Guess how long she prepared for the event?
May 212014
May 212014
(Clockwise from top left) LASD Deputy Chris Figueroa and Sgt. Janice Munson of LASD COPS explain how to spot pirated DVDs; LASD and private investigators raided F.L.B. Video Pinoy on Santa Fe Avenue in Long Beach, CA and seized thousands of pirated DVDs; Hundreds of illegally produced ABS-CBN content were confiscated; TFC Balitang America reporter Steve Angeles talks with investigator Kris Buckner; among the seized items were a disc burner and a burner tower that were reproducing ABS-CBN Star Cinema movies; fake DVDs from ABS-CBN lined up the shelves of F.L.B. Video Pinoy. PHOTOS by NMFernandez/ABS-CBN TFC) LONG BEACH, California—The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) and private industry investigators stormed recently into a Filipino store at the Santa Fe Center on Santa Fe Avenue in Long Beach after an investigation found out that the owners were selling and renting out pirated DVDs. A total of 4,500 pirated DVDs with a value of over US$90,000 were confiscated by LASD from F.L.B. Video Pinoy, together with a computer, external hard drives, a disc burner and a burner tower, among others, to duplicate DVDs illegally for rent or for sale at US$10 apiece. A fifth of the seized DVDs were films and TV shows from ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema and TFC. The said center on Santa Fe Avenue is a hub for Filipinos living in the City of Long Beach as it has an oriental supermarket, cargo and money remittance services, and restaurants serving Filipino and Asian food, among others. F.L.B. Video Pinoy, Read More …
May 212014
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO NEWARK, New Jersey—In preparation for the Filipino American community’s Santacruzan festival, the Catholic Action of Mary (CAM) held the Santacruzan Presentation Ball was held on May 10 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel here. CAM proudly presented this year’s Reynas: Reyna Elena – Kirstie Baquiran, Reyna de las Flores — Katrina Macalintal and Reyna del Cielo – Lauren Mercado. Also presented were this year’s Hermanos y Hermanas Mayores : Marina Baisas (in memoriam), Maritess Enriquez, Maris Fandino, Ramona Gapasin, Rolando Lavarro, Rolando Macuja, Rebecca C. Rivera, MD, Linda Rupel, Nida and Oscar Valerio. Among the highlights of the evening of dining and dancing was the Proclamation from City of Jersey City Mayor, Steven Fulop presented by Mayor’s Aide Doug Carlucci, officially declaring Sunday, May 25, 2014 the “Santacruzan & Flores de Mayo Day” in Jersey City. The 36th Santacruzan and Flores De Mayo and Street Fair 2014 is on Sunday, May 25 Santacruzan day proper. CAM in cooperation with PACCAL (Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League 501(c) 3) will be celebrating the “Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo Street Fair 2014” now on its 8th year. It will be an all day event complete with flea market type vendors, food concessions, booths for non-profit organizations, businesses and sponsors and all day games and activities for the children. This year the Street Fair will now be located on Manila Ave. between First St. & Fourth St., Jersey City, NJ (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)expanding to three city blocks. The highlight Read More …
May 212014
PHOTO BY BRIAN PERRY WASHINGTON, D.C.—AARP and AARP Foundation donated more than $1 million in emergency relief funds to support victims devastated by Typhoon Haiyan (also known as Yolanda), one of the largest and strongest storms to make landfall in recorded history. The two organizations matched contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000 and distributed those funds to relief organizations to provide meals, medical care, shelter and other forms of support to those in need, particularly older adults who are disproportionately affected during times of crisis. “AARP members responded to the devastation in the Philippines and Southeast Asia by donating funds to those in need,” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, AARP Foundation President. “We’re proud to partner with relief organizations that are responding to the needs of the most vulnerable people affected by this natural disaster.” “We’re committed to serving the Filipino American community and supporting Filipino Americans who are 50+ with family and friends in the Philippines continuing the long and difficult process of recovery,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Markets and Engagement for Asian American and Pacific Islander Audiences. One hundred percent of all funds raised went to organizations helping the victims of Typhoon Haiyan: HelpAge USA was granted $725,000 to distribute food, water, hygiene kits, and shelter materials and to set up helpdesks to direct seniors to essential services. CARE was granted $200,000 and is partnering with local organizations to provide short-term assistance, such as food distribution, and to work on longer-term recovery efforts. ABS-CBN Foundation International Read More …
May 212014
Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, right, greets Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung during his courtesy call at the Malacanang Presidential Palace in Manila, Philippines Wednesday, May 21, 2014. AP MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines and Vietnam are pushing for stronger action against China’s continued “violation of the international laws” in the disputed waters in Southeast Asia. The two countries, seeking to strengthen ties amid increasing tension in the region caused by a territorial dispute with China, consider Beijing’s provocative actions as a threat to regional peace and security. “With regard to the situation in the East Sea, the President [Benigno Aquino III] and I shared the deep concerns over the current extremely dangerous situation caused by China’s many actions that violate the international law, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and seriously infringe on the waters across our countries,” Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said in a press conference in Malacañang. He said China’s illegal placement of the oil rig and deployment of Chinese vessels into Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone have seriously threatened peace, stability, maritime security and safety, and freedom of navigation in the East Sea. Dung urged the international community to oppose China’s violations and called on other countries to demand China to fully and strictly observe the international law. Aquino, meanwhile, expressed support and commitment to support moves to stop China’s continued intrusion in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). “If an injustice is done to one, is it Read More …
