March 2013 – Page 2

Militants scuffle with cops during rally at Malaysian embassy

News

Mar 142013

Militants scuffle with cops during rally at Malaysian embassy

By Matikas SantosINQURER.net 3:04 pm | Thursday, March 14th, 2013 MANILA, Philippines – A scuffle broke out during a rally at the Malaysian Embassy Thursday as protesters tried to smear the embassy’s seal with red paint to symbolize the blood of Filipinos spilled in the Sabah conflict. The protesters initially coated red paint on their hands and smeared it onto a streamer that read “PM Najib Razak, Pres NoyNoy Aquino, there’s blood in your hands.” Rasti Delizo, Sanlakas spokesman, rushed to the Malaysian Embassy seal after placing a hand print on the streamer to stain the seal. Policemen blocked Delizo and a fight ensued as the latter continued to push his way to reach the seal. Restrained by police, he shouted at them: “The policemen of Malaysia and not the Filipino people.” After the scuffle, the protesters went on with their rally, blasting the alleged overkill of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. “We call on the Malaysian government to immediately listen to us otherwise we are warning Prime Minister Najib Razak, if you do not listen to us, if you do not stop your bloody war in Sabah now, then we will declare you Southeast Asia’s number one war criminal,” Delizo said. “We will even file appropriate charges against you in the proper courts of law at the international level,” he said. He also called on Aquino to step forward and make a firm stand on the Sabah issue by filing a diplomatic protest. Malaysian security forces have allegedly committed Read More …

KL rejects negotiation to end confrontation with Sulu group

News

Mar 142013

KL rejects negotiation to end confrontation with Sulu group

By Allan NawalInquirer Mindanao 1:29 pm | Thursday, March 14th, 2013 Sultan of Sulu Jamalul Kiram III. AP FILE PHOTO DIGOS CITY, Philippines—The Malaysian government has closed the door to any negotiation to end the crisis in Sabah. The state-run Radio 24 reported Foreign Minister Anifah Aman as saying Malaysia will not entertain any negotiations at this time, including one being proposed by third parties such as the Philippine government. The broadcast was monitored via shortwave radio here. Asked whether Malaysia would allow third party emissaries to travel to Sabah to meet with the followers of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III there, Anifah replied, “If something bad happens to them, what effect would it have on Malaysia’s image?” 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: Features , Foreign affairs , Phil-Malaysian Relations , Sabah claim , Sultan of Sulu Factual errors? Contact the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s day desk. Believe this article violates journalistic ethics? Contact the Inquirer’s Reader’s Advocate. Or write The Readers’ Advocate:

Palace hails new pope

News

Mar 132013

By TJ BurgonioPhilippine Daily Inquirer 12:27 pm | Thursday, March 14th, 2013 Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Thursday morning hailed the election of Argentine Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio as the new Pope, saying this brings the “promise of renewal’’ in the Catholic Church. “From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica came an announcement of great joy: that Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio had been elected as Pope, and taken the name Francis. From the city to the world, the joyful news has been accompanied by prayer and goodwill born of new beginnings,’’ President Benigno Aquino III’s spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement. The President, together with the Filipinos, “joins all the Catholic faithful as they receive their new leader and meet his proclamation with a sense of boundless promise,’’ Lacierda said. “As the first pope from outside Europe in a millennium—the first pope from the Society of Jesus, and the first from Latin America—the election of Pope Francis brings with it the promise of renewal in the Catholic Church, as it strives to fulfill its mission here on earth,’’ he said. Lacierda aired the hope that this would inaugurate a pontificate that “will bear witness not only to the basic tenets of the Gospel, but will also serve as a voice for peace, justice, and charity in a world threatened by tension and armed conflict, poverty, uncertainty, and loss of confidence in institutions.’’ “This is not merely a time for all Catholics to come together. This is Read More …

Triple Threat 2013 US Tour comes to Pechanga Resort & Casino

Entertainment

Mar 132013

Triple Threat 2013 US Tour comes to Pechanga Resort & Casino

(www.pechanga.com) The Triple Threat concert series featuring Piolo Pascual, Angeline Quinto and Pokwang will have the first leg of their 2013 U.S. tour in Temecula, California on March 23, 2013. It will be held at the world famous Pechanga Theater at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. “Triple Threat” is a popular term used in Filipino show business to refer to a celebrity who is talented in three industries, specifically movie, TV, and music. That being said, the show’s headliners are considered as three of the best Triple Threats in the Philippines. Manila-born Piolo Jose Nonato Pascual or Piolo is currently one of the biggest stars of Philippine cinema, TV and music/entertainment. He has received multiple acting awards and nominations from the Philippines’ award-giving bodies such as Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), FAMAS, Star Awards, Golden Screen Awards, and Gawad Urian. He was recognized as “Mr. RP Movies,” which is based on box-office sales, by the Guillermo Mendoza Scholarship Foundation for the years 2003-2005. Of Filipino-German-American ethnicity, he is also one of the most sought-after models. Piolo is a main stay in “ASAP XV,” a noontime variety show on ABS-CBN, the mother company of The Filipino Channel (TFC). He was first introduced on TV in the youth-oriented TV show “That’s Entertainment” back in 1994. His first movie was with Kris Aquino in “Vizconde Massacre: God Help Us!” in 1993. He has been performing in concerts since 2001 and has traveled the world bringing the Filipino music to fans everywhere. For more Read More …

Side A still reigns!

