Indonesia president here for state visit

 News
May 222014
 
Indonesia president here for state visit

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, right, walks beside Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the Philippine International Convention Center as part of the World Economic Forum on East Asia in Manila, Philippines on Thursday, May 22, 2014. Yudhoyono is in the country for a state visit, during which he is expected to sign an agreement settling a 20-year-old maritime boundary dispute with the Philippines. AP PHOTO/AARON FAVILA MANILA, Philippines—Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono arrived in the country Thursday for a state visit, during which he is expected to sign an agreement settling a 20-year-old maritime boundary dispute with the Philippines. The outgoing Indonesian leader spent his first day attending the opening plenary session of the World Economic Forum on East Asia. In his speech, he outlined strategies to help achieve equitable progress. “The key challenge in addressing inequity is how to ensure that those at the bottom and middle also enjoy the same, if not more, socioeconomic mobility as those at the top; hence, mobility for all,” he told business and political leaders. “And in this way, it doesn’t matter how many billionaires and millionaires emerge so long as those at the economic bottom also get a ladder to a better life opportunity and progress.” Yudhoyono was optimistic that equitable growth could be achieved, with education as “the best antipoverty weapon.” From the economic forum, he is set to hold an expanded bilateral meeting with President Aquino at 9:40 a.m. Friday before signing agreements with the Philippines an hour later. Read More …

Malaysia PM hands off China feuds

 News
May 222014
 
Malaysia PM hands off China feuds

Agence France-Presse 5:15 am | Friday, May 23rd, 2014 Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak delivers a keynote speech at the 20th International Conference on The Future of Asia in Tokyo, Thursday, May 22, 2014. Najib Razak has distanced himself from escalating maritime disputes in Asia, telling a Japanese newspaper that the territorial conflicts should not jeopardize the “strategic importance” of his country’s ties with China. AP PHOTO/KOJI SASAHARA TOKYO—Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has distanced himself from escalating maritime disputes in Asia, telling a Japanese newspaper that the territorial conflicts should not jeopardize the “strategic importance” of his country’s ties with China. “We must look at the big picture and not define relations with China on a single-issue basis, but look at the broad spectrum of the relations and recognize the strategic importance of our bilateral relationship with China,” Najib told Japan’s Nikkei daily on Thursday. “We do not want [the territorial] issue to be an impediment to the growing ties between Malaysia and China,” the Malaysian premier, who is on a visit to Japan, said in an interview with the business daily. Najib’s comments came as Vietnam and the Philippines—which along with Malaysia are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations—are embroiled in separate rows with China over control of parts of the South China Sea. Tensions remain high in the region after an eruption of deadly anti-China riots in Vietnam over Beijing’s controversial plans to drill for oil in contested waters. Kuala Lumpur and Beijing have their Read More …

Canadian lawmaker cites PH’s ‘impressive’ growth

 News
May 222014
 
Canadian lawmaker cites PH’s ‘impressive’ growth

MANILA, Philippines—Taking a fresh look at the host of the World Economic Forum on East Asia (WEF-EA), a Canadian parliamentarian sees things beyond the corruption scandals now hounding the country and notes how the Philippines has managed to post “impressive” growth over the last decade. North Vancouver Member of Parliament Andrew Saxton, also parliamentary secretary to Canada’s Minister of Finance, believes that the world will maintain its optimism on the Philippines’ business climate. He cited notable progress in the metropolis and conveyed Canada’s interest to boost trade ties with the Philippines amid its record-making economic rise of the last few years. “I’m impressed at how Manila has grown so much. For example, the Fort Bonifacio area didn’t exist the last time I was here. Now you’ve got this massive second metropolis there and I understand it is extremely clean and a wonderful place to visit,” Saxton said. The lawmaker, who is in Manila to attend WEF-EA, spoke to reporters on Wednesday night following remarks on the growth potential of both the Canadian and Philippine economies in an event organized by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. Boracay is favorite beach He remembered traveling to the Philippines during his time working in the financial industry in Southeast Asia from 1994 to 2002; he still considers Boracay his favorite beach destination in the world. “I just think that Manila has grown a lot and has obviously come through the recession. I know that the recession hit the Asian economies hard Read More …

Philippines hopes for early return of democracy in Thailand

 News
May 222014
 
Philippines hopes for early return of democracy in Thailand

By Matikas SantosINQUIRER.net 11:32 pm | Thursday, May 22nd, 2014 DFA spokesman Charles Jose: Concern for Thailand. AP FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines on Thursday expressed hopes for the return of democracy and normalcy in Thailand where the military declared a coup d’etat Thursday afternoon. “The Philippines notes the latest developments in Thailand. In line with previous statements of the Asean Foreign Ministers, the Philippines supports a peaceful resolution of the present situation,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Charles Jose said in a statement. “The Philippines likewise hopes for an early return to normalcy consistent with democratic principles, the rule of law and the will and interest of the Thai people,” the statement added. The Thai military previously declared martial law following almost seven months of political instability that saw former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra removed from office by the Constitutional Court of Thailand on May 7, 2014. Follow Us Other Stories: 3 Koreans found dead in Cebu restaurant For Asian immigrants, mental health issues are an ‘invisible problem’ Local Fil-Am makes good as mayor of Cerritos, California San Francisco’s ’14 drive to place 7,000 youths in jobs launched Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get breaking alerts on your mobile.phone. Text ON INQ BREAKING to 4467, for Globe, Smart and Sun subscribers in the Philippines. Factual errors? Contact the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s day desk. Believe this article violates journalistic ethics? Contact the Read More …

