Govt rushes aid to displaced storm survivors

 News
Dec 102014
 
Govt rushes aid to displaced storm survivors

Ruby victims in Samar rise from the rubble. Typhoon victims on Tuesday, December 9, recover a television set from the ruins of a house destroyed by Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) in San Julian, Eastern Samar on December 6. Emergency workers are struggling to reach coastal villages on an island hardest hit by Ruby where thousands of homes have been wrecked by powerful winds and a storm surge rising three to four meters (10 to 13 feet). Reuters/Erik De Castro The national government and aid agencies rushed relief supplies Wednesday to hundreds of thousands of people displaced by a powerful typhoon, as survivors sifted through debris to rebuild their lives. Military cargo planes will make eight deliveries to worst-hit Samar, a poor farming island in the central region, while two Red Cross convoys will deliver thousands of food packs, water purifiers, blankets and hygiene kits, officials said. “We are catching up on food delivery, especially in the far-flung areas, isolated areas in the mountains… We will strive to deliver to these areas today,” Social Welfare Minister Corazon Soliman said in a televised briefing. An estimated 390,000 people, mostly in Samar, need food and temporary shelter assistance, Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon told AFP. Ruby left over two dozen people dead, the Red Cross said, after it slammed the central region with 210-kilometer (130-mile) per hour winds over the weekend and brushed past the capital Manila. Over a million fled to shelters ahead of the storm as authorities avoided a repeat of Read More …

NDRRMC: Ruby official death toll rises to 11, estimated damage up to P2.55B

 News
Dec 102014
 
NDRRMC: Ruby official death toll rises to 11, estimated damage up to P2.55B

Infra damage from Ruby nears P2B. Residents walk on a detour bridge on Tuesday, December 9, after the main bridge was damaged by Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) in San Julian, Eastern Samar on December 6. Nearly 13,000 houses were destroyed and more than 22,300 damaged in Samar where Ruby made landfall. Reuters/Erik De Castro The number of confirmed fatalities from Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) rose to 11 as of Wednesday afternoon, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. In its 1 p.m. update, the NDRRMC said two of the latest fatalities were from Sulat in Eastern Samar, and were hit by an uprooted tree. According to the NDRRMC, the latest confirmed fatalities were identified as: Rafael Afable, 76 Patricia Afable, 74 The NDRRMC also said that as of Wednesday, only two vessels remained stranded in Palawan due to rough sea conditions. Meanwhile, the NDRRMC said damage caused by Ruby was estimated at P2,550,065,744 in infrastructure and agriculture in Southern Luzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas. Damage to infrastructure was estimated at P1,277,083,250 while damage to agriculture was estimated at P1,272,982,494. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News

PNoy’s good ratings won’t deter critics—Palace

 General
Dec 102014
 
PNoy’s good ratings won’t deter critics—Palace

Malacañang on Wednesday expressed appreciation for President Benigno Aquino III’s improving satisfaction rating, although it admitted that these figures would not be enough to deter critics. At a press briefing, deputy presidential spokesperson Usec. Abigail Valte said the recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) poll will not stop critics from calling Aquino a “lame duck” president. “As to what the critics will say because of the numbers, I will leave that to them. I am sure marami pa ho silang masasabi despite the numbers going up,” Valte told reporters. Results of an SWS survey published earlier in the day showed that Aquino got a “good” +39 net satisfaction rating for the fourth quarter of the year—a five-percentage-point rise from his figures last quarter.  The President’s rating continued to bounce back after it dropped to an all-time low during the second quarter of 2014 at the height of the controversies surrounding the administrations’ disbursement acceleration program (DAP).  The DAP was declared partially unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, but the high court’s ruling is still under appeal by the executive. Valte nevertheless said that Aquino’s improving rating proves that the administration is doing a “good job,” and that Filipinos appreciate government’s efforts to improve their lives. “We extend our appreciation to the people for their continued support for President Aquino and his administration,” the Palace official said. She added that these figures “will just encourage the administration to push further with the reforms.” —NB, GMA News

