KC Concepcion reveals ‘relationship status’

 Entertainment
Sep 222016
 
KC Concepcion reveals ‘relationship status’

KC Concepcion (MNS Photo) While she was seen getting cozy with former Azkals captain Aly Borromeo over the past few months, it appears actress-host KC Concepcion has yet to take her relationship with the football player to another level. Concepcion left many of her followers on Instagram baffled when she gave an “update” regarding her relationship status, wherein she revealed that she is both not “single” and “taken” at the same time. According to Concepcion, she is “building an empire, finding [herself], healing [herself], loving [herself], being passionate, getting fit, growing friendships, meeting new people, and making memories.” Rumors romantically linking the two began when Concepcion was spotted at one of Borromeo’s football games last April. Concepcion has since admitted to dating the athlete, describing him as one of the few “good guys” left. Last May, Concepcion introduced Borromeo to her parents, Megastar Sharon Cuneta and her stepfather Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. They also recently went on a vacation in Hong Kong.(MNS)

The new Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster and Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster: Open-top driving performance as a twin pack

 Entertainment
Sep 222016
 
The new Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster and Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster: Open-top driving performance as a twin pack

Mercedes-AMG is blowing even more fresh air into the AMG GT family. Mercedes-Benz presents two exciting roadster variants of the two-seater sports car. Alongside the AMG GT Roadster, the AMG GT C Roadster Shortly after the world premiere of the AMG GT R, the sports car and performance brand from Affalterbach is presenting two exciting roadster variants of the two-seater sports car. Alongside the AMG GT Roadster*, the AMG GT C Roadster* enhances the portfolio with a completely new model variant. With an output of 410 kW (557 hp) and peak torque of 680 Nm, the AMG GT C is the most powerful new Roadster variant and uses some of the technical refinements of the AMG GT R. These include active rear axle steering and the electronically controlled rear axle locking differential. In combination with the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, the AMG GT C Roadster guarantees dynamic performance at the highest level. The top Roadster also takes its lead from the top AMG GT R sports car where muscular proportions are concerned: the wider rear wings create space for a wider track and wider wheels at the rear axle, allowing even higher cornering speeds and best traction. The variable performance exhaust system also ensures an authentic V8 sound from the AMG Roadster. The new Roadsters make hallmark AMG driving performance an even more intensive experience. “With our two Roadster models, we are strategically expanding the AMG GT family by two exciting variants. With the AMG GT C Roadster, we are also introducing a new model variant to which we have transferred main performance-related Read More …

Freed Norwegian hostage flies home

 News
Sep 222016
 
Freed Norwegian hostage flies home

Abu Sayyaf gunmen have released an Indonesian captive in Sulu province, the military said, as freed Norwegian captive Kjartan Sekkingstad flew out of the Philippines on Thursday. Herman Bin Manggak, 32, was released to the Moro National Liberation Front and later handed over to concerned Joint Task Force Sulu members. The Abu Sayyaf abducted Manggak in waters off Sandakan in Sabah on Aug. 3, 2016. A report from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said the victim was brought to Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for medical examination and debriefing before being turned over to Wesmincom authorities. Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, joint task force commander, said the release was a result of the continued military offensives of the joint task force against Abu Sayyaf members, who have split into smaller groups to evade the pursuing soldiers. The good news came as freed Norwegian hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad left on Thursday, days after the Abu Sayyaf group freed him from nearly a year in captivity. Two Canadian nationals kidnapped with him in the southern city of Davao have been beheaded, while a fourth victim, a Filipina, was freed months into captivity. The lanky Norwegian, now clean-shaven, boarded at around 1:30 p.m. Thai Airways flight TG-621 to Bangkok at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. Escorted by Norwegian Embassy officials, Sekkingstad was headed to catch a connecting flight to Oslo. Sekkingstad was abducted on Sept. 21, 2015, from a resort in Samal Island along with Canadian nationals Read More …

America is not the greatest country on earth. It’s No. 28, says new analysis

 Economy
Sep 222016
 

NEW YORK/LONDON — Every study ranking nations by health or living standards invariably offers Scandinavian social democracies a chance to show their quiet dominance. A new analysis published this week — perhaps the most comprehensive ever — is no different. But what it does reveal are the broad shortcomings of sustainable development efforts, the new shorthand for not killing ourselves or the planet, as well as the specific afflictions of a certain North American country.

