^^ Why? You have insider information about who's gonna win the rigged results of Miss Universe? ;)



:lol:

Wait and see na lang pare! :lol:

vote nyo si Manalo as Miss Photogenic...Punta kau dito: http://www.nbc.com/miss-universe/?__source=front-door|this-week-on|text

Pinoy flavor in all White House food—chef
By Janie Christine Octia
INQUIRER.net First Posted 15:58:00 08/24/2009



MANILA, Philippines—White House chef Filipino American Cristeta Pasia Comerford can whip them all when it comes to cooking. But she believes she injects the Pinoy flavor in whatever cuisine she prepares for the United States First Family and their guests.

“Being a Pinoy at the White House, Filipino values and traits are innate in me. My faith and belief is an integral part of who I am now. It’s always there, always a part of me. Even if I prepare a French classical cuisine, it is Filipino cause I am a Filipino,” she said Monday at the media briefing for the annual BPInoy Awards.

The awards, given by Bank of the Philippine Islands, honors world-class Filipinos overseas. This year, aside from Comerford, other BPInoy awardees are economist Dr. Eli Remolona of the Bank for International Settlements and painter Anita Magsaysay-Ho. Previous BPInoy Awardees include renowned singer Lea Salonga, fashion designer Monique Lhuiller, and BBC anchor Rico Hizon.

For Comerford, cooking is not just a profession. “That’s the great part of it. I don’t take it as a career, I take it as a calling,” she said.

Asked about the food preferences of the Obamas, the White House executive chef said they are “healthy-eaters” preferring simple, well-made, and steamed dishes with First Lady Michelle very “hands-on” and big on organic foods. And this preference for preservative- and fertilizer-free foods is also expressed in their pride for their kitchen garden within the White House grounds.

“They are regular families, just like us,” she said.

But while she may have a high-profile job at the White House, Comerford does not miss out on cooking and caring for her own family. Outside the White House, she shares with her husband John parenting chores for their eight-year-old daughter.

“I don’t want to miss on her teenage years. I want to make sure to spend what little time I have with my family. Once work is done, your family is what you have,” she said.

How she started

Comerford might not have known it at the time, but her path to power cooking may have started in Grade 3, when she went up to her mother and volunteered to cook for their big family.

The Manila-born graduate of Food Technology at the University of the Philippines moved to the US at age 23, and later trained in French classical cooking in Vienna, Austria specializing in ethnic and American cuisine.

In 1995, she started in the Clinton White House as an assistant chef to Walter Scheib after more than two decades of experience in fine dining restaurants in France, Chicago, California, and Washington DC.

She was later personally handpicked by former US First Lady Laura Bush in 2005 to become the first woman and Asian to rule the White House kitchen, from where she continues to serve President Barack Obama and his family.

vote nyo si Bianca Manalo as Miss Photogenic...Punta kau dito: http://www.nbc.com/miss-universe/?__source=front-door|this-week-on|text

She should now change her name to Bianca Natalo. :lol:


:jk: :nocrook:

Hehe... Nice Joke.. Bianca Natalo..
But still.. lets be proud of her.. she'd done a good fight.

A chef in black and white
White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford talks about her life, her kitchen and her 'Pinoy-ness'
By EUGENE SANTOS, JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA, PAM BROOKE A. CASIN
August 26, 2009, 12:18pm
Comerford with her husband John (Photo by PINGGOT ZULUETA)
Comerford with her husband John (Photo by PINGGOT ZULUETA)

Cristeta Pasia Comerford’s lips may be sealed by protocol but that didn’t stop her from sharing—even just a tiny bit—her colorful life as executive chef to one of the most prominent houses to date: The White House.

She is the first woman and the first Asian to hold the position of executive chef for the First Family of the US. After working as assistant chef under Walter Scheib—executive chef during the Clinton Administration—in 1995, she was appointed by then First Lady Laura Bush as executive chef in August 2005. She retained her position when U.S. President Barack Obama assumed the presidency early this year.

From her humble beginnings as chef in various hotels and restaurants in Chicago to her appointment, Comerford never let go of the values and traditions instilled in her by her Filipino parents.

“I’ve been in the states for more than 25 years but in my heart, I will always be a Filipino,” said Comerford in her acceptance speech during the BPInoy Awards at Makati Shangri-La Hotel. This was her very first homecoming after she assumed her position.

And while she has not been able to shuffle back and forth to the Philippines since she decided to immigrate, Comerford said she is and will always remain a Filipino no matter what. In fact, besides her being able to still fluently converse in Filipino, she stressed that it’s probably her innate ‘Pinoy-ness’ of being family-oriented that was instilled in her by her parents that adds savory and rich flavors to her cooking. And that it’s also her unparalleled Filipino spirit that enabled her to achieve what others have not.

For her, being a Filipino extends to being a leader and implementing good work ethics, whether in the confines of the kitchen or not.

“For me, it’s not just about the work itself. What makes work important is really the people around you. You have to treat them well because in the end, you’ll be with them. You could be a bank president of anything but if you don’t have good people, you don’t know how to share your leadership to the next generation, whatever you built, whatever you started—it’s just gonna fall.”

She has served the Clintons, the Bushes, and now the Obamas, but one will never hear from her any details about the temperaments of each family.

But she is not one to deny the public’s right to information and enlightenment. When pressed for information on what Filipino dishes she serves the First Family, she wouldn’t budge but reiterated that Filipino cuisine is something that will always hold a special place in her life.

“Sometimes, you just instill it in the things that you make. It doesn’t have to be obvious. Like a dish of adobo, it could be a filling in a pastry bun or whatever. It’s always there. It’s always a part of me because it’s something I’ve learned from my mom. She’s always really instilled in me how to connect food, how to put things together. So even if the recipe is like French classical cuisine, there’s something in there that makes it Filipino,” enthused Comerford.

After a series of questions, she mentioned the similarity that both the Obamas and Bushes share. “They both like healthy food. When you have people looking at you, it’s a good example to set—that this is what they eat,” she said.

Comerford disclosed that the Obamas are just a down-to-earth family just like any other when it comes to the meals they eat. Opting to have organic produce from the White House garden, the Obamas, she said, see the need for having ‘healthy meals in healthy proportions’ as their way of setting an example to their constituents and to the world over.

The mild-mannered Comerford also said the First Lady is very hands-on when it comes to preparing food for her family. And this bit is no more than a plus factor for Comerford for she is also a family woman like her boss Michelle Obama.

The Sampaloc-born Comerford noted, despite her ever-so busy schedule—what with her career being a seemingly 24/7 job—that she still gets to spend time with her husband John and daughter Danielle because she chooses to. She added that maintaining a balance between her highly stressful and high-profile career and her being a wife and a mother is important because at the end of the day, it’s still her family that she comes home to.

Her many responsibilities include designing and executing menus for state dinners, social events and official luncheons hosted by the President and First Lady as well as daily family meals. So far the First Lady Obama is satisfied. She was even quoted in an interview saying she is happy and pleased with the culinary services Comerford brings into the table.

Obama said, “Cristeta Comerford brings such an incredible talent to the White House operation and came very highly regarded from the Bush family.” She further added, “Also the mom of a young daughter, I appreciate our shared perspective on the importance of healthy eating and healthy families.”

Even with such high praise from a person of such stature, Cristeta remains humble and self-effacing.

It only proves that Filipinos are now considered as world class chef's not only the French, Americans or Japanese. this will open up the chances to the other dreamers who would like to be like her. another Filipina to be proud of.

The official music video of "Mama Filipina" by apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas from his upcoming solo album "U Can Dream".

Evfc0dj1RgA&feature=related

It only proves that Filipinos are now considered as world class chef's not only the French, Americans or Japanese. this will open up the chances to the other dreamers who would like to be like her. another Filipina to be proud of.

^^I think we still have a long way to go to proving that one...However it is evidence...

Fil-Am Viloria beats Mexican foe
By NICK GIONGCO
August 30, 2009, 6:52pm
Manila Bulletin


Hawaii-born Filipino puncher Brian Viloria made a rousing Aloha homecoming last Saturday night (Sunday afternoon in the Philippines) by repulsing the spirited challenge of Mexican challenger Jesus Iribe before a roaring crowd at the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu.

Making the first defense of his International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-flyweight title he won in stunning fashion at the Araneta Coliseum last April, Viloria was awarded a 12-round unanimous decision before a highly appreciative crowd.

All three judges scored it in favor of Viloria, whose parents are originally from Ilocos Sur. One judge saw it 118-110, while another had it at 117-112, and the third scored it 117-111.

“I had fun tonight,” said Viloria, who boosted his win-loss-draw card to 26-2-0 with 15 knockouts. Iribe, who said he hurt his right hand early in the fight, dropped to 15-6-5 with nine stoppages.

Despite his not-so-glowing credentials, Iribe proved to be a tough nut to crack for the heavy-handed Viloria, who had won the IBF 108-lb crown with a one-punch KO of another Mexican, the heavily favored Ulises Solis, in the 11th round at the Big Dome.

Viloria controlled the fast-paced fight from beginning to end although Iribe, who comes from the boxing hotbed of Culiacan in Sinaloa state, home of Mexico’s greatest boxer Julio Cesar Chavez, managed to land some of his best blows.

But Viloria’s edge in skills and speed proved to be too much for the challenger, who had vowed to break the hearts of those in attendance.

Promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank Inc., it could not be determined what’s in store for Viloria although the diminutive hitter is training his sights at the other marquee names of the division, such as Puerto Rico’s Ivan Calderon or Mexico’s Edgar Sosa.

At the moment, Viloria wants to savor his latest triumph, and a quick return to the Philippines is being planned within the week.

Viloria trained for two months under the tutelage of Robert Garcia, a former world super-featherweight champion from the US, who operates the La Colonia Boxing Club in Oxnard, California.

Two other Filipino fighters – super-lightweight Dennis Laurente of Manila and super-flyweight AJ Banal of Cebu – defeated their respective foes in the undercard of the first world title fight on the island in over 30 years.

Laurente outpointed Zaid Zavaleta of Mexico in 10 rounds, while Banal also carved out a win by decision at the expense of Angel Beranza, also of Mexico.

Filipino boxers are on a roll...yahoo!

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/286/villoriasection.jpg

Pinoy Abroad
Home > Pinoy Abroad > Top Stories

All-Pinoy band rules Saipan’s summer jam

HAIDEE V. EUGENIO, GMANews.TV
08/31/2009 | 02:16 PM

Members of the all-Filipino band “Rated R" rejoice on stage as they emerged as first place winners and texters’ choice awardees in the Summer Jam & Glam in the US territory of Saipan Aug. 30. Haidee V. Eugenio
GARAPAN, Saipan – Rock band members by night, and overseas Filipino workers by day.

That’s Rated R, an all-Filipino band that bagged the top prize in Beach Road Magazine’s second Summer Jam & Glam in the US territory of Saipan on August 30.

"What mattered most was that we enjoyed playing for the crowd, and it’s enough for us to transfer that energy to the crowd," Ross Cesar, the band’s 40-year-old drummer who works as a salesman, told GMANews.TV in an interview after the competition.

Rated R bested five other bands: Iskupz, $5 Haircut, Vyruz Band, Scarlett Theory, and D is for Grape Drink.

Aside from being this year’s first place winner, Rated R also bagged the IT&E texters’ choice award.

Rated R’s name is not a euphemism for a motion picture containing some adult material. The letter “R" has lots of meaning to the group that practiced only twice days before the battle of the band.

"First, most of us were ‘rejects’ from other bands so we formed our own group. Second, most of our instruments are ‘repossessed’ by pawnshops," said Cesar, who said the greatest birthday gift he ever received was winning the band competition.

"R stands for rock," said one of the three judges after listening to and watching Rated R’s performance.

Rated R was an instant crowd favorite as they performed "Tensionado" by Soap Dish, but the judges were more receptive to their performance of "Seven Nation Army" by White Stripes.

The five-man band also treated the crowd to a rock version of "Careless Whisper," a George Michael original, before capping off their performance with "3 Stars and a Sun" by the late Filipino rapper Francis M. whom they paid tribute to by wearing shirts from his clothing brand.

"We didn’t expect to win," said Rated R bassist Budz Camacho Yabut, 24, of Caloocan. Yabut works as a computer technician.

Rated R band almost disbanded because of priority issues – as some were busy playing in a basketball tournament – but they put their acts together days before the summer jam.

This teamwork, they said, paid off considering that this was their second year to join the band competition using the same name. They placed only sixth among the 10 bands that competed last year.

"We swallowed our pride and we practiced and here we are. We will always be Rated R," said Cesar, who hails from Cavite.

Phonani "Gener" Lazona, Rated R’s 27-year-old lead vocals from Pasay, made a mark with his signature shades. Lazona works as a diver.

Silverio "Jon" Artates, 31, guitar and vocals, and Mark “Bhadz" Badal, 24, lead guitar and vocals, complete the band. Artates, of Santa Rosa, Laguna, works as a sales representative. Badal, from Tarlac, is a computer teacher.

Bagging the second and third place were Scarlett Theory and $5 Haircut, respectively.

Two other bands also consisted mainly of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans: Iskupz and Vyruz Band.

In between rock performances were fashion shows that feature back to school clothing for children, teens and professionals.

Last year, the all-Filipino “High Pitch Band" won second place in the same band competition.

Saipan is host to about 10,000 Filipino contract workers and Filipino-Americans. - GMANews.TV

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/9251/38727004850b385b4d1d.jpg
Members of the all-Filipino band “Rated R" rejoice on stage as they emerged as first place winners and texters’ choice awardees in the Summer Jam & Glam in the US territory of Saipan Aug. 30. Haidee V. Eugenio

Fil-Am ‘Standing Ovation Queen’ to sing at Carnegie Hall
KIMBERLY JANE T. TAN, GMANews.TV
08/31/2009 | 07:12 PM

Filipina singer Stephanie Reese uses the range of her voice to perform different types of songs, including kundiman and even hip hop.
Dubbed by her fans in the United States as the “Standing Ovation Queen," Filipino-American singer Stephanie Reese will join the ranks of world-class Filipino talents Lea Salonga and Regine Velasquez in having the privilege of performing at the famed Carnegie Hall in New York.

Reese, who has both Filipino and American roots, attracted her fans and admirers with the range of her voice and song choices, which vary from Broadway, opera, ballad, pop, kundiman, and even hip hop – which she will be showcasing on November 7 at the Carnegie Hall.

Like Tony Award-winning Broadway actress Salonga, Reese also played “Kim" in the German production of Miss Saigon. She has also played the characters of “Esmeralda" in Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame and “Prince Tuptim" in the King and I.

The Fil-Am singer-actress has also directed and starred in an autobiographical one-woman show titled The Journey, which received rave reviews in Seattle, San Jose, Lose Angeles and in San Francisco.

The Gifts, a musical Christmas show which Reese wrote and directed, has also been produced in three US cities including Seattle, Virginia Beach, and Los Angeles for the Make a Wish Foundation.

Reese made her Hollywood debut last year at the three-day celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Crustacean Restaurant in Beverly Hills where she shared the stage with international singers Patti Labelle and Natalie Cole.

Tony Award-winning Broadway actress Lea Salonga and Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez go down in Philippine history as some of the few Filipino artists who have performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York in 2005 and 1991, respectively.
Her performance of the song Nessun Dorma created such a buzz that the Filipina singer was able to launch her first big solo concert at the Normandie Casino in Los Angeles to a sold out audience and three standing ovations, giving her the title “The Standing Ovation Queen."

She has also performed solo concerts in Russia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, China, the U.S. and Canada.

Her most recent Philippine concert titled “I am Stephanie Reese" was held at the Teatrino, Promenade at the Greenhills Shopping Center last May 4. (To see video of Reese singing “He Touched Me," click here.)

Reese has two solo albums - “The Voice" and “Stephanie Reese at Her Best" - but is set to come out with her next album soon.

Aside from her singing career, Reese is also involved in charitable organizations like Gawad Kalinga, an organization that builds homes for the poor in the Philippines, to which she will donate the proceeds of her Carnegie Hall performance.

Reese studied as an opera performance major at the Indiana University and at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music for Musical Theater.

For more information about the show of Reese at Carnegie Hall, contact Elton Lugay of Gawad Kalinga in New York at (212) 417-0419 or visit the singer’s website.

Other famous Filipino artists who have performed at the Carnegie Hall include Salonga (2005), Velasquez (1991), the group APO Hiking Society (1987), and Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

The Carnegie Hall is one of the most famous concert venues in the United States for both classical and popular music. It is located at 881 Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. - GMANews.TV

^^Another World Class Singer
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/9664/3873224143bd8fce2e49.jpg

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Filipino English
Television and movie dubbers

By Rome Jorge, Lifestyle Editor
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/sept/03/yehey/life/20090903lif1.html

They are heard round the world. They are the voices of the biggest kung fu stars of Hong Kong and the most memorable anime characters from Japan. Audiences in America, Europe, Asia and Africa know their lines by heart. And they aren’t even in the credits. Filipinos have been dubbing films into English for decades. Now, one company reveals the workings of this lucrative business.

Jeremy Domingo and Henry Strzalkowski reveal one it takes to be the voice of the stars.

Generations of Filipinos have grown up with fond memories of their work, most especially for animation. “I started in 1979 with Questor. In Voltes V, I was Dr. Armstrong. I was the voice of Rick and Professor Yurgen in Daimos,” Strzalkowski recalls his work for seminal anime television series.

For his part, Domingo has helped introduce today to the latest cartoon characters. “I was Piccolo on Dragon Ball for about a season or two. And there was another animation called Raijin Oh, a couple of series was lasted only for about a season or two,” he reveals.

Domingo and Strzalkowski are among the many Filipinos responsible for the great improvement in the dubbing of Hong Kong films—once the fodder of jokes. Their involvement coincided with the renaissance of Chinese movies. Strzalkowski contributed his talents to such critically acclaimed movies as Infernal Affairs (2002), later remade by Hollywood as Martin Scorsese’s The Departed (2006). Domingo recalls working for Hong Kong blockbusters starring Jet Li and Sammo Hung. Today, there is still much dubbing work for the catalog of film companies, be they grind house flicks or cinema classics.

But most of this work goes on unsung. “It was kind of funny that how it comes back without knowledge that it was a Pinoy product,” says Domingo.

Voice acting

Like most dubbers, Domingo and Strzalkowski are theater actors who can take on various accents that their roles require. More than just reading lines and adopting voices, they are acting out part.

“I’ve been a professional theater actor since 1990, as part of Repertory Philippines. We did a lot of American and British comedies. When you do a Neil Saimon comedy—the dynamics of the language, the humor, the timing—it has to be original. I also did a lot of stiff upper lip British roles,” Domingo recalls.

Strzalkowski notes, “There was a time when it came as a second nature to us, especially the American accents.

It also helps having been exposed to various cultures.

Domingo reveals, “Apart from a childhood’s spent watching too much TV and movies [it’s also because] I’m a diplomatic brat. I lived in Hawaii, California, Germany, where I really had a lot of exposure two different accents growing up and doing the material that we did.”

Strzalkowski, the son of a Polish expatriate and Filipina, notes that he studied in local international schools where picked up on a lot of accents.

More than just reading lines

Dubbing means more than just reading off a literal translation. It means reworking the script to capture nuances and humor as well as syncing the syllabication to the film actor’s mouth. Being a dubber necessitates becoming a scriptwriter as well.

“You do get a rough translation. But you have to the translate the lines to make sense. I think preparing a script is one of the most time-consuming tasks,” confesses Domingo.

“One of the demands and challenges is keeping the scripts of today because you are, that’s one of the components that you need. One of the major components in dubbing is having a workable script. If your dubbing for about 4-5 episodes, you have 7-8 dubbers doing that, then your script writers have to keep up with that demand. And that’s actually one of the most challenging things to do. Getting the scripts done,” he explains.

“A script for a full featured takes about five days or a week,” adds Strzalkowski.

Curiously, these Filipino voice actors admit that the hardest language to dub is Tagalog.

“Tagalog into English is peculiarly tough. Chinese and Spanish, and maybe Japanese are the bulk of material that dubbers do. If the character says ‘hindi,’ the English translation is ‘no.’ That’s two syllables versus one,” Domingo explains.

Speaking business

Besides being an acclaimed theater actor, Domingo is president and artistic director of Word of Mouth Productions, which is involved in theater productions as well as dubbing.

He notes that the market is ripe: “It has expanded with DVDs. With a direct video market, you have different buyer. Just like the American film making industry for instance, not everything is going be for mainstream cinema. There are different target audiences. There are a lot of people who were shooting a wide variety of material because of the Indies exposure too. Anyone with the digital camera can become a filmmaker now.”

He adds, “Actually, apart from movies, there are a lot of TV series that are dubbed. The nation’s soap operas, there are telenovelas, chinovelas, koreanovelas, etc.”

Jeremy Domingo reveals how he plans to stay on top despite the global recession that has affected the movie industry: “I think it’s really just a matter of rolling with the punches. We’re grateful for the experiences we had. Gaining the experience, growing up in the industry and it’s time to put something together. I mean the market place is always evolving. When compared for 15 years ago, the dubbing industry is now pretty big. There are lots of people who we know that do it full time. The market changes here and abroad.”

Word of Mouth Theater is located at 6678 Taylo Street, Barangay Pio Del Pilar, Makati City. For details, call +63917-8963080, +63908-6214855, +632-4894819 or email jeremy_domingo@yahoo.com and wordofmouththeater.philippines@gmail.com.

RP dragon boat team bags 2 golds
By MADEL R. SABATER
September 3, 2009, 6:43pm

The Philippines bagged two gold medals during the recent 9th International Dragon Boat Racing Championship held at the Račice Regatta Center in the Czech Republic, besting 24 other countries and breaking its own world record in the premier event.

According to the Philippine Embassy in the Czech capital of Prague led by Ambassador Regina Irene Sarmiento, the Philippine team earned gold medals in the 200-meter premier open and mixed categories, besting other teams from China, the US, Canada and Germany, among others.

The 9th International Dragon Boat Racing Championship was held from August 26 to 31 this year at the Račice Regatta Center, about 60 kilometers north of Prague.

The Philippine team was headed by Benjie Ramos, Philippine Dragon Boat Federation President; and head coach Nestor Ilagan.

The team broke its own world record in the 200-meter premier open category with a time of 40.022 seconds. The previous record of 41.91 seconds was set by the nationals at the 8th International Dragon Boat Racing Championship in Sydney, Australia in September 2007.

Following the recent win, the Philippine team will compete at the King’s Cup in Thailand this month and at the SAVA Sprints International in Singapore in October.

The Philippine team will also be preparing for the 10th International Dragon Boat Racing Championships to be held in Tampa, Florida in 2011.
http://www.mb.com.ph/node/218945/rp-dragon-boat-team-bag

RP-made bamboo bike unveiled

Business Mirror | 09/04/2009 1:08 PM


MANILA - Five University of the Philippines alumni, who are members of the UP Mountaineers, have succeeded in creating a bike with its frame made of bamboo.

The team, composed of Hecky Villanueva, Englebert Chan, John Climaco, Ramon Siojo and Eric Cadiz, used international bike designer Craig Calfee’s technology in making the bamboo bike after learning his procedure in a workshop with him.

The procedure includes heat treatment, smoking and coating the frame with satin polyurethane to seal it. Abaca was used to join the different components together.

Under Kawayan Technologies, these UP alumni aim to make the Philippines a knowledge center in using bamboo for export-quality bikes, surfboards, skateboards, wheelchairs and other proucts.

They plan to establish partnerships with local organizations such as Gawad Kalinga and the Tarlac provincial government as a start.

RP Wins Asia Cup 2009 International Law Moot Court Competition in Japan

PR-683-09, 1 September 2009 - The University of the Philippines (U.P.) College of Law outshined top universities from other Asian countries after winning the top prize at the prestigious Asia Cup 2009 International Law Moot Court Competition.

The U.P. College of Law competed with China’s Renmin University, Indonesia’s Padjadjaran University and Parahyangan Catholic University, Japan’s Kyoto University and Tokyo University, Nepal’s Kathmandu School of Law, Singapore’s National University of Singapore, Thailand’s Thammasat University and Vietnam’s Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam on 24-25 August 2009.

Hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Asia Cup is a prime event in the field of international law moot court competition and has offered outstanding opportunities to promote good fellowship among the representatives from different Asian countries.

It has also gained growing recognition as international cooperation in the realm of human rights education. Since 1999, the Philippines won the Asia Cup seven times: in 2000, 2003, 2007 and 2009 represented by the University of the Philippines; and in 1999, 2002 and 2008 represented by the Ateneo De Manila University.

The 2009 Philippine team, composed of UP Law students Daniel Sigfreid Corpuz, Marie Michelle Go, and Darwin Ocampo, was adjudged overall champion and awarded the Foreign Minister’s Award. The team also won the Best Memorial Award for the best written pleading.

Daniel Sigfreid Corpuz and Marie Michelle Go were awarded the Best Oralist and Third Best Oralist, respectively. The team was coached to victory by U.P. Law Professor Rowena Daroy-Morales.

The Philippine Embassy in Japan, led by Consul General Sulpicio M. Confiado and Vice Consul Christian de Jesus, received the Philippine team last August 27. Consul General Confiado congratulated the team on behalf of Philippine Ambassador to Japan Domingo L. Siazon, Jr. and embassy personnel.
:)

^^anlupet talaga ng pinoy:applause::applause::applause:

PHILIPPINES B have won the 2009 PartyCasino.net World Cup of Pool.

The pairing of Francisco Bustamante and Efren Reyes defeated the German duo of Thorsten Hohmann and Ralf Souquet 11-9 in an incredible final full of twists, turns and drama.

It was a fitting way to end a sensational tournament that has featured 32 teams from 31 different nations competing over six days of fantastic pool.

This was the first time the event had been staged in Asia and all of the matches were played in front of large crowds.

There were about 2,000 people watching the final from every vantage point possible at the SM City North Annex in Manila.

Each match of the competition was shown live in the host nation on either on CS9 or Solar Sports and the viewing fans, along with the spectators in the capacity crowd, were treating to a sensational three-hour epic final.

Philippines made a bright start and led 3-1 and 5-2 before Germany fought back and were in front 6-5, 8-6 and 9-8. However, Reyes and Bustamante, who also won the inaugural event in 2006, won the last three racks in a row to become the first team to win the competition twice.:banana:

^^ Whoa! Ang galing talaga nila Bata at Django! May nagsasabi na hindi na daw kaya ni Bata due to his age. Pero tignan mo, napatunayan niya na hindi walang edad edad sa billiards!:lol::cheers:

You know the song "Patron Tequila"

This was sung by Paradiso Girls with one member who is a Half Filipina? Yes, her name was Shar Mae Amor

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1e/Patron_Tequila_%28Remixes_Part_2%29.jpg
She was on the far left


For the video, you may check this:
8wfVMZ4CMCE

pussycat dolls..and now paradiso girls!!:banana: filipina rocks!

^^ Whoa! Ang galing talaga nila Bata at Django! May nagsasabi na hindi na daw kaya ni Bata due to his age. Pero tignan mo, napatunayan niya na hindi walang edad edad sa billiards!:lol::cheers:

Agree! Ito yung sports na nag-e-excel at puede tayong mag-excel. We are world champions in billiards and pool.:)

Pinoy teener Sonsona is World Boxing Champ

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/lopez_sonsona.jpg http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/marvin_sonsona2.jpg

Sonsona (R) connects with a right at Lopez’s jaw [Rob Cruz] 19-year-old Marvin “Marvelous” Sonsona dethroned Puerto Rican Jose “Carita” Lopez, 37 to claim the World Boxing Organization’s junior bantamweight division title belt at the Casino Rama Entertainment Center.

One of the youngest world champions ever, Sonsona remains undefeated with 14 professional wins of which 12 were knockouts.

Sonsona won on all judges’ scorecards 114-111, 115-110 and 116-109 and was declared “the new champion” by unanimous decision.

Like Pacquiao, Sonsona hails from General Santos City in South Cotabato and is a southpaw.

With his victory over Lopez, Sonsona has become one of the youngest world boxing champions. He has also earned the distinction of being one of the brightest young blips on the global boxing radar.

Orion Sports Management president Allan Tremblay said: “This kid is, without a doubt, the future of the sport of boxing. “Limitless potential like Sonsona’s is a rarity. When you see what this kid was able to do and what he’s capable of down the road, I have no doubt that in a couple of years, when world boxing icon and pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao has retired, he’ll be the number-one boxing superstar in the Philippines.”


Marvin “Marvelous” Sonsona [Inside Sports] Pandemonium broke loose at the center as Filipino-Canadians, who came from all over Ontario and nearby provinces and filled over half of the 5,000-seater, joined Sonsona and his team in jubilation.

Waving Philippine flaglets, Sonsona’s kababayans met the bell of the final round with cheers of “Marvin, Marvin, Marvin,” egging Sonsona to nail the sturdy Lopez who managed hard counter blows that likewise shook the kid.

pussycat dolls..and now paradiso girls!!:banana: filipina rocks!

How about Vanessa White of the Brit group called "The Saturdays" dubbed as Britain's Pussycat Dolls? The lead singer (she got the best vocals although the smallest but the most exotic looking) is half-Filipina. Last month, they went to KL and Manila for some promotional tours.

Below are some of their U-tube videos:

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RP pastry chefs win awards in Bangkok
http://images.inquirer.net/media/showbizandstyle/lifestyle/lifestyle/images/pic-09100435400570.jpg
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090909-224422/RP-pastry-chefs-win-awards-in-Bangkok
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:28:00 09/09/2009

THE PINOYS did it again!

Members of The Pastry Alliance of the Philippines (PAP) brought home awards from the recent Asia’s 1st Culinary Cup held at Siam Paragon Exhibition Halls in Bangkok, Thailand.

Penk Ching (Pastry Bin) bagged the silver medal for her gorgeous “Vases of Luck” under the Freestyle showpiece category. The outer vase was deeply carved and cut through with a design of flowers and leaves, revealing another vase inside.

