Cardinal Tagle's Easter message prays for ‘true peace’

 News
Apr 192014
 
Cardinal Tagle's Easter message prays for ‘true peace’

As Christians celebrate Easter Sunday, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, in his Easter message, prayed that the “true peace coming from the Risen Christ” would provide the Philippines the opportunity to start a “new life.” “We call on Jesus to breathe the Holy Spirit on the Filipino people so that we may experience a fresh start in our quest for peace especially in the Bangsamoro autonomous region, in communities ravaged by earthquakes, typhoons and armed conflicts, in our fight against corruption, unscrupulousness, human trafficking, new forms of slavery, abuse of children and women, dehumanizing destitution and the wastage of creation, to name a few,” Tagle said. The archbishop noted that peace expresses the hope that the sinner may become whole again, as peace “is a plea to start again.” “We pray, ‘Risen Jesus, enter our locked hearts, homes, offices and institutions and bring us your peace!’” Also, Tagle called on faithful to be ready to be sent on a mission, the way Jesus was sent by the Father. He said Easter is indeed a “missionary event,” transforming otherwise timid and fearful disciples into bold and determined missioners. “I call on all Christians, especially the lay faithful on this Year of the Laity to heed the Risen Lord who sends us to bring His word, peace and hope to all strata of human life and society. If peace and new life are illusive in our time, it is partly because we do not fulfill our mission. So at Easter we Read More …

Lacson: Romualdezes brought ‘hakot’ crowds to anti-govt rallies in Tacloban

 Entertainment
Apr 192014
 
Lacson: Romualdezes brought ‘hakot’ crowds to anti-govt rallies in Tacloban

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) – Rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday accused politicians from Leyte’s Romualdez clan of ferrying paid crowds to rallies in Tacloban City over the past months to protest the government’s response to Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Lacson said Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez provided a “truck bus” to transport residents from an area in Samar not hit by Yolanda to a rally in Tacloban City last February 17. “Obviously, hakot crowd since those people were not victims of the typhoon,” Lacson said. He added that Rep. Romualdez already admitted to him through text that the vehicle indeed came from the congressman. Lacson further said that “vehicles bearing red plates” were also used to ferry protesters in succeeding anti-government rallies in Tacloban. Citing unnamed sources, Lacson said those who agreed to attend the rally were given or promised P500 each. “It’s politics and nothing else… I texted them to convey to them that I’m not dumb not to know what is happening on the ground,” Lacson said. In November last year, Yolanda ripped through central Philippines, leaving Read More …

Sarah Lahbati thankful to be loaned by GMA to TV5 for TV movie

 Entertainment
Apr 192014
 
Sarah Lahbati thankful to be loaned by GMA to TV5 for TV movie

Sarah Lahbati (MNS Photo) Sarah Lahbati insists that she has no idea why boyfriend Richard Gutierrez referred to her as “Ilaw ng Tahanan” in a recent Instagram post. “It’s probably best to ask him. Ewan ko sa kanya bakit may ganun-ganun pa siyang ano,” she said during the recent story conference for “More Than Words”, her upcoming TV movie for Studio 5 Originals. What she is pretty much certain is that their relationship is still going strong, as evidenced by the recent cruise that was documented on camera for “It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez”, the controversial showbiz family’s upcoming reality show for the E! Channel. “Ang haba ng hair ko,” she exclaimed when asked how she feels about Richard’s very public display of affection towards her. “He’s an amazing person. We’re very happy and our relationship is very, very stable”. Although she declined to comment if there are wedding plans in the horizon, the radiant aura and cheerful demeanor of the towering 20-year-old Filipino-Swiss actress is an indication that tying the knot is not yet part of her immediate plans. Getting her career back on track certainly is. After leaving for Switzerland last year in the wake of a much-publicized contract dispute with GMA Artist Center, she came back to the country and has since settled her differences with network executives who welcomed her back with open arms. Last Sunday, she was warmly received in her public appearance on her home network on “Sunday All-Stars” where the studio Read More …

