In the News: Proudly Pinoy [Archive] - Page 9

-TC-

September 21st, 2008, 09:06 PM

I just found out that Chris Chua, the Fil-Am animator featured in the August 20 Philippine Daily Inquirer article "A Pinoy at Pixar", is actually my cousin William's son. I posted that article in Proudly Pinoy Thread 2 last month and didn't even notice that is was a feature of a relative of mine until I was told about it by my cousin yesterday. Geez I didn't know that Chris already joined Pixar and even though his picture accompanied the article, I failed to recognize him coz I didn't know how he looked like now. Their family left Manila to go to the States 19 years ago when he was just 10 years old.

Anyway, Chris... CONGRATS! :applause:

Here is a repost of the feature article:

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20080819-155640/A-Pinoy-at-Pixar

A Pinoy at Pixar

Philippine Daily Inquirer
08/19/2008

LOS ANGELES, California—Chris Chua, 29-year-old Filipino-American animator at Pixar Animation Studios, makes things look easy.

When we interviewed him at Pixar’s sprawling Emeryville office, Chris casually rattled off things about his career. Unintentionally, he made his rise in the animation world sound simple—which, of course, was not.

“I went to California Institute of the Arts in Valencia for college, joined DreamWorks, transferred to Pixar and then got assigned to do my first Pixar movie, which is ‘Wall-E,’ ” he said.

He added, “I always look forward to coming to work because the people I work with here are just so passionate about everything.” And so is Chris.

“It’s great working here,” he stressed. “Everyday, no matter how tired I am, I always look forward to coming to work.”

Loving it

“Work” for Chris means doing what he loves, donning casual clothes everyday, or riding a bike, scooter or rollerblades around the office. In his “free time,” he may take some “enrichment” courses at Pixar University.

“Wall-E,” the latest film from Academy Award-winning writer-director Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo”), is about the last robot left on earth to clean up the trash that mankind has left behind. It is a very timely and relevant movie about the environment.

Chris, who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2-D Animation from Cal Arts, explained the look of “Wall-E,” which is unlike other Pixar movies: It is monochromatic at times and has almost no dialogue in some scenes—an animator’s dream, or nightmare.

“Some animations are bleak and have a doomsday feel to them,” Chris said. “For ‘Wall-E,’ I think there are moments when it is very colorful and entertaining. For me, it is totally a dream project because, as an animator, you are taught that pantomime comes first. All the great scenes happen when you turn off the volume and you know exactly what is going on even without sound coming from the characters’ mouths. The visuals take center stage. We do not have to deal with voices. Just the fact that these emotions can come from this little robot with simple eyes is fulfilling—you can do so much with so little.”

Chris, who got married last year, joined the Pixar team last November as a fix animator for “Wall-E.” He takes shots from the films that have already been animated and polishes them up for final use.

He explained his job further: “Mainly, I assist the animator. For example, you have an animator who has Wall-E going left and right on the screen, but he wants him to go a little slower. So he would come to me and ask me to make Wall-E slow down. I already have the main scene going on in front of me. I just need to adjust it. Sometimes it is very easy, like they will say, ‘Okay, add one blink here.’ Other times, it is more involved and they will completely change everything. I will have to do those changes as well. Then I get them approved by my supervisor. If it’s a bigger change, then the director has to see it since it’s his movie.”

The animator, born in Manila to a Chinese father and a half-Filipino mother, moved to the US at age 10. He said he’s the only artist in the family. Dad William is a banker while mom Juliet was a secretary.

It was during high school that Chris discovered his love for drawing. “I loved to draw and enjoyed watching cartoons and movies,” he recalled. “My teacher told me that I could do this for a living. She said that there is a school in Southern California called the California Institute for the Arts. I think it was right before high school ended when I saw ‘Toy Story.’ That changed everything for me. That was when I set my goal of becoming an animator. Once I had seen more Pixar films, I got more convinced.”

Asked if it was hard for him as a Filipino-Chinese to break into Hollywood, Chris replied, “In this profession, especially animation, it’s not so much about race. There is no real race barrier. It is just about how much work you put in.”

Previous work

Prior to joining Pixar, Chris worked as an animator at DreamWorks Animation on various projects, including “Sinbad,” “Shark Tale” and “Flushed Away.” In the Bay Area, he had a short stint at LucasArts working on the video game project, “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.”

“Wall-E” is his first Pixar movie.

He recently got promoted as animator on Pixar’s latest film, “UP” which will be directed by Pete Docter (“Monsters Inc.”) and is due out next May. He and wife Joy recently moved from Emeryville to North Berkeley where they just bought a house.

Asked how it was working with director Andrew Stanton, Chris said, “Andrew knows what he wants. He may feel things out a couple of times as he will see it and say, ‘That’s not what I want, let us do this.’ But a lot of times, he has a good eye for filmmaking and detail. With him, a movie almost feels like a live-action film just with the way the camera moves.”

As for the Pixar culture, Chris exclaims, “It’s great!” He added, “The movies they make here are ‘director-driven’ as opposed to ‘public-driven.’ In the same way that I am more passionate when something comes from the heart. You feel like when it comes from the director’s soul, you feel like it comes across. That, more than anything else, is what makes Pixar great.”

-TC-

September 22nd, 2008, 03:42 PM

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp/?p=2721

Charice earns rave reviews from NYTimes, NY Post

www.goodnewspilipinas.com

Fresh from the success of her performance in the concert of international pop star Celine Dion at Madison Square Garden, sixteen-year-old Charice continues to gain more fans after two major newspapers, the New York Times and the New York Post, heaped praises on her performance last September 15.

In an article published September 16, reviewer Jon Caramanica of The New York Times described Charice’s voice as “impressive” and praised the young diva for giving a rougher, more emotional edge to her performance of Dion’s hit song “Because You Loved Me.”

“They performed ‘Because You Loved Me’, though Ms. Dion mostly stayed out of the way as Ms. Pempengco explored the song’s heretofore unheard rougher edges, with ample gesticulations and melisma.

“As Ms. Pempengco brought the crowd to its feet, Ms. Dion struck poses behind her: awestruck wonder, heartfelt empathy, ambient triumph,” the New York Times review read.

A separate review written by Dan Aquilante of the New York Post described Charice’s performance as the brightest moment of the Celine Dion concert.

“One of the most interesting turns in this show was the MSG debut of 16-year-old vocal prodigy Charice Pempengco, whose manager, Oprah Winfrey - that’s right - secured the Philippine singer a duet with Celine for the song ‘Because You Loved Me.’

“The Charice segment was the night’s brightest moment. The teen was able to blast notes with Celine-like power, but she was also able to get in touch with the song’s emotions,” the review read.

Online videos of Charice’s performance at the Dion concert showed people giving a standing ovation to the young Filipina after the duet.

Before they performed, Dion introduced Charice to the audience as a Filipina whose voice “can literally blow the roof off Madison Square.”

“Charice vowed to save her mom from a life of desperation and despair. You know, through prayers and dreams and God-given talent, an incredible voice, Charice entered and won every singing contest in her native country and eventually, was noticed by such influential people such as Oprah and Oprah took her under her wings and David Foster joined in,” Dion said.

She said she invited Charice as a guest to her concert after seeing the girl perform on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

After inviting Charice to the stage, Dion praised the vocal prodigy and asked if she was nervous. When Charice answered yes, Dion said she always remembered to take the advice given by her manager and future husband, Rene Angelil, when she first started singing at the age of 12.

“He told me ‘Celine, I know you’re nervous. Don’t be scared. You love to sing. When you go up there, you’ll be nervous. Don’t be.’ I will give you an image that you can think about. Think that all the people you see in front of you are your brothers and sisters. You are singing in your living room and it’s your family,” Dion told Charice.

Charice then said that she was ready to sing and dedicated their song to her mother, Raquel.

Ever the gracious performer, Dion let Charice take the lead in the song - allowing the young singer to show off her vocal prowess that brought the house down.

“You did amazing, and the roof of the Madison (blew) up tonight,” Dion said after the performance, adding that she could not wait until Charice had her own concert in Madison Square Garden.

“When you do perform in Madison Square, are you going to invite me? I love you and I can not wait to be with you to perform here for a whole concert,” she added before Charice left the stage to more applause.

‘The Most Talented Girl in the World’

Charice’s whirlwind rise to popularity started after YouTube videos of her jaw-dropping performances caught the attention of popular US TV host Ellen Degeneres. Her performance at the “Ellen Degeneres Show” later led to appearances in the Oprah Winfrey show as well as performances with international stars Michael Buble and Josh Groban.

Charice also performed with renowed tenor Andrea Bocelli in his hometown in Italy.

In the episode titled “Dream Comes True”, Oprah tracked the rags-to-riches story of Charice starting with how she once witnessed how her father almost killed her mother in a fit of rage before neighbors stopped him.

Charice said it was then that she and her mom decided to live their own lives away from their father. Charice’s mom worked 16-hour days, six days a week to make ends meet while Charice signed up for more than 80 contests to help her mother.

“I really want[ed] to help Mom,” she told Oprah. “When I’m joining singing contests, and I won some $50, she was, like, ‘Okay, we’re going to have some food for one month, and we’re very happy.’”

She was later able to save enough of her contest winnings to help her mother pay for an apartment. In 2005, she joined the ABS-CBN talent contest “Little Big Star” where she placed 2nd runner-up to contest winner Sam Concepcion.

The series of YouTube videos posted by an avid fan later led to Charice performing at Star King, a famous talent show in South Korea, on October 2007.

But it was Charice’s performance in the Oprah Winfrey Show last May that cemented her claim to fame. After hearing Charice sing, Oprah said she couldn’t get the little girl with the big voice out of her head and invited her back to the show.

Instead of flying back to the Philippines after her appearance on The Oprah Show, producers pulled Charice off the plane and brought her back to Harpo Studios. Then, Oprah called legendary producer David Foster to see what the starmaker could do for Charice.

Oprah, who once called Charice “The Most Talented Girl in the World”, says she is impressed not just with Charice’s voice but with her attitude in life.

“One of the things I love most about Charice is that no matter what obstacles she’s faced in her life, she’s never given up on her dream of something better,” Oprah said.

Story courtesy of ABS-CBN News.

IslandSon.PH

September 22nd, 2008, 04:26 PM

PEP: Himala is one of CNN-UK's top 18 Asian films

Twenty-six years after it was shown in the Philippines, Nora Aunor's Himala is once again in the spotlight. The 1982 Ishmael Bernal film about a faith healer is the only Filipino film that entered the Best Asian Films of all Time chosen by CNN UK (United Kingdom).

The writer of this piece, Mairi Mackay, points out that Asia is home to 4 billion people in 70 countries. As such, it responsible for half of the world's film output.

The Ishmael Bernal movie is cited for having "austere camera work, haunting score and accomplished performances sensitively portray the harsh social and cultural conditions that people in the third world endure."

In Himala (which translates to Miracle), Nora Aunor portrayed Elsa, a simple barrio lass who believes that she has seen apparitions of the Virgin Mary--allowing her to go on a healing crusade in her small town.

Locally, Himala won nine of 11 awards given at the 1982 Metro Manila Filmfest including Best Story/Screenplay, Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, and Best Production Design.

Written by Ricky Lee, this dramatic film also won the Bronze Hugo Award during the 19th edition of the Chicago Film Festival.

ASIA'S BEST. The other entries are works of acclaimed Asian directors such as Akira Kurosawa (Ikiru, 1952) and Wong Kar-Wai (In the Mood for Love, 2000). CNN grouped New Zealand as part of Asia and came up with 2 entries for this list: Whale Rider (2002) and Utu (1983).

Mother India (1957) was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film of the Academy Awards. Others were shortlisted for the Cannes Film Fest such as In The Mood for Love (2000).

Some of the films chosen proved to have a major influence on Hollywood films. Japan's 1998 film Shall We Dansu? is the basis of the 2004 Hollywood flick starring Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere. A Touch of Zen (1969), a kung fu movie from Hong Kong/Taiwan, had a massive influence on Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon starring Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh.

Completing the list are The Ballad of Narayama (1958), The Host (South Korea, 2006), Syndrome and a Century (Thailand, 2006), Still Life (China, 2006), Shower (China, 1999), Infernal Affairs (Hong Kong/China, 2002), Mandala (South Korea, 1981), To Live (China, 1994), When the Tenth Month Comes (Vietnam, 1984), and Gabbeh (Iran, 1996). - Philippine Entertainment Portal

icarusrising

September 24th, 2008, 08:00 AM

Here's the link:

http://www.gmanews.tv/video/29039/QTV-UP-Singing-Ambassadors-win-awards-in-Europe

icarusrising

September 24th, 2008, 08:33 AM

UP Singing Ambassadors bring home 12 awards (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/122385/UP-Singing-Ambassadors-bring-home-12-awards#)

Article posted September 23, 2008 - 10:08 PM
MANILA, Philippines — Eight months of rigid training finally resulted in a bountiful harvest for the University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors (UPSA), who returned home on Tuesday with 12 awards from prestigious choral competitions in Europe.

UPSA bagged awards from five different choral competitions in France, Hungary, Poland, Switzerland, and Wales in the United Kingdom.

The awards include two grand prizes, seven 1st prizes, three 3rd prizes, plus five grand prize qualifications.

In an interview with GMA News’ 24 Oras program, UPSA founder and conductor Ed Manguiat said he never doubted that his group would not return home empty-handed becayse of the time and effort they poured into the undertaking long before their journey.

“Of course, before the competition everybody was nervous but definitely we’re already on," Manguiat said in an interview with GMANews' reporter Aubrey Carampel.

“We always did our best … that’s why we won first prizes and grand prizes," Manguiat added.

He said the group underwent eight months of strict rehearsals before jumping into the competition proper.

"We studied about 70 difficult songs and then in one competition we even sang about 24 songs and everything was difficult."

The group even rehearsed singing in different languages, like French, Hungarian, German, and Italian, the report said.

The group also hinted a double celebration following the triumph of their member, Gretchen Espina, the 20-year-old girl who was crowned as the country’s very first Pinoy Idol.

Pinoy Idol is a reality-based singing competition produced by GMA Network and FreeMantle — a franchise of the hit reality show American Idol.

As ambassadors, the group also staged a concert in Europe in their bid to promote goodwill, the report said.

The UPSA was initially formed as the Kalayaan Choral Crowd, a freshman dormitory choir of the Kalayaan Residence Hall at the University of the Philippines' Diliman campus. It was later reorganized as the University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors in 1980. - GMANews.TV

icarusrising

September 25th, 2008, 05:53 AM

Pinoy scientist at NASA is also top tattoo artist...

http://www.gmanews.tv/video/29113/Pinoy-scientist-at-NASA-is-also-top-tattoo-artist

icarusrising

September 25th, 2008, 03:08 PM

UP Singing Ambassadors rock Europe (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/09/25/08/singing-ambassadors-rock-europe)

By RAQUEL BERNAL-CRISOSTOMO, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau | 09/25/2008 3:46 PM
After winning several awards in Europe, University of the Philippines Singing Ambassadors (UPSA) recently held a two-day concert in Verviers and Liege, provinces of Belgium, to conclude its successful 5th European tour.

In both performances, the country’s multi-awarded choir earned nothing but accolades and received standing ovations.

Victor Penay, a Belgian who watched the concert admitted being mesmerized with the group’s magical voice.

“The performance was really in a good level and I appreciate it very much. It was spectacular and I like the group so much”, he said with fascination.

‘Without any faults’

The crowd was simply amazed with the group’s ability to sing songs in foreign languages such as Denn er Hat Seinen Engeln Befohlen (Dutch), Mundi renovation (Italian) and La Vie En Rose (French).

Eric Humblet, another European, could not believe that UP Singing Ambassadors can spontaneously sing in various languages.

“What impressed me a lot , is the fact that they (UPSA) sing Italian, Dutch, or in French without any faults”, he said.

The audience, some even came all the way from Germany and Luxembourg, were almost moved from their seat when the country’s premiere choir sang Kalesa, Galawgaw and Joyful which is from the film Sister Act.

But the group’s rendition of The Prayer, This is the Moment, You Raised Me Up and Dahil sa ‘yo captured everyone’s heart.

With this, Pinoys lauded the UPSA with great pride and recognition.

“Proud ako sa mga Pinoy sapagkat ipinapakita nila ang lahat ng kanilang kakayahan sa pagkanta, sa pagsayaw at talagang galing sa puso nila” , Annaliza Pastor, a Filipino immigrant said in an interview with ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau.

Ed Manguiat, founder and conductor of UPSA, for his part said he felt blessed with all the recognition and support they received from Filipino communities in various parts of the world.

“Sa inyong mga tumulong, di po magkakaroon ng katuparan ang aming mga minimithi upang magpatuloy ang marangal na pagtayog na pagtingin sa ating lahing pilipino na mayamang-mayaman sa kultura”, he said

On the other hand, UPSA is thankful to have in their concert La Cigalle, Belgium’s local choir.

UPSA wins awards in Europe

The group bagged 2 grand prizes, 7 first prizes and 3 third prizes from different choral competitions in France, Czech Republic, Spain and Italy.

They also paid visits to the Home for the Aged in Switzerland and France, Regional Prison in Strasburg, France and Cancer Institute in Italy.

UPSA took the opportunity to conduct workshops in some schools in France and Greece.

as of 09/25/2008 3:46 PM

OtAkAw

September 26th, 2008, 05:39 PM

^^Iba pa ba yan sa UP Madrigal Singers?

Lili

September 27th, 2008, 06:33 AM

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff158/ECdoesit3/AngelinaJoliedoll.jpg

The £2,000 Angelina Jolie doll that's 'so lifelike it's creepy'
By Olinka Koster
Last updated at 8:45 AM on 08th September 2008
The Daily Mail.
United Kingdom

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1053243/The-2-000-Angelina-Jolie-doll-thats-lifelike-creepy.html

Painstakingly painted, she has perfect make-up and has even been treated to a manicure and pedicure.

But what is even more extraordinary is the £2,000 a private bidder has paid for this Angelina Jolie doll on auction site eBay.

Starting with an ordinary doll, artist Noel Cruz removed the factory paint and repainted the figurine using acrylics after he was inspired by the 'enigmatic beauty' of Brad Pitt's partner.

After contouring the eyes, eyebrows and lips to achieve her look, he fitted the doll with a long brown wig and added a glamorous dress - which is not included in the price.

Cruz, who specialises in painting dolls to look like celebrities, admitted there was another thing missing - Miss Jolie's tattoos.

These can be painted at an extra cost of between £10 and £20, depending on the complexity of the design.

Not everyone seemed delighted with the doll.

One comment on an online forum said: 'The Angie doll is pretty realistic and creepy. I think the doll's arms are still fatter than Angie's real arms. Unfortunately, Noel forgot to attach a halo over her head.'

Another said: 'Wow, who purchased this? 'They must have money to throw away.

The doll is hand painted by artist Noel Cruz who first removed the factory paint.

'I can see why someone would want to get their child an Angelina doll, but I couldn’t let my child break the arm or even get the doll dirty.'

Cruz, who is from the Philippines, began taking commissions for portraits at 16. He was inspired to turn his talents to dolls when he was looking for one to add to his wife's collection, and came across several that had been repainted to resemble different likenesses.

Mercato

September 27th, 2008, 01:19 PM

Hmmm... reminds me of those inflatable love dolls... Would also be nice if she was into black leather, handcuffs and a whip... :D

amigo32

September 28th, 2008, 03:19 AM

Hmmm... reminds me of those inflatable love dolls... Would also be nice if she was into black leather, handcuffs and a whip... :D

meron ka noon?:D
naunsa na ni oi!:D

icarusrising

September 28th, 2008, 05:27 AM

^^Iba pa ba yan sa UP Madrigal Singers?

Yup iba pa yun. Meron pang UP Concert Chorus.

RonnieR

September 28th, 2008, 07:43 AM

By Margie Quimpo-Espino
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:12:00 09/27/2008

THINK OFW AND THE USUAL image that comes to mind is a Filipina working as a DH or domestic helper abroad or a Filipino seaman plying the different oceans and seas.

Not known to many is that there is a big segment of Filipinos working as professionals overseas who are making waves in their current countries of residence.

The Inquirer recently got to know two such Filipinos in Australia who are occupying top positions in the land down under.

Beyond the Australian dream

Millie Telan was a young accountant who applied for migration to Australia in the early 1980s.

She says some friends had applied for migration and were rejected so they urged her to try. She was accepted.

“I did not know anything about Australia when I came,” she recalls.

Some 25 years later, Millie is a partner in a midsized Australian law firm, Thomson Playford Cutlers. Her field of expertise is tax law, one of the most complex legal areas, not just in Australia but in the world.

Millie got her break in Australia courtesy of a client she had when she was still employed in a law firm in Manila. She was with the finance department then and that client who was based in Australia told her to look him up if she ever came to Sydney.

She arrived in Sydney on a Sunday and immediately rang her client the next day to take him up on his offer. Right there and then, he asked her: “When can you start?”

A workaholic with a passion to learn, Millie pursued a Masters of Commerce in Legal Studies and Tax from the University of New South Wales. She was able to get credits for some of her MBA courses at the Ateneo but because she was studying part time, she finished the program in six years.

“I had a good employer. He allowed me two afternoons a week to go to the university,” she says.

Not content with her postgraduate degree, she pursued a Bachelor of Laws in the same university, also on a part-time basis.

On top of her studies, she worked out five times a week.

“With my type of work, you sit and read. There is no physical activity. A lot of exercise kept me fit and sane,” she explains.

Millie, however, downplays her achievements even if today, she is the only Asian partner in her law firm. She is also the first female president of the Australia-Philippines Business Council Inc., an association aimed at helping firms or businessmen do business in the two countries.

She also did not want to delve too much into difficulties she experienced as an Asian building a career in a foreign land. She simply says that hard work helps.

She cites, “Australians are frank. You have to understand the differences in the culture.”

While many Australians are still working on their Australian dream, Millie has already achieved it. Still single, she lives in a 660-square-meter home in one of the expensive areas of Sydney, plus she rents out a smaller home.

But still, she takes the bus or the train to go to work and to meetings.

And like many Filipinos who spent their careers in foreign lands, she hopes to retire in her hometown in Isabela.

Seeking investments in the Philippines

Eduardo Alcordo is a Filipino-Australian investment banker, complete with suspenders and pin-stripe suit with his initials embroidered on his shirt, who is looking to invest in energy in the Philippines.

He is a director of First Pacific Capital Underwriters Pty Ltd., an Australian investment banking firm with holdings in China and the Philippines. It was set up in 1989 by Alcordo and Australian investors.

He studied high school in the Philippines after finishing his elementary education at the Jose Abad Santos Memorial School. He lived with relatives while in the United States.

Come college, he spent a couple of years at the University of the Philippines but eventually went to Australia because “you get high quality education but cheaper” than in the United States. Graduate school for his MBA, however, found him back in the United States.

He gave Wall Street a try after his MBA but Australia beckoned. It was compelling to go back to Australia, he says, citing the opportunities that came more often in the continent than in New York.

He jokes that in Australia, with $500 million, you can move the market by one to two percent. In Wall Street, he says, you may have $1 billion and you will hardly make a dent.

First Pacific, which has about eight power plants under contract, was one of the bidders for National Transmission Co., which owns and operates the transmission lines in the country. It qualified up to the second round of bidding but decided not to pursue it.

He did not say why the group did not pursue the bid, but says that : “You bid at your own risk but the major barrier to the cost of doing business is if the project is not awarded.”

Although, he acknowledges the difficulties of doing business in the Philippines, no different from the usual complaints of investors—bureaucracy, uncertain policies and directions—Alcordo says, “the Philippine experience is not all that bad. There are risks but there are returns. We see it as an expensive place to get into but the returns are good.”

First Pacific Capital recently set up a biomass power plant in Queensland, Australia.

He says that this is the first venture into indigenous fuel use and he says there are plans to put up a similar plant in the Philippines.

“The issue is fuel sustainability. What we’re looking at in the Philippines is transmission and fuel,” he says, “If you locate the plant to the user, you have less use for transmissions. We are also mindful of the indigenous fuel the country has, such as coconut.”

Alcordo admits security remains an issue facing investors doing business in the Philippines.

“What is most likely to happen is you have private firms riding at the back of multilateral lending agencies investing in the country so that you have “governments fronting if something goes wrong,” he says.

But he remains bullish about opportunities in the Philippines. And with First Pacific taking on the symbol of the sea horse, which means “in troubled times the sea horse will float”, it is now the best time to go to the Philippines.

FlashCollider

September 30th, 2008, 02:44 AM

^^ Ahhhhhh nakaka tense naman pankinggan mag english si charice. :lol:

I just don't know why she needs to make that funny accent as well. Her accent is okay and still intelligible. Making that funny accent just makes it weird sounding especially when Oprah had this subtitles on her video while she was talking about her ordeal. Her first appearance in Ellen was great, she still wowed the audience with her FILIPINO accent. I hope she will let her oral communication skill develop naturally so it wouldn’t sound funny.

Anyway she's great and I’m happy that she's fulfilling her dream. I hope no more drama after the Madison stint and let her talent do the talking.

icarusrising

September 30th, 2008, 07:55 AM

Inang Yaya bags award in Int’l Children’s film fest in Israel (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/123946/Inang-Yaya-bags-award-in-Intl-Childrens-film-fest-in-Israel#)

SOPHIA DEDACE, GMANews.TV

Article posted September 30, 2008 - 01:11 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Unitel Productions’s Inang Yaya (Mother Nanny) on Sunday won the Children’s Jury Award in the 4th International Children’s Film Festival held in Tel Aviv, Israel.

A statement from the Foreign Affairs Department said that the film starring Maricel Soriano was chosen by the children who composed the official jury of the festival.

The child jurors explained they gave Inang Yaya the award because they were able to identify themselves in the movie.

Inang Yaya was the featured film at the opening ceremonies of the film festival at the Tel Aviv Cinemateque on September 24.

A special screening of Inang Yaya for the Filipino community was held after the closing ceremonies on September 27. The Filipino community in Israel came in droves to show their support for the film.

Michal Matus, festival director, hailed the Filipino film as one of the best films shown in the four years of the festival.

"The exposure to content dealing with children and families combined artistic and educational value is an important milestone, both currently and in the future," Matus said.

The Tel Aviv International Children’s Festival is aimed at increasing awareness of the needs and dreams of the younger generation, to deepen their viewing grasp and contribute to the lively cultural dialogue among countries in the world.

The Festival likewise awarded two individual prizes during the conclusion of the event to films from Germany and the Netherlands.

Max Minsky and Me from Germany received the Adult Jury Award while Dunya and Daisy from the Netherlands received the Cisej (A Canadian Organization supporting Children’s Welfare) Award.

On behalf of Unitel Productions, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Petronila Garcia accepted the award from Gila Almagor, First Lady of the Israeli Theater and Cinema. - GMANews.TV

shyaman

September 30th, 2008, 10:22 AM

A Filipina made it to Time Magazine's HEROES OF THE ENVIRONMENT for 2008: JURGENNE PRIMAVERA

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/scan0009-1.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q128/shyaman_king/scan0010.jpg

icarusrising

October 1st, 2008, 03:36 AM

PEP: Three Filipino films win in Bangkok film fest (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/123738/PEP-Three-Filipino-films-win-in-Bangkok-film-fest#)

Article posted September 29, 2008 - 04:18 PM
Just a few days after winning two awards in the 6th International Pacific Meridian Film Festival in Russia, Brillante Mendoza was once again honored in an international film fest. Brillante, first-time filmmaker Francis Xavier Pasion, and John Torres were among the directors who won in the recently concluded Bangkok International Film Festival.

