Deles blasts Bangsamoro, Aquino critics

 Entertainment
Apr 072015
 
Deles blasts Bangsamoro, Aquino critics

Members of a militant group troop to the U.S. embassy in Manila on Tuesday to protest the alleged participation of U.S. forces in the Mamasapano incident and to ask President Aquino to resign. The group was reacting to reports of presence of unmanned vehicles at the scene of the clash. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Aquino’s peace adviser slammed critics of the administration and of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) for spreading “lies” and “deliberate misinformation” to discredit the peace process. Secretary Teresita Deles, presidential adviser on the peace process, told a group of evangelical Christians at a forum on Monday that President Aquino’s critics had always wanted to put him down even before the Mamasapano fiasco happened. The deaths of 44 elite cops in an encounter with rebel forces on January 25 in Mamasapano, Maguinanao has imperiled the fate of the BBL, a proposed law that seeks to create a new Muslim-led autonomous region in Mindanao after decades of armed conflict. The incident also caused President Aquino’s popularity to drop to record lows and led to calls for his resignation. Without naming names, Deles said various groups “have been looking for opportunities to find an issue that would be thrown at the President, that would weaken him, and if possible, shorten his term.” The perfect opportunity was the Mamasapano incident, she said. “We know that there is a group that does not want the President to succeed,” said Deles. “If you don’t want the President to succeed, Read More …

Lydia V. Solis, a woman of substance elected PWUAASC President

 Entertainment
Apr 072015
 
Lydia V. Solis, a woman of substance elected PWUAASC President

Lydia Vergara Solis A woman of substance, Lydia Vergara Solis, was recently elected President of the Philippine Women’s University Alumni Association of Southern California. Ms. Solis is not just Philippine News’ Southern California Chief Correspondent but she’s an active leader in the community as well. Lydia was born in Taal, Batangas to Public School Supervisor Marciano Kasilag Solis and First Grade Teacher, Pacita Vergara Solis. After graduating as high school valedictorian, she was sent to the United States as one of the eleven scholars of the AFS or American Field Service Scholars. Lydia V. Solis, newly-inducted president of the Philippine Women’s University Alumni Association of Southern California celebrates with family, friends and media colleague on March 14, in Cerritos, Calif. Seated from left: Lilia A. Solis, Lulu S. Alcayde, and Aquino sisters Medy and Miriam. Back row: Carlos Antonio Jr. and Vilma Elder, Lydia, Jovy Aquino and Myrna Aquitania. Photo by Ted Talag. Upon her return, Lydia’s educator parents wanted her to be the Guidance Counselor in their family-owned college in Mabini, Batangas, but she opted to pursue her studies at the Philippine Women’s University  where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in  Psychology and further earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling. As a community leader, she is currently the Public Relations Officer of the Philippine Independence “Kalayaan” Committee, and an active officer in community organizations such as: the Philippine Heritage Institute and the Jose P. Rizal Monument Movement. PWU alumni As an active media practitioner here in Read More …

Net satisfaction with Aquino plunges to its lowest – SWS

 Entertainment
Apr 072015
 
Net satisfaction with Aquino plunges to its lowest – SWS

President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the raising of the Philippine Flag during the inauguration of the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Friday (March 20). The museum chronicles the life and times of Aguinaldo, especially during the revolution against Spain and war against the United States. Also in photo are National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno and Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Public satisfaction with President Benigno Aquino III in the first quarter of 2015 plunged 16 points to 47 percent, giving the president his lowest net satisfaction rating in his term, according to a poll taken by the Social Weather Stations. Those dissatisfied with Aquino’s performance was at 36 percent, up 12 points from December. Some 17 percent were undecided, three points higher than December. The resulting net satisfaction rating of +11 (those satisfied minus those dissatisfied) was 28 points lower than in December. Also, the +11 net satisfaction gave Aquino a “moderate” rating, a downgrade from the “good” +39 in December. The SWS explained that net satisfaction ratings of at least +70 were considered “excellent”; +50 to +69 “very good”; +30 to +49 “good”; +10 to +29 “moderate”; +9 to -9 “neutral”; -10 to -29 “poor”; -30 to -49 “bad”; -50 to -69 “very bad”; and -70 and below, “execrable.” Despite the drop in satisfaction, 50 percent of those polled opposed calls for Aquino to resign, with 32 percent Read More …

