West PHL Sea, climate change, extremism still high on DFA’s list

 General
Dec 162014
 
West PHL Sea, climate change, extremism still high on DFA’s list

For 2015, the Department of Foreign Affairs is renewing its commitment to push the rule of law in the territorial row in the West Philippine Sea, while promoting Philippine interests on other issues like extremism and climate change. DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario said this in his Christmas message, where he added the agency will also continue to  “constructively address” other international issues. “And true to DFA’s reputation as the ‘Department that never sleeps,’ we continue to constructively address many issues and concerns, challenges and opportunities: from extremism, climate change and pandemics, to our rule of law advocacy in the West Philippine Sea and strengthening our bilateral relations with allies, neighbors and partners,” he said in his message, which was posted on the Philippine embassy in London’s website early Wednesday. “In all these developments, what is constant and consistent is the DFA’s strong resolve to be smarter, leaner and more innovative in navigating the turbulent waters of 21st century international diplomacy,” del Rosario added. The Philippines has been pushing for a peaceful solution to a territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea, including with Asian neighbor China. Both countries have been involved in disputes in the West Philippine Sea in past years. 2015: An even better year Meanwhile, del Rosario said 2015 promises to be an even better year as the Philippine economy continues to grow and is considered one of the most dynamic growth engines in the region. He also said the Philippines is likely to hit the so-called Read More …

Filinvest Land ups investment in Cebu City

 General
Dec 162014
 
Filinvest Land ups investment in Cebu City

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Gotianun-led Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) unveiled on Tuesday a revised master plan for the P25-billion mixed-use estate “City de Mare,” its largest real estate development in this city located on reclaimed land at the city’s east coast called South Road Properties (SRP). In a briefing on Tuesday, FLI chief executive officer Josephine Gotianun-Yap said capital spending for the 40-hectare mixed-use estate had been jacked up from an earlier budget of P15 billion to keep up with “urban trends” as well as to incorporate more office space given the stronger-than-expected demand from the business process outsourcing industry. The estate was previously intended to be mainly for residential development, targeted to bring to Cebu’s property market 14,000 to 16,000 new residential units. About 70 percent of the estate is still earmarked for residential development but around 10 percent will now be devoted to office development. The remaining 20 percent will be for retail development, opening up about 55,000 square meters of retail space out of which 36,000 sqm will be the net leasable area that could add to FLI’s portfolio of assets with recurring income. Just across the “City de Mare” estate is a separate 10-hectare property where FLI is developing the “Il Corso” seaside leisure and retail strip. Gotianun-Yap is bullish on this “City de Mare” project, a joint venture project with the Cebu City government. If more land will be offered by the city in this SRP area, she said her group would be interested. “I think that Read More …

PH demands custody of Pemberton

 News
Dec 162014
 
PH demands custody of Pemberton

Photo of US Marine Joseph Scott PembertonPHOTO FROM PEMBERTON FACEBOOK ACCOUNT MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine government on Tuesday night demanded custody of Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton after serving an Olongapo City court warrant for the US Marine’s arrest on a murder charge in connection with the killing of Filipino transgender woman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude. Assistant Secretary Charles Jose of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said two letters had been sent to US Embassy officials through the DFA’s American Affairs Office—one transmitting the arrest order against Pemberton and the other requesting his custody. “We expect them to reply as soon as possible,” Jose told the Inquirer. Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario confirmed that the letters had been sent to the embassy. Olongapo Judge Roline Ginez Jabalde of the Regional Trial Court Branch 74 ordered the arrest of Pemberton on Tuesday afternoon, a day after the murder complaint was filed against him by a panel of prosecutors. Copies of the warrant were sent to the DFA, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and National Bureau of Investigation. But a court official declined to answer queries on where Pemberton would be detained, saying the judge would decide once the American serviceman is arrested. Should the court order his detention in the Olongapo city jail, Pemberton will have to share a cell with about 50 inmates, according to the jail warden. US Embassy won’t confirm Reached by the Inquirer on Tuesday night, Kurt Hoyer, US Embassy spokesman, would not confirm if his Read More …