The sixth edition of the Bangkok IFF took place from September 23 to 30 in Thailand. Ferdy Lapuz, one of the producers of Serbis, say that this film won the Golden Kinnaree Award in the Southeast Asian competition at the Bangkok IFF. Serbis shows the life of a family who operate a run-down movie house showing sex flicks in Pampanga. Gina Pareño, Julio Diaz, Jaclyn Jose, Coco Martin, and Kristoffer King are some of the stars who topbill this award-winning film.

The Cinemalaya 2008 entry Jay, directed by Francis Xavier Pasion, bagged the Special Mention Award in the main competition category. Baron Geisler and Coco Martin appear in this film about a TV producer creating a documentary about a homosexual teacher.

John Torres' Years When I was A Child Outside won special mention in the Southeast Asian competition. This 2007 Cinemanila International Film Festival entry is also known for its alternative title is Taon noong ako'y anak sa labas.

According to the official website of the Bangkok IFF, the Golden Kinnaree Award "symbolizes the creative spirit—looking to the future, while respecting the achievements and traditions of the past—flying between the worlds of reality and imagination." This award was won by Brillante Mendoza for Serbis.

The winners were chosen by a six-member jury panel, including Thailand-based, Lao-Australian-ethnic actor Ananda Everingham, Swedish festival artistic director Martial Knaebel and Singaporean director Eric Khoo. The Bangkok IFF has two divisions: the main competition and Southeast Asian competition, each featuring 10 films from the world and the region.

The Bangkok IFF screened around 80 films from over 40 countries during its week-long run. - Philippine Entertainment Portal

IslandSon.PH

October 6th, 2008, 04:42 AM

Welcome to my chicken feather house - new eco building material:cheers:

A scientist in the Philippines has created a new composite building board made of chicken feathers that could be a major breakthrough for the construction industry in Asia.

The new material would be resistant to the area's armies of termites, and could also solve a major environment problem in the Philippines by providing a way to dispose of millions of kilos of waste feathers each year.

The work by Professor Menandro Acda is being heralded as economically and environmentally sound. It is made of compressed cement and chicken feathers and could be widely used for housing, replacing boards now made with wood chips, which are easily ruined by hungry insects.

Feathers contain keratin, which the termites cannot digest. 'They are resistant to insect infestation such as termites because the feathers are inedible,' said Acda. 'They are also not as flammable or combustible as conventional cement and wood-fibre composite boards,' he added.

Although more research needs to be done, Acda said the feather boards could be used for paneling, ceilings and as insulation but not for weight-bearing building components like walls or pillars.

He said it would also solve the significant problem of disposing of the 2.4 million tons of feathers produced each year by the Philippines poultry industry, while doing less damage to the environment.

Conventional waste disposal methods such as burning, burial or recycling the feathers for use in low-quality animal feeds are regarded as undesirable because of damage to the environment.

He is now ready to apply for a patent and is seeking a partnership with a company to take the product to market.
source (http://www.propertywire.com/news/related-stories/chicken-feather-house-eco-building-200808051424.html)

[dx]

October 6th, 2008, 07:19 AM

Filipino Flavors: Manila's Magical, Misunderstood Cuisine (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122297289173999095.html?mod=special_page_campaign2008_mostpop)
Robyn Eckhardt, WSJ.com, October 3, 2008

"But there's no good food there!" friends told me as I prepared for a food-focused trip to Manila more than two years ago.

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Milky Way Cafe's pancit luglug, rice noodles with a sauce squeezed from fatty shrimp heads.

In fact, as I was to discover, what the Philippines has is Southeast Asia's most misunderstood cuisine. While Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia are foodie destinations, the Philippines is often stereotyped as the home of balut (unhatched duck embryos, a popular snack) and fast-food chain Jollibee. On my trip, though, guided by recommendations from a Filipino expat friend and his local contacts, I ate spectacularly well.

And those Manila contacts quickly became friends, because Filipinos love nothing more than to introduce outsiders to their overlooked cuisine. I've returned to the city many times, just for the food.

The cuisine varies widely region to region, showing Chinese, Malay, Spanish and American influences. Over the centuries, Filipinos have combined flavors introduced by foreign traders, colonizers and occupiers with local ingredients and cooking techniques to create something unique and exciting.

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Milky Way Cafe's salmon sinigang, a hearty soup with a tamarind tang.

Poorly prepared, uninteresting food does exist in Manila -- just as it does everywhere in Southeast Asia. But if you know what specialties to look for and where to find them, a weekend of dining in Manila can be every bit as satisfying as in any of the region's other major cities. Here's an insider's guide:

FRIDAY: DINNER

Most visitors to Manila stay in the central business district of Makati, a thicket of shopping malls, apartment towers, office buildings and big-name hotels. The city's famous traffic jams peak on Friday evenings, so set your sights close and head to Milky Way Café, an unpretentious restaurant on Arnaiz Avenue (formerly Pasay Road) that serves excellent versions of Filipino classics.

The original Milky Way was a 1950s dairy bar in the old San Miguel district. Its current incarnation opened in 2002 with a chief cook who's been with the operation since 1964. The look is slightly retro: vintage posters, black and cream floor tiles and cane chairs.

http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/AW-AF506_food3_D_20081002164841.jpg
Abe's refreshing fern-tip salad

Check the menu's "all-time favorites" section for home-style dishes such as crispy deep-fried hito (catfish), served whole with a refreshing salad of shredded mustard leaves and tomatoes dressed with vinegar and bagoong (shrimp paste), and crispy deep-fried pata (pork leg).

Sinigang is a beloved soup, soured with acidic fruits and leaves that vary by cook and region. Milky Way's salmon version is packed with chunks of moist fish, banana blossom, tomato, daikon radish, long bean and water spinach; the souring agent is tamarind.

Pancit luglug, thick round rice noodles doused with a rich sauce made with the juices squeezed from fatty shrimp heads (and tinted bright orange with annatto seed) presumably derives its name from the cooking method. "Pancit" are noodles and "luglug" is the Tagalog term for immersing anything in water. Milky Way's pancit luglug are sprinkled with sliced scallion greens and crumbled chicharron (pork crackling -- and a Spanish word), making every bite a delectable combination of mildly fishy prawn and savory pork flavors, the crunch of the chicharron contrasting nicely with the slippery noodles.

Trip Planner

If you plan to be moving about Manila most of the day, renting a car and driver is more convenient than hailing a string of taxis, and not much more expensive. Filcar Transport Services, based in downtown Makati, charges from $60 for a 10-hour day. Book ahead: 63-2-894-1754; Web: www.filcartransport.com.

Salcedo Community Market

Jaime Velasquez Park, Bel-Air Baranguay, Makati. Saturday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prices for prepared foods range from 25 cents for a piaya to $8 for 250 grams of Luzon-style lechon. No phone.

Abe

G/F Serendra Complex, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Daily, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to midnight. Generous lunch for two about $40. Reservations recommended. 63-2-856-0526

Milky Way Café

2/F 900 Arnaiz Rd. (formerly Pasay Road), Makati. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (available Sundays for private parties). Meal for two, about $20. 63-2-843-7124

Claire dela Fuente Grill and Seafood, Seafood Paluto Restaurants

Seaside Macapagal Avenue, Pasay. Daily, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. More than enough food for two, with beer, about $25 (including the cost of seafood purchased at outside stalls). 63-2-497-2311 or 497-2440

Cirkulo

G/F 900 Arnaiz Rd. (formerly Pasay Road), Makati. Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (available Sundays for private parties). Dinner for two, including a couple of glasses of sangria, about $65. 63-2-810-2763 or 810-8735

Adriatico Café

1790 M. Adriatico St. (at Remedios Circle), Malate. Daily, 7 a.m. to 6 a.m. -- that's right, it's closed for all of one hour a day. Tsokolate and puto for two, about $11. 63-2-525-2509
Robyn Eckhardt

Try to leave room for dessert. Milky Way's halo halo, a parfait glass filled with scoops of violet ice cream (the flavor is ube, or sweet yam), slabs of flan made from leche (full-cream milk), preserved fruits, pinipig (crispy rice), and condensed milk, is as delicious as it is pretty.

SATURDAY: BRUNCH

Each of the 81 provinces of the Philippines, spread across three island groups (Luzon in the north, Visayas in the center and Mindanao in the south), boasts its own specialties. Salcedo Community Market, a collection of over 140 vendors selling fresh fruits, pantry staples and prepared dishes, is a great place to begin to comprehend the variety.

The market, which attracts expats, clued-in tourists and Manilans alike -- from impeccably coiffed socialites and basket-toting housewives to flip-flop-wearing college students -- is held every Saturday in a tree-shaded Makati parking lot, the aisles arranged around a covered communal eating area.

The best state in which to arrive is ravenous. Start with piaya, a round griddled flatbread oozing smoky dark muscovado sugar. It's native to Negros, the historic center of the country's sugar industry, and an island renowned for its pastries and confections. The packaged versions of this anytime snack sold in grocery stores (Filipinos often soften them in the microwave) can't compare with the fresh.

Empanada, filled pastries introduced by the Spanish, take various forms around the country. At Salcedo, a vendor hailing from the province of Ilocos Sur, best known for the colonial town of Vigan (a Unesco World Heritage site), makes his with rice-flour pastry and a filling of grated green papaya, bean sprouts, Ilocos longanisa (longanisa is pork sausage; the Ilocos variety is especially garlicky), and an egg. There's always a line for these luscious deep-fried turnovers, big enough to share and eaten with a splash of vinegar. Crowds also gather for the ukoy, crispy fritters of sweet potato and tiny shrimp, no bigger than a thumbnail, that can be eaten shell-on.

Christian Filipinos have a passion for pork, and at Salcedo you can sample two versions of lechon, or spit-roasted pig. Tagalog or Luzon-style is minimally seasoned and served with a sweet-sour sauce made with mashed grilled pig's liver and lots of black pepper. Cebu-style is stuffed with ginger and onions and eaten with just vinegar or no sauce at all (people from that central province insist the flavorful stuffing eliminates the need for sauce). Both versions boast the bronzed, crispy skin prized by lechon lovers.

Bicol, a region at the southeastern tip of Luzon, means sili and gata (chilies and coconut cream) to Filipinos. At her Salcedo stall, Cely Kalaw dishes up Bicol express, a fiery dish of chopped pork stewed in coconut cream with ginger, garlic, onions, and chilies, and an opulent alimango sa gata, crab cooked in coconut cream with chilies, green beans, water spinach and pumpkin. Laing (also known as pinangat) is shredded taro leaves slowly cooked to a velvety consistency with -- yes -- chilies and coconut cream.

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From Salcedo Community Market: Cebu-style lechon, or spit-roasted pig.

All this may leave you sated, but take home some edible pasalubong (souvenirs). Possibilities include the endless varieties of kakanin, sweet cakes made from glutinous rice and rice flour, and bud-bud kabog, a sweet Negros delicacy made from millet and wrapped in a banana leaf. The milk of the carabao (water buffalo) is the basis of two more: creamy truffles called pastillas and a fresh mozzarella-like cheese made on a farm in Nueva Ecija, a landlocked northern province that's a major producer of both milk and rice.

SATURDAY: DINNER

Spain ruled here for nearly 400 years, and its influence is clear in both dishes of Spanish origin and in native creations with Spanish names. Because they were introduced "from above" by colonial rulers, Spanish foods were incorporated into the local cuisine as special-occasion dishes. Cirkulo, a smart Makati restaurant with white-clothed tables and crimson walls displaying works by Filipino artists, makes an appropriately posh setting in which to give them a try.

Chef J Gamboa, trained at the Culinary Institute of America, opened Cirkulo with his sister Malu seven years ago, and the restaurant manages to feel both upscale and relaxed (it's also extremely popular, so do make reservations). Standouts among the entrees include bacalao à la Vizcaina, a fillet of moist salt cod seared and garnished with crispy fried garlic; meaty, wine-braised lamb ribs; and paella negra, black from squid ink and packed with prawns, calamari and chunks of sea bass.

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Cirkulo's bacalao à la Vizcaina, salt cod garnished with crispy fried garlic.

Cirkulo's long tapas menu includes items both classically Spanish (baby eels thin as spaghettini swimming in chili-spiked olive oil) and Philippine-inspired. Cabeza de cerdo, Spanish for "hog's head," is actually sisig, minced pork cheeks, jowls, and other parts browned to a crisp and served on a hot platter. It's a notoriously rich dish, a pulutan (traditionally, a food drunk with alcohol), but Mr. Gamboa's version is a bit lighter than most.

Tomorrow you can sleep late, so wash everything down with a pitcher or two of Cirkulo's sangria.

SUNDAY: LUNCH

Well-known Manila restaurateur Larry Cruz, who died this year, in 2006 opened Abe, a dining spot dedicated to his diplomat-painter-gourmand father.

The menu is dominated by dishes from Pampanga, native province for both father and son. Just north of Manila, it's known for the locals' love of good eating, a quality attributed variously to long-ago Chinese ancestry, the unusually close association of wealthy Pampango landowners with their Spanish colonizers, and a general historical sophistication relative to their neighbors. Pampanga's women are said to be unbeatable cooks (and its men are said to be spoiled rotten, perhaps no coincidence).

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Salcedo Community Market's piaya - sugar filled and hot of the griddle.

Abe occupies a bright, airy and sometimes loud space in the Serendra shopping center at Fort Bonifacio, a former army base being redeveloped into a "new city" of residential and office towers, schools, embassies, markets, parks, restaurants and shopping complexes. The Fort, as Manilans calls it, occupies 25 square kilometers about 15 to 20 minutes from Makati -- in good traffic, that is. That being a rarity on weekdays and Saturdays, Sunday is an ideal day to lunch at Abe. Book ahead because it's a favorite for after-church family gatherings; the restaurant is almost always packed.

It's said that the best Capampangan food is found in home kitchens, but Abe gives the province's home cooks a run for their money. Ask your server to direct you to Capampangan specialties (make an exception for grilled sardines, if they're available) such as bringhe, a Malay-influenced dish of glutinous rice cooked in a large wok with coconut milk and turmeric until one side is browned. Abe serves it with tender roast chicken.

When the delicate fern tips called paku are available, Abe combines them with tomatoes for a refreshing salad minimally dressed with coconut vinegar and lime juice. Abe's wonderful tilapia (a firm, white-fleshed freshwater fish) is butterflied before being deep-fried, resulting in a high ratio of crispy skin to moist flesh. The adventurous should eat it as Capampangans do, with fresh mustard leaves and balo-balo, though this sourish condiment of fish fermented with rice can be an acquired taste.

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At Adriatico Café, a rich afternoon snack: the sweet bread called ensaimada, served with a wedge of Edam cheese, taken with a cup of tsokolate, made with native cacao

Aligue ng talangka, an artery-clogging but swoon-worthy side dish made primarily with the fat of small paddy crabs, embodies the Pampango love of excess, while gule Magalang, a clean-tasting stew of winter squash and its vine leaves and squash blossoms, celebrates their province's agricultural bounty. Pampango cooks are known for their way with sweets, so finish with the sans rival, an opulent cake consisting of airy layers of pistachio-studded meringue, iced with buttercream frosting and sprinkled with more nuts.

If you're so taken with Philippine food that you want to try to recreate it at home, across the street from Serendra is Fully Booked, a bookstore with one of Manila's best cookbook selections.

SUNDAY: MERIENDA

Filipinos don't take tea; they take an afternoon snack called merienda, another Spanish word. From Abe head to the district of Malate, about 30 minutes away, for an appetite-building stroll along Manila Bay followed by a visit to the lovely stone Malate Church, built by the Augustinians in the 16th century, destroyed in 1773, and rebuilt on the same spot.

Just up the street sits another piece of Manila history and an ideal merienda spot: Adriatico Café, center of the city's Bohemian cafe society when it opened more than 25 years ago. Its range of light meals and snacks include puto, steamed rice cakes, and ensaimada, a sweet bread served with a wedge of aged Edam cheese that's perhaps too insanely rich to be called "light." The cafe also serves unrivaled tsokolate (drinking chocolate made with native cacao) and tsokolate-e ("e" is for espeso, Spanish for "thick"). The Spanish brought cacao to the Philippines from Mexico in the 1600s, and in the intervening centuries tsokolate has become as much a part of the national drinking vernacular as San Miguel beer.

SUNDAY: DINNER

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At Manila's dampa, seafood stalls and restaurants sit cheek by jowl.

As citizens of a nation comprising over 7,000 islands, Filipinos love seafood. Sample the bounty at one of Manila's dampa, where restaurants sit by seafood stalls so you can build a meal from the catch of the day and have it cooked to your specifications. To have your fish prepared Filipino-style (rather than Chinese-style), head to Claire dela Fuente, located in a dampa about 20 minutes by car from Makati City.

Check what's on offer at the market stalls before entering the restaurant, where you'll be assigned a server to assist with your purchases (but not to haggle -- that's up to you) and, if you ask, to propose preparations. As you're shopping, watch for lato, a variety of seaweed that resembles miniature clusters of grapes. Mixed with sliced tomatoes and red onions and dressed with coconut vinegar and the juice of calamansi -- a hybrid citrus with a lime-orange taste -- it makes a bracing, briny prelude to a seafood meal.

Large fish like snapper and tilapia can be grilled on the barbecue just outside Claire dela Fuente's door, while crabs and prawns might be cooked with coconut milk or simply steamed. If squid strike your fancy, ask for them to be prepared adobo style (stewed with vinegar). They'll be cooked with tomatoes and mild green chilies and arrive at your table mounded in a pool of sauce blackened with their own ink, lightly tart, slightly salty and perfectly tender.
—Robyn Eckhardt is a Kuala Lumpur-based writer.

icarusrising

October 6th, 2008, 10:53 AM

Arnel Pineda journeys into the arms of proud Pinoys in L.A. (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/125242/Arnel-Pineda-journeys-into-the-arms-of-proud-Pinoys-in-LA#)
JANET NEPALES, Philippine News
Article posted October 06, 2008 - 04:19 PM
LOS ANGELES – It was a night that most Angelenos were looking forward to — watching Arnel Pineda perform as the front man of the legendary group, Journey.

And Arnel did not disappoint!Performing before a sold-out crowd at the Greek Theatre, the long-haired, boyish Arnel jumped, twirled, ran and sang his heart out onstage to an excited, cheering and applauding audience.

With his face blown up on several big screens onstage and in the surrounding areas, most Filipinos could not help but be proud of this petite head banger rocker whose Cinderella-like story has inspired many that dreams do come true.

Although so many Filipinos trekked to the Greek Theatre just to watch their fellow kababayan perform, the crowd was still predominantly white. And they embraced Arnel and his music in the same enthusiastic way that most Filipinos did.

In fact, the organizers added another show last Tuesday just to accommodate the overwhelming demand for tickets to last Sunday’s show.

When the camera showed the band members getting ready backstage to go out onstage, the crowd went wild. The Filipinos in the audience screamed louder when they spotted their idol, Arnel, smiling excitedly and ready to show LA what he can offer.

I got goose bumps when Arnel was introduced to do the opening number, “Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Arnel Pineda!" To see a Pinoy performing outstandingly well as the lead soloist in a top band like Journey made me feel proud.

He sang “Never Walk Away" and the crowd roared with appreciation. Arnel’s powerful voice put to rest any doubts that he can fill in the shoes of former lead singer Steve Perry.

One can obviously see how proud his Journey band mates were of Arnel. His band mates, guitarist and Journey founder Neil Schon, keyboardist-guitarist Jonathan Cain, drummer Deen Castronovo and bass player Rosse Valory smiled appreciatively at Arnel.

Despite the very demanding songs he sang, Arnel kept up his high energy pace and sustained all the high notes while doing almost acrobatic-like acts on stage like doing splits on mid-air, jumping, bouncing, twirling, and tossing the microphone.

The audience screamed with delight and remained most of the time standing as Arnel sang Journey’s top hits like “Lights," “Open Arms, “Don’t Stop Believin’" and “Faithfully."

“Revelation," Arnel’s first album with the group, is also Journey’s bestselling album in 20 years.
After screams of “More!" the band came back for an encore and did “Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’" and before you know it, the audience was once more up on their feet to celebrate with Arnel and his unforgettable journey. - Philippine News
All Rights Reserved. 2006 © GMA Network Inc.

icarusrising

October 6th, 2008, 10:55 AM

Thumbs up for Journey's Arnel Pineda from Manila (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/98731/Thumbs-up-for-Journeys-Arnel-Pineda-from-Manila#)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/2545306487_82dfe1dcf6.jpg?v=0

Article posted June 02, 2008 - 09:20 PM
MANILA, Philippines - Singer and songwriter Arnel Pineda, born in Sampaloc, Manila, not only lived his dream of singing with his favorite American rock band, Journey, but also claimed acceptance from one of the music industry’s critics.

“Mr. Pineda, who sings hard and with the appropriate vulnerability, gives it some distinction," said Ben Ratliff a noted critic who writes for the New York Times.

“Beyond that, the band seems to have taken rock vitamins: it feels alive," he added.

Ratliff reviewed Journey’s newest album, “Revelation"— with 11 new songs, 11 old songs and a live DVD—the band's first record with their new anointed front man.

Journey emerged from the late 1970’s with raspy-voiced tenor, Steve Perry as the band’s best-known lead singer. The band spawned a series of hits that include “Don’t Stop Believing," “Faithfully," “Separate Ways," and “Open Arms."

After Perry left in the late 1980s, there were a couple of replacements --- Jeff Scott Soto who was reportedly fired after a brief stint and Steve Augeri who dropped out in 2006 after eight years with the band due to voice problems.

Enter Pineda early this year, a 40-year-old former engineering student, who did stints in various pubs in Quezon City, Makati, Manila, Olongapo and Hong Kong.

Lead guitarist, Neal Schon discovered Pineda on YouTube when the boyish-looking, shoulder-length haired singer did a cover of “Faithfully" with his band, ‘Zoo.’

“Recently, Mr. Schon secured the services of another singer, Arnel Pineda, a 40-year-old from the Philippines whom he found on YouTube and who sounds a great deal like Mr. Perry," Ratliff said.

There was a resurgence of interest on Journey after its song, “Don’t Stop Believing" closed last year’s final episode of the hit HBO series, “The Sopranos."

Although he sounds very much like Perry, Journey fans have been pessimistic about Pineda’s introduction to the band, some even hitting his ethnicity.

Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain in an interview however said that he actually liked the idea of Pineda joining them since now they are not just an American band but also a “world band."

“We are international now. We are not about one color. I kind of like the whole idea of having a singer like him. It’s exotic," Cain said.

Revelation would be released on June 3. Pineda is currently on tour with the band. - Mark Joseph Ubalde, GMANews.TV
All Rights Reserved. 2006 © GMA Network Inc.

icarusrising

October 6th, 2008, 10:57 AM

Filipina in San Francisco makes the American dream her priority (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/125240/Filipina-in-San-Francisco-makes-the-American-dream-her-priority#)
PASCKIE PASCUA, Philippine News
Article posted October 06, 2008 - 04:12 PM
On a Saturday morning, Myrna Lim effortlessly melds with the supermarket crowd on Mission Street, deep in the womb of Excelsior District, and hands out window signs and fliers.

The 52-year old Filipino American of Chinese ancestry is deep in pursuit of an all-consuming vision: To take San Francisco back for families. To be able to do that, she has to take her mission to where it breathes—“up close and personal" with the people.

On November 4, Lim, San Francisco’s former Planning Commissioner, is running for Supervisor of California’s District 11, her third attempt to do so. After almost a decade of relentless resolve, she apparently hasn’t lost her fire and spunk.

“There’s more awareness now, especially in Filipino voters. We have a lot of momentum. The Filipino community is uniting as a people. We now realize that we have to fight for our rights," the Philippine-born Lim, a former television producer for San Francisco Public Broadcasting and real estate management executive, told Philippine News.

“We all have the opportunity to change the direction of our district and our city, especially during these difficult economic times."

California’s 11th congressional district, which is located in Northern California and encompasses parts of San Joaquin, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara counties, comprise Excelsior, Ingleside, Oceanview, Merced Heights, Ingleside Heights, Mission Terrace, Outer Mission, Cayuga, and Crocker Amazon.

Northern California, where majority of the first wave of Filipino migrants to the U.S. settled, is essentially the San Francisco Bay Area and the state capital of Sacramento.

The region includes the cities of San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and their many suburbs. San Francisco is the only California city with a board of supervisors, which is also the city council. There are 11 members of the Board of Supervisors, each representing a geographic district.

Gerardo Sandoval, a lawyer of Mexican lineage, was District 11’s Supervisor for two terms (2000 and 2004). (Lim received 42 percent of the vote in 2004.) This November, Lim, a moderate Democrat, will be up against John Avalos, Adrian Bermudez, Mary Goodnature, Eli Horn, Randall Knox, Julio Ramos, and Ahsha Safai.

Lim will run again this year because she simply wants to serve. “Even if I lose, I put my name out there. I let the people know that I have this genuine desire to serve. I don’t look at politics as a career. I see it as a tool for change. The burning desire for me to run for office is to make sure our people gets representation in government," reasons Lim in another interview.

This time out, Lim—who supported herself to college on the way to a Social Welfare (with a Business Emphasis) degree at the University of California at Berkeley—digs deeper into her Asian-immigrant gut-level economic resilience and earth-bound romantic adventurism.

In regards business and investment, she bats for job creation that’s rooted in school systems and offers practical and realizable employment opportunities for youths.

“We should create a situation that does not make it difficult for our family to survive," she explains. “We should have vocational programs for kids—like carpentry, home economics. A carpentry job earns $46 an hour. This should prepare our kids to better jobs and a self-reliant college education."

She adds, “My priority will be to promote vocational schools, apprenticeship programs for middle schools, high schools, and alternative programs to college curriculum. I will continue to work with youth advocates and law enforcement to facilitate effective re-entry programs for juvenile delinquents."

Lim’s father was a former District Attorney from Manila who toiled as janitor so he could earn enough money to retrieve his family from Manila.

The elder Lim’s unflagging work ethic transformed the family name into one of Excelsior district’s most prominent business success stories. The Lims operated both the old Granada and Apollo neighborhood theaters, now the current sites of the Goodwill Store and Walgreens.

“We desperately need to make City Hall work for us again to serve San Francisco residents and to defend our families; we need to encourage our local businesses that fuel the job creation ensuring our economic prosperity," Lim adds.

According to her, the ballooning city budget cannot be explained away by inflation. She explained that the city budget increased by almost 50 percent from 2003 to 2007, yet the Consumer Price Index only increased by 12.10 percent. Almost 20 percent of the $6.5 billion budget, the biggest budget in history, goes to executive management salaries.

As alternatives, she advocates immediate freeze on taxes, fines, and utility, sewer and water rates for families; any future tax increases should be tied to cost of living increases. She also goes for reduction of budget and spending, saying “lay offs should happen at the top, not at the bottom."

Safety in the streets and at home is also Lim’s most staunch campaign passions. “Criminals should be punished. I don’t believe in the sanctuary policy where we nurse illegal criminals and send them indoors and put them in planes and hotels at the taxpayer’s expense," Lim, who has lived in her district for 30 years, said. “I am for a safe neighborhood. Drug cartels fund undocumented criminals, we should not allow that. Filipinos are also being accosted in the streets and at home."

As Myrna Lim says it simply and directly, up close and personal, while handing out flyers on a Saturday morning in her Excelsior `hood: “We must protect the American dream for our families and for our youth." - Philippine News
All Rights Reserved. 2006 © GMA Network Inc.