Power supply outlook tight but there’s nothing to worry about, says DOE

 Entertainment
Apr 192014
 
Power supply outlook tight but there’s nothing to worry about, says DOE

Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla (2nd right) led the launching of the pilot demonstration on the use of 4% esterified waste vegetable oil as alternative transport fuel in partnership with Jollibee Foods Corporation, SeaOil and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Also in photo (from right) are PCIERD division chief Engr. Albert G.Marino; Rolf Anderson, chief of USAID’s Office of Environment Energy and Climate Change; Jollibee Foods Corporation VP John Victor Tence; and Seaoil Philippines president and CEO Francis Glenn Yu. Inset photo shows Sec. Petilla shaking hands with Mr. Anderson after his speech on Tuesday (March 5, 2013) at the Seda Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Combined efforts have been put in place to ensure that the country will not suffer, especially during the tight power supply in the summer months, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla said the government continues to encourage the private sector to engage in the power sector because “the only way that prices can stabilize is if we have a little bit of oversupply.” “We cannot have plenty of oversupply because no one would put up a power plant anymore. A little bit of oversupply or ample supply is what we need,” he said. Measures for the summer months alone include asking some power plants to postpone a bit their scheduled maintenance shutdown, for power plants to contract their supply instead of getting their supply from the wholesale electricity Read More …

‘T L C’ (Temptation Lamb Chops)

 General
Apr 192014
 
‘T L C’ (Temptation Lamb Chops)

That’s me with Mike Enriquez and Fr. Jerry Orbos at the Temptation Restaurant in Jericho where you can find the best lamb chops in the world! Ito nama’y sa ganang akin at sa gana nang kainin! From left: A Man of the Cough (‘Ehem, excuse me po!’), A Man of the Cloth and A Man of the Loin Cloth (Starzan eh!). Nang sa Terra Sancta o Holy Land nagtungo Nung ikalawang linggo ng buwan ng Marso At nang kami’y nananghalian sa Jericho, Nakita si Father Orbos at kanyang grupo. Sa isang kainan na tigilan ng tao Entertainment ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Na mga manlalakbay nagkikita dito — The Temptation Restaurant ang pangalan nito At sa Mountain of Temptation malapit ito. At kami ni Mike Enriquez na kasama ko, Nagpalitan ng pagbati at mga kwento, Nasabi nga naming akalain ba n’yo Na sa dami ng lugar nagkita pa dito. Katatapos lang kumain ng aming grupo At sina Father Jerry dumating na bago, At sa kanya rin ay masayang naikwento — Pinaka-THE BEST na LAMB CHOPS nakain dito! At kami ay nagulat sa sinagot nito — Na kaya nga rin sila tumitigil dito Sa tuwing daraan sa panig ng Jericho Ay dahil sa Lamb Chops na kanyang gustong-gusto! He, he, he… o di ngayon nakita rin ninyo — Kaming lahat mga pangkaraniwang tao, Sa Banal na Paglalakbay na tulad nito, Busog sa Lamb of God… at Lamb Chops sigurado! Iisipin n’yo bang dito pa sa Jericho Itong si Read More …

Villar water utility firm to ink Zambo ecozone deal

 Economy
Apr 192014
 
Villar water utility firm to ink Zambo ecozone deal

MANILA, Philippines – Villar-owned Prime Water Infrastructure Corp. is set to sign a deal with the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (Zamboecozone) and Freeport for the supply of water and water treatment services in the ecozone. In a statement, Zamboecozone said the agreement, which would be signed by former Sen. Manuel Villar and Zamboecozone chairperson and administrator Christopher Lawrence Arnuco tomorrow, covers the construction and management of a water treatment facility and bulk water supply project with an investment of over P742 million. Under the deal, Prime Water would treat and supply 50,000 cubic meters a day of water to the Zamboanga City Water District for distribution to the residents in the city’s west coast, particularly in the Ayala district, as well as 15,000 cubic meters per day of water to the Zamboecozone and Freeport. The deal likewise covers forest protection in the ecozone. The construction work is expected to start by July and would be completed within a year. “It is expected to generate hundreds of jobs for the residents in the area during its construction phase, and an average 15 committed employment every year of its 30-year project life,” Zamboecozone said. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 The deal is expected to generate employment and attract investments to the ecozone. The Zamboecozone and Freeport, which covers about 16,000 hectares, hosts 15 companies with total committed investments worth P10 billion. Firms which invest in the economic zone could enjoy income tax holidays, duty-free importation of Read More …

SEC reminds companies on financial reporting

 Economy
Apr 192014
 
SEC reminds companies on financial reporting

MANILA, Philippines – The country’s corporate watchdog has reminded companies to comply with the strict rules on financial reporting obligations. In a public notice, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said the board of directors and management of registered corporations are required to strictly observe their responsibilities over the preparation and submission of their annual financial statements. “The Commission firmly believes that it has set sufficient regulations and has actively conducted administrative actions towards a change in the old culture in financial reporting that incorrectly allowed external auditors to prepare and review the financial statements at the same time,” said SEC chairperson Teresita J. Herbosa. Corporations and external auditors must strictly observe their respective responsibilities over financial statements, Herbosa said, adding that appropriate penalties will be imposed on erring entities. Listed firms are required to submit quarterly and annual financial reports to the SEC and the Philippine Stock Exchange. Under the Securities Regulation Code, companies’ financial statements are primarily the responsibility of their respective management. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 “The board of directors reviews and approves the financial statements before these are submitted to the stockholders,” SEC said. SEC said that during the independent examination of the financial statements, the management should provide the external auditor with the complete set of financial statements. “In order to have an independent review of the financial statements prepared by the management, the external auditor must not create a template format of financial statements for mere accomplishment by the Read More …