Filipino street kids greet Pope Francis on his birthday

 News
Dec 162014
 
Filipino street kids greet Pope Francis on his birthday

popular Ex-Pacquiao sparring partner Khan also wants a piece of Mayweather Pulse Asia survey: Binay falling, Poe surging Roxas to PNP chief: You’re suspended Malversation case part of plot to sideline Estrada clan, allies – JV Ejercito Metro Pacific renews offer to run railway Joma Sison denies NPA out to harm Pope Francis during PH visit Palace denies pressuring Sandigan justices on pork scam cases Douthit leads SEAG hopefuls videos Filipino street kids greet Pope Francis on his birthday The naked truth behind the Oblation Run UP Lantern Parade 2014 Simbang Gabi at the Gesu (Day 1) Indie Bravo! Night of renegades, game changers and amazing grace Filipino street children under the care of Verlanie Foundation took time out to greet Pope Francis on his 78th birthday on Wednesday, December 17, 2014. They sang the ‘Happy Birthday’song and greeted the Pope who will be visiting the Philippines in January next year. Watch the video below: RELATED STORIES   Luneta crowd to be taught how to dance Sinulog before Pope Francis 1,200 youths led by 2 orphans to welcome Pope Francis Disabled to have special access to Mass with Pope Tags: Happy Birthday Pope Francis street children Related Stories: Australia investigates ‘paedophile’ father in Thai baby scandal Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking Bangladesh ferry owner faces charges in sinking Bangladesh ferry Read More …

The gift of Pinoy art

 Entertainment
Dec 162014
 
The gift of Pinoy art

Swan’s way: Freeway X Federico Alcuaz printed neck/bag scarf in blue and red (P399.75) MANILA, Philippines – Innovative brands Ensembles, Freeway and Solo showcase the spirit and talent of our very own Filipino masters, artists and designers through its limited-edition collections. What better way to celebrate Christmas than with fresh gift ideas? Ensembles features another budding fashion designer Xernan Orticio in its Filipino Young Designer Series. This year’s collaboration is all about the strong and independent woman with a style that’s fashion-forward yet elegant. Freeway celebrates the works of visual artist Federico Alcuaz through its National Artist Collectors’ Series. Alcuaz is one of the country’s internationally renowned and multi-awarded artists and his works are showcased in 20 museums and major cultural institutions all over the world. Perfect for the holiday season, Freeway’s Holiday collection tribute is composed shift dresses, comfortable casual tops, shirts and slinky pieces beautifully adorned with Alcuaz’s masterpieces. Freeway also brings holiday gifts featuring timeless yet quirky pieces by collaborating with creative director-cum-designer James Reyes with Designer Doodles Collection. Paired with Freeway’s cuts and silhouettes — a showcase of simplistic lines and basic shapes flattering a woman’s curves — this collection is a variety of tops and dresses featuring easy-to-wear pieces and key classics that are both functional and chic at the same time, all adorned by original doodles by James Reyes himself. Solo creates hip gifts for the young and young-at-heart through its Pinoy Cartoonist Memorabilia featuring Pugad Baboy by Pol Medina Jr. Think comical, artistic and Read More …

September 2014

 General
Dec 162014
 
September 2014

Isuzu mu-X MANILA, Philippines –  After months of anticipation, Isuzu Philippines Corporation finally revealed its new flagship SUV: the mu-X. Replacing the Alterra, the mu-X comes in three variants all packed with new technological and design features combined with Isuzu’s penchant for delivering efficient performance. Chevrolet Captiva Chevrolet Philippines launches an assault in the compact crossover market by revamping and re-introducing the Captiva for 2014. Headlined by revisions to its drivetrain as well as new features, Chevrolet bids to enlarge its share in this growing segment. Powered by a new 2.0-liter turbo diesel 4-cylinder engine, the Captiva generates a healthy 161 horsepower and a whopping 400 Nm of torque. More than just delivering thrust, the engine is now mated to a new second-generation 6-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control and ECO drive mode for better fuel economy. BMW X4 Taking center stage at BMW’s display at PIMS is the company’s first-ever mid-sized sport activity coupe: the X4. Drawing from the concept of the larger X6, the X4 combines the functionality of a sport activity vehicle with the sporting elegance of a classic coupe. The X4 is available in two diesel variants. The base trim, X4 xDrive 20d features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the X4 xDrive 30d 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine pushes out 258 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Volkswagen Philippines Turns Over Beetle to Raffle Winner Automobile Central Enterprise Inc. (ACEI), the Read More …