The inner vase, which can be rotated, had the Chinese characters symbolizing “Luck, Prosperity, Longevity and Happiness.” It was festooned with an intricate filigree of floral scrolls to provide texture to the flowers and petals.

Peachy Juban (Shortcrust Cake Shop) got the bronze medal for the Dress-The-Cake. Her “Pavo Mehndi” featured a hand-molded peacock on gold-stamped fondant. It was a well-researched piece reflecting Indian culture: The peacock being India’s national bird, the paisley a popular Hindu figure and Mehndi the art form of applying henna tattoos.

All these were executed within two hours in live competition. The only thing pre-baked was the bare cake. Icings had to be colored, molded, applied and piped on the spot. No golds and silvers were awarded for the event.

Pixie Sevilla-Santos (Forget-Me-Not Specialty Cakes) received a diploma for her “Hot Chocolate Chili Mousse and Mango Coconut Cheesecake” in the Live Individual Plated Desserts. It was an unparalleled effort to prepare and plate two desserts from scratch in only one-and-a-half hours.

Chocolate mousse with chili was a play on the senses. The coconut base was a perfect match to the creamy cheesecake.

The winning members were led by Buddy Trinidad, PAP president, and James Antolin, PAP vice president.

The competition was also participated in by representatives from Australia, China, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Israel, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Russia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates and United States of America.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/sept/10/yehey/sports/20090910spo1.html

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Shuttlers startgetting international wins
| More

By Emil C. Noguera, Correspondent

The Philippine Badminton Association hailed the national badminton team and its junior counterparts following their feats in the international front in recent weeks, including a gold and silver in Australia and three bronze finishes in Sri Lanka, Japan and South Korea.

Badminton President and for*mer First Lady Amelita Ramos hosted a luncheon meeting honoring the members of the national and junior teams for their exploits abroad. These include a gold medal feat in the Arafura Games in Australia in May, courtesy of Ralph Ian Men*dez and Arolas Amahit Jr., who crushed F. Kaddour and M. Desaymoz of India, 21-14, 21-12, in the men’s doubles.

Mendez, however, failed to complete a two-gold haul for Team RP when he lost to Io Chong Chan of China in the men’s singles final.

“What our players need is sustained campaign abroad. We have the materials but unfortunately, we don’t have much resource to fund these international campaigns,” said Ramos.

But with support from Badminton Executive Vice President Edgar Aglipay, Secretary General Police Supt. George Piano, coach Allan de Leon and backers Victor Pcome, Alex Villamanca, Conrado Co and Francis Cua, RP badminton continued to make big strides here and abroad.

Malvinne Alcala, Gelita Cas*tilo, Janelle de Vera and Dia Magno defeated their Indian rivals, 2-1, in the quarterfinals but dropped a 1-2 decision to Malaysia in the semis and settled for bronze in Badminton Asia Youth Under-16 in Colombo, Sri Lanka last month.

In Korea, the girls doubles pair of Marina Caculitan and Joella Geva de Vera captured the bronze by beating the local bets from Incheon City in the 16th Won*cheon Cup Preliminary School Badminton Championships at the Seongam Culture and Sports Complex in Cheonan City.

Over in Japan, Team RP outs*teadied Hong Kong, 3-1, to cop the bronze medal in the Asia Junior Sports 2009 at the Komazara Olympic gymnasium in Tokyo.

abs-cbnNEWS Exclusive: Meet the Young Voices of Negros Philippines

By Reyma Buan-Deveza and Trina Lagura, abs-cbnNEWS.com
Video by Mark Telan | 09/10/2009 10:26 AM


MANILA – At first glance, they look like just ordinary kids. But when they start to sing and belt out those high notes, you will surely say that these children from Negros are truly extraordinary.

Ma. Anna Katrina, 14; Ma. Anna Kristina, 12; Kristopher Son Madrigal, 10; and Aissa Mae Mateos, or known as The Young Voices of Negros Philippines, have brought pride to the country after winning at the 2009 World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) in the United States.

During the competition held in July, the group was named “Junior Grand Champion of World Vocal Group.” They also bagged a total of 16 gold medals and 8 silver medals in the five vocal junior categories.

The Filipino group bested at least 30 representatives from various countries. Their winning piece was Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.”

If given a chance, the eldest of the Madrigal siblings said she would like to join the competition again.

"Isa po ito sa dreams namin na natupad. Ako, kung gugustuhin ko talaga ay sasali po ulit ako doon," said Katrina. "Iyon mga kalaban namin todo bigay. Siyempre kapag ikaw makaharap ng ganoong katinding kalaban, hindi ka ba macha-challenge din? So, sobra talagang fun," Katrina said.

Life-changing experience

Winning the WCOPA was a life-changing experience for the Madrigal siblings. For one, they said they become instant celebrities.

"Pagdating namin dito mayroong mga interview. Lalo na sa Bacolod, pagdating namin iyong mayor [sinalubong kami]. May mga banda pa [at parade]," Katrina said.

Kristopher chimed in: "Iyong mga kaaway nagiging friends na. Noon binu-bully ako dati, tahimik lang ako. Tapos ngayon, kapag may lunch or snack, laging may nagtatanong sa akin kung ako iyong kumanta."

Katrina is a student of Saint Joseph School-La Salle while Kristina and Kristopher are freshman and Grade IV students, respectively, of La Consolacion College-Bacolod.

Practice

The siblings continue to perfect their voice by religiously practicing and vocalizing everyday under the supervision of their parents Arthur and Joann. Their mom acts as their voice coach.

"Forty five minutes ang vocalization namin everyday. Pero kapag [jamming], mahaba iyon. Lalo na kapag kini-clean up na iyong mga maling pag-pronounce ng word, iyong tamang tono," Katrina said.

When not singing though, Katrina spends her time strolling in malls with her friends while Kristina practices her dancing. For Kristopher, meantime, he draws cartoons during his free time.

Like Charice, the siblings also dream of making it big in the local music scene. With their big voices, it will not take long for these young talents to make their mark in the industry.
as of 09/10/2009 11:01 AM

This Fil-Am female boxer packs a wallop

When Ana was but 11 years old, the opportunity to learn contact sport opened up when her father enrolled her four-year-old brother in karate school. Ana in no uncertain terms told her dad that she, too, wanted to take up the sport. Her father, after some hesitation, agreed.

Cesar Julaton now says that he’s “…happy that she’s doing what she enjoys. She has my full support. She took hold of it and ran with it. In high school… she was low key in martial arts … but became National Champion in the Junior Olympics in Tae Kwan-do in the 1990s.”

Ana later become a martial arts teacher but while still working on her black belt, she decided to don a pair of boxing gloves and went for boxing.

Now, with 30 or so amateur bouts and only five professional fights under her belt, Julaton has been ranked by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the International Boxing Association (I.B.A.) as the top ranking contender for the vacant Women’s Super Bantam Weight World title.

That their IBA Super Bantam Weight World Title Fight on September 12 at the HP Pavilion “The Tank” in San Jose would push through came as a surprise to both Julaton and her opponent, Kelsey Jeffries.

For Derrick Caganaan, one of Julaton’s managers, it means that organizers are confident that the two female boxers can draw at least 7,000 boxing fans.

Jeffries and Julaton will be the evening’s featured main event at the American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank, a professional boxing action produced by Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E) and Roy Englebrecht. The bout is scheduled for 10 Rounds.

Both are hungry to get this significant title under their belt. But while Jeffries has held this title previously in 2004, this will be Julaton’s first professional fight. Possibly a tough fight for the younger, less-experienced “The Hurricane” with a 4-1-1 card compared to the older (33) “Road Warrior” of Gilroy, California, holder of 7 titles and a lengthy 41-9-1 career.

But the Filipino American Julaton is confident, given her preparations.

She had in the past trained under fabled coach Freddie Roach, and now trains with Donito Donaire Sr., the respected and much sought-after Filipino coach based in Cebu City, Philippines. In 2007, Donito Sr.—or just Senior as he is now called—trained his son, Donito Jr. to a stunning upset (7-1) against the then undefeated Vick Darchinyan with a 5th round knockout for the IBF flyweight title.

Just last week, Senior coached “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona to become the Philippines' youngest champion by dethroning reigning WBO super flyweight champion Jose “Carita” Lopez of Puerto Rico.

“I’m so honored and privileged to have Senior train me,” said Ana. “He just had a big win in Canada.”

Donaire Sr. has been head trainer of Team Julaton since two months ago, conditioning and sparring with Ana at the Kennel Boxing Gym in San Leandro, California, a half hour or so away from her Daly City home.

Her assistant trainer is Arvin Jugarap, nephew of Senior and co-owner of Kennel Boxing, with NABA & NABO flyweight champion Glenn "The Filipino Bomber" Donaire as her chief sparring partner, and Angelo Reyes and Derrick Caganaan as managers.

The Bay Area has been a charm for Julaton who has garnered all her wins, such as the Golden Gloves Championships at the SF Civic Auditorium, the California State Championships, her silver medal victory in the USA Championships and her Pro Debut, right at her doorstep.

When asked what’s the most difficult hurdle she faces as a professional boxer, the 5’6” tall and svelte Filipina with long straight ebony hair—a metaphorical and literal knockout in cocktail dress—said, “It’s being stereotyped as mannish.”

Demure in her demeanor and a far cry from being boyish outside the sport she’s in, there is real power behind this pretty Pinay’s punches. Already an icon in the Filipino American community, number one on Ana’s wish list is to be the first Filipina boxer in the 2012 Olympics, and to elevate women boxing to the level of mainstream sport.

“It’s not all about card fighting. It’s all about the effective fights.”

“We’re ready to go for this fight. I need to weigh 122 pounds on Friday. I’m working consistently. Watching my diet – no Filipino food.” Not until after the fight, probably.

“Some say I was crazy for taking on this fight – with less than 10 fights. But she’s just another opponent,” the confident boxer said.

“At my pro-debut – the contender had eleven pro-fights but I knocked her down in first round. First ten seconds with the right hand and on the fourth round with a left hook.”

“Boxing is an exciting sport. I take it seriously. I have no regrets. And I would like to see others do the same and continue elevating the sport.”

Senior said. “Ana can punch like a guy.”

Now, that’s one lady who means business.

This Fil-Am female boxer packs a wallop

When Ana was but 11 years old, the opportunity to learn contact sport opened up when her father enrolled her four-year-old brother in karate school. Ana in no uncertain terms told her dad that she, too, wanted to take up the sport. Her father, after some hesitation, agreed.

Cesar Julaton now says that he’s “…happy that she’s doing what she enjoys. She has my full support. She took hold of it and ran with it. In high school… she was low key in martial arts … but became National Champion in the Junior Olympics in Tae Kwan-do in the 1990s.”

Ana later become a martial arts teacher but while still working on her black belt, she decided to don a pair of boxing gloves and went for boxing.

Now, with 30 or so amateur bouts and only five professional fights under her belt, Julaton has been ranked by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the International Boxing Association (I.B.A.) as the top ranking contender for the vacant Women’s Super Bantam Weight World title.

That their IBA Super Bantam Weight World Title Fight on September 12 at the HP Pavilion “The Tank” in San Jose would push through came as a surprise to both Julaton and her opponent, Kelsey Jeffries.

For Derrick Caganaan, one of Julaton’s managers, it means that organizers are confident that the two female boxers can draw at least 7,000 boxing fans.

Jeffries and Julaton will be the evening’s featured main event at the American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank, a professional boxing action produced by Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E) and Roy Englebrecht. The bout is scheduled for 10 Rounds.

Both are hungry to get this significant title under their belt. But while Jeffries has held this title previously in 2004, this will be Julaton’s first professional fight. Possibly a tough fight for the younger, less-experienced “The Hurricane” with a 4-1-1 card compared to the older (33) “Road Warrior” of Gilroy, California, holder of 7 titles and a lengthy 41-9-1 career.

But the Filipino American Julaton is confident, given her preparations.

She had in the past trained under fabled coach Freddie Roach, and now trains with Donito Donaire Sr., the respected and much sought-after Filipino coach based in Cebu City, Philippines. In 2007, Donito Sr.—or just Senior as he is now called—trained his son, Donito Jr. to a stunning upset (7-1) against the then undefeated Vick Darchinyan with a 5th round knockout for the IBF flyweight title.

Just last week, Senior coached “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona to become the Philippines' youngest champion by dethroning reigning WBO super flyweight champion Jose “Carita” Lopez of Puerto Rico.

“I’m so honored and privileged to have Senior train me,” said Ana. “He just had a big win in Canada.”

Donaire Sr. has been head trainer of Team Julaton since two months ago, conditioning and sparring with Ana at the Kennel Boxing Gym in San Leandro, California, a half hour or so away from her Daly City home.

Her assistant trainer is Arvin Jugarap, nephew of Senior and co-owner of Kennel Boxing, with NABA & NABO flyweight champion Glenn "The Filipino Bomber" Donaire as her chief sparring partner, and Angelo Reyes and Derrick Caganaan as managers.

The Bay Area has been a charm for Julaton who has garnered all her wins, such as the Golden Gloves Championships at the SF Civic Auditorium, the California State Championships, her silver medal victory in the USA Championships and her Pro Debut, right at her doorstep.

When asked what’s the most difficult hurdle she faces as a professional boxer, the 5’6” tall and svelte Filipina with long straight ebony hair—a metaphorical and literal knockout in cocktail dress—said, “It’s being stereotyped as mannish.”

Demure in her demeanor and a far cry from being boyish outside the sport she’s in, there is real power behind this pretty Pinay’s punches. Already an icon in the Filipino American community, number one on Ana’s wish list is to be the first Filipina boxer in the 2012 Olympics, and to elevate women boxing to the level of mainstream sport.

“It’s not all about card fighting. It’s all about the effective fights.”

“We’re ready to go for this fight. I need to weigh 122 pounds on Friday. I’m working consistently. Watching my diet – no Filipino food.” Not until after the fight, probably.

“Some say I was crazy for taking on this fight – with less than 10 fights. But she’s just another opponent,” the confident boxer said.

“At my pro-debut – the contender had eleven pro-fights but I knocked her down in first round. First ten seconds with the right hand and on the fourth round with a left hook.”

“Boxing is an exciting sport. I take it seriously. I have no regrets. And I would like to see others do the same and continue elevating the sport.”

Senior said. “Ana can punch like a guy.”

Now, that’s one lady who means business.

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7863/pic09111009540129.jpg
Fathers long for sons to share their passion they have for manly things like, say, sports. But what if the child is a daughter? For Cesar Julaton, a martial arts aficionado, he didn’t realize that his passion had rubbed off on his little girl, Ana.

Film on poor Filipino grannies wins fans in Venice (http://www.reuters.com/article/filmNews/idUSTRE58A3R120090911)

Two Filipino grandmothers scraping a living to get by in Manila's slums are at the center of Brillante Mendoza's new film "Lola," a story about the resourcefulness of people living in abject poverty.

The movie, a surprise entry in the main competition at Venice film festival, tells a fictional tale but is shot like a documentary, leaving the audience wondering throughout whether its scenes are from real life.

Each of the two elderly women bears the consequences of a murder involving their respective grandsons -- one the victim, the other the suspected killer.

Frail and destitute, both have little time to give in to misery as they desperately need money, one to pay for a decent funeral, the other to get her grandson out of jail. Pragmatism prevails.

"You can't be too emotional when you live in a condition like the Philippines, that kind of condition and situation in life ... You just have to move on and live your life," Mendoza told Reuters in an interview.

"When you live in the Philippines and you are exposed to this kind of story every day, it is not difficult to show it in your work. I wanted to show it in a very natural and very spontaneous way, like you are watching life right in front of you."

"Lola" -- which literally means grandmother -- gives a glimpse into the country's inefficient judicial system, prison overcrowding, loan sharking and life in the flooded shanty towns where people get around by canoe.

"That part of Manila is flooded all year round," said Mendoza, who shot the film during this year's rainy season. "But the thing is that people stay there because they have nowhere to go, they have no choice."

Critics in Venice praised "Lola," with Italian daily Corriere della Sera calling the performance of the two lead actresses -- Anita Linda and Rustica Carpio, aged 84 and 79 -- "extraordinary."

Mendoza won the best director award in Cannes this year with "Kinatay," also a grim depiction of modern-day life in his homeland.

qt70iSmZUVo

OMG. The overwhelming response of chicken from African Americans just tickles me inside. :lol:

Jollibee indeed has become a world class Pinoy brand:cheers:

25 RP artists win Taiwan art honors (http://mb.com.ph/articles/220719/25-rp-artists-win-taiwan-art-honors)
By ANGIE CHUI


Twenty-five young artists from the Philippines brought honor to the country anew as they bagged top honors in the 40th World Schoolchildren’s Art Exhibit held in Taiwan.

Their artworks gained recognition from a pool of 44,446 entries from 54 countries, the most number of participants the Republic of China Association of Children’s Art received since the contest began four decades ago.

Among the winners were 16 students from Chiang Kai Shek College, five students from La Salle Greenhills, two pupils from Assumption College, and a lone winner from St. Jude Catholic School in Manila.

Gold, silver, and bronze certificates of recognition were given to 92 art entries while 2,061 artworks were selected for special citation. The Philippines garnered one bronze prize from the entry of 13-year-old Mikel Villamora, and 24 “selected” certificates.

In his message, Ambassador Donald C.T. Lee, representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines congratulated the parents and teachers for their pivotal role in honing the skills of their young charges through art.

Among the youngest honorees was seven-year-old Miguel Carlos who sent the entry “Building a New World for a Better Tomorrow,” a masterpiece done entirely with crayons. Miguel’s mother, Carol Sevilla, said Miguel has always been interested in drawing. They encourage him by exposing him to photos and other artworks. She said Miguel’s painting was also inspired by different styles of drawing which he saw from other works, but the concept was entirely his.

Evelyn Hocson, mother of 15-year-old Fatima Arianne Hocson of Assumption College, another budding artist, said since receiving the award, her daughter, who has always been artistically inclined -- has shown a renewed interest in expanding and exploring her craft.

RP lass bags world powerlifting gold

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 09/15/2009 12:33 PM

MANILA – Patricia Llena, the lone entry of the Philippines to the 2009 World Sub-Junior & Junior Powerlifting Championships, overcame her Russian and American contenders to win a gold medal.

Llena, 15, came up with a total of 420 kilograms to win the gold in the the Sub-Junior 60-kg class, according to IronPinoy.com.

The world powerlifting event was held last Sept. 8 at the Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Llena won after lifting 170 kg in the SQUAT, 80 kg in the bench press, and 170 kg in the deadlift in the 60-kg division.

She edged second placer Kendra Miller of the US and third placer Yana Talybova of Russia, who is a three-time world champion.

Miller and Talybova were tied with 405 kg but the American ranked second because of a lighter bodyweight.

Japanese Chika Okudo was the fourth placer, Brazilian Andressa de Sales took the fifth spot while Canadian Karine Royer was ranked sixth.

Llena, who hails from San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, has never lifted in regional powerlifting events since she started in 2008, IronPinoy.com added.

The 15-year-old is coached by her father, Leonard Llena.

Diokno's grandson rises with 'Engkwentro'
:cheers:
by Trina Lagura, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 09/14/2009 3:33 PM

MANILA – It was part sheer luck and a lot of hard work.
[img]
Young filmmaker Pepe Diokno thus said after taking home two major awards at the 66th Venice Film Festival for his independent film “Engkwentro.”

Engkwentro, which depicts state-sponsored vigilante killings in the country, won the best debut film in the Orizzonti (New Horizons) competition as well as the “Luigi De Laurentis” award for debut film. He is the youngest Filipino director to receive the top prize at the Orizzonti category.

The movie was the 21-year-old filmmaker’s first feature-length film, and it was also his first time to join and win at an international major film festival.

“Ang daming magagandang [films] doon sa Venice. It’s one of the best film festivals in the world... Talagang na-surprise kami. Hindi ko na alam kung ano iyong sinabi ko noong tinanggap ko na iyong award,” he told ABS-CBN News in an interview upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

He recalled that his “mind went blank” and there was a moment of disbelief when he heard the presenters called out his film. After all, he explained, those were major awards and there were more than 20 excellent debut films from different nations competing in the festival.

He added that the competition was very stiff. This year's Venice Golden Lion for best film and the Silver Lion (best director) award were given to two debut films.

See the complete list of other official awards

He also noted that his film had the smallest budget compared with other participants in the festival.

“Sinabi din sa amin ng mga taga-festival na magandang makita iyong literally walang budget na movie tapos na-appreciate,” he said.

Pinoy film industry

Diokno’s feat came after the victory of Brillante Mendoza in another international film festival. Mendoza was named best director at the recently concluded 62nd Cannes Film Festival for “Kinatay.”

Mendoza’s “Lola” was also screened at Venice Film Festival as a surprise entry.

Diokno said: “Talagang maipagmamalaki natin ang film industry natin dito. Just a few years, we thought patay na patay ang pelikulang Pinoy pero I think with all these recognitions around the world, nakikita natin na may future ang pelikulang Pinoy.”

“Sana with these awards… mas pupunta ang mga tao sa theaters at bibili ng tickets para sa Pinoy movies,” he added.

Diokno said Filipino filmmakers have the talent and skills to compete and be recognized in the international film arena.

Socially relevant films

Diokno and his crew also received $100,000 in cash prize. The filmmaker said the money will be used to settle debts that were incurred while filming Engkwentro. The rest will be used to make his next “bigger and better” film project.

Since the awards will “open doors” for him and his team, he will take advantage of this to create films that will tackle socially relevant issues. In Engkwentro, for instance, he raised human rights issues in the country.

He said: “Para sa akin, bakit ka pa gagawa ng istorya kung ang dami-daming istorya na makikita sa paligid natin?”

Diokno’s passion to show the ills of the Philippine society in his creation did not come as a surprise. He is after all the grandson of the zealous human rights lawyer Jose W. Diokno. His grandfather was imprisoned during martial law. He was later named as the first human rights commissioner under the Aquino administration.

The filmmaker’s father is also a human rights lawyer.

NZ lose Davis Cup tie to Philippines
:cheers:
Published: 10:36AM Sunday September 20, 2009

Source: NZPA

New Zealand came up short again in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania group two tennis final against the Philippines on Saturday.

They lost the doubles in straight sets as the Philippines stole an unbeatable 3-0 lead in Manila.

GD Jones and Oliver Statham went down to the hosts' top combination of Cecil Mamiit and Treat Conrad Huey 6-7 3-6 5-7.

New Zealand lost the two opening singles contests on Friday and needed to win the doubles to keep the tie alive.

Their chances were not helped when Dan King-Turner was ruled out on medical advice after retiring in Friday's singles due to a pulled calf muscle.

The two New Zealanders started strongly before conceding the first break in the fifth game of the opening set of the doubles but Jones and Statham immediately broke back before losing the tiebreak 5-7.

In the second set at 3-3 the lights short circuited at the indoor venue in the Philippines capital before the match was suspended for 30 minutes.
Advertisement

On resuming, Mamiit and Huey then won three successive games to take the set.

The New Zealanders had two set points at 5-4 in the third but Mamiit and Huey hung tough to hold on before taking the set 7-5.

The `dead' reverse singles are on Sunday.

Result:- Philippines 3 New Zealand 0.
Doubles: Cecil Mamiit and Treat Conrad Huey (Philippines) beat GD Jones and Oliver Statham (NZ) 7-6 6-3 7-5.

http://tvnz.co.nz/tennis-news/nz-lose-davis-cup-tie-philippines-2999785

United States Envoy urges Pinoys to vote online in Guggenheim art shelter contest
By Jose Katigbak STAR Washington Bureau (philstar.com) Updated September 20, 2009 12:00 AM


WASHINGTON – Philippine Ambassador to the United States Willy Gaa yesterday encouraged the Filipino community to vote online for Quezon City-based architect Gonzalo Raymundo, one of the 10 finalists in the “Design It: Shelter Competition,” a house design contest sponsored by the Guggenheim Museum and Google SketchUP.

Students from the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture picked the finalists from 600 entries in 68 countries. Online voting started on Sept. 7 and runs until Oct. 10 to determine the winner of the People’s Prize.

The winner, which will be announced on Oct. 21, will receive an all-expense paid trip for two to New York City for two nights and a Google SketchUp Pro license worth $495. He will also get behind-the-scenes tours of the Guggenheim Museum and Google Offices, as well as free admission to other museums in New York City.

A jury of experts in architecture and design will also review all submissions to choose the winner of the Juried prize. The recipient will receive the same prize package as the People’s Prize plus $1,000 cash.

Gaa said Raymundo’s entry, titled “A bamboo shelter in a garbage dump city,” reflected “ingenuity, workmanship and culture that the Filipino people can be proud of.”

“I encourage members of the Filipino community to extend their support to Mr. Raymundo by casting their votes for his meritorious piece of art,” he said.

Raymundo is now leading the online poll on www.guggenheim.org with 4,891 votes as of press time, followed by “Before Sunset (Ecohab Shelter)” by Rodrigo Montoya of Bogota, Colombia with 4,091 votes; and “CBS-Cork Block Shelter” by David Mares of Setúbal, Portugal with 1,692 votes.

In June, the Guggenheim Museum and Google SketchUp launched the design competition for amateur and professional designers in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the museum designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Using Google SketchUP, a three-dimensional modeling program, competitors were challenged to design a shelter for one person to study and sleep. The theoretical shelter can be built anywhere on earth, but competitors were not allowed to remove existing structures, only to add to them. It must offer protection from the elements, but must not have fixtures for water, gas, or electricity. The single-occupant house must also not be larger than 100 square feet and taller than 12 feet.

SOURCE: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=506884&publicationSubCategoryId=201

Please cast your vote here by clicking the button for Bamboo Shelter of Arch. Gonzalo Raymundo.
http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/education/sackler-center/design-it-shelter/vote-for-shelters

I don't know if it is appropriate to post it here but still, Imelda created a stir and has a musical in NYC. :)

Imelda Marcos Musical Opens in New York

Philippine News, Posted: Sep 21, 2009 Review it on NewsTrust

NEW YORK -- “Imelda, A New Musical” opens the 33rd season of the Pan Asian Repertory Theatre with an East Coast premiere Sept. 22 at The Julia Miles Theatre. Based on the book by Sachi Oyama, with music by Nathan Wang and lyrics by Aaron Coleman, “Imelda” is a portrait of the ambitious and controversial woman often referred to as “The Steel Butterfly.” The musical spans the 1940s to 1980s, the pivotal years after the Philippines gained its independence and Imelda Marcos wanted to her country to be an equal player on the world stage. New York’s first Filipino-themed musical, “Imelda” is presented in association with East West Players who produced the Los Angeles premiere in 2005.
http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=3ec45b419a686417e7ba96c62c441e65

Congratulations to CCP Bobcats for winning 3 Titles in the World Cup Cheer & Dance in Brisbane, Australia! Level 5 Champions, Overall Grand Champion (highest score in the whole competition, Level 1-6), & Asia Pacific representative for the 2010 Cheerleading Worlds for Level 5 in Orlando, Florida!

http://www.ccpbobcats.com/imagesmembers/nationalallstarlogoLQ.jpg

Manny Pacquiao X Nike "Lights Out" Air Trainer (http://hypebeast.com/2009/09/manny-pacquiao-nike-lights-air-trainer-1-closer/)

http://www.hypebeast.com/image/2009/09/manny-pacquiao-nike-lights-out-air-trainer-1-4.jpg

http://www.hypebeast.com/image/2009/09/manny-pacquiao-nike-lights-out-air-trainer-1-2.jpg

http://www.hypebeast.com/image/2009/09/manny-pacquiao-nike-lights-out-air-trainer-1-5.jpg

Now you know!

I don't know if it is appropriate to post it here but still, Imelda created a stir and has a musical in NYC. :)

Imelda Marcos Musical Opens in New York

http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=3ec45b419a686417e7ba96c62c441e65


Ahh... I still remember the news way back year 2005.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4346938.stm

Filipino student bags top prize in ASEAN media tilt (http://mb.com.ph/articles/222185/filipino-student-bags-top-prize-asean-media-tilt)
By CHARISSA M. LUCI


A Filipino student won first place in this year’s multimedia competition organized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Korean government, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.

Jophel Ybiosa of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines won the first place in the photography category of the ASEAN-Korea Multimedia Competition, the DFA, quoting the report from the Philippine embassy in Korea, said.

Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Luis T. Cruz said Ybiosa’s winning entry titled “Giants” featured the Higantes Festival of Angono, Rizal. It bested over 350 university and graduate students from ASEAN and Korean educational institutions.

During the awarding ceremony held in Seoul on September 23, Cruz praised Ybiosa’s creativity and excellence in photography as he further encouraged him to continue with his involvement in various ASEAN awareness programs.

Another Filipino student from the University of the Philippines (UP), MM Yu was also awarded the honor of “Special Guest Artist” in recognition of her outstanding entries, the DFA said.

The contest, which carries the theme “Cultural Diversity and Harmony,” was divided into two categories, namely: video/multimedia and photography. Over over 350 ASEAN and Korean university and graduate students joined the contest. Winning entries and other selected works will be displayed at the Seoul Art Space from September 23 to October 10.

The ASEAN-Korea Multimedia Competition was organized by the ASEAN-Korea Center, in cooperation with the 10 ASEAN embassies in Seoul.

ASEAN-Korea Centre is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting economic and sociocultural cooperation between ASEAN and Korea.

Pinoy indie films bag Bangkok fest prizes
By NRJ RAMOS
October 2, 2009, 5:18pm, Manila Bulletin

Independent film director Raya Martin made the country proud once again when his much-acclaimed black-and-white opus “Independencia” bagged two important prizes in the recently concluded Bangkok International Film Festival.

“Independencia,” which is a sequel to Martin's first film, “Maicling Pelicula ng Ysang Indio Nacional (O Ang Mahabang Kalungkutan ng Katagalugan),” and set during the American occupation of the Philippines, captured the Grand Prize in the festival’s Southeast Asian Category for its “strong cinematic expression.”

The members of the Bangkok International Film Fest jury composed of Vincenzo Bugno, Royston Tan, and Tul Waitoonkiat added that the film is “visually adventurous with humor, expressing historical aspects while also very friendly to the audience.”

