January 2014 – Page 8

Single Ruffa Gutierrez wants an ‘inspiration’

Jan 242014

Ruffa Gutierrez (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) -– Having been single for two-and-a-half years, Ruffa Gutierrez believes 2014 will be her lucky year when it comes to her love life. Despite her successful career, Gutierrez admits that she still needs an inspiration apart from her two daughters, Lorin and Venice. “Feeling ko ngayong 2014, dadating na ‘yung love life ko. I don’t know, I just feel it. Hindi ko alam kung Mr. Right, sana siya na ‘yung Mr. Right. Two years and six months wala akong love life so feeling ko kailangan namang may inspirasyon,” she said. According to Gutierrez, she has the full support of her two kids when it comes to her love life. In fact, the former beauty queen said there are times when Lorin and Venice would ask her to get back with their father, Ylmaz Bektas. “Hindi naman nila ako pine-pressure pero there are times na gusto nila makipagbalikan ako sa daddy nila. There are times naman na gusto nila makahanap na ako ng love. Pero kapag nakikita nila na Ylmaz and I are talking again, ‘Oh I hope you and Babba can be a family again,’” she said. “Medyo confused pa sila sa aspetong iyon. But I know that deep down in their hearts, they just want me to be happy. Whatever makes me happy, I’m sure hindi naman din ako magpapakilala ng isang tao sa kanila na alam kong hindi ako sure,” Gutierrez added. Gutierrez said she will stay true to her mantra this Read More …

Lacson: I am color-blind to politics in the Yolanda rehab

Entertainment

Jan 232014

Lacson: I am color-blind to politics in the Yolanda rehab

President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery former Senator Panfilo Lacson in a ceremony at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (December 10, 2013). The “rehabilitation czar” is the man in charge to oversee the overall efforts being undertaken by the national government in reconstructing the areas destroyed by super typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas region (Photo by: Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) MANILA, Jan 23 (Mabuhay) – Six weeks after being appointed as ‘Rehabilitation Czar’ by President Benigno Aquino III, Secretary Panfilo Lacson said his committee has already accomplished a lot in the rebuilding and rehabilitation of the places hit by super typhoon Yolanda. In an interview during the Experts Forum on Rebuilding Communities and Ecosystems After “Yolanda”, Lacson emphasized the progress achieved by the ad hoc committee Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR), which he currently serves as head. “I think we are progressing very well. Just because we are quiet doesn’t mean wala kaming ginagawa. I think, I may be biased, I may be subjective but I think we have accomplished much in six weeks because that’s the time I have spent so far being the [head of PARR].” Lacson said he is forced to finish the rehabilitation and rebuilding process within 20,000 hours as his office is only co-terminus with the current administration. “We’re giving ourselves 20,000 hours to accomplish our task because translated into actual years and months, that’s more Read More …

‘Yolanda’ multi-donor fund created to fast-track rehab efforts

Entertainment

Jan 232014

‘Yolanda’ multi-donor fund created to fast-track rehab efforts

Aerial shot of the province of which was heavily damaged by super typhoon Yolanda (MNS photo) MANILA, Jan 23 (Mabuhay) -– A multi-donor fund has been created to fast-track rehabilitation efforts in areas devastated by super typhoon “Yolanda,” Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PARR) chief Panfilo Lacson said. In his keynote speech at the Experts Forum on Rebuilding Communities and Ecosystems After “Yolanda” at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), Lacson said the fund was created for those “who want to just part with their money out of the goodness of their hearts but do not have the organization or time to commit to this humanitarian effort.” Lacson said the fund will be managed by “very credible and top executives” from ABS-CBN Corp., GMA Network, Philippine Long Distance Company, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, as well as SGV founder Washington SyCip. The rehabilitation chief said the fund will be opened as soon as the initial donations entrusted to Taiwan-based Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) arrive. The first set of accounts (Dollar savings account no. 105-310-463-926 and Peso savings account no. 005-310-633-988) have been opened at the BDO Ayala Avenue branch. Lacson said other savings account will be opened soon in Metrobank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Philippine National Bank, and Bank of the Philippine Islands. Lacson said some companies, meanwhile, have committed to get directly involved in rehabilitation efforts. He said 9 sponsors have agreed to take the lead in the reconstruction and rehabilitation works in 16 of the 24 Read More …

Pope says Internet ‘gift from God’

