Jan 082016
 
Race on to revive PH car manufacturing sector

Philippine Daily Inquirer By: Amy R. Remo, January 9th, 2016 12:12 AM Hopes for a resurgence in the Philippine automotive manufacturing industry could not have been stronger and more apparent last year especially after a new government fiat was released targeting to do just that. At least for the biggest automotive assemblers in the country, the promise of a P27-billion incentive package being dangled under Executive Order No. 182, which provides for the implementation of the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program, was deemed worth looking into despite the “ambitious” requirements set by the government. Trade officials are highly optimistic that the program will take off, as they anticipate applications to start coming in after the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released the implementing rules and regulations last Dec. 19. A commitment was also made on the part of the trade agency to fast-track the applications for the CARS Program to enable local automotive assemblers to take advantage of what was perceived to be the third wave of Asean motorization. Only two assemblers, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., have been vocal and concrete in expressing their interest to participate in a program that, if successful, is seen to attract more than P27 billion in new parts manufacturing investments among others. The program also aims to produce at least 600,000 vehicles, generate some 200,000 new jobs, and spur economic activity estimated to be worth P300 billion. The resulting contribution to gross domestic product is estimated at Read More …

Jan 082016
 
Rules! Rules! Rules!

Chinkee Tan Are you annoyed at people who don’t know how to follow simple rules? …cutting in line …beating the red light …throwing their trash anywhere. One of the things we find difficult to follow is the rule of law. Sometimes we see these RULES not as something to be strictly followed, but as SUGGESTIONS or OPTIONS. When in fact, these rules exist to bring about unity and discipline to a community. Just as when you follow these rules, you won’t likely get into fights and squabbles. We know we should be following them, but why does it seem like it takes so much effort for some to do so? NO LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE ‘Why should I follow the rules when the ones who are expected to follow it or even those who actually make them don’t even do it!” Examples could be when we see people in public transports suddenly spitting out the window or throwing their candy wrapper out the window; or motorists without helmets; or idling in the workplace when it is time to work and you are even embarrassed to call him out from playing Clash of Clans or Solitaire. It can be frustrating especially if the one who is on the forefront of breaking the rules is the person in authority. They feel like they are an EXEMPTION to the rule. Well, we just need to accept that the rule applies to ALL. But this is my call to TEAM POSITIVE that follows my blog: Read More …

Jan 072016
 
Patricia Javier, husband renew wedding vows

Patricia Javier and Robert Walcher (MNS photo) Actress and singer Patricia Javier, who is part of the cast of afternoon drama “Doble Kara,” celebrated her 10th wedding anniversary on Wednesday with husband, American chiropractic doctor Robert Walcher. The couple marked the milestone by renewing their wedding vows in a Christian wedding ceremony, which was attended by close friends and family, held at the Azure Urban Resort Residences in Parañaque. “I’m so thankful to God kasi talagang you’re the one that I will always pray for,” an emotional Javier told Walcher. “Thank you so much for all the support, for embracing Philippines, and for being here with my family. I know this is not easy for you, but you’re still here.” Walcher said he felt “sobrang blessed” to be with Javier, whom he first married in front of a county court judge in San Diego in 2005. “The past 10 years has been absolutely life-changing. These are the best years of my life. I’m looking forward to the next 10 years,” he said. Javier, who first met Walcher in California in 2003, has two kids with the American, namely Rob and Ryan James.  (MNS)

Jan 072016
 
Liza, Kathryn rank in 2015 most beautiful faces worldwide list

Kathryn Bernardo (MNS Photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – Liza Soberano is the sixth woman with the most beautiful face in the world according to a British-based critic community. “The 26th Annual Independent Critics List of the 100 Most Beautiful Faces of 2015″ by TC Candler was released on December 26. Only Soberano and her co-Kapamilya star Kathryn Bernardo were the Filipinas to join the list. Bernardo landed on the 80th spot, ahead of American-Irish actress Olivia Wilde. South Korean singer Nana, whose real name is Im Jin-ah, topped the list. She is followed by Israeli actress Gal Gadot, British model Jourdan Dunn, ‘Harry Potter’s’ Emma Watson, and Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahni. Liza Soberano (MNS Photo) According to TC Candler, the Independent List is not a popularity poll. “Rather, the list attempts to inform public opinion instead of reflecting it.” The criteria for judging include aesthetic perfection, grace, elegance, class, poise, joy, promise, and hope. The public sends suggestions to T.C. Candler which the community puts together and make a list representing “the modern ideal of beauty”. Meanwhile for the male division, three Filipinos were able to enter the list — Enrique Gil on the 13th spot, overshadowing Ryan Gosling and David Beckham among others; Daniel Padilla, 22nd; and Xian Lim, 99th. All the aforementioned Filipino personalities were categorized under the “new entry”. (MNS)