September 2014 – Page 5

Andi hurt over Jake’s kissing photo

Sep 282014

Andi Eigenmann (MNS Photo) Actress Andi Eigenmann has opened up about the controversial photo of her rumored boyfriend Jake Ejercito supposedly kissing another girl. Although she had already seemingly called out Jake on Facebook by posting a link to the item and photo that appeared on an entertainment blog site, she said, “Siyempre masakit pero wala tayong magagawa, it happened already.” She shared that she had already spoken with Jake about the story behind the viral picture. Noting that while she “would really love to forgive” him, Andi, who is still mourning on the death of her father Mark Gil, said she needs space for now. The 24-year-old single mom is moving on and focusing on things that are “more important to me and deserve my attention and my love.” She added, “I’m not going to dwell on something that shouldn’t be important… not waste my time on something that doesn’t treat me of any importance.” Although she keeps her “never say never” attitude because “it’s always a matter of choice,” the actress pointed out, “If we want to fix things, we can. Pero I guess everything happens in its own time. Right now is not the right time.” Following the issue, Jake once again stirred intrigue on social media after supposedly deleting tweets about not giving up on love. Fashion Pulis posted a screengrab of one of the purported missing tweet that read: “Bury the past, build a castle where they lay. Be my princess again @andieigengirl.” This was Read More …

Palace rebukes UP activists for ‘lack of civility’

Entertainment

Sep 282014

Palace rebukes UP activists for ‘lack of civility’

President Benigno S. Aquino lll attends to the Good Governance Summit 2014 with the theme of ” Good Governance through Open Government and Sustainable Procurement ” at the Philippine International Convention Center, CCP Complex in Pasay City,Wednesday,July 15. Also in photo are from left, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda,Deped Secretary Armin Luistro, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas II, DOJ Secretary Leila De Lima, DBM Secretary Florencio Abad, Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras, Central Bank Governor Amando Tetangco, Presidential Legislative Liason Officer Manuel Mamba.(Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau) MANILA (Mabuhay) – With University of the Philippines (UP) student activists refusing to apologize for the mobbing of Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Malacañang on Tuesday said what happened showed their “lack of civility. “You may have disagreements but you don’t go to the extent of physically harming on of the proponents. That shows your lack of civility,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told Palace reporters. He said violence can never be justified “no matter if you believe your position is correct.” Dialogue and discourse should prevail in the “marketplace of ideas,” Lacierda added. The spokesperson also accused the protesters of having different versions of the event, which happened at the UP-Diliman on Wednesday evening. “Let them be,” he said. The Student Alliance for the Advancement of Democratic Rights in UP (Stand UP) said it would “never apologize” for what had happened, claiming it was Abad’s guards who manhandled them despite only carrying placards and throwing crumpled paper. The group also denied that a student Read More …

OFW deployment ban to Venezuela lifted

Entertainment

Sep 282014

President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, arrives for the Pre-Labor Day Dialogue at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (April 30). The conduct of Pre-Labor Day Dialogue is pursuant to the 22-point Labor and Employment Agenda of President Aquino, which essentially consists of among others, the following directives: promote not only the constitutionally protected rights of workers but also their right to participate in the policymaking process; and work with the private and labor sector to strengthen tripartite cooperation and promote industrial peace. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has lifted the ban on deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Venezuela. In a statement, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said that deployment ban to Venezuela was lifted after the Crisis Alert Level was lowered from level 2 (restriction phase) to level 1 (precautionary phase). “The POEA Governing Board has decided to lift the deployment ban to Venezuela and to allow the processing and deployment thereto of all Filipino workers to include both returning/vacationing and new-hire workers,” Baldoz said. The POEA governing board imposed a temporary suspension on the processing and deployment of newly-hired OFWs to Venezuela after DFA raised Crisis Alert Level 2 in the country. According to the government’s crisis alert level system, Crisis Alert Level 1 is imposed when there are signs of internal disturbance, instability and external threat to the host country. Crisis Alert Level 2 is issued when there are Read More …

