Jul 112017
 
Koronadal City breaks 2 Guinness World Records

Koronadal City in South Cotabato has made two new Guinness World Records as part of their effort to promote motorcycle road safety. [via Facebook] Koronadal made the new record for Most Engines Started Simultaneously with 3,184 people and motorbikes. The same event scored the 2 nd world record for Most Motorcycle Horns Sounded Simultaneously done by 3,177 people. The two new Guinness records for the Philippines were attempted on April 29, 2017 with a total of 3,336 motorcycle riders converged along a stretch of the main highway. The event was led by Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel, LGU-City of Koronadal, Petron, National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs, Inc. and South Cotabato Motorcycle Club. Ben Backhouse, head of records management for Asia Pacific of Guinness World Records, confirmed the approval of the new titles in an email to Mayor Miguel: “We are thrilled to inform you that your application for most engines started simultaneously has been successful and you are now the Guinness World Records title holder!…Your second record attempt (most motorcycle horns sounded simultaneously) has been approved as well. Congratulations on an amazing event, you are officially amazing.” “At this point I would like to say it’s been a pleasure working with you and I wish you the best of luck with any future record attempts,” Backhouse added. The city government had paid around P850,000 to Guinness to facilitate the world record bid, revealed the Philippine News Agency release. The historic world record bid involved visiting and local motorcycle enthusiasts, lined Read More …

Jul 112017
 
Lou Jen Saldo is 2017 Fitness Universe Champion

Lou Jen Saldo [via Facebook] Fitness trainer, model and athlete Lou Jen Saldo has won the Fitness Universe Championships, and the Ms. Bikini Short Class Champion title of Ms. Bikini Universe in the USA. Saldo, a member of the Philippine Women’s National Rugby team-the Lady Volcanoes, said she was surprised when she won the international competition titles in her 2 categories. “Actually, I never expected to win. Since I was still on the jet lag, I knew it would be hard for me to do things especially since the time here and in the Philippines is very different, it was hard to adapt to it,” Saldo admitted in a Fitness Universe statement. The bodybuilder banked on the world renowned Filipino tenacity and faith in persevering through the difficulties she faced in the foreign environment saying, “I just stayed strong and believed to myself that no matter what happened, I would showcase what I have. I never stopped praying and had a strong faith that I knew I could do this, and I would make it. Smile and Shine.” Fitness Universe Championships is the first major international competition for Saldo. The Fitness Universe Champion is a personal fitness trainer, Muaythai instructor and licensed Kickboxing instructor who previously won the Slimmers World International / Ms. Great Bodies 2016.   The post Lou Jen Saldo is 2017 Fitness Universe Champion appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Pia Wurtzbach to crown new Miss Universe in Manila Pia Wurtzbach is Miss Universe 2015, Read More …

Jul 112017
 
UP Student wins Global Wetlands Youth Photo contest

University of the Philippines (UP) engineering student Gabriel B. Mejia has won the Global Wetlands Youth Photo Contest 2017. Gabriel Mejia [via Ramsar] The 21-year old civil engineering student’s winning photo was an aerial view from atop Mt. Sawi of the Gabaldon floodplains in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Mejia in a Ramsar interview recounts how he took the winning shot after a 4-hour drive and a whole day climb, “I was mesmerized by the natural beauty and formation of the place and I couldn’t resist taking the shot. I was inspired by the fact that the floodplain looked like the African continent and how it connected the two rural towns showing the unity of life.” Located between two rural towns, the Gabaldon floodplain has been known to protect the communities in the region by absorbing and storing excess rainfall and storing it for the dry season. The Philippines is listed with 7 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), with a surface area of 244,017 hectares. An arial view of the Gabaldon floodplain of Neuva Ecija, Philippines. Floodplains can be compared to giant reservoirs that when left intact store flood waters. [by Gabriel Mejia via Ramsar] The mountaineer and explorer says he has plans “to become an environmental and coastal engineer in the Philippines to create and design a sustainable and environmentally friendly structure that will protect both the coastal communities and marine wildlife living in our country.” The photo by this aspiring environmental engineer and travel photographer who wants Read More …