Entertainment

Mar 132013

A big concert will be held with special guest KZ Tandigan on April 21 at the Grove of Anaheim! No other band can surpass the popularity of Side A, they have captured a wide audience breaking all barriers between market classes and any music genre. Starting out at hotel lounges in 1985, they have have been accepted in the mainstream and have all the hit records, sold out concerts and recognition to prove it. It has been more than a decade now since they started and still hottest act for the Filipinos and Filipino American audiences.. The secret of their success? Being true to themselves, their faith, their music and their fans. Meet the members of Side A…. Naldy Gonzalez: Side A was formed by Naldy Gonzalez back in 1985and the only original member left in the group. He is the band’s musical director and the keyboard player as well. Naldy is one of the songwriters and lead vocalistsof Side A responsible for hits like “Sana Naman” and “Just Wanna Make You Happy”. Joey Generoso : One of the hearthrobs of the band is lead vocalist Joey Generoso,most popularly known as Joey G. Started out singing in folkhouses, he joined several bands before finally settling down with Side A in 1989. Joey is the distinct voice that gives Side A its unique sound. Aside from being the lead vocalist, he also plays the rhythm guitar. Other members are Ned Esguerra for Bass Guitar, Vocals, Ned Esguerra for Bass Guitar and Vocals , Leevon Cailao Read More …

Filipino students love “Be Careful With My Heart”; Maya and Sir Chief’s first kiss draws high ratings, trends on Twitter

Entertainment

Mar 132013

Filipino students love “Be Careful With My Heart”; Maya and Sir Chief’s first kiss draws high ratings, trends on Twitter

Jodi Sta Maria and Richard Yap receive awards for “Be Careful With My Heart” at the 9th USTv Students Choice Awards of University of Santo Tomas, Asia’s oldest existing university. The magic of Maya (Jodi Sta. Maria) and Sir Chief (Richard Yap) has struck the entire nation again as “Be Careful With My Heart” recently did not only dominate the ratings game but ruled the trending topics list of the popular microblogging site Twitter Based on the latest data from Kantar Media last Tuesday (March 12), ABS-CBN’s no.1 kilig-serye garnered 26.4% national TV ratings or 13 points higher than the 13.4% of its rival program in GMA “Eat Bulaga.” The hashtag #SerChiefandMayaNationalKissDay (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZd4vwxcL8w) became a trending topic nationwide for several hours. Netizens raved about Sir Chief’s surprise goodbye kiss to Maya that left the former nanny stunned. The kiss happened after the two attended the Junior-Senior Prom Night of Luke (Jerome Ponce) and Nikki (Janella Salvador). Meanwhile, the whole cast of “Be Careful With My Heart,” led by Jodi and Richard, recently received the loudest cheer from the audiences in both 11th Gawad Tanglaw and 9th USTv Students Choice Awards. The entire cast of the country’s no.1 daytime TV program attended both awards night to personally thank the student communities for the Best Ensemble Performance and Best TV series from Gawad Tanglaw and the Best Daily Local Soap Opera and Best Ensemble Performance awards given by USTv. Don’t miss “Be Careful With My Heart” only on TFC worldwide. For more on the show, visit TFC.tv. Read More …

Eula Valdez: ‘As an artist, it’s okay to go crazy with your choice of projects’

Entertainment

Mar 132013

Eula Valdez: ‘As an artist, it’s okay to go crazy with your choice of projects’

By Edwin P. Sallan Eula Valdez at the story conference for ‘Cassandra: Warrior Angel’. Unlike other kids her age, Eula Valdez didn’t want to be a princess in a fairy tale. Believe it or not, her original fantasy was to be a ninja. It came as no surprise, therefore, that Eula collected the Marvel comic book “Elektra: Assasin” back in high school. Written by Frank Miller in 1986, the comic features the sword-wielding, ninja-trained female assassin who is both an enemy and a love interest to the superhero Daredevil. She would later be portrayed by Jennifer Garner in a feature film version. Right about the same time, Eula also started collecting medieval swords. So when TV5 offered her to star as Eula Caballero’s mysterious mother in “Cassandra: Warrior Angel” in an epic story that involves a war between angels and demons, the elder Eula knew that this was a project that was right up her alley. “Na-excite ako. I’m a physical type of person so I think I’m going to enjoy this. Gusto ko din kasing action. I don’t always get to be in fantaseryestaposdito, may superpowers pa ang character ko so I’m really looking forward to doing this,” the 44-year old actress told InterAksyon during the show’s story conference last week. Always the free-spirited type, Eula’s career has not been defined by conforming to trends, which also explains her longevity in the business. She chooses her vehicles well and for the most part, those choice have paid off well. Read More …

