World Bank OKs $300M loan for PHL project

 Entertainment
Mar 212014
 
World Bank OKs $300M loan for PHL project

President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with World Bank (WB) East Asia and Pacific vice president Axel van Trotsenburg during the Courtesy Call at the Music Room, Malacañan Palace on Friday (July 12, 2013). In photo are International Finance Corporation (IFC) resident representative Jesse Ang, IFC East Asia and the Pacific director Sergio Pimenta, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad. (MNS Photo). MANILA  (Mabuhay) – Over four million Filipino students will have an opportunity to improve their math and reading skills, thanks to the Learning, Equity, and Accountability Program Support Project (LEAPS). The World Bank’s board of executive directors approved a $300 million loan for the LEAPS project, which will provide training for around 36,000 teachers and 12,000 principals and head teachers in five of the country’s poorest regions. “Through LEAPS and with the help of World Bank, DepEd (Department of Education) will be able to advance the basic education agenda of the government. To deliver quality education, we need to empower not only our learners, but also our teachers,” said Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro. “LEAPS will strengthen accountability and incentives for teachers; improve teaching and learning in early grades, especially in reading and math; and address the needs of our disadvantaged learners.” LEAPS will provide support for training Grades 1 to 3 teachers and school principals in reading and math. The project will be implemented in Regions V (Bicol), VIII (Eastern Visayas), IX (Zamboanga Peninsula), Cordillera Administrative Region, and CARAGA. The project Read More …

Jasmine hopes to attend Brussels film fest for ‘Puti’

 Entertainment
Mar 212014
 
Jasmine hopes to attend Brussels film fest for ‘Puti’

Jasmine Curtis (MNS photo) Coming from the success of her first independent film “Transit,” Jasmine Curtis is honored that another movie of hers is making waves in the international scene. Curtis’ second independent movie “Puti” has been included in the official selection of the 32nd Brussels International Film Festival in Belgium, which will be held on April 8 to 20. But as much as she wants to attend the international festival, Curtis said she might not make it because of she has to shoot another movie. “Gusto ko sana kaso meron din kaming isang movie na gagawin in that timeframe. It’s still in the works. We are still planning and fixing everything but we’ve already met with Regal and we are hoping we will be shooting at around that date na,” she said. Curtis, however, said all is still good even if she doesn’t make it to Brussels. “Hindi pa namin sigurado if we can push the movie back for a bit and attend the Brussels. But otherwise, okay lang naman if we can’t attend because our director will be there for the film ‘Puti,’” she said. Curtis said she is excited to work on her upcoming project with Regal because she likes doing suspense drama films. But before that, Curtis said she first needs to focus on “Dementia,” her big-screen project with veteran actress Nora Aunor. “We are leaving in a week to go to Batanes and we’ll be filming the entire movie there for two weeks. I’m trying Read More …

Vilma on Angel: Hindi na siya iba sa amin

 Entertainment
Mar 212014
 
Vilma on Angel: Hindi na siya iba sa amin

Vilma Santos and Angel Locsin (MNS Photo) Vilma Santos said it feels good to be able to bond with Angel Locsin again after the latter got back with the veteran actress’s son, Luis Manzano. This after Santos’ family recently had dinner with Locsin. Santos said Locsin used to join them during important family occasions and it’s nice that they can all be together again this time. “Si Angel is hindi na iba sa amin. There was a time na kasama din namin siya nang matagal. Every Christmas and important occasions, kasama namin siya. It was unfortunate na hindi sila nagkasama for a long time but now they are back and nakikita kong masaya naman,” she said. Manzano announced that he and Locsin are officially back together. The two then made waves on social networking sites during the final episode of the game show “Minute To Win It,” where they officially reconciled. Asked how happy she is to see Manzano and Locsin in love, Santos said: “Kapag nanay ka, kapag masaya ang anak mo, doble ang saya ng nanay. Kapag nakikita kong masaya ang anak ko with Angel, ‘di hamak mas doble ang saya ng nanay.” She, however, chose to remain mum on rumors that the two are already planning to settle down. “No comment. Ayaw ko. Sila ang magbibigay ng last say, hindi ako,” she quipped. Meanwhile, Santos was also not able to evade questions involving the alleged rigging in the recently held PMPC Star Awards for Movies. Asked for Read More …

Kia February sales: Optima and Soul lead sales

 Entertainment
Mar 212014
 
Kia February sales: Optima and Soul lead sales

All-new K900 flagship sedan to begin arriving in showrooms soon Car Pros of Kia of Carson General Manager Juan Alarcon at the showroom featuring the popular Kia Optima (right) and the luxurious K900. IRVINE, Calif. – Kia Motors America (KMA) today reported February sales of 41,218 vehicles, led by the U.S.-built Optima midsize sedan and the totally transformed Soul, with 11,226 and 10,584 units sold, respectively. February also saw the continuation of the marketing campaign to introduce the all-new 2015 K9001 flagship sedan as well as the largest showcase of the company’s Clean Mobility program at the Chicago Auto Show with the global debut of the brand’s first-ever electric vehicle for the U.S. market – the Soul EV2 – and the refreshed 2014 Optima Hybrid.  The K900 is scheduled to arrive in select dealer showrooms beginning this month.  Optima Hybrid is on sale now, and the Soul EV will arrive in the fall. The Kia Optima has become Kia’s sales leader, selling more than 150,000 unitsin 2012 and gaining worldwide acclaim for its European-inspired design and fun-to-drive performance. In a segment long known for bland functionality more than emotional appeal, the 2014 Optima cements the model’s status as a trailblazer combining style, substance and value.  Refining the Optima’s sculpted, high-end appearance, Kia’s Frankfurt-based design team focused on the vehicle’s front and rear fascias and the brand’s signature tabbed grille.  The vehicle’s bold stance and aerodynamic shape are further accentuated by updated rear diffusers and a sweeping trunk lid. The all-new 2014 Kia Soul Read More …