[dx]

October 7th, 2008, 04:54 AM

Pinoy fashion brand expands in Asia (http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp/?p=2889)
Good News Pilipinas

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/plains_prints.jpg

Top local clothing brand Plains & Prints embarks on a bold expansion move as it sets its sights on bringing its brand of classic fashion to the Asian market.

The fashion label’s move to penetrate the global fashion community is reflected by its aggressive plans to come out with more distinct collections that are at par with international brands, its choice of its latest image model, international model, actress and VJ Paula Taylor, and the opening of more stores here and soon, abroad.

“Despite stiff competition from international brands that have flooded the local market, Plains & Prints still emerged as a top local brand which Filipinas prefer. With this overwhelming success, the next step is to move forward and introduce Filipino fashion to the world. Now that we’ve been given an opportunity to do so, we have big plans to make our mark in the international fashion community,” said Roxanne Farillas, owner of Plains & Prints.

Leading its expansion plans is the introduction of new collections that highlight the creativity and ingenuity of local fashion designers. It recently collaborated with fashion maverick Rajo Laurel featuring edgier, bolder designs for its high-end line R.A.F. (Rich And Famous). According to Farillas, the new collection infuses Laurel’s avant-garde approach to fashion, featuring designs that highlight architecture, romance, and luxury.

Another major leap for Plains & Prints’ foray into the international fashion arena is its choice of a new face to represent its latest collection, Thai-British international model Paula Taylor, who is one of the most recognizable faces in the fashion world today. With Paula in their new fashion campaign, Farillas is confident that Plains & Prints will be given more exposure globally and will be discovered as a brand that provides a new twist on classic fashion.

Next on its agenda is opening stores in key cities in Asia, starting with Thailand and Malaysia. At present, Plains & Prints has 49 stores all over the Philippines, including the newly opened branch at the 5th Level of the Shangri-La Plaza Mall. Besides launching the brand abroad, Plains & Prints is also looking at putting up more branches in more prime locations in the country.

Plains & Prints was established in November 1994 with a small boutique in Shoppesville, Greenhills by owner Roxanne Farillas and husband Erickson. Known then as Plains & Plaids, the Farillas introduced the concept of capturing the simplicity and elegance of Filipinas through stylish classic pieces. The fashion brand started by manufacturing lace-edged towels and basic polos, then ventured into women’s apparel still carrying that classic, elegant concept to fashion. The concept instantly became a hit among teens and young career women who found the perfect brand to complement their ever-changing fashion sense.

In 2002, Plains & Prints took that bold leap to become a popular retail brand by signing up actress Gretchen Barretto as its first endorser, who perfectly epitomized the brand with her classic and elegant style.

With its aggressive expansion plans, Plains & Prints is set to conquer the world with its fresh and unique take on classic fashion.

icarusrising

October 7th, 2008, 02:01 PM

RP team wins in RAN Global tourney (http://blogs.inquirer.net/hackenslash/2008/10/07/rp-team-wins-in-ran-global-tourney/)
10/07/08
Posted under Competition, Gaming Scene, Online, e-Games

By Alexander Villafania
INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine team took the top prize at the recently held RAN Online Global Tournament, beating Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Korea and Taiwan.

RAN Online is one of the online games published in the Philippines by IP e-Games.

The Philippine team is composed of Vincent Van Amado, Carlo Angelo Magcalas, Martin Joseph Buday and Kevin Medina. They won US$5,000 (P237,400) in cash prize.

The RAN Global Tournament 2008 was held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. It was the first time the Philippines hosted the said event but it was the second RAN Global Tournament

IP e-Games Vice President for Marketing Ed Pasion said that the team to beat for this year was defending champion Thailand. Surprisingly, Thailand did not make it to the final three.

Pasion noted that the Philippine team lost its first two matches before recovering to get into the finals. He credits the team’s consistent practice sessions since Domination in April, e-Games’ annual gaming event.

Pasion said they will start the next round of preliminaries in January, leading to the next RAN Online Global Tournament in 2009.

As with their selection system this year, Pasion said the team set up will be chosen through regional eliminations and the top four players will represent the Philippines for the next global tournament.

The Malaysian team won second place and took home US$3,000 (P142,000), while the Hong Kong team won third place and US$2,000 (P95,000).

-TC-

October 7th, 2008, 06:14 PM

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20081005-164670/Pinoy-artist-dolls-up-Angelina

Pinoy artist dolls up ‘Angelina'
By Rowena C. Burgos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
10/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines - For over seven years now, Noel Cruz has been creating portraiture of Hollywood celebrities on dolls. An American magazine recently reported his Angelina Jolie doll could have been purchased by the actress and partner Brad Pitt on eBay, an online auction and shopping website.

The doll has been featured in magazines in the United States and United Kingdom.

One eBay bidder reportedly bought one Jolie doll for $3,350. The doll came with two wigs and hand-painted, sculpturally enhanced breasts and without tattoos, which can be added by Cruz for $15-$35 each depending on the tattoo. Another bidder reportedly purchased another Jolie doll for £2,000.

Cruz has also done the dolls of Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Tobey Maguire, Daniel Craig, Christopher Reeve, Keira Knightley, Kirsten Dunst, Nicole Kidman, Celine Dion, Annie Lennox, Julie Andrews, Vivien Leigh and many more.

The starting bid for Cruz’s 16-inch vinyl celebrity dolls is $300. However, they always end up selling for $600 and above.

“I’ve always been fascinated by faces. It can convey different emotions. And the eyes are, indeed, the window to one’s soul,” says the US-based Filipino artist in an online interview. “But, a beautiful portrait should go beyond realism. It should tell a story.”

Copying the likeness of a famous person starts with removing the doll’s factory paint. With nothing more than brushes, acrylics and sealers, Cruz transforms the manufactured doll into an unbelievably true-to-life likeness of a celebrity.

“The concept is essentially the same as painting on a flat canvas. But with a doll’s face, you have a three-dimensional canvas and the techniques involved in making such portrait are different,” Cruz says.

According to Cruz, a self-taught artist, the doll’s face is approximately 2½ inch by 2 inch. Therefore, everything has to be tiny in scale: paint brush, strokes and facial features.

“Repainting a doll’s face requires more precision and accuracy [than painting on a flat canvas] so when the doll is photographed up close, its features will look clean and crisp.”

For his canvas, Cruz utilizes Gene Marshall dolls produced by Ashton Drake Galleries, Tyler and Sydney by Robert Tonner and Franklin Mint. These dolls, Cruz says, “have subtly molded facial features that allow more versatility in painting different personalities.”

Cruz buys the clothes from the doll manufacturers for $25-$75. Hair styling is “as intricate as face painting. A poorly styled hair can ruin the doll altogether.”

Initial work

He painstakingly puts intricate detail into his art that it takes him three days to finish a doll’s painting and styling. This does not include photographing the doll for eBay.

Cruz’s initial work was on a Gene doll. He offered it on eBay for $75. Unfortunately, it didn’t sell.

“For weeks, I looked at the works of other artists, but mostly I kept on repainting and erasing. When I felt confident that I could do it, I did a repaint of another non-celebrity on a Gene doll. This time, it sold for $162. I was ecstatic! The sale was a validation that I finally knew what I was doing,” Cruz relates.

Emboldened by the success of his first venture, Cruz painted Elizabeth Taylor.

“The young Liz Taylor is an epitome of beauty and Hollywood glamour.”

Communications graduate

A graduate of Communications from the California State University, major in video editing and digital imaging, Cruz has shot and edited documentaries for the university.

Born in Mandaluyong, Cruz migrated to the US in 1988 with his wife and son. They engaged in collecting and selling Barbie dolls and action figures. It was in 2001 when Cruz learned about doll painting on the Internet.

The dolls were sold for $400, but their original cost range from $50-$100 only.

“This is when I toyed with the idea of repainting a doll to resemble a specific celebrity.”

Since then, clients have asked Cruz to do portrait dolls of show-biz icons. His commission rate starts at $600, which constitutes only the painting and hair styling. The cost of the canvas doll is add-on.

First models

Aside from eBay, Cruz’s works can be viewed on his website, www.ncruz.com.

Cruz’s passion for drawing started at a very young age. At first, he dabbled on landscapes and still life. Then he gravitated toward “beautiful faces.” The pretty candidates of the Miss Universe pageant held in the Philippines in 1974 were his first models in portraiture.

During his teen years, Cruz would observe portrait artists in Manila work. Gary Saderup’s charcoals played a large part in helping Cruz develop his own style. Renaissance art piqued his interest during a trip to Europe in 2001.

He began taking commissions at 16, and has done countless portraits since. Charcoal, graphite, pastel and acrylics are his media of choice.

His dolls were recently exhibited at the California State University’s art gallery.

He received the Daily Deviation award twice from Deviant Art, a website for artists and art enthusiasts.

“Considering how relatively new this form of art is, I consider this quite an honor and accomplishment,” Cruz says.

Angelina Jolie
http://www.ncruz.com/angelinajolie_syb2008_ncruz.jpg

Kirsten Dunst
http://www.ncruz.com/kirstendunst_mj2.jpg

Nicole Kidman
http://www.ncruz.com/nicolekidman_mrscoulter3_edit.jpg

Check out this website for more samples of his work. --> www.ncruz.com

icarusrising

October 9th, 2008, 11:11 AM

Filipino priest appointed new director of Paris-based institution (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/106262/Filipino-priest-appointed-new-director-of-Paris-based-institution#)

Article posted July 10, 2008 - 10:37 PM
MANILA, Philippines - A Filipino Vincentian priest has been named new director of a key institution based in Paris, France, and run by the Congregation of the Missions.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said Thursday night Fr Marcelo Manimtim was named new director of Paris-based Centre International de Formation (CIF).

"We are happy and proud to announce that Fr. Marcelo Manimtim, CM, is the new director that takes care of the ongoing formation of the confreres in the international level: heritage program (April/May) and servant leadership (June/July)," Fr. Bienvenido Disu, provincial Visitor, said in a statement on the CBCP website.

Manimtim will be the first Asian to hold this office, the CBCP statement said.

It added the determinant considerations of this appointment were his linguistic capabilities (English, Spanish, Italian, French, and German), Degrees in Church History and Philosophy, Public Relations and adaptability.

Manimtim is expected to report to his new assignment on October 2008, the CBCP said.

The CBCP added Manimtim will succeed Fr. Hugh O'Donnell, whose term is ending this September. - GMANews.TV

le Reine

October 9th, 2008, 11:42 AM

My goodness, the dolls look real!!!

IslandSon.PH

October 10th, 2008, 10:59 AM

AIZA SEGUERRA MAKES
A SPLASH IN SINGAPORE:D

By Ricky T. Gallardo

Former child wonder Aiza Seguerra is certainly taking Singapore by storm. Several Singapore-based friends have been sharing with us that the CD of Aiza titled Open Arms is selling like hotcakes in Singapore music stores.

From Manuel Martinez, an advertising executive: “It’s a wonderful surprise for Filipinos based in Singapore that a Filipino musical artist is creating such a buzz in the music scene. Singaporeans are very picky and for them to buy Aiza’s CD is just amazing.”

Jackie Wong, a Filipina married to a Singaporean, couldn’t agree more. “My friends have been telling me that I should get this CD called Open Arms. I didn’t know who the singer was but when I learned that she is a Filipino, I was very happy. My husband tells me that we have very brilliant talents.”

Reel Times learned that the CD has been topping the Singapore music charts for more than a month now. Made possible by the brains behind S2S productions, an independent recording Label in Singapore, Aiza’s CD has also been released in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand.

We bumped into Aiza at the Celebrity Duets show last weekend (where she sang the heartfelt timeless song Father and Son with Joey Marquez) and she was really happy about this wonderful turn in her career. “ I guess it’s one of those little surprises in life. There is nothing sure in this world, especially in the world of music, but sometimes, when you do something with joy and with all your heart, the rewards ill come unexpectedly.”

Aiza adds that she is happy signing the songs she likes and she doesn’t pressure herself that her CDs should give her gold or platinum awards. “ A real singer or musician gets his satisfaction from simply being able to share his music, you know, dapat totoo ka sa sarili mo at sa mga kantang inaawit mo. That’s the only way for the songs to come out beautifully.”

One of our most gifted artists, Aiza came out in public admitting her true sexual preference not too long ago. “ In the end, it doesn’t matter what gender you prefer, but who you are as a person that truly matters, “ she once told us.

Aside from the title track, Aiza’s CD includes her cover versions of unforgettable classics like Vincent, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Time After Time, Smooth Operator, Home, Journey and Longer. The CD is now also available in Manila.

IslandSon.PH

October 10th, 2008, 11:09 AM

Stockinger wows Singapore

TOP international racer Marlon Stockinger made an impressive showing in the Formula BMW Pacific event during the Singapore F1 Grand Prix on September 28.

The 17-year-old Filipino-Swiss, who suffered dehydration and a bum stomach due to food poisoning, failed to finish the first race on September 27 but came back strong the next day to finish seventh among 17 participants. He clocked 24.56.723.

Doru Sechelariu of Romania won the race with a time of 24.32.563.

“I was tired from the get-go but towards the end, it was hard to even hold the steering wheel and I was just happy to finish and really pleased to be in seventh,” Stockinger, the Philippines’ only BMW Formula scholar, told the media after the race.

Sechelariu led from start to flag. England’s Ollie Millroy was second while Hong Kong’s Ross Jamison placed third. Other entries came from Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Korea, United Arab Emirates, Japan, India, Colombia and South Africa.

Stockinger, Chris Wooton of Australia and Simon Moss of South Africa are the only young racers who won the prestigious Formula BMW Pacific scholarships this year. Other BMW Formula scholars who later on became top F1 racers include Sebastian Vettel, Timo Glock, Adrian Sutil and Nico Rosberg.

Stockinger is currently No. 8 in the Formula BMW Pacific circuit rankings with 67 points. He is No. 2 behind Moss in the Rookie Cup ladder.

IslandSon.PH

October 10th, 2008, 11:12 AM

Google Maps launched in RP
10/10/2008 | 04:14 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Global Internet giant Google has launched its Google Map Maker application in the Philippines, which will provide a detailed map of the Philippines for locals, tourists and potential investors.

With the launch, the Philippines will be the first Southeast Asian nation where the application is available. "The Philippines has a challenging topography featuring a diverse landscape and many remote, unexplored regions," Google said in a statement.

Google Map Maker will let local users locate, draw, label and accurately render existing tourist destinations and create maps of uncharted areas, making these visible to tourists and investors for the first time on the Google Map Web site. The maps will include street names, house numbers, parks, forest areas and other geographical features.

"This capability provides new commercial opportunities for local residents and businesses based on information provided by local users," the company said. "Google Map Maker is all about leveraging the knowledge of local experts found in every neighborhood and in every town and city," it said. It added that since map data is collected from people who have first-hand knowledge of the area, the information becomes more meaningful and relevant to users.

Palawan is a an example of a beautiful Philippine location with limited online visibility, out-of-date maps, and many uncharted areas. Google Map Maker is expected to have far-reaching implications on the country’s agricultural and environmental landscape as well. Detailed geographical information can be used to identify arable land, route irrigation, and in extreme cases, ensure accessibility to areas suffering from natural and man-made calamities. — Paolo Luis G. Montecillo, BusinessWorld

icarusrising

October 11th, 2008, 12:23 PM

Yes The Filipino Can! awards launched (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081010133)

Saturday, October 11, 2008

The RFM Corp. will launch the first “Yes The Filipino Can! Awards” on Monday, as it celebrates 50 years in the industry.

“Yes The Filipino Can!” started as the popular battlecry of the Concepcion family, embodied and promoted by Jose Ma. “JoeCon” Concepcion Jr. and his son, Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III. It was an advocacy of promoting important Filipino values and principles, which they also brought into Namfrel, the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines, and Go Negosyo.

The Yes The Filipino Can! Awards is a way of thinking and a way of life. It emphasizes a heart for the Filipino, a fighting spirit and positive attitude, an entrepreneurial mindset, a concern for helping the community and improving the lives of others.

Eleven Filipinos – men, women and institutions – will be recognized on Oct. 13 at the NBC Tent in Taguig..

Three of the awardees are former senator Santanina Rasul, educator Onofre Pagsanghan and Colayco Foundation chairman Francisco Colayco. This is the first of a four-part series on the “Yes The Filipino Can!” awardees.
‘Magbassa Kita’

Former senator Santanina Rasul has greatly contributed to improving functional literacy rates in Mindanao, particularly among out-of-school youth and adults. She pioneered and launched her Magbassa Kita Program in 1966. “Magbassa Kita” is a Tausug phrase that means “let us read.”

The program reaped UNESCO awards such as the International Literacy Prize, Jury Award (1990), the Nessim Habif Award: Asia and the Pacific (1985), and the Award of Merit (1983). The program was also implemented nationwide by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports.

She established the Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc. (MKFI) in 1991. It aims to promote peace and development by increasing functional literacy.

The foundation has already benefited more than 200,000 new literates as of 1997 and trained more than 1,600 teachers as of 2006. UNESCO appointed Rasul as honorary ambassador during the International Literacy Year in 1990.

While maintaining literacy promotion as its major area of concern, MKFI expanded its activities to include livelihood skills training, capability building among farmers, development of self-help organizations, and cooperatives, and producing post literacy materials. However, as a result of the armed conflict and the unstable peace and order situation in Mindanao, MKFI launched its peace advocacy program in 2001, focusing on training for women in the areas of conflict as peace advocates and agents of change.

They introduced literacy programs in war-torn Sulu and are currently implementing livelihood training and Islamic micro-credit to Muslim women. The foundation also launched a radio program called “Woman Talk Peace” and conducted grassroots consultation on peace and development for government, and partnered with PPCRV to monitor local elections.

To further their cause, MKFI launched the Kassannangan Foundation, Inc. that currently supports more than 100 scholars. MKFI also extends their support to the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy, which focuses on the study of Islamic and democratic political thought and the search for peaceful solutions to the conflicts affecting the Muslim communities especially in Mindanao.
‘Sir Pagsi’
Onofre “Pagsi” Pagsanghan’s vocation is to teach.

Fondly referred to by his students as Sir Pagsi, he began teaching at the Ateneo de Manila High School in 1951. He taught both English and Filipino for more than four decades.

One of the first awardees of Metrobank’s Search for Outstanding Teachers in 1985, Sir Pagsi continues to be recognized by national organizations for his exemplary teaching.

Sir Pagsi has also utilized and continues to utilize theater as a means of teaching not just English and Filipino, but Christian values as well. He began as the moderator of the Ateneo High School Dramatics Society in 1956. He also managed the society’s transition to Dulaang Sibol in 1966. Sir Pagsi has also won recognition as a playwright and director in the succeeding decades.

He is a well-respected and much-loved member of the Ateneo community. On the occasion of his 45th year as a teacher, the Dulaang Sibol Theater was renamed Tanghalang Onofre R. Pagsanghan by the Ateneo. In honor of his 50th year as a high school teacher, Ateneo established the Onofre R. Pagsanghan Endowed Fund for Basic Education.

Sir Pagsi is also a regular lecturer for the Department of Education. He has authored five textbooks used in several high schools. In 1997, he founded the Sibol-Hesus School, a free tutorial school for public high school students.

His work in Dulaang Sibol has attracted national recognition. It is high school theater with, as critic and National Artist the late Leonor Orosa Goquingco put it, “professional polish.” He has been the director of dramatics at the Ateneo de Manila High School since 1956.

Sir Pagsi also founded the Knights of the Sacred Heart in the Holy Trinity Parish of Balik-balik in 1948, which to date has seven ordained priests from underprivileged boys. The seminary studies of three priests were partly subsidized by the group from earnings of their annual plays in Filipino.

He has likewise pioneered in incorporating musical competitions in the study of Filipino to stimulate greater creativity in and love for the national language. The now nationally famous “Hindi Kita Malilimutan” was the composition of his then first-year student Manoling Francisco. The lyrics of the song was a collaboration of Sir Pagsi and one of his first year classes.

In his honor, his Sibol boys produced Pagsibol, a recording of some sixteen Sibol songs, most of which are either his songs or his lyrics. The songs on tape are only a part of more than a hundred original Filipino songs in Dulaang Sibol. A second recording of Sibol songs is entitled Kulay-Buhay. A third recording, Sumibol, has also been produced as a CD.

Now in his 80s, Sir Pagsi continues in his vocation to teach.
‘Topacs’ Foundation’

Francisco “Topacs” Colayco is the leading advocate of teaching financial literacy to average income-earners, students and migrant workers. He claims that his biggest challenge is to propagate a mindset among small-income earners in the country to appreciate the value of laying money in store for the future, to save and grow their savings to prepare a secure future for themselves, their families and their community.

Topacs is an expert on the timeless principles of attaining financial freedom. He is also well known for infusing the process of wealth creation with a higher purpose of sharing financial success with one’s family, community, church and nation. With these principles, the Colayco Foundation for Education (CFE) was born. CFE is a prime mover of the financial literacy movement and the Kalayaan sa Kakapusan Movement.

CFE has engaged hundreds of corporations, institutions and organizations in enlightening their employees and members in the proper management of their personal finances. The foundation’s goal is to continue working closely with these groups to provide their employees/members with advance training and guidance in practicing what they have learned. Their vision is to stimulate wealth creation and entrepreneurship among income earners, thus helping close the widening poverty gap in the country.

Topacs is also the best-selling author of “Pera Mo Palaguin Mo 1 & 2,” motivating books that creatively reduce complex terms and ideas in the business scene into layman’s language. The books aim to help make the people realize that wealth creation is indeed possible.

icarusrising

October 11th, 2008, 02:42 PM

2 Filipino films top Pusan film fest (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20081010-165755/2-Filipino-films-top-Pusan-film-fest)

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 17:55:00 10/10/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Two Filipino films, both winners in this year’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, topped the 13th Pusan International Film Festival in South Korea.

Milo Tolentino’s “Andong” won Best Short Film in Pusan, Digna Santiago of the Film Development Council of the Philippines told the Philippine Daily Inquirer via SMS. Santiago is in Korea to attend the film event.

“Andong” also won Best Short Film at the Cinemalaya last July.

According to the Pusan film fest web site, Best Short Film or Sonje Award comes with a $10,000 cash prize.

Chris Martinez’s “100” won the Audience prize, which is dubbed the KNN Award and which comes with a $20,000 cash prize from the KNN Foundation.

“KNN is a major TV network in Korea,” Martinez told Inquirer Entertainment in a phone interview. “It’s the viewers who voted for ‘100.’”

Martinez, who is in Korea with actress Tessie Tomas, said that he and Tomas “jumped for joy” upon learning the news from festival programmer Kim Ji-Seok.

“100” also won the Audience Award at the Cinemalaya film fest last July.

China’s “Jalainur” and Korea’s “Land of the Scarecrows” won Best Films, said Martinez.

“100,” which competed in the New Currents section, also received a favorable review from The Hollywood Reporter’s Maggie Lee who described it as “thoughtfully scripted and performed with a delicate balance of gravity and humor.”

“All the screenings were sold out in one minute,” recalled Martinez.

“100” and “Andong” are among seven films from the Philippines that were screened in the Korean festival, along with Jerrold Tarog and Ruel Dahis Antipuesto’s “Confessional,” Francis Xavier Pasion’s “Jay,” Joel Ruiz’s “Baby Angelo,” Dante Mendoza’s “Serbis” and Adolf Alix Jr.’s “Adela.”

“100” will have its commercial run in local theaters on Dec. 3.

icarusrising

October 11th, 2008, 02:55 PM

Fil Am family makes a mark in the US legal system (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/10/11/08/fil-am-family-makes-mark-us-legal-system)

By GEMMA CASAS | 10/11/2008 8:11 PM

SAIPAN, Northern Marianas --There are four of them in the family and all have the same interest—the law.

Fil-Am Mike A. Nisperos is chief of Guam’s public defender’s office. His wife, Eleanor, is an assistant attorney general of Northern Marianas. Their daughter, Marlo, is a deputy district attorney in California. Their son, Michael Jr., is a third-year law student.

All of them share a love and passion for the American justice system.

Just until recently, Mr. Nisperos was Northern Marianas assistant attorney general. He headed the white-collar crime unit of the Office of the Attorney General. Like the Philippines’ Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), the Guam counterpart provides free legal aid and service to indigents in the territory.

Making a mark

Growing up as a minority in the US, the Nisperos couple struggled to make their mark as second generation Filipino-Americans in the mainland. And they have succeeded in their own little ways.

Mr. Nisperos became a lawyer out of love for his wife who was among the first Asians to earn a law degree from the University of California Berkeley ’s Boalt Hall, School of Law .

The two met at a Christmas party in 1971 after Mr. Nisperos took a leave from his tour of Vietnam .

“She encouraged me to take up law,” said Mr. Nisperos who is the first member of their family to earn a college degree.

Poor family

He traces his roots from a poor, white, inter-racial family who struggled to make ends meet.

“I came from a poor white family,” he said in an interview.

His story is about a young man’s struggle to rise above poverty and change the course of their life by taking opportunities that come his way.

At 18, he enlisted as a Marine Corps because “he wanted to serve his country.” He was later deployed to Vietnam where he earned the title of a sergeant at age 20.

Nisperos said his biological father was a third-grade farmer from Leyte, Philippines who took his chance in Hawaii after World War II.

His mother was of Scottish-Irish origin who worked as a waitress and then as a cook.

He was born in Mississipi and his parents later divorced.

Study now, pay later

His mother remarried his Filipino stepfather who hails from La Union, a province in the northern Philippines .

He earned his law degree through the G.I. Bill and it took him 20 years to pay his student loan.

In 1978, Mr. Nisperos worked as deputy district attorney for Alameda County . His first major case involved three Filipinos accused of murder in California .They were convicted but only of assault and battery.

Nisperos later established his own law firm while teaching in various colleges.

In 1982, he was assigned as a JAG for the U.S. Air Force in Guam—and that’s when he was introduced to its neighboring U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands

“As the chief of military justice, I was the chief prosecutor of the two bases—Andersen AFB-Guam and March AFB-Riverside, California, to which I was assigned. It was my responsibility to provide legal training to base police and agents of the Office of Special Investigations,” said Mr. Nisperos.

Education key to success

But his legal career wasn’t that smooth sailing.

Mr. Nisperos confessed to substance abuse and entered himself to rehabilitation—a humbling experience which he said made him love more the law profession and those around him who tried to save him from self-destruction.

Looking back, Nisperos said education, knowing where he came from and giving back to the community, were the keys to his success.

“It’s been a good career. Very satisfying,” he said.

From Davao to Hawaii

Mrs. Nisperos retired last year as presiding administrative law judge in Sacramento Field Office Headquarters.

She herself is an icon among Filipinos in the legal community of California as one of the founding members of the Filipino Bar Association of Northern California.

Mrs. Nisperos was born in Manila and was raised in Davao City until she was eight.
Their family later moved to Honolulu , Hawaii when his father, also a lawyer, was asked to relocate to the U.S. as part of his reward for helping the American forces during World War II.

Mrs. Nisperos said Hawaii is a friendly state to people of color like her.

Discrimination

She only felt the discrimination in the U.S. when she entered law school in 1968 which was then a predominantly white-male field.

“It was hard,” said the petite Mrs. Nisperos. “They were teasing me that I don’t belong there.”

Back then, Mrs. Nisperos said women were stereotyped as nurses, secretaries or teachers.

Her determination to become a lawyer in an era of sexual revolution later paid off--she was hired as legal counsel/hearing officer at the State of California ’s Department of Benefit Payments after passing the bar.

She moved up as deputy attorney general at the state’s Department of Justice office and later worked for the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board where she retired as presiding administrative judge.

Human talent

With the Philippines as one of the leading exporters of manpower globally, the Nisperoses believe the country would someday rise above poverty.