Philexport urges investors to locate in new GenSan ecozone

Economy

Sep 272014

Philexport urges investors to locate in new GenSan ecozone

MANILA, Philippines – Local and foreign investors are encouraged to set up operations in General Santos City’s new economic zone to take advantage of growth opportunities in the area. In a statement, the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. said locating in the new economic zone will allow firms to take advantage of economic benefits. The GenSan Economic Zone was designated as a Special Economic Zone under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority by President Aquino through Proclamation 820 dated July 3. The 50-hectare economic zone is expected to contribute to the goal of achieving inclusive growth in the countryside, particularly in Mindanao. As SOCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos City) is seen to be a strategic location in the East Association of Southeast Asian Nations Growth Area, the new economic zone is expected to attract investments from the region’s member states and even other countries. The GenSan Economic Zone is being promoted as the premier manufacturing economic zone in the Southern part of the country. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 The new economic zone located in Brgy. Tamber in General Santos City is within a five-kilometer distance from key ports such as Makar Wharf and General Santos City Fishport Complex as well as the General Santos International Airport. Investors planning to locate in the economic zone could enjoy income tax holidays (ITH) for four years, extendable up to eight years. Locators are also entitled to five-percent special tax on gross income and exemption from all national Read More …

BSP to finalize new rules on bank capitalization

Economy

Sep 272014

BSP to finalize new rules on bank capitalization

MANILA, Philippines – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expects to finalize an overhaul of bank capital requirements within the year to allow the banking sector to experience more robust growth as well as raise systemic stability in the long-term, its top official said. Central Bank governor Amado Tetangco Jr. said local banks will need to increase their minimum capital under a new rule that will be issued by the agency before the end of the year. “Higher capital would serve to make our financial institutions more resilient and stable. This would help individual institutions as well as the financial system as a whole,” he said. Tetangco declined to say by how much the capitalization would be increased but expressed confidence that the local banks would be able to meet higher capital requirements. “There’s no final number yet. That’s is being discussed right now so it may not be the proper time to cite a specific number. But the idea is to raise it because the existing capital requirement was set way back in the 1990s,” Tetangco said. Based on information culled from local banks, stockbrokerage firm Maybank ATR Kim Eng said the minimum capitalization for lenders could increase by four-fold. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 For universal banks, the minimum capital may be raised to P20 billion from P4.95 billion while commercial banks may be required to keep a capital of P10 billion from the current level of P2.4 billion, Maybank ATR Kim Eng said in a Read More …

SSS expands micro savings program

Economy

Sep 272014

MANILA, Philippines – The Social Security System has expanded its microsavings program, AlkanSSSya to include customer care assistants (CCAs). As of the end of July, a total of 93 CCAs were registered with the SSS as self-employed members under the category of entertainers. Their contributions amounted to P72,115 as of the same period. The AlkanSSSya, which derived its concept from a piggy bank, is a large cabinet with individual compartments in which members can put their savings to pay for their monthly SSS contributions. With savings as little as P10 a day, a CCA or night support worker can contribute a minimum of P312 a month. Their monthly SSS contributions are paid through their talent managers who deduct a minimal amount from the nightly tips they earn from their customers, and then remit the required monthly amount to the Bayad Center with the assistance of a dedicated SSS account officer. “These CCAs work in an uncertain environment wherein they can face physical vulnerabilities. Through their active SSS membership, they can avail themselves of social security protection in times of need, as well as prepare for their financial needs in the future,” the SSS said. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 The agency’s ongoing campaign to reach out to a wide range of sectors including overseas Filipino workers and the informal sector have helped boost its contribution collections The SSS tied-up with various informal sector groups, microfinance institutions, cooperatives and local government units to ensure SSS coverage and Read More …

SM Prime to develop smaller comm’l bldgs

Economy

Sep 272014

SM Prime to develop smaller comm’l bldgs

MANILA, Philippines – SM Prime Holdings Inc., the integrated property development arm of retail and banking conglomerate SM Group, is preparing to bolster the network of its smaller commercial buildings in the near term as demand for office space in Metro Manila continues to grow. Dave Rafael, SM Prime senior vice president for the Commercial Properties Group, said the company is eyeing to expand the company’s Cyber building offering to seven over the next two to three years. “We’re building three Cyber buildings in the next two to three years,” he said. Rafael did not identify the sites for the planned expansion of its office property portfolio, but said the developments would be stand-alone buildings and not located near any of its existing malls. The Cyber buildings, with a gross floor area ranging from 60,000 square meters to 80,000 square meters, are office buildings smaller than SM’s E-com Centers development at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex in Pasay City. SM’s E-com Centers are mostly about twice the size of Cyber buildings. SM Prime has four existing Cyber buildings located in Makati, Quezon City and Baguio. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 SM Makati Cyber One and SM Makati Cyber Two were completed in 2008, while SM Cyber Baguio and SM Cyber West opened in 2006 and 2014, respectively. Rafael said SM Prime is also studying potential expansion outside Metro Manila or the next-wave cities given the large demand for office spaces, specially for business process outsourcing Read More …

