Sep 212015
 
Beyond possible: The sky’s the limit for the all-New 2016 Prius at Wondries Toyota

10% fuel economy improvement on core models; highest MPG without a plug 2016 Toyota Prius LAS VEGAS – The same vehicle that pioneered the hybrid category just disrupted the status quo again. The all-new, fourth-generation Prius starred in a spectacular evening production of music, food and special effects to celebrate an industry icon in a way that was anything but expected. More than 350 journalists, social influencers and Toyota guests watched the all-new 2016 Prius elevate into the Las Vegas night sky. After almost twenty years of shaping the world view on alternative energy vehicles, and more than 3.5 million global sales, Prius is setting out to change the world again. But you can enjoy the new 2016 Prius or any other Toyota vehicle here in Southern California at Wondries Toyota in Alhambra. Today’s consumers expect environmental credentials, and the new Prius delivers. Smaller, lighter hybrid system components, higher-energy density in the batteries, and an internal combustion engine touting ground-breaking thermal efficiency (more than forty percent), contribute to a significant advancement in fuel economy.   With an expected ten percent improvement in EPA estimated MPG on core models, Prius will offer best-in-class fuel economy among vehicles without a plug.  A soon-to-be unveiled Eco model will achieve an even greater improvement, strengthening Toyota’s leadership in hybrid fuel efficiency. But it’s not just about MPG anymore.  Today’s customers want all the traditional benefits of a hybrid, but don’t want to compromise on looks and performance.  So Toyota upgraded the Prius inside and out Read More …

Sep 212015
 
Sofia Andres to JK: ‘I’m always here to support you’

Sofia Andres (MNS Photo) Teen actress Sofia Andres posted a heartfelt message for “The Voice Kids” season one finalist Juan Karlos Labajo, who recently graduated from elementary school. On Tuesday, the 14-year-old Labajo shared on his Instagram account that he graduated from ETON International School. Andres, who Labajo admitted to having a “childhood crush” on, wrote on her own Instagram page: This is your year! you are awesome! may your graduation be the beginning of a future filled with success and happiness!” “CONGRATULATIONS! I’m always here to support you Karlos. Just follow your dreams and I know it will come true coz you are very talented, sweet, humble and cute baby boy of mine.” “Keep your feet on the ground. You’ve come a long way,” she told Labajo, who is part of the cast of the remake of the prime time series, “Pangako Sa ‘Yo.” (MNS)

Sep 212015
 
Irvine 14th Global Village Festival celebrates diversity

The City of Irvine, one of the 34 cities comprising the County of Orange, is not only one of the nation’s largest master-planned communities, culturally diverse and fully integrated city of 250,384 residents but also holds the distinction of being ranked as the top city in California and listed as one of the Best Places to live in America of CNN Magazine of 2012. Irvine has grown strategically into one of the safest cities in the country since its incorporation in 1971 and has been at the forefront “of promoting environmental stewardship, state-of-the-art transportation programs and systems, an enterprising business environment and an enviable high quality of life”. Irvine as a family-friendly city has more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space. It is also home to the Orange County Great Park – the first great metropolitan park of the 21st century. Global Village Festival Fil-Am Chamber joins Festival: More than 50 cultures will be represented at the day-long multicultural, multi-ethnic Irvine Global Village Festival in Irvine on September 26. The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange, whose officers are shown here during a courtesy call to Consul General Leon M. Herrera-Lim recently, will participate in the annual event. All roads lead to Bill Barber Park at the Civic Plaza on September 26 as people of many nations converge for a day-long celebration at the 14th edition of Irvine’s annual Global Village Festival. For many years, thousands have trekked to this venue to celebrate the Read More …

Sep 212015
 
Philippine Army denies existence of ‘hit list’

— Artist Randalf Dilla polishes his 8 x18.5 feet oil and acrylic painting “Salvage Memories, Salvage Lives” at Hiraya Gallery in Manila, Friday. The masterpiece, which depicts human rights issues during the Martial Law era, will be exhibited in commemoration of its declaration on September 21. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Philippine Army on Saturday denied that the military has a “hit list” of 70 activists in Mindanao and leaders of progressive groups. “There is no such thing as hit list in the AFP. Everybody knows that only the New People’s Army is making a hit list,” said in a statement released by Col. Benjamin Hao, chief of the Army’s public affairs office. The Army assured in the statement that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is “the protector of the Filipino people whatever his or her social, political or economic leaning is.” “The hit list allegation is a figment of the accusers’ imagination,” it added. On Friday, former and incumbent lawmakers under the Makabayan bloc asked the Supreme Court to issue writs of amparo and habeas data against alleged military and police harassment. In a 37-page plea, the petitioners said the civil society organizations to which they belong have been tagged by the government forces as “communist front organizations” while their leaders and members have been targets of attack under the government’s counterinsurgency programs. Among the petitioners were Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Emerenciana de Jesus, former Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano, former Bayan Read More …

Sep 212015
 
Police launch 24-hour patrol in Zamboanga City after deadly blast

Police secure a blast site at a bus terminal in Zamboanga City on Friday. A strong explosion caused by an improvised explosive device wrecked a passenger bus originating from Barangay Labuan, killing an 11-year-old girl and leaving 32 others injured. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Police has started a 24-hour security patrol around Zamboanga city following a bus explosion that left a girl dead and 33 others injured on Friday afternoon. According to Superintendent Glenn Dulawan, Pagadian City police chief, tighter security is being implemented around the city, particularly in public areas. Dulawan said aside from the 24-hour security patrols, additional checkpoints have been installed in areas leading to the city and more policemen have been deployed in bus terminals. He added that policemen deployed in bus terminals will inspect the passengers’ bags and luggages as part of the stricter security measures due to Friday’s bombing. A bomb exploded inside the bus of the D’ Biel Transit Company while parked at a transport terminal at past 2 p.m. Friday. Five individuals, who were found with wires in their bags, have been taken into police custody. Mayor Beng Climaco said on her Facebook account that the incident was being investigated as an act of extortion. In January, another bus exploded in the outskirts of Zamboanga City, which police readily blamed on al-Qaeda-linked Islamic militants. Double murder and frustrated multiple murder charges were filed against the suspects, who used a car rigged with an improvised explosive devise to blow up the bus. Read More …