“The human talent in the Philippines is everywhere,” said Mr. Nisperos. “There’s still hope for the Philippines .”

But getting rid of corruption, he said, is key to changing the country’s system.

as of 10/11/2008 8:11 PM

red_jasper

October 12th, 2008, 02:02 AM

RP scientist named ‘hero of environment’

October 12, 2008 02:55:00
Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ILOILO CITY, Philippines—“It’s not for me. It’s for the mangroves.”

As always, Jurgenne Primavera thought about her advocacy first before her achievements.

The retired Iloilo-based scientist has been featured by Time magazine in its Oct. 6 special issue on “Heroes of the Environment.” She was among 30 activists, scientists, celebrities, innovators and financiers all over the world who were cited for their contribution to environmental protection.

What they have in common is the passion and resourcefulness to confront environmental threats, Time said.

“They cannot solve climate change alone or save endangered species single-handedly. But by their example, by their willingness to dedicate themselves to what too many still dismiss as a hopeless case, these heroes of the environment provide light in the darkness.”

Primavera, 61, was lauded for her “groundbreaking studies” on the life cycle of tiger prawns in the country which “helped galvanize an aquaculture revolution.”

The magazine cited her campaign for sustainable fish-farming in order to protect the mangrove forests that act as a fish nursery and a crucial buffer zone between land and sea which help block floods and tsunamis.

Recognition

Primavera, who has already received various awards, honors and citations from the academe and scientific community, including an honorary doctorate from the Stockholm University in 2004, said she was happy to be among Time’s choices because this would bring her campaign to a wider audience.

“It’s not I and my peers who will ultimately save the environment. It’s the laymen, the common folk, who will,” she said.

She also hopes that the fame will inspire young people to take up marine biology and focus on mangroves. She stressed the importance of educating children about environmental issues and preservation efforts.

“Start with the children because the values they learn will stay with them for a lifetime, the same way my experiences shaped my beliefs,” she said.

She remembered growing up surrounded by native trees in her hometown in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. She would spend hours with her siblings climbing mango, avocado and other tropical trees in their backyard.

But she also recalled the yearly floods caused by rampant logging that denuded forests in her province and often made roads impassable.

And on the day she took a scholarship examination of the National Science Development Board in 1961, floodwaters damaged or destroyed many bridges in Agusan del Norte, forcing her and her father to cross rivers on coconut trunks or bamboo poles to get to the testing center.

Her fondness for nature and experiences helped develop her interest on sciences and the environment. She eventually took zoology at the University of the Philippines in Diliman under an NSDB scholarship and graduated cum laude in 1966.

Primavera said her college life was mostly field trips for her course. “I was surprised that I couldn’t find a photo of me in a party. They were all taken in the field,” she said, laughing.

After graduating, she decided to go back to Mindanao and teach biology at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City until 1975. She enjoyed her work and going back to her roots and a pristine environment, and bringing her students to field trips.

“Teaching was a high point in my life,” Primavera said.

She developed her awareness of the environmental impact of development projects, especially those in Lake Lanao.

Read full story (http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/thegoodnews/view.php?db=1&article=20081012-165996)

icarusrising

October 12th, 2008, 03:07 AM

4 more Yes The Filipino Can! awardees named (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081011115)

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Eleven Filipinos – men, women and institutions – will be recognized with RFM Corp.’s launching of the first “Yes The Filipino Can! Awards” tomorrow at the NBC Tent in Taguig.

As they celebrate a milestone of 50 golden years in the industry, the “Yes The Filipino Can! Awards,” spearheaded by RFM chairman Jose Ma. “JoeCon” Concepcion Jr. and RFM president and CEO Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III, will recognize Filipinos who have greatly contributed to improving lives and empowering their countrymen.

Four of the awardees are former senator Juan Flavier, Solid Group Inc. founder Elena Lim, ATRIEV president Antonio Llanes Jr., and BBC news anchor Rico Hizon. They will be joining former senator Santanina Rasul, educator Onofre Pagsanghan and Colayco Foundation chairman Francisco Colayco, who were also featured in The Philippine STAR yesterday.

‘Let’s DOH it!’

Known as the famous “barrio doctor” who brought healthcare to the masses, Flavier served the barrios of Nueva Ecija and Cavite in lieu of a lucrative medical practice.

Flavier’s story is not new to the Philippine public. Born to a poor family, he worked his way through school until he earned a degree in Medicine at the University of the Philippines in 1960. From there, he packed his medical bag and went to serve in the barrios. To be able to give better service, he took up a postgraduate course and earned his Masters in Public Health at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University.

Flavier then became president of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement and the International Institute for Rural Reconstruction. These are two organizations dedicated to serving the masses through education, training and empowerment.

In 1992, he was chosen by then President Fidel Ramos to become secretary of the Department of Health (DOH). He pioneered the Oplan Alis Disease, a massive immunization campaign, which later resulted in the World Health Organization declaration of the Philippines as polio-free; the Sangkap Pinoy, a nationwide campaign against micronutrient malnutrition; and the anti-AIDS health information campaign and other health programs aimed at bringing health closer to the people.

Flavier was known for his tagline “Let’s DOH it!” that propelled the DOH as the lead agency during the Ramos administration.

Even as a neophyte senator in 1995, Flavier earned the title “Mr. Quorum” because of his attendance in almost all committee hearings of the Philippine Senate.

He was also one of the few senators who registered perfect attendance during Senate plenary sessions. Some of the landmark legislation he authored and sponsored are the Traditional Medicine Law, the Poverty Alleviation Law, Clean Air Act and the Indigenous People’s Rights Act.

It was due to his outstanding performance that he was reelected as senator in the 2001 elections, placing second among the 12 winning candidates. He is an excellent advocate of health, environment and development issues.

Having served as chairman of the Senate committee on health and demography during previous Congresses, Flavier is well remembered in the Senate for pushing reforms in health care delivery, regulation, and financing.
Solid Group ‘guru’

Elena Sen Lim is a well-respected name in Philippine and international business and is widely recognized for her pioneering spirit.

She started the Solid Group Inc. with her husband 50 years ago.

Solid Group, one of the biggest holding companies in the country, is responsible for bringing in big industrial and technological brands such as Sony, Aiwa, Sanyo, Samsung, TCL, and Kia Pride, among others.

Lim, together with her husband, attributes the company’s success to the capable total Filipino management and manpower.

As founder of the Solid Group of Companies, Lim has posted challenges for business in the new millennium: the challenge of entrepreneurship and creative management; reformation in private business and government; and the drive for global competitiveness.

The core of her management success lies in her faith in the Filipino. Her corporations, which employ thousands, are managed with policies deeply rooted in Filipino values.

Lim also firmly upholds her motto: “Trust in the Filipino and he won’t let you down.”

She believes that the true hallmark of success lies in the ethical values practiced in the process of doing one’s task, not the end results.

Values of fairness, decency and integrity must be in the process.

Lim was also given recognition as one of the top 50 women in business by World Business-The Global Perspective magazine, the bible of Western and Asian business. She is the only Filipino to have received such an honor.

Now taking a backseat in the family businesses as chairman emeritus, Lim actively participates in various businesses, legal, religious and social organizations aiming to do her share for the good of the country and her fellowmen.

With her unmatched business expertise, however, she remains as the “guru” of her children, who have taken the lead in moving the Solid Group into the new age of business.

Despite all this, Lim describes herself simply as “a teacher by inclination, a lawyer by circumstance, and an entrepreneur through serendipity.”
Man with ‘vision’

Pastor, pioneer, social marketing chief and president are only few of the roles fulfilled by Antonio “Tony” Llanes Jr.

He is founder and president of the Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration, and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired, or simply ATRIEV.

Llanes has a natural knack for anything technical. Though he had poor vision since birth, his blindness did not stop him from learning how to repair audio equipment, refrigerators, even computers.

Llanes is an innate pioneer. When no one else in the Philippines dared use a computer, he was already experimenting with speech boxes so that the blind could gain access to computer-based information.

With the completion of a computer course at STI College Taft, Llanes’ passion went beyond mere exploration and experimentation. He soon made it a point to share information and skills with others.

Llanes is also a born teacher. He captivates his students – whether sightless or sighted – as he explains every topic there is about using computers.

He takes on a different persona at center stage. Llanes’ zest for the extraordinary still continues, and he presently aims to be the first blind professional photographer in the Philippines with the aid of a digital camera.

He believes that with the advances in technology, anything is possible.

Since 1994, ATRIEV has been helping blind people gain access to post-secondary education and mainstream employment. So far, ATRIEV is the only non-profit and non-government organization that has skillfully woven together private business enterprise and government agencies to support demand-driven programs for the blind.

Llanes is also proud of ATRIEV for unlocking the hidden power of the blind through the use of technology. They teach the blind to operate computers with the use of a screen reader.

They have trained and empowered young blind adults who have become medical transcribers, computer instructors, Web designers, human resource personnel, practicing social workers, and entrepreneurs, among others.

Through a benefit concert on Oct. 22, ATRIEV hopes to train 600 more blind Filipinos through the use of computers. For more information about ATRIEV, visit www.atriev.org.ph.
Good news to Filipinos

As the first and still lone male international broadcast journalist from the Philippines, Rico Hizon has reaped recognition not only for himself but for his profession and country as well.

A long-time resident of Singapore as news anchor for the world-renowned BBC World News, and previously in Hong Kong for CNBC Business News, Hizon’s accomplishments – both professionally and personally – over the last 13 years are testament to his commitment to public service and social justice.

Hizon has spearheaded many endeavors that allowed him to promote the Philippines. His website, www.GoodNewsPilipinas.com, is but one of the many projects he has pioneered in celebrating and highlighting the good in the Filipino and the Philippines.

While residing in Hong Kong from 1995 to 1998, he served as board member for the Philippine Association of Hong Kong (PAHK) where he led a number of fund-raising projects, including the PAHK Ball for various charity organizations.

He also assisted the Philippine Embassy on the awareness campaign regarding the handover of Hong Kong to China and its repercussion on the Filipinos residing there.

When Hizon moved to Singapore in 1998, he held various positions in several organizations, actively serving his term of office despite a hectic schedule.

He was an executive board member of NAMFREL Singapore Chapter (2004) and president of the Philippine Cultural Society (2002-2005). He serves as chairman of the Philippine Cultural Society (2006-present) and board member of the Philippine Bayanihan Society.

In 2004, Rico was recognized for his social-civic involvement when he was awarded Most Outstanding Filipino Community Leader.

In the same year, he was recognized as the youngest recipient of the La Sallian Achiever Award in Media and Advertising as well as the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award in Media.

In 2005, he was named the Most Outstanding Filipino Leader in Singapore by the Philippine Embassy.

In 2006, he was named Most Outstanding Manilan for International Journalism and TOYM (The Outstanding Young Men) awardee for International Broadcasting and Community Development.

In 2008, he was honored by the Bank of the Philippine Islands as one of two BPInoy Awardees for Outstanding Overseas Filipino excellence.

Hizon’s accomplishments are tied to the country’s achievements. In the limelight as an international broadcast journalist or in his personal advocacies, his triumphs serve as a testament to the Filipino spirit and his life an inspiration to the youth.

icarusrising

October 13th, 2008, 11:11 AM

‘Filipino’ awards launched today (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20081012104)

Monday, October 13, 2008
RFM Corp. will launch the first “Yes The Filipino Can! Awards” today at the NBC Tent in Taguig as it celebrates its 50 years in the industry.

“Yes The Filipino Can!” started as a battlecry of the Concepcion family and was strongly promoted by Jose Ma. “JoeCon” Concepcion Jr. and his son, Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III.

It is an advocacy of promoting important Filipino values and principles, which was also brought by the Concepcions into the National Movement for Free Elections, the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines, and Go Negosyo.

Philanthropist Dylan Wilk, 34, was born to a poor family in the United Kingdom. At the age of 20, Dylan took a loan of 2,500 pounds (roughly $5,000) from a foundation of Prince Charles called the Prince’s Trust. He used the money to start Gameplay, a business selling computer games.

Five years later, Gameplay became Europe’s largest direct-selling computer games business.

Dylan listed Gameplay on the London Stock Exchange, making him at that time the youngest director of a public company and also the ninth richest man in the UK.

Already rich, Dylan spent his money buying luxurious automobiles like a Ferrari, a Porsche, and several BMWs.

Despite the luxuries, however, Dylan did not have fulfillment. More than the cars and the money, he needed heart and soul.

He then sought his purpose in living, and found his way to the Philippines.

When he heard about Gawad Kalinga (GK) in 2003, he immediately flew to the Philippines and spent time with GK executive director Tony Meloto.

The experience made him realize the extent of service and relief GK provided to poor Filipino families.

Giving up his lavish lifestyle in UK, Dylan decided to settle in the Philippines to help champion the cause of building houses for the poor.

He now coordinates GK’s international partnership efforts, inspiring Filipinos all over the world to look back and rebuild their mother country.

Dylan believes that GK brings back to the Filipino people hope, self-esteem, dignity, and the sense of bayanihan or communal spirit.

Upholding truth
In 1986, together with Max Soliven and Art Borjal, Betty Go-Belmonte, wife of Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and daughter of the late Go Puan Seng, a Chinese immigrant who became one of the country’s leading newspapermen in the 1930s, established The Philippine STAR.

The newspaper, which is committed to truthful reporting and the pursuit of press freedom, was inspired by Betty’s desire to continue her father’s legacy.

After her death in 1994, Betty’s mission for respectable and credible reportage has been kept alive by her three sons Miguel, Isaac and Kevin, who are now the president and CEO, editor-in-chief, and corporate secretary of The STAR, respectively, as well as her sister, Grace Glory Go who is the paper’s executive vice-president.

In 1996, The STAR was named Outstanding Newspaper of the Year by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption “in recognition of its invaluable service to the community by courageously sticking to the truth and to the basic tenets of professional journalism.”

That same year, The STAR was also conferred the Agora Award’s Marketing Company of the Year Award by the Philippine Marketing Association.

Adapting to modern times, The STAR was the first major broadsheet to fully employ the power of short message service (SMS) to gather opinions from its readers.

Reaping the harvest, data from the Neilsen Media Index for the first quarter of 2008 showed The STAR as the most-read broadsheet in Metro Manila, the Philippines’ capital, with a Monday-to-Saturday readership of 47.4 percent.

National discovery
The first-ever national indigenous youth volunteer organization in the Philippines, Tuklas Katutubo (TK) aims to train and organize indigenous people, especially women and youth, so that they become more assertive, organized, active, and empowered.

Tuklas Katutubo has organized several pioneering activities, such as the First National Indigenous Youth Summit held in May 2002 in Kidapawan City, and the “Bangon Batang Katutubo” national campaign, which was launched last year.

TK is the recipient of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO) award given by the National Youth Commission and the prestigious TOYS (The Outstanding Youth Service Award) from the United Nations and UNESCO.

Currently, the organization is committed to programs that respond to the needs of indigenous communities and tap their knowledge, values, and technologies.

With the help of volunteers, TK has set up twelve day-care centers and elementary schools in indigenous communities in North Cotobato and has implemented the Kebegeran Health Project to train local community tribal health workers to serve their fellow indigenous people.

Tuklas Katutubo is also coordinating with Mirant Philippines in putting up electricity in remote barangays in Agusan Marsh, Agusan Del Sur.

With its many charitable programs, TK has attracted funding and support from indigenous communities, religious, non-government organizations, local government units, and other private funding organizations.

Today, they have 3,000 members nationwide, serving 60 out of 110 tribes in the country.

Advancing the Migrant Pinoy
Unlad Kababayan works with migrants to curb extraneous spending and promote saving and investment in projects that will raise the socio-economic well being of local communities.

In 1996, Unlad Kababayan became a pioneer of the innovative approach of harnessing migrant workers’ resources to develop the local economy.

Unlad created strong and sustainable communities through microenterprise development, using previously untapped sources of entrepreneurship and finance: migrants and their remittances.

In the early ‘90s, with the assistance of Unlad Kababayan, Migrant Savings for Alternative Investment (MSAI) was developed as a reintegration strategy by migrant groups in Hong Kong.

MSAI evolved as it went beyond mobilizing migrant savings overseas and worked towards investing for community development and reintegration. Two strategies were employed: SEEDS (Social Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development Services) and Business Incubation (BI).

SEEDS is a community-based training and resource center that promotes entrepreneurship, while BI enables small and medium entrepreneurs to learn the rigors of business management and social responsibility. Unlad has also engaged in micro-finance, with a P13.5-million credit line.

Through years of providing monetary assistance, Unlad has received numerous prestigious awards, including the World Bank’s Panibagong Paraan 2008 project grant competition, for the project “New Lives for Old – peace, growth and good governance through social enterprise.”

Maria Angela Villalba, founder and executive director of the group, was also awarded as Social Entrepreneur of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year Philippines 2007 by Ernst and Young and SGV Foundation, Inc.

In 2005, Unlad received the Changemakers Award from Ashoka, the movement of global social entrepreneurs based in Washington DC.

These awardees will join former senators Juan Flavier and Santanina Rasul, Solid Group Inc. founder Elena Lim, ATRIEV president Antonio Llanes Jr., BBC news anchor Rico Hizon, educator Onofre Pagsanghan and Colayco Foundation chairman Francisco Colayco, who have earlier been featured in The STAR.

c0kelitr0

October 15th, 2008, 10:54 AM

Filipino surfer wins Billabong's International Surfing Competition
by Shane Abeguel T. Eviota

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p081015.htm&no=61

Butuan City (15 October) -- From the WAVES of CHALLENGES in life come the WAVES of VICTORY for Edito 'Peso' Alcala.

Skill, determination and an invincible faith in God made surfer Edito 'Peso' Alcala gloriously standing at the pedestal now. The new hope and inspiration of General Luna, Edito was the newly acclaimed champion of the recent Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational Surfing Competition held last September 27, 2008 at General Luna, Siargao Island.

Hailed from the remote area of Siargao Island, Edito Alcala or 'Peso' for most of his relatives and friends, was the third of the seven children of the proud, Mr. Edito Alcala, Sr. and Mrs. Rosalinda Alcala. This 20-year-old boy was raised with good character and divine beliefs with his loving parents. He was never into worldly things since he lived in a down-and-out family. Edito together with his seven siblings was being contentedly provided by their parents through fishing. Their means of living is through selling fishes in their locality. Due to poverty and scarcity of lucre, poor 'Peso' wasn't able to go to school even until high school, for he only end up until grade five during his elementary days. Until the world of surfing opened for Edito when a visitor named 'Carlos', a Filipino Seaman in Madrid invited to surf with him at the famed waves of Siargao. Right there and then, the zealous interest in surfing sprouted and was born. At the age of eleven he started to train and valiantly surf the fierce waves of Cloud 9. In the year 2003, he devotedly engaged himself in coaching on how to do basic surfing techniques on aspirants surfers like him. Long before the recent triumph came, 'Peso' had already marked a name in the said sport and had won several competitions not just in General Luna but also in other places in our country. With sheer determination and rigid training in surfing, the young, Edito became a Champion in Cabugao Open Surfing Competition in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. He also was a two-time champ in North Siargao Surfing Competition (Open Division). Who would have thought that the once timid boy who only used to borrow surfing boards from a confidant and now became his trusted right-hand which named 'Mark', would be the next King of Cloud 9?

Edito 'Peso' Alcala, who was desperate enough to beat the defending champion, Wade Goodall of Caloundra, Queensland, Australia rode a perfect barrel in a 35-minute man-to-man final. But the young Alcala did not have it all in the final, since he still needs to fight back from a slow start just to achieve the breath-taking last-minute victory over Goodall in front of many proud Filipino who by then are filled with yells and cheers. Having the need to beat Goodall with nine points more, sitting in second with two minutes more to go exhibition time left, 'Peso' did an impressive maneuver when he wove through the belly of a Cloud 9 cavern and jag a heat-winning 9.43 ride.

According to the champ, he really can't believe he made it to the top, beating the reigning champion, Wade Goodall and be declared as the newly revered champion of Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational Surfing Competition. It was a dream come true according to Edito because he never did expected that he would get the second wave perfectly in time when Goodall made it in the first which by that, he earned a total of 18.16-points to Goodall's 17.77. He also added that through fervent prayers, an unbelievable divine intervention sets in.

As he was narrating the victorious story before the media, he said, while he was making it through the waves, Edito was really ardently praying that he would hit a perfect trick and would excellently get out of the barrel with the tight two-minute left given time. To his amazement as well as to the crowd watching before him, Alcala made it with a standing-ovation performance.

He knew he made a good turn when it barreled all the way down the reef and people can't help themselves but shout for joy and hooted him after he flicked off. Alcala, merrily went home with humble pride and surfed away $7,500 (USD) while Wade Goodall of Caloundra, Queensland, Australia heads home with $4,500 (USD) making him as 1st runner-up placing today.

With the $7,500 (USD) a number of plans arise. Along with the prize money he received, he planned to buy a motor bike. Ever since, it was Edito's noble dream to put up a surfing school in their own locality to help and train the upcoming generation who also had great aspiration in learning basic skills in surfing. So, he had also allocated something from the reward money to be used as capital to build such school and be able to make those dreams in reality. The money left will be saved most probably on a certain bank for future use.

Achieving ultimate success was never a piece of cake to Edito Alcala instead it was as challenging as walking into the sand with thorns. It was never easy at all because a constant discipline, practice and prayers that made him where he is right now. His great inspiration of making things outstanding was his family as well as the proud people of Surigao.

With the great heights of success, was a hope for every Surigaonons that Edito will be of great pride and a good example to the youths of today. Along with the inner aspiration to win in every competition was Edito's motto: "Kinahanglan maisog kay maisog sab an bayod!" (A surfer must be strong enough because the wave is also strong and tough!). Of what happened to Edito 'Peso' Alcala, was a sudden twist not just in his own life, but also to the people who expected a lot from him, that he can do more and can still go far, as said, "they will rise who strive for the highest place." (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Animo

October 15th, 2008, 10:21 PM

http://images.inquirer.net/media/globalnation/sosy/sosy/images/pic-05190903140176.jpg

By Joanne Zapanta-Andrada (http://beta.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=406493)

If you have recently watched episodes of the famous TV show Lipstick Jungle, you may have spotted actress Victory Ford holding a handwoven minaudiere clutch and co-star Wendy Healy sporting an Ikat clutch both by the now internationally famous brand Celestina. The creator of Celestina, as all of us already know, is none other than Tina Maristela-Ocampo. Lately, Tina has more than business in her mind. Conversations with this model-turned-fashion accessory creator has lately been about getting the Philippines noticed on the world’s fashion map.

Tina shares, “Part of Celestina’s promotional concept is to be able to present a clear idea of how an international luxury brand is created with the use of indigenous materials from the Philippines. We believe that local artisans should be part of the design process so that the brand can speak of its culture, traditions and beliefs. Celestina so far has incorporated the handwoven fabrics from the north in its capelets and the linings of our crocodile handbags. We’ve also engaged local artisans to weave sterling silver for my minaudieres. We collaborate with Bulacan jewelry makers to produce the designs we come up every season for its fine jewelry capsule collections. We deal with a lot of exporters from Cebu to lay various shells and other indigenous materials into our moulds.”

As much as possible, Tina and her team source their materials from all around the Philippines and let local manufacturers produce all their line categories. This way, they are able to create products that bear the soul of our land and its people. “With this as well,” Tina continues, “I am able to fulfill my mission of helping our people be more productive, earn money, learn new skills and more importantly revive a dying art. I work with old men and women (in their sixties and some in their seventies) — very creative people who are masters of their art but their hands are tired. Their eyes are slowly failing them. Their wish is that they could pass on their craft to their children and their grandchildren. Their wish has become my driving force.”

Tina brings out a brochure containing photographs of her latest collection. The pages are filled with powerful images of women wearing the Filipino-Spanish tambourine, young ladies adorned with necklaces of corals and shells. There are clutches molded from silver and sashes of blended wood and tassles.

“Our country has so much to offer the world,” Tina continues. “I firmly believe that artistically, we stand head and shoulders among the best. As far as natural resources are concerned, we are at a clear advantage. All we need is to be focused enough to marry resources, skill and creativity with marketing and simple business sense. Every Celestina item has a tag that proclaims its origins as being from the Philippines. I am proud of our country and proud of being a Filipina. Celestina is my way of making the world pay attention to our brilliance as a people. And I do believe the world is listening!”

icarusrising

October 16th, 2008, 11:28 AM

The jewelry of Celia Molano: Treasures across time (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Starweek&p=49&type=2&sec=52&aid=2008101149)

By Rita Ledesma
Sunday, October 12, 2008

http://www.philstar.com/newphilstar/www/image/20081012/cover.jpg

As early as the first Millennium B.C., the Philippines had a rich tradition of personal adornment. It enjoyed a lively trade of glass beads and semi-precious stones with India and China. Its pre-colonial era was dominated by princesses and women warriors who adorned themselves wi th the finest gold woven as sashes, or designed as intricate earrings and elaborate necklaces. Even then, exquisite jewelry was integral to being Filipina.

From this heritage emerges jewelry artist Celia Molano, who keeps the tradition vibrant and reveals her own ease with elegance. She spent her childhood in the aristocratic south playing with her grandmother’s heirloom pieces as though they were favorite toys. This background reflects the lifestyle of generations before her, and elucidates her refined feel for jewelry that comes naturally, like mists of beautiful memories. Steeped in artistic history and tradition, Celia Molano creates timeless treasures for the sophisticated woman. She executes designs of superb quality and refreshing innovation, threading together excavated beads, tambourines, fresh water pearls, gold, silver, and semi-precious stones in a delightful mix beyond imagining. She has no boundaries in thought and expression. And this inner excitement she successfully conveys through her art.

The exhibition at the Kampa Museum in Prague is a tribute to the history of Philippine jewelry while being magnificently modern. It displays dramatic, oversized necklaces of original pre-Hispanic beads and reproductions of gold finials once worn by sultans and powerful women. They exude an air of majesty while remaining authentically primitive.

Then there are the delicate ornaments: necklaces of exquisite granulated flowerettes alongside tambourines, cameos, and ribbons of the finest pearls overlapping like waves at sea. There are flirtatious gold earrings that dance and dangle with supreme subtlety, evoking fantasies of lace and ephemeral splendor reminiscent of the Spanish era when femininity was unrivaled.

But the era of glamor never wanes. Celia Molano’s extensive travels in India and Indonesia inspire lavish combinations of excavated beads in every size, shape and color: round, oval, clay, glass, faience, multicolored, striped. With stunning creativity, these beads are accented by an ancient mamuli pendant, or interspersed with finely carved gold and silver “balls” that echo every unique design. The effect is matchless.

So is the artist’s imagination. Baroque pearls are replicated in gold or silver, and then combined to make fabulous necklaces, brooches, bracelets, earrings. Bronze pearls are mixed with matte gold filigree. Carved aquamarine butterflies serve as whimsical pendants. Pearl, coral, gold, silver “sticks” are freely strung to fashion ornaments that subtly shift with the movement of the wearer. A magical world is created.

Celebrated in her own country, Celia Molano has captured the imagination of collectors all over the world: in Australia, Austria, China, Colombia, France, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United States among others. Her works have been exhibited in museums and galleries in the United States, Indonesia, and the Philippines. An internationally renowned jewelry artist, she expresses the grandeur of Philippine design and the rich nuances of Eastern elegance.

An exhibit of Celia Molano’s jewelry opens at the White Cube Gallery of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila on Oct. 14. It is her first exhibit in ten years. The author is former president and trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.

icarusrising

October 16th, 2008, 12:53 PM

Brutus wins NETPAC award in Hawaii film fest
(http://www.gmanews.tv/story/127168/Brutus-wins-NETPAC-award-in-Hawaii-film-fest#)
Article posted October 16, 2008 - 02:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - Tara Illenberger's Brutus, a movie about a rebel leader starring Yul Servo, has won the NETPAC Award in the 28th Louis Vuitton Hawaii Film Festival held at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.