How Pauleen Luna, Vic Sotto bridge age gap

 General
Apr 072015
 
How Pauleen Luna, Vic Sotto bridge age gap

Pauleen Luna and Vic Sotto (MNS Photo) Age is just a number. This seems to be the mantra of Pauleen Luna when it comes to her relationship with Vic Sotto, who is 34 years her senior. While many wonder how they make their relationship work amid the big age difference, Pauleen revealed they do not exert effort at all but simply click together. “Swak kami. Walang masyadong effort para magkasundo kami on a lot of things and that’s very important, I believe. Hindi kami madalas mag-away. Or kung mag-away kami, mabilis kaming magbati. Sobrang petty lang (mga pinagawayan naming) at kahit mabigat (pa kung minsan), mabilis maayos,” Pauleen said. Their common interests and having good communication also help Vic and Pauleen enjoy a smooth-sailing relationship. Pauleen and Vic, who co-host the longest noontime variety show, have been a couple for three years now. Vic Sotto and daughter Paulina (MNS Photo) “Sobra kaming happy. We like sports, we like watching basketball. We like watching movies, (TV) series. We like eating. We both don’t go out, we both don’t drink,” she said. Age doesn’t matter for Vic and Pauleen, but there are still some who can’t understand their situation. The couple sometimes receives mixed reactions from netizens, so Vic had advised Pauleen to refrain from using social media. “Tigilan ko na daw mag-social media. Eh gusto ko eh,” Pauleen said. The 26-year-old actress-TV host admitted getting hurt sometimes over negative criticisms from those who doubt their love for each other. She thinks Read More …

Experts expect no glut in PH office space

 Economy
Apr 072015
 
Experts expect no glut in PH office space

APRIL Lee-Tan Investing in office spaces is seen to become an increasingly attractive proposition for many developers, as the country continues to enjoy a steady influx of companies setting up shop in the Philippines. A primary driver of the rise in demand for office spaces, according to property consulting firms Cushman & Wakefield Philippines Inc. and Jones Lang LaSalle Philippines Inc., is still the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, as the country remains to be among the most attractive locations for offshoring services. “The strength of the outsourcing and offshoring industry makes the office market an attractive investment choice for both local and foreign investors. Capital values have posted steady growth in Manila’s core business districts, vacancy rates remain low and the continued expansion of reputable multinational companies make the office sector an attractive option,” Joe Curran, general manager of Cushman & Wakefield, said in a report entitled “Asia Pacific Office Forecast 2015-16.” MIKE Oyson The report noted that prime and Grade A office leasing demand continued to be positive in 2014 as new and existing outsourcing and offshoring firms continue to enter and expand their footprint in Metro Manila. “This trend is expected to continue as the outsourcing and offshoring industry is forecast to remain as the primary growth driver of the office market. Nonetheless, we still see growing office demand from traditional corporate occupiers seeking to either relocate or consolidate office space in select key districts. This sustained office demand should be able to offset supply pressure from Read More …

Fil-Am’s video wins Damon and Affleck’s short film award

 News
Apr 072015
 
Fil-Am’s video wins Damon and Affleck’s short film award

WATCH Joshua Ortiz’s “Listen” SAN FRANCISCO — Joshua Ortiz, a Filipino American filmmaker, recently topped more than 20,000 entries across the United States to win in the first-ever annual Greenie Awards launched by actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s Project Greenlight. Ortiz’s entry “Listen” won the Most Unique Short Film award. Originally from San Francisco but now Orlando, Florida resident, Ortiz made a $30-short film for his younger siblings (the golfer and ice skater in the film). It went on to inspire thousands of people around the world. “I made it for my two siblings because I know that people will try and tell them that their dreams are not worth chasing, but I want them to know that no matter what people say and what failures come their way, you can’t give up,” Ortiz said. Filmmaker Joshua Ortiz “Since my siblings loved it, we decided to submit it to a contest. and out of thousands of entries across the nation, the film recently won the Most Unique Short Film in Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Project Greenlight on HBO and had the most views among all the contestants. Also, the film played at several high school assemblies to inspire the youth to reach for their dreams,” Ortiz said. Ortiz’s film has gone on to win multiple awards at film festivals and even played at high school assemblies to inspire the students and teachers. Ortiz has done videos for celebrities like Shaquille O’neal, Olympic gold medalist Bob Beamon and radio host Monica May. Read More …

US parents, especially blacks, believe their kids will be worse off

 News
Apr 072015
 
US parents, especially blacks, believe their kids will be worse off

WASHINGTON, DC — A majority of American parents believe their children will face a harsher coming-of-age than they did, according to a new survey — and no one feels this more acutely than black parents. In a recent NBC News State of Parenting Poll, 63 percent of parents felt their children would face more problems growing up than they did. For black parents, the figure was 72 percent. “That feeling is real, that children growing up today are growing up in a more complex society, with respect to issues like racism, institutional racism, structural racism, and the educational system, and growing inequality,” says George Garrow, executive director of Concerned Black Men National, which seeks to enrich the lives of Black children and parents through mentorship and community-building. “We as adults are being affected by these things, and if we’re being affected then young people certainly are. Our kids are being raised in a time where the kids are not going to have the opportunities that we had 25 years ago, 30 years ago.” Little faith in education Parents who had little faith in today’s education system were likelier to foresee greater challenges for their children. These parents of little faith were in the minority, however. In the case of Black parents, 51 percent rated their child’s education as “good,” on a scale from “excellent” to “poor.” Most of the parents who rated their children’s education experience as “fair” or “poor” also believed that their children would have a harder time Read More …

