Electronics sector eyes $37-B exports by 2016

 Economy
Feb 182014
 
Electronics sector eyes $37-B exports by 2016

MANILA, Philippines – The Trade department plans to hold consultations with players in the electronics and semiconductor industry on the proposed Product and Technology Roadmap that would enable the industry to transition to value-added activities. The proposed roadmap would enable the industry to raise the annual export value of goods to as much as $37 billion in 2016 from the current level of around $23 billion. By 2022, the value of electronics exports are seen to rise by $52 billion through value-adding and by 2030, value of exports are seen to rise to $112 billion. The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc. (SEIPI) expects revenues from shipments of electronic products to have reached between $20 to $21 billion in 2013 from $23 billion in 2012 as the performance of the sector remained weak. “The electronics sector, a growth pillar of the manufacturing industry and also one of the biggest job generators, has through the years contributed significantly to the country’s aggregate exports, often dominating the majority share of export products,” said Trade undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) managing head Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. “SEIPI is assured of our continued support and their plan for a supplemental roadmap will be facilitated through the mobilization of resources in collaboration with relevant government agencies,” he added. The proposed roadmap would guide the electronics industry as it moves up the value chain, develop new growth areas and seize opportunities in Southeast Asia as free trade in the region is implemented in Read More …

‘World’s first mask for polyphasic sleep’ to launch

 Entertainment
Feb 182014
 
‘World’s first mask for polyphasic sleep’ to launch

Screenshot: NeuroOn || KickStarterNeuroOn is being billed as the world’s first brain wave-monitoring sleep mask that helps wearers switch to polyphasic sleep patterns.©2014 YouTube, LLC (Relaxnews) – Sleep masks can be great if you want to improve the quality of your Zs, but a new nighttime accessory claims to go one step further by reducing the number of hours’ sleep you need per day. NeuroOn is being billed as the world’s first brain wave-monitoring sleep mask that helps wearers switch to polyphasic sleep patterns. The practice involves breaking up resting time into small segments throughout the day. According to its designers, polyphasic sleepers need as little as two-to-six hours of sleep per day, which could create an extra 28 hours of free time each week. The mask is made using viscoelastic foam — a type of memory foam — and various outer designs are available. Electrodes connected to a biological amplifier measure brain waves, muscle tension and eye movements throughout the night, and the following morning the information is analyzed and sent to a smartphone app. The data results can then be used to create a personalized sleeping program best suited to each individual’s needs. The mask also claims to let wearers control their dreams, by introducing the concept of lucid dreaming to their sleep time. NeuroOn was launched as a project on crowdfunding website Kickstarter in December 2013 by Intelclinic, an interdisciplinary team of new technology enthusiasts. It is set to go on general release in July of this year. For more information Read More …

Pioneer L.A. Fil-Am Press Club (est. 1978) to sponsor Creative Writing Workshop

 Entertainment
Feb 182014
 
Pioneer L.A. Fil-Am Press Club (est. 1978) to sponsor Creative Writing Workshop

Peter Bacho The Filipino American Press Club of Los Angeles, Inc., (FAPCLA) (established 1978), Inc.  will sponsor a two-day Creative Writing Workshop on March 21-22nd, at the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC), Histor4ic Filipino  Town, 153 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90026.  This will provide an opportunity to present the seminar for writers, both from professional circles and student aspirants who wish to expand their writing skills.   FAPCLA (est. 1978) was formed by former news reporters and writers from the Philippines who had immigrated to this country in the early 70s. Professor Peter Bacho, Filipino American author, winner of multi awards, will conduct the workshop: first segment is scheduled on March 21, (“Meet and Greet” and Intro to the Workshop) at the PWC Assembly hall, from 5:00 P.M.   The Pilipino Workers Center has been dedicated to the renowned labor leader, Larry Itliong Village, Historic Filipino Town. The second segment starts at 8:30 A.M. on March 22nd, same venue. The two-day workshop is supported by the PWC, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) under the leadership of Joel F. Jacinto, executive officer; and the Echo Park Public Library, Joselyn G. Rosenthal, president. Fellows/ participants  are asked to send in their  $25 pre-payment/reservation  by the deadline date of  February 28, 2014, FAPCLA, Inc (est 1978).  Bacho’s books will be on sale at the PWC during the event. Interested parties are asked to write Cecile C. Ochoa, Chair, Creative Writing Project, 6739 Goodland Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91606; phone number: (818) 203-3137; e-mail address:  cdochoa@aol.com; Evelyn A. Read More …

