On his birthday, PNoy visits boy with cancer

 News
Feb 082013
 
On his birthday, PNoy visits boy with cancer

On his birthday, President Benigno Aquino III on Friday took time off from his official schedule to fulfill the wish of a 15-year-old cancer patient who seemed to have given up hope in getting well. Jericho Navarro Rafols, has been suffering from bone cancer since he was 13. Doctors attending him had to amputate his right leg to stop the spread of the disease. “The boy had given up, but the President’s Friday morning lifted the boy’s spirits,” said a palace staffer. “Sa una ayaw na magpagamot at lumaban, pero nung sinabi ni PNoy [na] i-tuloy ang laban, doon siya nagkaroon [uli] ng lakas na lumaban…,” the Palace staff added. Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang confirmed the President’s visit to the boy. “The President visited Jericho Rafols, a bone cancer patient at the Philippine Orthopedic Center. It was [his] wish to meet the President,” Carandang told reporters at a briefing. “The President took time off from his schedule. He had a meeting with the PMS (Presidential Management Staff), [but] he took time off from his schedule to personally greet the boy,” he added. While at the Philippine Orthopedic Center, Aquino also visited another patient who has been confined for over 15 years. Mario Maniego was on his way home from work in 1998 when he slipped on a gutter and fell, hitting his spinal chord. Both Rafols and Maniego are confined in the charity ward of the hospital. First birthday greeting Members of the Presidential Security Group had the pleasure of Read More …

Manila Fame design trade show set for March and October

 News
Feb 072013
 
Manila Fame design trade show set for March and October

INQUIRER.net U.S. Bureau 10:26 am | Friday, February 8th, 2013 Manila FAME International, the Philippines’ Design and Lifestyle Event showcasing design-forward and high-quality Philippine-made artisanal products, will take place on March 14-17, 2013 and October 17-20, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Manila. The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) of the Department of Trade and Industry announced that the semi-annual trade show will bring together Manila Now, CEBUNEXT and Bijoux Cebu, four of the country’s major sourcing events. The trade show will feature furniture and furnishings, home accents, gifts, holiday décor, fashion accessories, apparel and textiles, among others. It will also highlight Design Week Philippines, a celebration of design through events scheduled around Manila FAME to strengthen the country’s position as Asia’s design destination. The trade show is approved by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. To become a FAME Guest and avail of free services: travel assistance, business matching, coordinated factory visits, interpreters, FAME buddies, shuttle service from airport, hotel and venue, visit http://www.manilafame.com and www.citem.com.ph For registration and other assistance, email  the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Silicon Valley    at  pdtisf@aol.com , ptic-sv@philippinecentersf.com and mailto:pdtisf@aol.com or call at (415) 773-2336 and (408) 980-9637. Follow Us Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get breaking alerts on your mobile.phone. Text ON INQ BREAKING to 4467, for Globe, Smart and Sun subscribers in the Philippines. Tags: apparel , Read More …

One Billion Rising on Valentine’s Day

 News
Feb 072013
 
One Billion Rising on Valentine’s Day

INQUIRER.net U.S. Bureau 10:25 am | Friday, February 8th, 2013 SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco women’s rights supporters will join activists in193 countries on the largest day of action in the history of V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls. “One Billion Rising,” began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. On February 14, 2013, the City of San Francisco will welcome One Billion Rising to the steps of City Hall from 4-6 p.m. Joining them will be Mayor Edwin M. Lee, District Attorney George Gascón, Board of Supervisors president David Chiu, V-Day executive director Susan Celia Swan, Commission on the Status of Women president Julie Soo, Filipina Women’s Network president Marily Mondejar and other city leaders. The Event will feature DJs spinning, flash mobs dancing, and special guests (to be announced). To support One Billion Rising to end violence, signing up online:www.onebillionrisingsf.org/join . Follow Us Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get breaking alerts on your mobile.phone. Text ON INQ BREAKING to 4467, for Globe, Smart and Sun subscribers in the Philippines. Tags: flash mob , San Francisco officials , V-Day , Valentine’s Day , violence against women , Women’s Rights Factual errors? Contact the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s day desk. Believe this article violates journalistic ethics? Contact the Inquirer’s Reader’s Read More …

Carmina treasures supportive family

 Entertainment
Feb 072013
 
Carmina treasures supportive family

Carmina Villaruel (MNS Photo) MANILA, Feb 5 (Mabuhay) — Actress and television host Carmina Villaroel feels “very fortunate” to have a supportive family who understands the demanding nature of her work. Villaroel said she always consults husband Zoren Legaspi and her twins before taking on a role. “Very open ako pati sa mga kids. So kapag sinabi ni Zoren na go, kapag okay sa kanya at sa kambal, go ako. Kaya kapag mayroong isang may ayaw, huwag na lang. So far, I’m very thankful and blessed na very supportive sila sa trabaho ko,” she said. Currently, Villaroel appears in the afternoon series “Minsan May Isang Pangarap” and also hosts the showbiz-oriented show “Showbiz Inside Report” every Saturday. Since she gets home late from tapings most of the time, Villaroel said she sees to it that she still gets to spend time with her family. “Ako kasi as much as gusto ko magbigay ng quantity time, quality time na lang with them,” she said. Even though her twins are already grown ups, Villaroel said they still sleep in one bedroom. “I have to be in the middle kasi gusto nila katabi nila ako. Ginagawa nila akong human pillow, minsan masakit na likod ko pero it’s okay. Hindi ko kaya na nandoon sila sa kabilang room,” she shared. Villaroel and Legaspi have been partners for 12 years and only got married last November. In 2001, the actress gave birth to their children in the United States. (MNS)

