Maine Mendoza (MNS photo) A year since entering show business, Maine Mendoza looks at her success squarely in the eye and acknowledges it’s something she herself did not think was possible this early in her career. “Pinangarap ko lang naman kasi talaga is lumabas sa mga billboard, magazines, lumabas sa commercials. Happy ako na nangyayari na (lahat ito),” Maine said at the press conference of hers and Alden Richards’ movie “Imagine You and Me.” First known for her Dubsmash videos, she rose to popularity upon joining “Eat Bulaga!” as Yaya Dub. The chemistry between Alden and Maine took the country by storm, to say the least. At this point, Maine isn’t obsessing over her popularity, whether it further waxes or suddenly wanes. Alden Richards (MNS Photo) “Ang main purpose ko naman kaya ko ito ginagawa ay para makapagbigay ng kasiyahan sa mga tao kasi nakikita ko sila na masaya at nai-inspire ko sila,” she said. “Fulfilled na ako na narating ko na ’yung pangarap ko. So ini-enjoy ko na lang kung ano ’yung dinadanas ko ngayon. Mawala man ito, okay lang, masaya na si Menggay.” Maine takes her steps one at a time. She doesn’t think too far ahead, let alone how long her tenure in the industry would be. “Sa ngayon, as an actress, ang dami ko pang pagdadaanan,” she said. “Hindi ko alam kung kakayanin ko ba ito. Baka mamaya two years from now gustuhin ko ulit bumalik sa normal na buhay.” Pressure will always be there for Read More …
THE FIRST head of the newly created Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) gave out his marching orders yesterday, promising to reassign underutilized frequencies that are otherwise kept by telcos for “speculative purposes.”
DAVAO CITY — Potential foreign buyers are expected to attend the 1st International Coconut Conference here that will focus on the development of largely unexplored by-products and a more distinct branding for Philippine exports.

Gerald Anderson (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — “It was me being stupid,” admitted Gerald Anderson when asked about the reason behind his decision to cut short his romance with actress Bea Alonzo back in 2010. “Bata pa ako noon,” Anderson said, adding that their short-lived relationship failed due to “bad timing.” Anderson had just broken up with Kim Chiu, his fellow “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate and erstwhile “love team,” when he expressed his intentions to court Alonzo. His move did not sit well with his mother and drew much criticism from Chiu’s fans, prompting him to call it off. Bea Alonzo (MNS Photo) But despite the messy fallout, Anderson said that he and Alonzo have been able to look past their failed relationship and laugh about it. The two are currently working on a new Star Cinema film, “How To Be Yours.” “Nakakatawa kasi noong panahon na iyon ay madaming nagsasabi na, ’10 years from now ay pagtatawanan mo itong breakup ninyo.’ Noong time na iyon, sinasabi ko, ‘Huh? Hindi. Parang end of the world na ito eh.’ But like now, ‘pag nasa shooting kami ay pinagtatawanan na lang namin,” he shared. Anderson also admitted that he now feels closer with Alonzo, using words like “surreal” to describe his experience working with his former girlfriend on the set of the their first film together as lead stars. “Childhood crush ko po iyan eh. Bata pa lang ako, I was 15 years old, hindi po ako masyadong nagta-Tagalog pero pinapanuod ko Read More …
With appointment of the new Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner, Atty. Cesar R. Dulay, everyone is expecting significant changes to happen in the BIR. Atty. Dulay is joining an organization cited by President Duterte as one of the most corrupt government agencies. Certainly, changing such an organization will be one gargantuan task. Stakeholders like the local and foreign business organizations, tax practitioners, individual taxpayers, and foreign investors are eagerly observing the changes that are being introduced. It is worthwhile to examine the BIR issuances released by the new Commissioner for the first two weeks after he assumed his post last July 1. These issuances give the stakeholders and observers a clear insight of the changes what we will expect and the priorities of this new administration.
