March 2014 – Page 17

Iglesia ni Cristo opens housing, livelihood projects in Yolanda-hit Leyte

News

Mar 162014

Iglesia ni Cristo opens housing, livelihood projects in Yolanda-hit Leyte

As it joined in efforts for the rehabilitation of Yolanda-stricken province of Leyte, the Iglesia Ni Cristo inaugurated last Friday its Eco-farming Facility and Resettlement Area in Sitio New Era, Barangay Langit in Alang-alang town. According to INC’s events spokesman, the projects site is located 18 kilometers from Tacloban City, which was considered “ground zero” of huge storm surges spawned by super Typhoon Yolanda, the strongest cyclone ever to hit land in recorded history. A total of 1,000 housing units will soon rise in the 3,000-hectare property for the project, the INC said, adding 100 units have already been completed. Also, the INC said the garments and dried fish factories are yet to be constructed within the property. However, it said the housing project is exclusively for INC members only, but the livelihoodprojects will eventually be open to non-members. “If and when we need more workers and INC members cannot fill up the need, we might hire non-members,” said Bro. Edwil Zabala, the events’ spokesperson. He said a variety of plants, rice, vegetables, cultured mushrooms, fruit-bearing trees and other crops will be cultivated for the Eco-Farming project. INC’s executive minister Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo led the ribbon-cutting for the project at the launching event that was attended by INC brethren from different provinces in the Eastern Visayas. Relief operation, and medical and dental mission followed at the Leyte National High School in Tacloban City. Record-breaking charity walk Almost a month ago, the INC made news for it’s record-breaking Worldwide Walk Read More …

Bill seeks random drug testing for govt license applicants, students, public officials

General

Mar 162014

Bill seeks random drug testing for govt license applicants, students, public officials

Two lawmakers are pushing random, instead of mandatory drug tests, for public officials, high school and college students, and applicants for firearms and driver’s licenses. Reps. Rufus Rodriguez and Maximo Rodriguez Jr. have filed a bill seeking to amend Section 36 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 requiring mandatory drug testing. Under the proposal, random drug tests will also be done on officers and employees of public and private offices, whether domestic or overseas, officers and members of the military, police and other law-enforcement agencies. Also included in the tests are people charged for criminal offenses punishable with imprisonment of six years, and candidates for public office whether appointed or elected. Based on the latest data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), less than 1 percent of the 14 million people who underwent mandatory drug testing in various accredited laboratories in the country tested positive for drugs. “The finding, however, does not mean that trafficking and use of dangerous drugs have been successfully abated,” the lawmakers said. They said the bill aims to achieve a balance in the national drug control program so that people with legitimate medical needs are not prevented from being treated with adequate amounts of appropriate medications, which include the use of regulated drugs. Last February, the proposal to impose severe punishments, including the death penalty, on foreign nationals convicted of smuggling illegal drugs to the Philippines was approved by the House committee on dangerous drugs (House Bill 1213) Read More …

Yeng Constantino engaged to boyfriend

Entertainment

Mar 152014

Yeng Constantino and Victor Asuncion (MNS Photo) Singer Yeng Constantino announced on her Instagram account that she’s engaged to boyfriend Victor Asuncion. The 24-year-old Constantino posted a photo of two holding hands, with the top hand wearing a ring. In the accompanying caption, Constantino wrote, “I said Yes.” Asuncion, a worship director at a Christian church in Greenhills, San Juan City, is Constantino’s first boyfriend. They became a couple on June 18, 2013. In an interview last year, Constantino told reporters that he met Asuncion through a common friend. After hanging out a number of times, they eventually became good friends. However, she said there was a long period of time they did not get to see each other. But when Constantino and Asuncion met again, the latter went on to court the singer. The singer’s engagement photo has attracted over 10,500 likes on the popular image-sharing service. (MNS)

