ALTERNATIVE locations to the main business districts are providing sufficient supply for the rapidly expanding business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, property consultants CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) Philippines, Inc. said.
ECONOMIC growth this year and next could still come in at around 6% despite the continued drop in exports as consumer spending is expected to remain robust, an economist from ING bank said.
Find out how many shades of lipstick she has and what are her can’t-live-without stuff!

Big Bear Lake Village Scarecrow Festival(photo courtesy of http://www.bigbear.com/) BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. – This year Halloween is on a Saturday, which makes it an ideal time to get away with the little tykes for a grand “trick or treat” extravaganza in the mountains. On Halloween night, Big Bear Village becomes extensively decorated with jack-o-lanterns, cobwebs, flying bats, strobe lights, and other gadgets and gimmickry to create a “frightfully” fun Halloween experience. New this year is a unique display of scarecrows scattered throughout Big Bear Village that adds to the festive atmosphere. The streets of Big Bear Village shut down and transform into a massive gathering of goblins, ghouls, witches, princesses, super heroes and presidential candidates. More than 100 village merchants hand out thousands of dollars worth of candy and other goodies to “trick or treaters.” Village merchants created this event to ensure a safe and secure environment for families to enjoy the holiday together. Halloween festivities in the Village are scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. and finish at about 9 p.m. “Our Halloween celebration is gigantic! Most importantly it’s in a perfectly safe environment for everyone in the family to enjoy!” said Big Bear Visitors Bureau Director of Operations Rebecca Hrabia. “Halloween is on a Saturday this year, so it’s a great opportunity for families to make an entire weekend out of it.” After getting a bag load of candy from Big Bear Village merchants, retreat to one of Big Bear’s cozy cabins for a cup Read More …

— Vice President Jejomar Binay and Sen. Gringo Honasan show their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Election in Manila on Monday, the first day of filing of COCs. Binay and Honasan will run under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) for the 2016 election. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Vice President Jejomar Binay and his running mate, Sen. Gregorio Honasan, on Monday morning filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs). Binay and Honasan were the first pair aspiring for the top posts to file their COCs on the first day of the week-long filing at the Commission on Election’s main office in Intramuros, Manila. The vice president was accompanied by his wife Elenita, and their children, Sen. Nancy Binay and suspended Makati Mayor Junjun Binay. Binay and Honasan were among the first candidates to arrive at the Comelec’s office at the Palacio del Gobernador. Minutes before the start of the filing of COCs, Honasan confirmed his vice presidential run. “I don’t have the luxury of an ego. I’m a soldier and I will follow the party decision,” Honasan told reporters when asked to comment on not being the first choice of UNA as its vice presidential candidate. The tandem’s supporters arrived early at the Palacio del Gobernador grounds. The group arrived with a marching band, whose members were wearing Binay shirts. After a few photos together, the tandem left the Comelec office. Binay thereafter said the poor Filipinos serve as his inspiration and that he will continue defending them and serving Read More …

(Department of Agriculture logo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – No seedable cloud will be left unseeded, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Monday as it bolsters efforts against the harsh effects of El Niño this October. State weather bureau PAGASA expects El Niño to intensify this month. “We will seed all seedable clouds, we will waste no opportunity,” Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said. Cloud seeding modifies the weather by introducing silver iodide or calcium chloride to the atmosphere to induce condensation and, eventually, rain. The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), an agency of the Agriculture Department, started conducting cloud seeding operations in strategic locations nationwide last year. Its director, Silvino Tejada, said the department has set up water management and conservation measures through the bureau to make sure that scare irrigation water will be used efficiently. The department has emphasized, however, that cloud seeding is only one of the many interventions used to combat the El Niño. “Though this technology is beneficial to many agricultural lands, this may not be required or suitable in some areas,” the department said. (MNS)

Former Senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson MANILA (Mabuhay) — Former senator Panfilo Lacson and Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares on Monday morning filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for senator. Lacson was the first senatorial aspirant to enter the filing area at the Comission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Intramus, Manila, at around 8 a.m. Lacson did not face reporters at the designated media area after the filing. Colmenares, meanwhile, arrived with actress and relative Angel Locsin (Angelica Colmenares in real life) and ex-Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo. In his speech following the filing, Colmenares said he was running to become the people’s “fighter” in the Senate. He hopes to address issues such as rising prices and a need to increase workers’ pay and pension. “Tatakbo po ako para ang serbisyo-publiko ay palawagin at palakasin at hindi gawing negosyo. Tumatakbo po ako sa Senado para ang yaman ng Pilipinas ay mapakinabangan nating mga Filipino, he said. The others who have filed their COCs for senator were Ricky Bacolod, Angel Ridoble, Victoriano Inte and Daniel Magtira. The filing of COCs will run from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aspirants for national elective posts — president, vice president, and senator — as well as for partylist will file at the Comelec main office. (MNS)