Entertainment

Jan 232014

Pope Francis VATICAN CITY, January 23, 2014 (AFP) – Pope Francis described the Internet on Thursday as “a gift from God” and called on Catholics to “boldly become citizens of the digital world”. “The internet… offers immense possibilities for encounter and solidarity. This is something truly good, a gift from God,” the Argentine pontiff said in his first World Communication Day message, given annual by the pope. “Let us boldly become citizens of the digital world. Let our communication be a balm which relieves pain and a fine wine which gladdens hearts,” he said. The 77-year-old pontiff is a keen Twitter user whose account has attracted more than 10 million followers. But he also makes a point of privileging human relationships and physical touch, often walking among the crowds who flock to see him in St. Peter’s Square and embracing the ill or disabled. “As I have frequently observed, if a choice has to be made between a bruised Church which goes out to the streets and a Church suffering from self-absorption, I certainly prefer the first,” he said. “Those ‘streets’ are the world where people live and where they can be reached, both effectively and affectively. The digital highway is one of them, a street teeming with people who are often hurting, men and women looking for salvation or hope,” he added. However, Francis warned people not allow the desire to be connected to the digital world twenty-four hours a day to isolate them from society. “It is not Read More …

Despite court documents, Bangayan insists he’s not ‘David Tan’

Entertainment

Jan 232014

Despite court documents, Bangayan insists he’s not ‘David Tan’

AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE HEARING. Senator Cynthia Villar, Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, listens to Sen. Ralph Recto as he questions representatives of the Department of Agriculture about the claims made by certain groups and agencies concerning the actual state of rice supply in the country. Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile and Senators Grace Poe, Nancy Binay and JV Ejercito also attended the hearing.(MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Businessman Davidson Bangayan on Wednesday remained firm that he is not suspected rice smuggler “David Tan,” despite being confronted at a Senate probe with court documents showing he used the alias. During the Senate agriculture committee’s inquiry on rice smuggling, senators consistently got a negative answer from Bangayan whenever the trader was asked if he and “David Tan” are the same person. “My name is Davidson Bangayan. I’m not David Tan,” Bangayan said at the start of his testimony during the probe. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima however said that her agency already has two witnesses who said that Bangayan used the alias “David Tan.” De Lima even presented before the committee court documents from a libel case Bangayan supposedly filed against Jesus Arranza, chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries, in 2005. In these papers, de Lima said Bangayan admitted to being “David Tan.” “How come in that document, he explicitly admitted that Bangayan aka David Tan? At sa attachment niya, Bangayan aka David Tan? Siya ang nag-attach noon,” de Lima said. The Senate committee Read More …

Aquino takes swipe at Sen. Bong Revilla

Entertainment

Jan 232014

President Benigno S. Aquino III (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III took the offensive two days after Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. accused him of meddling in the impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona. On Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony of the Skyway Stage 3 Project, Aquino lashed at his critics whom he said have nothing better to do but scoff at his administration’s achievements. He did not specifically mention Revilla but made several allusions to the actor-turned-politician. “Ito ang daang matuwid. Hindi pinanday ng pantasya, at mas lalong hindi gawa-gawa na parang eksena sa isang pelikula – totoo at kongkretong [ang] mga proyektong hatid ng ating tuwid at mabuting pamamahala para sa kapakanan ng sambayanang Pilipino,” Aquino said. In a privilege speech Monday, Revilla claimed Aquino personally asked him to vote to convict ousted Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012. “’Yan ba ang daang matuwid?” said Revilla, who is known for his “Panday” and fantasy movies. Aquino, however, said the country’s progress will not be hampered by those who just wish to make themselves the hero. “Anumang pilit ng ilang magpapogi at magpabida para sa pansariling interes lang, ay wala pa ring makapipigil sa kolektibo nating pag-arangkada bilang isang bayan,” he said. Earlier, the Palace confirmed Aquino’s meeting with Revilla, but said it was only to verify reports that senators were being pressured for votes. On Tuesday, the President even admitted having met senators other than Revilla, but said he only wanted to “lessen” the pressure Read More …

45 dead, 8 missing in Mindanao due to LPA – NDRRMC

Entertainment

Jan 232014

45 dead, 8 missing in Mindanao due to LPA – NDRRMC

Residents hang on to a rope as they pass strong currents along a flooded area in Marikina, east of Manila, Philippines on Thursday Aug. 9, 2012. A fresh deluge forced more evacuations along fast-rising rivers in the Philippine capital Thursday, as the city and surrounding areas struggled to deal with widespread flooding triggered by nearly two weeks of relentless rains. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Wednesday reported the number of deaths at 45 and 900,000 people affected in Mindanao by tropical depression “Agaton” which has now weakened into low pressure area (LPA). “Agaton”’s prolonged rains induced flash flood and landslides in Mindanao the past several days. NDRRMC partial official death toll was recorded with 18 in Region 11 or Davao Region, 19 in Caraga Region, seven in Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) and one in Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula). Most of the deaths are attributable to landslides and drowning, it said. The NDRRMC also said the number of injured persons rose to 68, while eight are still missing in Regions 9, 10, 11 and Caraga. Damage caused by the tropical depression was estimated to P369,142,178.22, including P128,513,750.00 in infrastructure and P240,628,428.22 in agriculture in Regions 10, 11 and Caraga. In its 6:00 a.m. update Wednesday, the NDDRMC said that 186,543 families or 895,572 persons were affected in 846 barangays in 103 municipalities in 15 provinces of Regions 10 (Northern Mindanao), 11 (Davao Region), Caraga and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Read More …