The film fest showcases 154 films from 36 countries this year.

Other winners, as contained in its Website were The Wrongful Occupation of Hawai'i which won the Halekulani Golden Orchid Award for Best Documentary, Cape No. 7 which won the Halekulani Golden Orchid Award for best narrative, Coffee and Allah got the Honolulu Magazine Award for Best Short Film while Texas Girl got Honorable Mention.

The NETPAC Award was won by Brutus: The Adventure with The Little Heart getting honorable mention.

The Viewers Choice Award was won by The Hollow while the Film in Hawai'i Award was wong by Joan Lander and Puhipau (No Maka o ka 'Aina).

The Achievement in Acting was handed to Woo-sung JUNG while the Maverick Award was given to Ji-Woon KIM.

The Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Asian film throughout the world.

The Louis Vuitton Hawaii IFF is the only film festival in North America given permission to present the NETPAC award.

In Cinemalaya 2008, Brutus won the Special Jury prize in the Full Length Feature category while Yul bagged the Best Supporting Actor award.

Illenberger, however, was not able to attend the festival due to a death in the family.

Aside from Brutus, another Filipino movie that was screened for the Louis Vuitton Hawaii Film Festival was Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil's Boses. - GMANews.TV

-TC-

October 17th, 2008, 03:17 AM

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=532:not-business-as-usual-mcdo-slides-to-number-3&catid=24:companies

McDo slides to Number 3

Written by Margaret Jao-Grey
Thursday, 16 October 2008 21:45

Of course, everybody knows who’s the Number 1 fast-food chain in the country. Now, as for Number 2, well, it seems Chowking has now surpassed McDonald’s in terms of sales and market share.

Interestingly, the two guys who’ve built up Chowking into a P10-billion brand are no longer with the company. Former president Raffy dela Rosa now heads Jollibee Food Corp.’s experiment in carinderia food while marketing manager Jojo Ajero is putting up his own marketing consultancy business.

Current Chowking president is former P&G man, Erwin Eliechicon, while the newly appointed marketing manager is the company’s media manager, Wendy Quashigah.

icarusrising

October 17th, 2008, 12:37 PM

Puerto Princesa bags green award (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?view=article&catid=26:nation&id=560:puerto-princesa-bags-green-award-&tmpl=component&print=1&page=&option=com_content)
Nation
Friday, 17 October 2008 01:18
Puerto Princesa City continues to reap dividends on its environmental protection, conservation and sustainable development programs as it added another feather to its cap after bagging the prestigious Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award in Hanoi, Vietnam.

This is the first time that Asean gave out such an award which was received by Councilor Miguel Cuaderno IV. Puerto Princesa City was nominated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environment Management Bureau in recognition of its role as the country’s foremost champion of sustainable development.

Surin Pitsuwan, Asean secretary-general, explained that the award is an initiative of the Asean environment ministers which aims “to give recognition to cities in the region that have taken exemplary measures to keep their cities clean, green and liveable even as they continue to grow as centers of economic and industrial activity.”

Pitsuwan stressed that the award is significant because “each awardee-city tells a compelling story of how it has placed environment and nature at the core of city planning, the challenges it faced, and its resolve to ensure the city remain environmentally sustainable as it develops and modernizes. Their ability to successfully focus on the sustainability of their environment provides an experiential model that other cities can emulate.”

In response to the Asean award, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn said, “We are happy and proud and grateful to have represented the Philippines in this very prestigious Asean search for the region’s most environmentally sustainable cities. This is a very meaningful award because it recognizes and validates the correctness of our long-avowed policy of sustainable development in lieu of the destructive boom-and-bust cycles of environmental exploitation characterized by the wanton abuse and destruction of land, air and water resources—the very sources of life—as if there were infinite.”

higen

October 19th, 2008, 10:53 AM

:eek2::master:UNBELIEVABLE!!!

When I saw his website I immedaitely emailed it to my entire office and with in minutes I got dozens of replies from my officemates...I captioned my email "Filipino Artist"...comments are overwhelmingly, outrageously positive...comments like "no way dude, this has got to be edited..hahaha...unbelievable!", "WHOAH! Do you know this guy?", "Filipinos rock!" and these are all coming from foreigners some of whom never even bother to read about the Phils...

I am simply amazed at how he can copy the actual face in detail...his copy of Keira Knightley and Johnny Depp's face are simply creepy, in a jaw dropping way...Freaking awesome!!!

I'm curious though, wonder what the celebs think of him copying and selling their faces...hmmmm...

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20081005-164670/Pinoy-artist-dolls-up-Angelina

Pinoy artist dolls up ‘Angelina'
By Rowena C. Burgos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
10/05/2008

MANILA, Philippines - For over seven years now, Noel Cruz has been creating portraiture of Hollywood celebrities on dolls. An American magazine recently reported his Angelina Jolie doll could have been purchased by the actress and partner Brad Pitt on eBay, an online auction and shopping website.

The doll has been featured in magazines in the United States and United Kingdom.

One eBay bidder reportedly bought one Jolie doll for $3,350. The doll came with two wigs and hand-painted, sculpturally enhanced breasts and without tattoos, which can be added by Cruz for $15-$35 each depending on the tattoo. Another bidder reportedly purchased another Jolie doll for £2,000.

.

Angelina Jolie
http://www.ncruz.com/angelinajolie_syb2008_ncruz.jpg

Kirsten Dunst
http://www.ncruz.com/kirstendunst_mj2.jpg

Nicole Kidman
http://www.ncruz.com/nicolekidman_mrscoulter3_edit.jpg

Check out this website for more samples of his work. --> www.ncruz.com

icarusrising

October 22nd, 2008, 02:03 PM

SBMA chief gets USMMA awar (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=821:sbma-chief-gets-usmma-award-&catid=29:shipping)
Shipping
Written by Henry Empeño / Correspondent
WEDNESDAY, 22 OCTOBER 2008 18:31
SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—For ushering in the establishment of maritime-related industries in this free port, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Feliciano Salonga has received a second award from his alma mater, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), in Kings Point, New York.

The award, which recognizes outstanding personal achievements by academy graduates, was bestowed for “exemplifying the finest tradition of the merchant marine corps ‘Acta Non Verba’—or ’deeds, not words,’” according to the USMMA Alumni Foundation.

Salonga entered the USMMA in 1949 as a scholar under the US government’s Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946, and graduated in 1953. He is, so far, the first Filipino in the USMMA Class of ’53 to receive the Outstanding Professional Achievement Award twice.

In a statement, Salonga said he considers the recognition from USMMA “as an affirmation of what I have kept close to my heart — the academy’s tradition of ‘Acta Non Verba’.”

“This is what drives me to perform well, to pitch in my modest share in building a better future for the young generation of Filipinos,” said the SBMA official, who is also a commodore in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Salonga, who was appointed by President Arroyo as SBMA chairman in 2005, is largely credited for the paradigm shift in the Subic Bay Free Port that ushered in several big-ticket maritime-related investments.

These include the $1.6-billion shipyard project of Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co., and the ship-repair venture by Subic Dockyard Corp., which operates two dry docks formerly owned by the US Navy.

stanleymalls

October 23rd, 2008, 08:10 AM

WAH! THIS IS NEWS! IT'S THE PHILIPPINES' TIME TO SHINE ACROSS THE WORLD!

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

icarusrising

October 24th, 2008, 09:58 AM

Davide gets 'Spirit of the UN' award (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/129160/Davide-gets-Spirit-of-the-UN-award#)

Article posted October 24, 2008 - 01:43 PM
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine representative to the United Nations Hilario Davide Jr received this week the "Spirit of the UN" Award for his work on promoting spirituality and values.

An article on the website of the Philippine Mission to the UN Friday said Davide received the award at the Dag Hammarksjold Auditorium at the UN Headquarters last Monday.

Davide is the second recipient of the award conferred by the UN-based NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns (CSVGC).

The first recipient in 2007 was Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury of Bangladesh for his life-long dedication to peace, human rights and justice.

The CSVGC presented the award after it had evaluated the "many inspiring comments, recommendations and support" that Davide received as a nominee.

"For his exemplary work on promoting spirituality and values at the UN," the award said.

CSVGC is a committee of the Conference of NGOs in consultative status with the United Nations. It honored Davide this year as an outstanding person who best exemplifies the aspects of spirituality and values in his work and daily life.

The CSVGC's vision is a commitment to a global culture of peace based on justice, solidarity, inclusiveness, shared responsibility, harmony, cooperation, compassion, love, goodwill, wisdom and reverence for the sacredness of life through active peaceful engagement.

Davide said he accepted the award not only for himself but also for the Philippines, the Philippine Mission to the UN, and many others who have focused attention to global concerns.

He said he considered the award as specially significant as it also symbolized the sacredness of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the 60th anniversary of which will be celebrated later this year, "whose heart is spirituality and the universal values of human rights, freedom, justice, truth, love and peace."

"Spirituality is a communion and an abiding relationship with Almighty God Who, according to the Book of Wisdom, made all things by His word and established man to govern the world in holiness and justice and render judgment in integrity of heart," he said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo faxed on the same day his congratulatory message and congratulated Davide for this milestone achievement that has made the country and the people proud.

Romulo added that the award represented a concrete manifestation of his peers' esteem and confidence in his able leadership.

He assured Davide of his continued support for his efforts in promoting deeper cooperation between the Philippines and the United Nations. - GMANews.TV
All Rights Reserved. 2006 © GMA Network Inc.

amigo32

October 24th, 2008, 11:49 AM

Davide for President! Puede!

icarusrising

October 25th, 2008, 09:57 AM

SM wins ‘Retail Asia’ Best of the Best award (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=957:sm-wins-retail-asia-best-of-the-best-award&catid=23:topnews)
Top News
Friday, 24 October 2008 04:12

The SM Retail Group was a recipient of the Best of the Best award during the 2008 Retail Asia-Pacific Top 500 awards held recently at the Venetian Hotel-Resort in Macau, making it one of the region’s premier retailers. During the same event, it also won the Gold award as the Philippines’ top retailer for the fifth year in a row.

Spearheaded by Retail Asia, the prestigious Singapore-based magazine five years ago, the Top 500 ranks retailers in 14 Asia-Pacific economies on sales turnover and sales productivity. The ranking continues to highlight companies that have become the movers and shakers in the region’s retail sector.

Drawing from Euromonitor International’s research and analysis of the retail industry around the world, analysts in the 14 Asia-Pacific economies featured did research for the 2008 edition. The latter included Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The top three retailers from each of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region were awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze awards during the event; and the Best of the Best were selected from the Gold awardees. Other Best of the Best awardees included Matahari of Indonesia, GCH Retail in Malaysia, and NTUC Fairprice of Singapore. Local retailers cited included Mercury Drug and Rustan’s, which won the Silver and Bronze awards, respectively, for the Philippines.

In a “year that was subjected to an enormous repertoire of ups and downs . . . Asian economies soared
to a fifth-straight year of growth in 2007,” says Steven HL Goh, executive chairman of Retail Asia. “And Asia’s retail industry prospered and grew.”

“The clear inference is the tremendous resilience, tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit of Asia-Pacific’s top retailers in coping with market fluctuations,” he adds. “It is also a clear testimony to their strategic and tactical capability in successful retailing – forging the compelling value proposition for their customers and delivering the best possible customer experience at all times.”

“We are happy to celebrate our 50th year as a retailer this year,” says Tessie Sy-Coson, president of SM’s Retail Group. “Our group continues to innovate and reinvent ourselves in an increasingly competitive marketplace. We are still excited about our prospects in the dynamic retail industry.”

Through the opening of new stores, renovations of major stores, and the introduction of new merchandising concepts, SM continues to make shopping at its department store chain an exciting lifestyle experience.

New innovations in store design have been evident at the newly renovated stores at the SM supermalls in North-EDSA, Bacoor, and Megamall. The design at the new Megamall store allows customers to scan merchandise easily and make easy selections, leading to a more rewarding shopping experience. Another major store, SM Cubao, is currently undergoing a major renovation to enhance the shopping experience, and there are similar plans for minor renovations in stores in SM City Fairview and SM City Manila.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/images/stories/Daily_Images/1024252008/top-pic02.jpg
IN PHOTO -- SM’S SVP for Controllership Ricky Lim receives Retail Asia’s Best of the Best Award from Anson Bailey of KPMG International of Hong Kong.

icarusrising

October 25th, 2008, 02:39 PM

Filipinos star in Asian Youth Orchestra (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20081025-168432/Filipinos-star-in-Asian-Youth-Orchestra)

goodnewspilipinas.com
First Posted 13:44:00 10/25/2008

SIX YOUNG talented Filipino musicians made the country proud representing the Philippines in this year’s batch of the Asian Youth Orchestra.

The youngsters chosen from more than 1,000 hopefuls who auditioned across Asia are Jose Carlo Tuazon who plays the violin, on viola is David Tagala, Giancarlo Gonzales is on the celli, Vincent de la Cruz on Double Bass, Mahler Villanueva on the French Horn, and Gilbert Asuque on Percussion.

In July this year, all of them hit six Asian cities on a concert tour including China, Hong Kong and Japan, doing their respective duties for the 100 strong Asian Youth Orchestra.

The experience was both exhilarating and terrifying, Mahler Villanueva recounts. But Gilbert Asuque said this experience cannot be replaced by anything else in the world.

The Asian Youth Orchestra was founded in 1990 by famous American-born violinist and conductor Yehudi Menuhin & artistic director and conductor Richard Pontzious, with their inaugural concerts in August 1990.

The 100 members of the Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO) are among the finest young musicians in China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Chosen through highly competitive auditions held throughout the region, they are together for six weeks each summer, initially for a three week Rehearsal Camp, then to perform on tour for three weeks with international solo artists and conductors.

In 17 years, they have performed with cellists Yo-Yo Ma, Mischa Maisky, violinists Gidon Kremer, Gil Shaham, Leila Josefowicz, Young Uck Kim, Akiko Suwanai and Cho-Liang Lin, soprano Elly Ameling, pianists Alicia de Larrocha, Cecile Licad, Leon Fleisher and Jon Nakamatsu, the Beaux Arts Trio and trumpeter Hakan Hardenberger. Among those who have conducted AYO are Sergiu Comissiona, Alexander Schneider, Eri Klas, Tan Dun, Okko Kamu and the orchestra’s co-founders, Yehudi Menuhin and Richard Pontzious.

Since its debut concerts in 1990, the Asian Youth Orchestra has performed in New York’s Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, at the White House, at the United Nations, and at the Hollywood Bowl. On two European tours the Orchestra has appeared in Amsterdam’s historic Concertgebouw and opened the fall concert season in Berlin’s Konzerthaus.

In 1996, AYO was the first international orchestra in more than 50 years to perform in Hanoi, Vietnam. The orchestra returned four years later for two concerts in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City before continuing on to Australia for debut concerts in the famed Sydney Opera House for the 2000 Olympic Arts Festival.

In 1997, AYO was in Hong Kong and Beijing with cellist Yo-Yo Ma for the world premiere performances of Tan Dun’s Symphony 1997. That tour, the longest ever undertaken in China by an international orchestra, also marked AYO’s unparalleled third appearance in Beijing’s 10,000-seat Great Hall of the People.

Since 1990, the Asian Youth Orchestra has played 261 concerts in 167 cities to more than one million people. Millions more around the world have seen and heard the orchestra on CNN, CNBC Asia, NHK Television, Radio and Television Hong Kong, and Star TV.

Some 1,000 to 1,500 musicians in 12 Asian countries and territories audition each year for AYO. The youngest is 15, the oldest 25. When selected, they study with an exceptional artist-faculty from the Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, National, San Francisco and Pittsburgh symphony orchestras, Boston Musica Viva, the Cleveland and Philadelphia orchestras and Monnaie Opera.

A tuition-free summer program, the Asian Youth Orchestra is designed to ignite a pride for what can be achieved by Asian musicians in Asia, while affecting a positive influence on the brain and talent drain that continues to frustrate all Asian nations. It is the orchestra’s intention to expose Asia’s brightest young musicians to rich and varied artistic experiences that include rare opportunities for exchange, study and performance.

A formation committee of Hong Kong business men and women created the organizational structure for the Asian Youth Orchestra in 1987 and established it as a non-profit charitable trust qualified under Section 88 of the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Ordinance as a tax-exempt institution.

raffy_east

October 28th, 2008, 04:26 AM

Hi Everyone,

I know this is not about proudly pinoy thing but we will be proudly pinoy if we succeed and putting our kababayan to the number 1 spot. I think our represetative deserve the spot and I think she is a great person. I just need your support and IP address.

Please vote for Miss Philippines for next International Image Award winner. The voting will run through from Oct 22nd- Nov 1st. A top 15 finalist will be announced on Nov 2nd and the previous votes will be empty the 15 finalists will then re-enter the competition on equal ground for the final round of voting.

International Image Award is independently produced by CHARMPRESS

Rule: You may only cast one vote per one IP address

Please click : http://www.geocities.jp/intlbeautypageant/vote.html

I already voted for Miss Philippines.

Thanks

IslandSon.PH

November 2nd, 2008, 03:22 PM

RP students win 39 medals in Thai world math contest:cheers:

By JONATHAN M. HICAP

The Philippine delegation to the 2008 International Mathematics Competition held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from Oct. 25 to 30, garnered 39 medals, including two golds, in individual and group categories, to finish fourth among 25 countries participated in the annual event.

Thailand Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and Thailand Education Minister Srimuang Charoensiri opened the math competition, underscoring the importance of the contest, which drew 25 countries including math powerhouse China.

Dr. Simon Chua, president of the Mathematics Trainers Guild-Philippines and head of the delegation, said Filipino students, including three from Muntinlupa schools, received two gold medals, 15 silvers and 22 bronze medals.

The Philippines placed fourth among 25 countries with math powerhouse China topping the contest with 51 medals followed by host Thailand with 49 and Indonesia, 41. Trailing the Philippines are Taiwan, 37; Bulgaria, 25; Hong Kong, 23; Singapore, 16; Malaysia, 10, and South Korea, 10.

Aside from the Philippines, other countries that participated in the contest are Australia, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Bulgaria, Thailand, Canada, Laos, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Nigeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, India, Germany, Iran, Rwanda, South Africa, and Cyprus.

The first gold was won by Ma. Czarina Angela Lao of St. Jude Catholic School, who was the lone gold medalist from the country in the elementary individual competition.

The other gold medal was won by Philippine Team A composed of Geraldine Baniqued of St. Paul College Pasig, Carmela Antoinette Lao of St. Jude Catholic School, Aileen Giselle Chua of Grace Christian High School and Jillian Kristel Sy of Chiang Kai Shek College.

Last year, the Philippines won 14 medals in the same contest held in Hong Kong.

"Our contestants rose above the challenge and proved that they can compete with other students from other countries. We at the Mathematics Trainers Guild Philippines are very happy with their outstanding performance," Dr. Chua said.

Philippine Team A bagged a silver medal in the elementary team competition. The team was composed of Austin Edrich Chua, Ma. Czarina Angela Lao, John Thomas Chuatak of St. Jude Catholic School and Aldrich Aldwin Mayoralgo of Xavier School.

Philippine Teams E and A bagged bronze medals in the group category.

The silver medalists from the Philippines in the elementary individual contest are Dielle Tio of St. Stephen’s High School, Hubert Yao of Iloilo Central Commercial High School, Sean Timothy Cheng of Grace Christian High School, Aldrich Aldwin Mayoralgo of Xavier School, Sterling Alvin Tiu of St. Stephen’s High School, John Thomas Chuatak of St. Jude Catholic School, Aileen Jennifer Cu of UNO High School, and Joelle Sophia Pena of Saint Pedro Poveda College.

In the secondary division, the individual silver medalists are Carlo Francisco Adajar of PAREF Southridge in Alabang, Vance Eldric Go of St. Jude Catholic School, Ricci Ryan Rojo of Zamboanga Chong Hua High School, Geraldine Baniqued of St. Paul College Pasig, John Russell Virata of Gideon Academy and Jillian Kristel Sy of Chiang Kai Shek College.

The bronze medalists in the individual contest in the IMC are Philip Lizarda of San Beda College Alabang, Austin Edrich Chua of St. Jude Catholic School, Andrew Joelle Caguntas of Bangkal Elementary School, Jakov Ivan Dumbrique of St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur, Martin Lewis Koa of St. Jude Catholic School, Richard Milante of Legazpi Hope Christian School, Jason Allan Tan of Jubilee Christian Academy, Arnold Lindros Lau of Xavier School, Mary Kryslette Bunyi of San Beda College Alabang, Regina Paz Onglao of St. Paul College Pasig, Carmela Antoinette Lao of St. Jude Catholic School, Evan Niccolo Lao of Xavier School, Alvin Uy Lim of Quezon City Science High School, Ervin Fredrick Dy of Chiang Kai Shek College, Elvis Jeremy Ayroso of Philippine Science High School, Arielle Elise Chua of St. Jude Catholic School, Aileen Giselle Chua of Grace Christian High School, Charles Rainier Belga of Taguig Science High School, Joel Edward Cardinal of Makati Science High School, and Sarah Jane Cua of Pangasinan Universal Institute, the youngest contestant in the Philippine Team in the high school division.

The Philippine delegation arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Friday night.

The trainers and coaches of the students are Dr. Eduardo Dela Cruz, dean of the School of Education and Normal of Arellano University; Priscilla De Sagun, assistant division superintendent of Makati; Levita Portugal of the Science Education Institute of the Department of Science and Technology; Roberto Degolacion, Joseph Wee, Manuel Kotah, Emmanuel Pena, Jonathan Glorial, all team and deputy team leaders.

IslandSon.PH

November 2nd, 2008, 04:23 PM

Donaire stops Mthalane, keeps IBF flyweight title:cheers:

11/03/2008

LAS VEGAS � Nonito Donaire of the Philippines retained his International Boxing Federation flyweight world title Saturday with a sixth-round technical knockout of South African Moruti Mthalane.

Referee Joe Cortez stopped the fight at 1:31 of the sixth after Donaire had opened a cut on the inside of Mthalane�s left eyelid.

Donaire improved to 21-1 with 13 victories inside the distance, while Mthalane fell to 22-3, with 15 knockouts.

Donaire showed himself the more skillful fighter, controling the contest from the start.

In the sixth, the ringside doctor stopped the action to examine the bleeding Mthalane, and determined the fight should be halted. The South African was taken to hospital for treatment.

Mthalane had won nine straight fights before he was stopped for the second time in his career.

It was the second title defense for Donaire, who has stopped each of his last four opponents.

The 25-year-old claimed the belt with a fifth-round technical knockout of Vic Darchinyan on July 7, 2007.

On the undercard Jorge Arce stopped Isidro Garcia in the fourth round in a super flyweight belt.

Arce knocked down Garcia with a body shot early in the fourth. He rose, but Arce didn�t let up, and referee Tony Weeks called a halt to the contest at 48 seconds of the fourth.

Arce improved to 51-4-1, with 38 wins inside the distance. Garcia, who has lost three of his last four fights, fell to 25-6-2. AFP

-TC-

November 3rd, 2008, 02:27 AM

Congrats to SJCS!!! :banana:

RP students win 39 medals in Thai world math contest:cheers:

By JONATHAN M. HICAP

The Philippine delegation to the 2008 International Mathematics Competition held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from Oct. 25 to 30, garnered 39 medals, including two golds, in individual and group categories, to finish fourth among 25 countries participated in the annual event.

Thailand Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and Thailand Education Minister Srimuang Charoensiri opened the math competition, underscoring the importance of the contest, which drew 25 countries including math powerhouse China.

Dr. Simon Chua, president of the Mathematics Trainers Guild-Philippines and head of the delegation, said Filipino students, including three from Muntinlupa schools, received two gold medals, 15 silvers and 22 bronze medals.

The Philippines placed fourth among 25 countries with math powerhouse China topping the contest with 51 medals followed by host Thailand with 49 and Indonesia, 41. Trailing the Philippines are Taiwan, 37; Bulgaria, 25; Hong Kong, 23; Singapore, 16; Malaysia, 10, and South Korea, 10.

Aside from the Philippines, other countries that participated in the contest are Australia, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Bulgaria, Thailand, Canada, Laos, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Nigeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, India, Germany, Iran, Rwanda, South Africa, and Cyprus.

The first gold was won by Ma. Czarina Angela Lao of St. Jude Catholic School, who was the lone gold medalist from the country in the elementary individual competition.

The other gold medal was won by Philippine Team A composed of Geraldine Baniqued of St. Paul College Pasig, Carmela Antoinette Lao of St. Jude Catholic School, Aileen Giselle Chua of Grace Christian High School and Jillian Kristel Sy of Chiang Kai Shek College.

Last year, the Philippines won 14 medals in the same contest held in Hong Kong.

"Our contestants rose above the challenge and proved that they can compete with other students from other countries. We at the Mathematics Trainers Guild Philippines are very happy with their outstanding performance," Dr. Chua said.

Philippine Team A bagged a silver medal in the elementary team competition. The team was composed of Austin Edrich Chua, Ma. Czarina Angela Lao, John Thomas Chuatak of St. Jude Catholic School and Aldrich Aldwin Mayoralgo of Xavier School.

Philippine Teams E and A bagged bronze medals in the group category.

The silver medalists from the Philippines in the elementary individual contest are Dielle Tio of St. Stephen’s High School, Hubert Yao of Iloilo Central Commercial High School, Sean Timothy Cheng of Grace Christian High School, Aldrich Aldwin Mayoralgo of Xavier School, Sterling Alvin Tiu of St. Stephen’s High School, John Thomas Chuatak of St. Jude Catholic School, Aileen Jennifer Cu of UNO High School, and Joelle Sophia Pena of Saint Pedro Poveda College.

In the secondary division, the individual silver medalists are Carlo Francisco Adajar of PAREF Southridge in Alabang, Vance Eldric Go of St. Jude Catholic School, Ricci Ryan Rojo of Zamboanga Chong Hua High School, Geraldine Baniqued of St. Paul College Pasig, John Russell Virata of Gideon Academy and Jillian Kristel Sy of Chiang Kai Shek College.

The bronze medalists in the individual contest in the IMC are Philip Lizarda of San Beda College Alabang, Austin Edrich Chua of St. Jude Catholic School, Andrew Joelle Caguntas of Bangkal Elementary School, Jakov Ivan Dumbrique of St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur, Martin Lewis Koa of St. Jude Catholic School, Richard Milante of Legazpi Hope Christian School, Jason Allan Tan of Jubilee Christian Academy, Arnold Lindros Lau of Xavier School, Mary Kryslette Bunyi of San Beda College Alabang, Regina Paz Onglao of St. Paul College Pasig, Carmela Antoinette Lao of St. Jude Catholic School, Evan Niccolo Lao of Xavier School, Alvin Uy Lim of Quezon City Science High School, Ervin Fredrick Dy of Chiang Kai Shek College, Elvis Jeremy Ayroso of Philippine Science High School, Arielle Elise Chua of St. Jude Catholic School, Aileen Giselle Chua of Grace Christian High School, Charles Rainier Belga of Taguig Science High School, Joel Edward Cardinal of Makati Science High School, and Sarah Jane Cua of Pangasinan Universal Institute, the youngest contestant in the Philippine Team in the high school division.

The Philippine delegation arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Friday night.