Journalists linked to pork scam

 Entertainment
Mar 212014
 
Journalists linked to pork scam

Justice chief says members of media could face raps Presidential Adviser on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Panfilo M. Lacson answers questions from the media in an interview after he delivered his address at a forum in Makati City last January 23. The former senator had refused to accept his pork barrel funds from the start. He said in a privilege speech that the funds had corrupted legislators. Now, even the members of the media are being named as those who received “payolas.” (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – Journalists who allegedly received money from the state-owned National Agribusiness Corp. (NABCOR) as “advertising expenses” may face charges if proven that they actually received “payoffs” involving questionable transactions, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Thursday. The justice chief said that she has yet to read the sworn statements of former NABCOR officials Rhodora Mendoza and Victor Cacal to assess their allegations. De Lima said the matter needs to be looked into because it affects the media profession as a whole. “It concerns public funds, and may kasama kang public officials, then you are part of it, you can be charged with such offenses as direct bribery and malversation of public funds,” she said. She said Atty. Levito Baligod had also pointed out that some of the NABCOR transactions linked to the journalists involve non-government organizations of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles. “Kung mapatunayan na itong media personalities na ito ay tumanggap ng mga pera ng Nabcor o pera ng gobyerno na Read More …

Four Tacloban Lads Rocked Los Angeles

 Entertainment
Mar 212014
 
Four Tacloban Lads Rocked Los Angeles

By Dan E. Nino The REO Brothers pose with Hannah Marte, a beauty contestant to the Miss Binibining Pilipinas USA who became an instant fan of the rising young rockers from Tacloban, Leyte who were badly affected by Typhon Haiyan. – Photo by Rocky Marte  Glendale, CA — Four talented and amazing young lads who formed the REO Brothers Band  from Tacloban, Leyte, rocked Los Angeles when they performed at the Incarnacion Church  Gym last Saturday (March 15) in this suburban city. The three-hour nonstop concert was interrupted only by an intermission of speeches from organizers  and litany of recognition for sponsors and dignitaries in attendance including the mayor of Glendale. About 500 appreciative crowd jampacked  the non-airconditioned gym to listen to popular songs from the Beatles, Bee Gees, Dave Clark 5, Beach Boys, Gary Lewis & The Playboys,  Lettermen; America, The Ventures; VST & Co. and Frank Sinatra-inspired Michael Buble’ songs. I counted 34 songs excluding a medley pop hits. Although they were not yet born when these hit songs became popular  in the 1960s and 1970s, the REO Brothers immersed themselves with these classic  music from their  father’s (Rey Otic) old albums. The REO Brothers of Tacloban, Leyte, themselves victims of Typhoon Haiyan perform at Incarnacion Church gym in Glendale for a fund-raiser. Photo by Rocky Marte The REO Brothers out of four siblings derived their band name from the first letters of their first  names which is “R” and surnames  (Otic). They  formed their band four years Read More …

Boracay’s White Beach one of world’s best

 News
Mar 212014
 
Boracay’s White Beach one of world’s best

Boracay The tourist favorite White Beach in Boracay has been recognized by a popular travel ratings website as one of the best in the world. Named such for its powder-fine white sand, White Beach ranked 19th on TripAdvisor’s list of Top 25 Beaches in the World for 2014. For the list, TripAdvisor took into account insights from millions of the travel ratings site’s users. Topping the list of best beaches in the world is Baia do Sancho in Brazil, followed by Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos, Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico, Rabbit Beach in Italy and Whitehaven Beach in Whitsunday Islands. In TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Beaches in Asia list, White Beach ranked No. 1, beating counterparts in India, Thailand, China and other countries in the region. Other Philippine entries in this list include Secret Lagoon Beach in El Nido, Palawan, which ranked fourth; and Yapak Beach in Boracay, which ranked sixth. In 2012, Boracay was hailed by TripAdvisor as the second beach destination in the world. The post Boracay’s White Beach one of world’s best appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Discovery Shores Boracay cited as one of PHL’s best Discovery Shores scoops major Travel + Leisure Awards Palawan and Boracay named two best islands in the World PHL wins China’s Best Tropics Island Destination award

Pyromusical dinner at Highlands Prime Steakhouse

 General
Mar 212014
 
Pyromusical dinner at Highlands Prime Steakhouse

MANILA, Philippines – Premium steak, a great view of the Manila Bay area and a front row seat at the pyromusical competition finale. Boasting a stunningly clear and unobstructed view of the fantastic and colorful firework show, the Highlands Prime Steakhouse is the perfect place to catch the annual event with family and friends. Located at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, the Highlands Prime Steakhouse is one of the leading steakhouses in the country offering premium quality, value-for-money food and a passion for providing a unique personalized dining experience. Patrons swear by the Highlands Prime Steakhouse’s Signature Prime Rib, perfectly seasoned and patiently cooked in low temperature then grilled to perfection. Apart from the regular best-seller Steak Platter, Highlands Prime Steakhouse currently offers its quarterly special menu where one can feast on limited-edition dishes such as Chateaubriand, Gambaretto Salad, Smoked Salmon Pasta, Seafood Platter and Speculoos Cake. The 2014 Pyromusical Competition’s participating countries USA and the Philippines will compete on the final night on March 22 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: Highlands Prime Steakhouse is located at the 2nd floor North Wing of the Entertainment Mall of the SM Mall of Asia.

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