“Independencia” also bagged the NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) Jury Prize Award for “exploring the history of the Philippines and the history of Philippine Cinema within the limited space and with a few characters."

Another Filipino entry, Cinema One’s “Imburnal,” was also recognized by the festival, giving it the Special Mention honor alongside Malaysia's “Call If You Need Me.”

“Imburnal” director Sherad Anthony Sanchez was cited by festival jurors for his “courage and bravery" by “putting together a very risky concept with complicated sociopolitical background."

“Manila,” Martin’s collaborative effort with Adolfo Alix Jr., which stars Piolo Pascual, Rosanna Roces, Jay Manalo, and Alessandra de Rossi, was also featured in the festival’s Southeast Asian Panorama section.

Alix’s own “Aurora” starring Rosanna Roces was screened in the festival as well.

The Bangkok citations allowed “Independencia” to continue its winning streak.

“Independencia” was awarded the Prince Claus Fund Film Grant in the 2007 CineMart Project. It then received again a grant worth €120,000 (P7 million) from the French government's Fonds Sud Cinema in 2008.

Early this year, “Independencia” became the first Filipino film to be included in the Un Certain Regard category of the Cannes International Film Festival.

The Bangkok International Film Festival, which is on its seventh year, was held September 24-30 in Thailand and was hosted by the local Tourism Authority together with the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand.

Though reeling from a controversy stemming from an alleged case of corruption involving one of its former governors—who was accused of awarding an overpriced deal to contractors to organize the BKKIFF from 2003 to 2006—the seven-day festival was deemed “a huge success” by its organizers.

A Pinoy worker up the Burj Dubai tower.. photo taken from the world's tallest structure thread.

http://i36.tinypic.com/33ucuuw.jpg

^^ Are White hats for supervisors or foremen? Maybe bisor nga siya. :D

at #4 - Charo Ronquillo...will soon grace the cover of Vogue (India)

http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/090827-ford-models-search/gallery.aspx#

pwede na basta vogue. pero sana british or us vogue naman.

Part 1

IjlSR3snkus

Part 2

_Qprqnwni2w&NR=1

Journey: Live in Manila out now!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4c/Journeymanila.jpg

^^ It says it all... "Don't stop believin"... :okay:

Binuhay ni Arnel ang naghihingalo na journey... :D

Out na ba dito sa pinas yung Journey Live in Manila dvd/cd?

Angel Locsin, 2 teleseryes nominated for Int’l Emmy’s (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20091007-228835/Angel-Locsin-2-teleseryes-nominated-for-Intl-Emmys)
First Posted 13:39:00 10/07/2009

PHILIPPINE soap operas have made their mark on the international television stage. Angel Locsin, ABS-CBN’s “Kahit Isang Saglit,” and GMA-7’s “Magdusa Ka” are among the official nominees in the 37th International Emmy Awards 2009.

The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (IATAS), the governing body of the International Emmy Awards announced that Angel Locsin was nominated under Best Performace by an Actress category for her performance in the ABS-CBN teleserye Lobo where she played the role of Laika, the she-wolf heroine.

Angel will be competing against Emma De Caunes (“Nightbirds,” CHEZ WAM, France), Cecilia Suarez (“Capadocia,” HBO Latin American Originals, Mexico), and Julie Walters (“A Short Stay in Switzerland,” BBC, United Kingdom) in the category.

A nomination in the International Emmy’s certainly cements Angel Locsin’s place amongs the best actresses of this generation. Lobo also just recently bagged the Best Telenovela in the Banff International TV Awards in Canada.

Two Filipino produced TV series made it under the Telenovela category. ABS-CBN’s “Kahit Isang Saglit,” which starred Jericho Rosales and Carmen Soo is a co-production with Malaysia’s Double Vision and GMA-7’s “Magdusa Ka,” which starred Katrina Halili and Dennis Trillo is a film remake.

The two shows are competing against each other in the Best Telenovela category against Brazil’s TV Globo with India – A Love Story and Second Chance of TF1 Production/Fontana, France.

The country has been building a growing reputation in this highly popular category, even edging telenovelas from Mexico and other Latin countries which usually dominates this category.

The winners will be announced on November 23 at the 37th International Emmy Awards ceremony Hilton New York Hotel.

KELSEY MUNRO
October 7, 2009 - 11:07PM

COLONIALISM gets a bad rap, but there were a few pluses. Chocolate, for example, which may never have been made in the form we know it if the Spanish had not invaded Central America.

Fanny Chan, a chocolatier, and her brother, Alex Chan, a food technologist, of Boon Chocolates in Darlinghurst, point out that their ancestral country, the Philippines, had a chocolate culture as early as 1600. It had cocoa for decades before it became mainstream in Europe, due to Spanish trade ships laden with the cocoa bean stopping by on the way home from colonies in Mexico.

It was the Spaniards, Ms Chan said yesterday, who first added sugar to savoury chocolate. "The Aztecs drank it with cinnamon and spices instead."

Ms Chan abandoned a career in microbiology to follow her sweet dreams, spending two years in Belgium learning artisanal chocolate making from Patrick Mertens, a Belgian master chocolatier. She returned from Belgium in 2004, opening Boon Chocolates with her brother a year ago. She was "very proud" to hear from her mentor last month that some of his customers in Belgium who had visited Sydney recommended Boon Chocolates to him.

Her original creations include dark chocolate ganache infused with earl grey tea and mixed berry. Some of her most popular handmade concoctions pay homage to the "old fashioned" way of eating chocolate, with less sugar than the modern norm.

"The sugar can be a distraction to the real taste of chocolate," she said. The siblings will unearth some of the lost history of chocolate in an educational session at their shop tonight as part of the Sydney International Food Festival. The session will involve demonstrations of chocolate-making by Ms Chan and tastings of single-origin chocolates.

A talk by Mr Chan, who was busy during the long weekend helping organise relief food supplies for flood-stricken Manila, will cover the history of the cocoa trade, the medicinal properties of chocolate, the science of taste and Davao chocolate - from the Philippines.

The Foodies' Guide to Sydney: the Origins of Chocolate: Boon Chocolates, 251 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, today, 6.30-8.30pm, $45, limited tickets; Merienda-Cena Filipino-inspired high tea: Saturday and Sunday; bookings 9356 8876.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/origin-of-the-sweeties-20091008-gnd7.html)

Arnis (eskrima), the indigenous Filipino martial art, has gained a foothold in Russia, as many enthusiasts attended a recent public demonstration there.

Russians were impressed with the flowing demonstration of thrusts, slashes, kicks, leg and arm sweeps performed by PTK-RF Vice President Ruslan Mashinistov and Grigoriy Shein.

“It’s exciting that Philippine martial arts is being promoted in Russia," Larisa Boldyreva, head of the GlavUpDK Cultural Center Protocol Department, according to an article on the Department of Foreign Affairs website (www.dfa.gov.ph).

Philippine Ambassador to Russia Victor Garcia III reported to the DFA the Filipino martial art is popularly known there as "kali."

He said the public demonstration involved leading members of the Pikiti-Tirsia Kali Russian Federation (PTK-RF), and was part of a cultural program organized by the Asia-Pacific Women’s Group at the Asia-Pacific Charity Bazaar.

The bazaar was held at the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Main Administration for the Diplomatic Corps (GlavUpDK) Cultural Center last September 26.

Arnis is one of the most prestigious and effective forms of weapons-based Filipino martial arts.

Recently, Leopoldo Gaje Jr., Grand Tuhon (master) of the Pikiti-Tirsia Kali, went to Moscow to oversee the training of both Russian Special Forces officers (Spetsnaz) and civilians.

Gaje is the sole heir and guardian of the PTK system, which is more combat-oriented rather than sport-focused.

Last September 4, Gaje and Baguio-born Kali Guro (Sensei) and PTK-RF Director Daniel Mumbakki Foronda II, who conducted seminars in March and May this year with Rommel Tortal, Jasper De Ocampo and Robert Baranda, attended the opening of the second PTK Filipino Martial Arts Center at the renowned Russian dojo Sambo-70 in the southwest part of Moscow.

Two days later, civilian kalistas learned about counter-attacks using rattan sticks in a seven-hour seminar on Advanced Contradas at the Domodedovskaya School.

“The seminar was very useful especially for understanding the methodology of formulating counter-attack. (Gaje) has enlightened us with new techniques and broadened the application of Pekiti-Tirsa basics," said PTK-RF President Sergey Sovolev.

Last September 20, Guro Samantha Foronda-Pinder led six Russian women in a six-hour seminar on Badyak, an indigenous form of self-defense for women which evolved from a simple but effective counter-attacking technique traditionally employing a spear tip to a plexiglass cutter, durable and invisible to X-rays.

"Filipino martial arts have gained widespread popularity in recent years, being employed by Hollywood celebrities in popular US movie franchises like Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible, Christian Bale as Batman, Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft and Ukrainian-born model Milla Jovovich in the Resident Evil series," the DFA said.

The DFA noted arnis is taught in the Philippine military and police as it is considered "so deceptively simple, effective and easy to learn with sufficient practice."

It added the US military teaches it to some varying degree in all of its branches, including the Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces, and Delta Force.

At its peak, more than 200 styles of Filipino martial arts are supposed to have existed prior to the arrival of Spaniards in the Philippines.

Records suggest that the warriors of Mactan led by Lapu-Lapu used a form of Eskrima, with bows and arrows, spears and swords (kali) to defeat Ferdinand Magellan’s more heavily armed and armored retaliatory force of Spanish conquistadores in April 1521.

But Spanish colonial era prohibitions on the teaching of weapons fighting led to the art’s decline.

It enjoyed a revival in the 1960s and 1970s, following efforts of brothers Ernesto and Remy Presas, who opened training centers in the US West Coast.

There, Dan Inosanto practiced Arnis with Bruce Lee, who used some of the principles to found his own style, Jeet Kune Do, in 1967. Jeet Kune Do uses the same weapons as Arnis.

In Russia, the earliest attempts to practice Arnis trace back to 1998.

Pikiti-Tirsia Kali was first introduced in Russia in 2005, with the establishment of the Russia chapter of the school and publicity in the TV channel Boets.

It is also practiced in Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, France, England, Netherlands, USA, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, India, Taiwan, Thailand, Argentina and Canada. - GMANews.TV (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/174325/rp-martial-art-arnis-gains-foothold-in-russia)

Pinoy worker in Jeddah returns $320,000 find (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/174550/pinoy-worker-in-jeddah-returns-320000-find)

RONALDO Z. CONCHA, GMANews
10/13/2009 | 11:20 PM

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia - A Filipino worker who returned a huge amount of money he found in northern Saudi Arabia to its rightful owner has become an instant celebrity among fellow expatriates.

The new hero is Lark Michael B. Colegado, a 34-year-old family man from Tacloban and Misamis Oriental in the southern Philippines, who works as an automated teller machine (ATM) maintenance technician for Al-Hamrani Universal in Jeddah.

In an interview, Colegado narrated that he was sent to the northern city of Tabuk last week to do preventive maintenance and fix an offline ATM because his Pakistani colleague responsible for the place was on vacation.

http://www.gmanews.tv/webpics/infotech/colegados.jpg

At an ATM located in a gasoline station, he was looking for a place to seat to do his work when he saw a small box beside the machine. When he checked, he found that there was money inside the box.

Without hesitation, he called his superior, who then informed officials of a bank that owned the ATM. Bank officials found that the box contained 1.2 million riyals or 15 million Philippine pesos.

He said he informed his Pakistani helper of his find and he immediately sent an e-mail to his superior to inform him about the money.

In an e-mail to Colegado, his managers said they were proud of having an honest person in their team and thanked him for doing the right thing. He said he was promised not just an appreciation letter but also a “bonus."

Colegado asked media people who interviewed him not to identify the bank, saying he has made a commitment to his superiors to keep the information confidential.

ipapa-laminate ko yung appreciation letter na yun:D


salamat, at marami pa ring honest na pinoy.:):cheers:

^^ Hehehe, malamang meron din naninisi na sana biglang paldo ng kanilang savings account. At least his action was appreciated.
When I was in KSA, meron mga Pinoy workers na nag soli ng 2 bags with gadgets and personal items na naiwanan sa resto ng mga arab businessmen, pero dumating ang pulis at para silang mga suspects na tinulak sa van, reklamo yata na meron nagnakaw ng mga bags nila sa resto. But the manager of the resto went to the station to testify for the Pinoys, ewan ko na kung ano nangyari.

^^ related news:

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=127368&d=14&m=10&y=2009


Wednesday 14 October 2009 (25 Shawwal 1430)

Honest Filipino returns SR1.2m to its owner
Onie Espanto | Arab News

JEDDAH: A Filipino has been felicitated for returning around SR1.2 million that he found outside a cash machine to its rightful owner in Tabuk last week.

“I’m very happy. I am proud of myself that in spite of it being such a huge amount, I didn’t feel like taking money which does not belong to me,” said Lark Michael B. Colegado, 34, from Tacloban and Misamis Oriental in the Philippines.

Colegado, a maintenance technician in Jeddah, said he was sent to Tabuk on Oct. 6 to carryout maintenance. It was when he was looking for a place to sit at an ATM machine to carryout work that he found a small box containing the cash.

Colegado immediately informed his superiors and the money was returned to its owner.

“I could have been richer if I kept that money, but I was raised by my family to be an honest person so it did not enter my mind, although I was really scared when I found the box,” he said.

He also informed his Pakistani helper who was with him about the incident and told his bosses on returning to Jeddah. In an e-mail from his managers, Colegado was told that they were proud to have him in their team and thanked him for doing what is right.

The Filipino community invited Colegado to a function at Laparilla restaurant to felicitate him. Leaders of different Filipino organizations also attended the event and handed Colegado a certificate of appreciation.

“What Colegado did is very timely. At this point in time when we have lots of Filipinos facing financial problems in this country, here comes a man returning a very big amount of money he found with no regret,” said Filcom leader Jauhari Usman.

“Honestly speaking, the huge amount found was really tempting. If anybody finds such an amount, I do not know what he or she would do. What Colegado did is really admirable and has boosted my morale as a Filipino,” he added.

“In spite of the very bad situation in our country, we can still see some people like Colegado doing a great thing and it is a real honor for all Filipinos. It shows the world that we are a trustworthy people,” said Rudy Castro, chairman of the Overseas Filipino Workers Cooperative Council.

“We are proud of you and, on behalf of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) and the Filipinos here in Jeddah, congratulate you. Your kindness shines in spite of the flood left by Ondoy and Pepeng ... I proudly tell you that I’m proud to be a Filipino because of you,” said Joey Villanueva, chairman of PICPA.

BRAVO. I salute you Mr. Colegado. :applause::applause:

RP ‘hotbed of talents’

By Marinel Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:07:00 10/13/2009

Filed Under: Awards and Prizes, Cinema

BUSAN, South Korea—“The Philippines is currently a hotbed of talents,” according to a news article on The Hollywood Reporter published on October 12, which coincided with the opening of this year’s Busan International Film Commission (BIFCOM) and Industry Showcase being held at the Paradise Hotel here.


Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairperson Rolando “Jacky” Atienza couldn’t agree more: “It is clear that the country is the fastest-growing area in filmmaking. More and more, the world is realizing that a lot of awards in international film festivals are being garnered by Filipino artists. The local film industry is looking good. Each year, a larger percentage of awards in festivals are being won by Filipino films.”

The article, a two-page special report on Philippine cinema by writer Patrick Frater, also said a lot of Filipino filmmakers are “getting the kind of attention that is putting the Philippines back on the international movie map … Indeed, Busan has picked an apt moment to turn the spotlight on Filipino cinema.”

Country of honor

The Philippines is the “country of honor” in this year’s Pusan International Film Festival. A total of 20 Filipino films will be showcased in the week-long event that began on October 8. Atienza said the country’s participation here “is really a testament to the excellence of Filipino films. It is another statement that the Filipino films are being recognized around the world.”

The BIFCOM opening rites featured 24 industry leaders from around the globe. Atienza is the Philippine representative. The other participants were Cho Hee-moon, Park Kwang-soo, Bae Young-gil, Grame Solloway, Lee Yong-kwan, Ken Terawaki, Xu Ping-an, Tetsuji Maezan, Susan Ord, Rah So-won, Oh Jung-wan, Lee Seung-moo, Han Zhijun, Bill Lindstorm, Wanasiri Morakul, Kim Sa-gyum, Kim Eui-suk, Kim Sung-su and Lee Yong-gi.

Location site

The country’s BIFCOM booth, manned by Philippine Film Export Services Office executive director Digna Santiago, also formally opened today and will receive visitors until Oct. 14. It aims to promote the country as an alternative location site for foreign-produced TV and movie productions, said Santiago.

‘Good sign’

“Already, there are a number of filmmakers and film enthusiasts who showed interest,” said Manet Dayrit, of the post-production outfit Roadrunner Network Inc. “This includes Gillian Gordon of the TischAsia School of Arts in Singapore. She said there are a lot of students interested in making their thesis films in the Philippines. This is a good sign.”

Trade show

The BIFCOM, a multi-market group handling anything from filmmaking to photographic equipment, from location to human infrastructure, is featuring 57 teams from 16 countries in this year’s trade show, according to Hur Nam-sik, Busan Metropolitan City mayor. This year’s theme, said Hur, is: “Make your dreams and hopes for [the] film business come true in Busan.”

At the PIFF Pavilion, Pinoy filmmakers Raymond Red and Nick Deocampo were speakers in a forum called “Talk to Talk,” where Koreans asked them about the history of Philippine cinema, censorship, independent filmmaking, as well as the country’s “diverse and complicated” culture.

‘Philippine Night’

“While a lot of Filipino filmmakers get invited to different festivals around the world, what we ultimately want is for our films to be seen by Filipinos, whom we consider our most important audience,” said Red.

Scheduled in the evening is Philippine Night, a gathering of Filipino and Korean industry leaders to mark the 60th anniversary of the Philippine-Korean diplomatic relations.

E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph

^^:cheers:

I posted the Hollywood Reporter article in the Television and Film Industry (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=44613528#post44613528) thread.

RP math aces get 100%, near perfect scores in Aussie tilt

By Jerry E. Esplanada
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:55:00 10/21/2009

MANILA, Philippines—A sophomore student of St. Stephen’s High School in Sta. Cruz, Manila, got a perfect score while 13 other young Filipino numbers aces registered scores of over 99.7 percent in the tough 2009 Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC).

Julius Vincent Sy was one of only 20 students worldwide who scored 100 percent in this year’s AMC.

For his feat, Sy received a medal and a Peter O’ Halloran certificate during Tuesday’s AMC awarding ceremonies at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Pasay City.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and Dr. Peter Taylor, executive director of the Australian Mathematics Trust (AMT) which runs the AMC, were special guests.

The 13 other Filipino topnotchers in the AMC were Amiel Sy and Emiliano Tan from Philippine Science High School-Main, Justin Edric Yturzaeta from Jubilee Christian Academy, John Russell Virata from Gideon Academy, Alvin Uy Lim from Quezon City Science High School, and Seanne Ng, Adrian Sy, Czarina Lao and Audrey Lao from St. Jude Catholic School.

Lormes Pedeglorio from Butuan City Special Education Center, Miguel Lorenzo Ildesa from Paref-Westbridge School, Jake Gacuan from the University of the Philippines, and Aldric Cristobal Reyes from Chiang Kai Shek College.

Fifty-six other students also won top honors in the AMC, which was held simultaneously in August in Australia and 35-plus other countries worldwide, including the Philippines.

Administered in RP

More than 2,000 Filipino elementary and high school students took part in the AMC, which was administered in the Philippines by AMT representatives, Mathematics Trainers’ Guild-Philippines (MTG) and the Science Education Institute of the Department of Science and Technology.

“We at MTG are very proud of the latest achievements of our trainees. This goes to show that many Filipino students are really talented in Math,” said Dr. Simon Chua, MTG cofounder and president.

MTG wards

Most of the local contestants are MTG wards. Some of them will represent the country in the Philippine International Math Competitions scheduled for late November in Iloilo City.

The first AMC, held in 1976, was limited to Australian students. Two years later, students from New Zealand were allowed to join the contest.

Since 2005, the competition has spread to more than 35 nations all over the world, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, India, Bulgaria, Germany, South Africa and the People’s Republic of China.

The contest paper consists of 30-multiple choice questions, which are ordered in increasing difficulty.

Students are given 75 minutes to solve the problems which cover arithmetic, algebra, geometry and problem-solving.

Pinoy Rubik's cube whiz kid back in RP

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/22/2009 7:04 PM

MANILA – A 12-year-old Filipino who won in an international tournament on speed cubing in Germany is back in the Philippines.

Durben Virtucio, 12, represented the Philippines in the recently concluded 5th World Rubik’s Cube Championship held in Düsseldorf, Germany. The tournament in Germany was Virtucio’s first international competition.

Although he was the youngest in the contest, Virtucio showed his skills and emerged as the first runner up in the 4x4 category. He completed the cube in just about 11 seconds.

It was in 2008 when the boy first started playing the Rubik’s Cube. Since then, he quickly improved his skills by continuous practice and research with the help of the internet.

Aside from the world championship, Virtucio also participated in the Cebu Open and Philippines Open.

Virtucio plans to further improve his record in the hopes of being the world champion in the future. Report from TJ Manatoc, ABS-CBN News
as of 10/22/2009 7:04 PM

Pinoy Rubik's cube whiz kid back in RP

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/22/2009 7:04 PM

MANILA – A 12-year-old Filipino who won in an international tournament on speed cubing in Germany is back in the Philippines.

Durben Virtucio, 12, represented the Philippines in the recently concluded 5th World Rubik’s Cube Championship held in Düsseldorf, Germany. The tournament in Germany was Virtucio’s first international competition.

Although he was the youngest in the contest, Virtucio showed his skills and emerged as the first runner up in the 4x4 category. He completed the cube in just about 11 seconds.

It was in 2008 when the boy first started playing the Rubik’s Cube. Since then, he quickly improved his skills by continuous practice and research with the help of the internet.

Aside from the world championship, Virtucio also participated in the Cebu Open and Philippines Open.

Virtucio plans to further improve his record in the hopes of being the world champion in the future. Report from TJ Manatoc, ABS-CBN News
as of 10/22/2009 7:04 PM



That boy is really amazing! I bought my own 4x4 a few years ago but never got around to fixing it *LOL* :lol:

Support natin si Charice pagrelease ng album niya at new single niya early 2010. Her first single will be a collaboration with Sean Kingston. She's being groomed to enter the mainstream at Pop RNB ang genre ng first album niya sa States. Sana bumenta talaga. Galing nung batang yun eh.

^^ Ahh....so that's why she emulated Leona Lewis in this photo. Trying to "blacken" her up. :lol:

http://8.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_krquc9TLZh1qzbky1o1_500.jpg

oh my god, that's not her. the real Charice looks Korean. :ohno:



Can the rubiks cube kid use his time talent and energy into something else ,like becoming a scientist .
i mean how much can fixing a rubix cube improve and help our society other than for notoriety.

^^ The wonders of make-up. ;)

Young Filipino painter wins art contest in Germany (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20091024-232052/Young-Filipino-painter-wins-art-contest-in-Germany)


NASSER Lubay, a 26-year old self-taught painter from Quezon bagged second place honors in the painting category of the prestigious Celeste Prize 2009 in Berlin, Germany.

The Celeste Prize, an international art competition for contemporary artists, is organized by a non-profit Italian cultural association, ‘Associazione Culturale L’Albero Celeste’ founded by Steven Music. The final selection of winners was held at the Alte AEG Fabrik in Berlin last Sept. 26.

“I was pleasantly surprised when they called out my name,” muses Lubay, who flew to Berlin to attend the exhibition of shortlisted finalists. He adds, “I was also informed by the chairman that I was one vote short of the grand prize winner, and he told me that it’s the very first time that an entry from the Philippines was chosen to compete in the finals.”

He continues, “Just to be able to be there to experience everything was already priceless, so when I was announced second prize winner, I just felt so ecstatic and blessed considering that the finalists were the ones who chose the winners by secret balloting.”

There were 46 artists from all over the world who made the cut, mostly from Europe and from different field of arts in the other categories, namely: painting, photography, installation and sculpture, video animation and live media arts.

Lubay’s entry, in watercolor, is called ‘Rebirth’ and it was chosen as one of the finalists from amongst 734 entries worldwide.

Germany’s Michael Luther “Gallery (Desk)” won the grand prize while Czech artist Juraj Kollar’s “Landscape” bagged third prize honors. The other finalists came from Australia, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany and the United States.

These finalists were chosen by a distinguished panel of international art critics including Mark Gisbourne (art historian and former teacher at the Courtauld Institute of Art and the Slade School of Fine Arts, both in London; now living and working in Berlin, Germany, as an independent curator and critic), Adrienne Goehler (art curator in Berlin, former Senator and Secretary of Culture for the City of Berlin, and former Director of the Academy of Arts in Hamburg, Germany) and Victoria Lu, art critic, curator, professor and concurrently Creative Director of the Museum of Contemporary Arts in China.

A native of Candelaria, Quezon, Lubay works as a graphic designer for Ricky Gallardo’s The Talent Factory, an entertainment service company. He has created vector artworks for celebrities like Max Eigenmann, John ‘Sweet’ Lapus, Sid Lucero and Angel Aquino.

Lubay’s trip was made possible through the assistance and generosity of his OFW mother, Susan Macalong, his The Talent Factory family, and Congressman Del R. de Guzman of the second district of Marikina, chairman of the committee on basic education and culture.

“I am young and would like to explore life’s many possibilities not only as a contemporary painter but also as an artist. I came from very humble beginnings and I would like to see where my art would bring me. The Celeste Prize competition is my first big step and I hope to take on bigger steps in the coming years.”

Lubay hopes to mount his first solo exhibit next year.

^^ What's with Germany and were winning side by side?lol:banana:

http://www.soloden.com/2009/10/nasser-lubays-rebirth.html

here is his painting ^^

^^ What's with Germany and were winning side by side?lol:banana:

isa ang Germany na ma invade ng Pinas:D

Professor Alexis Belonio: Rice and Shine
(People Asia) Updated October 07, 2009 12:00 AM

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L’arte d’arrangiarsi — the art of making something out of nothing, is what 48-year-old Ilonggo Professor Alexis Belonio has mastered. Using Asia’s most abundant agricultural waste, Belonio invented a clean efficient biomass gas stove fuelled by rice husks, a feat deemed impossible by other scientists. The benefits of this invention to the Philippines’ poor are not only immediate but infinite, awakening hope for the millions looking for a viable solution to help them through the devastating economic crisis.

The world produces over 115 metric tonnes of rice husks each year and the Philippines – as one of the major rice-dependent countries – contributes immensely to this number, reports Belonio, the first Filipino to receive the Rolex Awards for Enterprise for his invention.

Numerous scientists had already thought of utilizing these abundant wastes before, but the flames produced from their prototypes were sooty, unhealthy, and could not generate enough heat to cook food. On the other hand, Belonio – an associate professor at the Central Philippine University of Iloilo City – came up with the idea to convert rice husks into gas after attending a technical workshop on wood gasification in Thailand. He wanted the flame that would be produced to be hotter and cleaner for cooking.

By a stroke of luck or sheer genius, Belonio’s first attempt at a top-lit, updraft, and biomass gas stove was a success. “I didn’t know why and how it worked, I just knew that it was successful because of the flame it emitted — it was blue!” tells Belonio, letting out a boisterous laugh bigger than his small frame, his eyes crinkling with boyish glee.

The Nutty Professor

His wife Salvacion shares that like any “nutty professor” who gets consumed by his ideas, her husband at times can’t avoid bringing work to bed. “While I would be sleeping, he would be in bed beside me drawing circles and computing imaginary equations in the air.”

And when the idea gets the best of him and he can’t wait for morning, he’d get out of bed, grab a sheet of paper and start drawing. Not surprisingly, he’d have his new invention manufactured in their shop the next day. This, she says, was the typical birth of all his ideas.

Belonio explains that he does not invent to claim exclusivity of an idea but rather he wants to share and urge others to find ways to solve ecological and social problems. He posts all of his blueprints on the Internet for free, even providing short summaries and pictures to attract businessmen who have the means to produce these stoves.

Belonio’s rice husk stove is not only cheap and simple to produce, it is also easy to operate. Small and cylindrical, the fan at its base was the ingenious element that dictated his prototype’s success, converting rice husks into gas.

The stove is also eco-friendly, cost-effective and it minimizes greenhouse gas emissions. The char that is left can be recycled to improve soil. With just a few handfuls of rice husks, it can produce enough energy to boil water in 6-9 minutes.

With gas and energy prices increasing, this humble gas stove can help solve the energy crisis by providing 415 lit. of petrol or 378 lit. of kerosene for every ton of rice husks.

Belonio explains, “I invented (the gas stove) because of the need, the need for efficient and sustainable energy, the need to reduce environmental pollution and the need for the disposal of waste. Not for money.”

The Spirit Of Enterprise

As an Associate Laureate awardee, Belonio was given a Rolex chronometer and $50,000 to help fund his new endeavour. “I was awarded this (Rolex Award for Enterprise) not because of the invention of the stove but for the spirit of enterprising, sharing what I know and helping others.”

Though $50,000 is an amazing figure, wouldn’t he have profited more if he patented his invention and sold his product? Belonio shares that he had considered this and that there were actually offers from businessmen who wanted to buy the rights of his invention. It was discussed in the negotiations that not only would he get a hefty sum for selling the rights but that Belonio would also earn P100 from every unit sold. “Everything was set and ready to be signed but I prayed to God if this was what He really wanted… this of course did not push through.(I realized) I will not go into business… I do not want to profit from this because I want to share what I have learned and inspire others.” Now, he enjoys a more fulfilling success by teaching and exchanging ideas with clients and students, both foreign and local.

He reveals that there was one European student whom he had never met before but was very interested in Belonio’s ideas. The European wanted to take the gas stove a step further and to discover a means to liquefy the gas. The professor remembers telling him, “That’s impossible!” but then Belonio realizes that nothing is impossible since his own dream stemmed from that, having done what was deemed impossible.

