Jun 192014
 
Aboitiz Power buys into Batangas ecozone distributor

MANILA, Philippines – Aboitiz Power Corp., the power generation arm of the Aboitiz Group, has bought into Lima Utilities Corp. (LVC)  an electricity distribution utility operating inside the Lima Technology Center in Batangas. In its disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Aboitiz Power said the acquisition is part of the company’s move to expand its EnerZone brand. “The acquisition of the shares in Lima Utilities Corp.’s is in line with Aboitiz Power Corp. strategy of expanding its EnerZone brand,” the company said. Aboitiz has in its portfolio the Subic EnerZone Corp. (SEZ), which is an electric distribution utility managing the power distribution system of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. SEZ commenced commercial operations in October 2003. In its disclosure, Aboitiz Power said it acquired eight million shares in LUC from Lima Land Inc. “The agreed enterprise value of LUC was derived by utilizing the commonly used valuation methods: discounted cash flows method and transaction and trading multiples analyses,” Aboitiz Power said. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1  “The seller, Lima Land, Inc. is 100-percent owned by Aboitiz Land Inc. (AboitizLand). AboitizLand is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., the parent company of Aboitiz Power Corp.,” Aboitiz Power also said in its disclosure. Lima Land used to be owned by the Alcantara Group and Marubeni Corp. of Japan but AboitizLand bought the company last year. Lima Land is the owner and operator of the 485-hectare Lima Technology Center, an industrial park registered with the Philippine Read More …

Jun 192014
 
Micro-implant could revolutionize cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment

A micro-implant designed to monitor eye health could help those with a risk for glaucoma. ©Jacek Bieniek/shutterstock.com (Relaxnews) – An innovative high tech information center for the eye is in the works, and it’s not Google Glass. Engineers at the University of Washington have designed a pressure sensor to detect conditions in the eyes that could lead to glaucoma. The low-pressure sensor is a micro-chip that attaches to a surgically implanted, artificial lens. The sensor provides instantaneous pressure tracking, transmitted wirelessly using radio waves. A thin circular antenna in the lens, roughly the same circumference of the iris, powers the sensor, which communicates with a nearby receiver should a change in pressure occur. According to researchers, cataract surgery is the right moment for implantation. “The implementation of the monitoring device has to be well-suited clinically and must be designed to be simple and reliable,” says Tueng Shen, a collaborator and UW professor of ophthalmology. “We want every surgeon who does cataract surgeries to be able to use this.” Cataract surgery often involves replacing a malfunctioning natural optic lens with an artificial one. Adding the pressure sensor to the artificial lens could save the patient from future operations, according to researchers. “No one has ever put electronics inside the lens of the eye, so this is a little more radical,” said Karl Böhringer, a UW professor of electrical engineering and of bioengineering. “We have shown this is possible in principle. If you can fit this sensor device into an intraocular lens Read More …

Jun 192014
 
Subaru reports best-ever May sales

30 consecutive months with year-over-year growth Best month ever for Forester, WRX/STI Best May ever for Outback Third consecutive month that Subaru brand sales exceed 40,000 sales Forester now marks ten consecutive months of more than 10,000 sales The 2015 Subaru Outback ® The Outback has always gotten you over rocks, down dusty trails, and across streams. But there’s never been an Outback like this. Purposely designed, it starts with a sophisticated interior and the most advanced safety features. And with go-anywhere capability, it will get to all the places that have always been in your mind. The all-new 2015 Subaru Outback goes far beyond the ordinary SUV. (http://www.subaruofglendale.net/) Cherry Hill, N.J. –  Subaru of America, Inc. today reported 44,170 vehicle sales for May 2014, a 11 percent increase over May 2013 sales of 39,892 and the best-ever May sales month in company history. Year-to-date sales for Subaru total 196,641 – a 19 percent increase over the same period in 2013. The company has now seen 30 consecutive months of year-over-year growth and is already on its way to its sixth successive annual sales record. Year-to-date, the Forester model increased sales 51 percent over the same period in 2013.Sales of the small crossover, XV Crosstrek were also notably strong with 28,331 vehicles reported sold year-to-date. “With very positive press reaction to the all-new Legacy and Outback models we expect even stronger demand as we enter the summer months and we remain on track for another record year.” said Thomas J. Doll, Read More …