Michelin confab asks us to rethink mobility

 Economy
Dec 162014
 
Michelin confab asks us to rethink mobility

Passengers alight from an EZ-10 driverless electric shuttle developed by the Ligier Group. The first fleet of its vehicles will operate by 2015 at the Michelin International Centre for Research of Ladoux. Photo by KAP MACEDA AGUILA CHENGDU, China – “Civilized countries are not ones where the poor have cars, but are ones where the rich take the public transit,” said Guillermo Peñalosa, commissioner of parks, sport, and recreation for the City of Bogota in Colombia. Yes, think about it. Speaking at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum’s so-called TEDCity 2.0 Salon, the Colombian public official asked attendees to reconsider the way mobility is thought of in a context of development. TED is a “non-profit devoted to spreading ideas… beginning in 1984 as a conference where technology, entertainment, and design converged.” Started in 1998, the Bibendum, so named as a nod to the French tire maker’s famous mascot, has been drawn up as an annual event to explore the avenues towards sustainable mobility. The 12th edition held here in China’s fourth most populous city, sought clear goals to “(set) ambitions C02 reduction objectives worldwide, (create) ultra-low emissions zones in cities, (deploy) door-to-door transport solutions, (reinvent) last-mile delivery logistics, and (promote) public and private investment.” Indeed, mobility is what drives economic growth, and yet transportation can also spawn a host of problems that society can ignore at its peril. Peñalosa rued that 1.2 million lives are lost every year in traffic accidents. Of these, 270,000 are killed walking in sidewalks or on the Read More …

Wear green for good luck

 Entertainment
Dec 162014
 
Wear green for good luck

Upon the advice of her feng shui master, my friend always wears green to attract more success in her business endeavors.  And so she wears her jade jewelry and ubiquitous green handbag daily. Though I am not superstitious, green is a favorite because it represents  nature, harmony, positivity, balance, and growth. Located between yellow and blue in the color wheel, this pigment  ranges from the black/brown hues of dark green and hunter green to vibrant neon green (of the psychedlic ‘60s) to the palest of celadon and pastel green. Gemstones found in this color range from the precious and expensive emerald and imperial jade  to semi-precious stones such as tourmaline, chrysophrase, malachite and garnet with the tsavorite green garnet being priced so much higher than a regular garnet because of its rarity and closeness in color to the emerald. With the holiday season upon us, now is  the perfect time to inject this color in our wardrobe with so many shades available  to flatter any skin tone. * * * Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: For your comments and ideas, please email the author at: jacinto.fa@gmail.com.

Gingerbread train highlights Christmas at Marriott

 General
Dec 162014
 
Gingerbread train highlights Christmas at Marriott

MANILA, Philippines – Marriott Hotel Manila presents a life-size gingerbread train to delight kids and the young at heart this Christmas season. Parked at the lobby until Dec. 26, the edible grandeur is 25 feet in length, made out of 150 kilos of gingerbread dough and 60 kilos of royal icing, big enough to display 15 varieties of decadent Christmas treats and five choices of deluxe holiday hampers. Available items inside the ginger bread train are Chocolate St. Nicholas (P300), Big Belly Chocolate Santa (P310), Chocolate Santa in Sleigh (P340), Chocolate Angel (P320), Gingerbread Cookie Man (P120), Gingerbread Sweet Nutcracker (P300), Marriott Gingerbread House (P600), White Chocolate Disc with Dried Fruits and Nuts (P380), Milk Chocolate Disc with Dried Fruits and Nuts (P380), Chocolate Coated Pretzel Sticks (P500), German Coconut Macaroons (P500), Almond Sliver Christmas Tree (P480), Traditional Dark Fruit Cake (P550), Lemon and Pistachio Christmas Cake (P650), Dresden Stollen Bread with Marzipan (P530) and Holiday Cookie Box (P610). Meanwhile, choose from a medley of gourmet dishes at Marriott Café for the Festive Sunday Brunch for only P2,500. Come Dec. 25, choose either Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet, Christmas Day Brunch or Christmas Day Dinner Buffet for P2,900. For a traditional Filipino celebration have a Noche Buena Buffet at P1,450. Cru Steakhouse, Marriott Manila’s fine-dining restaurant, offers a festive four-course menu priced at P3,200. For details, call 988-9999 or visit manilamarriott.com.

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