Currently Belonio is working on seven innovations and several other projects that are not gasifiers. He also plans to use the monetary reward from Rolex to set up a center in Iloilo where he will conduct trainings and seminars.

A scientist but more so a religious man, he said he invented the stove because it was time. “There’s a time for everything so it was time that this was to be discovered.” – Kristel Dacumos
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/6320/peopleasiahires.jpg

Young Filipino painter wins art contest in Germany (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20091024-232052/Young-Filipino-painter-wins-art-contest-in-Germany)


NASSER Lubay, a 26-year old self-taught painter from Quezon bagged second place honors in the painting category of the prestigious Celeste Prize 2009 in Berlin, Germany.

The Celeste Prize, an international art competition for contemporary artists, is organized by a non-profit Italian cultural association, ‘Associazione Culturale L’Albero Celeste’ founded by Steven Music. The final selection of winners was held at the Alte AEG Fabrik in Berlin last Sept. 26.

“I was pleasantly surprised when they called out my name,” muses Lubay, who flew to Berlin to attend the exhibition of shortlisted finalists. He adds, “I was also informed by the chairman that I was one vote short of the grand prize winner, and he told me that it’s the very first time that an entry from the Philippines was chosen to compete in the finals.”

He continues, “Just to be able to be there to experience everything was already priceless, so when I was announced second prize winner, I just felt so ecstatic and blessed considering that the finalists were the ones who chose the winners by secret balloting.”

There were 46 artists from all over the world who made the cut, mostly from Europe and from different field of arts in the other categories, namely: painting, photography, installation and sculpture, video animation and live media arts.

Lubay’s entry, in watercolor, is called ‘Rebirth’ and it was chosen as one of the finalists from amongst 734 entries worldwide.

Germany’s Michael Luther “Gallery (Desk)” won the grand prize while Czech artist Juraj Kollar’s “Landscape” bagged third prize honors. The other finalists came from Australia, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany and the United States.

These finalists were chosen by a distinguished panel of international art critics including Mark Gisbourne (art historian and former teacher at the Courtauld Institute of Art and the Slade School of Fine Arts, both in London; now living and working in Berlin, Germany, as an independent curator and critic), Adrienne Goehler (art curator in Berlin, former Senator and Secretary of Culture for the City of Berlin, and former Director of the Academy of Arts in Hamburg, Germany) and Victoria Lu, art critic, curator, professor and concurrently Creative Director of the Museum of Contemporary Arts in China.

A native of Candelaria, Quezon, Lubay works as a graphic designer for Ricky Gallardo’s The Talent Factory, an entertainment service company. He has created vector artworks for celebrities like Max Eigenmann, John ‘Sweet’ Lapus, Sid Lucero and Angel Aquino.

Lubay’s trip was made possible through the assistance and generosity of his OFW mother, Susan Macalong, his The Talent Factory family, and Congressman Del R. de Guzman of the second district of Marikina, chairman of the committee on basic education and culture.

“I am young and would like to explore life’s many possibilities not only as a contemporary painter but also as an artist. I came from very humble beginnings and I would like to see where my art would bring me. The Celeste Prize competition is my first big step and I hope to take on bigger steps in the coming years.”

Lubay hopes to mount his first solo exhibit next year.

OMG OMG
OMG OMG!!!!

he's my friend!!
everytime he's here
sa bahay, sketch lang sya ng
sketch :D im so proud of him!
:cheers: :cheers:

Only in Hollywood
Fil-Am animator shows ’em what ‘spectacle’ is
By Ruben V. Nepales
Philippine Daily Inquirer (http://www.inquirer.net/)
First Posted 21:48:00 11/05/2009
Filed Under: Animation, Entertainment (general)




LOS ANGELES—During his struggling days, John Butiu sometimes had to skip meals or eat his roommate’s leftovers.

Today, the Filipino-American 3D animation artist has the power to crash a huge aircraft into the White House or command a tidal wave huge enough to wash over the Himalayas. Well, with his artistry, software and computer, the Davao-born John can conceptualize those spectacular scenes for a movie. For director Roland Emmerich’s potential blockbuster, “2012,” John and his colleagues did a crucial process that is called in the film industry as “pre-vis”—or previsualization of scenes before filming begins.

In our recent interview with Roland, he talked about the importance of pre-vis, especially in a movie like “2012,” an end-of-the-world thriller that has monstrous special effects. He added that showing the pre-vis version of the movie to his actors helps them act in a scene where, for example, they have to react to a humongous tidal wave washing over some of the world’s tallest peaks. “It helps the actors see what they’re facing and gives them an idea of how a scene will unfold,” the director of “Independence Day” and “The Day After Tomorrow” told us.

John’s journey has taken him as far as New Zealand, where he worked for six months on Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.” Now with Sony Pictures Animation’s Visual Development Department, John played a key role in creating the main characters in the acclaimed hit animation movie, “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.”
READ MORE... (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20091105-234453/Fil-Am-animator-shows-em-what-spectacle-is)

Filipinos invade Singapore art scene
INQUIRER.net (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/)
First Posted 09:37:00 11/09/2009
Filed Under: Arts (general), Migration




MANILA, Philippines—Filipino artists are scheduled to hold separate shows in the city-state of Singapore starting November, according to the Philippine embassy in Singapore.

The annual Philippine Art Trek in Singapore opens in November with the anchor exhibit In the Eye of Modernity: Philippine Neo-Realist Masterworks from the Ateneo Art Gallery at the Singapore Art Museum, from 14 November 2009 to 14 March 2010.

Co-organized by the Philippine embassy in Singapore, Manila-based Ateneo Art Gallery, and the Singapore Art Museum, this major exhibit showcases the seminal paintings and sculptures from the 1950s to the ‘60s that helped revolutionize Philippine visual arts.

Philippine Art Trek III will feature six exhibitions organized by six galleries in what has become the largest annual exhibitions on Philippine art overseas. Philippine art specialists Artesan + Studio, Galerie Joaquin Singapore, Sunjin, Utterly Art, Valentine Willie Fine Art galleries, and the Ateneo Art Gallery will take viewers on a dazzling visual journey, as they unveil in six separate but related exhibits, new and iconic artwork by Filipino masters and contemporary artists.
READ MORE... (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20091109-235159/Filipinos-invade-Singapore-art-scene)

Manny Pacquiao is on Time magazine again!

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Time01.jpg


Here's the full length article on the November 16, 2009 issue of Time's South Pacific edition.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Time02.jpg http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Time03.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Time04.jpg http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Time05.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/Time06.jpg

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8378/409488619040ac37ba55o.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/i/409488619040ac37ba55o.jpg/)
Gourmet chocolates made from Davao cocoa beans in a grocery store on 24th St. in San Francisco's Noe Valley neighborhood.

raluisto(flickr) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rluistro/4094886190/)

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/08F7amXdiQeN1/610x.jpg

US ambassador Kristie Kenney (L) and former Philippine president Fidel Ramos (R) lay a wreath for fallen American and Filipino veterans who fought during World War II in commemoration of Veterans' Day at Manila's American Cemetery and Memorial on November 11, 2009.

Torres wins long jump gold
Bags 1st Asian gold in 22 years
By REY BANCOD
November 11, 2009, 6:03pm

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac138/nationalguard_ssc/long-jump.jpg
Marestella Torres gives the Philippines a much-needed boost ahead of the Southeast Asian Games when she captured the long jump gold during the Asian Athletics Championship in Guangzhou, China Wednesday. Her winning leap was 6.51 meters.




Marestella Torres gives the Philippines a much-needed boost ahead of the Southeast Asian Games when she captured the long jump gold during the Asian Athletics Championship in Guangzhou, China Wednesday. Her winning leap was 6.51 meters.

Marestella Torres ended a 22-year gold medal drought in the Asian track and field championships when she ruled the women’s long jump Tuesday at the Guangdong Olympic Center in Guangzhou, China.

Torres, a 28-year-old veteran, leaped 6.51 meters in difficult conditions to beat Chinese Chen Yaling and Japanese Sachiko Masumi who each could only manage 6.28 meters.

The Filipina entered the event as a darkhorse with Chen expected to win before home fans who braved the rains and stiff winds that marred the opening day.

But after Torres made the winning jump on her third attempt, the Chinese coach approached national coach Joseph Sy to congratulate him.

“Nang makatalon si Marestella ng 6.51 sa third jump, kinamayan na ako ng Chinese coach, alam nya, mahihirapan ang ibang athletes na humabol sa ganung condition ng panahon,” recalled Sy who headed the token five-man delegation.

It was a remarkable showing for Torres whose best finish in the event was third during the 2002 Asian championship in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The last time the Philippines won in the Asian event came in 1987 when the legendary Lydia de Vega completed a sprint double in Singapore.

Torres is the defending Southeast Asian Games champion and one of the country’s medal hopes next month in Laos.

Sy said Torres is motivated to perform well and look forward to the SEA Games.

“Na-correct lang namin ang mga dapat maayos para mas maganda ang maging performance nya,” he said.

Torres was set to return last night, leaving teammates Julius Sermona, Rene Herrera, Rosie Villarito and Julius Nierres to continue the country’s campaign.

The team took part on shoestring budget after the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) turned down its financial request.

Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) president Go Teng Kok said he was able to raise P300,000 to send the team to the event.

Go, who is not in good terms with PSC chairman Harry Angping, said Torres’ victory is a vindication of sort for his program that has drawn criticisms from many quarters.

"We are now setting our sights not only on the Asian Games, but also the World Championships," said Go, who cited that the Chinese jumper Torres beat is ranked No. 9 in the world.

Go lamented that the PSC used as a basis the athletes' performance last May, overlooking the fact that athletes should peak in November and December.

"The PSC should have realized that the athletes cannot peak early," he said. (With reports from Tempo Sports News)

Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/229043/torres-wins-long-jump-gold)

ANOTHER PIC


http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac138/nationalguard_ssc/long-jump_home.jpg

Marestella Torres of the Philippines leaps during the women’s long jump at the 18th Asian Athletics Championship in Guangzhou, China, last November 10. Torres won the gold medal at 6.51 meters, the Philippines’ first. (AP)
pic source (http://www.mb.com.ph/home)

:applause::applause::applause:

Filipina scientist wins P4.6-M prize for snail toxin work
by Kristine Servando
abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/)
11/11/2009 5:56 PM




MANILA - A local scientist who helped discover a snail toxin a thousand times more powerful than morphine, was chosen as the first Filipino winner of the 2010 L'oréal-UNESCO "For Women In Science Awards."

Dr. Lourdes Jansuy Cruz, 67, a National Scientist based at the University of the Philippines- Diliman, was recognized for her role in discovering Conotoxins (or toxins from marine snails) during the 1970s to 80s.

Cruz was directly involved in isolating peptides (a chain of amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins) from the venom of Conus (cone) snails found in the Philippines.

One of these peptides was developed by U.S. biotechnology firm Cognetix Corp. (later bought by Elan Pharmaceuticals) to produce the non-addictive drug Prialt Ziconotodine (or primary alternative to morphine).

"It's very potent, and it does not have the side-effects of morphine [like drowsiness, light headedness, euphoria, dry mouth, and fatigue]," Cruz told abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak in an interview.

"It inhibits the pain pathway leading up to the brain so it has to be administered somewhere along the spinal fluid and requires a special pumping mechanism. It's not like a drug you can pop into your mouth," she said.
READ MORE... (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/11/11/09/filipina-scientist-wins-p4-m-prize-snail-toxin-work)

galing nung jumper!

Davao City smoking ban gains world recognition
Manila Bulletin - Friday, November 13



DAVAO CITY - The city government's stiff campaign against smoking here has gained global recognition for its commitment to promote smoke-free policies.

This, as the Global Smoke-free Partnership (GSP) recently announced its winners for this year, with the Davao City Anti-Smoking Task Force winning in the governmental body category.

In a statement sent to Manila Bulletin on Thursday through fax, GSP said the city's anti-smoking task force came out on top for its ''exceptional leadership and commitment to further smoke-free policies by a governmental agency.''

GSP is an international organization formed to promote effective smoke-free air policies worldwide. The partnership is a fusion of American Cancer Society and the Framework Convention Alliance to bring the World Hearth Federation and International Union Against Cancer and other organizations to advocate for and reinforce anti-tobacco policies.

Since 2002, it is unlawful to smoke or allow smoking in public buildings, vehicles, enclosed areas and other areas that the local government designated as non-smoking places in this city.

Right after the ordinance in 2002 took effect, the city mayor, the tourism office and the police were given responsibility to form the Davao City Anti-smoking Task Force.

This year, the task force has tallied a total of 690 violators apprehended by the police from January to July of this year.

Violators are then sued before the regional trial court. Once found guilty, first time offenders are meted a fine of P300 or one month imprisonment depending on the court's discretion.

Yehey (http://ph.news.yahoo.com/mb/20091113/tph-davao-city-smoking-ban-gains-world-r-584a460.html)

Pacquiao wins again!

http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=ki-pacmanwins111409&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

LAS VEGAS – Manny Pacquiao staked his claim atop boxing’s mythical throne as the pound-for-pound best, using his lightning hand speed to beat and batter Miguel Cotto into submission Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Pacquiao knocked Cotto down once in the third round and again in the fourth, pummeled him repeatedly and easily lifted the World Boxing Organization welterweight belt from the Puerto Rican with a 12th-round stoppage. The time was 55 seconds into the final round, as referee Kenny Bayless leaped between the fighters to save Cotto a more savage beating and ignominious end.

Cotto came out strong and landed some hard punches, but Cotto couldn’t deal with the speed. Pacquiao was landing three shots for every two Cotto did early. After the knockdown in the fourth, Cotto’s offense was nonexistent as he spent most of the last two thirds of the fight fending off Pacquiao’s onslaught.

Cotto landed in single digits in power shots in every round from the fifth forward.

Pacquiao nearly had the stoppage after the 11th when Cotto trainer Joe Santiago walked onto the ring apron and waved his hand at Bayless.

It appeared he was going to stop the fight, but then Bayless and ringside physician James Game spoke and allowed it to continue. It was only extending the misery as Pacquiao poured it on in the 12th.

When the fight ended, the crowd began to chant, “We want Floyd!” It was a reference to Floyd Mayweather Jr., the other man with a claim to the top of the boxing pound-for-pound list.

Pacquiao, who has won championship belts in five divisions and beat the linear champion in two others, can no longer be knocked as a small man who was beating washed up fighters.

In Cotto, he took on an elite and powerful welterweight whose only loss came under suspicious circumstances to Antonio Margarito last year. There is suspicion that Margarito’s gloves were loaded for that fight, though it has never been proven.

But Pacquiao proved he was able to not only take a welterweight punch, but rock him repeatedly. It was a magnificent performance and will create public demand for a fight with Mayweather.

“I want to see him fight Mayweather,” Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said.

Santiago said Pacquiao hit harder and was stronger than expected. Cotto injured his left shoulder in the eighth.


Work should be interesting this Monday as my coworker is a Cotto supporter :)

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/1581/blif1b.jpg

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/3770/blif1c.jpg

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EMOTIONAL WEATHER REPORT By Jessica Zafra (The Philippine Star) Updated November 16, 2009 12:00 AM (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=523677&publicationSubCategoryId=82)

Every year the Harvard Business School selects a number of outstanding alumni to receive its highest honor, the Alumni Achievement Award. In 2008 the award went to a Filipino businessman, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chair and CEO of the Ayala Corporation, one of the oldest conglomerates in the Philippines.

“It was an unexpected thrill,” says Zobel, 50. “The profiles of the previous awardees were very different from mine. I think the recognition came from the work our companies have been doing in tailoring our business models to the needs of communities at the bottom of the economic pyramid. Also, being a Filipino has always opened doors for me in unusual ways.”

Ironically, Zobel, who is of Spanish and German descent and was educated in England and the United States, is not easily identified as a Filipino. At the immigration counters in Manila’s airport, he is routinely asked to queue up with the holders of foreign passports.

“I’m always amused at how surprised people are when I say I’m Filipino,” he laughs. “I get a lot of double-takes. But most countries have become multi-ethnic and multi-cultural. Americans are not expected to look Anglo-Saxon.”

Zobel is credited with steering the 175-year-old group of companies founded by his forebears towards telecommunications, information technology and the modernization of infrastructure, public utilities, offshoring and outsourcing. In the last century, Ayala has been a local leader in real estate and banking.

Recently Zobel announced significant adjustments to the Ayala Group’s strategies, business models, products, and operations. For a business to make a difference in society, he told the media, it has to go beyond measuring its success with traditional metrics like financial statements and balance sheets.

The Ayala Group released its first sustainability report last week. It is the first Filipino conglomerate to use Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines that cover not just economic performance but indirect economic impact, energy consumption, waste and emissions, water usage, product responsibility and other indicators.

“The sustainability report defines in a more concrete way a lot of things (his brother, Ayala president and COO) Fernando and I have felt for a long time now about the world of business and society, the broader responsibility beyond giving the stockholders an adequate return and paying taxes,” Zobel explains.

“We’re all trained as managers to put an emphasis on growth, and yet we’re dealing with a world in which resources are increasingly scarce and more and more tension is being created. So we’re saying, why does the equation always have to be around that? Why can’t there be other equations where you’re creating a kind of win-win situation? Put focus on areas and efficiencies in the way you do business that are important to the communities and to society as a whole.

“The Ayala Group has traditionally dealt with the top-end customer segment,” he adds. “If we’re going to make a difference to society we should be providing products and services at lower and lower price points, but with the same dedication to quality. Globe Telecom was the first company to touch that different level. It’s led us to the joint venture between Globe and BPI (BPI Globe Banko, a savings bank) in microfinance, to see how we can create a banking entity for the un-banked. BPI only has 3.5 million customers, why should we not be able to provide credit to communities that traditionally have not been able to turn to a financial institution?”

Jaime Augusto Zobel in the flesh seems both older and younger than his age. His hair went silver when he was in his thirties, and when he discusses business his manner is formal. He is given to quoting statistics and research and, despite the profusion of personal gadgets on his desk (two Macs, a Kindle, BlackBerry, an iPod containing five seasons of The Wire, etc.), writes notes to himself on yellow legal pad. He is exceedingly polite, identifies himself at the end of every text message, and texts his subordinates to ask if he might call them. When the topic shifts to his non-professional interests, his tone changes into that of a kid in his twenties.

“Clint Eastwood is making a movie about the 1995 South African rugby team,” he announces. “This one could place rugby on the map.”

A devotee of the sport, he flew to France for the last World Cup, only to be greeted by the news that his beloved New Zealand All Blacks had lost in the semis. “I was in a zombie state for a day,” he recalls. “But the All Blacks will have their day, and next year could be it. They just demolished the Aussies in four out of four games.”

Zobel discovered rugby at the British boarding schools he attended when his father, Jaime Sr., was the Philippine ambassador to the Court of Saint James. In his teens he played county-level rugby in Sussex and dislocated his kneecap five times.

“I’ll be frank with you, the first time my kneecap popped out was not on a rugby pitch,” he laughs. “It was on a grass court, while playing tennis. My foot went one way, my body went another…”

Contact sports were out of the question by the time he got to college, so he joined the Harvard rowing team. “I did lightweight crew for three-quarters of a season, but the pressure of training was so intense that I quit. That’s one of my big regrets. Recently I told my son, ‘If you’re ever at the point of giving something up, give me a call.’” (His son is now on the Harvard rugby team.) Otherwise Harvard was a very pleasant experience: he met many of his personal idols, including the writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and he earned his degree in economics with honors in 1981.

He had toyed with the idea of working at Sotheby’s, the art auction house, but his father convinced him to give the Ayala Corporation a try. For half a year he toured the group’s offices, did staff work, and was eventually assigned to the food manufacturing operation, Purefoods (which has been sold). “I spent a lot of time at the tuna cannery in General Santos City. I bought fish from the local fishermen. It was great.”

After a couple of years he returned to Harvard for his MBA, met and married his beautiful Colombian wife, Lizzie, and settled into the family business. “It’s no longer really a family corporation,” he stresses. “Ayala is a publicly traded, professionally managed company.”

Initially there was intense pressure on Zobel to prove himself at Ayala. “Part of it was self-imposed,” he says. “I was quite young, and I was working with highly educated, very experienced professionals, some of whom went on to become government ministers. It was important for me to be seen as an equal.” He took over as president in 1995, and chair in 2006.

During the question-and-answer session that followed the Harvard awards presentation, the recipients were asked the same question that appeared in their college application forms: “What have you achieved in your life?” Zobel’s reply: “I think I’ve achieved a modicum of balance in my life.”

“It wasn’t like that for me at the beginning,” he says. In the last two decades he’s figured out how to manage his time and energy to meet the demands of family (he and Lizzie have four children; the two eldest are attending Harvard), his advocacies (nature conservation, education and literacy), his hobbies (books, movies, motorcycles), and his professional life. This balance is made possible by his working relationship with his younger brother (by one year), Fernando. “We’re really co-managers,” Jaime Augusto emphasizes.

“My life is a bit less intense now,” he says. “I have the liberty to set my own schedules.” The brothers Zobel are usually in the office by 7:30 or 8 a.m., and out by 6:30 p.m. “I oversee banking, telecommunications, electronics, and developmental projects. I observe the challenges and opportunities in those sectors. When there are gaps in my schedule, I ask for presentations. I’m naturally curious, and I just want to hear what the younger ones are thinking.”

Striking a balance includes taking time off for long journeys on motorcycles. The Zobels and their bike-loving cousins and friends have ridden across the Philippines, large swaths of Australia and New Zealand, Wales, Baja in California, South Africa, and Morocco.

“The wind on your face, rain and crushed insects on your helmet, even the aching bones — these are the things that make us feel furiously alive,” he writes. “There’s a wanderlust gene hardwired into our systems, waiting to be activated.”

Wanderlust appears to be a distinctly Filipino trait: consider the millions of Filipinos living and working abroad, especially in the Middle East. “The world economy has changed — there has been a globalization in the manufacturing and distribution of products and services,” Zobel says, switching back to business mode. “Labor is just following this trend. We’re filling a tremendous service gap brought about by the demographic shift and the drive for productivity and competitiveness in the developed world. Given the shortage of job opportunities in certain sectors of our economy, the export of labor has also helped solve a potential unemployment problem.

“However, the export of labor also represents a loss of our own human resource capacity, which is needed to drive growth in certain sectors.

“At the end of the day, the option to stay or leave the country is a personal choice. Our challenge as a country is to make sure that that remains a real choice rather than a decision brought about by necessity.”

Recent global events call for a new sense of responsibility, he continues.

“With the global recession a lot of failings have taken place in the capitalist system,” Zobel points out. “These failings have made people more sensitive to the role of institutions in the catastrophes that have taken place. Those tensions have existed in our type of market in the past, which may be why we’re more sensitive to them than developed nations now facing the same thing.

“The worldwide economic recovery still has some way to go. It’s great to see so many countries work in a concerted way, governments putting huge amounts of capital into the system, but not everybody’s out of the woods yet. We’ve actually come out of it relatively okay in the Philippines. A lot of the danger really came from the banking sector globally. They have a risk profile that we don’t have in our market: we’re far less sophisticated in the kind of products and services we offer. We’re not exposed to these esoteric instruments, derivatives and the rest.”

When the conversation inches towards politics, he politely weaves away from the minefield. “Elections are always important because they mark leadership changes,” he says of the 2010 presidential elections. “One is always hopeful that the next leaders are open to new ideas and more progressive ways of doing things.”

Going back to that college application essay, what has he learned in nearly three decades in business?

“From a personal standpoint, I’ve come to realize that businesses are now regarded as having an implicit social contract with society,” Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala says. “The private sector needs to take into account the social impact of its business activities and, more importantly, the manner by which they conduct their business affairs. This is the only way to nurture and build trust among customers, business partners, regulators, financial investors, shareholders and other communities. This is important in the value-creation process and in the growth of any enterprise.”

Send the man an acceptance letter.

Another Filipino singer appears on Ellen...

mRchSwJ9gSs

Rock star welcome for Manny in Manila

Palace confers Order of Sikatuna on Pacquiao

By Marlon Ramos, Niña Catherine Calleja, Alcuin Papa, Tina Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:49:00 11/21/2009

Filed Under: Boxing, Pacquiao, Awards and Prizes

MANILA, Philippines – They came in the tens of thousands, braved a staggering heat, and showered him with accolades no other Filipino boxer had ever received. Some called him “King” and one student in a St. Paul University uniform screamed: “Take me as your scholar!”

Others in the crowds—estimated by police and organizers at totaling between 100,000 and 200,000—naughtily shouted “Krista,” the name of a sexy actress rumors had romantically linked with him.

The conquering hero ignored the teasing, waved, and threw out T-shirts embossed with his initials MP in the shape of a fist as the motorcade rolled through four cities yesterday.

Then, in the end, at a victory party in the SM Mall of Asia, he sang the love song “Born for You” for one woman—his wife Jinkee. She blushed as the crowd roared.

Manny Pacquiao, the golden-belted champion, was home again.

In an unparalleled tribute to him, President Macapagal-Arroyo crowned Pacquiao’s homecoming by conferring on him the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Datu, one of the highest honors given by Malacañang to civilians and one usually awarded to statesmen.

Ms Arroyo even expanded on Pacquiao’s popular title of Pambansang Kamao (National Fist) by referring to him in a ceremony at the Quirino Grandstand at Manila’s Rizal Park as “Pangmundong Kamao (Fist of the World).”

It was five days after Pacquiao brought the country its biggest ring glory by destroying Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in 12 rounds to win the World Boxing Organization welterweight title—his seventh world crown in seven boxing divisions.

Sharing a kiss

In their waves of cheering for Pacquiao, Filipinos put aside, at least briefly, memories of the destruction wreaked on the country by two recent back-to-back storms.

As if to squelch rumors that their marriage was in trouble, Pacquiao and Jinkee shared a kiss in front of the media after they landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) following a long trip from the United States.

In an interview over GMA 7, the champ said that everything was fine in the Pacquiao family. “Walang problema (No problem),” he said.

Jinkee said the reason she cried during a Thanksgiving Mass after Pacquiao’s fight in Las Vegas was because “the homily was meaningful” and she missed their four children.

A TV footage of that Mass showed Jinkee breaking down in tears and waving away Manny’s attempt to console her.

The incident followed rumors that the ring icon was carrying on an affair with actress Krista Ranillo, his costar in his upcoming film “Wapakman.” Ranillo has tried to knock down the rumors.

Fight with Mayweather

Talking with the media, Pacquiao joked about a possible fight with former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. “If the time is right, the time is right. Weather-weather lang ’yan,” he said in a play on Mayweather’s name.

Pacquiao said he would pursue his plan to run for Congress, either as a representative of Sarangani province or through a party-list that would push for sports development. “Yes, definitely (I’m running),” he said.

Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, who welcomed the Pacquiaos at the airport, said the boxer’s political plans “might have a change of direction.” He did not elaborate.

From the airport, the Pacquiao party drove to the New World Hotel (former Renaissance Hotel) in Makati, where they were showered with confetti, and guests dashed toward them.

Next to a billboard which imitated the neon signs in Las Vegas, nine showgirls on a stage danced to the tune of Latino songs. Hundreds of balloons descended on Pacquiao.

Monique Toda, the hotel’s director of communications, said the staff had prepared Pacquiao’s favorite dishes, including danggit, hilabos na hipon, beef steak, and sinigang na salmon.

Church commotion

At the historic Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church) in Manila, Pacquiao and Jinkee prayed together, a picture of a happy couple.

Pacquio especially mentioned and thanked Jinkee for her love when he addressed the crowd before the Mass ended.

But offering collectors said some parishioners were irked at the commotion caused by the late arrival of the boxing hero and his companions, who included Deputy National Security Adviser Luis “Chavit” Singson, Atienza and bodyguards.

“Their arrival disrupted the flow and the solemnity of the Mass. They were complaining to us, saying Pacman should have waited for the next Mass,” collector Florida Celestino said.

Remembering God

Still, many in the congregation took pictures of Pacquiao with their cell phone cameras even while the Mass, officiated by Fr. Alvin Fullon, was going on.

“My victory is not mine alone, this is for all of us,” Pacquiao told the crowd in Filipino.

“My power comes from God and this would not have been all possible without Him,” he said. “I surrender everything to Him and believe in Him 100 percent.”

Cheering erupted as Pacquiao stepped out of church.

The motorcade for the champion started from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources compound in Quezon City around 10:30 a.m. and ended in Makati almost three hours later.

Pacquiao rode on a float decked out with Philippine flags and replicas of his two championship belts. He wore a checkered polo, his swollen right hand still wrapped in what appeared to be a protective black bandage and his injured outer right ear covered with a gauze pad.

Unlike in his previous victory parades, Jinkee rode with him in the motorcade. They were joined in the float by Atienza and other members of Team Pacquiao.

‘Hail to the King’
The size of the crowds along the route was far bigger than those that cheered Pacquiao after he knocked out Britain’s Ricky Hatton six months ago.

As the caravan passed by España Boulevard in Manila, a group of students bowed in adulation of him. One student screamed, raising a bond paper written with the words “Hail to the King.”

Traffic on many streets ground to a halt as the 40-vehicle convoy rode through. Some motorists blew their horns, others got off their cars and waved.

Despite the searing temperature, thousands refused to budge from the sidewalks, clicking their cameras. Employees left their work to catch a glimpse of Pacquiao.

“We will never get tired of waiting for him to celebrate our proud moment like this,” security guard Michael Albert Catacutan said.

Catacutan, 51, said he left his home in Marikina City before dawn hoping he could approach his idol so he could ask for financial help.

“Maybe he can share some of his winnings with flood victims like us. Most of us lost not only our houses, but our loved ones as well,” he said, adding he had yet to retrieve the body of one of his three children who drowned in the floods triggered by Tropical Storm “Ondoy.”

“But seeing him is enough for me to forget all my sufferings even for a moment.”

Krista’s name
From time to time, the convoy was stopped by people who gathered around the float, shouting “Balato, balato! (Tips, tips!).”

Instead of money, the boxing hero gave away T-shirts.