Jun 192014
 
Paul Soriano talks about plans of marrying Toni

Paul Soriano and Toni Gonzaga (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) -– If Toni Gonzaga has already prepared their wedding song, Paul Soriano is already thinking about their honeymoon. “The honeymoon, baka ready na. I think it’s something that we both want to do because we’ve never really done that. Once the wedding day comes, the travelling will be plenty,” Soriano said. According to Soriano, he was actually surprised when Gonzaga said in a press conference that she has already taken care of the song when they tie the knot. “That’s great. That’s actually a surprise for me. I didn’t know that. It’s good to know that she’s thinking ahead. We are getting there real soon, so exciting,” Soriano said. Asked when he plans to settle down with the TV host, he said, “Definitely [malapit na]. I’m finishing up a lot of stuff now and I think when these films that I’m producing — I’m also going to be directing a film this year — when it all settles, I think there’s going to be a lot of time to start planning for the rest of my life. I’m excited about that.” Soriano said he is just waiting for “really, really clear signs” from Gonzaga before he decides to finally propose to the “Pinoy Big Brother” host. “I know she’s very busy. Of course, ‘PBB’ just came out. She’s got her sitcom. She just came off a box-office hit movie. I know there are a couple of things that she wants to Read More …

Jun 192014
 
PNoy, Abe ‘likely’ to discuss China row

TOKYO, Japan – President Benigno S. Aquino III along with fellow regional leaders attends the luncheon meeting hosted by Keidanren and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Golden Room of the Keidanren Kaikan on Saturday (December) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit, the culminating event to a full year of activities commemorating 40 years of ASEAN-Japan relations. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Philippine President Benigno Aquino will visit Japan next week, with rows over China’s territorial ambitions likely on the agenda, his office said Wednesday. Aquino will meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the one-day trip on June 24, in another move to deepen ties as the two nations have endured increasingly hostile disputes with China over rival maritime territorial claims. The tensions will “likely” be a topic of discussion when the leaders meet, Aquino’s spokeswoman, Abigail Valte, said, although she did not want to give further details until an official agenda was determined. In a statement announcing the trip on Tuesday evening, the Philippine foreign ministry also indicated the China tensions would be discussed, while referring to a “strategic partnership” between the two nations. “The meeting is an opportunity for the two leaders to exchange views on recent regional developments and to discuss areas of cooperation to enhance the Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership,” the statement said. Aquino will also deliver a speech on the Philippine government’s efforts to end a decades-long Islamic insurgency in the south of the country, as it seeks Read More …

Jun 192014
 
Binay: Vote for Vigan in New 7 Wonders poll

CAPITOL HILL MEETING. Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, accompanied by Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., Rep. Abigail Binay-Campos and Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay discuss bilateral issues with Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin, Chair of the Sub-Committee on East Asia and Pacific Affairs of the United States Senate, during a meeting in Washington, D.C. on Thursday. (Philippine Embassy Photo by Ariel Penaranda) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Vice President Jejomar Binay is urging the public to vote for Vigan as one of the New 7 Wonders Cities of the World. The campaign recognizes places that “best represent the achievements and aspirations of our global urban civilization.” “Vigan reflects our country’s rich culture and history. As Filipinos proud of our own heritage, let us help make Vigan our very own world wonder,” urged Binay. Being the lone Philippine city in the list of nominees, Binay hopes that by being included in the New 7 Wonders, “Vigan will be able to attract more local and foreign visitors, and inspire appreciation of our heritage.” “This is an opportunity for us to showcase the beauty of our country, and motivate others to protect and preserve their cultural legacy so future generations will be able to appreciate and cherish it,” the Vice President said. Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was dubbed as the “best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia,” joins 27 other finalists in the New7Wonders Cities campaign. The other finalists are: Athens, Greece; Bangkok, Thailand; Barcelona, Spain; Beirut, Lebanon; Casablanca, Read More …

Jun 192014
 
Envoy recognizes US in PHL Embassy Independence Day rites

Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. hands out a plaque of appreciate to Filipino-American artist Apl.de.ap. WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Philippines marked the 116thanniversary of the proclamation of its independence in Washington, D.C. by paying tribute to the United States and the American people for extending a helping hand in the immediate aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. “Typhoon Haiyan took many lives and left a trail of incomprehensible destruction, but it did not defeat the Filipino spirit. Very much like our courageous ancestors who made great sacrifice to witness that day in 1898 when the Philippine flag was raised, our people have begun the difficult task of recovery and rehabilitation,” Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said in his Independence Daymessage at the Kennedy Center. “As our government and people buckle down to this task, we are uplifted by the support and generosity of our friends: from the US government, which has committed more than US$ 86 million for Haiyan related efforts, to US businesses and NGOs, who have pledged approximately $60 million,” he said. “We are particularly touched by the many American men, women and even children, as well as our kababayans in the US, who have reached out to us to donate their resources, time and energies,” Ambassador Cuisia added. Two people who donated their resources and energy towards recovery in typhoon-affected areas were honored that evening – the armless pilot Jessica Cox and performer Allan Pineda Lindo, more popularly known as apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas. The Embassy of the Philippines presented Cox with Read More …