PH Seeks More Public-Private Partnership Projects

Entertainment

Mar 132013

PH Seeks More Public-Private Partnership Projects

Public-Private Partnership. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. presents the challenges and opportunities in infrastructure investments in the Philippines in a panel discussion on Monday, 11 March 2012, hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. (Philippine Embassy Photo by Lilibeth Almonte-Arbez) WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Philippines wants to enter into more partnerships with the private sector as Manila continues to invest in the development of key infrastructure to help sustain its economic growth. “The Philippine government remains committed to driving infrastructure development as it recognizes its importance to future rapid and sustainable economic growth,” Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. told a forum at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) here on Monday, 11 March 2013. In his presentation “Philippines: Opportunities and Challenges in Infrastructure Investment,” Ambassador Cuisia urged investors to take another look at the Philippines and take advantage of the country’s unprecedented growth that has made it the s0-called rising star of East Asia. Ambassador Cuisia said that under the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, the government of President Benigno S. Aquino III seeks to not only accelerate infrastructure development but also provide safe, efficient, reliable, cost-effective and sustainable infrastructure. With the 6.6 percent growth in GDP, which was the highest in Southeast Asia in 2012, Ambassador Cuisia said the Philippines can be expected to continue increasing infrastructure spending to as much as 5 percent of GDP by 2016. Last year, the Philippines allocated 2.6 percent of GDP for infrastructure spending from 1 percent in 2005. Read More …

Mariwasa jacks up sales target

Economy

Mar 132013

MANILA, Philippines – The parent firm of tile maker Mariwasa Siam Ceramics is banking on the country’s rosy economic prospects to jack up its sales target to $170 million this year. This as new and existing product lines will be offered to property and infrastructure developments nationwide, a company executive said. “In the Philippines, we will have 18 percent growth,” Jakkrit Suwansilp, vice-president for sales and marketing of Mariwasa, said in a briefing. “The growth will come from Siam Cement Group (SCG) and Cotto products. We also have organic growth from Mariwasa,” he said, adding that higher sales will mean another record high for the company. Parent firm SCG of Thailand earlier announced that the company’s revenues from its Philippine operations reached $142 million, surging 50 percent from a year ago. “In the Philippines, we see the economy booming. This is a good opportunity for us to bring in our innovative products,” Suwansilp said. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 The company is hoping to generate more sales in the housing segment and through the launching of more Public-Private Partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects, Suwansilp said. The Philippines accounts for around eight percent of SCG’s consolidated sales in Southeast Asia, which hit $1.004 billion last year. Suwansilp said the company wants to grow the contribution of the Philippines in the region and produce more products here, but is hampered by high cost of electricity. SCG operates in the Philippines through Mariwasa-Siam, constructive and decorative building materials seller SCG Read More …

Allegations of corrupt practices lack merit – Okada

Economy

Mar 132013

Allegations of corrupt practices lack merit – Okada

MANILA, Philippines – Allegations of practices that corrupted Philippine officials lack merit, Universal Entertainment Corp. (UEC) of Japanese gambling tycoon Kazuo Okada said. In a report to the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), UEC said the allegations were “generated for an ulterior purpose and motive.” The Freeh Report has accused Okada of “apparent” violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Specifically, the report accused Okada of violating “Philippine Constitutional provisions and statutes that require 60 percent land ownership by Philippine nationals; the possibility of making another similar payments to a Korean government official; alleged admissions regarding gift-giving; supposed failures to comply with various requests of Wynn Resorts Ltd.; and the payment of expenses for former Pagcor chairman Efraim Genuino’s trip to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.” UEC, in its nine-page information report to NGCB, stated: “The report was not used to provide guidance to licensees, but to justify the involuntary redemption and purported cancellation of Aruze USA Inc.’s 24.549 million shares of Wynn Resorts stock at a $1 billion discount and in the form of a subordinated note.” Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 The move restored Steve Wynn as the largest shareholder of Wynn Resorts. On the payment and gift giving allegations regarding Pagcor officials, UEC said two of its employees responsible for allowing unauthorized charges were reprimanded and are no longer with UEC. Okada and former business partner Wynn are in a bitter corporate feud, which started when the Japanese pachinko businessman questioned the $135-million Read More …

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