On Pedro Gil Avenue, a group of gorgeous colegialas shrieked as Pacquaio flashed a smile at them.

“Take me as your scholar,” a young woman shrieked, provoking laughter.

On some streets, clusters of men and women chanted Krista Ranillo’s name.

Along Ayala Avenue in Makati, confetti rained on Pacquiao—not from the high-rise buildings but from a truck that was part of his convoy.

Serenading his woman
At a victory party in the Mall of Asia, Pacquiao and Jinkee, in a long floral dress, walked on a red carpet up a stage, their hands locked together.

The Mall Atrium of MOA overflowed with jostling people. When Pacquiao began to sing, they jumped with joy. Most of them waved yellow, blue, and red flaglets.

“I feel more nervous singing than boxing,” Pacquiao said as the crowd laughed.

He sang at least six songs, including his own “Lahing Pilipino” and the song he sang for Jinkee. She reddened.

Then the champion and his lady kissed.

With a report from Allison W. Lopez

inquirer.net (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20091121-237498/Rock-star-welcome-for-Manny-in-Manila)

Stars come out for CNN Heroes ceremony
AP
By LYNN ELBER,AP Television Writer - 2 hours 44 minutes ago

LOS ANGELES – Kate Hudson, Pierce Brosnan, Neil Patrick Harris and other stars who are used to getting applause were giving it gladly at a ceremony honoring people who make a difference in the lives of others.

"I've cried twice and we're on hero three," Harris said backstage after introducing one of the 10 "CNN Heroes" celebrated Saturday by the TV news network for their efforts to fight poverty, disease and other problems.

"There are so many awards shows every year for the Hollywood community that participating in something as effective as this makes those others feel inconsequential" and provides perspective, said Harris, star of CBS' "How I Met Your Mother" and recent Emmy Awards host.

The top CNN Hero of the Year and a grant of $100,000 went to a young man who embraced education for himself and other Filipinos as an escape from poverty. He and the other honorees received $25,000 each.

As a child, Efren Penaflorida picked school over gang life in Cavite City and vowed to create a way for other children to make the same choice. He created a program that brings bring books to children in slums and on the streets, and the 10,000 members of his Dynamic Teen Co. have brought reading, writing and hygiene to 1,500 youngsters.

"My message to children of all races, please, to embrace learning and love it for it will embrace and love you back and enable you to change your world," said Penaflorida, now a 21-year-old college graduate.

"Each person has a hidden hero within, just have to look inside you and search it in your heart and be the hero the next one in need," he said in accepting the top honor.

Brosnan, honoring a woman who started an anti-breast cancer project, created one of the evening's most emotional moments as he recalled his late wife's failed battle against the disease. She was a "magnificent mother, a wonderful actor," he said of Cassandra Harris, who died of ovarian cancer in 1991.

"There are too many of us who have lost someone to this brutal disease called cancer, and we are all sick and tired of cancer winning," he said in introducing breast cancer survivor Andrea Ivory, who runs a mobile mammography project in Miami that provides free screenings.

The pair posed backstage for photos, Ivory glamorous in a gown with an oversized pink bow _ symbolic of the ribbons that mark the breast cancer battle.

"Stunning," Brosnan said, smiling broadly as cameras focused on her.

"You make me nervous," Ivory replied, but Brosnan would have none of it. "You're the star," he said.

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper hosted the Kodak Theatre ceremony that was attended by about 4,000 people and will air on CNN at 9 p.m. EST Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, and on CNN International and CNN en Espanol.

Leona Lewis, Carrie Underwood and Maxwell performed, and other presenters included Nicole Kidman and George Lopez.

The awards show, which is unusual for a TV news network, was created in 2007 after CNN producers and correspondents talked about meeting many unsung heroes, said Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide.

"We do something that's not done _ shine a light on everyday people that do extraordinary work," Walton said before the event.

The 10 finalists were selected from more than 9,000 submissions by a panel that included former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Whoopi Goldberg and Ted Turner. The winner was chosen online by the public, with nearly 3 million votes cast.

Others honored Saturday were:

_ Brad Blauser, Dallas and Baghdad, who started a wheelchair distribution program for Iraqi children.

_ Roy Foster, West Palm Beach, Fla., an Army veteran who helps veterans battling addiction and homelessness.

_ Doc Hendley, Boone, N.C., a bartender who raises money to fund clean-water initiatives worldwide.

_ Betty Makoni, Essex, England, founder of an organization for young victims of sexual abuse.

_ Jorge Munoz, Queens, N.Y., a school bus driver who helps feed the hungry.

_ Budi Soehardi, Singapore, founder of a children's home in one of the poorest areas of Indonesia.

_ Derrick Tabb, New Orleans, founder of a free music education program for young people in his city.

_ Jordan Thomas, Chattanooga, Tenn., who lost his legs in a boating accident and raises money to buy prosthetics for needy children.

i dont know how to post videos here so i just inserted the link:

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/11/16/cnnheroes.tribute.show/index.html

After Manny Pacquiao of Sarangani, now Efren Penaflorida of Cavite!!

Sikat na naman ang Pilipinas!!!:dance::cheers1::tyty:

Filipino declared “Hero of the Year” by CNN:cheer:
By Alexander Villafania, Edson C. Tandoc Jr.
INQUIRER.net, Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 16:53:00 11/22/2009 Filed

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) For his innovative “Kariton Klasrum” (pushcart classroom) Filipino educator Efren Peñaflorida has been awarded by CNN as “2009 Hero of the Year.”

Peñaflorida was awarded during the CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. He received his award from American actress Eva Mendes. He bested nine other nominees from different countries for the Hero of the Year award. The nominees were initially selected by a panel of 14 “Blue Panel” luminaries but the Hero of the Year award is given to the one with the most number of online votes in the CNN Heroes website.

Peñaflorida would be the first Filipino to become a nominee of the annual CNN Heroes awards and the first to Filipino to win the top prize.

The project, already in its third year, is a tribute by the international news organization to selfless humanitarian acts of individuals from different countries.

In his acceptance speech, quoted by CNN, Peñaflorida said: “Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry. Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need.”

"So to each and every person inside in this theater and for those who are watching at home, the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve, serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve. As I always tell to my co-volunteers ... you are the change that you dream as I am the change that I dream and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be."

Peñaflorida will receive $100,000. This will be used to fund his work in the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC), a volunteer organization that he put up to conduct his “Kariton Klasrum” program.

Peñaflorida’s program conducts weekly visits to poor and underserved areas in Cavite, north of Luzon, to teach young people basic lessons in Mathematics, English, and Science using only a specially designed pushcart.

In a previous interview, Peñaflorida said he will continue holding weekly lessons and hopes that it will encourage other people to lend time to help others in need.

Family reaction
When they learned that their group's founder was chosen as international news network CNN's Hero of the Year on Sunday, leaders of Peñaflorida’s group were busy training new volunteers for the "pushcart classrooms," the same work that gave him worldwide recognition.

Peñaflorida's 20-year-old sister Glenis Mae was at the group's office in Cavite City, attending the training and learned about the good news after checking CNN's website Sunday afternoon.

Glenis Mae said: "We are very thankful that God gave us this blessing. I am very proud of my brother."

Last Thursday, Peñaflorida, 28, flew to the US to attend the CNN's awarding ceremony, being one of its 10 heroes for 2009.

The DTC earned worldwide recognition for recruiting teenagers as volunteer teachers to streetchildren in Cavite City. To reach the poor children, the DTC goes around the city carrying pushcarts loaded with books, blackboards and other school supplies.

DTC's current chief executive officer Emanuel Bagual said DTC's newfound international fame had brought many positive changes in the group.

Before, DTC members had to sell old bottles and newspapers to earn money and sustain their operations. But after DTC was featured in the media, the group started receiving private donations to support their operations. These have enabled the group to increase the number of its pushcart classrooms from two to four.

The sweetest recognition, however, comes in the form of replication: Other youth groups in Davao, Metro Manila and Zamboanga have approached the DTC, asking permission to implement the project in their own areas, Bagual said.

One group also put up a pushcart classroom in Kenya.

The DTC willingly gave the groups its modules, Bagual said.

Glenis Mae said his elder brother, the middle child in a family of three children, provided her with "an inspiring example."

She said: "I was encouraged to join the DTC because I saw the good things that my brother was doing."

In an earlier interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of the Inquirer.net), Peñaflorida said his parents were initially not excited about his project, telling him he was just wasting his time.

But seeing the fruits of his passion, his parents became very supportive and Glenis Mae even became a member of the DTC when she was 13.

When she learned on Sunday that her brother had won, Glenis Mae immediately sent a text message to his elder brother Edgardo, 30, who relayed the good news not only to their parents, but also to their neighbors.

Born to a father who worked as a tricycle driver and to a mother who supported the family as a laundrywoman, Peñaflorida almost had to drop out of grade school.

But he got financial support from the Club 8586, a volunteer group based in Cavite City, and from World Vision, a group which matches sponsors to needy children.

He said he decided to put up the DTC to help street children as an expression of gratitude to the people who had helped him when he was young.

The DTC first used a bike with a sidecar for its street classes, but once in a while, the tires would run flat and the chains fall off, so the group decided to use a pushcart instead.

Peñaflorida was chosen as CNN's Hero of the Week in March. CNN gets nominees around the world to be featured as a hero -- an ordinary individual with an extraordinary impact -- each week.

In October, CNN chose its 10 heroes from over 9,000 submissions. The 10 heroes, which included Peñaflorida, were selected by an elite Blue Ribbon Panel including former US Secretary of State Colin Powell, actress Whoopi Goldberg, media tycoon Ted Turner, singer Shakira, and Sir Elton John, the CNN had reported.

The CNN later opened online voting for seven weeks to choose its CNN Hero of the Year.

Bagual said the DTC campaigned for Peñaflorida in Cavite City.

The DTC got "vote pledges" not only from its over 2,000 members, but also from residents in Cavite City.

Bagual said: "We gave out flyers and we visited computer shops. We asked computer shop owners to put the CNN voting site as their homepages."

^^this one for the books... great accomplishment by fellow Filipinos. two in a row!

Another Filipino singer appears on Ellen...

mRchSwJ9gSs

parang nahiya ako nung sabihin nyang idol nya sina maria, celine and other international divas. :lol:

Filipino declared “Hero of the Year” by CNN:cheer:
By Alexander Villafania, Edson C. Tandoc Jr.
INQUIRER.net, Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 16:53:00 11/22/2009 Filed

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) For his innovative “Kariton Klasrum” (pushcart classroom) Filipino educator Efren Peñaflorida has been awarded by CNN as “2009 Hero of the Year.”

. . .

WOW!! Galing ng Pinoy! :banana: :banana:

http://images.inquirer.net/media/newsinfo/inquirerheadlines/metro/images/pic-11220520090835.jpg

SANSÓ relives both beautiful and sad memories of life in Manila before and during World War II: The scars have not healed, but in the end, it’s still a beautiful, intoxicating life, he says. PHOTO BY JIM GUIAO PUNZALAN

http://images.inquirer.net/media/newsinfo/inquirerheadlines/metro/images/pic-11220520300165.jpg

Artist’s painting of their home in the hills of Montalban, where his family retreated during the Japanese Occupation: Remembrance of things past. PHOTO BY JIM GUIAO PUNZALAN

By Allison Lopez (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view/20091121-237620/The-return-of-the-native-An-artists-story)
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:30:00 11/21/2009

Filed Under: Lifestyle & Leisure

ALTHOUGH he has lived most of his life in Europe, Spanish painter Juvenal Sansó always knew in his heart that Manila, where he was raised, was “home.”

“I feel at home here,” said the multi-awarded artist who turns 80 tomorrow.

It is no wonder why Sansó feels a deep attachment for Manila despite 50 years of residency abroad. At the age of 5, he was uprooted from Catalonia, Spain, when his family migrated to the Philippines and pioneered a wrought-iron business in 1934.

Jose Sansó-Pedret settled with his family in a tiny, respectable Paco community near Pasig River, not far from Malacañang. It was an ideal setting for the adventurous boy who recalled a bucolic Manila filled with trees and gardens.

“It was a very different time. Manila was more of a garden city then. Isaac Peral, now United Nations Avenue, used to be lined with grand, old acacia trees,” he said.

“The houses had windows with no grillwork or bars. People would leave their homes without locking their doors. It was a very idyllic life,” the artist added.

Fond memories

The Pasig, too, held a lot of fond memories for Sansó who was taught by his father to swim at the age of 8 with his sister and children from the neighborhood. With a rope tied to his waist, he learned to float, paddle and swim in the river that used to be clean and safe.

“I was one of a handful of Manileños who learned how to swim in the Pasig. The day when I was able to cross the river, I felt I was king of the world,” he recalled.

It was also near the Pasig where the young, blue-eyed explorer stumbled upon a lovers’ trail used by maids and drivers of rich families as a meeting place for their trysts.

“There were bodegas (warehouses) fronting the river near the trail. At first, the lovers were surprised to see me there. But they got used to me and I got used to them,” he said, with a laugh.

Following the trail cleverly camouflaged by leafy aratiles trees and plants, the curious Sansó saw more than what he asked for. His parents never found out the extent of his “education.”

In art school much later, Sansó was reminded of this discovery when he saw French painter Paul Gauguin’s bold paintings of Polynesian natives.

Discovery

“It was an enchanting discovery for me, seeing Gauguin’s paintings of half-naked women were so much like what I saw,” he said.

But not all his childhood memories of Manila were happy. The family residence was among the many structures that burned down when the Japanese occupied Manila in 1942 during World War II.

Sansó also nearly died from a bombing attack. “I was saved by two men after the bombings stopped. Manila was one hell hole. I realized later why I ran like crazy each time I saw or sniffed the smell of chicharon (pork rind crackling). It reminded me of burning corpses,” he said, trying to hold back his tears.

Sansó’s war-time scars were indeed deeper than the ones on his arms and back. His family fled to Montalban (now Rodriguez) town in Rizal province, where they subsisted on root crops like camote.

“All the banks had closed down by then. We planted camote to survive. It saved our lives,” he recalled.

The Sansós struggled to get back on their feet and set up a horse-drawn carriage enterprise called “dokar” during the Japanese Occupation. The business folded up when the supply of gasoline returned to normal when the war ended.

Bus business

His father ventured into the public-transport business, starting with a bus that plied the Quiapo-Sta. Ana route in Manila.

Sansó, then 13, rode the bus and sold tickets to passengers. On the route, he met people from all walks of life, including American military police and home-grown gangsters like a one-armed thug named “Putol.”

With the reopening of schools, the budding artist, who was getting private lessons in art, enrolled in a fine arts course at the University of the Philippines campus on Padre Faura.

He was in good company, hobnobbing with painters Araceli Limcaoco Dans and Federico Alcuaz, sculptor Napoleon Abueva, cartoonist Larry Alcala and Pitoy Moreno, who eventually became a fashion designer.

“We studied in a bombed-out building which is now the Supreme Court,” he said.

The family’s wrought-iron showroom-cum-factory, Arte Español, also found a new home at a sprawling lot on Chino Roces Avenue (then called Pasong Tamo) in Makati City, where the Inquirer building now stands.

“We had a big display room,” the artist described the 8,000 sq m lot in the country’s premier financial district that used to be dotted with rice paddies.

Big success

Arte Español was a “huge success” for 40-50 years, supplying clients from Malacañang and middle-class families with furniture, window grills and doors.

After winning the first prize in oil and watercolor competitions of the Art Association of the Philippines in 1951 (for his paintings “Sorcerer” and “Incubus”), Sansó left for further studies in Rome and Paris, and achieved success for his exhibits around the world. In between, he would make frequent visits to Manila.

“My priorities in life are here, but I have to learn from the best sources possible,” he confessed. “I belong to the Philippine school, whether they like it or not. Some say that I’m a foreigner, but I feel very much at home here,” said the painter who speaks Filipino like a native.

Sansó’s war experiences are also reflected in his early paintings, described in his website as “angst-filled grotesqueries”—a stark contrast to Fernando Amorsolo’s warm depiction of rustic scenes.

“Some artists don’t want to look at reality, but only want the beautiful, which is absolutely admirable. I love Amorsolo. But I was part of that ugly war,” he said.

Reality

“There were many things that happened during the war, and if you don’t tell these things, it looks like a rosy little picture, which it is not,” he added.

The dark images depicted by the artist, however, have been replaced by blooms in brilliant shades of red, orange, green and blue—perhaps indicating that the artist who had struggled so much had come full circle.

“The way I have lived—and wherever it was—has an impact on my art. I’m a very emotional person, so the good things were marvelous, but the bad things were awful. It’s a hard life, but it’s different if you’re fully intoxicated by it,” he said.

Sansó’s birthday exhibit, “A Show of Shows,” ends tomorrow at the Sapphire Ballroom of Mandarin Oriental Suites, 4/L, Gateway Mall, Araneta Center, Quezon City.

is that hero cnn online voting? hmm...

is that hero cnn online voting? hmm...

marami akong boto dyan:D:lol:

^^kaya pala nanalo.

Arroyo to confer Order of Lakandula on CNN Hero :cheer:

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/23/2009 12:03 PM

MANILA – After being named the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year, Efren Peñaflorida is expected to gain more accolades for his “Kariton Klassroom,” a pushcart education program which gives Filipino youth an alternative to gang membership.

Upon his return from the United States, Peñaflorida will be conferred the Order of Lakandula by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde announced in a statement.

The Order of Lakandula is one of the highest honors given by the Republic of the Philippines. It is conferred on those who dedicate themselves to the welfare of society, perform meritorious political and civic service, and lead lives worthy of emulation.

“President Arroyo joins the entire nation in congratulating Efren Peñaflorida for having been named CNN Hero of the Year… Efren has indeed proven that any individual can help make a difference in the world. He has also shown the world the best in the Filipino,” said Remonde.

“Let each one of us unleash the hero within us by helping the next person as Efren said,” he added.

Peñaflorida and his group, the Dynamic Teen Company, won the Bayaning Pilipino award for their heroic work in bringing education to poor children in Cavite.

The group later began the “Kariton Klassroom,” a mobile classroom that brings around all their teaching materials to the different areas they service. Since 1997, more than 10,000 volunteers are helping educate more than 1,500 kids in depressed areas in Cavite.

Hero within

Peñaflorida received the CNN Hero of the Year citation at the “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).

He bested nine other contenders from different countries after getting the highest number of online votes. More than 2.75 million votes were cast for 7 weeks, the CNN website noted. More than 9,000 nominations were sent in by viewers.

Peñaflorida received $100,000 to continue his work with Dynamic Teen Company, according to CNN. He earlier got $25,000 for being included in the top 10 CNN Heroes.

In his acceptance speech delivered before 3,000 people, Peñaflorida encouraged the crowd to unleash the “hero in you.”

"Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry," Peñaflorida noted. "Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need.” – With reports from Yong Chavez, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau; TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News; Wikipedia.org and CNN

parang nahiya ako nung sabihin nyang idol nya sina maria, celine and other international divas. :lol:

haha... hay, naku Rhap.

Philippines wins Miss Air 2009

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/11/23/09/brazils-bet-miss-earth-2009

MANILA - Brazil's Larissa Ramos was crowned 2009 Miss Earth during the coronation night at The Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Center on Boracay Island Sunday night, besting 79 other beauties from around the world.

Ramos succeeded 2008 Miss Earth Karla Paula Henry from the Philippines.

The Philippines' Sandra Seifert was named Miss Air (1st Runner-up), Venezuela's Jessica Barboza was hailed Miss Water (2nd Runner-up), and Alejandra Echevarria of Spain got the title Miss Fire (3rd Runner-up).

For this year's final round, the final 8 candidates from Brazil, Philippines, Venezuela, Spain, Colombia (Alejandra Castillo Múnera), Martinique (Pascale Nelide), Poland (Izabela Wilczek) and Thailand (Rujinan Phanseethum) were asked to pick photos that represented international issues about the planet.

Each candidate was given 30 seconds to express her thoughts on a particular environmental subject.

Ramos chose the photos showing the problem of air pollution. She stated: "I come from a country that has the largest rainforest in the world. It is also known as the lungs of the world -- Brazil. But we cannot just say that we are the lungs of the world because my country also produces a lot of air pollution as well."

Miss Earth is considered one of the 3 largest beauty pageants in the world.

What makes the beauty competition unique though is that the participants themselves are involved in environmental causes, with the titleholder dedicating her yearlong reign to promote environmental projects and address issues concerning the environment.

The 2009 coronation night was hosted by television personality and host Marc Nelson, model Borgy Manotoc and former VJ Sarah Meier.

I thought Miss Paraguay would have been included among the 8 finalists. But anyway, I'm happy for Miss Philippines; I thought she responded well and with appropriate passion.

^^kaya pala nanalo.

You should be proud and happy. Siya ang winner at higit sa lahat, napili siya ng hurado na mapabilang sa Top Ten and it's already a victory. Alam mo ba kung sino ang pumili ng Top Ten out of thousand entries?

Mabuhay ka Efren! Ipagpatuloy mo ang dedikasyon mo sa kapwa Pilipino! :cheers:

Another Filipino singer appears on Ellen...

mRchSwJ9gSs

parang nahiya ako nung sabihin nyang idol nya sina maria, celine and other international divas. :lol:


Medyo kinabahan yata sya, nabitin sya dun sa high note :D.

He's a good singer but with the type of songs he sing, I doubt he will make it big. He should have sung a song by a male artist in the show. :D

gusto nya kasi maging mariah carey o celine dione eh:D

rb in the making :D

adam glambert should better watch out for this kid :-)

By Paul Henson
Philippine Daily Inquirer (http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/artsandbooks/artsandbooks/view/20091123-237800/Filipino-social-icons-featured-in-Singapore-museum)

At the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore, the main show is ‘Land of the Morning: The Philippines and Its People’

WHAT DOES A PHILIPPINE SYMBOL of democracy have in common with a mouthwatering street fare of steamed chicken, sliced cucumbers, chili-garlic sauce and ginger relish? They may seem poles apart, but they’re definitely iconic enough to be featured prominently as symbols of Asia’s rich, multi-layered heritage in several exhibitions ongoing in Singapore.

On view at the Asian Civilisations Museum along the banks of the idyllic Singapore River is the new exhibit that will make Filipinos proud. “Land of the Morning: The Philippines and its People” opened last October and runs until Jan. 10.

For this show alone, an entire gallery of this 14,000-sq m museum was devoted to capture the influences that shaped Philippine culture from the precolonial era until today. It explores the identity of the Filipino people, described as “warm, resilient and synonymous with the People Power movement.”

Riding on the resurgence of the “Cory magic,” one of the notable sections of the exhibit features 1986 Edsa memorabilia of President Corazon Aquino and Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino. Showcased is a Ninoy T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “Hindi ka nag-iisa” on the back; yellow ribbons printed with “I (heart) Ninoy”; “Ninoy forever, Marcos never” pins; “Cory for President” souvenirs and headbands; ID cards of PDP-Laban volunteers and Cory’s Crusaders.

More than just a display of knickknacks and curios, the People Power display aims to explore the Philippines’ “democratic revolution history.” Indeed, the country has had a long record of uprisings from as far back as the Spanish colonial period. This is an invitation for introspection on where this struggle for freedom has led us today.

Roman Catholic influence

An exhibit on Philippine culture is not complete without a look at the influences of Roman Catholicism. On display is a 19th-century carroza from San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila. It is made of silver sheets and adorned with shells, and carries the image of Mary and the Infant Jesus in ivory with silver gilt, velvet gown and gold threads.

There’s also an 18th-century altar from Leyte from the Ayala Museum Collection. The style is described as “tropical baroque” as it incorporates local foliage in its design and is built to withstand the humid weather.

There are many other interesting objects on display that are worth traveling to Singapore for, including a 1980s white-and-black terno with black beads and crystals designed by Ramon Valera for former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and a Pacita Abad lithograph titled “Filipina: A Racial Identity Crisis” (1992) from the Singapore Art Museum collection.

For a different taste of Asian culture, you can pay a visit to the palatial National Museum of Singapore that stands majestically along Stamford Road. Reopened after a major renovation, the colonial building attracts visitors for its Lifestyle Galleries that feature four separate sections devoted to food, fashion, film and photography.

Most popular is the Food Gallery which takes a unique look at the history of hawker food or street food in Singapore. It started in the 1900s out of necessity. There was a 10:1 male-female ratio in Singapore then, and so, with no one to cook their meals, the male population was forced to eat out. The answer was hawker food—hot, comforting and cheap.

On display are various cooking implements including a vintage street food cart. Today, Asian street-foods have become mainstream favorites, such as Hainanese chicken rice, satay (barbecue), bah kut teh (pork in hot broth), laksa (spicy noodle soup with prawn and coriander), roti (flat breads).

There’s an interesting section in the Food Gallery which looks like a mad science laboratory filled with rows upon rows of smoky jars illuminated in various hues. It’s actually a showcase of the spices, condiments and fruits typical to Asian cuisine. Visitors can smell the lemon grass, screwpine (pandan), star anise, curry, chilis.

Fashion Gallery

The Fashion Gallery is a look at the evolution of Singaporean women’s clothing. As women became more involved in society, the workplace and political affairs, the loose-fitting clothes gave way to more figure-hugging styles inspired by Parisian haute couture. One of the interesting displays is a vintage Warhol-inspired dress imprinted with the iconic Campbell soup logo—a shift from conservatism to consumerism in Singapore.

Take a peek inside the Photography Gallery and see vintage photographs of Singaporean families. There’s nothing typical about these pictures. There’s one that shows a polygamous marriage in the early 1900s, Caucasian children with their Chinese amahs, and mixed or intercultural marriages which was taboo a century ago.

In a way, these exhibitions are reflections of how far Asian society has evolved, and many more aspirations that have yet to be achieved.

^^Lea Salonga will perform in Esplanade next month...

^^ kuha ko nung nasa sg ako.

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs115.snc3/16233_1294576204124_1221896812_30935471_2089934_n.jpg

^^ Yeap kakagaling ko ling din dyan two weeks ago... Is that taken from the underground walkway to MRT from Esplanade?

^ yup, pero from mrt to esplanade naman ang punta namin.

may mga pamphlet/brochure/poster din si lea sa loob ng esplanade nung pumunta kami.

'Thrillers from Manila' (Time Out Singapore October 2009)

Rich in expressive diversity, Filipino art is gaining momentum around the globe – and making a huge impact in Singapore. Tania De Rozario paints a portrait of a cultural rebirth.

As interest in South-East Asian art grows, with a continuing Chinese influence, demand for art from the Philippines is on the rise. Local galleries are exhibiting an increasing number of works, so it’s no surprise that Filipino art is becoming a prominent contributor to our creative landscape. Next month, the Singapore Art Museum and Asian Civilisations Museum will be holding major exhibitions dedicated to Filipino art and culture, scheduled to be opened by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo when she graces our shores for the APEC summit. But this trend isn’t confined to Singapore.

Globally, both the creative and commercial art worlds seem to have their eye on the Philippines. In August, San Francisco held the Pistahan Festival, which celebrated Filipino art and cuisine with a festive parade. That same month, the Haraya Visual and Media Arts Society, a group of Hong Kong-based Filipino creatives, held its first major exhibition at Hong Kong Cultural Centre. So what is it about Filipino work that has captured the world’s imagination? What lends it the narrative qualities, figurative leanings and rich imagery? And in the light of showcases like ARTSingapore opening this month, what does the future of art from the Philippines hold for investors, art lovers and artists?

According to Valentine Willie, who runs galleries regionally, one reason Filipino art is so rich in imagery is the fact that the Philippines has had a long tradition of freedom of speech. ‘This has resulted in a rich diversity of cultural practices reflecting both its traditions and its social political conditions,’ Willie says. ‘Their unique blend of Christian and folkloric traditions has also served to enrich contemporary art practice.’ In the upcoming year, Willie’s Singapore gallery will present ‘Art Focus: Philippines’, one of a proposed series of boutique showcases from leading art spaces in the Philippines.

If the past few years are anything to go by, sales will be more than healthy. Michele Goh from Larasati, the first Asian auction house in Singapore to dedicate a section to Filipino art back in 2007, says numerous Filipino artists they’ve shown, such as Ronald Ventura and Rodel Tapaya, have become new icons of South-East Asian contemporary art. ‘Filipino artwork has always been on par in terms of quality, uniqueness and creativity, with other Asian giants. However, in the past it lacked exposure,’ Goh says. ‘Lately, with the spur of art fairs, biennales and auction houses featuring Filipino works, it’s getting more exposure than ever.’

Cris Villanueva Jr, grand-prize winner of the 2005 Philip Morris Award, would probably agree. When he visited Singapore in 1990 in search of venues to show his work, he met with no response. Fifteen years later however, he found himself meeting Pwee Keng Hock, owner of Utterly Art, who subsequently showed his work. Other Filipino artists associated with Utterly include Leo Abaya and John Santos, both of whom will be exhibiting there next month. Santos explains why summarising Filipino art is so difficult: ‘It is due partly to being under foreign rule a few times in the course of our history as a country. These cultures, and their effect on us, are probably big factors.’ He also believes that the country’s receptiveness to new culture and technologies is in part responsible for the richness that we see in contemporary Filipino art.

With overtly political messages being slowly replaced by personal perspectives – reactions to globalisation, urbanisation, a changing relationship with religion and, in many cases, basic self-expression – perhaps Filipino art has found that much-needed middle ground between commercial and creative. Villanueva suggests that it is not necessarily a unique Filipino trait that’s pushing its art to the forefront of regional culture, and sums the phenomenon up with a single, succinct, suggestion: ‘All peoples have the tendency to go through a cycle in their development as a nation, and we have reached a point where there is only one way to go – up. That means a struggle to claim our place under the sun.’

All eyes on GM So as RP ace battles Russian
November 30, 2009, 4:54pm
http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/wesley-so_1.jpg

Wesley So goes for quarterfinals berth against GM Vladimir Malakhov.

KHANTY-Mansiysk, Russia —Grandmaster Wesley So, the biggest revelation in the ongoing 2009 World Chess Cup, battles GM Vladimir Malakhov in the Round of 16 of the 2009 World Chess Cup Monday at the Khanty- Mansiysk Center of Arts here.