Jul 112017
 
Unplugging From the Traditional Business Meeting

Armando Bartolome Boardroom meetings may sometimes feel constraining. Some may be unable to fully express their thoughts during such meetings, especially when they have to deal with others with intimidating personalities.  While this traditional way of exchanging thoughts and ideas still has value, executives today have found a more effective way to hold meetings. As a bonus, this new method also makes you healthier.  “Walk the talk” is taking the meeting outside for a walk. Experts say this is a powerful way of making employees more creative, more inspired, more energized and alert.  It helps people think more clearly and come up with better solutions.  THE REWARDS OF "WALK THE TALK" MEETINGS Obviously, “walk the talk” meetings would not be effective if you need to talk to different department heads or if you have a video presentation. However, if you’re brainstorming with one or two people, you may want to conduct this while you walk around the nearby park or round the office building.  Some of these benefits are: Employees can share their ideas more openly without the constraints of the four corners of the conference room. Being outside the office allows an individual to be more creative. A breath of fresh air enables individuals to come up with unique ideas. It helps keep employees healthier and happier. This creates a positive environment that reflects on the company. And it is also better than sitting for several hours in the office. SITTING IS KILLING YOU Researchers have found that sitting Read More …

Jul 112017
 
Globe connects with MMDA to enhance disaster resiliency in Metro Manila

Globe Telecom is again joining forces with the Metro Manila Development Authority in carrying out the 2017 Metro Manila Shakedrill, aimed at building on the country’s disaster management capacities in the event a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hits the metropolis. The drill has been set on July 14, 2017. MMDA Chairman Danny Lim presses the button to symbolize the launching of the 3rd MMDA Shakedrill 2017 In line with the partnership, Globe will be providing various connectivity tools that would assist MMDA in implementing the drill. Such connectivity tools include prepaid SIMS, prepaid credits and internet connectivity in each of the MMDA’s quadrants as well as in the agency’s emergency operations center. Globe will also provide mobile cell sites in each of MMDA’s quadrants. “As a telecommunications provider, Globe Telecom is deeply aware of the need to continue building on the organization and the country’s disaster preparedness capabilities. In line with the company’s own sustainability initiatives, we are glad for the chance to continue providing support for MMDA’s efforts in enhancing the country’s resiliency in the event of a major disaster such as a 7.2 earthquake,” Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto said. In 2014, Globe became the first telecommunications company in the Philippines to secure an enterprise-wide business continuity ISO certification. This means that the telecommunications provider has adequately equipped itself to respond and address disruptive incidents such as natural calamities for business continuity purposes. The certification is significant as it attests to the company’s readiness in Read More …

Jul 102017
 
Sylvia Sanchez reveals Arjo’s secret to acting prowess 

Arjo Atayde (MNS photo) Arjo Atayde’s outstanding performance on “MMK” Saturday has again proven his impeccable acting skills, after the episode earned excellent reviews. Atayde, who used to portray a tough villain on “Ang Probinsyano,” played renowned Pinoy fashion designer Rocky Gathercole. Many netizens gave Atayde a thumbs up; some even called him the best actor of his generation. While a big potential was seen in Atayde early in his career, his mother, Sylvia Sanchez, revealed that the main secret to her son’s good acting is faithful studying. “Honestly noong umpisa, noong nakita ko siyang nag-start, alam kong mayroon siyang ibubuga kasi nakikita ko eh. Pero hindi ko alam na ganito siya kalalim,” Sanchez said. According to “The Greatest Love” star, the night before the taping began, Arjo turned off his phone, and spent the wee hours reviewing movies and other materials that are helpful for his role. “Nagre-research siya. Nag-aaral. Nanonood ng movies,” Sanchez quipped. Sanchez also acknowledges the possibility that her son might have inherited her acting prowess. Her daughter, Ria, has also entered showbiz.  (MNS)

Jul 102017
 

On Aug. 19, 2013, the Supreme Court (SC) decided in the case of Deutsche Bank AG Manila Branch vs. Commissioner of Internal Revenue (G.R. No. 188550) and made the emphasis that the BIR must not impose additional requirements that would negate the availment of the reliefs provided for under international agreements. The SC was referring to the BIR requirement to file a tax treaty relief application (TTRA) within a specified period to avail of the treaty rates.