Malacañang committed to go after housing scam perpetrators

Entertainment

Mar 152014

Malacañang committed to go after housing scam perpetrators

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) chairman and chief executive officer Tony Tan Caktiong, JFC chief operating officer Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Philippines president Joseph Tanbuntiong and KSA franchisee partner Faisal Al-Turki presented to President Benigno S. Aquino III a Jollibee Global Map highlighting the 100th Store in Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the Jollibee’s Twin Milestone Celebration at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 11). (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Palace said it is committed to prosecuting those involved in the multibillion-peso housing scam allegedly perpetrated by detained businessman Delfin Lee during the previous administration. I certainly know that this government is committed to prosecuting those involved in the housing scam. Let us know who this person is baka puwede pang isama sa kaso,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday. With regards to the planned inquiry of the House of Representative on the housing scam and the possible participation of some officials from the previous administration, Lacierda said it’s up to the House leadership to conduct the investigation. “It’s within their jurisdiction to choose, if they choose to do so. I remember there was already a Senate investigation on the housing issue. If the House would prefer to also conduct their own investigation, of course, it is their prerogative to do so.” The House’s majority bloc received an authority to conduct a probe on the multibillion-peso housing scam. Lee is the owner of Globe Asiatique Holdings Inc., which allegedly used Read More …

PNP remains focus, steadfast in accomplishing mission

Entertainment

Mar 152014

PNP remains focus, steadfast in accomplishing mission

Police Deputy Director General Ager P Ontog Jr, Deputy Chief PNP for Operation/ Commander National Task Force SAFE 2013 gives out guidance regarding the deployment of PNP personnel in the field especially in areas vulnerable to attacks of lawless elements in response to the call for Secure and Fair Election (SAFE 2013). MANILA (Mabuhay) – Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Alan Purisima on Thursday assured that the 145,000-strong organization remained focus and steadfast in accomplishing its mission amid controversies hounding the organization. At a press conference, Purisima said the PNP will not be dissuade by controversies that sometime overshadowed the accomplishment of the organization. In fact, the chief PNP said that the morale of the PNP remains high. ”In spite of the recent controversies affecting the PNP that has somehow ‘distracted’ public attention from our continuing transformation and reforms, we are undertaking to raise the level of our competencies to better serve the people as operationalized by our intensified campaigns against organized crime, illegal drugs, loose firearms, and wanted persons. Our operating units maintained their strategic focus according to our action priorities and accomplished the mission, nonetheless,” said Purisima. ”At any rate, morale remains high within the ranks because of all these commendable accomplishments and we also stand steadfast and strong for the people we serve and protect,” he added. Purisima cited the controversy now surrounding the arrest of real estate magnate Delfin Lee, whose camp is using his supposed delisting from the PNP’s List of Most Wanted as Read More …

MC Hair Care

Entertainment

Mar 152014

2014 TV Campaign of MC Hair Care- a product of Colina Salon Inc in Long Beach California owned by Celebrity Hair and Make-up Artist Marlou Colina. MC Hair Care is now available @ Colina Salon Long Beach and Rancho Cucamonga or visit web www.colinasaloninc.com or www.mchaircare.com Colina Salon Inc www.colinasaloninc.com Facebook: Colina Salon Inc Instagram: Marlou Colina Twitter: Marlou Colina Credits: Model: Reeden Ocampo Executive Producer: Marlou Colina Video and Edit: Scenematiq Web: www.scenematiq.com www.jonpaguio.com Directed by: Jon Paguio Production Assistant: Kristine Revilla-Paguio Hair: Mhar Cabradilla and Erick Caguioa Make-up: Marlou Colina Courtesy of Youtube Marlou Colina : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-TztHJbJgE&feature=youtu.be

Cambodian New Year’s Parade

Entertainment

Mar 152014

Sunday, April 6, 2014 10 am – 12 pm Cambodian Town Anaheim Street (Starts on Junipero Ave, Ends at Warren Ave) Long Beach, CA Free and open to the public. Website: www.cam-cc.org/drupal/node/210 Cambodian New Year Parade (photo courtesy of www.cam-cc.org) Cambodian New Year Parade Objectives: 1. Highlight Cambodian Culture 2. Focus on the Community and businesses on the Anaheim Corridor 3. Spotlight on “Cambodia Town”, the largest Cambodian Community outside Cambodia 4. Improve community relationships among people of different backgrounds 5. End the isolation and begin the participation of Cambodian-Americans in mainstream events 6. Show unity in Cambodian community Sponsored by the Cambodian Coordinating Council.