The trainers and coaches of the students are Dr. Eduardo Dela Cruz, dean of the School of Education and Normal of Arellano University; Priscilla De Sagun, assistant division superintendent of Makati; Levita Portugal of the Science Education Institute of the Department of Science and Technology; Roberto Degolacion, Joseph Wee, Manuel Kotah, Emmanuel Pena, Jonathan Glorial, all team and deputy team leaders.

JulZ

November 3rd, 2008, 07:57 AM

congrats Donaire!! ang galing talaga ng Pinoy! first tym ko sa thread n to...na goosebumps ako..:lol: ang galing talaga ng Pinoy! sabi nga nila, we are the best people there is.

Sana suporthan ng govt yung mga inventors natin kasi baka ibenta lang ng mga inventors natin ung mga gawa nila abroad..at sana naman patuloy ang suporta nila sa mga kabataang gus2 ring magimbento..Isama na rin nila yung mga athletes at mga retirees..Please lang!!!

JulZ

November 4th, 2008, 02:09 AM

Pinay in USAF: Sky’s the limit
By Jose Katigbak, STAR Washington Bureau
Tuesday, November 4, 2008

WASHINGTON – For Filipina top gun Capt. Monessa Catuncan, flying is more than just a job, it’s an obsession sparked by the 1998 film “Armageddon” starring Bruce Willis.

“I think I want to be an astronaut,” her father Ramon recalled her saying after she saw “Armageddon” while a sophomore at the Mesquite High School.

“I told her it would require a lot of hard work to realize her ambition but she told me that would not deter her,” he said.

After graduating at the top of her high school class in Dallas County, Texas, Monessa enrolled at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and majored in aeronautical engineering.

She was commissioned as a USAF second lieutenant in 2004 and after training as an F-16 jet pilot was sent to Iraq with the 34th Fighter Squadron to support US ground troops in close air support missions.

Early this year she was promoted to captain and assigned at Hill Air Force Base in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Internet encyclopedia Wikipedia describes the F-16 as the first fighter aircraft deliberately built to sustain 9-G turns. It has enough power to climb and accelerate vertically if needed.

Ramon Catuncan, originally from Pasay City, emigrated to the US in 1973 where he met his wife Teodosia Pineda of Olongapo, a registered nurse. They married in Texas in 1977 and have two daughters, Jennifer, 30, an optometrist, and Monessa, who turns 27 on Dec. 19.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think my youngest would become the first Pinay F-16 fighter pilot,” Catuncan told The STAR.

“Of course she’s an American, having been born here, but as far as we’re concerned she is Pinay – atin yan” (she’s ours),“ her mom chimed in during a three-way telephone interview.

She said her daughter’s favorite foods are adobo, afritada and kare-kare.

Monessa declined to be interviewed for this article, saying she did not want to unnecessarily draw attention to herself while still in the Air Force. But she did tell The STAR she still entertained thoughts of becoming an astronaut.

Catuncan said that while his daughter was still in high school she caught the attention of the Coast Guard, who invited her in 1999 to Connecticut to interest her in becoming a Coast Guard helicopter pilot.

“She went to Connecticut for about two weeks to check out the Coast Guard but in the end she said she was not interested in flying helicopters. She wanted to be a fixed wing pilot,” he said.

The young Catuncan is but one of a number of Filipinos who have made or are making their mark in the US military.

Attesting to the historic military ties between Filipinos and Americans, one fourth of all foreign-born members of the US armed forces are from the Philippines, many senior leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are graduates of US service institutions and Filipino-Americans are well represented in the upper echelons of the US military.

Lt. Gen. Edwardo Soriano before his retirement in 2004 was the highest ranking Filipino-American in the US Army while Army Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba was probably the most famous, thrust to fame for his investigations into the prison scandal at Abu Ghraib in Iraq.

“Monessa, through her perseverance and hard work, has earned not only the (right to) fly the F-16, but also the pride and honor of defending the United States, as well as making the Filipinos proud,” said the Las Vegas based Asian Journal, a Filipino-American community newspaper.

Wind Shear

November 4th, 2008, 06:08 AM

Davide for President! Puede!

Hehehe...

I remember in one news long time ago that he said that he will rather go farming at Argao, Cebu than running for president.

IslandSon.PH

November 6th, 2008, 02:09 PM

RP restaurant ranks 10th in Asia's 'top 20':cheers:

Philippines - A Philippine restaurant in Tagaytay City in Cavite province ranked 10th in a newly created "Top 20" list of restaurants in Asia.

Tagaytay-based Antonio's Fine Dining was lauded in The Miele Guide, which bills itself as Asia's first truly independent and most authoritative regional restaurant guide.

"Standing for over five years now, Antonio's menu has proven to be as spoon-worthy as its ambience is swoon-worthy. It has consistently been considered among the top five restaurants in the Philippines and a favorite for proposals and intimate weddings," the group described the restaurant in its website.

It said chef Antonio Escalante's commitment to fine cuisine remains strong, adding a la carte ordering is simple enough although the pre fixe menu may prove "a little tricky."

"Don't skip the salads as Tagaytay offers the best greens in and around Metro Manila. Duck has also been known to steal the show, especially the duck confit in Grand Marnier beurre blanc or the roasted duck breast served with foie gras. The service here at Antonio's is excellent. The wait is never long and within minutes you are seated, handed a menu and offered the restaurant's signature dalandan juice," it said.

The Miele Guide 2008/2009 edition evaluates restaurants in 16 Asian countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

It ranks and profiles restaurants across the region's major cities, categorized by country, city and cuisine.

"Unlike most guides, there are no arbitrary, secretive selection procedures, and the public's vote plays a big part. A shortlist was drawn from the region's top food critics and thousands of food lovers responded to the chance to shape culinary history by voting for their favorite restaurants," it said.

IslandSon.PH

November 6th, 2008, 02:17 PM

Upcoming Philippine Hi-Fi Show to feature Mauriat audio speaker system
Wednesday, 05 November 2008

Audio equipment company Pearl River Lights and Sounds is set to unveil a new line of locally designed and assembled professional speakers at par with existing top of the line foreign brands but comes at a lower cost.:cheers:
source (http://www.asiaobserver.com/content/view/571272/102/)

Jake_noypi

November 6th, 2008, 05:09 PM

-TC-

November 8th, 2008, 04:27 PM

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20081107-170859/Journey-man-Pineda-pays-Arroyo-a-visit

Journey man Pineda pays Arroyo a visit
By Joel Guinto
INQUIRER.net
11/07/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The Filipino lead singer of the American rock band Journey serenaded President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with the group's signature hit, "Open Arms," during a courtesy call at Malacañang on Friday.

Arnel Pineda, 41, sang a capella to the President, a "cabalen" or province mate from Pampanga, in the Palace Music Room, a Malacañang statement said.

Arroyo was "visibly happy" with the performance, said the statement, and told Pineda: "Welcome and congratulations for all your success.”

Pineda said he was at the Palace "to tell the President, that as a kababayan [countryman], I was able to make it worldwide, internationally."

The visit was closed to media coverage.

Pineda was with his fiancée, Cherry; their son, Cherub; his father Restituto; and brothers Roderick and Russmon.

Journey signed Pineda up after seeing one of his performances on the video sharing website YouTube.

His singing has been likened to original Journey front man, Steve Perry.

Pineda said the group would stage a concert in the Philippines in April 2009, according to the Palace statement.

He is on a break after playing 72 shows with the band since February this year.

-TC-

November 8th, 2008, 04:32 PM

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view_article.php?article_id=170931

http://images.inquirer.net/media/globalnation/news/news/images/pic-11080239280440.jpg

Fil-Am wins Ohio seat in US Congress
By Nimfa U. Rueda
Philippine Daily Inquirer
11/08/2008

LOS ANGELES, California—The son of a Filipino doctor who fought alongside US forces in the Philippines during World War II has won the seat for Ohio’s 7th congressional district.

Steve Austria, a state senator from Beavercreek, becomes the second American of Filipino descent to serve in the US Congress, after Robert Cortez Scott, who is currently serving his eighth term as Virginia’s 3rd district representative.

Austria, a Republican, beat Democratic candidate Sharen Neuhardt in the Nov. 4 US elections, capturing 59 percent of the votes against 41 percent for Neuhardt.

Austria was born in Cincinnati and grew up in Xenia as the oldest of nine children. He has lived in Beavercreek for the past 20 years with his wife Eileen, and their three sons Brian, Kevin and Eric.

A sports lover, Austria coached all three of his sons in basketball, soccer and baseball.

He has been part of the annual Dr. Clement G. Austria Senior Citizen Christmas Party, which was named after his father, who passed away in 1986.

Books and guns

The elder Austria was a physician who was born in Tiaong, Quezon. He joined the guerrilla forces and fought the Japanese side by side with American soldiers during World War II while he was pursuing his medical studies at the University of Santo Tomas.

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) hailed Austria’s victory and urged Fil-Ams to send him congratulatory letters.

A stowaway

“His victory is also a victory for the Filipino Americans,” said Ed Navarra, chair for NaFFAA’s Region 3, which covers midwestern states.

Scott, a Democrat, is a key supporter of President-elect Barack Obama and a longtime member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Scott’s maternal grandfather is a Filipino, identified in an online article in Asianjournal.com written by Cynthia de Castro, as Valentin Cortez Hamlin.

According to Asianjournal.com, the website of a Filipino-American community newspaper in Los Angeles, Valentin stowed away on a ship bound for the United States from the Philippines.

The captain’s name

The ship’s captain, an American named Hamlin, discovered the young lad and decided to adopt him.

The lad grew up in North Carolina with his adoptive father, and got a good education. Taking the name of the captain, he became known as Valentin Cortez Hamlin, the article said.

Valentin became a pharmacist and married an African-American. His daughter, Mae Hamlin Scott, is the veteran US congressman’s mother.

-TC-

November 9th, 2008, 07:22 AM

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=171013

RP peacekeepers help in Haiti rescue
INQUIRER.net
11/08/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino peacekeepers who rushed to a school that collapsed in Haiti Friday were using their bare hands to pull out victims buried in the rubble, the Philippine Mission to the United Nations said.

"Filipino Blue Berets were the first to arrive at the scene and immediately went to action, using their bare hands to roll over concrete slabs and dig through the rubble in their bid to pull out both the living and the dead," Ambassador Hilario G. Davide, Jr., Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said in his report to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo.

About 50 schoolchildren and teachers were killed when the three-story La Promesse (The Promise) school in Petion-ville, on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, caved in in a heap of cement slabs and twisted steel rods at about 10:00 a.m. (1500 GMT) Friday, trapping scores inside.

A new story had been under construction atop the school when it fell in, also destroying or damaging five homes next to it.

Colonel Raymundo Elefante, commander of the 8th Philippine Peacekeeping Contingent serving with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, led two platoons of Filipino peacekeepers to help in the search and rescue efforts, Davide said.

The team so far was able to four survivors and four fatalities, he said.

By late in the day around 50 bodies, most of them children, had been found, officials said.

Davide said authorities were expecting the casualty toll to climb as there were around 700 students with ages ranging from three to 20-years old attending classes in the church-run school when tragedy struck.

The Filipino peacekeepers were even forced to run the remaining two kilometers to the accident site after the narrow roadway was made impassable to vehicles by hundreds of distraught relatives and kibitzers who were also trying to make their way to the school, Davide said.

Davide said the Filipino peacekeepers turned over the search and rescue functions to the military engineering and medical units from Brazil, Chile and Ecuador that arrived later and focused instead on restoring order by performing crowd control duty around the accident site.

"Our peacekeepers went beyond the call of duty and put their own lives at risk," Davide said as he paid tribute to the members of the Philippine contingent who took part in the rescue operations.

The Philippines has maintained a steady presence in Haiti since 2004 when the United Nations sent peace monitors to restore order in the impoverished Caribbean nation following massive protests that led to the overthrow of former president Jean Bertrand Aristide. The Philippines lost one peacekeeper in 2005 after gunmen loyal to Aristide ambushed UN peacekeepers, killing Army Technical Sergeant Antonio Batomalaque.

At present, the Philippines has 157 officers and enlisted personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force and 13 officers from the Philippine National Police serving with the United Nations Stabilization Mission. With Agence France-Presse

RonnieR

November 10th, 2008, 06:56 AM

RP bags silver in World Robot Olympiad
11/10/2008 | 12:28 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Three elementary pupils from the Philippines won the silver medal in the Open Category of the World Robot Olympiad last week at Yokohama, Japan.

Bagging the silver medal together with a certificate and a trophy were Joseph Aldrin Chua, Edrich Hans Chua and Dominique Hannah Sy, all from Grace Christian Elementary School.

It was the first time that the Philippines got a medal for the Open Category in the Elementary Level.

Titled “Green Whiz Community and the G-Tech Robot Engineering a Better World," the children's entry featured 12 robots doing various tasks to help save the environment.

Tizon said they used several robots to show the urgency to save the environment and that technology could be used to stop the destruction of the world.

The featured robots include Next Gen Car, a lightweight hydrogen powered car for the next generation which consumes lesser energy; H2O Treatment Robot which is designed to filter waste water from a factory for safe disposal; E-Sorter, a robot that sorts biodegradable and non-biodegradable garbage using color coding of container; Paper Recycling Area, a factory robot that recycles used paper into something usable; Iced Sub-Zero Robot, a robot that makes melted ice in the polar region back into ice form; and Forest Surveillance Robot, a robot with a built in camera that guards forests and waterfalls from illegal loggers and hunters.

Other robots used in the competition were AD Robot, a robot at the top of the mountain that advertises the importance of planting trees in order to save the earth; Air Pollution Monitor Robot, a robot designed to monitor the level of carbon dioxide and other pollutants; CO2 Sequester E3K, a robot designed to sequester carbon dioxide emitted by factories; E-Card which is used as the switch on and off household appliances; Heliostatic mirrors which is a robot equipped with mirrors that follow the light of the sun and magnify it as an alternative source of light and WM 123 which are windmill robots that serve as an alternative source of energy for the community.

Students from Benigno Aquino High School and the International School of Manila both won certificates in the Open Category of the High School and Primary Levels, respectively.

Capturing the gold medals for the Open Category were Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea for the Senior High School, Junior High School and Primary Levels, respectively.

In the Regular Category, South Korea got gold medals for the primary and junior high school levels while Sweden got the top prize for the senior high school level.

South Korea obtained three gold medals, Singapore got one silver and one bronze, and Malaysia got one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals for the entire event.

Under the Open Category, student contestants were tasked to create robots with the theme “Saving the Global Environment" which were judged based on their appearance, uniqueness, interactive behavior, good engineering and stability.

The Philippines has been on a roll in winning medals at the WRO as it won gold medals in the Open Category at the High School level.

Science Education Institute Director Dr. Ester B. Ogena said the Philippine team’s triumph is a proof that Filipino students could be at par with pupils around the world.

“Our students have shown their best and given more opportunities like these, we could tap more potential in the field of robotics," she said.

Ogena avowed to increase more support in robotics as it takes the lead, together with FELTA Multi-media, in preparing for the staging of the WRO in the Philippines in 2010.

“Preparations are underway for this grand event and we are very excited with the privilege that we would be hosting the WRO two years from now," she said.

Ogena said the WRO is a good training ground for future engineers who would to improve the way of living in the world through robotics.

“Our end goal in supporting the WRO is to entice our students to venture into science careers and beef up the critical mass of scientists and engineers our country needs," she said. - GMANews.TV

bitoy

November 10th, 2008, 12:55 PM

dancethingy

November 10th, 2008, 07:38 PM

^^ Aside from her phenomenal talent, she's stunning as well.

garzland

November 10th, 2008, 11:21 PM

Philippine bet is Miss Earth 2008 (http://abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/11/09/08/philippine-bet-miss-earth-2008)

The Philippines' Karla Paula Henry was crowned as this year's Miss Earth, during the Coronation Night held at the Clark Expo Ampitheater in Pampanga Sunday evening.

Henry bested 84 other contestants from all over the world, succeeding Canada's Jessica Trisko, Miss Earth 2007.

In the final question and answer round, the final four were asked on what they would tell US president-elect Barack Obama about the state of the global environment if ever they were to meet.

Henry responded by saying she would encourage Obama to implement environmental knowledge in the curriculum of schools not just in the US, but also in the Philippines.

"Environmental knowledge is something that all of us must share, but most importantly we must teach the youth that this is something that we should instill in them so that in the near future they will be the ones to take care of our mother Earth," she said.

Henry earlier won the Miss Earth Designers Award and Miss Photogenic special award.

Miss Tanzania, Miriam Odemba was Miss Earth Air (1st runner-up); Miss Mexico, Abigail Elizalde was Miss Earth Water (2nd runner-up), and Miss Brazil Tatiane Alves won Miss Earth Fire (3rd runner-up).

Rounding up the pageant's top eight finalists are Mariana Rodriguez (Miss Colombia), Adriana Reveron (Miss Spain), Nasanin Nuri (MIss Switzerland), and Daniela Torrealba (Miss Venezuela).

The coronation night was hosted by singer Billy Crawford, Miss Earth 2004 Priscilla Meirelles, and Miss Earth Canada 2006 Riza Santos.

Miss Earth is described as one of the three largest beauty pageants in the world in terms of the number of national-level competitions to participate in the world finals.

The participants themselves are involved with environmental causes. The titleholder dedicate their year to promote environmental projects and to address issues concerning the environment

IslandSon.PH

November 11th, 2008, 01:48 PM

Filipino Scientists Invent Cheap Healing Bandage From Mushroom, Fiber Waste:cheers:

AHN Staff

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - Two government scientists from the Philippines have invented a cheaper and healing medical bandage using indigenous mushroom and fiber waste.

The so-called non-woven medical bandage from microfungal fibers of Dr. Claro Santiago Jr. and Rhodora Flores of the Department of Science and Technology's Industrial Technology Development Institute is made from the fibers of the edible mushroom volvariella volvacea, fibrous materials from agro-industrial wastes, alginate or stabilizer and textile fiber.

In the paper about their invention, Santiago and Flores said the chitosan compound in volvariella volvacea induces the repair of tissues while inhibiting microbial growth. It is also non-toxic, non-allergenic, biodegradable, hydrophilic and permeates oxygen.

In contrast, commercial medical bandage made from synthetic materials or natural fibers only protects skin from infection but does not heal wounds.

The new bandage is cheap to produce because its chitosan can be sourced from the said mushroom that grows anywhere in the Philippines, particularly during the rainy season. The mushroom can also be cultured and the scientists have developed a production technique that uses coconut water disposed by food processing and copra plants.

Chitosan is also available from shells of crabs, lobsters and shrimps or exoskeletons of marine zooplankton, wings of certain insects such as butterflies and ladybugs, and in the cell wall of yeast and other fungi. But getting the compound from these sources is costly and exhaustible.
source (http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7012917389)

Jake_noypi

November 11th, 2008, 05:40 PM

^^ Galing, sana walang mga komplikasyon pag ginamit to. Tested for how many years to? Kelangan tlgang intensive ang testing nito kasi ilalagay na to sa open part ng body ng tao. All in all galing...:applause:

IslandSon.PH

November 12th, 2008, 03:11 AM

CNN: ‘Himala’ best Asian film in history:cheers:

By Gerry Plaza
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 09:36:00 11/12/2008

Visitors to the Cable News Network entertainment web site voted Ishmael Bernal’s “Himala,” which starred Nora Aunor as a simple provincial girl turned faith healer, as the Best Asia-Pacific movie of all time, outclassing such greats as Akira Kurasawa’s “Seven Samurai” and Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”

Others in the top 10, in which “Himala” was the only Filipino film, included “Mou Gaan Dou (Internal Affairs)” from Hong Kong, “Oldboy” from South Korea, “Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (Spirited Away)” from Japan, “Pather Panchali” from India, “Gallipoli” from Australia, “Chung Hing Sam Lam (Chungking Express)” from China, and “Gabbeh” from Iran.

The Filipino classic, originally released in 1982, emerged as the top online vote-getter in the popular vote that ran in October.

CNN announced “Himala” as its Asia Pacific Screen Awards Viewers Choice Award winner on Tuesday in a ceremony in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Hundreds of film industry luminaries from around the world attended the event.

Askal82

November 12th, 2008, 04:49 AM

^^ Siguradong proud na proud ang mga Noranians(including my mom) nyan. :lol:

kiretoce

November 12th, 2008, 04:58 AM

The Filipino classic, originally released in 1982, emerged as the top online vote-getter in the popular vote that ran in October.

Hmm.... :sly:

Anybody else thinking what I'm thinking? :nuts: ( :lol: )

RonnieR

November 12th, 2008, 08:41 AM

^^ yes i do....just like 7 natural wonders of the world :nuts:

diz

November 12th, 2008, 08:43 AM

yeah, we all know.
but hey, it's CNN! pretty coolio

Eriq

November 12th, 2008, 09:38 AM

Hmm.... :sly:

Anybody else thinking what I'm thinking? :nuts: ( :lol: )

That online polls don't mean shit?

c0kelitr0

November 12th, 2008, 09:50 AM

the top films were chosen by film experts from all over the world so having Himala in that prestigious list is already an honor.

****

you guys should watch the movie first before making any remarks. ;)

i'm not a fan of Nora Aunor but she was impeccable in that movie. her performance was absolutely one of the best i've seen.

NOVO ECIJANO

November 12th, 2008, 10:07 AM

Bernal's 'Himala' is best Asia-Pacific movie of all time

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/12/2008 1:09 PM

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Visitors to US television network Cable News Network’s (CNN) entertainment Web site voted Ishmael Bernal's film “Himala” as the best Asia-Pacific movie of all time.

The movie featured a young Nora Aunor as a simple girl from the province who turned into a faith healer. The 1982 classic was the only Filipino movie nominated.

It outclassed other films such as Akira Kurosawa's "The Seven Samurai" and Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

Critics, industry insiders, Asian actors and viewers participated in the CNN poll. ANC

diz

November 12th, 2008, 10:35 AM

^^ They forgot to add Filipinos in the participants.

kiretoce

November 13th, 2008, 01:03 AM

the top films were chosen by film experts from all over the world so having Himala in that prestigious list is already an honor.

Chosen? Maybe you meant the experts "nominated" it for consideration, and then, the online voters "chose" the winner from the list of nominations on that CNN poll.

Askal82

November 13th, 2008, 01:15 AM

^^ I found this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himala) on wikipedia.

filcan

November 13th, 2008, 01:25 AM

^^what are you trying to point out? :)

Askal82

November 13th, 2008, 02:12 AM

^^ I'm just referring about that film.

bitoy

November 13th, 2008, 02:33 AM

^^ Parang may napanood akong pelikula na ang titol ay:

"Himas"

let's ask Amigo and Bukid, baka alam nila yun... :lol:

johnmizer

November 13th, 2008, 02:34 AM

^wow ganada nya

kiretoce

November 13th, 2008, 02:37 AM

Parang may napanood akong pelikula na ang titol ay:

"Himas"

let's ask Amigo and Bukid, baka alam nila yun... :lol:

Maybe they even starred in it. ;) ( :lol: )

c0kelitr0

November 13th, 2008, 03:47 AM

Chosen? Maybe you meant the experts "nominated" it for consideration, and then, the online voters "chose" the winner from the list of nominations on that CNN poll.

hehehe that's what i mean ;) it really doesn't matter if it won or not kasi online voting naman yun. yung mapabilang sa listahan ay okay na.

RonnieR

November 13th, 2008, 04:06 AM

RP still 6th highest in world in gender gap ranking

The Philippines, a developing Asian economy headed by a female president, has retained its ranking as the sixth out of 130 countries in the world in terms of narrowing the gender gap between men and women.

In its 2008 Global Gender Gap Report released yesterday, the World Economic Forum ranked the Philippines next to Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland and New Zealand in terms of closing the global gender gap index.

The index examines the gap between men and women in four fundamental categories: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, political empowerment and health and survival.

The Philippines, the highest-ranked Asian country, received a score of 0.7568 in 2008, albeit slighly lower than its score of 0.7629 in 2007. This means that the Philippines has closed 75 percent of its gender gaps.

The Philippines and Sri Lanka (at 12th spot) remain distinctive for being the only Asian countries among the top 20, for the third consecutive year.

“The Philippines is one of two countries in Asia to have closed the gender gap on both education and health and is one of only eleven in the world to have done so,” the report said.

However, the report noted that the Philippines' score relative to its performance in 2007 fell due to a drop in the perceived wage equality between women and men employed in similar positions and a decrease in the percentage of women ministers.

It said that while the Philippines retained its privileged status in the rankings, the size of its gender gaps on economic participation and on political empowerment widened slightly.

Specifically, there was a perceived drop in wage equality for similar work according to the perceptions of business leaders, leading to a small decrease in the economic
participation subindex.

On the political empowerment subindex, the Philippines has made gains on the percentage of women in parliament and on the number of years of having a female leader in executive office in the last 50 years, with the continued tenure of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

However, these gains are offset by a fall in the percentage of female ministers, leading to an overall decrease in the scores for this subindex.

Norway led the survey in closing the gender gap with a score of 0.8239, followed by two other Nordic countries – Finland and Sweden.

At the bottom of the list was Yemen with a score of 0.4664, followed by Chad and Saudi Arabia.

The three highest-ranking countries have closed a little over 80 percent of their gender gaps, while the lowest-ranking country has closed only a little over 45 percent of its gender gap.

Previously higher-ranking countries such as Germany (11), United Kingdom (13) and Spain (17) slipped down the Index but stayed in the top 20, while the Netherlands (9), Latvia (10), Sri Lanka (12) and France (15) made significant gains.

The United States, at 27th spot, made progress this year and closed gender gaps in estimated earned income and perceived income gaps for similar work. The United States also made strides in political empowerment, driven by increased participation of women in political decision-making positions.

Out of the 128 countries covered in both 2007 and 2008, more than two-thirds have posted gains in overall index scores, indicating that the world in general has made progress towards equality between men and women.

wynngd

November 14th, 2008, 03:04 AM

^^This kinda confuses me... The Philippines got a lot of female executives right???

CGYanon

November 14th, 2008, 03:08 AM

kiretoce

November 14th, 2008, 03:09 AM

This kinda confuses me...The Philippines got a lot of female executives right???

It states that although the Philippines has made great gains in the political arena with the presidency, in the senate, and in the house of representatives. It has yet to make strides with females in the government's cabinet positions (ministers).

RonnieR

November 14th, 2008, 06:00 AM

^^This kinda confuses me... The Philippines got a lot of female executives right???

Yeah, but 6th is already high....the highest in Asia. Ang US, pang 27 lang.

Animo

November 14th, 2008, 06:19 AM

Hong Kong (PTI (http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200811132211.htm)): Miguel Syjuco of the Philippines on Thursday pipped Indian authors Kavery Nambisan and Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi to win the prestigious $10,000 Man Asian Literary Prize, often dubbed the Asian Booker.

The young Manila-born writer won the award, given to works from the region unpublished in English, for his debut novel "Ilustrado", which is a family saga of four generations tracing 150 years of Philippine history forged under the Spanish, Americans and Filipinos themselves.

Mumbai-based Shanghvi's "Lost Flamingoes of Bombay" and "The Story That Must Not Be Told" by Nambisan were among the five final works chosen from a list of 21 for the award.

The other two authors in the fray were Alfred A Yuson ("The Music Child") of the Philippines and China's Yu Hua ("Brothers").

The jury comprised former Canadian Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, Aussie scholar Nicholas Jose and Indian writer Pankaj Mishra.

"Brilliantly conceived, and stylishly executed, it ("Ilustrado") covers a large and tumultuous historical period with seemingly effortless skill. It is also ceaselessly entertaining, frequently raunchy, and effervescent with humour," a statement by the jury said of the winning novel.