May 212014
From left: Mario Alioto, Senior Vice President of SF Giants presents a check to: Sione Tangen from 600 Hands; Al Perez, President of Filipino American Arts Exposition; Marily Mondejar, President of the Filipina Women’s Network; Lou Seal; Cecile Ascalon; and Deputy Consul General Jaime Ramon Ascalon from the Philippine Consulate. FRANCIS ZAMORA SAN FRANCISCO, California—Filipino Americans sporting blue, yellow, red, as well as orange and black were out in force as the San Francisco Giants hosted Filipino American Heritage Night at AT&T Park on May 12 for the seventh consecutive year. In return, a Filipino American helped the Giants beat the Atlanta Braves to stay in first place. The Giants honored Filipino culture and history by designating two home games as Filipino Heritage Nights (FHN). This year, a local dance company Steps, Styles and Spotlights welcomed Giants fans at Willie Mays Plaza with a suite of festive Philippine folk dances. Additionally, Parangal Dance Company performed a medley of Barrio Fiesta dances – Binasuan, Subli and Tinikling – during the pre-game opening ceremonies at home plate. Parangal Dance Company entertains the Giants fans with their lively and colorful Barrio Fiesta dance suite capped with the exciting Tinikling. VOLTAIRE YAP “Dance and music tell the oral history of Filipino culture,” said Al Perez, president of Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE). “These traditions stand the test of time and can’t be erased by a typhoon or an earthquake. We are proud to partner with the SF Giants to help broaden awareness and deepen Read More …
May 212014
President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday encouraged business leaders from southeast Asian to countries to take advantage of the Philippines’ “economic upswing” and bring in more investments to the country. Aquino also called on the members of the ASEAN Business Club to “expand” their connections and “form stronger relationships” with their Filipino counterparts while in the country for the World Economic Forum on East Asia. “May I invite you then to consider joining us, working with us even more in harvesting the opportunities and potential in our country today?” Aquino said during his speech at the courtesy call of ABC in Malacanang. “With the Philippines on an economic upswing and integration of ASEAN on the horizon, we are poised on the edge of even more meaningful progress, progress that we can realize today in this visit and what I will trust will be many more visits to come,” he said. Aquino cited the country’s high economic growth, credit ratings upgrades, the election of reform-oriented officials, and passage of “politically complex” laws that had long languished in Congress. “No longer are we the sick man in Asia, we are now Asia’s bright spot: a viable destination for investments and tourists,” Aquino said. “The success story of the Philippines thus far is proof positive that with the desire to uplift our fellow men and the dedication to work alongside each other, we can reach greater heights,” he added. — NB, GMA News
May 212014
The Sandiganbayan has allowed a retired police general charged in connection with the 2009 sale of secondhand helicopters to the Philippine National Police to travel abroad. The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division granted retired Police Director Luizo Ticman permission to travel to Australia from May 28 to June 7 to attend the Rotary International Convention, which will be held at Sydney Olympic Park. Ticman is an incumbent Rotary District Governor. Ticman was one of 22 officials charged in connection with the transaction, in which two secondhand Robinson R44 Raven 1 helicopters from Manila Aerospace Products Trading Corporation (MAPTRA) were priced as brand-new and sold to the PNP. The choppers were supplied to MAPTRA by Lionair Inc., supposedly acting on the orders of then-First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo. In its resolution granting Ticman’s motion, the anti-graft court said it allowed Ticman to make the trip since he faithfully complied with the court’s conditions in his earlier travels. During Senate hearings, witnesses testified that Arroyo was the real owner of the secondhand choppers sold as brand new to the PNP. — Patricia Denise Chiu/BM, GMA News
May 212014
Viet leader arrives in PHL to meet PNoy, attend WEF. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung waves during his arrival at the NAIA on Wednesday, May 21, for a working visit to the country. The Vietnamese premier will meet President Benigno Aquino III “to discuss matters of mutual concern, including cooperative activities in defense, tourism, and trade and investment,” Malacañang said. He will also attend the 23rd world Economic Forum on East Asia. Danny Pata Malacañang on Wednesday denied that the Philippines and Vietnam were coming together against China even after both countries experienced what they believe were territorial violations by the giant neighbor in disputed waters of the South China Sea. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda made the remark hours before the scheduled meeting between President Benigno Aquino III and Vietnamiese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. “That’s not the proper context to it. The Prime Minister is also here for the WEF [World Economic Forum],” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press conference. Lacierda did say that the two leaders were expected to talk about “bilateral, economic, and defense cooperation.” Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. on Tuesday said Aquino and Dung are expected to “compare notes” on the two countries’ recent encounters with China in the disputed areas. Dung said China was slandering his country and was committing dangerous violations in disputed waters after it deployed a giant oil rig in an area also claimed by Vietnam. Aquino on Monday said that China defied its declaration with Read More …
May 212014
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 mere scrap of paper. The President likewise defended the three and said he won’t fire them without any proof of wrongdoing. “Mali siguro na may nag-criticize [lang], dapat tanggalin na kaagad. Siguro ang importante: May Read More …