Sep 212015
 
MILF won’t avoid legal process in Mamasapano clash

Muslim groups hold a protest to urge the passage of the Bangsamoro law at the Philippine Senate, Wednesday. The groups asked the senators to respect the peace agreements between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front will not avoid the legal process once complaints are filed against those responsible for the Mamasapano clash that left over 60 people dead, including 44 police commandos and 17 MILF fighters. MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal issued this assurance at the sidelines of the forum organized by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) in Ortigas Friday. “On an individual basis, we will not,” Iqbal said, adding that the MILF will not prevent their members from hiring lawyers to defend themselves. On Thursday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said about 26 MILF fighters, as well as members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and private armed groups may be charged for the Mamasapano encounter. But Iqbal said the legal process should be within the peace process mechanism between the MILF and the government. The MILF signed a peace agreement last year ending the decades-old Moro insurgency in Mindanao. “If there’s a violation on either side; if it’s on the government side, the government will take charge. If it’s the MILF, then the MILF will take charge of that,” he said. The filing of complaints is expected next week and is the first step to a preliminary investigation into who Read More …

Sep 212015
 
Fishermen in Yolanda-hit areas get ¥150-M equipment from JICA

British aircraft carrier, HMS Illustrious, carrying around 500 tons of aid for victims of Typhoon Haiyan docks at Pier 15 in South Harbor, Manila on Wednesday (December 11, 2013) for relief operation in Tacloban, Leyte. Led by Capt. Mike Utley, the Royal Navy ship carries supplies provided by the Department for International Development (DFID) including 12,500 blankets, 20,000 candles, 30,000 bags of rice and 9,800 tins of sardines, thousand cans of vegetables, shelter kits, and jerry cans. HMS Illustrious is replacing HMS Daring, which has been distributing aid in remote communities for the past week. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Fishermen in areas heavily affected by Typhoon Yolanda in Guiuan, Eastern Samar received a ¥150 million (P58 million) worth of aid from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). JICA turned over a total of 86 types of equipment for production of fish seedlings and algae to the Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center (GMFDC) as part of its ¥4.6 billion aid program to support the country’s “build back better” policy for areas devastated by the 2013 super storm. Guiuan farmers were also assisted in reestablishing grouper or lapu-lapu farming and rehabilitating the public wet market in their province. Meanwhile, the fisheries sector in Tanauan, Leyte received milkfish and oyster racks to restore their aquaculture industry while fishermen in Basey, Western Samar were provided with submersible typhoon-resistant fish cages. JICA Philippines Chief Representative Noriaki Niwa in a statement on Saturday said they hope to contribute to the restoration of “economic opportunities in Read More …

Sep 212015
 
PH Embassy in Thailand confirms arrest of Reyes brothers

INQUIRER.net By: Matikas Santos, September 21st, 2015 02:57 PM The Philippine Embassy in Thailand has confirmed the arrest of the Reyes brothers. “The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok has confirmed that the Reyes brothers are in the custody of the Thai Police,” Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Charles Jose said in a text message Monday. READ: Reyes brothers in Ortega killing arrested in Thailand Philippine Police have also reported that Mario and Joel Reyes, who have been on the most wanted list for the slay of Palawan environmentalist and journalist Dr. Gerry Ortega, were held in Phuket, Thailand, by immigration authorities for overstaying. Thai police are in custody of the two and are preparing them for deportation. Both have a P2 million reward for their arrest. RELATED STORIES 2 immigration men aided Reyes brothers’ escape Ortega seeks disbarment of lawyer linked to Reyes brothers’ escape Disclaimer: Comments do not represent the views of INQUIRER.net. We reserve the right to exclude comments which are inconsistent with our editorial standards. FULL DISCLAIMER For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.

Sep 202015
 
OFW cleared of allegations that she stole winning lottery ticket

The Straits Times/Asia News Network September 21st, 2015 10:37 AM Len (not her real name), won $2.3 million in the Singapore Sweep in June. She has been cleared of allegations that she had stolen the winning ticket. ST PHOTO / CHEW SENG KIM A maid who won $2.3 million in the Singapore Sweep in June has been cleared of allegations that she had stolen the winning ticket. READ: OFW who won S$2.3M lottery in Singapore accused of stealing ticket For the last three weeks, Ms. Len (not her real name) could not access her winnings as her bank account was frozen as a matter of procedure while the police did their investigations. The police called Len on Thursday evening to tell her that her bank account is no longer frozen. “I never stole the ticket,” said a relieved Len, 44, adding that she cooperated fully with the police. After a report was lodged last month by an unidentified person claiming that the winning ticket was stolen, she complied with police requests to hand over details of her bank account. She also took them to the Tampines outlet where she bought the ticket. When her account was frozen, it was difficult for Len to remit money back to the Philippines. “We live in the village and we are very poor. My family, and my old parents, are waiting for me to send money back for food and school expenses,” she said. Over the past 14 years working for her current employer in Pasir Ris, Read More …