The manuscript of "Ilustrado" had fetched Syjuco the Grand Prize at the Palanca Awards.

The Man Asian Literary Prize was established in 2006 to bring greater worldwide attention to Asian writing and authors. The inaugural prize was awarded in November 2007 to "Wolf Totem" by Chinese author Jiang Rong.

The Prize has been launched by Man Group, which is known for sponsoring the prestigious Booker Prize, which rewards the best novel of the year by a writer from Britain, Ireland or a Commonwealth country.

"Ilustrado" begins with Crispin Salvador, lion of Philippine letters, dead in the Hudson River. His acolyte Miguel investigates the author's demise and the disappearance of a manuscript about the corruption behind rich Filipino families.

To understand the death, Miguel scours the life, charting Salvador's trajectory via his poetry, stories, interviews, novels, polemics and memoirs. Finally, the story twists, belonging to young Miguel as much as his lost mentor.

On the other hand, "The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay" is a "twisted affair" between a married older woman and a young photographer. The novel is dubbed as "a sharp and ravishing examination of modern India's perverse fascination with celebrity, the tension between public morality and private desire, and all the awful things we commit in the name of love".

Nambisan has worked as a surgeon in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

"The Story That Must Not Be Told" is about Simon Jesukumar, an ageing widower who lives in a housing colony in Chennai. He is stirred by his guilt about the slum, optimistically called Sitara (The Star) next door.

With the reluctant help of a young journalist and his 'surprise' girlfriend, Simon embarks on a journey that ends in an ugly episode with the "slum terrorists".

bitoy

November 16th, 2008, 07:07 AM

http://blogs.inquirer.net/nepalesreport/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/jonhirabagon2-300x169.jpg

Fil-Am wins international jazz competition (http://blogs.inquirer.net/nepalesreport/2008/10/27/filam-wins-international-jazz-competition/)

Filipino-American jazz artist Jon Irabagon won the 21st Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles.

Irabagon, an alto saxophonist based in Astoria, Queens, secured the most prestigious honor available to a young jazz musician, beating Tim Green, of Baltimore, Md. who finished second and Quamon Fowler, of Fort Worth, Texas, who came in third.

The panel of judges for the competition, which focuses on a different instrument each year, consisted of heavyweight saxophonists like Jimmy Heath, Wayne Shorter and Jane Ira Bloom. They selected the three winners from a pool of a dozen semifinalists. All three finalists performed alongside the jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater at the Kodak, in a concert that doubled as a salute to the blues legend B.B. King.

Jon is the first Filipino to win this competition that is ranked no. 1 in the world in terms of prestige. Along with the top prize, he also took home a $20,000 scholarship and a record contract with Concord Music Group, one of the leading jazz labels in the US.

Raised in Chicago, Jon has been playing the saxophone since he was eight years old, and has one album out as a leader, “Outright!” (Innova).

He can also be heard on the new release by the pugnacious post-bop group Mostly Other People Do the Killing.

If you would like to watch the newest Fil-Am pride — he will perform at the 4th Annual Filipino-American Jazz Festival at the Catalina Bar & Grill, also in Hollywood, on December 27.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Masakit sa teynga.. :lol:, congrats anyways!!!

IslandSon.PH

November 18th, 2008, 06:01 PM

Bumgarner inks 5-year Indy racing deal

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:53:00 11/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Chalk up one more achievement for Filipino racing sensation Michele Bumgarner’s growing list.

The former Asian Karting queen moved closer to her dream of making the international formula racing circuit when she signed a five-year driver development deal to race in the Indy Lights Series and the Indy Car Series.

The 19-year-old Bumgarner will race for the NexGen and Walker Racing driver development program in the Indy Lights Series next year. She will be the first Filipino to compete in the circuit.

“I’m very excited,” Bumgarner said. “Signing with Charlie Patterson and Peter Olach of NexGen is a great honor.”

“I am also proud to be flying the Philippine flag and representing the Filipino people through this great adventure.”

She added: “I have much to learn and prepare for the 2009 season as well as beyond, constant learning and developing for two or more years to reach the Indy Car Series.”

Under the program, Bumgarner will take the track next year, before moving to the Indy Car Racing series.

“The professionalism that they have is the best and this is a great opportunity for me,” Bumgarner said.

“My goal is to get as much out of it as I can and to get the next level which is Indy Car Series. I think this is a great match and we can take each other to the top.”

Patterson of NexGen MTD and Walker picked Bumgarner, pointing out her credentials as the first female champion of the Rock Island Grand Prix in New York and her feat as a four-time Asian Karting Queen, among others.

“We are especially pleased that Derrick (Walker) has elected to help us advance the professional racing career of Michele Bumgarner,” said Patterson.

Bumgarner debuted in the national Karting Series at age 10.

Last September, she bagged the Tag Seniors crown in the Rock Island Grand Prix, considered the world’s largest street kart racing event, in Illinois.

Bumgarner clocked 11:24.144, or 0.916 seconds ahead of the US’ Kyle Erdmann.

IslandSon.PH

November 18th, 2008, 06:03 PM

RP chessers storm to Top 20, rip Iranians:banana:

DRESDEN, Germany – GM Wesley So pulled off a stunning win over GM Elshan Moradiabadi while IM John Paul Gomez sustained his impressive form as the Philippines beat Iran, 2.5-1.5, to barge into the Top 20 in the World Chess Olympiad here Monday.

The 15-year-old So, the reigning Dubai Open champion, defended with precision despite an early positional setback then outplayed Moradiabadi to claim the victory after marathon 85 moves of the Slav.

The top Iranian GM tried to squeeze out a draw via repetition of moves but So, playing out of St. Francis College in Bacoor, Cavite, wisely thwarted Moradiabadi’s bid with precise moves under time pressure.

Gomez also continued his remarkable showing as he outplayed GM Amir Bagheri in 56 moves of the Ruy Lopez.

The 22-year-old Gomez launched a relentless kingside attack against the black-playing Bagheri and went on to post his third straight win against two draws in the tournament.

Gomez is also now the Filipinos’ leading scorer with four points out of a possible five.

GM Bong Villamayor, back after a one-day break, settled for a draw with GM Ehsan Ghaemmaghami in 50 moves of the Catalan, while GM Darwin Laylo bowed to GM Morteza Mahjoob in 38 moves of the Scandinavian.

“We’re doing well considering the strong opposition here. I like our position right now with still six rounds left,” said RP non-playing team captain Eugene Torre.

Overall, the Filipinos have seven points, only two points behind top seed Russia, defending champion Armenia, Ukraine, England, Azerbaijan and host Germany under the matchpoint style scoring system being used for the first time since 1927.

Russia, led by GMs Vladimir Kramnik and Alexander Grischuk, drew with host Germany, 2-2.

Armenia edged Netherlands, 2.5-1.5, on the third-board victory of GM Gabriel Sargissian over GM Daniel Stellwagen.

Ukraine humbled Hungary, Azerbaijan bested Norway and England outplayed Italy in other featured matches in the men’s division.

Ten countries, led by Turin Olympiad silver medalist China and Asian powerhouse India, shared seventh to 16th places with eight points.

China, bannered by Gms Wangn Yue and Bu Xiangzhi, nipped Scotland, 2.5-1.5, while India, led by Gms Krishnan Sasikiran and P. Harikrishna, crushed Austria, 3-1.

The RP men’s team faces Spain in the sixth round.

In women’s play, the Philippines bounced back with a 3.5-0.5 rout of New Zealand to make it double-celebration for the RP bets.

Daisy Rivera, Cheradee Chardine Camacho and Christy Lamiel Bernales hurdled their respective matches to clinch the Filipinas’ second win in five matches.

Rivera trounced WFM Sue Maroroa in 67 moves of the Sicilian Najdorf, Camacho checkmated Judy Gao in only 14 moves of the Caro Kann and Bernales overwhelmed WCM Vivian Smith in 30 moves of the French Exchange variation.

Shercila Cua, playing the top board in place of Catherine Perena, halved the point with WFM Helen Milligan in 40 moves of the Catalan.

The Filipinas now have five points on two wins, one draw and two losses.

They also defeated Yemen, 3.5-.5, drew with Lithuania, 2-2, and lost to Greece, 1-3, and Belarus, 0.5-3.5.

They will battle the GM Pia Cramling-led Sweden in the next round.

China, bannered by WGM Hou Yifan andd GM Zhao Xue, leads the way in the women’s division with a perfect scoe of 10 points.

Hungary, led by GM Hoang Thanh Trang and Ildiko Madl, is second with nine points.

The tournament takes the first of two rest days on Tuesday before returning to action with the sixth round starting at 8 p.m. Tuesday (10 p.m., Manila time).
source (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=416677&publicationSubCategoryId=69)

IslandSon.PH

November 18th, 2008, 06:23 PM

Junior triathletes triumphant in Asian Cup

MANILA, Philippines – Junior triathletes Joash Serrano and Kim Mangrobang won gold and bronze in the 2008 Hong Kong ITU Triathlon Asian Cup on Satruday at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

Competing in the junior elite category, the 17-year old Serrano took the gold beating hometown bet Chan Chun Lun in the last 200 meters of the run leg.

Serrano came out fifth after the swim event but bounced back strongly in the bike and run legs to submit the fastest time of 1:09:35.

The course was divided into a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and 5-kilometer run in the junior division.

Chan settled for the silver after coming in 13 seconds after, 1:09:48, while another Hong Kong bet, Lao Long Fung took third clocking in at 1:11:10.

It was the second straight international victory for Serrano after topping the junior elite at the I-Lan Blossom Lake International Triathlon Championship at Chia Yi, Taiwan last September.

Serrano and Mangrobang, who won the bronze in the girls division, have to give up their studies to concentrate in training. Both are many time national juniors champion.

Mangrobang could have settled for the silver but lost to Hui Wai Sum of Hong Kong by just eight seconds. She had a time of 1:19:48 against Hui’s 1:19:40.

Chinese-Taipei’s Wu Ting Hsin won the gold registering a time of 1:19:11.

“The performance of Joash and Kim proves that our youth program is on the right track," said Triathlon Association of the Philippines president Tom Carrasco Jr., who is hoping to send a Filipino triathlete to the London Olympics in 2012.

Veteran triatlete George Vilog completed the three-man Philippine team finishing at 26th place in the male elite with a time of 2:24:04. He was the best Southeast Asian finisher as Malaysian bet Shahrom Abdulah settled a rank lower than Vilog with 2:28:02 clocking. – GMANews.TV

c0kelitr0

November 19th, 2008, 02:38 AM

i was reading today's Libre tabloid brought by an officemate and there's this ad of my|phone. my officemate mentioned that it's a local brand of mobile phones. di ako naniwala so i googled it and jesus, totoo nga! it's pinoy! i didn't know we're producing phones now. the question is, are these phones manufactured here or sa china?? i'd buy one just to support any pinoy company.

diz

November 19th, 2008, 03:02 AM

^^ wow coke, everyone else here knew that already. :lol:

i'm sorry.

there's also a brand called my|screen. go ahead and check that out. :lol:

as for your question, they're manufactured in China. :cheers:

RonnieR

November 19th, 2008, 03:20 AM

Philstar.com - Monday, November 17

After her eye-popping guestings on Ellen and Oprah, and live performances with the likes of Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys and Michael Bublé, what's next for Charice?

A lot, according to Funfare's Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre.

"Charice will join Hannah Montana megastar Miley Cyrus and American Idol runner-up David Archuleta as headliners of this year's Macy's annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 27," said Edmund in a special report. "The event, presented by Macy's, the world's largest retail store, is one of America's most lavish celebrations seen by over 3.5 million live spectators and over 44 million televiewers across the US. Aside from famed celebrities, the event's notable attractions are its inflated giant balloons in the shape of well-loved cartoon or comic book characters."

Macy's is also the sponsor of the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular in NYC which featured the pre-recorded song of Lea Salonga (Just Beyond The Dream) in its magnificent fireworks display last year, also seen by millions.

Charice, Miley and David will ride on different colorful floats and will perform separately along with other notable artists such as James Taylor, Andy Williams, The Cheetah Girls, Broadway superstars Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth, the cast of Broadway musical Hairspray, the muppets cast of Sesame Street, plus Miss USA Crystle Stewart.

Edmund added that the NBC telecast of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will be hosted by Today Show's Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Al Roker (three of America's most famous TV personalities). It will be aired on NBC network from 9 a.m. to noon (US East Coast time) in each of the four time zones in the continental US.

"Fil-Ams Oliver and Chona Cajanding of Society Hill, Jersey City, N.J. said they will watch the parade along with their teenage son, Gerald, and brave the freezing temperature just to see Charice up close.

"Oliver said that they already saw Charice in person at the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Manhattan last June, and they became instant fans. Oliver noted how cute Charice is and that she looked younger than her age (16). 'She's down-to-earth and always smiling,' said Oliver. 'Hindi nga nagagalit kahit ang kukulit ng fans na nagpapa-picture'."

Last Oct. 28, Charice was also in the Big Apple to grace the celebration of Macy's 150th anniversary at Gotham Hall, with Sean "Diddy" Combs, Eva Mendes, Jessica Simpson, Martha Stewart, Tommy Hilfiger, Clinton Kelly, Kenneth Cole, and celebrity chefs Ming Tsai, Tyler Florence and Todd English.

On Oct. 29, she sang at David Foster's birthday dinner event at Bon Appetit Supper Club in Manhattan in front of guests who included Donald Trump, Gayle King, Clay Aiken and Dr. Phil. The next day, she was in Beverly Hills, California's Hilton Hotel for The Big Bash, the annual Rising Stars Gala organized by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles.

Charice is also part of David Foster's newly-released album titled Hitman: David Foster & Friends which hit the stores last Nov. 11. Her track is included in the album together with songs from music icons Kenny G., Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Brian McKnight, Katharine McPhee, Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion.

Said Edmund, "On Nov. 19, Charice will promote the new album on Good Morning America on ABC, broadcast live from the Times Square in Manhattan."

It will be Charice's second time to promote on a US TV show, the first having been on CBS New York.

Media insiders said Foster is now in the process of looking for the right album material for Charice, who is backed by Oprah Winfrey no less.

"They want to release an album by Charice while she's very hot in her guestings and appearances," an insider said. "All eyes are on this girl, everyone wants to meet her and the industry is watching how far will this girl go."

With David Foster and Oprah Winfrey behind her, how can Charice go wrong?

(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph or at entphilstar@yahoo.com) - Ricardo F. Lo (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Jake_noypi

November 19th, 2008, 05:09 AM

diz

November 19th, 2008, 05:43 AM

Hannah Montana?! :rofl:

That's a step down in my book. :lol:

Actually, I would pay to see that performance. Charice will outshine Miley 100x. :lol: Miley has a voice like she has a sore throat or something OMG hhahhah.

But performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving parade is seriously a wonderful exposure.

c0kelitr0

November 19th, 2008, 06:16 AM

Ok na, eh gawa pala sa China parang ayaw ko na...:lol:

honga, sana dito na rin nila manufacture ng phones. para 100% pinoy. proud na sana ako hehehe.

RonnieR

November 19th, 2008, 06:29 AM

^^ Just like Akira - bulbs, electric stuff, Filipino owned but their manufacturing plant is in Shenzhen, China. I'm still proud of them. :)

spearhead

November 21st, 2008, 01:07 AM

Heto para sa mga huli na sa balita tulad ko hehe....

RP’s Neo launches $406 mini laptop
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20080329-127175/RPs-Neo-launches-406-mini-laptop

Agence France-Presse
First Posted 14:20:00 03/29/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Philippine PC manufacturer Neo and multinational computer processor maker Intel have jointly launched a new P16,999 ($406) mini laptop, spokesmen said Saturday.

The Neo Explore is a "ruggedized and shock-proof" laptop with a keyboard that will not be damaged by spillages of liquids, said Neo spokeswoman Mariel Que.

It weighs 0.66 kilograms (1.45 pounds) and is the size of a schoolchild's lunchbox but will have the memory capacity and usual features of a standard basic laptop.

Though the Explore is primarily designed for primary school children here, it can also be used by first-time PC users for word-processing and Internet access, said Intel Philippines country manager Ricky Banaag.

It will be available in stores in major Philippine cities.

spearhead

November 21st, 2008, 01:19 AM

FIL-AM INDIE BAND ROCKS!

Snowblind - +/- (plus/minus)
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bgHVfwz6eWs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bgHVfwz6eWs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Myspace : http://www.myspace.com/plusminusband
Wiki : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%2B/-_(band)

Fil-Am indie band Plus/Minus plays Manila
Updated November 05, 2008 12:00 AM

Indie rock fans, mark your calendars for November 7 and 8. That’s when Filipino-American band Plus/Minus {+/-} is playing for the first time in the Philippines. The New York City-based group, composed of James Baluyut, Patrick Ramos and Chris Deaner, is an offshoot of Versus, the highly revered alternative band fronted by James’s brother Richard Baluyut (James played guitar while Patrick was drummer).

Producing and staging the concert are film directors and Blast Ople band mates Quark Henares and Marie Jamora, who were able to convince Plus/Minus to stop in the Philippines as part of their “2008 Authentic Asian Food and Beverage Tour” and make their first homeland appearance —the first night at Warehouse 135 in Makati with supporting acts Ciudad, Taken By Cars and Ang Bandang Shirley; the second night at Mag:net Boni High Street, with openers Us-2 Evil-0 and the reunion of Itchyworms side project Boldstar, Jamora’s former band.

“We’re super excited to be returning to Japan and Taiwan after a two-year absence,” says Plus/Minus, “but I think we’re most excited about making our debut in the Philippines!”

Richard Baluyut will also be flying in as a very special guest, whose presence on both nights will make it a virtual Versus gig, which should please both bands’ rabid cult following.

Plus/Minus will be playing cuts from their new album “XS on Your Eyes,” which was released on Oct. 21 through Absolutely Kosher Records.

Warehouse 135 is located at 135 Yakal Street, Makati City. Mag:net is located at Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Shows start at 9 p.m.
http://beta2.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=412707&publicationSubCategoryId=83

red_jasper

November 22nd, 2008, 03:30 PM

Pacquiao to grace the pages of Readers Digest
11/22/2008 | 09:51 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Chalk up another achievement for Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

The reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion will be featured as the cover of Readers Digest Asia when the magazine hits the newsstands on Monday.

Though the Pacquiao at the cover will only be circulated in the Philippines, his seven-page story – written by Readers Digest editor-in-chief Jim Plousse – will be read throughout Asia.

Readers Digest allotted seven pages for Pacquiao, who is training for a December 6 (December 7 in Manila) fight against Oscar De La Hoya dubbed The Dream Match, with the lead article reserved for the Filipino celebrity.

AZ Direct Marketing president Lirio Sandoval said they already added 50 percent in the magazine’s circulation since their distributors from Luzon to Mindanao requested for more copies. AZ Direct Marketing is the local distributor of the Singapore-based Readers Digest in the country.

Sandoval said almost every Filipino, from all walks of life, is interested about Pacquiao. “He is considered a national hero now. A national hero or a hero itself is really inspirational for all of us Filipinos."

The seven-page article chronicles Pacquiao’s iconic rise from his humble beginnings in the General Santos City to becoming one of the greatest boxers in his generation. Pacquiao’s story became a source of inspiration to some since he struggled first before enjoying the fruits of his hard work. – GMANews.TV (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/135142/Pacquiao-to-grace-the-pages-of-Readers-Digest)

jpdm

November 22nd, 2008, 03:35 PM

^^

Great news indeed!

-TC-

November 22nd, 2008, 04:34 PM

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=417049&publicationSubCategoryId=202

The changing face of Filipinos in Singapore
By Dodo Certeza
Philippine Star
November 19, 2008

I arrived in Singapore 20 years ago and I would get questions from Singaporeans and foreigners alike on how I got my job in the city-state. It was a struggle but it has allowed me to me experience what it means to be a Filipino in Singapore.

We have been described as a nation of domestic helpers, political dynasties and corrupt government officials. We are quiet by nature, and that's why we never strive to address these negative perceptions. We were content to have a good job and that we have been given the opportunity to work elsewhere.

I have been asking myself what really defines our culture because we always have to remember who we were.

As the top economy in Asia (next to Japan) in the 1960 s and '70s, we even boasted to have the first airline in Asia. When Malaysia's Putrajaya complex was developed to give a new face to Malaysia's seat of power, we had already did this with the proposed development of Roxas Boulevard where the cultural center and coconut palace have been constructed 10 years before. When Singapore structured its economy to become the leader in Southeast Asia, we were a silent partner in this; our architects, engineers, nurses and IT specialists are part of the team that led the development.

The recent win by Barack Obama as the next United States president is a symbolic one even in our context. His win stood for change in the highest regard – race and culture - bringing new hope, which is ensured by strong principles to succeed. This age has also brought about change among Filipinos living in Singapore, which is recognized as the regional hub in Southeast Asia.

President Arroyo in a speech in Singapore last year promised a new city in the Philippines, one that would provide an option for Filipino overseas contract workers and prevent brain drain. The city, which is believed to be the new Clark Development area, is now paved with nice roads and foreign investments from the Middle East and Europe. This was the best idea I have heard since Marcos left office. It's about time we showcase to the world who we are as a people.

I will tell you why we can be proud of who we are now. The Filipino is visible in Singapore today. Tycoons such as John Gokongwei Jr. own large stakes in Singapore blue-chip companies such as UIC. Del Monte is listed on the Singapore exchange.

In finance, Lito Camacho is vice-chairman of Credit Suisse Investment Banking, overseeing billions in investments. Bing de Guzman is CEO of ING private bank and leads wealth management expertise in Asia. Raymundo Yu is Chairman of Merryll Lynch Asia-Pacific.

Entrepreneurs such as polo playing Inigo Zobel has been featured in the Singapore Tatler magazine, while Andrew Tan of MegaWorld properties hit the cover of Forbes Asia just last month. Lucio Tan Jr. and Marco Yuchengco Santos were big investors during the technology boom in Singapore.

For sports, Paul Monozca of the Monozca Foundation was awarded the Sports Minister's Inspirational Award in 2006 and has been named by the society magazine The Peak as a sports philanthropist. Lydia de Vega trains the future track and field stars of Singapore. Al Vergara and Jason Castro are star point guards of the Singapore Slingers professional basketball team. Golfer Jennifer Rosales played in the Lexus (all-women) golf championship. Joey Loinaz and Mikee Cojuanco also lent their presence during equestrian events.

In education, Wharton-educated Bobby Mariano is the dean of economics of the Singapore Management University (SMU), the city-state's best business school. Emil Bolongaita was a leading academic at the Singapore National University years ago.

The music scene here is led by Babes Conde and has been at the forefront of reality shows such as the Singapore Idol. Concerts such as Ryan Cayabyab, Aiza Seguerra and Gary Valenciano have been held in Singapore. Even some of the voices of radio stations here are Filipino.

In media, Rico Hizon of the BBC, Anthony Suntay of ESPN and Jennifer Alejandro/David Nye of Channel News Asia are visible globally as television presenters. Celebrities such as Lea Salonga, Donita Rose and Alessandra De Rossi are well known here. Richard Gomez's gold medal in fencing during the Southeast Asian games here also made a difference a few years back, bringing glamour -- with his wife Lucy Torres -- to the Filipinos in Singapore.

Filipinos have also been named by the Singapore Straits Times newspaper as the top choice for hospitality and service related jobs. Our nurses man Singapore's hospitals.

In the arts, Ben Cab, Charlie Co, Ronald Achacoso, Juan Alcazaren, Annie Cabigting, Nilo Ilarde, Bernardo Pacquing, Elaine Roberto-Navas, Crispin Villanueva Jr. and Dominic Rubio are among dozens of top Filipino painters who have showcased their works and have gotten rave reviews.

Small and medium enterprises dominate one whole shopping mall along Orchard Road (Lucky Plaza) and the 7107 Islands restaurant launched a filipino fine dining restaurant. Hotgrill burgers opened in Lau Pa Sat market.

The fashionable and stunning Mindy Cruz is the new Philippine Ambassador to Singapore.

Our domestic helpers have brought about entrepreneurship with their remittances to the Philippines and are highly regarded now as an indispensable part of family life here.

On Nov. 30, 2008, Singapore will feel like home. The first official Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) game will be held in Singapore, pitting San Miguel Beer and PLDT's Talk&Text teams.

We have come a long way since 20 years ago when I first came here. The future is in our hands.

Mabuhay ang Pinoy!

crappypants

November 22nd, 2008, 10:36 PM

Rivermaya too i believe was well received in Singapore.
now can we get all those people to come back after being proud of helping build Singapore to help rebuild the PHilippines. Individually they seem to suceed but collectively the engine seems to putter...

Animo

November 23rd, 2008, 09:52 AM

http://images.inquirer.net/media/showbizandstyle/lifestyle/lifestyle/images/pic-11220247050970.jpg

By Charles E. Buban (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20081122-173667/Seeing-a-bright-future-amid-crisis)
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:14:00 11/22/2008

ANTONY Zubiri is not your ordinary executive. He takes pride in the fact that his company, Environments Global Ltd., is the only Filipino transnational at the moment that provides a complete range of services for the built environment.

“Environments Global is largely business-to-business organization whose aim is to be the ultimate provider of 360-degree service solutions for the architecture, engineering and construction industry,” explained the company president and CEO.

To its markets spanning the globe, Environments Global is best known through its four subsidiaries, namely The Environments Collaborative, a full-service design bureau for planning, architecture, interior design and other related services; intAct, a project management specialist; CubeLand, an integrated solutions provider for the built environment; and Re:Source Partners, which specializes in off-shore design process delivery for the AEC industry.

Another arm is the Environments Global Foundation, which is EC’s vehicle to implement various community, research, training and outreach programs that support the company’s vision of showcasing the Filipino building professional in the global stage.

Convergence

“We are structured in a manner that there is convergence of diverse specializations and each component in our organization, although distinct and separate, draws strength from its association with the others,” he stressed.

Because of his organization’s unique position in the industry, Zubiri believes they are in the best position to best evaluate the situation.

“A lot of people are worried about the financial crisis. Yes, this country will eventually be affected by the financial crisis. However, it will not be that bad and in fact, the prospects are bright in the AEC sector both here and overseas. The country should take advantage of the opportunities that abound and to create more opportunities that will boost our competitiveness,” Zubiri explained.

He added that despite the prevailing financial crisis, the real estate industry is still booming not only in some parts of the Philippines but most especially in the Middle East, Australia, Russia, Spain and other parts of Europe.

Take advantage

Here in the Philippines, Zubiri believed industry players should take advantage of tourism, offshore investments in business process outsourcing, and the domestic real estate demand.

As a matter of fact, Environments Global is expanding its business here and abroad within the next 12 months, doubling the size of its business both in terms of floor space and head count in the next year.

Zubiri disclosed that 10 to 20 percent of its total expansion capital would go to the Philippine head office saying the company is set to expand its office space by about 5,000 sq m in the next 12 months, and then add another 5,000 sq m the year after.

The company is also looking to increase its manpower by 1,500 to beef up its existing pool of professionals and design experts creating an additional 5,000 jobs in the next three to four years.

This is brought about by the fact that in the past few years, Environments Global has been averaging 50 percent year-on-year increase in revenue and expects this growth to accelerate further as it moves to capture part of the addressable outsourcing global market worth $120 billion (P6 trillion).

Create

“As you may now realize, we do not wait for opportunities, we create them. Today, we are taking small steps to beef up our capacity by increasing our office space, aggressively hiring and training our talents,” he said.

Zubiri added that by doing this move, the company will be ready to address future requirements of the industry.

