Oct 182013
 
Introducing: Jason Mordeno, a Pinoy hearthrob on American TV series

Jason Mordeno Jason Mordeno, the Covina-born 21-year old Fil-Am hearthrob is a native of Los Angeles. He was raised in Atwater Village, whose father Valentin Mordeno is from Marikina and his mother, Eulalia Sistona is from  Manila. Currently, he portrays Noah McCallister in the American television adaptation of the Japanese manga “Boys Over Flowers,” written by Yoko Kamia whose original story was entitled “Boys Before Friends.” Previously, Jason was featured in the TV series “Fortunate 4 (F4),” a story about a group of powerful students who ran a prestigious graduate school. Jason Mordena attended Eagle Rock High School but plans to pursue a career in Business Marketing while maintaining progress in his acting profession. Let’s all wish Jason Mordeno success in becoming a rising Pinoy star in Hollywood!

Oct 152013
 
Beautiful courage

Once upon a time I joined a stand-up comedy competition and finished third.  I could say that I beat a couple dozen other aspiring comics to finish third. I could even make a case for that achievement by pointing out that the top two finishers went on to become full-fledged world-touring performers. Not me. For a reason, I chose to see the experience as an ordeal where I lost to two other people that I (on that night) believed I was better than. I was second runner-up. The second biggest loser. The reason I felt like a loser was because I was in a competition where the winner was determined subjectively. There was no finish line to cross ahead of the others. There was no score tracking the number of points we made. On that night, the winner was determined by judges. In other words, a combination of opinions from a tiny sample of the entire comedic population — “a jury of my peers” — decided that I wasn’t going to win. They said I lost, and there was nothing I could do to prove that I did not. That was too long ago, so I’m not recalling this to be bitter. I am actually going somewhere with this. It sucks to be judged. Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: Our country has recently been done proud by two beautiful women who were sent off to foreign lands to capture the hearts of a panel of judges Read More …

Oct 152013
 
Share a pic, drive away in a Spark

MANILA, Philippines – It does pays to share. In fact, it pays big. Chevrolet Philippines recently launched its Share a Spark campaign where photo uploaders can get a chance to win a brand-new Chevrolet 1.2L Spark LT. Participants just need to sign into their Facebook (FB) account and register in the Share a Spark FB application. Once registered, simply follow the instructions on how to upload photos. The promotion runs until November 15, and participants can share one photo a day. The winner will be chosen via electronic raffle. Chevrolet Philippines said the campaign aims to promote “Filipinos’ inherent positive attitude and optimism.” In an exclusive interview with the STAR, The Covenant Car Company president and managing partner Atty. Alberto Arcilla, and SVP and director for marketing and customer services Lyn Buena said the Spark is a car that appeals largely to the youth. Hence, the brand keeps abreast of what the demographic is into. Despite the growing number and competition in the subcompact segment, Arcilla expressed confidence that Chevrolet has a distinct edge because of its 102-year history of making great cars. Still, he insisted that, “After more than a century, Chevy is still driven by a youthful spirit.” The 2014 Spark has been updated aesthetically with enhanced fog lamps; 14-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels, a rear spoiler-mounted LED brake lamp (in the 1.2 LT), and interior design refinements. New colors are available, too: Honey Mellow Yellow, Urban Titanium Grey, and Luscious Pink. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, Read More …

Oct 132013
 
ALI to boost supermarket line

MANILA, Philippines – Property giant Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) wants to create a significant  footprint in the department store and supermarket business in the next five years. The listed real estate arm of the Ayala conglomerate aims to roll out as much as 10 supermarkets and department stores, hinged on the expansion of malls and mixed-use projects, an executive said. “The department stores and supermarkets will definitely be our anchors so they will be in step with our (shopping malls) expansion program,” ALI chief finance officer Jaime Ysmael said. Preliminary target is to set up five to 10 department stores and supermarkets in the next five years,” Ysmael said. “It will take time. They will follow the opening of the malls that takes two years to construct depending the size,” Ysmael said. In July, ALI subsidiary Varejo Corp. and Puregold Price Club Inc. unit Estenso Equities Inc. signed a joint venture deal to develop and operate mid-segment supermarkets for ALI’s new integrated and mixed-use developments. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 ALI also created a joint venture company with the Rustan’s Group, one of the largest specialty retail firms in the Philippines, for the creation of department stores in Ayala malls. Ysmael said both department stores and supermarkets are required in the company’s developments. ALI intends to complete its offering in its mixed-use developments, which so far include shopping malls, office buildings, residential projects and hotels. For new developments, ALI will introduce its own hospitals, convenience stores, Read More …

Oct 112013
 
Beware rude taxi drivers, Taksilog is Philippine passengers’ new buddy

For commuters, taking a cab is far more convenient compared to riding jeepneys and buses. Drivers don’t have to make frequent stops to pick up more passengers, and they can use shortcuts unlike jeepneys and buses who have a set route. Despite this convenience, instances of theft, malicious intent, and just plain discourtesy still happens. It’s become habit for Filipino taxi passengers to send via SMS the plate number of the taxi they boarded to a friend or family member in case something unfortunate happens. Enter Taksilog, a mobile app that lets users log their taxi riding experience. This new taxi-centric app is not about hailing cabs. Instead, it lets users inform their family and friends about their taxi experience. How? Basically, after the user has signed up, the first thing they need to do is to add their personal contacts that they want notified if they ride in a cab. When a user is about to ride a cab or has just exited on, he or she can enter the plate number of the vehicle. This will then push the app to notify the users via SMS or email. Even though the app’s functionality simply centralizes a habit that many Filipinos already practice, it sets the stage for more sophisticated features in the future. Moving forward, the Taksilog team hopes to add driver reviews, integrationwith the regulatory board and a panic button. Taksilog is available for download on Android. It will also soon be available on iOS by the Read More …