After toppling two of the tournament’s biggest names, So seeks a seat in the quarterfinals against Malakhov, the first time he will be facing a Russian in the knockout-style tournament.

“I know that I should always do my best in the classical games of each round. If I win one game, I’m almost there,” said So, who is already assured of $30,000 (about P1.46 million) in prize money.

So, 16, has been described by the foreign media as a “a fantastic gold nugget causing the World Cup irreplaceable losses with his upset victories.”

His victory over Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine in the second round was so shocking, the all-time great is contemplating on quitting the sport.

Heartbroken over his defeat, Ivanchuk said he would leave professional chess and become a chess fan.

World Cup champion Gata Kamsky of the United States, So’s victim in the third round, took his defeat better.

“My opponent was better prepared,” Kamsky conceded after the loss. “So was playing better and he deserved the victory.

So opened his campaign with a win over GM Gadir Guseinov of Azerbaijan, winning all three playoff matches after splitting their first two classical games.

Ranked 59th, So is the second lowest seeded player still in the field and is the only Asian remaining apart from two players from Azerbaijan.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/231887/all-eyes-gm-so-rp-ace-battles-russian

Nasubaybayan ko ang batang to. Hope he wins the title.

[QUOTE=RonnieR;47070049]All eyes on GM So as RP ace battles Russian
November 30, 2009, 4:54pm
http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/wesley-so_1.jpg



whoa!! GO GO!!:applause::applause: FRANCISCANO!!

Manila trash becomes hot London fashion item (http://www.bworld.com.ph/main/content.php?id=2520)
Business World (http://www.bworld.com.ph/main/content.php?id=2520)

AT A WAREHOUSE near Manila’s infamous Smokey Mountain dump, slum dwellers working for a British-led charity are turning rubbish into fashion items that are proving a hit in top-end London shops.

Under a dim fluorescent lamp, amid the constant humming of sewing machines, about 20 women cut pieces of cloth and other materials found amid the garbage to make teddy bears. Others are busy putting finishing touches to handbags and purses made from discarded toothpaste tubes, while glossy magazines are turned into colourful bracelets.

"This bag costs about 100 pounds sterling (US$165) or more in London," said Jane Walker, a former publishing executive from Southampton who gave up her lavish lifestyle in 1996 to set up the Philippine Christian Foundation.

Ms. Walker said about 200 bags were currently being shipped to boutiques in London, and the foundation was unable to meet demand.

"I had to turn down three shops in London ordering our products because we keep running out."

She said a deal to supply a major luxury chain was also in the works, while negotiations were underway with an American firm to produce shoes and slippers using discarded tires.

Known in the local press as Manila’s "angel of the dumps", the 45-year-old single mother’s tireless efforts have helped entire families rise above crushing poverty. Last year, she was made a Member of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.

Relying mainly on corporate donations, the non-profit foundation provides livelihood projects, health services and free education to children of families living on the dumpsite.

Covering a sprawling area in Tondo district near Manila Bay, Smokey Mountain has come to symbolize pervasive poverty in the Philippines. An entire colony of squatter families lives off the dump, which got its name from methane gas-induced black smoke billowing from the mound.

While parts of the site have been levelled to make official settlements over the past decade, a large portion remains a permanent open dump.

Before Ms. Walker set up her foundation, swarms of children and entire families would descend on the trash, scavenging for items to sell at junk-shops. Through her efforts, a school was built, an abandoned warehouse was transformed into a livelihood center where hot meals were offered and the children were given a semblance of a normal life.

Then, when the global financial crisis hit last year and many donors cut back on corporate social responsibility work, Ms. Walker was forced to find creative ways to raise new funding.

She came up with the idea of turning trash into fashion accessories and began getting members of the community, mainly mothers, to start sewing together ring tabs from aluminum cans into tiny purses. She then expanded the project to include laptop and shoulder bags for women.

Other products soon followed -- necklaces and bracelets from colorful magazines, and stuffed toys from readily available material from the dump.

The products were first sold to friends, but then found their way into a specialty store carrying eco-friendly fashion in Manila’s up-market Makati financial district. Soon, there were orders from shops in London.

"The mothers come up with their own designs, they are all very creative," she said.

At any given time, about 40 families are directly employed by the foundation, with each earning at least P3,000 a month -- far more than they could earn from picking trash alone.

Ms. Walker said the project gave the people involved more than just income.

"There is a big social angle to the project. Many mothers consider mastering the techniques in making bags their biggest achievement in life," she said.

Proceeds from the sales are not enough to sustain the foundation’s entire operations but they have helped fill a void left by the donor slump.

"We will never be 100% financially sustainable, but if we can aim to be at least 50% self-sufficient, then we can expand the work we are doing," Ms. Walker said, adding the long-term goal was for the organization to have its own boutique in Manila. -- AFP

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

The government has defaulted on its mandate to provide the most basic and fundamental of services and benefits to its citizens. From proper and affordable housing, to flood control, to adequate electricity, even to provide ample parking space (that’s why it’s getting crowded in the streets these days): the government hasn't delivered on its promises of a better future for the Filipino citizen. Amen?

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Composed entirely of condo/apartment-style units for rent, the apartment building is flood-free. It was not affected by Typhoon Ketsana or Milenyo. It is also free from regular brownouts since it is one of the very few buildings connected to the Luzon electric power grid of Meralco. (Most buildings are only connected to the city grid-- which explains the frequency of brownouts suffered by most people without that special connection.)

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--Units equipped with kitchenette & toilet & bath
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--No pets allowed
--Children below ten (10) years of age not allowed
--Secure parking with remote-controlled entry and automated gate
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--Doorbell system
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--Tiled unit & hallway flooring
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--PhP 20K all in (includes first month's rent, 1 month advance, & security, damage, water & electricity deposit)

* Furnished: No
* Bedrooms: Studio
* Bathrooms: 1
* Pets: No
* Broker Fee: No
* Street Address: 4328 Gen. Tinio St., Bangkal, Makati (Find AMA Makati campus along South Super Highway/Osmena Highway and make a right at the intersecting road. Property is located one short block away.)
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asan na ba MMDA, may nagtitinda sa sidewalk:D

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Pinoy whiz kids top RP int’l math tilt (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/232262/pinoy-whiz-kids-top-rp-int-l-math-tilt)
By JONATHAN M. HICAP
December 2, 2009, 7:33pm
Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/232262/pinoy-whiz-kids-top-rp-int-l-math-tilt)

A triumphant Philippines won 100 medals to emerge as overall champion in the Philippine International Mathematics Competition (PIMC) which ended in Iloilo last Wednesday.

The country beat 21 other countries in the medal tally when the results were announced at the Iloilo Grand Hotel.

“The intense training of our students has paid off. This is an early Christmas gift for the students and their parents,” said Dr. Simon Chua, PIMC chief organizer and president of the Mathematics Trainers Guild-Philippines, an organization of math experts which trained the Filipino contestants.

Dr. Eduardo Dela Cruz, dean of the College of Education of Arellano University and MTG vice president for training, and Prof. Rechilda Villame, MTG executive vice president, said that Filipino students won 24 gold medals, 32 silvers and 44 bronzes.

They said the country was the overall champion in the two divisions of the PIMC: The 2009 Philippine Elementary Mathematics International Contest (PEMIC) and the 2009 Asia Inter-Cities Teenagers Mathematics Olympiad (AITMO).

In the final tally, Thailand wound up second place with 48 medals including 20 golds followed by Taiwan with 46 medals, China witih 42, Indonesia with 39, South Korea with 22, Malaysia with 17, and Hong Kong and Bulgaria with 10 each.

The country’s gold medalists are sisters Carmela Antoinette and Czarina Angela Lao, Mikaela Angela
Uy, Seanne Daphne Ng, Adrian Reginald Sy, Austin Edrich Chua, and Vance Eldric Go, all students of Saint Jude Catholic School; Amiel Sy of Philippine Science High School-Main, John Russell Virata of Gideon Academy, Aldric Cristoval Reyes of Chiang Kai Shek College, Alvin Uy Lim of Quezon City Science High School, Justic Edric Yturzaeta of Jubilee Christian Academy, Deany Hendrick Cheng of Grace Christian College, Timothy James Tan of Trinity Christian School, and Sterling Alvin Tiu and Dielle Tio, both students of St. Stephen’s High School.

Fil-Am goalie propels team to US Pro Soccer Title

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/nick_rimando2.jpg

Filipino-American goalkeeper Nick Rimando of Real Salt Lake is a Champion! The soccer team of the 30 year old net minder bagged the Major League Soccer championship after beating celebrated star David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy in the championship match

Nick saved two penalty kicks, which paved the way for Real Salt Lake to upset the Galaxy, 5-4, in a shootout after the title match ended 1-1 in overtime before 46,011 fans in Seattle last Nov. 22.

The icing on the cake was when Rimando captured MVP honors in the MLS this season.

Rimando, whose father is Filipino and mother is Mexican, has never been to the Philippines but said he hopes to visit someday soon.

“Everybody knows I’m Filipino because of my eyes,” said Rimando. “I’m happy to be Filipino and I’m happy to be American and being in the US playing soccer. It doesn’t matter what color your skin is or color your hair is. I’m out there doing my job and they look at me as a person.”

Rimando has been called the Filipino Jackie Robinson for his ethnic breakthrough in the MLS. Robinson was the first African-American to play US professional baseball in the modern era, breaking the color barrier and ending racial segregation in the sport in 1947.

“I just try to go out there every day and perform and do my job,” said Rimando. “If I can represent the Filipino community that way, I’m happy.”

Not too many experts gave Rimando, the 35th pick in the 2000 draft, a chance to shine in the MLS after bouncing around the league with the Miami Fusion, D. C. United and Red Bull New York before hooking up with Real Salt Lake in 2007.

But Rimando persevered, earning Real Salt Lake’s MVP award for leading the MLS with 146 saves in 27 games in his first season with the claret-and-cobalt squad. In 2008, Real Salt Lake made it to the Western Conference Finals and this year, went all the way to the top.

Rimando attended Montclair High School and played two years at UCLA before turning pro. He was the backup goalkeeper for the US at the 1999 World Youth Championships in Nigeria and played for the US national squad in an international match against El Salvador in 2002.

Rimando is married to former soccer pro player Jacqui Little. They have a son, Jeff Nicholas.

Real Salt Lake’s victory was Utah’s first pro sports title since the Stars won the American Basketball Association crown in 1971. The Utah Jazz went to the NBA Finals twice but Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls frustrated John Stockon and Karl Malone in 1997 and 1998.

hi po sa lahat. just passing by your thread. good thing to know na maraming pinoy ang naacknowledge all over the world. kaya lang ang masama nga lang is kailangan pa nating maghintay na sumikat sa ibang bansa bago natin naiidolo. what a mentality...hehehe :ohno:

^^ Probably because people think that making a name for yourself in a place wherein Filipinos are a minority vindicates their accomplishments because of the arduous and laborious task it involved to be visible and noticed.

14 Filipinos awarded Australian scholarships
Posted on December 3rd, 2009 under The Good Balita
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/14_pinoys.jpg
14 Filipinos awarded Australian scholarships
Australian Embassy Counsellor Andrew Egan, Development Cooperation (back row, 3rd from left) and John Alikpala from AusAID (back row, rightmost) together with the 14 recipients of the Australian Leadership Awards. [Australian Embassy, Philippines]
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=9468

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Rod Smith said the Filipino scholars will be provided scholarships to enable them to take postgraduate studies in universities in Australia next year.

The ALA Scholarship recipients are:

* Paul Adolfo (Master of Public Policy, Australian National University)
* Ma. Gena Buenconsejo (Master of Community Planning & Development, La Trobe Univ)
* Maria Frencie Carreon (PhD in Arts, Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Sydney)
* Juan Dayang, Jr. (PhD Diplomatic Studies, Australian National University)
* Francis Ron De Guzman (Master of Climate Change, Australian National University)
* Wilham Hailaya (PhD Education-University of Adelaide)
* Jayson Ibanez (PhD, Charles Darwin University)
* Jaime Manalo IV (Master of Communication, University of Queensland)
* Lorelei Peralta (Master of Marine Studies, University of Wollongong)
* Benjamin Pineda (Master of Governance and Public Policy, University of Queensland)
* Tomas Pedro Reginaldo (Master of Rehabilitation Counselling, University of Sydney)
* Lorna Santos (Master of Forensic Science, Bond University)
* Mary Rose Soria (Master of Applied Science in Geology, James Cook University)
* Susan Valerio (PhD Business Administration, Charles Darwin University)

“These 14 outstanding Filipinos have been identified for their potential to assume leadership roles which can influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes in the Philippines and the region,” Smith said.

“The awards demonstrate Australia’s commitment to supporting development in the Philippines, and to promoting greater mutual understanding and cooperation in matters of shared critical concern,” he said.

“Education is the engine room of ideas. It revolutionizes opportunity, builds the fabric of societies, and promotes development and fosters the growth of durable institutions,” Smith said.

Under the scholarship program, the students will have a chance to participate in a Leadership Development Program which will strengthen their leadership skills, establish regional networks and enhance their understanding of regional development challenges.

2 Pinoys win in CNN/YouTube Debates contest
Posted on December 1st, 2009 under We are Pinoys!
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/pinoy_advocates.jpg
Paul Darwynn Garilao and Alfonso Orioste, Jr.

A week after Efren Peñaflorida was hailed as the CNN Hero of the Year, two Pinoys, Paul Darwynn Garilao and Alfonso Orioste, Jr. reigned in an online competition as they win the CNN/YouTube Debates contest for climate change.

The contest encouraged individuals to send videos with their views, opinions, and questions about the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. The online voting took place between November 6 and 30.

According to the YouTube channel designed for the event, the global YouTube community “has voted on the strongest voices to send them to Copenhagen.”

Garilao and Orioste, Jr. will be part of 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) and attend the live debate sponsored by CNN and YouTube. CNN News Anchor Becky Anderson will host the live debate that will be participated by global leaders from 193 countries.

Out of the 600 entries, another entry Global Warming Project based from Brazil also made the cut.
COP15

What needs to be done?

With 3,800 views from YouTube, the six-minute amateur documentary film discussed disaster management and the drive to shift to alternative energies. The Pinoys were motivated to join the contest after seeing the effects of Ondoy and Pepeng tragedy. Through this online campaign, the young Pinoys jumpstarted discussions that will serve as a springboard to raise awareness on climate change.

“We have to beat the climate change buzzer. The Philippines is currently the centerfold of climate change discussions because of super typhoons that recently devastated us. Serving as the Filipino voice in Copenhagen, we will convince the global leaders to include discussions on disaster preparedness program. This will benefit not only the Philippines but also other countries prone to natural disasters,” shared Garilao, a Filipino engineer and freelance journalist based in Hawaii.

Orioste, a freshman law student from San Beda College, furthered, “There should be a stakeholder approach in dealing with disaster preparedness. Instead of becoming reactive, the government should be proactive. A close and efficient coordination with different sectors – both public and private – during calamities will help reduce the impacts of severe typhoons. We should take a leap in mobilizing not just relief efforts but also alarm systems before a natural disaster strikes.”

Paul Darwynn Garilao

The two Pinoys also asked the global leaders to discuss ways in reducing carbon emissions that contribute adverse effects to the environment. “The best step is to shift to using clean energy if countries want to reduce their emissions. This is a difficult transition but is the best step to combat climate change.” Samples of clean energy resources include solar panel, wind turbine, and bio-gas.

According to World Research Institute, the cumulative CO2 emission of US reached 29.3 percent, while Philippines only accumulated .03 percent. Despite its tiny carbon footprint, the Philippines will be affected as revealed by the contributions of developing countries in terms of carbon emissions.

Garilao and Orioste also called those running for local and national elections to prioritize climate change in their platforms.

Right after the event, the environmental advocates will share their key learning experiences to government officials, environmental organizations, and private sectors.

Once again, we have proven the Bayanihan spirit online. The Filipino consumers – wherever they are – massively voted for our video. Based on our count, more than 600 Facebook users linked the video and shared steps on how to vote. At least 12 bloggers also campaigned for the video and shared their thoughts on climate change,” Garilao said.

Those organizations and networks that supported Efren also campaigned for their video. Maria Embry, a community advocate from California, campaigned for both Efren and for this video to the Filipino-American organizations. Spending an average of four hours a day, she rallied votes for both causes.
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=9439

Reyes, Amit pocket crown in epic duel
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/4447/spo1l.jpg

By Joey Villar (The Philippine Star) Updated December 04, 2009 12:00 AM

Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes and Rubilen Amit discuss a crucial shot in their game against Charlie Williams and Park Eun Ji of Korea in the 2009 World Mixed Doubles Classic 10-Ball final at Nuvo Land in Libis, Quezon City. Joey Mendoza

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines’ Efren “Bata” Reyes and Rubilen Amit broke out of a seven-all deadlock and turned back Team Korea’s Charlie Williams and Park Eun Ji, 9-7, in a thrilling showdown in the 2009 World Mixed Doubles Classic at the Nuvo City Lifestyle Center in Libis, Quezon City last night.

Reyes and Amit bucked a pair of scratches from breaks and a slew of missed shots in carving out the victory worth $6,000.

Amit, the reigning women’s world 10-ball titlist, sank a difficult shot on the left corner pocket to cap the win to the loud cheers of the home crowd.

“We got a little bit lucky in the end,” said a smiling Reyes.

Amit said it’s a delight to play alongside his idol.

“It’s really a great feeling playing alongside him (Reyes). All the things he has just rubbed off on me. He’s really an inspiration,” said Amit.

Reyes and Amit will spearhead the country’s bid in the 25th Southeast Asian Games slated Dec. 9-18 in Vientiane, Laos with the former teaming up with old buddy Francisco “Django” Bustamante in the men’s 9-ball doubles and Amit seeing action in the women’s 9-ball and 8-ball singles.

Earlier, the Philippines’ second team of Lee Van Corteza and Filipino-American Shannelle Loraine overpowered Team Europe’s Mika Immonen of Iceland and Borana Andoni of Albania, 7-3, to clinch third place in the event presented by Nuvo Land Philippines, Inc. and Dragon Promotions.

It was a sweet revenge for Corteza who was beaten by Immonen in the final of the recent World 10-ball Championship.

“It’s a nice feeling getting back at Immonen ,” said Corteza, a former six-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist.

Riding the crest of emphatic victories in the preliminaries, Williams and Park roared to a 2-0 start by pouncing on a dry break by Amit in the first frame and then cleaning up the second rack with a display of superb shot making.

The two pairs alternated racks from there. Team Korea took the sixth rack for a 4-2 upper hand after emerging from an exchange of safety shots, with Park drilling in a banked shot that opened things up for the easy point.

The Filipinos, however, made their own move, dazzling the crowd with one magical shot after another to take the next four racks and surge to a 5-4 advantage.

Dry breaks by Reyes and Amit on the 10th and 12th racks allowed Williams and Park to snare three of the next five racks and tie the count at seven-all.

The Filipinos, however, managed to wriggle out of trouble, beating the Koreans in an exchange of safety shots on the 15th.

“That was the crucial part of the match. Things would have been different had we missed the 15th,” said Amit.

The $12,000 tournament, which was telecast live on ESPN Star Sports and ABS-CBN throughout Asia and the Philippines, was supported by The Philippine STAR, Puyat Sports, ABS-CBN Sports and ESPN-Star Sports.

Reyes and Amit made it to the finals by edging Japan’s Hayato Hijikata and Kaori Ebe, 7-4, Tuesday, and smashing Immonen and Andoni, 7-1, Wednesday.

View previous articles from this author.

Whoa Great news indeed! Galing ng Pinoy kahit sa anong larangan! :cheers:

'Thrillers from Manila' (Time Out Singapore October 2009)


Globally, both the creative and commercial art worlds seem to have their eye on the Philippines. In August, San Francisco held the Pistahan Festival, which celebrated Filipino art and cuisine with a festive parade. That same month, the Haraya Visual and Media Arts Society, a group of Hong Kong-based Filipino creatives, held its first major exhibition at Hong Kong Cultural Centre. So what is it about Filipino work that has captured the world’s imagination? What lends it the narrative qualities, figurative leanings and rich imagery? And in the light of showcases like ARTSingapore opening this month, what does the future of art from the Philippines hold for investors, art lovers and artists?



The Pistahan festival in San Francisco is organized every year (for several years now) by the Filipino community, so I don't think that this is an example to use to show how Filipino art is "gaining momentum" around the world.

I think that the article is being too optimistic. In SF, I can probably count on one hand the number of Filipino objects they have on display (a few Amorsolo paintings, a couple of historical artifacts) in the Asian Art Museum--and these pale in comparison to the museum's extensive collections of art objects from other Asian cultures. Also, I think I only saw a set of lithographs (which are fantastic, by the way) done by Lucille Tenazas in the Museum of Modern Art. In NY's MOMA and Metropolitan Museum of Art, I can't recall seeing any at all (but people may freely correct me here). In the Louvre Museum in Paris, there is only an Ifugao sculpture on display. In short, I think we still have a long way to go.

Bernanke is Time's Man of the Year: Pacquiao in list of 'people who mattered'
(The Philippine Star) Updated December 17, 2009 12:00 AM

NEW YORK (AP) – US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has been named Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year” for 2009.

Bernanke, 56, heads the most important and least understood force shaping the American – and global –economy.

In the same magazine issue, Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao was included in the list of “people who mattered” in 2009, being listed behind US President Barack Obama and ahead of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Those green bills featuring dead Presidents are labeled federal reserve note for a reason: the Fed controls the money supply. It is an independent government agency that conducts monetary policy, which means it sets short-term interest rates — which means it has immense influence over inflation, unemployment, the strength of the dollar and the strength of your wallet, Time said.

And ever since global credit markets began imploding, its mild-mannered chairman has dramatically expanded those powers and reinvented the Fed.

Professor Bernanke of Princeton was a leading scholar of the Great Depression.

The article on Pacquiao, written by Howard Chua-Eoan, said, “Manny Pacquiao was considered a savior by two groups of people this year: Filipinos and boxing aficionados.

For his countrymen, the diminutive (5 ft. 6 in. and change) pugilist once again proved that their archipelago could produce more than tales of violence, poverty and natural disaster — that there was some undefined quality that could produce a fighter of such speed, resiliency and charisma as to be a living legend.

“For boxing fans, Pacquiao defied physics, rising through six weight classes to win seven world titles — and galvanizing the sport like no other boxer in years. His two bouts this year were among the most dramatic in the sport: his second-round knockout of Ricky Hatton and his terrifying demolition of the rock-solid Miguel Cotto over 11 rounds. His visceral charm — or his bloody attraction — will continue into next year with his expected multimillion-dollar, hugely lucrative matchup against Floyd Mayweather Jr., the only fighter remaining who can claim to be his equal.”

Last year’s winner was then President-elect Barrack Obama. The 2007 winner was Russina Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Other previous winners have included Bono, President George W. Bush, and Amazon.com CEO and founder Jeff Bezos.

^^ Speaking of Pacquiao, he was featured on yesterday's "Morning Edition," NPR (http://www.npr.org/)'s radio show, in their sports section. Here's the text and podcast link.

Pacquiao Gives Filipinos Reason To Cheer (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121482903)

It may only be games, but nothing in culture can galvanize a nation the way a world championship can. And it just so happens, in the months ahead there will be nearly a surfeit of sports nationalism.

It's only weeks now before the Winter Olympics and then, come June, the soccer World Cup, which is by far the most passionate international competition of all.

Yet in 2010, there is one little athlete who can mean more to his country — and to his sport — than all the skaters and skiers and soccer teams in the world.

The man is a boxer, Manny Pacquiao; his country, the Philippines. And what he signifies to his people everywhere is perhaps unmatched in sports history.

Lennox Lewis, the thoughtful former heavyweight champion, has even said that Pacquiao's "grip" on his country "is similar to Nelson Mandela's influence in South Africa."

The Philippines, of course, is an impoverished island nation, which has led to a diaspora of its people. In fact, Filipinos make up one of the largest groups of immigrants in the United States — and they've shown well what they can do with the main chance. Filipinos here are better educated and wealthier than the American population at large.

But Pacquiao is so special to all ethnic Filipinos, rich or poor, in the islands or abroad, because his country has never before produced any champion that it could hold high before the world. No Filipino has ever won a single Olympic gold medal.

Pacquiao is so beloved that when he ran for Congress in the Philippines a couple of years ago, he was soundly beaten largely because, as the adored national icon, his fans voted against him to keep him out of office so he wouldn't dilute his attention to the ring.

He's an extraordinary boxer, the first ever to hold seven world titles, for he began fighting at a tiny 106 pounds and now, incredibly, holds the welterweight crown at 147.

Already, there are those experts debating whether he is the greatest fighter ever — better than Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali — better at his craft than anyone who ever has laced on a pair of gloves. And at a time when boxing has descended so in popularity, Pacquiao has come to mean almost as much to his sport as to his country-people.

He's as exciting in the ring as he is talented. When Pacquiao fights the undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the dream bout that appears to be set — probably on March 13 — it will almost surely produce the largest gate in the history of the sport.

Should he win over Mayweather, himself previously acclaimed the best pound-for-pound fighter, Pacquiao's place in the boxing pantheon will be sealed. But already, he has taken this brutal sport and distilled from its blood and guts the pretty pride that Filipinos never shared before.

Podcast Link (http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=121482903&m=121498067)

Guess who's gonna be on Iron Chef this sunday.

k6SXLiG2JVc

^^ That ad's been airing on the Food Network since Thanksgiving. :colgate:

Damn. I just found out about it yesterday! haha.

OMFG! It got me excited. At nandun pa talaga ang first lady. I guess it's safe to say that she's supporting Commerford.

Who is chef comerford i have no clue? is she pinay?

^^ pinay sya. sya yung head chef ng white house for two different presidents. nag-migrate lang at nakapangasawa ng amerikano.

Who is chef comerford i have no clue? is she pinay?

She was hired as White House Executive Chef during the second term of George W. Bush.

:lol:
you think the white house executive chef intro would have given me a clue.

Wasn't clinton's personal dr. a pinoy too?

^^ :yes: Yup, Dr. Eleanor Mariano. She is by far the longest serving White House physician in American history. She is also the first woman commander of the White House Medical Unit.

yes galing talaga ng mga pinoy!

can't breath!! i wanna be like her! she's one of my inspirations in my culinary career!!!

yes galing talaga ng mga pinoy!

di ba, ikaw din ang nurse ni Hillary?:D

Proudly Filipino!
http://wawam.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/manny-pacquiao.jpg
Manny Pacquiao - The first boxer to win seven world titles in seven different weight divisions.
http://www.tugtog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/lea-salonga.jpg
Lea Salonga - The singing voice of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin in 1992 and Mulan for Mulan and Mulan II in 1998 and in 2004, respectively. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway.
http://www.havelshouseofhistory.com/Romulo,%20CP%20Photo0001.jpg
Carlos P. Romulo - President of the United Nations General Assembly (1949–1950)
http://www.couturebridelv.com/images/Monique_Lhuillier/monique_headshot.jpg
Monique Lhuiller - a Filipina fashion designer based in the United States.
http://www.manilamaildc.net/wp-content/gallery/vol-xvii-no-10/charo-ronquillo.jpg
Charo Ronquillo - The first in the entire 25 year history of the Ford Supermodel of the World Search selected from the far east.
http://besthaircutstyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/nicole-scherzinger.jpg
Nicole Scherzinger - Vocalist of the Pussycat Dolls
http://bittenandbound.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/vanessa-hudgens.jpg
Vanessa Hudgens - Hollywood actress
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bjeVPmM61xY/SPSVWHPaHnI/AAAAAAAAHNI/yBilfRC9-j4/s400/anna+maria+perez+de+tagle+fame.jpg
Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (Camp Rock and Hanna Montana)
http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/sites/sport/img/17474_batista.jpg
Batista - WWE
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs169.snc1/6328_1063326398151_1675712457_119908_3689759_n.jpg
Charice Pempengco

^^ You forgot Paris Hilton, she's Filipino too. ;)










:rofl:

Is she?

^^ Well, don't they have Hilton hotels in the Philippines? :hilarious

^^ Well, don't they have Hilton hotels in the Philippines? :hilarious

So, it's not Paris:D

It's Manila Hilton:D

can't breath!! i wanna be like her! she's one of my inspirations in my culinary career!!!

She and Bobby Flay won in the Iron Chef special. Good for her!

^^ Yup, Team Comerford-Flay won the competition. Although Team Batali-Legasse did put up some mighty strong dishes to battle it out for Super Chef. I'm glad that she infused some Pinoy cooking styles in the dishes she presented that went along well with Bobby Flay's Tex-Mex inspired dishes.

how abt apl and of course... LEAH DIZON......is misa campo part pinay

^^ Yup, Team Comerford-Flay won the competition. Although Team Batali-Legasse did put up some might strong dishes to battle it out for Super Chef. I'm glad that she infused some Pinoy cooking styles in the dishes she presented that went along well with Bobby Flay's Tex-Mex inspired dishes.

It's being shown right now ... but I'll wait for the final minutes, para masarap ang kain ko. :lol:

Sun, Jan 3, 8:00p - 10:00p

http://img.foodnetwork.com/FOOD/2009/11/24/White-House_Super-Chefs-Group_s4x3_lead.jpg

! cool orange shoes... :lol:

Proudly Filipino!
http://wawam.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/manny-pacquiao.jpg
Manny Pacquiao - The first boxer to win seven world titles in seven different weight divisions.
http://www.tugtog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/lea-salonga.jpg
Lea Salonga - The singing voice of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin in 1992 and Mulan for Mulan and Mulan II in 1998 and in 2004, respectively. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway.
http://www.havelshouseofhistory.com/Romulo,%20CP%20Photo0001.jpg
Carlos P. Romulo - President of the United Nations General Assembly (1949–1950)
http://www.couturebridelv.com/images/Monique_Lhuillier/monique_headshot.jpg
Monique Lhuiller - a Filipina fashion designer based in the United States.
http://www.manilamaildc.net/wp-content/gallery/vol-xvii-no-10/charo-ronquillo.jpg
Charo Ronquillo - The first in the entire 25 year history of the Ford Supermodel of the World Search selected from the far east.
http://besthaircutstyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/nicole-scherzinger.jpg
Nicole Scherzinger - Vocalist of the Pussycat Dolls
http://bittenandbound.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/vanessa-hudgens.jpg
Vanessa Hudgens - Hollywood actress
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bjeVPmM61xY/SPSVWHPaHnI/AAAAAAAAHNI/yBilfRC9-j4/s400/anna+maria+perez+de+tagle+fame.jpg
Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (Camp Rock and Hanna Montana)
http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/sites/sport/img/17474_batista.jpg
Batista - WWE
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs169.snc1/6328_1063326398151_1675712457_119908_3689759_n.jpg
Charice Pempengco

So, do all of them recognize their Filipino root? Are they proud of it?