Joker Arroyo (MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Monday expressed its condolences to the family of former Senator Joker Arroyo, who died in the United States last week after an unsuccessful heart operation. “The passing of Joker Arroyo closes a life and career spent in the midst of burning issues of public interest for half a century,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement. “As a lawyer and legislator, he was outspoken. As a citizen, he was one of those who fought the dictatorship and served in the effort to restore our democracy: This is the Joker Arroyo the country will remember. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones in their time of grief,” he added. Last October 7, Lacierda chose to defer any comment out of respect to Arroyo’s family who has yet to confirm his death. “The only confirmation we have is with Senator Rene Saguisag. And sa totoo lang, we already have a statement but out of deference for the family, hindi pa po sila nag-a-announce eh,” Lacierda said then. Arroyo died on October 5, former Senator Saguisag confirmed last week. Saguisag described Arroyo’s passing as a “shocker,” noting he did not know that Arroyo was brought to the US. He said they last communicated in January this year. Arroyo was among the lawyers of President Benigno Aquino III’s father, slain opposition leader Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. He was the first to challenge the constitutionality of Proclamation 1081 issued by Read More …

Try these high protein breakfast recipes with milk to power your day (Family Features) Everyone knows breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but the chaos of trying to get the whole family ready in the morning can sometimes make it fall by the wayside. That’s why it’s important to have quick, easy and nutritious breakfast ideas and recipes on hand, especially ones even picky eaters will enjoy. Eating a breakfast with enough protein can help start the day off right with energy and focus. Many experts now recommend getting 25-30 grams at every meal, including breakfast. However, a typical breakfast only contains an average of 13 grams of protein. One easy way to increase the protein content of your morning meal is to add an 8-ounce glass of milk. Every 8-ounce glass of milk – whether organic, flavored or white – provides nine essential nutrients, including eight grams of high-quality protein to help start the day on the right foot. So, power up with protein in the morning with recipes like this herbed cream cheese and egg sandwich. When paired with a glass of milk, it provides 27 grams of protein – a perfect start to those busy days. For even more easy breakfasts powered with protein, visit milklife.com. Herbed Cream Cheese and Egg Sandwich Herbed Cream Cheese and Egg Sandwich Recipe courtesy of Kath Eats Real Food Blog 2 slices whole wheat bread 2 tablespoons light cream cheese 1/2 teaspoon herbs de Provence 1 teaspoon butter Read More …

Derrick Monasterio (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actor Derrick Monasterio has made the transition from teen star to more mature actor. With it comes a physical transformation that is nothing to scoff at. The 20-year-old Kapuso heartthrob has been making heads turn with his chiseled physique, a result of persistent hard work. Derrick also modified his diet to achieve his form. “I avoided fatty foods, hindi ako nagle-lechon. Chicken lang na walang balat tsaka isda,” he shared. The gambit has paid off. During his participation at the Cosmopolitan Carnival – formerly the Cosmo Bachelor Bash – recently at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, Derrick’s appearance elicited loud screams from the women in the audience. “Matagal po (akong nag-prepare), mga four months,” the young heartthrob said. “’Tsaka kung dati siguro once a week lang akong pumupunta sa gym, ngayon, ‘nung nalaman ko na kasali ako mga thrice a week na po siguro.” Showing less skin than some model and celebrity participants that took the ramp, Derrick explained, “Hindi mo kailangang magpasilip para maging hot ka eh. Kahit nga naka-sando lang kaya ko silang talbugan eh.” He added, “’Tsaka bata pa ako eh. Siguro next time ’yung ganun kapag medyo veteran na ako sa showbiz. ’Yung mala-Jay Manalo na, (mala-)Tom Rodriguez.” To add to Derrick’s roster of calorie-burning activities, he says he is also trying his hand at dancing. “(Pero) kailangan pang pakuluan ’yung katawan ko, matigas pa eh,” he joked. “But for a change nga po sana, gusto kong Read More …