President Aquino receives visiting German Foreign Minister in Malacanang

 Entertainment
Feb 072013
 
President Aquino receives visiting German Foreign Minister in Malacanang

President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with German Federal Foreign Minister Dr. Guido Westerwelle during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (February 07, 2013). Dr. Westerwelle’s visit is a very strong signal of the interest of both the Philippines and Germany to further enhance bilateral relations. To date, Germany is the Philippines’ second largest export market in the European Union (EU), and the second largest source of tourists from Europe. Germany is also the 4th largest bilateral donor of official development assistance (ODA) to the Philippines. Statistics from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) shows that trade between the two countries from January to September 2012 amounted to around US$2.6-billion. In photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and German Federal Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Dr. Joachim Heidorn. (MNS photo) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes to the Palace German Federal Foreign Minister Dr. Guido Westerwelle who called on at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (February 07, 2013). Dr. Westerwelle’s visit is a very strong signal of the interest of both the Philippines and Germany to further enhance bilateral relations. To date, Germany is the Philippines’ second largest export market in the European Union (EU), and the second largest source of tourists from Europe. Germany is also the 4th largest bilateral donor of official development assistance (ODA) to the Philippines. Statistics from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) shows that trade between the Read More …

PHL now a ‘rising tiger’ – World Bank official

 Entertainment
Feb 072013
 
PHL now a ‘rising tiger’ – World Bank official

President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by B/E Aerospace, Inc. chairman, chief executive officer and founder Amin Khoury, president and chief operating officer Werner Lieberherr, United Kingdom Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Stephen Lilie and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Dr. Lilia de Lima, tours and inspects the facilities of the B/E Aerospace, Inc. Philippine Facility during the Grand Opening Ceremony at the First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) in Barangay Ulango, Tanauan City, Batangas on Wednesday (October 03, 2012). B/E Aerospace is the worldwide leading manufacturer of aircraft passenger cabin interior products for the commercial and business jet aircraft markets. This and other businesses opening up in the Philippines are testaments to the country’s improving economic conditions. (MNS photo) DAVAO CITY, Feb 5 (Mabuhay) – President Aquino cited the gains that his administration has achieved, recognizing the need to ensure that these gains are felt by as many people as possible. In a speech at the Philippines Development Forum, Aquino mentioned the country’s 6.6 percent GDP growth in 2012 exceeded targets. He described this period as a “critical juncture” in his administration, a time to look back at the “progress” that the country has made and strategize for further improvement. “The improved consumption capacity of Filipinos means that our growth has benefited households as well. Moving forward, the challenge will always be how to ensure that our gains are inclusive, or more inclusive,” Aquino said. The PDF is a venue for government to engage various stakeholders in a Read More …

$4-B mega-casino set to open next month in Manila

 Entertainment
Feb 072013
 
$4-B mega-casino set to open next month in Manila

The $1.2 billion Solaire Manila Resorts (design model above) is one of four gaming operations licensed at Manila’s bayside Entertainment City, a government project designed to compete with Macau, Las Vegas and Singapore as a gaming hub. MANILA, Feb 6, 2013 (AFP) – A $4 billion mega-casino complex is set to open in the Philippines in mid-March when the first of four franchise-holders starts commercial operations, the parent firm said in a disclosure released Wednesday. The $1.2 billion Solaire Manila Resorts is one of four gaming operations licensed at Manila’s bayside Entertainment City, a government project designed to compete with Macau, Las Vegas and Singapore as a gaming hub. Boasting 500 hotel rooms set in modern resorts, Solaire will open its doors on March 16, parent company Bloomberry Resorts Corp. said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange. “(We) confirm that (Bloomberry’s) Solaire Manila Resorts and Casino has collected the top former operating officers of world-renowned casinos in Las Vegas and other parts of the world,” it said in a letter to the exchange. The February 5 letter, released by the bourse on Wednesday, said these personnel include around 400 Filipinos who have worked in gaming and hotels across the world. Solaire plans to add 300 more hotel rooms after two years, said Bloomberry, a listed firm controlled by Philippine port tycoon Enrique Razon. Two other franchise-holders – one involving Australian billionaire James Packer and Macau gaming tycoon Lawrence Ho as shareholders and another with Japanese gambling tycoon Kazuo Read More …

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL SIGNS HEALTH SERVICE PARTNERSHIP WITH ST. VINCENT MEDICAL CENTER FOR THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY

 Entertainment
Feb 072013
 
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL SIGNS HEALTH SERVICE PARTNERSHIP WITH ST. VINCENT MEDICAL CENTER FOR THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY

Consul General Maria Hellen M. Barber-De La Vega (left) and Mr. Jan N. Stein, Vice President and Executive Director, St. Vincent Foundation signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Los Angeles, 05 February 2013. – Consul General Maria Hellen M. Barber-De La Vega signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mr. Jan N. Stein, Vice President and Executive Director of St. Vincent Medical Center (SVMC) Foundation, at a ceremony held this morning at the Conference Room of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles. The MOU established a broad framework for cooperation between the two organizations in providing and improving access to health services for Filipino immigrants and expanding its services to the underserved Filipino community. St. Vincent Medical Center has similar partnership agreements with ten Consulates General in Los Angeles, two of which are from ASEAN, namely Philippines and Thailand. The project is an initiative of the ATN Section of the Consulate under Consul Charmaine Serna-Chua. Consul General Maria Hellen M. Barber-De La Vega (left) exchanging the Signed Memorandum of Understanding with Jan N. Stein, Vice President and Executive Director, St. Vincent Foundation.

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