BDO named first PERA administrator

 Economy
Sep 222016
 
BDO named first PERA administrator

MANILA, Philippines – BDO Unibank Inc. is the first institution in the country to be accredited as administrator of the contributions made by employers and employees to a retirement savings program. The universal bank owned by retail and banking magnate Henry Sy through its Trust and Investments Group is now an administrator for the Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA). BDO Trust executive vice president and trust officer Ador Abrogena said being named the first PERA administrator is a distinct privilege. “This will allow BDO to further promote its advocacy for financial inclusion. It is also a great responsibility and thus, we have to see to it that it is properly implemented.  We are working towards aligning our systems and processes with recent and forthcoming regulatory issuances,” he said.  The listed bank hurdled stringent qualification requirements of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). RA 9505 also known as the PERA Act of 2008 was enacted to establish a legal and regulatory framework for voluntary personal retirement plans as a means to promote savings mobilization and capital market development, to contribute to long-term fiscal sustainability through the provision of long-term financing and to reduce the need for social pension benefits. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 PERA establishes the legal and regulatory framework for voluntary personal retirement plans as a means to promote savings mobilization, capital market development and long-term fiscal sustainability.  It affords employers an opportunity to become agents in Read More …

Employers group worries over SSS pension hike

 Economy
Sep 222016
 
Employers group worries over SSS pension hike

MANILA, Philippines – The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) expressed concern yesterday over a proposal in Congress hiking the monthly pension received from the Social Security System (SSS). In a position paper released yesterday, ECOP said all bills in Congress that seek to increase SSS benefits fail to ensure the sustainability and viability of the fund and may lead to an increase in premium contributions. “In this connection, ECOP has consistently opposed any drastic or unwarranted increase or adjustment in premium contributions of the different adjustments on the premise that benefits would not be increased until such time that the fund is viable enough to assume such increases,” the ECOP said. According to the ECOP, all bills in the House of Representatives and the Senate, except Senate Bill 63, fail to amend Sec. 4 of the Social Security Law. This provision prescribes the SSS to provide “feasible” increases in benefits every four years, provided that actuarial soundness of the reserve fund should be guaranteed, and that such increases will not require any increases in the rate of contribution. “While the bills seek to improve the benefits received by pensioners, none of them except Senate Bill 63 provide a safety clause that such increases shall be subject to or dependent on, actuarial valuation to protect the long term viability of the fund,” ECOP said. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 “It is apparent that an inherent conflict would arise between the proposed amendments and the existing provision Read More …

AC Energy breaches 1,000-MW capacity target

 Economy
Sep 222016
 
AC Energy breaches 1,000-MW capacity target

MANILA, Philippines – AC Energy Holdings Inc., the power generating arm of conglomerate Ayala Corp., has breached its 1,000-megawatt (MW) capacity target with the construction of the 668-MW GNPower Dinginin project now in full swing.  With the construction of GN Power Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD) coal plant, AC Energy now has a total attributable capacity of 1,088 MW. AC Energy president and CEO John Eric Francia said the company achieved this milestone through partnerships with various industry players.   “Our ability to partner has been a strong driver in rapidly growing our portfolio. We will continue to grow through partnerships and in the process have a more diversified portfolio,” he said. The power firm has an attributable capacity of 334 MW from GNPD, where it owns a 50-percent economic stake with US-based GN Power, owned by Nauruan-American firm Power Partners Ltd. Co. Since it entered the market in 2011, AC Energy now has seven thermal, wind, and solar assets. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Apart from the Dinginin project, other facilities that make up the 1,000 MW portfolio include the 604-MW GNPower Mariveles, the 2×135-MW coal-fired power plant in Calaca, Batangas under South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. (SLTEC) and the 4×135- MW coal-fired power plant in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte in Mindanao through GN Power Kauswagan Ltd. Co. (GNPK). AC Energy’s portfolio also includes the 52-MW Northwind Power Development Corp. in Bangui, Ilocos Norte and the 81-MW wind farm in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte through its affiliate Read More …

China Bank injects P2B into thrift unit

 Economy
Sep 222016
 
China Bank injects P2B into thrift unit

MANILA, Philippines – China Banking Corp. is pumping P2 billion in fresh equity to its thrift bank arm to beef up its capital base and bankroll its aggressive expansion program. Corazon Morando, vice president and corporate secretary of China Bank, said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) P1 billion would be infused this month and another P1 billion in December to China Bank Savings Inc. (CBSI) to support its business expansion. In total, China Bank has infused P6.01 billion in additional equity into CBSI since September 2014. China Bank bought out the 87.51 percent stake of the Puyat family in the The Manila Banking Corp. in 2007 afterwhich the thrift bank was renamed to CBSI the following year. It has raised its interest in CBSI to 98 percent after buying out the holdings of minority shareholders. The bank owned by retail and banking magnate Henry Sy has been gobbling up smaller banks including Planters Development Bank in 2014 and Unity Bank in 2012 to fast track its expansion nationwide. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 The China Bank Group also includes CBC Insurance Brokers Inc., Bancassurance affiliate Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corporation (MCBLife), CBC Properties and Computer Center Inc., China Bank Capital Corp. (CBCC), and CBC Forex Corp. China Bank through CBCC acquired ATC Securities Inc. this year to set up its own brokerage firm, China Bank Securities Corp. CBCC also incorporated a securitization company, CBC Assets One (SPC) Inc.

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