Sweeping changes to citizenship rules announced

 Entertainment
Feb 182014
 
Sweeping changes to citizenship rules announced

By Atty. Henry Moyal MOYAL & MOYAL Canadian Immigration Lawyers (screenshot courtesy of www.moyal.com) It almost seems that the Canadian government has nothing better to do than to constantly barrage the media and taxpayers with repeated attempts to change the landscape of immigration in this country. The current Conservative government has changed immigration rules more often than any other party in the past. A month has not gone by in the last few years where do not hear of a new rule of regulation that affects those that seek to immigrate or remain in Canada. In the last few months alone, the Canadian government has set a quota on new immigrants, increased processing fees and this week eliminated the investor program. In support of their decision to cancel the investor category, the Minister of Immigration is appeasing those who have complained that in the past the rich has simply purchased their visas and have not remained in Canada to provide any economic benefit. Perhaps the most sweeping change has been the Canadian Government’s recent announcement to change the way a person can become a Canadian citizen. Before that is discussed, there are two important caveats to keep in mind. Firstly, the proposed changes are not final law. Second, the changes are only for those seeking Canadian Citizenship – not permanent residence. Unless a person is born in Canada, an individual first must be granted permanent residence in Canada (ie. a landed immigrant). After a certain time period of being a permanent resident, Read More …

Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr reunite at the ‘Grammy’s Salute to the Beatles’

 Entertainment
Feb 182014
 
Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr reunite at the ‘Grammy’s Salute to the Beatles’

Fifty years ago, on February 9, 1964, the Beatles were introduced to America on the Ed Sullivan Show and in order to celebrate, the “Grammy’s Salute to the Beatles” was televised marking the reunion of the remaining Beatles – Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr after their prolonged break-up. As a Beatles fan, this writer was glued on TV and was mesmerized watching the show. The nostalgic musical show started with snippets of childhood memories of the late John Lennon and George Harrison, followed by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. It also looked back at how they were influenced by the rock music of both Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley when they formed the “Fab Four.” Their initial performances on stage placed their songs “Ticket to Ride, “All My Loving,” “’Til There was You” and “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” on top of the billboard charts and Beatlemania albums as well as merchandise flourished worldwide. “The Beatles” live at the Britannia British Pub in Santa Monica. Keith Urban and John Mayer paid tribute by showing their guitar prowess playing a rendition of the Beatles’ song “Don’t Let Me Down.” Thereafter, the  guest appearance of Stevie Wonder playing the jazzy rendition of “We Can Work It Out,” was a standing ovation and on his video testimonial, Stevie recalled that it was “the first Beatle song I heard when I was just 15 years old.” Garbed in a kimono-inspired gown in salmon and black,with her hair in an updo, Katy Perry sang her rendition of “Yesterday,” one Read More …

Senate panel to summon Mat Ranillo, Loi’s former aide to next ‘pork’ hearing

 Entertainment
Feb 182014
 
Senate panel to summon Mat Ranillo, Loi’s former aide to next ‘pork’ hearing

Blue Ribbon Committee chair, Sen. Teofisto Guingona III and Justice Secretary Leila De Lima reconcile after Guingona earlier admits being “disappointed” for not bringing whistle blowers during the pork barrel scam probe at the Senate on Tuesday (Sept. 24, 2013). Both parties shake hands after. (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – The Senate blue ribbon committee will summon actor Mat Ranillo III and Justa Tantoco, former First Lady Loi Estrada’s ex-aide, to its next hearing on the alleged pork barrel scam. During Thursday’s hearing, Senator Teofisto Guingona III, blue ribbon panel chairman, approved a motion by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to summon these personalities. Also to be summoned are Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Zenaida Ducut and Jess Santos, former lawyer of former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo. The Senate blue ribbon panel will also subpoena court documents related to a 2005 legal dispute between Ranillo and JLN Corporation, owned by alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles. Earlier during the hearing, principal pork barrel scam whistleblower Benhur Luy said Ranillo signed vouchers to show that pork barrel kickbacks have already been received by Senator Jinggoy Estrada and his mother, former First Lady Loi Estrada. Luy also said Ranillo submitted some of these vouchers in his legal dispute against JLN Corporation. In her affidavit, potential state witness Ruby Tuason said that Tantoco’s house in Dasmariñas Village in Makati was once used as a drop-off for his pork barrel kickbacks. Ducut and Santos are meanwhile being tagged in the alleged misuse of some Read More …