PHL tells citizens in Thailand to prepare for possible evacuation

Entertainment

Jan 232014

PHL tells citizens in Thailand to prepare for possible evacuation

A Thai soldier keeps watch while others are at rest inside the Wat Phra Kaew Temple (Emerald Buddha Temple) in Bangkok, Thailand, where at least 20 million tourists visit annually. However, recent protests against the Thai government, which has imposed a 60day State of Emergency. Massive protests aimed at pressuring elected Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down in favor of an unelected council have disrupted tourism and is shaking up political stability in the country. (Photo: Rhony Laigo) MANILA, Jan 23 (Mabuhay) – The Philippines has called on Filipinos in Thailand to restrict their movements and prepare for possible evacuation amid intensified anti-government demonstrations there. Manila raised Alert Level 2 over Thailand as the 60-day state of emergency was enforced on Wednesday by the Thai government to quell weeks-long protests aimed at pressuring elected Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down in favor of an unelected council. “Alert Level 2 is issued when there are real threats to the life, security, and property of Filipinos arising from internal disturbance or external threat,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday in a statement. Under Alert Level 2, the DFA said “Filipinos in Bangkok and the surrounding areas are instructed to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places and prepare for evacuation.” “While there has been an effort to maintain a state of normalcy in the Thai capital, the situation remains fluid and volatile particularly in anti-government protest areas,” it said. Filipinos with essential travel plans to Thailand and those residing Read More …

Kababayan host Jannelle So is engaged!

Entertainment

Jan 232014

Jannelle So The kababayan who’s usually on top of news and issues concerning the Filipino American community in Southern California and Hawaii recently felt “on top of the world” as she tweeted minutes after an engagement at the top of the 46-storey Heron Tower in London, England. Jannelle So, host and producer of “Kababayan Today on LA18” celebrated New Year’s Eve in London with her boyfriend-turned-fiancé, commercial director and EcoMedia/CBS VP Lester Perkins. Lester Perkins and Jannelle So Before ringing in 2014 (literally and figuratively,) the couple spent five days with Leter’s family and friends in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he was born and raised. He worked on high budget TV commercials for different international brands in London, before moving to Los Angeles six years ago. Jannelle was born and raised in the Philippines before moving to California 11 years ago. She has been the the driving force behind America’s first and only daily talk show for the Filipinos and the longest-running Filipino talk show outside of the Philippines for almost eight years now. “Kababayan Today” is on weekdays at 4pm on LA18 in Southern California and is syndicated on Kiku channel in Hawaii. A summer destination wedding is being planned and spearheaded by community leader and recently-elected Chair of the FilAm Arts Board Rocio Nuyda, a very close friend of the bride. Congratulations, Jannelle and Lester, from your Balita Media family! We wish you all the best!

One of the Philippines Newest Channels, TFC’s Lifestyle Network, Joins DIRECTV

Entertainment

Jan 232014

One of the Philippines Newest Channels, TFC’s Lifestyle Network, Joins DIRECTV

DIRECTV’s FilipinoDirect™ Package Now Provides 11 Filipino Channels, including Six Exclusive Channels Not Available on Any Other TV Provider in the U.S. EL SEGUNDO, Calif., – DIRECTV continues to expand its international programming lineup with the addition of TFC’s Lifestyle Network, which is now available as part of TFCDirect™ and FilipinoDirect™ Packages. DIRECTV is already the provider of the largest Pinoy entertainment package, and with the addition of the Lifestyle Network, DIRECTV raises the bar even higher in popular Filipino programming. The Lifestyle Network is one of TFC’s premium channels offering an indispensable guide to Filipino daily life, with programs dedicated to music, fashion, travel, home, food and design. The channel provides viewers an opportunity to explore and experience Pinoy’s best in lifestyle and popular culture. “We are thrilled to be adding the Lifestyle Network to our Filipino programming line-up,” said Emma Brackett, vice president of Content and Programming, DIRECTV. ”The channel further enhances the variety and breadth of content we provide to our Filipino customers, and shows our continued commitment to delivering the best television experience available.” Viewers can enjoy shows such as: “Curiosity Got the Chef” exhibiting celebrity chef Sharwin Tee’s exquisite culinary skills The award-winning “The Kitchen Musical,” featuring a mix of international talent, music, drama and food Real-life pilot and producer Joy Roa’s “Asian Air Safari” travel-adventure show, which invites viewers to travel the globe With the addition of the new channel, DIRECTV offers a total of 11 Filipino channels and the most expansive and comprehensive range of Filipino entertainment including TFC, TFC Lifestyle Network, GMA Pinoy TV, Read More …

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