Gazmin, Catapang throw support behind BBL at House panel deliberations

 Entertainment
Apr 212015
 
Gazmin, Catapang throw support behind BBL at House panel deliberations

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman speaks with AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Catapang during the 4th public hearing on the Mamasapano incident. Beside Catapang is Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, Western Mindanao Command. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. on Monday expressed support behind the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law. Gazmin and Catapang arrived at the hearing of the ad hoc committee on the BBL around 10:30 a.m., an hour after the hearing began. The two were earlier present during the opening ceremonies of this year’s Balikatan exercises with the US military at Camp Aguinaldo. In his opening remarks, Gazmin emphasized the need for unity for peace to be attained in Mindanao. He said all Filipinos – including policemen and soldiers – are supportive of the effort to bring peace in Mindanao. “The armed conflict that has existed in our country over the last four decades have affected the security and stability of our regions, as well as the lives of our citizens. The entire Filipino nation is aspiring for peace, including our soldiers and policemen,” he said. Catapang, meanwhile, reiterated the AFP’s full support for the BBL’s passage. “We’re one with the Philippine government and people in their strong commitment to bring peace and development to Mindanao,” he said. Except for Gazmin and Catapang, the other top government officials invited to the hearing – Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Philippine National Police (PNP) officer in charge Deputy Director Read More …

Group warns vs. toxic substances in beach toys

 Entertainment
Apr 212015
 
Group warns vs. toxic substances in beach toys

A young girl combs her hair after a dip in Manila Bay on Friday. Manila residents tried to find comfort in various ways as temperature soared to 35.9 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest day on record in the metropolis so far this year, according to weather bureau PAGASA. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – An ecological group on Saturday warned of toxic substances in plastic beach toys being sold in Manila’s Quiapo district. The EcoWaste Coalition said some of the toys had pthalates or synthetic chemicals that make PVC plastic items pliable and durable, but may cause potential health problems. Citing test results from testing company SGS, the group said some toys exceeded the 0.1-percent limit for phthalates in children’s toys. It said the items with potential health threats include: a yellow and orange swim ring with sun design,  costing P59, had 19.6 percent DEHP and 1.29 percent DINP. a blue swim arm band, costing P50, had 19.4 percent DEHP. a blue and white “baby boat” float with a yellow steering wheel, costing P129, had 17.5 percent DEHP and 0.78 percent DINP. “Children’s safety from drowning is a top priority as they frolic in the water to beat the summer heat.  We need to keep them safe from drowning, as well as from toxic pollutants that can put their health at risk,” said group coordinator Anthony Dizon. Meanwhile, the group urged health authorities to act manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of such toys. It is to submit on Monday the Read More …

CA employees wear white vs Trillanes’ ‘justice for sale’ claims

 Entertainment
Apr 212015
 
CA employees wear white vs Trillanes’ ‘justice for sale’ claims

The Blue Ribbon Sub-Committee, chaired by Sen. Koko Pimentel, resumes its inquiry on the alleged overpricing of the 11-storey new Makati City II Parking Building, the 22-storey Makati City Hall Building and related anomalies. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Employees of the Court of Appeals on Monday reported for work in white shirts to protest Senator Antonio Trillanes’ allegation that justice is for sale at the appeals court. The appelate court’s white-clad employees were noticeable at Monday’s flag-raising ceremony, which was also attended by CA justices, including Presiding Justice Andres Reyes Jr. “Ang panawagan namin ay sana ipakita ang evidence. Hindi naman kami against sa intention [ni Trillanes] to clean ang hudikatura. Ang gusto lang namin ay idaan ito sa proper forum. Hindi pa-interview ka na lang sa media,” Amiel De Vera, president of the Association of CA Employees said. De Vera said allegations of corruption in the judiciary should be brought before the Supreme Court, which he said has the “disciplining power” over members of the judiciary. “May mga empleyado at justices rin na mababait. Sa damage na nangyayari, nasasama na pati ang maliliit na empleyado,” De Vera said. He said “almost all” of the CA’s around 1,200 employees wore white today. He said they all their members were told about the White Shirt Day in a memo sent out Friday. In a resolution calling for a Senate probe on the alleged “justice for sale” system in the appelate court, Trillanes cited “reliable sources privy to the matter” in Read More …