Half-Filipino & Half-Indian Puneet Prasad declared Mr. South Asia 2014

Entertainment

Mar 152014

Half-Filipino & Half-Indian Puneet Prasad declared Mr. South Asia 2014

Reena Rai Miss South Asia 2014 with past winner Husna Momand (Photo by Teofie S. Decierdo at VTM Photography) California, USA: Filled with glitz and glamour, Reena Rai was crowned Miss South Asia 2014 and Puneet Prasad was announced Mr. South Asia 2014. Over 450 people packed the ballroom to see Spirit Of India’s 22nd annual pageant held on March 8 in Milpitas, California. Beauty queen Rima Fakih, the first Muslim-American to win Miss USA 2010, was revealed as South Asia Magazine’s cover girl on the red carpet. The pageant was presented by Gill AutoGroup.com and L.A. Tan in association with co-presenters included Wells Fargo, South Asia Magazine, OrgaNick Life and Royal Challenge. Bollywood director Rahul Rawail traveled from Mumbai exclusively for Mr. & Miss South Asia 2014 pageant, looking for fresh faces for his upcoming film, “Love Story Again.” “We are in search of our two male leads and our second lead actress. I’m enjoying the pageant and see a lot of talent here. i don’t care if the new faces don’t have acting experience, as I am looking for those that fit the mid-twenties characters,” declared Rahul Rawail. The newly crowned Miss South Asia 2014 Reena Rai and Mr. South Asia Puneet Prasad are hopeful to grab a role in Rahul Rawail’s ‘Love Story Again’, as they get special auditions with the legendary Bollywood director. Punjabi medical student Reena Rai is also pursuing a career in modeling and acting. For talent, Reena performed an urban freestyle dance to a Read More …

Jewelry makers eye 20% revenue hike

General

Mar 152014

MANILA, Philippines – Jewelry makers are projecting a 20 percent increase in revenues this year as they cater to demand for both gold and silver jewelry in the local market. Meycauayan Jewelry Industry Association Inc. chairman Cecille Ramos said in a statement from the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. many local jewelry makers are focusing on the domestic market. This, as local demand is seen to be on the rise. Demand from export markets likewise remains weak. “(Export) orders we receive are not that much. The economies of Europe and United States just recovered slightly,” Ramos said. She noted that a bulk or 90 percent of the revenues now come from the local market, while the balance is accounted for by exports. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Data from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Export Trade Promotion showed that Philippine exports of fine jewelry and scrap gold declined by 27 percent to $65.87 million in January to November 2013 compared to the $90.29 million in the same period in 2012. To take advantage of the strong market opportunities, Ramos said industry players are upgrading their capacities and technology.

SSS revenues rise 6% to P38 B in 2013 on higher contributions

Economy

Mar 152014

SSS revenues rise 6% to P38 B in 2013 on higher contributions

MANILA, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) registered a six percent rise in revenues in 2013 on higher contributions from members and steady investment earnings. In a statement, the state pension fund said net revenues reached P38.3 billion last year as member contributions breached the P100-billion level. Contribution collections amounted to P103.1 billion, up nine percent from P94.2 billion in 2012. “The increase in collections was bolstered by ongoing campaigns to promote the value of active SSS membership, improved monitoring of employer compliance and intensified coverage drives spanning a wide range of sectors, including the hard-to-reach informal sector and overseas Filipino workers,” said May Catherine Ciriaco, SSS vice president of management services and planning. Total revenues stood at P137.4 billion in 2013, up seven percent from P128.1 billion in 2012. About 75 percent of the total came from contributions. Operating expenses declined one percent to P7.6 billion, which represented 57 percent of the allowed charter limit. This was a result of measures taken by management to maximize SSS resources and promote system-wide prudent spending. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Benefit payments, which account for 92 percent of total expenditures, went up nine percent to P91.4 billion. SSS continued its regular monitoring of pension releases thru the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP), a program that protects the fund from fraudulent claims by requiring pensioners to present themselves to SSS or to their depository bank on the member’s birth month to prove their continued eligibility for pension. Read More …

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