Kuok property unit breaches P2-B profit mark in 2013

 Economy
Apr 192014
 
Kuok property unit breaches P2-B profit mark in 2013

MANILA, Philippines – The local property unit of Malaysia’s Kuok Group breached the P2-billion net income level last year on the back of higher sales from its upscale condominium projects. In a regulatory filing, Shang Properties Inc. said its consolidated net income hit P2.01 billion, up 22 percent from P1.64 billion in 2012. “The group’s gross revenue increased by 27.8 percent to P6.9 billion in 2013 from P5.4 billion mainly due to higher revenue from the sale of condominium units and higher rental income from mall and office leasing operations,” Shang Properties said. In particular, revenues from condominium projects jumped 46 percent to P3.93 billion from P2.69 billion due to higher sales recognized from One Shangri-La Place and Shang Salcedo Place projects. The 64-story Shang Salcedo Place is located on a 3,045-square meter (sqm) lot in Makati’s Salcedo Village. Estimated to cost around P5 billion, the project offers a total of 778 units, targeted for turnover to residents by 2015. One Shangri-La Place, the company’s largest development to date, is targeted for completion this year. It is composed of twin skyscrapers housing 1,304 units above the six-level Shangri-La mall expansion. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 “Shangri-La Plaza’s growth of P343 million was mainly due to the revenue generated by the newly opened East Wing Mall and rental escalation of the existing mall,” the company said. The office leasing operations at The Enterprise Center in Makati picked up 20 percent to P803.8 million on the back of Read More …

San Miguel set to start work on Boracay airport

 Economy
Apr 192014
 
San Miguel set to start work on Boracay airport

MANILA, Philippines – Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) will start work on the Boracay airport within the first half of the year to allow the country’s seventh busiest airport to accommodate larger aircraft amid the growing number of tourists to the world-renowned beach island. In its disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, SMC said the extension of the runway of the Boracay airport, also known as Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, is on schedule as preparatory work at the site are ongoing. The company said construction is targeted to start within the first half and preparatory work for the new terminal is scheduled to proceed in the fourth quarter of the year. “Once the project is complete by 2016, the Boracay airport will be able to accommodate larger aircraft, boosting tourism not just to the country’s top tourist destination, but also to the rest of the Visayas region,” SMC said. Data showed that tourist arrivals in Boracay Island in Aklan jumped 13 percent to 1.363 million last year from 1.206 million in 2012. SMC has a 99.72 percent interest in Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp. (TADHC) that holds a 25-year concession to operate the Boracay airport. It holds the exclusive rights, obligations and privileges to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the airport by virtue of a concession agreement with the DOTC and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 TADHC is currently overseeing the modernization of the airport. Long-term Read More …

FEU expands into secondary education

 Economy
Apr 192014
 
FEU expands into secondary education

MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern University (FEU) of the Montinola family is expanding into secondary education. In a disclosure, the listed educational institution said its board of trustees authorized the formation and incorporation of subsidiary FEU High School Inc. FEU High School “will offer and conduct enhanced basic education programs and authorizes the said subsidiary to use the term FEU in its corporate and brand names,” the company said. The new subsidiary will have an authorized capital stock of P40 million, divided into 400,000 shares with a par value of P100 apiece. Its incorporators were Michael M. Alba, Juan Miguel R. Montinola, Paulino Y. Tan, Aurelio R. Montinola III and Glenn Z. Nagal. “The board approved the subscription of the corporation of 99,995 shares in FEU High School with the par value of P100 per share, and of which P2.49 million will be paid,” FEU said. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 The government is already implementing the K to 12 program, which is composed of kindergarten and 12 years of elementary and secondary education. The additional two years in high school will serve as specialization period for high school students whether in vocational skills, music, arts or sports. FEU, founded in 1928, is a private non-sectarian institution composed of different institutes that offer specific courses. These institutes are the Institute of Arts and Sciences; the Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance; the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management; Institute of Education; the Institute of Architecture and Read More …

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