1.6 Turbo GDI engine and independent multi-link rear suspension highlight the most powerful and dynamic Hyundai Elantra ever 2017 Elantra Sport FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif – Today at a meeting of the Washington Automotive Press Association in Alexandria, VA, Hyundai Motor America unveiled the all-new 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport. The most powerful Elantra model ever, the Sport benefits from a variety of important powertrain, chassis and styling upgrades over the current SE, Eco, and Limited models. 2017 Elantra Sport The Elantra Sport is powered by a 1.6 Turbo GDI four-cylinder engine generating more than 200 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. Drivers may choose between a six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with paddle shifters. Helping to ensure the most powerful Elantra ever is also the most fun to drive, the Sport is exclusively outfitted with an independent multi-link rear suspension designed to elevate on-road dynamics and feel. Finally, Elantra Sport is visually differentiated with unique bodywork and model-specific interior appointments such as a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sport seats and red contrast stitching. “Elantra Sport demonstrates our commitment to providing drivers with compelling vehicle choices that align with their interests,” says Mike Evanoff, Hyundai Motor America manager of product planning. “This is a vehicle that reflects our own passion for cars and driving, expressing it with sharp looks, proven in-car technology, upgraded power, and fun, sporty handling.” The Hyundai Elantra Sport will arrive in North American showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2016. Additional details, including full specifications and Read More …
Hollywood, CA – As Straw Productions presents the World Premiere of As Straw Before The Wind, a new play that offers a window into the life experience of a Filipina nurse who survives the trauma of World War II, only to discover that her war is not yet over. Written by Felix Racelis, under the direction of Lesley Asistio, the production will be presented for four weekends at the Ruby Theatre at The Complex, 6476 Santa Monica Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90038, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and on Sundays at 3 p.m., August 13 – September 4, 2016. Saturday, August 13, 2016 marks the World Premiere Opening Night of the play. A Discounted Preview performance will be given on Friday, August 12, 2016 at 8 p.m. To learn more, visit www.strawbeforewind.com. As Straw Before The Wind stars Tita Pambid (Nene Santos), Muni Zano (Poncing Enrile), Sarnica Lim (Pilita Santos), Anita Borcia (Mildred Novak), Rochelle Lozano (Maria Enrile), Doan Nguyen(Loan Officer, Swing 1) and Gabriel Garcia (Mr. Martinez, Jr., Swing 2) As Straw Before The Wind recounts the story of Nene Santos, a Filipina nurse and enterprising owner/operator, of a fictionalized San Gabriel Valley convalescent home. Nene has ambitious plans to expand her business, which she intends to leave to her daughter and primary assistant, Pilita, who has her own agenda. So, what will become of the elderly and fragile resident patients of the convalescent home – Poncing Enrile, a retired Filipino American Army Captain, and Mildred Novak, a chain smoking retiree widow with Alzheimer’s Disease? Nene confronts a string of setbacks and obstacles in her quest. Flashbacks of the horrendous experience she and her family endured during WWII Read More …
The recent favorable ruling the Philippine government got from the United Nation’s international arbitral tribunal means nothing unless China can be expelled from the disputed island in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). The UN Security Council should now some adopt pressure on the Chinese government to stop its current reclamation projects in the West Philippine Sea and to expel military forces who have transplanted themselves in area for the past two years. Although probably stung by the recent UN decision, I do not think Chinese leaders will ever surrender its hold on the disputed island, thinking that it’s theirs. To avoid straining further the country’s relations with China, President Rodrigo Duterte should start diplomatic negotiations with China, including backdoor negotiations to settle the issue amicably, despite the recent favorable ruling the Philippines got from UN. Residents join advocates for Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea in offering thanksgiving prayer and sampaguita flowers to celebrate the historic and favorable ruling of the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration at the seawall of the Manila Bay on Tuesday (July 12, 2016). (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)lam/acd Duterte, however, should be firm in his dealings with Chinese leaders and point out that he has no plans of giving up the disputed territory, especially now that our claim has been upheld by the UN. President Duterte may have the balls, but he should be wary and careful in his negotiations with Chinese leaders regarding the disputed territory. Years ago, China had Read More …
By Jelly F. Musico Barong, jeans, no socks: The “working” President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo shares a light moment prior to the Cabinet meeting at Malacañan Palace on Tuesday.(MNS photo) MANILA (PNA) – Malacañang on Wednesday described the impressive trust rating of President Rodrigo Duterte as “very encouraging” and a positive sign the public appreciates the way the new government addresses the problems it inherited from the previous administration. ”It’s a positive sign and very encouraging to know that the people trust the judgment, decisions and actions of the President,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar said in a text message to the Malacañang media. Based on the latest Social Weather Station (SWS) survey conducted from June 24-27 among 1,200 adult respondents nationwide, Pres. Duterte garnered a net trust rating of 79 percent, a big leap from his trust rating of 26 percent in May. ”The mandate is clear, the government cannot stop what it has started,” Andanar said, referring to the anti-illegal drug campaign of the Duterte administration. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said President has yet to give comment on the SWS survey but noted that “I’m sure he would appreciate that.” ”And he would also say, if I know him, that trabaho lang ‘yan, that’s part of the job’ and that he will continue to do our part,” Abella said. The second quarter survey of SWS showed that only five percent of the respondents have little trust while 11 percent were undecided on Read More …
Vice President Leni Robredo went to Malacanan Monday afternoon to pay a courtesy visit to President Rodrigo Duterte. She expressed her full support to the Duterte administration. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday urged government authorities to look into the rising number of extrajudicial killings cases as she expressed concern on the “growing culture of vigilantism” in the country. But at the same time, Robredo reiterated her support for President Rodrigo Duterte’s war against drugs and criminality. In a carefully-worded statement, Robredo said she trusts that the President, her fellow lawyer, will abide by the law. “We support President Duterte’s declaration that the fight against drugs and crime must be done with an uncompromising exercise of the rule of law,” Robredo said in a statement. “However, there have been over a hundred cases of drug-related reported killings in less than a month. While we are one with the fight against drugs, we are concerned with the growing culture of vigilantism and violence,” she said. Robredo urged authorities should investigate the summary executions happening in different cities and provinces lately. “We hope that the war is not done at the expense of the innocent and defenseless. We encourage authorities concerned to look into these cases. If there is really culpability, then justice requires that appropriate cases be filed and that those proven to be accountable be punished,” she said. “Since the President is a lawyer and former prosecutor, we trust that he will do what is Read More …