piece brush set for cheeks, eyeshadow and an angled eye brush. Where to get it: Elizabeth Arden is available at department stores and is exclusively distributed by Rustan Marketing Corporation. ** * It’s starting to smell like Valentine’s Day The products: Anna Sui Vie de Boheme (P4,200), Eliz- abeth Arden Untold (P4,550) and Kenzo Flower in the Air (P6,550) What makes them unique: Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: Ideal for Valentine’s Day, these feminine scents vary in personality, ranging from sophisticated to free-spririted to full-on sensual. Where to get them: Anna Sui, Elizabeth Arden and Ken- zo fragrances are exclusively distributed by Rustan Mar- keting Corporation and are available at department stores. ** * Love-themed gifts from Lush The products: Neon Love soap, Prince Charming shower gel, and The Kiss tinted lip balm What makes them unique: The Neon Love soap is inspired by “12 Months of Neon Love,” a collaboration between artists Vic- toria Lucas and Richard William Wheater, which features lyrics from well-known love songs in giant neon lights. The heart- shaped soap is emblazoned with the word “Love” and is Read More …