Jun 182014
 
Jomari Yllana on Aiko Melendez: I’ll leave it to fate

Jomari Yllana and Aiko Melendez (MNS Photo) ACTOR Jomari Yllana said he is leaving everything to fate whether or not he and estranged wife Aiko Melendez would be end up together again. After their separation in 2003, the ex-couple stayed friends and is present in each other’s lives for the sake of their only son, Andrei. In a recent interview with Yllana, the actor said he values Melendez’s support and still treats them as his family. They attend family gatherings and celebrate special occasions together. “Pag sinabi mo na support ni Aiko, kasama yung support ng dalawang bata. Sa kanya nakasilong ‘yan and hindi ‘yan gagalaw ng wala siya. I look at them as my family kahit ako yung hiwalay sa kanila,” he said. When asked if there is a chance to rekindle the romance, especially now that they are both single, Yllana said he is not thinking about it and will just leave everything to fate and God. “Ang dali-daling hawakan, kagatin or kunin (yung opportunity na magkabalikan), pero pag pumalpak kami ulit, masasaktan yung mga bata. Isang mali lang masasaktan ulit yung bagets. Siya ‘yung pinakanasaktan dati and hindi naman kami. So, if we f_ _ _ed up once, I’m not going to allow it again,” he said. Yllana said both of them are doing okay and close to each other. “Steady lang, ganyan lang kami. Nagkakaintindihan bilang kilalang kilala na namin yung isa’t isa. Wala siyang bago and ako ganun din.” He even treats Marthena (Melendez’s daughter Read More …

Jun 182014
 
Career guidance helps solve job-skill mismatch -TESDA

General Manager Sheryll F. Tiburcio of JobsDB Philippines, says that about 10,000 jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry are available at any given time. And more than 100,000 jobseekers are actively pursuing these jobs in the travel and tourism industry with more than 50% or over 50,000 of this figure are those who just graduated from college and university, during the Trabaho para sa Turismo Jobfair at Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia on Wednesday (September 4, 2013). (MNS photo) MANILA, June 18 (Mabuhay) – The right choice for a course could help spell the success or failure of one’s career. In stepping up its career guidance program, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) wants to ensure that technical vocational education (tech-voc) graduates enjoy the fruit of their education when they plunge into the real world. Job-skill mismatch is also addressed when the country has a pool of graduates who took up courses that can easily pave the way for decent jobs. “Career decisions should be based on the interests of the child and the aspirations of the parents, knowledge of the child’s potentials, up-to-date information of the labor market, and the education and training environment,” Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA Director General, said. “When all of these come into convergence, wiser decisions are made on career choices,” he added. As member of the working group of Career Guidance Advocacy Program (CGAP) and the lead agency for the Career Ambassadors Program Component, TESDA recently conducted a training program Read More …

Jun 182014
 
Christine Love joins other Fil-Am talents to national anthem in major league

Former Aliw Awardee wows crowd at Dodgers Filipino Heritage Night Christine Love is the latest Filipino-American to have shared their talent at a major league game. In 2012, our very own Becca Godinez also sang Star Spangled Banner in a Dodgers Filipino Heritage Night in 2012 while another Fil-Am, Krystle Cruz, sang “God Bless America” in the 7th inning of a Dodgers game in 2011. Michelle Martinez, a Bay-Area based pop/R&B artist sang the National Anthem at Dodgers Filipino Heritage Night when the Dodgers met the St. Louis Cardinals. The 5th Annual Los Angeles Dodgers Filipino Heritage Night was held last Friday, June 13, at the Dodger Stadium with nearly 40,000 people in attendance. Christine Love sang the National Anthem and received a thunderous roar and applause after her performance. Christine Love is a Filipina female soul/R&B singer who has received two Awards – Best New Female Artist award on 2009 and Best Female Performer in Hotels, Music Lounges, Bars award on 2010. Her selection to be the Filipino artist to sing the U.S. National Anthem in this annual celebration of Filipino culture was made possible through the efforts of Mutch Cariño of Maxx Promos. Christine is the latest Filipino-American to have shared their talent at a major league game. In 2012, our very own Becca Godinez also sang Star Spangled Banner in a Dodgers Filipino Heritage Night in 2012 while another Fil-Am, Krystle Cruz, sang “God Bless America” in the 7th inning of a Dodgers game in 2011, according Read More …