So, do all of them recognize their Filipino root? Are they proud of it?

Of course they do except Vanessa Hudgens, I haven't heard her talking about her Filipino root.

^^ Yup, Team Comerford-Flay won the competition. Although Team Batali-Legasse did put up some mighty strong dishes to battle it out for Super Chef. I'm glad that she infused some Pinoy cooking styles in the dishes she presented that went along well with Bobby Flay's Tex-Mex inspired dishes.


She and Bobby Flay won in the Iron Chef special. Good for her!

yeah men!!, astieeeegggg!!!:banana: sana kaya q rn yun!!:lol:

Of course they do except Vanessa Hudgens, I haven't heard her talking about her Filipino root.

I think she already explained it. The reason why she doesn't talk much about her Filipino roots is because she didn't actually grew-up with her Filipina mother. Apparently, she was raised solely by her father(I dont know what's the nationality of her dad) that's why she doesn't really have an in-depth view of her Filipino side. Pero sabi naman nya she still eats with rice and she's a sucker for adobo:) pakunswelo nalang kung baga,.. ahaha, joke lang

yeah men!!, astieeeegggg!!!:banana: sana kaya q rn yun!!:lol:



I think she already explained it. The reason why she doesn't talk much about her Filipino roots is because she didn't actually grew-up with her Filipina mother. Apparently, she was raised solely by her father(I dont know what's the nationality of her dad) that's why she doesn't really have an in-depth view of her Filipino side. Pero sabi naman nya she still eats with rice and she's a sucker for adobo:) pakunswelo nalang kung baga,.. ahaha, joke lang

Bakit lagi niya kasama mommy niya sa mga video ng paparazzi sa amerika?
V7wFm9TD244

Pinoy tops ASEAN mechanic contest:cheers:

http://www.topgear.com.ph/images/articleImages/news/Castrol_ASEAN_Mechanic/Castrol_ASEAN_Mechanic_A.jpg

Boxers and street educators aren't the only ones bringing glory to the country.

A Filipino mechanic bested other competitors from Southeast Asia in the recent Castrol Power 1 ASEAN Mechanic Contest.

Marlou Acedera, who works as a mechanic in a Metro Manila motorcycle dealership, topped opponents from Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam--countries where the motorcycle population is ten times larger than in the Philippines.

The Castrol Power 1 ASEAN Mechanic Contest had two rounds which involved checking a bike's electrical system, assembling the engine, as well as troubleshooting and fixing a motorcycle with multiple problems within a particular time frame.

"Mechanics hold a key position in the lubricant market not only as one of Castrol's core customers, but also as ambassadors of the brand as they service riders in their shops," said Paul Salapantan, Castrol country marketing manager. "To win the contest on our very first try is really a testament to the talent and ingenuity of our Filipino motorcycle mechanics."

As the region's top mechanic, Acedera brought home a cash prize of $1,000 and an opportunity to watch the Malaysian leg of the MotoGP series and join the pit crew of the San Carlo Honda Gresini Team.

"It has been an amazing experience. I was in the garage of the San Carlo Honda Gresini team with some of the world's best racing mechanics," said Acedera. "It felt great to feel the racing atmosphere. And when I was taken to the starting grid moments before the race started, I could see the tension in the riders' eyes."

Cebu jail dancers featured in MJ book (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/cebu-jail-dancers-featured-mj-book)

THE world-famous dancing Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) inmates once again got international attention after they were featured in the 404-page The Official Michael Jackson OPUS.

Considered a definitive book on the “King of Pop,” the book features four pictures of the inmates dancing to the tune of “Thriller.” These photos landed in pages 304 and 305, said Byron Garcia, Capitol consultant on security.

The book contains more than 300 pictures, both rare and unpublished images of Jackson, some taken by famous photographers.

Byron said that with the inclusion of the CPDRC inmates in Jackson’s book, their efforts have paid off.

The book states: “Michael’s fans are as diverse as the population of Earth, from Israeli teenagers to Filipino prison inmates to American soccer mums.”

Garcia, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia’s brother, said he was very happy when he was informed that the inmates were included in the book, saying it is something historic.

Byron said the book is already sold out; interested buyers need to pre-order.

Byron also said he is still receiving inquiries from foreign guests who are interested to see the inmates’ performance.

CPDRC inmates’ “Thriller” dance has attracted millions of viewers after Garcia uploaded it to YouTube. (RSA)

Pinay White House chef Cristeta Comerford wins on Iron Chef America (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/180827/pinay-white-house-chef-cristeta-comerford-wins-on-iron-chef-america)
01/05/2010 | 03:16 PM


House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford, 48, and her teammate Chef Bobby Flay defeated Chefs Emeril Lagasse and Mario Batali in the Super Chef Battle on Iron Chef America, reports nowpublic.com.

In the January 3 episode of America’s most popular cooking show, the “secret ingredient" was the newly-planted White House Garden, presented by First Lady Michelle Obama, reports CBS News. The catch? The competing chefs had to dig out the fresh vegetables themselves.

For their winning menu, Comerford and Flay created “a fennel and apple salad with oyster, another salad with lobster and squid, a Filipino-inspired broccoli clam chowder, a barbequed veggie dish, and a meringue sweet potato tart. Flay said, ‘I told her don’t be afraid to use her Filipino background, which have a lot of flavors there,’" according to ABS-CBN News.

The show’s high profile panel of judges was composed of celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, actress Jane Seymour, and Natalie Coughlin, a former Olympian swimmer.

Chef Comerford is the White House’s first Asian-American and first female Executive Chef, a position which she has held since 2005. She is a Food Technology graduate of UP and grew up in Sampaloc, Manila.

Jollibee one of Asia’s best—Wall Street Journal (http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view/20091228-244315/Jollibee-one-of-Asias-bestWall-Street-Journal)
goodnewspilipinas.com

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines’ largest fast-food chain Jollibee received a plaque of recognition from The Wall Street Journal Asia for being one of the top regional companies in the publication’s Asia 200 survey. Jollibee president Ernesto Tan Caktiong received the award from WSJA associate editor Peter Stein at the recently held event in Beijing, China.

Asia’s most-renowned business publication awarded JFC as The Most Admired Company in the Philippines. The country’s biggest food business corporation was recognized after its sales increased by 18 percent, maintaining its number one ranking in terms of company reputation and innovation as voted by business executives and readers of The Wall Street Journal Asia.

JFC owes most of its success to its biggest food chain, Jollibee, which captured the loyalty of Filipinos by providing quality meals at affordable prices

Proudly Filipino!
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Manny Pacquiao - The first boxer to win seven world titles in seven different weight divisions.
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Lea Salonga - The singing voice of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin in 1992 and Mulan for Mulan and Mulan II in 1998 and in 2004, respectively. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway.
http://www.havelshouseofhistory.com/Romulo,%20CP%20Photo0001.jpg
Carlos P. Romulo - President of the United Nations General Assembly (1949–1950)
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Monique Lhuiller - a Filipina fashion designer based in the United States.
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Charo Ronquillo - The first in the entire 25 year history of the Ford Supermodel of the World Search selected from the far east.
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Nicole Scherzinger - Vocalist of the Pussycat Dolls
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Vanessa Hudgens - Hollywood actress
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Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (Camp Rock and Hanna Montana)
http://www.studentsoftheworld.info/sites/sport/img/17474_batista.jpg
Batista - WWE
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs169.snc1/6328_1063326398151_1675712457_119908_3689759_n.jpg
Charice Pempengco

you forgot Brandon Vera of the UFC mixed martial arts whose tatoos in his body are alibata characters.

http://images.smarter.com/blogs/robinsonhoward.jpg

'Krypto-Nate' eligible for RP 5? (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=538731&publicationSubCategoryId=6)
SPORTING CHANCE By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star) Updated January 07, 2010 12:00 AM

New York Knicks guard and two-time NBA slam dunk champion Nate Robinson is part-Filipino. That’s the word from basketball writer Rafe Bartholomew who said Robinson’s mother Renee Busch confirmed the Filipino heritage although the roots are rather scant.

Robinson, 25, is one-eighth Filipino. His maternal great grandfather was pure Filipino, making his grandfather half and his mother a fourth. Whether that portion will qualify Robinson to play for coach Rajko Toroman’s Smart Gilas team is a question mark.

Technically, Robinson could be considered a Fil-Am or more like an Am-Fil. If he is issued a Filipino passport on that basis as a dual citizen, then the 5-9 human dynamo from Seattle qualifies to play for Gilas – not as a naturalized import but as a Filipino like Fil-Ams Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz.

Of course, Robinson has to agree to apply for a Filipino passport and play for Gilas.

Bartholomew, whose story on the Ateneo-La Salle basketball rivalry made it to the pages of the New York Times, said he recently wrote a profile on Robinson. He interviewed Robinson’s mother for his piece. “Pinoy daw ang lolo niya,” texted Bartholomew, an American, in Filipino from his US cellphone.

Robinson made the sports headlines last New Year’s Day for scoring 41 points to lead the Knicks to a 112-108 overtime win over Atlanta on the road. He shot 3-of-5 triples, grabbed six rebounds and dished off eight assists in 38 minutes off the bench.

What made the feat more remarkable was it was Robinson’s first game since sitting out 14 straight assignments in coach Mike D’Antoni’s doghouse. Robinson’s previous outing was on Dec. 1 when he went scoreless in 11 minutes against Phoenix. Before that forgettable contest, Robinson torched Orlando for 24 points last Nov. 29.

Two days after Robinson’s explosion at Atlanta, he collected six points, six rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes as New York downed Indiana, 132-89.

* * * *

So far this season, Robinson is averaging 12.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 23.2 minutes in 14 games without a single start. He has sat out 20 games, mainly because of disagreements with D’Antoni.

It’s not the first time that Robinson has been at odds with his coach. As a rookie in 2005-06, he clashed with former New York coach Larry Brown who seriously considered demoting him to the D-League before deciding instead to deactivate him for 10 games. Robinson was also involved in fights with teammates Jerome James and Malik Rose, a report claimed. James, by the way, is a 7-1 center and Rose, who once visited Manila, is a 6-7, 255-pound enforcer. How crazy is it for the 190-pound Robinson to engage James and Rose in what a report said were “physical altercations?”

Robinson’s feisty nature was affirmed when he brawled with Denver’s J. R. Smith in a game during the 2006-07 season. He was suspended 10 games by the NBA for his role in the fisticuffs.

Despite his attitude problems, Robinson is a fan favorite in the Big Apple. That’s because being undersized, he plays a lot taller than he is. Robinson never backs down from any challenge or anyone, for that matter, even if he’s seven-foot tall.

In The Star’s sport section last Jan. 3, there was a picture of Robinson scoring a layup over 6-10 Hawks center Al Horford. In case you missed the point, Horford stands over a foot taller than Robinson. The picture said it all.

Robinson averaged a career-high 17.2 points in 74 games last season, his third with the Knicks since turning pro. Yet, he couldn’t wangle more than a one-year extension from New York, straining relations with D’Antoni and management.

While Robinson was chained in D’Antoni’s doghouse, his agent Aaron Goodwin was quoted in media as saying he would press for a trade. Goodwin said the benching was personal and not basketball-related. Goodwin made his comments last Dec. 19.

The NBA later fined Robinson $25,000 for Goodwin’s statements. “Players are not permitted to make trade requests publicly and are responsible for public statements relating to them made by their representatives,” said NBA spokesman Tim Frank.

* * * *

Knicks president Donnie Walsh said he would likely explore trade options for Robinson. But since his 41-point eruption, Robinson has changed his tune, saying, “I want the world to see I can play the game of basketball – this is where I want to be and I hope that I can stay... it’s a new year, a new start and I’m not looking back.”

Last season, New York ranked 14th of 15 Eastern Conference teams and missed the playoffs with a lowly 32-50 record. At the moment, the Knicks are 10th in the East with a 14-20 mark. The team got off to a horrible 1-9 start this campaign.

The oldest of seven children, Robinson lost a brother Deron Isaiah – a victim of sudden infant death syndrome – in 1997. Deron was born on May 21 so that it was significant, if not providential, that Robinson was the 21st pick in the 2005 NBA draft. He was the first University of Washington player to be chosen in the first round since Germany’s Chris Welp in 1987.

Robinson got his nickname “Krypto-Nate” when he jinxed Dwight Howard, also known as “Superman,” during the NBA Slam Dunk contest last year. The Knicks dynamo wore a green New York jersey, green shorts and green shoes to symbolize green “kryptonite” in dethroning Howard as the dunking champion.

Robinson’s mother operates a beauty salon in Seattle and lives in a three-storey house. His father Jacque played football for the University of Washington. It was his father who convinced him to give up football for basketball in 2002.

Robinson is listed at 5-9 wearing shoes but is actually a shade under 5-8 on his bare feet. He has a vertical leap of 43.5 inches and dunked for the first time, using a volleyball, when he was 13 in the eighth grade.

Robinson has two sons Nahmier, 5, and Ny’ale Camron, 3. In the New York media guidebook, there is no mention of his wife or the mother of his children.

^^ nice... sana kunin siya ng Smart Gilas. hehehe..

I'm sure there are many 1/8th pinoys out there. are we gonna search and claim every single one?

^^ Heck, if some Pinoys can proudly claim to have Spanish blood even though they really don't have an ounce of it flowing through their veins, we might as well claim these individuals that can truly stake their claim and prove their Filipino heritage and bloodlines. ;)

yeah, i guess we can have an exchange program or something.

^^ :lol: Tru dat! :okay:

^^Robinson's might be our last hope or saving grace in bringing back RP's Asian Glory in basketball!

^^ wow that's quite sad. :(

What are the chances though that he would leave the NBA to play in the PBA?...:nuts:

^^ nice... sana kunin siya ng Smart Gilas. hehehe..

Rain or Shine :)

I applaud our Philippine UN Peacekeeping forces in Haiti for their contribution to the rescue and relief efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation of Haiti. They were prominently seen in the newsreels that was shown on all the major media outlets.

:applause: :applause: :applause:

BY MARLET D. SALAZAR CONTRIBUTOR (http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/lifestyle/9639-juvenal-sanso-global-filipino-artist)

The fluidity and precision of Juvenal Sanso’s works are evidence that he is a master. From sketching to printmaking to painting, it seems that the internationally acclaimed artist could never go wrong.

http://www.manilatimes.net/images/stories/life_pic/2010/life0115/life0115.jpg
Juvenal Sanso’s “Melodious Joy”

Art collectors and enthusiasts prize his pieces. In some cases, they are status symbols.

Sanso recently held a series of exhibitions in Metro Manila to mark his 80th birth anniversary. These shows were ultimate box-office hits, proof of which is the extensive coverage it received. His guests during the openings are the who’s who in different sectors of society who share one thing in common: deep appreciation for his works. It only proved that the artist is very well loved not only for his masterpieces but also for his endearing personality.

Sanso is actually from Reus, Catalonia, Spain, where many great artists also come from. His parents, Jose Sanso y Pedret and Ramona Garrit de Sanso, brought the family to the Philippines when the young Juvenal was only four years old. Growing up near the Pasig River, Sanso articulated his fascination with water in an essay he wrote titled, Water: The Medium for his exhibit at the Ayala Museum in November 2007. And water, as vast as it is, is one of the oft-present subjects in his works.

Sanso is often lauded for his landscapes and seascapes, be they ink on paper or oil on canvas.

http://www.manilatimes.net/images/stories/life_pic/2010/life0115/1-Juvenal%20Sanso2.jpg
The Mocking Crowd 12 x 9 ink (1957)

Sanso’s venture into the arts was prodded by his father who hoped that he would eventually become the designer for their furniture business. After years of home tutor, he enrolled at the University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts. Here, Sanso’s innate talent was further honed under the guidance of National Artists Fernando Amorsolo and Guillermo Tolentino, among others.

Later, he studied again at the University of Santo Tomas. Perhaps, it was the passion and love for the craft that Sanso later went to Accademia di Belle Arti in Italy, and at the L’Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts in France.

His career is as colorful as his works and the multi-awarded and internationally respected artist has held many exhibitions around the world. But before he gained all this accolades, Sanso’s first taste of recognition was in 1951 when he won two major art competitions by the Art Association of the Philippines: Sorcerer, oil, first prize and Incubus, watercolor, first prize. Later that year, he won third place in a Shell art competition.

His mastery of various media is perhaps one of the factors that distinguish him from other artists.

Described by art lovers as an expressionist painter, Sanso also shows his skill and talent in printmaking, photography and textile design.

He showed his versatility—and mastery—by agreeing to do the set for the original zarzuela Baler sa Puso Ko. First held in the province of Aurora for the quadricentennial of the province. Baler sa Puso Ko was written by Isagani Cruz, music by Lutgardo Labad and directed by Frank Rivera with Cecile Guidote Alvarez as production concept and artistic consultant. In earlier years, Sanso did some set and costume design in many opera houses like the Toulouse opera house in Paris, France.

Sanso already had exhibitions in art havens like Paris where he had his first one-man show in 1957. He also traveled to England, Mexico and the United States.

He continued to harvest global acclaim and now has something in common with artists like Henri Matisse and Salvador Dali. In 1967, the Cleveland Museum awarded his works titled "Leuers" the Print of the Year. This led to one-man shows at Philadelphia Print Club and New York’s Weyhe Gallery.

With all this worldwide recognition and opportunities, Sanso was awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit by President Gloria Arroyo in June 2006. Just recently, he received the distinguished Cross of Isabela from the Spanish King, His Royal Highness Juan Carlos I for his outstanding accomplishments in the arts.

In the Philippines, Sanso has held numerous art exhibitions, most notable of which was the 20-year retrospective show at the Makati Commercial Center in 1966. Since then, his works have been on display at Cultural Center of the Philippines, Ayala Museum, and just recently at Gateway, Araneta Center and Artwalk in SM Megamall.

The list of recognitions goes on and on and Juvenal Sanso’s works immortalizes him in many ways.

His passion for his work and the skill honed by years of study are evident in all of his works and art pieces.

Filipino discovers new vaccine vs malaria
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Rhoel-Dinglasan.jpg
photo from www.goodnewspilipinas.com
News Desk
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Publication Date: 19-01-2010

Rhoel Dinglasan, an entomologist and biologist from John Hopkins University, is rocking the science world with his discovery of a new vaccine against malaria.

It prevents mosquitoes from spreading malaria if they bite someone who’s been inoculated with the vaccine, and brings the medical world a step closer to eradicating the disease.

Dinglasan’s discovery was recently featured in the Health and Science section of Time magazine. Here are excerpts from the article.

“Traditional vaccines work by introducing a killed or weakened version of a disease into the body, where the immune system spots it and cranks out antibodies against it. Then, if a wild strain of the pathogen comes along later - one that has the power to sicken or kill - the body is ready for it. The new approach is different. Developed by Rhoel Dinglasan, an entomologist and biologist at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, it would instead work within the mosquito gut.

Dinglasan has found an antigen, called AnAPN1, that causes humans to create antibodies that prevent transmission of malaria by mosquitoes. Get enough of these antibodies into mosquitoes, and you lock the disease up there and prevent it from infecting us.

Sounds good, but how do you implement such a strategy? You can hardly vaccinate the mosquitoes themselves. Instead, you put the AnAPN1 into their food source: us. A mosquito that bites an inoculated person would pick up the antibodies and then be sidelined from the malaria-transmission game.

The new vaccine is not the first TBV attempted. Previous versions used not AnAPN1 but parts of the malaria parasite to generate human immune responses.

Unfortunately, two vaccine candidates using that approach unexpectedly caused some skin disorders when tested in humans in 2008, prompting a need for further research. And even without that side effect, using antigens from the malaria parasite would require multiple vaccines to fight the many different strains of malaria.”

http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?id=9676&sec=1

Pinay second-placer in 2010 Supermodel search (http://http://ph.news.yahoo.com/star/20100121/tel-pinay-second-placer-2010-supermodel-dd408b0.html)


Another Filipina finished among the finalists in the prestigious Supermodel search.

Charlene Louise “Chat” Alagon Almarvez, who’s turning 17 on Jan. 25, placed first runner-up in the 2010 Supermodel of the World search held in Sao Paulo Brazil over the weekend, and got a US$150,000 modeling contract from Ford Models NYC.

Noted Funfare’s “beauty experts” Joey Cezeare, Gery Yumping, Francis Calubaquib and Feliex Manuel (now working as a nurse in New York), Chat is the third Filipina to land in the Top 5, following Melanie Marquez (also first runner-up) in 1986 and Charo Ronquillo (second runner-up) in 2006.

“Chat is statuesque and stunning at 5’9”,” added Felix. “She’s a Business Administration freshman at the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde. She was discovered during a Santacruzan in Laguna. With just a couple of months experience in modeling, she tried her luck and won the Supermodel Philippines search during the Philippine Fashion Week in October last year.”

This year’s Supermodel winner is Karlina of Latvia (Baltics). The runners-up in the following order are Charlene (Philippines), Isabelle (Sweden), Olivia (USA), Maryna (Belarus), Grace (Australia) and Bruna (Brazil).

“They will be featured in the New York Fashion Week Fall 2010 next month,” said Felix. “Ford Models Supermodel of the World is the largest and most prestigious international modeling competition. Established by Eileen Ford in 1980, Supermodel of the World held its first event at the Sporting Club in Monaco.”

^^

http://adventuresofabeautyqueen.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/08-chat-portfolio.jpg

^^^^^^I think she is very beautiful...very Asian!:cheers::cheers:

mKtdTJP_GUI
Philippines "Dancing Inmates" from Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), a maximum security prison, were treated to a visit by Michael Jacksons long-time choreographer Travis Payne and dancers Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid to learn performances from THIS IS IT. :cheers:

ang galing!

astig..ang lupet.. hehehe...

wow! kinikilabutan ako:D

front page sya ng philippine star ngayun.

^^ Kaya nasa kulungan sa Cebu pa ngayon yung choreographer and the 2 dancers ni MJ... :lol:

international news talaga. Galing

Dancing Philippine jailbirds in new Jackson Internet hit
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/images/2010/01/27/20100127_i06.jpg
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\01\27\story_27-1-2010_pg9_6
A group of dancing Philippine prisoners has created a new Internet video hit with a spectacular routine led by Michael Jackson’s choreographer dancing to the title track of his posthumous DVD.

The clip has generated more than 600,000 hits on the video sharing wesbite YouTube since it was uploaded by Sony Entertainment ahead of Tuesday’s global release of the late superstar’s ‘This is It’ DVD. The four-minute, 26 second film shows Jackson choreographer Travis Payne leading 1,200 inmates clad in regulation orange prison trousers and black shirts featuring the DVD’s logo through a well-synchronised jail yard routine. Sony said Payne and his crew spent two days this month at the maximum security jail in the central Philippine city of Cebu to record the dance as part of the promotion for the launch of Jackson’s DVD. afp

^^ agree. very impressive.:)

..when i saw the video,super na impress ako na kahit nasa loob sila but may binibigyang pahalaga pah rin sila..though they made a bad doings outside but inside they made CEBU beautiful through there skills in dancing,and made CEBU as the coolest place..:bow::bow::master::master:

RP team bags animation award with Maskara
February 3, 2010, 10:24am
http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/rp-team_1.jpg
The students from Ateneo de Naga University with Autodesk Asia Pacific Education Marketing manager Jenny Wah brought home the Best Team Work Award.

After days of intense competition among 11 student teams, the three-person team from the Ateneo de Naga University showcased Philippines’ talent for animation and won Best Teamwork Award at the inaugural Autodesk Panorama Asia Pacific Animation Challenge and Animation Bootcamp 2009. The team is comprised of Alejandro Karlo Zapanta, Albert B. Brisenio and James Jerome Raneses.

Team member Alejandro Karlo Zapanta says: “We were given the arena to demonstrate our talent in digital animation and also represent the Philippines in this competition.” With Autodesk software solutions such as Autodesk Maya which enabled them to bring their ideas and concepts to life, Ateneo de Naga University came up with their digital animation entry entitled Maskara.

“We were very impressed by the high standard of the audition submissions for PANORAMA across the region, and by how the 11 student finalist teams were able to deliver winning animated productions under the mentorship of industry professionals and Autodesk customers,” said Teddy D. Tiu, country manager, Autodesk Philippines, “With this competition, we have achieved our objectives of inspiring and grooming young digital artists, and providing them with opportunities to acquire the skills and industry exposure they need to excel.”

The Autodesk PANORAMA Animation Challenge received 57 entries across seven countries in Asia – Hong Kong, China, Australia, India, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. Eleven student teams were shortlisted to compete at the Autodesk PANORAMA Animation Bootcamp held at the Hong Kong Cyberport from Dec. 11-14, 2009.

There, they were trained under the mentorship of industry professionals and Autodesk customers from Lucasfilm Animation Singapore, Imagi Studio, Rhythm & Hues Studio and Rising Sun Pictures, who shared their invaluable knowledge on how to leverage Autodesk software to fine-tune the animated projects that teams submitted during the qualifying stages of the competition.

The seven winning teams were judged on their creativity and originality, motion, technical excellence and overall design.

Benjamin Huber from Lucasfilm Animation said: “One of the hardest things for studios globally, particularly in this region, where the industry is still relatively young is finding talent that can immediately be productive without too much additional training. I applaud Autodesk for organizing PANORAMA, as it contributes significantly towards raising the design skills of students and their awareness of industry standards and requirements.”
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/241672/rp-team-bags-animation-award-with-maskara

^^ Proudly Nagueño.:okay:

^^ Proudly Nagueño.:okay:

Yes....:cheers:

First Kiwi Asian journalism scholarship awarded
Wednesday, 3 February 2010, 11:16 am
Press Release: Asia New Zealand Foundation
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00076.htm

3 February 2010

First Kiwi Asian journalism scholarship awarded

A young Filipino-New Zealander has been awarded the first Asia New Zealand Foundation Kiwi Asian Journalism Scholarship.

The successful candidate, Corazon Miller, is of Filipino and New Zealand European descent. She is bilingual in Tagalog and English.

Ms Miller is currently employed as a nurse at Auckland Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She intends to use the communication and cultural awareness skills she has acquired during her short career as a health professional to embark on her new direction as a journalist.
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“Despite our growing Asian population, New Zealand has a shortage of Asian journalists. Many of the Asian population as a result fail to identify with the mainstream media. As Asian New Zealanders it is their right to have access to the media. As a Kiwi-Asian journalist I hope that I will be able to facilitate that within their community and within the media industry,” she said.

Ms Miller has enrolled in a Post Graduate Diploma in Communications Studies with a Journalism Major at AUT University in Auckland.

The Kiwi Asian Journalism Scholarship is designed to attract more young Kiwi Asians into journalism study and to encourage increased representation of Asian communities in mainstream journalism.

A 2007 survey of New Zealand journalists undertaken by the New Zealand Journalism Training Organisation (NZJTO) showed that only about 2 percent of all journalists working in the mainstream English language news media were Asian.

The Kiwi Asian Journalism Scholarship will apply to the 2010 academic year and is for the value of $5000 to be paid on completion of Ms Miller’s course of journalism study.

The 2011 scholarship will be open for applications in August.

ends

Filipino Athletes won @ Michigan Junior World Series.


http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8730/88658470.jpg
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4514/71106499.jpg
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/9406/42660939.jpg
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/3599/12762381.jpg

I'll Take You To The Philippines featuring apl.de.ap

E4pMbskvFYk

Filipino American Will Compete in Winter Olympics

Asian Journal, Joseph Pimentel, Posted: Feb 04, 2010 Review it on NewsTrust

There will be a Filipino participating in the 21st Winter Olympics. No one (as of press time) will represent the Philippines in the upcoming Winter Olympics. But there is a Filipino American representing the United States.

Fil-Am Amanda Evora and pairs figure skating partner Mark Ladwig qualified for the Winter Olympic games after placing second at the U.S. Championships in Washington earlier this month, earning them the right to represent the United States in the pairs’ figure skating event in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC in February. Evora was born in New York City and resides in Bradenton, Fla.
http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=9ee3214534cf48d1d670ec25700f8e07

Filipino American Will Compete in Winter Olympics

Asian Journal, Joseph Pimentel, Posted: Feb 04, 2010 Review it on NewsTrust

There will be a Filipino participating in the 21st Winter Olympics. No one (as of press time) will represent the Philippines in the upcoming Winter Olympics. But there is a Filipino American representing the United States.

Fil-Am Amanda Evora and pairs figure skating partner Mark Ladwig qualified for the Winter Olympic games after placing second at the U.S. Championships in Washington earlier this month, earning them the right to represent the United States in the pairs’ figure skating event in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC in February. Evora was born in New York City and resides in Bradenton, Fla.
http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=9ee3214534cf48d1d670ec25700f8e07

There had been a few Fil Ams who had been in the Winter Olympics representing the US and winning medals along the way figure skating: Tai Babilonia, Rudy Galindo, Elisabeth Punsalan. There were other olympians of Filipino heritage, their heritage doesn't make them any more Filipino.

Filipino citizens who had participated in winter olympics, were skiers, and bob sledders, 2x (their bob sleds were named: Cory 1 and Cory 2).

Pinoy designer makes it to Project Runway (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/02/05/10/pinoy-designer-makes-it-project-runway)

A Filipino designer is on top of the pack of the new season of the hit reality television show, “Project Runway”.