DOT rebids Mactan-Cebu airport consultancy contract

Economy

Sep 272014

DOT rebids Mactan-Cebu airport consultancy contract

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is set to rebid the contract for independent consultancy services for the P17.5-billion Mactan – Cebu international airport expansion project. The DOTC said it is tapping an independent consultant for the Public Private Partnership (PPP) project that was awarded to the tandem of Megawide Construction Corp. and Bangalore-based GMR Group after a failed bidding a few months ago. However, the approved budget for the contract is now P115.1 million compared to the earlier budget of P122.6 million under the first bidding. “The DOTC is in need of the services of an independent consultant to review the design, construction, commissioning, operation, and maintenance deliverables of the concessionaire under the Public Private Partnership concession agreement,” the agency said. The DOTC is giving interested bidders until Oct. 8 to submit their eligibility documents, after which the agency’s Bids and Awards Committee would draw up the shortlist of consultants based on a non-discretionary pass or fail criteria. Criteria for the shortlisting of five bidders include 45 percent for applicable experience, 45 percent for the qualification of key personnel, and 10 percent for current workload. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Michael Arthur Sagcal, DOTC spokesperson, earlier said an independent consultant is essential in all government infrastructure projects. “It will act as government’s engineer and representative in monitoring the project’s progress and ensuring compliance by the concessionaire with its obligations,” Sagcal said in a text message. The DOTC issued a Notice of Read More …

John, Isabel speak about engagement bliss

General

Sep 272014

John, Isabel speak about engagement bliss

NEWLY engaged couple John Prats and Isabel Oli recalled the former’s recent wedding proposal and shared their wedding plans. In a Cinema News interview, Oli shared that she thought it was just a typical mall night in Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City last Wednesday, September 24. The actress was surprised when she saw Prats and hundreds of people dancing to Jason Derulo’s song “Will You Mary Me?” “Wala akong talagang naramdaman. Akala ko may pupuntahan akong party kasi birthday ng Mommy niya, yun lang talaga. Tapos nung nangyari na, parang hindi pa talaga. Sabi ko pa, ‘Teka, panaginip lang ba ito? Totoo ba ito’. Hindi ako makapaniwala na nangyari talaga.” Oli added that she was with Prat’s sister, Camille, when the whole thing happened. “Sabi ko pa, ‘ano ba ito?’ kasi ang daming sumasayaw. Sabi ko pa kay Camille na hindi ako sumasayaw kaya wag mo akong iwan. Tapos nakita ko na yung mga sisters na umiiyak na, doon ko na naisip na parang iba na ito,” she said. Oli said things started to sink in when an audio-visual presentation was flashed on the screen and Prats went down on one knee. “Inisip ko naman anniversary or monthsary ba namin? Pero hindi naman ako nagkamali ng date. Hanggang lumuhod na siya, dun na lang.” Prats said it was one of the happiest days of his life and he was thankful that he was able to gather a 300 people flash mob proposal. The actor said that it took him two months Read More …

Citystate Savings Bank offers lower interest rates

Economy

Sep 262014

Citystate Savings Bank offers lower interest rates

MANILA, Philippines – Citystate Savings Bank has made it easier for auto lovers to buy a car by offering reduced interest rates for car loans. Car loans are now more affordable with the lowest interest rate of 5.19 percent for a minimum payment period of one year. For a maximum payment period of five years, interest rates for car loans are also lowest at 31.50 percent compared to other financing institutions. The bank lowered its car loan rates to promote the loan facility for future dealer accreditation with major automotive brands, according to Lawrence K. Cementina, Citystate Savings Bank head of sales and marketing department. These rates, he added, are now more competitive in the banking industry, giving clients a wider option for lower rates, Cementina added. Following the lowering of its auto loan interest rates, Citystate Savings Bank recently closed a deal with a luxury car brand, enabling businesswoman Shu Chin Cheng to acquire a brand-new BMW 318D 2014 model. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Citystate Savings Bank is the banking arm of the ALC Group of Co. founded and headed by Amb. Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, who also owns Isuzu Gencars automotive dealership network, which has branches in Makati, Sto. Tomas, Batangas; San Pablo City in Laguna; and the cities of Legaspi and Naga in Bicolandia.

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