Oct 092013
 
Tax stars trump Michelin guide for cash-poor Philippines

The Philippines has put out a unique ratings guide for restaurants — ranking them by taxes they pay rather than their menu to shame those cheating the state out of revenues. The gradings system, a unique twist on the world-famous Michelin guide, is part of a government drive to bolster its coffers and make it less reliant on debt to finance its operations. “The goal of this campaign is to increase transparency on tax payments and to encourage the people to be conscientious in paying the right taxes,” the presidential palace said in a statement. It said the ratings guide would be updated every week and published in major newspapers and on the government finance department’s website. Wednesday’s edition showed that local franchises of international fast food chains, as well as a leading Filipino fried chicken chain, Max’s Restaurant, had paid the highest taxes among the country’s restaurants. President Benigno Aquino, who won the 2010 election on an anti-corruption platform, has vowed to put the finances of the perennially cash-strapped government in order. The government has launched a highly publicised campaign against tax cheats, including celebrities and professionals. Congress under Aquino’s watch also passed laws sharply raising “sin taxes” on cigarettes and alcohol, in a bid to raise up to $800 million dollars in revenues this year.

Oct 082013
 
Denise Laurel engaged to basketball player

Denise Laurel (MNS Photo) Actress Denise Laurel is now in cloud nine after getting engaged with basketball player Solomon “Sol” Mercado. On her official Instagram, Laurel shared photos and videos of her special day. “I’m still speechless but I got to say the most important word… Yes!.. My love @m3rcmywords I thought I was already so blessed having u as a good friend through the years..but God just keeps on blessing us doesn’t he? Lil warrior and I love u with all of our hearts and I know mom dad n the whole gang do as well,” she said. “I am so excited for the downs as of course ups along the way so we can grow together more with God leading our partnership:) ur lil warrior n my best friend and now life partner I can go on and on but words can even describe how I feel.. I love u with all of me ,” she added. Laurel said she was very surprised by the proposal, which she described as “perfect”. She also showed off her engagement ring. In another post, Laurel also thanked all her fans who also expressed happiness over the engagement. Laurel clarified that Solomon is not her son’s biological father, but he is the “best father” to her son. “No he’s not the father of lil warrior biologically but he is the best father /daddy to lil warrior we are so blessed to have him n our family,” she added. In previous interviews, Laurel Read More …

Oct 072013
 
Tax notes: Tax treatment of online transactions

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recently issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 55-2013 to remind the tax obligations of different parties engaged in online business transactions, which cover online shopping or online retailing, online intermediary service, online advertisement/classified ads, and online auction. Like any other business, RMC No. 55-2013 highlights the following compliance requirements of persons who conduct business through online transactions: 1) Register the business at the Revenue District Office (RDO) having jurisdiction over the principal place of business/head office (or residence in case of individuals) by accomplishing BIR Form 1901 (for individuals) or 1903 (for corporations or partnerships), and pay the registration fee to any Authorized Agent Bank (AAB) located within the RDO; 2) Secure the required Authority to Print (ATP) invoices/receipts and register books of accounts for use in business (manual or computerized); 3) Issue registered invoice or receipt, either manually or electronically, for every sale, barter, exchange, or lease of goods and properties, as well as for every sale, barter, or exchange of service; 4) Withhold and remit creditable/ expanded withholding tax, final tax, tax on compensation of employees, and other withholding taxes, and issue the corresponding withholding tax certificates; 5) File applicable tax returns on or before the due dates, pay correct internal revenue taxes, and submit information returns and other tax compliance reports, such as the Summary List of Sales/Purchases (SLS/P), Annual Alpha List of Payees, etc., at the time or times required by existing rules and regulations; and6) Keep books of accounts Read More …

Oct 062013
 
Aquino speaks at APEC leaders’ forum

By Kristine Angeli SabilloINQUIRER.net 3:11 pm | Sunday, October 6th, 2013 Philippine’s President Benigno Aquino III smiles as he was being introduced to the audience at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit in Bali, Indonesia, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013. AP Photo MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday addressed other heads of state at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ forum in Bali, Indonesia. The Official Gazette on Twitter said Aquino and Peru President Ollanta Humala spoke on the importance of inclusive growth. Aquino left for Bali, Indonesia Sunday morning to attend the APEC leaders’ forum, radio reports said. Aquino addressed government officials before his departure, saying that long-term progress also depends on stronger ties with other countries. “We will further strengthen our relations with Indonesia and other neighboring countries, towards the strengthening of our economy,” he said, according to a statement released online. Among those who saw the President off were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Public Works and Highways Rogelio Singson, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Ronald Llamas and Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda. On Saturday, Communications Secretary Ramon “Ricky” Carandang said Aquino was hoping to encourage the international business community to invest in the Philippines. “We’re going to be talking about inclusive growth. President Aquino is going to talk to the international business community and other world leaders. We are going to be showing that the reforms we have undertaken over the last three years have borne a lot Read More …