Joan Rivers' will leaves money for charities

 General
Dec 092014
 
Joan Rivers' will leaves money for charities

FILE – This Oct. 5, 2009 file photo shows Joan Rivers during the 25th International Film and Programme Market for TV, Video, Cable and Satellite, in Cannes, southeastern France. AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau, File NEW YORK (AP) — Joan Rivers’ left her daughter, Melissa, in charge of her fortune and left money for some of her favorite charities, including Guide Dogs for the Blind, Jewish Guild Healthcare and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. According to Rivers’ 2014 will, which was filed in New York State Surrogate’s Court, the late comedienne made Melissa Rivers her will’s executor with “the broadest and most absolute permissible direction” over a fortune that has been estimated as high as $150 million. Other charities she singled out were the New York-based food pantry God’s Love We Deliver, the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Jewish Home and Hospital Foundation in Manhattan. Rivers died Sept. 4 at 81 of brain damage due to lack of oxygen. She’d stopped breathing during an endoscopy days earlier. The late comedienne asked that her business manager Michael D. Karlin and interior designer Robert Higdon be named co-executors of the living trust. Specifics of her assets and how they will be divided haven’t been disclosed. Bequests were made to her assistants, Sabrina Lott and Jocelyn Pickett, her publicist Scott Currie, and Rivers’ niece and nephew, Caroline Waxler and Andrew Waxler.

Speaker Belmont hits BIR silence on Mighty tobacco taxes

 General
Dec 092014
 
Speaker Belmont hits BIR silence on Mighty tobacco taxes

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines–Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has questioned the “deafening silence” of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)on Mighty Corp.’s alleged fraudulent practices to evade hundreds of millions of pesos in tax and duty payments that its rivals claim have allowed it to corner a quarter of the cigarette market in such a short time. Belmonte said he would not allow a company like Mighty to sabotage Congress’ decade-long efforts to extract more revenues from cigarette and alcoholic drinks. “I have to ask the oversight committee to give me a report on Mighty’s operations. It’s really a BIR affair but we have not been hearing about this. Their silence is really deafening,” Belmonte said at the weekly “Ugnayan sa Batasan” press conference. Suddenly a big company Belmonte has ordered the commissioning of a legislative oversight panel as provided under Republic Act No. 10351, also known as “An Act Restructuring the Excise Tax on Alcohol and Tobacco Product,” to look into whether private companies were paying the right taxes; whether government agencies such as the BIR and Bureau of Customs were collecting the proper taxes and duties; and whether the sin tax collections were being used for the designated beneficiaries, specifically the Department of Health’s universal healthcare program. Belmonte noted that the BIR had been asked by some cigarette manufacturers to look into tax evasion charges against Mighty but he was wondering why no inquiry had yet been made. “Congress might as well find out why Read More …

Hyundai rolls out all-new 2015 Sonata: Integrity through luxury

 Economy
Dec 092014
 
Hyundai rolls out all-new 2015 Sonata: Integrity through luxury

MANILA, Philippines – Hyundai Asia Resources, Incorporated (HARI) announces the Philippine release of the all-new 2015 Hyundai Sonata, further cementing its mark in the performance-focused midsize sedan category. After making waves in the local auto industry with the sixth-generation Sonata, the all-new 2015 Sonata, which will be officially released on December 15, is luxury redefined, poised to set a new trend in global quality and an epitome of integrity with its four core innovations, labeled as RSVP—Run, Stop, Versatility, Protect—features that embody strength and beauty. The seventh-generation Sonata has a significantly bigger body than the previous model, measuring 35mm longer and 30mm wider. It is also slightly taller by 10mm, and has a longer wheelbase by 10mm. Passenger space was clearly a design priority with the size upgrade. The all-new 2015 Sonata is the only midsize sedan classified as a “large car” in terms of interior space, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Run With a quiet but responsive 178ps/23.3 kg-m Theta II 2.4L MPI DOHC D-CVVT engine underneath its hood, power is not a question with the 2015 Sonata. And to give even more flexibility and fuel efficiency, the new Sonata comes with a 6-speed automatic. With Hyundai’s new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, the Sonata’s body is engineered to look good and perform even better. Its new shape—lowered hood edge and flat underbody—reduces wind drag and keeps a firm grip on the road, further improving fuel efficiency, stability, and handling. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: Read More …