JC on romance with Meg: It’s possible

 Entertainment
May 222014
 
JC on romance with Meg: It’s possible

JC de Vera and Meg Imperial (MNS Photo) Actor JC de Vera is not ruling out the possibility of his on-screen romance with co-star Meg Imperial blossoming behind the cameras. The “Moon of Desire” leading man admitted that if he had the time to date, then anything could happen. “Siguro pag mas lenient na ‘yung time para sa aming dalawa, siguro possible, possible naman siya. Hindi ko lang muna ina-accept ‘yung thought na kailangan magka-developan kami,” he said. De Vera plays a medical doctor named Jeff in the drama series, while Imperial portrays Angel, a woman who suffers from hypertrichosis – a medical condition where she is covered with hair from head to toe. The 28-year-old de Vera said that he and Imperial are still working on their chemistry, noting that this is the first time they have been paired onscreen. “Right now, nag-aano pa rin kami working hard pa rin kami para doon sa chemistry, kasi ‘yun nga since lahat kami bago, lahat ng kasama ko first timers din so alam mo ‘yun, medyo mahirap talaga ‘yung show na ginagawa,” he said. De Vera said his focus remains in his projects, which include a supporting role in the hit primetime series “The Legal Wife.” “Siyempre araw-araw ka rin sa taping so hindi mo rin masasabi na kung kailan ka magkakaroon ng free time pero okay lang, willing ako to work all the way. Buong year sasagarin ko para lang siyempre maka-establish ako ng posisyon dito sa network,” he explained. Read More …

Palace: Admin releasing ‘Napolists’ to protect allies ‘illogical’

 Entertainment
May 222014
 
Palace: Admin releasing ‘Napolists’ to protect allies ‘illogical’

President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the meeting on Yolanda rehabilitation updates at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (May 16, 2014). (MNS photo) MANILA, May 21 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Wednesday branded as “illogical” the allegation that the administration orchestrated the release of several versions of the list of alleged pork scam conspirators in order to protect its allies. “That seems to be an illogical statement. It doesn’t make sense,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press conference. He issued the statement after United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) secretary general and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco said that the appearance of at least three different versions of the list of officials who reportedly transacted with alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles is similar to the “Hello, Garci” cover-up in 2005. Lacierda, however, said it doesn’t make sense that they would release a list that would tag their own allies like Budget Sec. Butch Abad. “Is it something that is logical for someone to say that we are the perpetrators of the release of the list where we placed in that particular list the names of those who are in the Cabinet?” he said. Abad, Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director Joel Villanueva were earlier included on the unsigned Napoles list and affidavit turned over by former Senator Panfilo Lacson to the Senate blue ribbon committee. But the Palace had earlier dismissed the unsigned affidavit as just a Read More …

3 Koreans found dead in Cebu restaurant

 News
May 222014
 
3 Koreans found dead in Cebu restaurant

By Jhunnex NapallacanInquirer Visayas 10:49 pm | Thursday, May 22nd, 2014 CEBU CITY, Philippines—Three Koreans were  found dead on Thursday night inside a Korean restaurant in Bagombayan Uno in Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City.The police had yet to identify the fatalities as investigators were still in the crime scene. Another Korean was found with cuts on both wrists and was brought to a government hospital. It was not known if the wounds were self-inflicted. According to Police Officer 2 Erwin Sinadjan of the Lapu-Lapu police, the Han Gawi was supposed to open at 10 a.m. on Thursday but it remained closed. About 6 p.m., a Korean customer went to the restaurant to eat. When he noticed it was closed, the customer wanted to know why. He and the guard peeped inside the establishment and noticed that there were bloodstains on the floor. The guard immediately called the police, Policemen found the fatalities on the ground floor and the wounded Korean on the second floor. The tables and chairs inside the restaurant were also in disarray. Investigation was still ongoing. Follow Us Other Stories: For Asian immigrants, mental health issues are an ‘invisible problem’ Local Fil-Am makes good as mayor of Cerritos, California San Francisco’s ’14 drive to place 7,000 youths in jobs launched PH should not rely too much on US—Orlando Mercado Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get breaking alerts on your mobile.phone. Text Read More …

8th Historic Filipinotown 5K RUN June 14

 Entertainment
May 222014
 
8th Historic Filipinotown 5K RUN June 14

New route, new challenge By Arturo P. Garcia 5K Run / Walk Festival(photo courtesy of http://historicfilipinotown.org/) Los Angeles – The 8th Historic Filipinotown 5K RUN June 14, 2014 will take a different route after taking the Temple-Hoover Route for eight years. This time, the 8th Historic Filipinotown 5K RUN will take the Bonnie Brae, Beverly to Robinson route and back. It’s a different route but a new challenge Temple-Hoover did not have. It’s the forward slope and the reverse slope back that will test the 5K runner’s stamina and speed. People will remember the same route was taken during the First 5K Run in 2006, The route was from Court Street to Roselake St to 3rd and Commonwealth St. and back. And then in 2007, it was changed to Temple and Hoover until 2013. The event started by the Historic Filipinotown Neighborhood Council (HFNC) in 2006 as a part of the Historic Filipino Town Festival in honor of the designation of Historic Filipinotown district by the Los Angeles City Council in 2002, will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2014. 5K Run, A Filipino Independence Day Run Cecille Ramos, President of HFNC said, “ This is the first time that the HFT 5K Run will be held separately from the annual Historic Filipinotown Festival usually held every August or summer of the year. This time, the 5K run will be held in honor of the 116th Philippine Independence Day celebrated every June 12 every year.” Ramos explained. On June 12, 1898, the Philippine revolutionary Read More …

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