Pageant kicks off NY PH Independence Day build-up

 News
Apr 072015
 
Pageant kicks off NY PH Independence Day build-up

NEW YORK CITY –- An impressive array of beautiful, intelligent and talented single young women of Filipino descent 16 up to 25 years old will vie for the Diwa Ng Kalayaan (Spirit of Independence) title, the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) announced. The contestants will be presented at the Diwa Ng Kalayaan Selection, Coronation Pageant and Gala on Saturday, April 11, from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at the Grand Ballroom of the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Newark Airport at 128 Frontage Road, Newark, New Jersey. The 24th annual Diwa Ng Kalayaan Pageant is the first pre-celebratory event that kicks off commemoration in New York City of the 117th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, organized, produced, directed and presented by PIDCI, which is now on it’s 13th year, under the auspices of the Philippine Consulate General in NY. The Diwa Ng Kalayaan competition, introduced in 1991 by PIDCI, has been a traditional part of the build up towards the Philippine Independence Day Celebration, the largest of its kind outside the Philippines. The celebration itself features a trio of crowd-drawing major events–-the Independence Day Parade, the Street Fair (a Filipino Food Festival and Mini-expo), and the Cultural Festival, every first Sunday in June. The reigning “Diwa Ng Kalayaan 2014” Mikaela Alexa Rada, multitalented teen from Bayonne, New Jersey enjoyed the honor of being the PIDCI Goodwill Ambassador. She will meet the new set of candidates, all community-service-oriented: Joanna Lizardo, Rianne Avendula-Philips, Jazmine Emmanuelle B. Binag, Andrea Joyce Read More …

A few more days to live for Filipino on death row in Indonesia

 News
Apr 072015
 
A few more days to live for Filipino on death row in Indonesia

Philippine convicted drug smuggler on death row Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso, is escorted by Indonesian police as she arrives at the court in Sleman in central Java island for a hearing of judicial review on March 3, 2015 after a plea for clemency was rejected by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. AFP Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso, a Filipino woman on death row in Indonesia for drug offenses, got a few more weeks to live before the government schedules her execution. Indonesia’s Attorney General HM Prasetyo assured on Tuesday no executions will be carried out by the government anytime soon because of the Asia-Africa Conference in Jakarta and Bandung, which will be held from April 18 to April 24. Veloso, together with eight other foreigners, were found guilty of drug trafficking and would face the firing squad as required by the death penalty set by Indonesia. Prasetyo said he did not want to generate any unease while high-profile delegations from various nations are visiting Indonesia. However, he insisted the postponement of the executions will not last beyond April 24, when the Asia-Africa Conference is over. He said the delay was not a direct order from President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, as prosecutors had the authority to conduct executions. Prasetyo also denied the delay was caused by fears that some leaders would not attend. “There is no fear involved in this decision, but you wouldn’t execute people during a high-profile government event with lots of visitors,” Prasetyo said on Tuesday as quoted by kompas.com. Read More …

A Debutante’s Wish

 Entertainment
Apr 072015
 
A Debutante’s Wish

During the time when both social media and traditional media were dishing out updates on the debut bash of Julia Barretto, I received a heartwarming email from a reader. Here it is. Good day po, Ms. Rose. Ako po si Wheng, second year college student sa isang university dito sa Cagayan de Oro. Ngayon pong darating na Mayo eh, mag de-debut na po ako. Medyo malapit na po ang araw na yun kaya naisipan ko ang mga bagay na dapat kong isaalang-alang, lalo na’t ang pagiging 18 ay nagbibigay sa aming mga kabataan ng bagong mga responsibilidad. Nais ko po sanang matuto tungkol sa saving and investing. Isang araw kasi, may nabasa po akong isang article niyo tungkol sa pag-i-invest. Nagka-interes po ako kaya’t binasa ko ito lahat. Gusto ko po sanang magsimulang mag invest habang maaga pa. Gusto ko po kasing maging successful balang araw. Kaso, wala po akong malapitan upang makahingi ng payo tungkol sa pera. Kaya, kung bubutihin niyo po, gusto kong matuto kung ano po yung dapat kong gawin na pangunahing mga steps tungkol sa pag-i-invest. Sana po ay matulungan niyo po ako sa aking nais. Maraming salamat. Kaawaan kayo ng Diyos. – Wheng via email Right after reading her letter, I felt the urge to bring this May debutante to our May 9 event! I said to myself, “I wish I were Oprah so I can fly her in and bring her to our Family FQ Workshop and really grant her 18th birthday wish to learn Read More …

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