It’s sweater weather

 Entertainment
Dec 092014
 
It’s sweater weather

City slick: Classic pullover from GTW Urban worn with a floral skirt from GTW Fab, available at The SM Store.   MANILA, Philippines – It was knits everywhere on the fall 2014 runways, which overflowed with every kind of sweater imaginable. Vera Wang had a sweater emblazoned with You Bug Me over a full leather skirt, Michael Kors had delicious cozy knits worn with full peasant skirts, Ralph Lauren had day glow puffa jackets and beanies. With cooler weather ahead, this timeless classic has been updated for the younger set at GTWBYSM.  There are heritage knits like pullovers that are polished and cool; slouchy sweaters that are big on comfort and style; and novelty knits — embellished, furry, fringed, appliquéd — that bring the fun to cold-weather dressing.  There are also cool denim jackets to warm you up. The collection also takes mixed textures to a whole new level.  Usher in a new era of warm style with cozy sweaters, and denims with attitude. Worn with distressed pants, skinny jeans, feminine floral skirts, fun miniskirts and shorts, don’t hesitate to layer to ignite a look that’s fearlessly trendy. The collection is available exclusively at GTWBYSM of The SM Store. Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

The season’s high street fashion trends

 Entertainment
Dec 092014
 
The season’s high street fashion trends

Falling for Shana: ‘Tis the season to let Shana dress you up in loose and crop tops, and blouses with geometric cuts and avant-garde tweaks, available at Shana boutiques in Robinsons Malls. MANILA, Philippines – High street fashion statements are a breeze to come as Shana  gets you stylishly covered this fall with sweatshirts, denim tops, jeans, maxi floral dresses, long skirts, and shorts. Jumpsuits, skinny pants, push-up leggings, cut-off shorts, crop tops, and blouses with geometric cuts and avant-garde tweaks are what make Shana’s season so exciting. Its signature textures and prints — from knits to silk — come in shades of brown, black, cream, and luxe metallics. Aztec prints are abundant in sweats and hoodies; tribal, floral and graphic swirls are also found in dresses, blouses and skirts. Fringes, tie-dye, animal prints and brilliant, fluorescent hues exude fun and flamboyance. Mix and match denim jeans with  cropped and loose tops for a casual, laidback look or slip into that flimsy flowing blouse or Shana’s LBD and lace dresses if you’re in the party mood. Complete the look with Shana’s interesting line of shoes, bags, and funky accessories. Shana also carries trendy pieces for men, while Shana Homewear boasts comfy pajama sets to bedroom slippers. Shana, the Spanish retail concept that made its Philippine foray via Robinsons Specialty Stores Inc. (RSSI), has 250 stores across 40 countries worldwide. Check out its fall-winter 2014 collection in its boutiques located at Robinsons Magnolia, Shangri-La Mall East Wing, and Glorietta 5. Get Read More …

Start of a New Legend Lamborghini: Manila launches new Huracán

 Economy
Dec 092014
 
Start of a New Legend Lamborghini: Manila launches new Huracán

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. Asia Pacific Sales Director Sebastien Henry and Lamborghini Manila Sales Manager Enrique Jarlego II MANILA, Philippines – A new era is beginning for Automobili Lamborghini and the luxury super sports car segment. It’s called the Huracán and with it, Lamborghini is not only presenting the successor to the iconic Gallardo, it is also redefining the benchmark for luxury super sports cars in this segment. With 14,022 units produced, the Gallardo was the most successful Lamborghini model ever made. During its ten-year production run, it took the brand into a completely new dimension. And now, in true Lamborghini tradition, the successor to the Gallardo also takes its name from the world of bullfighting: Huracán was a fighting bull of the Spanish Conte de la Patilla breed that fought in August 1879 in Alicante. The mighty bull’s unyielding character made him invincible. With its pure and unique design, an innovative technology package, and outstanding dynamics, the Huracán offers a super sports car experience on a whole new level. The Huracán combines absolute performance with easy-to drive road behavior and both luxurious and sport-oriented finish. With the Huracán, Lamborghini is taking a big step into the future, and enhancing the brand’s illustrious history with the next automotive legend. The ceremony was held last November 26 in the presence of Sebastien Henry, Head of Southeast Asia of Automobili Lamborghini, who unveiled and presented the Huracán for the first time to Manila. The official world debut took place during the 2014 Geneva Read More …

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