Maniolas

Saying the holiday season is a prime time for pickpockets and thieves, the United States Embassy in Manila on Friday advised its Americans in the country to take precautions against theft, robbery, and even violent crimes. In a security message, the embassy said it has received “regular reports” of US citizens being victims of both violent crime and theft, burglary and robbery. “The Embassy wishes to remind US citizens that we are in the holiday season which is a prime time for pickpockets and thieves. US citizens in the Philippines should remain aware that while you may become a victim simply because you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, foreigners may also be targeted because they are perceived to be affluent,” it said. US citizens were advised to review their personal security plans, remain aware of their surroundings including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. They were also advised to maintain a high level of vigilance and take steps to enhance their personal security. The embassy also reminded its Americans to avoid demonstrations even if they are generally peaceful. “However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations,” it said. It also recommended carrying a means of communications at all times. US citizens in trouble can always call the Embassy at (02) 301-2000 and ask to speak to Read More …

MARKHAM, Ontario — Marlene Mogado, who won in last October’s municipal election, is on an impressive third term as York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) Trustee for Markham’s Wards 4, 5, 6 and 7. She has plenty of achievements to buttress the voters’ thumbs-up of her performance. Third-termer on her district school board Marlene Mogado. PHOTO BY MARISA ROQUE “The term is for another four years,” Trustee Mogado says, “I consider that a huge vote of approval for my work.” She is most proud of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Elementary School, which she lobbied for and named in honor of the first Filipino saint. “This school is now a landmark in York Region as a leading progressive multicultural learning center, while at the same time proclaiming our Filipino presence in these parts,” she adds. Mogado also introduced the popular French Immersion programs in two of her elementary schools, and in September 2014 a new four-year music program for elementary schools began implementation. A particular feather in Mogado’s cap is bringing the highly sought-after International Baccalaureate program into one of the high schools in her area. This program is not only academically rigorous for high school students handpicked on the basis of overall excellence, but it is also touted as an assured path to acceptance at a university of the student’s choice. When asked what made her decide to run for public office, Mogado says, “Since we moved to Markham in 1980, we (Marlene and her husband Mogi) were among the few Read More …

SAN FRANCISCO – The Philippine coconut will take the spotlight at the coming 40th Winter Fancy Food Show slated at the Moscone Convention Center in here on January 11-13, 2015. The healthy and natural coconut and its various applications and food by-products will be the focus of Philippine promotion by Food Philippines, a branding initiative that unifies the overseas promotional efforts of CITEM, the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This national brand positions the Philippines as one of the world’s top exporters of fresh fruits and marine products. Famous for its coconuts with a distinct flavor and texture, the Philippines is considered the world’s leading supplier of coconut products and the second top coconut-producing country. Food Philippines will also bring specialty food products with approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), fair trade, organic, kosher and halal certifications at the Winter Fancy Food Show, the West Coast’s largest specialty food and beverage event. The Philippine coconut fits the global need for 100-percent healthy and natural food products, attracting both trade and businesses from around the world. The palm’s food and non-food uses diversified over the years, enabling this palm to gain the distinction of being called the “tree of life.” Among the food products from the coconut are the virgin coconut oil, coconut water, coconut sugar, coconut fiber and coconut meat (copra), among others. Export statistics show that coconut products are consistently among the country’s top 10 merchandise exports. Volumes of coconut-based products exported from the Philippines averaged 1.8 million metric tons Read More …

The Bureau of Internal Revenue on Thursday filed a P46.6 million tax evasion case against a supplier cake at the Makati City hall cafeteria and the Ospital ng Makati. Kimtun Chong, sole proprietor of Cups and Mugs Kitchenette, was accused of willful attempt to evade or defeat tax and deliberate failure to supply correct and accurate information in his annual income tax return for taxable years 2009, 2010 and 2011. Cups and Cakes is the same supplier said to have provided the supposedly overpriced cakes that the city gives senior citizens on their birthday. Whistleblowers against Vice President Jejomar Binay earlier claimed his daughter, Sen. Nancy Binay, had supplied the cakes, a claim the lawmaker denied.  Former Makati City Administrator Marjorie de Veyra earlier said the city government had been been getting the city’s cakes from their supplier Cups and Mugs since 2010. These cakes have been delivered to some 100,000 senior citizens by the staff of the Social Welfare and Development Office. An investigation by the BIR showed Cups and Mugs was engaged by Makati City to supply birthday cakes and cater food services in the Makati City Hall cafeteria and at Ospital ng Makati from 2009 to 2011. In reply to an access letter sent by the BIR, the Makati City local government certified that it paid Cups and Mugs a total of P107.64 million. “Investigators, however, discovered that despite earning a large amount income for the said years, he substantially underdeclared his correct and deliberately failed to Read More …

popular Coleen: Billy is the perfect partner Pacquiao Las Vegas betting underdog vs Mayweather Aiza Seguerra, Liza Diño plan to have a baby through IVF Cavs coach David Blatt loves the ‘Philippines’ MJ’s worst is 10 times better than Kobe’s best, says Miller Binay confirms cohosting radio show US spy jailed in Cuba for 20 years comes home Donkey dies after being sat on in Spanish Nativity scene videos US, Cuba declare historic breakthrough in ties AFP celebrates 79th anniversary Simbang Gabi at the Gesu (Day 3 – Dec. 17, 2014) Arlyn de la Cruz makes directorial debut in MMFF New Wave entry 2014 MMFF New Wave US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA MANILA, Philippines — US Navy officers responsible for the grounding of a US Navy ship in Tubbataha reef in 2013 have no more military career, according to US Ambassador Philip Goldberg. Goldberg said on Thursday that people “responsible” for the USS Guardian “received punishment” for the accident that led to the destruction of precious coral reefs in the area. “Basically, their careers are over,” Goldberg said in an interview with ANC’s Karen Davila, adding that the US government was “sorry for what happened.” The ambassador also indicated that the US government would eventually pay compensation to the Philippine government for the accident. “We have an agreement I think to pay the compensation. We’re just waiting for the bank account information,” he said. “We gonna make sure that it doesn’t Read More …