Star-studded Los Angeles-Makati Sister City on May 3 at Omni Hotel

 Entertainment
Apr 212015
 
Star-studded Los Angeles-Makati Sister City on May 3 at Omni Hotel

Geneva Cruz and Garrie Concepcion to grace First Filipiniana Gala event of the LA-Makati Sister Cities, Inc. The Los Angeles-Makati Sister Cities Fundraising Gala will be true to their status as the FilAm organizers has been working to put up a star-studded night with top celebrities from the entertainment, government and business worlds.  The event will be held at The Omni Hotel at downtown LA, right at the center of one of the world’s richest cities. Behind the grit and glitter to show the finest in Filipiniana fashion is no other than Cora Manimbo, Philippine fashion guru herself.  Her spectacular creations using the finest indigenous Philippine fabrics in her glamorous designs has stunned her audiences both in the Philippines and abroad.  It has earned her the respects of her colleagues and fashion aficionados. She is the most sought after designer especially among the power men and women both here and abroad.  Her gowns and barongs are totally intricate works of art that requires incredible craftsmanship.  Her creations are a must see and must have in every closet of every men and women that values fashion. Geneva Cruz Geneva Cruz of the famous Smokey Mountain and Garrie Concepcion a recording artist and TV personality are both endorsers of one of the event’s major sponsors, Image Spa MD.  Geneva started her career quite young and has carved a name for herself with several hits to her credit like Anak ng Pasig and Kailan.  Garrie went further and studied acting lessons in the US.  Both had bloomed into beautiful and glamorous ladies and has continuously lent their support to the community. If Read More …

Simplify Weeknight Meals

 General
Apr 212015
 
Simplify Weeknight Meals

(Family Features) Busy weeknights call for meals you can prepare quickly, but there’s no need to compromise on flavor and quality. One way to save time is combining fresh ingredients with frozen sides, such as those offered by Alexia Foods. Made with premium, natural ingredients and creative flavor combinations, they lend a deliciously gourmet complement to any meal. Don’t be fooled by the complex flavors of these dishes — they’re surprisingly fast to prepare, requiring only about thirty minutes of hands-on time (or less). For more time-saving recipes featuring real ingredients that serve-up exceptional taste, visit www.alexiafoods.com. Chicken Paella with French Green Beans Chicken Paella with French Green Beans Hands-on: 30 minutes Total: 60 minutes Servings: 6 (1 2/3 cups each) 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 small onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1 1/2 cups parboiled white long-grain rice, uncooked 2 cups chicken broth 1 can (14.5 ounces) Hunt’s Diced Tomatoes, undrained 1 package (11 ounces) Alexia French Herb Green Beans 1/3 cup sliced ripe olives 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley Lemon wedges Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken, salt and pepper. Cook 7–9 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to plate. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to skillet and heat. Add onion, garlic and paprika. Cook 3–5 minutes or until Read More …

Binay to meet death row’s Veloso in prison

 General
Apr 212015
 
Binay to meet death row’s Veloso in prison

Philippines Vice President Jejomar Binay is planning to visit Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina on Indonesia’s death row, on the sidelines of his visit to Indonesia this week to attend the 60th anniversary of the Asian-African Conference, a senior diplomat from the Philippines has said. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Jesus Domingo, the assistant secretary for the UN and international organizations at the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs, said Vice President Binay was expecting to use his visit to look for opportunities to save Veloso from the firing squad. “We’ve requested the opportunity to visit her,” he said on the sidelines of the Asian-African Ministerial Meeting on Monday. “Our vice president is hoping for a chance to visit her and to speak with the relevant officials in the Indonesian government to see if there are any other legal remedies that can be tried to secure her a release or at least spare her from the death penalty.” Veloso, who was involved in trafficking 2.6 kilograms of heroin via Adi Sutjipto Airport in Yogyakarta in 2010, is one of a number of foreign nationals to be executed in the near future. The 30-year-old is currently waiting to be transferred from Wirogunan Penitentiary in Yogyakarta to the Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java, where she will face a firing squad alongside nine other convicts. Last month, Veloso filed for a second case review with the Sleman District Court after President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo rejected her clemency request. The Supreme Court later Read More …

 Older Entries  Newer Entries