Jay Sario, 31, is the first Philippine-born designer to ever make it to the show. Sario said representing Filipinos was his goal when he auditioned for Season 7 of the popular reality show.

“I'm proud to be able to represent and be part of history. I am history!” Sario said.

Sario was born and raised in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. He and his family moved to the US when he was 17.

He developed his design skills at the Honolulu Community College and the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles.

Sario said when he found out he made it to Project Runway, he was more than ready.

“The very first time I saw all 15 other designers I said to myself, ‘This is it! Bring it on!’" he said.

On the second episode, Sario won over other contestants when he created a little black dress out of burlap --- a fabric used as potato sacks.

“They're just amazed about the fact that I made burlap look like feathers and that kind of sold it," he said.

Sario gives his impression of Project Runway's host, supermodel Heidi Klum.

“She's just gorgeous. She doesn't have to do so much to look good," he said.

As for the contestants' mentor, fashion consultant Tim Gunn, Sario said, “I adore him. I respect his feedback."

He likewise revealed his favorite judges in the show. "I have to say I'm torn between Nina [Garcia] and Michael Kors."

Sario added the show pushed him to acquire new skills.

"To be able to see myself grow from the day I tried out for the show, and now...it's insane," said the Pinoy designer.

Whether he wins the coveted Project Runway title or not, Sario says he knows he will make it big as a designer.

"I need to find ways to accomplish this dream of mine. This is what I want to do. This is my calling," said Sario, who plans to launch his own line both in the US and the Philippines.

RP envoy receives award from King of Belgium (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/02/03/10/rp-envoy-receives-award-king-belgium)

A Philippine envoy recently received an award that acknowledged efforts to address the plight of overseas Filipino workers and at the same time strengthen ties between the Philippines and Belgium.

King Albert II of Belgium honored Philippine Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg Cristina Ortega with the “Order of the Crown-Class Grand Cross.” The award is said to be the equivalent of the “Order of Sikatuna” in the Philippines.

“I am also honored by the gesture of the Belgian government. It is with much pride to represent the Philippines in accepting this award. Now, we are already in the roster of recipients of this prestigious award,” said Ortega.

Consul General Roy Ecraela said the Monarch must have recognized Ortega’s exemplary and meritorious services rendered not only for her countrymen, but to the Belgian state as well.

“Napansin ang ating ambassador sa dami at bigat ng ginagawa niya para sa kapakanan ng Belgium at Pilipinas at mga kababayan natin kaya hindi na kataka-takang mabigyan siya ng parangal ni King Albert II, mga pagsisikap na mahirap pantayan ninuman”, Ecraela said.

Reports said the award is the highest grade of national decoration awarded by the Belgian Monarch to a Filipino.

Ortega, meanwhile, thanked the Filipino community for their support during her 3 year term.

“Everything will not be possible if not for the Filipino community’s help,” she said.

As her term in Belgium and Luxembourg ends, Ortega hopes that another project will be taken into consideration that will pave way for more Pinoy nurses to work in both countries.

It was learned that it was under Ortega’s term that the Belgium government finally recognized Philippine-issued drivers’ license. Filipinos with valid Philippine driver’s license can now obtain a Belgian license without taking the written and practical driving tests.

The Philippines and Belgium agreed with the exchange of procedures as both countries are signatories to the 1949 and 1968 Road Traffic Convention.

Ortega was also informed that Luxembourg will initiate microfinance projects in the Philippines.

Filipino is Oscars Designer Challenge finalist

goodnewspilipinas.com (http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=10271)
First Posted 17:19:00 02/06/2010

FILIPINO fashion designer Oliver Tolentino is raising the flag at the Oscars. He is one of 10 finalists in the “Oscars Designer Challenge,” organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Oliver-Tolentino.jpg

Tolentino, born in Bataan and educated in a fashion school in Manila, was picked based on his spring-summer collection in the Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week last October.

The entries of Tolentino and his nine rivals in the Oscar tile will be unveiled in a press showcase on February 23 at the Academy building in Beverly Hills. Video clips of the designers and their entries will be posted on the Academy’s website. Online viewers then vote and determine the winner.

Tolentino hopes his countrymen around the world will support him by voting for him online, and the winner will be announced on the Oscar pre-show, and will attend the 82nd Academy Awards show on March 7.

He is the second consecutive Filipino to be included in the shortlist. Last year, Alan del Rosario, LA-based designer from Cebu, was also a finalist.

Tolentino is a rising star in the fashion business having recently represented the Philippines with his gown that showcased piña (pineapple fiber) at the EcoChic fashion show and exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland.

The contest is such a huge honor for any designer, he said, “But to think that I expanded to the US just seven months ago… I’m pinching myself! I’ve been so blessed the past seven months—a great opening, the LA Fashion Week, and just last week, EcoChic Geneva at the UN headquarters in Switzerland alongside Diane von Furstenberg (Belgium), Thakoon (Thailand) and John Rocha (Ireland). I wasn’t there, but I was flattered that they chose my gown as the finale in their fashion show.”

EcoChic Geneva celebrated sustainable fashion and accessories to mark the UN International Year of Biodiversity. It was organized by the UN Conference on Trade and Development) and Hong Kong’s charity group, Green2greener.

In 2008, Tolentino represented the Philippines in Bali Fashion Week. He won first prize for his Carnivale parade outfit creation. His collection was also chosen as finale in the couture show on the last night.

In the recent Golden Globe Awards, Tolentino’s gowns made the red carpet scene courtesy of Margaret Gardiner, the first-ever Miss Universe from South Africa, Jannelle So, host of the popular TV talk show, ‘Kababayan LA,’ and Filipina journalist Janet Nepales.

“When someone asks what my hopes are in 2010,” said the talented designer, whose clients include Journey’s Arnel Pineda, Filipino-American actress Anna Maria Perez de Tagle and Las Vegas performer Lani Misalucha, “I must say it’s to continue introducing and promoting our local fabric and Philippine fashion.”

Pinoy designer makes it to Project Runway (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/02/05/10/pinoy-designer-makes-it-project-runway)

.

pinanood ko ung season 1 &2 nila, mga 4-5 yrs ago yata. im wondering what happened to that laos girl.

Nalaos na:D

pinanood ko ung season 1 &2 nila, mga 4-5 yrs ago yata. im wondering what happened to that laos girl.

Chloe Dao, winner of Season 2 is Vietnamese not Laotian..:)

i stand corrected then. i remember her vividly saying something about crossing laos with her ma and 8 sis's. vietnamese pala

^^ If she was a refugee from Vietnam, she would have to cross Laos to get to the refugee camps in Thailand.

Pacquiao again :)

Pacquiao to appear in '60 Minutes'
(The Philippine Star) Updated February 09, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao is being lined up for a special appearance on “60 Minutes” the long-running and award-winning television newsmagazine of CBS.

Top Rank’s main man Bob Arum, Michael Marley of The Examiner wrote yesterday, said a CBS crew will soon begin shooting clips of Pacquiao as he trains at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles for a March 13 fight.

It was not clear, however, if Pacquiao would appear on the 42-year-old program before or after his March 13 showdown with Ghana’s Joshua Clottey at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

What’s important, Arum, however, said, is that Pacquiao has truly crossed all the boundaries as the greatest boxer of his era.

“It just shows that interest in Manny has transcended sports, gone beyond that,” Arum said.

“Good Morning America on the ABC network is also going to do something on Manny. It is really phenomenal how the interest is widening on Pacman,” said the ageless boxing promoter and Harward lawyer.

Last year, as Pacquiao waged and won big battles against Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, the reigning pound-for-pound champion also scored a very big hit by landing on the cover of Time Magazine.

He also appeared at the Jimmy Kimmel Show in LA, and graced a few pages of Sports Illustrated. He was chosen as Fighter of the Decade by Ring Magazine and ESPN, and will soon be honored by the Boxing Writers Association of America. – Abac Cordero

pacquiao, please don't sing.




ktnxbye :lol:

^^ Steven Seagal wants him (PacMan) to appear in his movie too.

Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens Courted For “Spider-Man 4″

A rumor says that Vanessa will be Mary Jane in the next Spider Man, ‘Spider Man 4′ with her boyfriend, Zac Efron. Read it:

Zac Efron is set take over the role of Peter Parker in the next Spider Man feature, a well-placed source at Universal Pictures blabbed to Britain’s Daily Star on Sunday.

The High School Musical sweetheart will replace Tobey Maguire, 34, in the fourth blockbuster movie, due to start shooting later this year and scheduled to hit cinemas in 2012, according to the new report.

Universal stunned film fans late last year when the studio announced that it was firing the cast of the megabucks franchise and working on a script that would send Spidey back to high school. Producers of the Spider-Man franchise believe 22-year-old Zac –who has a huge teen following thanks to work with Disney — will bring a new, younger fan base to the Spider-Man series.

According to the report, producers are also said to be considering reuniting Zac with his High School Musical co-star — and real-life girlfriend — Vanessa Hudgens in Spidey 4. The 21-year-old brunette is tipped to replace Kirsten Dunst as Mary-Jane Watson.

sana maconfirm na :cheers:

^^from imdb.com, the rumored spiderman in the 4th and reboot movie is Logan Lerman

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0948470/

Guys check niyo yung bagong single ni Charice, title is pyramid. the club mix version is already a bubbling up entry sa billboard hot 100 and it secured the #2 breakout spot sa billboard dance charts. It's to be released this month. sana suportahan natin tong batang to. she's our best bet to global superstardom sa music industry. salamat :)

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo28/Artful_S/Sports/FREAK.jpg

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo23/smukm/Traded/scan0140.jpg

Filipino-American ace pitcher Tim Lincecum, 25, has signed with the San Francisco Giants in a two-year, $23 million deal.

Lincecum becomes the second highest paid Filipino / Filipino-American athlete next to boxing's pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao who earned close to $40 million (or PHP 1.84 billion) in 2009.

Lincecum is Major League Baseball's (MLB) most promising young pitcher whose career is off to a record-breaking start.

He has won the National League (NL) Cy Young Award as the best pitcher in the NL in two of his first three seasons.

He is the fastest pitcher in baseball history to garner his first two CY Young awards beating out all-time greats Roger Clemens and Bret Saberhagen.

Lincecum is nicknamed "The Franchise" and "The Freak" and possesses a 5'11", 172 lbs frame. He can throw a fastball in the mid-90s miles per hour (mph) that can sometimes reach 98-99 mph.

Lincecum will earn $8 million in 2010 and $13 million in 2011. He also earns a $1 million signing bonus in each year.

Lincecum's earnings from the Giants does not include any advertising and sponsorship compensation received from companies for product or service endorsements.

At 25, he is already a two-time All-Star, owns a 40-17 record, and a 2.90 ERA. He has 676 strikeouts in three big league seasons. He led the league in 2009 with 261 strikeouts and tied for the NL lead with four complete games and two shutouts.

the best talaga ang mga pilipino kahit kaylan!!!...

Chat Almarvez spotted at a number of shows in this this year's NY Fashion Week.

not a bad start...not bad at all. She walked for Diane von Furstenberg's show!

http://blogs.stylebible.ph/previewblog/2010/02/16/chat-almarvez-walks-ny-fashion-week/

Fil-Am skater bags bronze in Vancouver Winter Olympics
2/15/2010 | 0 comments »

source: Francis Santiago | mb.com.ph

John Robert Celski gave the Philippines another reason to cheer about when he won the bronze medal in the 1,500-meter short-track speed skating event of the Vancouver Winter Olympics last Sunday.

While he’s representing the United States in the event, Celski would like to spread the word that he’s proud to have a Filipino blood.

“I would love for people to know that I am Filipino. I am very proud to be Filipino. My mother is full blooded Filipino which makes me half,” Celski said in an e-mail interview last month. “Ever since I was a little kid I have been around the Filipino culture as most of my friends are Filipinos.”

The gutsy skater from Federal Way, Washington is the youngest of the three sons of a full-blooded Filipina who hails from Isabela.

Celski, who boasts of a Philippine flag tattoo on his chest, said he’s great fan of Pinoy dishes like sinigang, lechon, and Longganisa, and of course, pancit, lumpia, and adobo.

His third-placed finish was considered a great comeback considering the horrifying accident he figured in five months ago.

Celski endured a six-inch wide, two-inch deep cut on his thigh after his blades sliced through it following a full-speed crash in a US Trials, according to CNN.

Ceslki, who started to skate at age three, earned a slot in the US team and in the Games by snaring two gold, one silver and two bronze edals last year at the World Championships in Austria.

Only on his first stint in the Games, Celski will try to nail a gold medal in the 5,000m relay on February 26.

Pinay American skater excels in Vancouver Olympics
Posted on February 16th, 2010 under We are Pinoys!


After the success of JR Celski at the Olympic speed skating event, a Filipino American woman competed in the figure skating pairs competition in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics .

Amanda Evora with partner Mark Ladwig didn’t win a medal but came up with personal bests in their first ever Olympic Games.

The 25 year-old Pinay who trains in Florida, and Mark posted a personal best score for the during the competition.

Their score of 114.06 points, based on difficulty of elements and grades of execution, was their best of the season by more than 15 points. Combined with their personal best in the short program Sunday, their total score of 171.92 points put them in 10th place.

The gold medal went to Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo of China, who ended a string of dominance by Soviet and Russian skaters dating back to the 1960s. Pang Qing and Tong Jian of China won the silver and Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany the bronze.

Evora is considered to be the first person of full Filipino ancestry to represent the United States in a Winter Olympic games. Her father Vic, who attended the University of the Philippines, was born in Calapan, Mindoro. Her mother, Mary Anne was born in Ilagan, Isabela.

There have been other Winter Olympians with Filipino heritage representing the US such as Tai Babilonia (a two-time Olympian in pairs skating) and Elizabeth Punsalan (a two-time Olympian in ice dancing) but they were only a quarter and half Filipino, respectively.

Evora began skating at the age 6 and said her dream has always been to make it to the Olympics.

Evora, a five-foot, 99-pound figure skater, has been skating with Ladwig since 2002.

Their silver medals at the 2010 US Championships were their first medals earned together. Prior to that, their best finish was 4th at the US Championships, which they accomplished in 2007 and 2009.

^^ Old news (relatively speaking) about Celski and Evora; the Philippine media just caught wind of it now?

Mga atleta lang naman sa Pilipinas ang hirap na hirap makakuha ng medalya pagdating sa Olympics. :lol:

Mga atleta lang naman sa Pilipinas ang hirap na hirap makakuha ng medalya pagdating sa Olympics. :lol:

eh paano, saging, kanin at tuyo lang pinapakain ng mga atleta:lol::lol::lol: ang budget napunta sa mga pulitikong kasama:D

eh paano, saging, kanin at tuyo lang pinapakain ng mga atleta:lol::lol::lol: ang budget napunta sa mga pulitikong kasama:D

Mapolitika din ang pagpili ng mga magagaling sa atin. Dyan na rin yung Padrino system pagdating doon.

http://images.smarter.com/blogs/robinsonhoward.jpg

'Krypto-Nate' eligible for RP 5? (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=538731&publicationSubCategoryId=6)
SPORTING CHANCE By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star) Updated January 07, 2010 12:00 AM



I heard in Mo twister's morning show that when he went to the states for the NBA. he asked this guy if he's a filipino or some sort. But he then denied. Sabi lang nya na ang housekeeper ng mother nya eh pinay. LOL:nuts:

I heard in Mo twister's morning show that when he went to the states for the NBA. he asked this guy if he's a filipino or some sort. But he then denied. Sabi lang nya na ang housekeeper ng mother nya eh pinay. LOL:nuts:

sama nun ah.:nuts:

Made in RP solar car costs P5-M--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Atom Araullo, ABS-CBN News | 02/18/2010 9:42 PM


MANILA, Philippines - The dry spell caused by the El Niño phenomenon may have threatened the Philippines' water and power supply, but it has certainly powered "SIKAT," the country's second solar car.

SIKAT came at the heels of SINAG, the Philippines' first solar car which recently completed the World Solar Challenge.

Powered by solar cells, this high-tech model looks nothing like a normal car. Aside from having a carbon fiber body, SIKAT is installed with electronic cameras which serve as side and rear view mirrors.

And unlike cars that emit smoke and cause pollution, solar cars such as SIKAT do not harm the environment.

It's fast, fierce, and environment-friendly. But unfortunately, solar cars do not come cheap.

SIKAT, for one, costs a whopping P5 million. And given its size, this is not the type of car to be used for long travels.

Still, the car is a great way to promote the use of renewable energy in the Philippines, and a good source of national pride. Report from Atom Araullo, ABS-CBN News

Pinoy cell MyPhone a big hit in local market
Posted on February 18th, 2010 under Technology Milestones

MyPhone, the only Filipino owned mobile phone, is making major inroads in the local market giving branded phones such Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and other brands a run for their money.

Barely two years in the market, their sales numbers continue to increase because the phones which are dual-sim card units are a big hit with consumers, according David S. Lim, president and chief executive officer of Solid Group, the owners of the MyPhone.

He said with the growing number of units sold, they will continue to innovate and create the right mobile phone designs for Filipinos.

The company responsible for in bringing into the Philippine market electronic devices under the brand name Sony and Samsung. Among others, it also owns My Destiny Cable and Internet.

But Lim said with the phenomenon being experienced by Filipinos through social networking they thought of innovating qwerty phones that they would like their CD market to own at affordable price.

Market leaders of this type of phones he said are priced at very high costs but with the MyPhone at comparable features that any ordinary Filipino could own could do mobile networking.

Rogerick P. Fermin, president of MyTel Solutions, Inc said with MyPhone they want to uplift the Filipino standard of mobile phone usage as they want to capture the mass youth market through new social network services. My Tel is the exclusive distributor of MyPhone brand.

Citing statistics of 353.6 percent growth of social networking with Southeast Asian countries ranking third around the world, the market is moving fast, he said.

Given this he said their offering comes with compatible software for mobile networking. It has menu driven software that captures the essence of being Pinoy such as “madasalin” at it also carries Bible messages and prayers, other applications among others Facebook and MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, Gtalk.

“The buyer has a choice for better plans and the market really is thirsty for something new,” he said.

He said their kick off in Davao City of trade in of any bar phone (working or not) for a MyPhone qwerty phone for as low as P2,999 got good results and they will be moving to other cities to also touch base with their market.

Meanwhile, Lim said with their performance last year MyPhone ranked 7th among the branded phones sold in the Philippine market and they target to land in the Top 3 by end of this year.

Estimated sales in 2009 he said was at P500 million or about 400,000 phones was sold by MyPhone last year.

“This is super good for a company like us of only two years old,” he said.

Lim also said they keep on negotiating with the Telcos together with other partners in the lowering broadband cost and they expect a good response to this.

With regards to their market, he said Manila still has the biggest number of about 50 percent, 10 percent in Cebu and the remaining 40 percent is shared by the different provinces in the country.

Todate, MyPhone nationwide has 250 dealers and 30 service centers.

He said they are not afraid to compete with the giants because the market that they cater are those that are left mostly prepaid cellphone users which comprises about 98 percent of the market.

High-end phone users or those with post paid accounts are only 2 percent.

“We are not afraid to be different and we will do things that are distinct from the rest,” he said.

He said with this big market segment that is willing to go for more sophisticated software they will continue to deliver qwerty phones.

The idea of developing qwerty phones he said was their own innovations and Tinno, their manufacturer based in China, adopted the concept and is now successful in the markets of Indonesia, India, Vietnam and Turkey.

Lim said they will also explore other projects and they noticed that there is high demand for net books even as he said that with their aim of targeting the major market share to them the three Cs is important, namely Customer relations for CCD MyScreen, Communications because cellular phones will continue to be doing good, and Computers as netbooks will eventually replace the desktops.

(Story courtesy of PNA)
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=10496

^^A good example of Pinoys supporting Pinoy goods. :okay:

...we need more of this...

It would be much better if they move the manufacturing and R&D facility from China to Philippines to create more job opportunities to Filipinos.

eh paano, saging, kanin at tuyo lang pinapakain ng mga atleta:lol::lol::lol: ang budget napunta sa mga pulitikong kasama:D

^^Di lng politico...Most of the time the money that is supposed to be for our athletes "myterioulsy" disapperas when changing hands within the sport organization itself...:ohno: That's the kind of BS our national athletes have to go through...

It would be much better if they move the manufacturing and R&D facility from China to Philippines to create more job opportunities to Filipinos.

but perhaps that is their corporate strategy to maintain some price advantage... but your right, it would be much better if their manufacturing facility is based here. who knows when they have grown big and the right business atmosphere is already present here, they would now set up shop in the country. hope they would be a success story for many years ala Samsung or Sony...

but perhaps that is their corporate strategy to maintain some price advantage... but your right, it would be much better if their manufacturing facility is based here. who knows when they have grown big and the right business atmosphere is already present here, they would now set up shop in the country. hope they would be a success story for many years ala Samsung or Sony...

However, the government should act on increasing the supply and lowering the cost of electricity as well as putting more roads in place to convince them to move to the Philippines. :(

http://www.examiner.com/x-28317-Net-Buzz-Examiner~y2010m2d21-JR-Celskis-tattoo-of-the-Philippine-flag-has-created-quite-the-buzz-photo

JR Celski’s tattoo of the Philippine flag has created quite the buzz
http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID28317/images/resized_jr_celski_tattoo_pic1.jpg
February 21, 9:31 AM'Net Buzz ExaminerMarci Stone

JR Celski’s tattoo of the Philippine flag has created quite the buzz. Saturday night, after the judges decided to disqualify USA’s JR Celski from a speed skating race in which he would not have qualified anyway, JR Celski took off his t-shirt to show his tattoo. Celski was disqualifed Saturday night for pushing another speed skater off him and the other player fell out of the race.

JR Celski is Filipino by descent and the tattoo is of the Philippine flag. The tattoo has created quite the ‘net buzz Sunday because people want to know what the tattoo means.

J.R. Celski won the Bronze medal at the Short Track Men’s 1500m at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada. JR Celski has competed in other speed skating events at the 2010 Olympic Games, but hasn’t won any other medals.

^^ Plus, he's sporting the US Seal inside the sun. :okay:

that looks like germanic or polish yata. my neighbor is mostly polak...ski..ski..ski in the end,thats why that symbol looks very familiar

^^ Plus, he's sporting the US Seal inside the sun. :okay:

A certain website describe it as a Polish seal inside the Filipino sun.:)

that looks like germanic or polish yata. my neighbor is mostly polak...ski..ski..ski in the end,thats why that symbol looks very familiar
A certain website describe it as a Polish seal inside the Filipino sun.:)

That might be true as well, probably and ode to his father's heritage.

he might be! you should say, "He is"
anyway, parang may naglimpse yata akosa anc na may figure skater na haf pnay ha para sa pair skter, sino ba un?

^^ That's Amanda Evora, one half of the pairs figure skating team representing the United States. Her partner is Mark Ladwig.

haha JR CELSKI's the buzz in Vancouver right now.. not because of his bronze medal.. but because of his LARGE TATTOO on his chest.. EVERYONE IS SO CURIOUS! LOL

^^ Plus, he's sporting the US Seal inside the sun. :okay:

Here's your bald eagle. :D

http://www.heraldica.org/topics/pictures/poland.jpg

^^ actually it's polish not US

^^I think he was being sarcastic :)

oh....
i was referring to kiretoce not diz :D

aahhh
makes sense..

Filipina wins top award at London Fashion Week
First Posted 12:36:00 02/24/2010

http://images.inquirer.net/media/globalnation/articles/images/pic-02240130290886.jpg



MANILA, Philippines—Young Filipina fashion designer Mich Dulce is this year’s winner of the International Young Creative Entrepreneur (IYCE) award for fashion at the London Fashion Week.

Dulce, who was a Pinoy Big Brother participant a few years back, faced stiff competition from among young forerunners in the fashion industry but her unique creativity and international outlook gave her an edge over the other short-listed candidates.

A permanent fixture in the fashion scene since 2001, Dulce has studied extensively in the best fashion schools around the world like Central St. Martins and London School of Fashion in the United Kingdom and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. She has also had the opportunity to intern for such big names in fashion like Marjan Pejoski, Jessica Ogden, and Susan Cianciolo.

Since studying the art of hat making in 2005, she has unleashed a flurry of delightful headpieces onto Manila’s runways, as well as for theater and various individuals, eccentric or not. All her hats are handmade, exquisitely molded, and always with a whimsical touch that makes it distinctly her own, whether it’s her geometric experimentation, her unusually sculpted fabric, or her unconventional use of materials.

In 2009, Dulce expanded her skill set by studying the art of period corsetry to complement her entry into the bridal market in the same year.

The IYCE win is just one of the many accomplishments Dulce has tucked under her belt. In 2002, she was a finalist for the Paris Young Designer’s Competition and 1st runner-up in the Mega Young Designer’s Competition. In 2004 she was nominated for Revolutionary Designer of the Year at the MTV Style Awards, and in 2007 she won the Fashion Designer of the Year Award for Street Wear at the Mega Fashion Awards.

As the official Philippine entry, Dulce was sent on a 10-day all expenses paid trip to the UK where she met industry professionals and toured leading organizations in the fashion industry. The UK trip culminated with her attending London Fashion Week, together with fellow contestants from Bangladesh, India, Libya, Lithuania, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Turkey. It was there that she was announced the winner.

Dulce will receive grant money of 5,000 pounds to be used on a collaborative project with the British Council.

Charlene Almarvez (1st runner up Ford Supermodel of the World) at NY Fashion Week
Image Source (http://blogs.stylebible.ph/previewblog/2010/02/16/chat-almarvez-walks-ny-fashion-week/)

http://blogs.stylebible.ph/previewblog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/chat-for-lacoste.jpg

http://blogs.stylebible.ph/previewblog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/chat-for-cynthia-steffe2.jpg

http://blogs.stylebible.ph/previewblog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/chat-for-cynthia-steffe.jpg

http://blogs.stylebible.ph/previewblog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/chat-for-DVF.jpg

http://blogs.stylebible.ph/previewblog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/chat-for-rachel-comey.jpg

http://blogs.stylebible.ph/previewblog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/chat-for-DVF-beauty.jpg

^^ she had 12 shows including diane von furstenberg. a very great first fashion week. she should do milan and paris.

^^ actually 13 shows at NYFW :D. she opened Suno's show :) Elite is handling her both in Milan and Paris but i haven't seen her yet in any show at Milan...hopefully, she'll get shows at Paris FW.

that looks like germanic or polish yata. my neighbor is mostly polak...ski..ski..ski in the end,thats why that symbol looks very familiar

http://www.examiner.com/x-28317-Net-Buzz-Examiner~y2010m2d21-JR-Celskis-tattoo-of-the-Philippine-flag-has-created-quite-the-buzz-photo

JR Celski’s tattoo of the Philippine flag has created quite the buzz
http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID28317/images/resized_jr_celski_tattoo_pic1.jpg
February 21, 9:31 AM'Net Buzz ExaminerMarci Stone

JR Celski’s tattoo of the Philippine flag has created quite the buzz. Saturday night, after the judges decided to disqualify USA’s JR Celski from a speed skating race in which he would not have qualified anyway, JR Celski took off his t-shirt to show his tattoo. Celski was disqualifed Saturday night for pushing another speed skater off him and the other player fell out of the race.

JR Celski is Filipino by descent and the tattoo is of the Philippine flag. The tattoo has created quite the ‘net buzz Sunday because people want to know what the tattoo means.

J.R. Celski won the Bronze medal at the Short Track Men’s 1500m at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada. JR Celski has competed in other speed skating events at the 2010 Olympic Games, but hasn’t won any other medals.

Tulad ni Robert Jaworksi. :lol::lol:

Pinoy drink C2 Green Tea now a global brand

credits to goodnewspilipinas

http://th02.deviantart.net/fs11/300W/i/2006/193/a/6/C2_Ad_by_JIMABRIL.jpg

The country’s popular ready-to-drink green tea, C2 Green Tea, is now spreading Pinoy taste around the globe.

“Universal Robina Corporation (URC) is proud that this Filipino-made product has penetrated markets in other countries,” said Edwin Totanes, URC’s VP and business unit general manager for RTD beverages.

A Pinoy favorite

Since its introduction in the market, C2 has become a popular drink among Filipinos. Its seven flavors are now preferred thirst-quenchers as people pair them with almost any type of food, or just drink them on their own. As C2 advocates an active lifestyle, people can be seen conveniently carrying re-sealable bottles almost everywhere they go: schools, offices, gyms, malls and houses. C2 even comes in a 1.5 liter bottle that’s ideal for a small group or party. Suffice to say, C2 has become the drink of choice for many. Its delectable taste, array of variants (including sugar free), and the fact that it is brewed from 100% natural tea leaves and bottled on the same day cemented its position in the Philippine market as the healthy and refreshing RTD green tea.

C2 goes global

C2 began to widen its reach in 2006, introducing its authentic green tea taste to Vietnam. The tea-drinking country went gaga over the delectable beverage, with skyrocketing sales over the past three years. Demand has been so strong that URC put up its first C2 line outside the Philippines, namely in Vietnam, and expanded production in 2009. C2 is now the market leader in ready-to-drink tea in Ho Chi Minh.

Within the region, C2 is now readily available in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia as well. And through URC’s export division, C2 has tapped more than 20 countries across the globe including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, South Pacific Islands, Papua New Guinea, United Kingdom and Cyprus, making C2 a favored drink not only of Filipinos, but of other nationalities as well. Its aim is to give the world a beverage that best fits today’s dynamic, on-the-go and health-conscious lifestyle.

Reaching as far as the North American market, URC made it possible for foreigners to get a taste of premium RTD green tea that’s 100% Pinoy.

Today, the Filipinos are being joined by other countries in attesting to the quality taste and refreshment that C2 provides. The favorite bottled drink has truly come a long way from its roots in the Philippines to spread the joy of living a cool and clean life all over the world. For more information about C2 going global, just visit www.thec2life.com.

Send it to America!!! I'd like to see it in local 7Eleven markets.

I could go for a C2 right about now....