Aquino cites peace and dev’t reforms in ARMM at LGU Summit

 Entertainment
Feb 182014
 
Aquino cites peace and dev’t reforms in ARMM at LGU Summit

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the ceremony of the Pambansang Kongreso ng Wika at the Leong hall,Ateneo de Manila University(ADMU) in katipunan ave. q.c. with Theme “WIKA NATIN ANG DAAN MATUWID . (MNS Photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III cited peace and development reforms in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) during the 2nd Local Government Summit in Davao City on Wednesday. In his speech, the President mentioned that the ARMM is among the places in the country which have apparently been left behind by progress but eventually caught its pace because of government initiatives to spearhead progress. “Hindi rin po lingid sa kaalaman nang marami na kabilang ang ARMM sa mga lugar sa bansa na tila napag-iwanan ng kaunlaran,” he said. “Ito po mismo ang dahilan kung bakit nakatutok tayo hindi lamang sa kapayapaan at seguridad kundi maging sa mga inisyatibang magpapa-arangkada rin sa inyong pag-unlad,” he added. ARMM is composed of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. President Aquino cited 2013 data from the Department of Health-ARMM which showed that a total of 45,659 women from ARMM were given services for prenatal visit and 36,876 for post-pregnancy, in addition to 14,179 babies who underwent newborn screening. Under the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps), the President noted that at least 389,656 individuals from ARMM became members since the beginning of 2014. He explained that the national government’s goal is that whatever level or amount of attention Read More …

Philippine Supreme Court says law on online libel constitutional

 General
Feb 182014
 
Philippine Supreme Court says law on online libel constitutional

The Philippine Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a controversial cybercrime law penalising online libel is constitutional, amid claims it is intended to curb Internet freedom in one of Asia’s most freewheeling democracies. The court said a section of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 “which penalises online or cyber libel is not unconstitutional”, spokesman Theodore Te said. However the ruling would only cover the original sender of the allegedly libellous material and not the recipients, Te said. The cybercrime law was passed in 2012, but the high court suspended its implementation after various groups sued to have it declared unconstitutional. Neri Colmenares, a congressman who was among those who challenged the law, said they may appeal the latest ruling. “No one should go to prison just for expressing oneself, specially on the Internet, where people express their frustration with government,” he said. President Benigno Aquino signed the law to stamp out cybercrimes such as fraud, identity theft, spamming and child pornography. But opponents quickly said it gave the government wide powers to curb freedoms on the Internet due to provisions that impose heavy prison terms for online libel. The law also gives the state power to shut down websites and monitor online activities in a country where major protests have been organised through Facebook and Twitter. The Supreme Court on Tuesday however “partially granted the relief” sought by the law’s opponents when it ruled as unlawful a provision giving the Justice Department powers to “take down” websites or record Internet Read More …

Luis, Angel officially back together

 Entertainment
Feb 182014
 
Luis, Angel officially back together

Luiz Manzano and Angel Locsin (MNS Photo) Luis Manzano announced that he and Angel Locsin are officially back together, months after they began to rekindle their past romance. “I’m proudly her boyfriend,” Manzano said when asked about the real score between them. Sharing how their reconciliation came about, Manzano said it started a few days after Christmas. “In fact, I don’t even think I got to greet her nung Christmas. Alam ko nabati ko ang family niya pero to send her a text, I can’t even remember if I did. Pero siguro days after Christmas, that was when we started texting each other again,” he said. After exchanging a few text messages, Manzano said “a bit of the spark was rekindled.” “May konti na. I’m not sure if it was reciprocated but at least on my side, meron. Siguro a few days after that, that was when everything fell into place,” he continued. Despite this, Manzano maintained that Locsin did not cause his breakup with actress Jennylyn Mercado. “How is that even possible? For three years na walang text, walang kahit ano. In fact, Angel was even scared to see me for the first time dahil iniisip niya na it would be so much negativity. That’s why we also didn’t want to see each other. Naisip namin na kapag nakita kami, it would breed negativity. We were on that stage. How could I be the reason of their breakup and how could she be the reason of my breakup?” he Read More …

PHL remittances hit US$25.1 billion in 2013

 Entertainment
Feb 182014
 
PHL remittances hit US$25.1 billion in 2013

An employee counts U.S. dollar bills before changing it to Philippine Pesos inside a money changer in Manila September 19, 2013. The Philippine central bank said remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have allowed households to save money, boosting the country’s savings rate.(MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) reached US$25.1 billion last year, 7.6 per cent higher than the previous year. The Philippine central bank said Monday remittances in December amounted to US$2.4 billion, up 12.5 per cent compared to December 2012, Xinhua news agency reported. “Remittances in December marks the ninth consecutive month in 2013 that personal remittances breached the US$2 billion level,” the bank said in a statement. Cash remittances channeled through banks grew by 6.4 per cent on year to US$22.8 billion last year, exceeding the central bank’s projection of a 5-per cent hike for the year. Major sources of cash remittances last year were the US, Saudi Arabia, UK, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, Canada, and Japan. The central bank said the robust growth of remittances last year was due to the strong demand for skilled Filipino manpower abroad particularly in the Middle East. Preliminary data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration showed there were 1.8 million OFWs last year. Cash remittances accounted for 8.4 per cent of Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) in 2013.(MNS)

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