“The company is currently attracting highly skilled design professionals through its competitive business model and rewards package. And because of our international clientele, Environments Global is able to provide its employees the chance to imbibe international standards of excellence in the AEC industry,” he said.

Zubiri said this is his company’s way of helping the country reverse brain drain.

“As the company retains the best of the best in the field, we may be able to encourage more Filipino AEC professionals overseas to come back home,” he explained.

bitoy

November 25th, 2008, 05:00 PM

Will she keep her job as the executive chef in the White House? Abangan... :D

http://www.bangusresto.com/images/p_t_proud.jpg

Cristeta Comerford is the first woman to serve in the position. She is responsible for designing and executing menus for state dinners, social events, holiday functions, receptions and official luncheons hosted by President and Mrs. Bush.

The US First Lady, in fact, even said of our kababayan, "Her passion for cooking can be tasted in every bite of her delicious creations."

kiretoce

November 27th, 2008, 05:04 PM

:omg: Charisse Pempengco is singing on Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC! :eek2:

filcan

November 27th, 2008, 05:29 PM

^^Yes...and here she is performing on GMA....Good Morning America that is ;)

jJGfXGEiKwU

bitoy

November 27th, 2008, 08:06 PM

^^ Here she comes.... but Rick Ashley had to do his famous song... :lol:

We are just waiting for Charise's performance at the parade and go to some Thanksgiving party.

Ayuuunn.. she's on the "Good Housekeeping Float" ---- hahaha!

Congrats ~ and Have a very nice Thanksgiving to everyone.

Animo

November 27th, 2008, 08:18 PM

ALMOST but not enough for the Philippines.

The Philippines threw the full weight of its arsenal against unpredictable Argentina and came away with a decisive 2.5-1.5 win at the close of the 38th World Chess Olympiad at the International Congress Center in Dresden, Germany.

Grandmaster (GM) Jayson Gonzales played the hero’s role for the Filipinos, who battled long and hard to bring honors to the country in the world’s biggest chess stage.

Gonzales, the almost-forgotten member of the team, outduelled GM Fernando Peralta in 46 moves of the Queen’s Gambit Declined to clinch the win for the 38th-seeded Filipinos

GM Wesley So, who played the top board for the third time in the two-week-long competition, drew his match against GM Rubel Felgaer in 30 moves of the Sicilian.

Newly minted GM John Paul Gomez also halved the point with International Master (IM) Anton Kovalyov in 40 moves of another Queen’s Gambit and GM Darwin Laylo split the point with IM Diego Flores in 34 moves of the English opening.

Impressive as it was, the win was not enough to catapult the Filipinos to a coveted top-20 finish in this biennial tournament, which attracted the world’s leading players from a record 154 countries.

Overall, the Filipinos finished in a tie for 29th to 48th places with 13 points on six wins, one draw and four losses at the end of the biggest and most prestigious chess competition, dubbed as the “Olympics of Chess.”

The Filipinos, however, finished in 46th place based on the Sonneborn-berger tiebreak system used by the Dresden organizing committee to determine the final rankings.

That’s two notches lower than what the Filipinos achieved during the 2006 Olympiad in Turin, Italy.

But not exactly bad for a youth-laden team which played minus Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre for the first time since the 1970 Siegen Olympiad in West Germany.

The team’s 1-2 punch, So and Gomez, are only 15 and 22, respectively.

“The boys deserved to be congratulated for their efforts. They did their best and competed with pride against the world’s best chess-playing countries,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) president Prospero “Butch” Pichay.

“The Desden Olympiad signals the start of a new era for Philippine chess, with the likes of So and Gomez now taking the place usually reserved for Torre and GM Rogelio Antonio Jr.,” explained Pichay, who left his busy schedule in the Philippines to join the team for a few days in Germany.

“It will also be remembered for producing the country’s 10th GM in Gomez,” added Pichay.

Nonplaying team captain GM Eugene Torre agreed with Pichay’s observation, saying the team performed well considering the strong opposition nowadays and the unexpected change in the scoring system.

“I’m satisfied with the team’s performance. Although the breaks did not go our way in the complicated pairing system, we did well enough to make the country proud,” said Torre, who made his first-ever apperance in the Olympiad in Germany in 1970.

Torre, who earned his GM title in the 1974 Nice Olympiad in France, noted that Gomez duplicated his feat as the only Filipino players to earn a GM title during the Olympiad.

The 22-year-old Gomez, who nailed the elusive GM title following a draw with GM Viktor Laznicka of the Czech Republic in the ninth round, emerged as the leading Filipino scorer with 7.5 points on five wins, five draws and only one loss.

So, at 15 the country’s brightest hope in the international chess stage, finished with seven points on four wins and six draws.

So’s near-flawless record included victories over super-GM Ni Hua of China in the first round and GM Elshan Moradiabadi of Iran in the fiffth-round draws, against super-GM Alexei Shirov of Spain in the sixth round and GM Ioannis Papaioannou of Greece in the fourth round.

Gonzales wound up with 3-1-2 win-draw-loss record, followed by Laylo with 2-3-3 and GM Buenaventura “Bong” Villamayor with 0-4-4.

Match-wise, the Filipinos won over Algeria (2.5-1.5), Monaco (2.5-1.5), Iran (2.5-1.5), Belgium (3.5-.5), Tunisia (3.5-.5) and Argentina (2.5-1.5).

The lone draw came against Greece (2-2) in the fourth round.

The four losses came at the hands of China (1.5-2.5), Spain (1-3), the Netherlands (.5-3.5) and the Czech Republic (1.5-2.5).

In the women’s division, the Philippines crushed Mexico, 4-0, to finish in a tie for 36th to 49th places with 12 points on five wins, two draws and four losses.

Catherine Perena, Shercila Cua, Daisy Rivera and Cheradee Chardine Camacho demolished their respective Mexican rivals to complete a smashing shutout win for the Idelfonso Datu-mentored Filipinas.

Perena trounced Woman International Master (WIM) Aurora Esquivel in 32 moves of the Queen’s Gambit Declined, Cua dumped WIM Yadira Hernandez in 34 moves of the French, Rivera outclassed WIM Lorena Mendoza in 43 moves of the Closed Sicilian and Camacho whipped Karime Real in 54 moves of the Sicilian Najdorf.

Individually, Camacho finished as the team’s best performer with eight points on seven wins, two draws and one loss on board four.

Camacho, an incoming high-school student of Ateneo de Manila, also earned her first WIM norm.

Christy Lamiel Bernales wound up with a 4-3-2 win-draw-loss slate, followed by Rivera with 4-0-3, Cua with 3-2-4 and Perena with 3-0-6.

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2523:not-bad-for-a-young-team&catid=31:sports&Itemid=65

IslandSon.PH

November 28th, 2008, 07:27 AM

5 Asian Acts to Watch in 2008

Out of Body Special cited in TIME magazine site.

http://img.timeinc.net/time/photoessays/2008/asian_bands/body_special_nv.jpg
The Out of Body Special
Can anybody in Asia funk harder than these Filipinos?
At the moment, we think not
- Matthew Wong

"The OBS, a brand new flavor/ doing you a favor/ stereotype breaker," raps front man Carlos "Los" Magno, 23, on the Out of Body Special's debut album, Is Love, released in November 2007. Those are sentiments that have been expressed countless times in an industry where practically every new entrant claims to be offering something new, but with OBS' compelling fusion of genres (rock, deep funk, soul, R&B, jazz and latin) to back him up, it appears Magno's boast might have a ring of truth — at least in the otherwise predictable world of Asian hip-hop.

Formed in 2004 at Ateneo de Manila University, the OBS cites a myriad of influences: Magno's musical heroes span Babyface to Tupac, drummer Ted Mark Cruz, 25, veers toward funk and latin styles, guitarist Patrick Co, 23, and percussionist Diego Beltran, 24, grew up on grunge, while saxophonist Garon Honasan, 27, and guitarist Martin Veerayah, 23, both love heavy metal.

The group's members consider this diversity a blessing. "We can go wild: do a break here, play this, lace in that," explains Magno. "Our only rule is not to copy." That principle serves them well in a country where technical mastery is commonplace, and is embodied in their first single, the hard funk Soundcheck — a massive hit in the Philippines. As for wider fame? "Nothing is a hindrance," says Magno. "Whenever we meet an obstacle we make a rap out of it."
source (http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1704856_1704855_1704827,00.html)

kiretoce

November 30th, 2008, 05:27 AM

3 Pinay writers top Singapore bestsellers (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20081129-175148/3-Pinays-top-Singapore-bestseller-list)

Filipinas never cease to amaze. They amaze with their talent. They amaze with their style.

As proof of their exceptional ability three Filipina authors have made the country proud by making it to the bestseller list of Kinokuniya Bookstore in Singapore: Noelle Chua at number 2, Maya Calica at number 3 and Tara Sering at number 5.

These three savvy, cosmopolitan and bestselling Filipina novelists were likewise handpicked by International Publisher Marshall Cavendish to launch the first “Asian Chic” Lit books. Asian Chic is about Asian women set within the panorama of Asian locales and takes a lingering look at their distinctly Asian lives. And it’s absolutely thrilling that this new literary genre is spearheaded by Filipinas.

The chick lit hits that were recently launched under the Asian Chic banner are “Undercover Tai Tai” by Maya Calica, “Amazing Grace” by Tara FT Sering, and “Mrs Mismarriage” by Noelle Chua.

Singapore-based Maya is the editor of Smile, the inflight magazine of Cebu Pacific Airlines. Previous to this, she worked as a writer and editor of different magazines.

Her talent for writing began to manifest around the 7th grade. She started by entertaining her sisters with her stories. As a matter of fact, her current hit, “Undercover Tai Tai” was loosely inspired by her sister Pinky, a wannabe detective.

A prolific writer, she has several editorial and journalistic laurels on her pretty head. Another of her bestsellers, “The Break-Up Diaries” has been produced into a 4-episode TV miniseries on ABC Channel 5.

A rich life is the source for creative writing. No wonder Maya is a bestselling author. She lives a full life with yoga, reiki and painting among her varied interests.

The only Asian Chic writer based in Manila, Tara works as the managing editor of Contemporary Art Philippines. Concurrently, she is the managing director of Southeast Asian Heritage Publishing.

She is a multi-awarded author with a National Book Award for her novel “Almost Married” and a 2nd Prize Palanca Award for her short story, “Good People.” Tara also writes a column for Supreme published by The Philippine Star.

Being a freelance editor and writer, Noelle is privileged to be a work-at-home wife and mom. She has been a resident of Singapore since 2000 where she migrated with her husband and children.

Another Palanca Award winner, she had several of her short stories published in literary journals in Asia and the U. S. Noelle’s craft was honed during her stint as a copywriter for McCann-Erickson and as deputy editor of several magazines for women.

These are three chic Filipina authors we can all be proud of.

adverg

December 2nd, 2008, 07:42 AM

You see, the world is round, Viva Filipina.....

Maxxclip

December 2nd, 2008, 07:53 AM

sana maabutan ko ang panahon na isang pinoy ang tatanggap ng Nobel Peace Prize at Pulitzer Award:D

IslandSon.PH

December 2nd, 2008, 04:56 PM

‘Global Finance’ gives Tetangco a ‘B’ for handling economy
Written by Jun Vallecera / Reporter
Tuesday, 02 December 2008 21:20

http://businessmirror.com.ph/images/stories/Daily_Images/12032008/bank-pic02.jpg

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. did not get an “A” grade this year from the prestigious business magazine Global Finance, a unit of the US business credit information and global rating firm Dun and Bradstreet.

He instead got a “B” rating—a demotion from last year’s top spot—for his handling of the economy beset, like most countries around the world, with rising inflation and slowing growth.

The magazine noted Tetangco and six other members of the policymaking monetary board were on an easing mode in the first half of the year but had to turn around from June onward as headline inflation, pushed higher by rising prices of commodities and food, threatened to upset local output and price stability.

“The bank is hopeful that its rate rises will bring the [inflation] beast back under control by the end of the year but is not so optimistic that it will hit its target of 4 percent,” the magazine reported.

“Tetangco showed he is not afraid of being a little heavy-handed when the situation demands it, with a 50-basis-point rise in July to combat the ‘second round’ effects of rises in oil and commodities prices,” it added.

This pertained to the 0.5-percentage-point rise in the BSP’s policy rates on July 17, intended to tame inflation that in August would climb to a 17-year high of 12.5 percent.

Global Finance said the markets responded positively to the rate hike as the peso—then on a downtrend—gained strength.

“However, with inflation increasing steadily in the seven months prior to June, arguably the BSP could have shown its resolve a little sooner.

“Fortunately for Tetangco, GDP growth is slowing only moderately despite the rate rises and remains above five year-on-year,” the magazine said.

Tetangco’s performance was given the same rating as the central bank governors of Australia, China, Malaysia and South Korea.

They were outperformed by the central banks of Singapore and Taiwan whose heads were each given an “A” rating.

Ben Bernanke of the US Fed, however, was given a “C”, who was seen to have “painted himself into a corner by trying to please Congress and the financial markets instead of getting ahead of the curve and keeping inflation under control.”

“The Federal Reserve has been counting on slower economic growth to bring inflation down as it pumps liquidity into the fragile financial system to avoid a meltdown. The main worry for the US economy, however, is the lack of price stability,” the magazine added.

None from the Americas and from Europe received top grades this year and the central banks of India, Indonesia and Japan were not rated as their central banks reported changeovers.

With Singapore and Taiwan receiving “As”, Asia as a whole performed better than counterparts elsewhere, the magazine said.

stanleymalls

December 2nd, 2008, 05:01 PM

^^ Okay na yang B. Kesa naman C. Nakakahiya! Mas magaan naman na ang ekonomiya natin e sa sunud-sunod na pagbaba ng prices ng basic commdities natin.

IslandSon.PH

December 2nd, 2008, 05:14 PM

Knowledge Channel’s Rina Lopez-Bautista speaks at Clinton Global Initiative Asia meeting

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 12/02/2008 10:46 AM

Rina Lopez-Bautista, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) president and daughter of Lopez Group chairman Oscar M. Lopez, will speak at the first Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Asia meeting at the Grand Hyatt in Hong Kong on December 2-3 2008. She was invited to join the panel for the Education working session entitled, "Bridging Digital and Learning Divides."

The Lopez Group is a conglomerate that includes Sky Cable Corporation, the largest cable network in the Philippines , and ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, the largest mass media content provider in the Philippines.

In 1999, Lopez-Bautista harnessed her family's media resources and founded KCFI to enhance basic education by providing public schools with cable or satellite access to Knowledge Channel, an all-educational channel that airs TV programs consistent with government-prescribed curricula for primary and secondary education.

Lopez Bautista has harvested many awards in recognition of her pioneering work. These accolades include the Catholic Mass Media Serviam Award, Rotary International Peace Award, Parangal Lingkod Sambayanan (Public Service Award) from the Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle Alumni Association Lasallian Achievement Award.

"At the Clinton Global Initiative meeting, I hope to share our experience in providing millions of children otherwise deprived of adequate learning facilities and properly trained teachers with access to relevant educational materials delivered through various media. I also look forward to networking with and learning from the many amazing people that will be there on how to better serve and bridge digital and learning divides, " Lopez Bautista said in a press statement.

KCFI's Knowledge Channel is the first and only curriculum-based TV channel in the Philippines , available on cable and satellite. It aims to equalize the learning opportunity by making quality education, audio-visual materials and training accessible to poor and marginalized students, their teachers and even their parents. KCFI programs benefit more than 2.9 million students in close to 2000 public schools in the Philippines . It is currently developing its new media initiatives in line with 21st century learning and the Department of Education's ICT4E program. It is now considered a model for hybrid educational technology in less developed countries, aligning it with CGI's thrust toward concrete solutions for global challenges in education.

CGI is a non-profit, non-partisan platform established by former U.S. President Bill Clinton to address global issues such as education, energy and climate change, and public health. Setting CGI apart from other movements is its resolve to produce concrete results by gathering global leaders of different backgrounds and expertise, and providing a venue for them to discuss how these issues can be addressed and to make specific commitments to action.

The Education working session is set on Tuesday December 2, 2:00 - 3:30 PM. The panel will examine the most effective methods to overcome the gap between those who are "learning-rich" and well-positioned to face rapid challenges, and those who are "learning-poor." The knowledge economy of the 21st century is focused on learning, which must transcend formal education and become a continuous part of life. Creating more practical opportunities for learning will lessen divides in society. The session will also consider success stories where technology has had a positive impact on the livelihoods of people, particularly those in rural communities.

filcan

December 3rd, 2008, 03:16 PM

I saw on 24 Oras the Mr. Universe 2008 winner was Pinoy...can't find an article.

red_jasper

December 7th, 2008, 05:51 AM

Congratulations to Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao! :cheers2:

PACQUIAO WINS

INQUIRER.net
First Posted 12:44:00 12/07/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao stopped Oscar "Golden Boy" de la Hoya in 8 rounds of their "Dream Match" Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila) before a sellout crowd in Las Vegas, Nevada and the rest of the world.

Here (http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20081207-176612/PACQUIAO-WINS)

-TC-

December 7th, 2008, 06:38 AM

Thank you, Manny!

We are very proud of you!

Mabuhay ka! :applause:

Merry Christmas to all Pinoys!

:dance:

Congratulations to Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao! :cheers2:

Here (http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20081207-176612/PACQUIAO-WINS)

http://sports.yahoo.com/box/news;_ylt=AvUVflxqQQ7dqxxNAHEL_pqaxLYF?slug=ap-delahoya-pacquiao&prov=ap&type=lgns

Pacquiao wins in eighth round over De La Hoya

By TIM DAHLBERG, AP Boxing Writer 7 minutes ago

LAS VEGAS (AP)—Manny Pacquiao fought a lot bigger than he looked. Oscar De La Hoya simply looked old.

Pacquiao dominated his bigger and more famous opponent from the opening bell Saturday night, giving De La Hoya a beating and closing his left eye before De La Hoya declined to come out of his corner after the eighth round.

The fight was so lopsided and De La Hoya looked so inept that it could spell the end for boxing’s richest and most marketable star.

It was only the second time in De La Hoya’s 16-year pro career that he was stopped in a fight, and it was made even more shocking because it came at the hands of a fighter who fought at just 129 pounds months earlier. At the age of 35 he seemed not only well beyond his prime, but unable to offer any answer to the punches that Pacquiao was landing almost at will.

De La Hoya’s left eye was closed shut as he sat on his stool after the eighth round and the ring doctor, referee and his cornermen discussed his condition. De La Hoya offered no complaints when his corner decided he had enough, getting up from his stool and walking to the center of the ring to congratulate the victor.

“You’re still my idol,” Pacquiao told him.

“No, you’re my idol,” De La Hoya said.

Two of the three ringside judges scored all eight rounds for Pacquiao, while a third gave De La Hoya only the first round. The Associated Press scored every round for the winner.

The fight was lopsided from the beginning, with Pacquiao landing punch after punch while De La Hoya chased after him, trying to catch him with a big punch. Pacquiao was winning big even before the seventh round, when he was pounding De La Hoya against the ropes in his corner and catching him with huge shots that knocked him across the ring.

De La Hoya remained upright, but with one eye closed and his reflexes seemingly gone there was no chance he was going to land the big punches he would have needed to turn the fight around. Ringside statistics showed Pacquiao landed 45 power punches in the seventh round to just four for De La Hoya.

“He’s just a great fighter,” De La Hoya said. “I have nothing bad to say about him. He prepared like a true champion.”

Pacquiao came up two weight classes to fight for his biggest purse ever, while De La Hoya dropped down to meet him at 147 pounds. Though De La Hoya towered over Pacquiao and had a big reach advantage over him, Pacquiao had no trouble getting inside what few jabs De La Hoya threw to land his shots.

“We knew we had him after the first round,” Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach said. “He had no legs, he was hesitant and he was shot.”

Roach trained De La Hoya in his last big fight a year ago and said De La Hoya simply couldn’t throw punches when he needed in that fight. That was magnified even more against Pacquiao, who not only was as elusive as Floyd Mayweather Jr. but threw punches back that kept De La Hoya off pace.

“Freddie, you’re right,” De La Hoya told the trainer after the fight. “I just don’t have it anymore.”

If De La Hoya’s career is over, it will be the end of a remarkable story that began when he won the Olympic gold medal in Barcelona in 1992 and went on to become the biggest box office attraction in the sport. But while he sold tickets, De La Hoya hadn’t won a big fight in six years, and there were whispers long before the fight that he had nothing left.

De La Hoya not only dropped down to fight for the first time at 147 pounds in seven years, but actually came into the ring unofficially weighing less than Pacquiao. Both fighters got on scales in their dressing rooms and De La Hoya was 147 while Pacquiao was 148 and a half.

Khem

December 7th, 2008, 06:44 AM

Yah! Congrats Pacman! I watched a paperview sponsored by a drug company...It was fun really! Great Job Manny! Keep on going! I am very proud of you!

JulZ

December 7th, 2008, 12:33 PM

kala ko talaga magiging bakbakan talaga ang labanan nilang dalawa..mukhng normal na pagkapanalo lang eh..:lol: galing ni pacquiao!...nabilib pa ako nang di nya tinuluyan si dela hoya(bait ni manny)..dapat knockout na sya eh...gus2 ko syang makitang lumagapak:lol::lol::nuts: joke lng..

-TC-

December 10th, 2008, 03:30 PM

http://sports.inquirer.net/inquirersports/inquirersports/view/20081210-177122/Giants-Fil-Am-standout-due-in-Manila

Giants’ Fil-Am standout due in Manila
By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
12/10/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Geno Espineli, the first full-blooded Filipino to play Major League Baseball since Bobby Balcena in 1956, is arriving in Manila on Friday for a four-day visit that will include an appearance in the Baseball Philippines Championship Series.

The 26-year-old Espineli, a reliever for the San Francisco Giants last season, will also grace the championship games of the Muntinlupa Kids Tournament of Champions organized by the Junior Baseball and Softball Foundation, as well as conduct clinics for the Alabang baseball and softball community.

“Baseball is not the biggest sport in the Philippines, but maybe I can inspire some kids and spread the sport’s popularity there,” Espineli said in a July interview with www.asianweek.com.

He will also make the ceremonial pitch in the Baseball Philippines finals at the Rizal Memorial ballpark in Manila.

Born in Houston, Texas, to the late Leo Espineli and Thelma Macalalang, Geno was drafted out of Texas Christian University by the Giants in the 2004 draft and was assigned to the Fresno Grizzlies, an AAA club which is part of the Giants organization.

The 6-foot-4, 195-pound left-hander gave up the invitation to represent the United States in the Beijing Olympics to play for the Giants, which called him up last July 23. He won on his debut against the Washington Nationals.

He played 15 games, went 2-0 with a 5.06 ERA.

Espineli will also visit his mother’s hometown, Lumban, Lagun, and will be tendered a welcome reception by US Ambassador Kristie Kenney at her residence.

wynngd

December 10th, 2008, 03:47 PM

I just watched the Planet Green (ecopolis) Episode of Discovery featuring the E-Jeepney of Manila and how it helps the reduction of Green House gas emission.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/26/yehey/metro/20080226met7.html

:banana: The first technologically inclined report in the Philippines I think...

Juan Pilgrim

December 11th, 2008, 06:22 PM

heart!

http://www.vanessaminnillobio.com/include/vanessa_minnillo2.jpg
VANESSA MINNILLO
People say true beauty is found on the inside, but a new reality show on ABC premiering January 5, 2008 will challenge that notion. Former TRL and Entertainment Tonight host Vanessa Minnillo is the head judge on a panel assessing contestants’ inner beauty. I hope she can find out who is truly beautiful, inside and out.

http://www.asianweek.com/2008/12/09/asian-celebrity-gossip-true-beauty-is-on-the-inside-right-2/

Juan Pilgrim

December 11th, 2008, 06:28 PM

http://lh6.google.com/hanmuyun2/RqbYLfXeXKI/AAAAAAAAGnI/Vl9O2SOe1wQ/s800/Leah%20Dizon_red_VI_15.jpg
LEAH DIZON
Fil-American Import in Japan
Gorgeous Leah Dizon has hit the big time in Japan! This Chinese, Filipino and French American beauty was born in America, and after trying modeling in L.A., she caught the eye of talent agencies in Japan. She quickly became a huge Japanese-pop idol - without knowing much Japanese! Two months ago, she announced that she was pregnant and her baby is due next spring. Her first concert DVD is out this week.

http://www.asianweek.com/2008/12/09/asian-celebrity-gossip-true-beauty-is-on-the-inside-right-2/

kiretoce

December 12th, 2008, 10:09 PM

Charice to sing at Obama inaugural? (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=423539&publicationSubCategoryId=70)

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/4755/ent1pb3.jpg

According to Funfare’s US-based “roving” DPA, there’s a possibility that Charice might perform at the inauguration ball of President-elect Barack Obama on Jan. 20 next year. It’s not confirmed yet. The DPA said that “every artist is volunteering to perform at the event.” Charice is being handled by Oprah who is close to the Obamas, having campaigned for Barack. Oprah is said to be pushing for Charice to be included in the “magic list.”

“Knowing Oprah’s clout and Charice’s impressive record so far,” added the DPA, “it won’t be a surprise if she does make it to the Obama inaugural.”

2008 has been a fruitful year for Charice who, as we all know, was discovered through the YouTube last year by somebody connected with Ellen DeGeneres. Before long, Charice was guesting on the show of Oprah Winfrey who was so impressed that she eventually became Charice’s handler. Then, Charice caught the attention of David Foster who invited her top perform at a concert he put up in the East Coast and included her in an album featuring big names.

After performing with Celine Dion in New York’s Madison Square Garden, Charice then graced Macy’s Thanksgiving Day last Nov. 27 with teen stars Miley Cyrus and David Archuleta (this year’s runner-up in American Idol Season 7).

And soon... well, let’s keep our fingers crossed.

federalist

December 18th, 2008, 05:49 PM

MAKE ROOM FOR DR. PACQUIAO
Birthday boy to be conferred with a doctorate degree by Cebu's Southwestern University

By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 18 Dec 2008

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- When it rains, it pours. The accolades bestowed upon the man from this southern Philippine city who turned 30 years old yesterday and who rose from obscurity and utter poverty to become one of the country's most popular figures and richest athlete, never seem to stop.

Emmanuel Dapigran Pacquiao, already the best boxer that comes out of Asia and is now considered one of best boxers in the history of the sport after his earth-shaking performance against boxing's golden boy, Oscar de la Hoya last Dec. 6 in Las Vegas, wil be conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by Southwestern University, one of pillar educational institutions in the central Philippine city of Cebu.

"The Southwestern University in Cebu City is the only school in the country that has a special center for sports development - the Institute for Physical Education and Sports. It can grant honorary degrees to exemplary sportsmen like you," the SWU letter addressed to Pacquiao, states. "Your very recent achievement shows the art and science of boxing in action. Your display of prowess in the sport is worth an academic dissertation. Thus, upon the recommendation of the University Council and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Andrew S. Aznar, the Southwestern University will be honored if you could accept our invitation for you to be a recipient of the Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa." The letter was signed by the SWU chief of staff, Flaviano Manalo.

The university president, Dr. Eldigario D. Gonzales, and its chairman, Andrew Aznar, spoke to PhilBoxing.com and requested us to deliver the letter to Pacquiao. Pacquiao lawyer Jeng Gacal explained the content of the letter to Pacquiao during last night's birthday bash to which Pacquiao gladly accepted the honor. The schedule for the conferment of Pacquiao's doctorate degree from Cebu's Southwestern University will be announced later.

shyaman

December 19th, 2008, 09:36 PM

Animo

December 19th, 2008, 09:47 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/3061893616_5e267b652e_o.jpg

Francisco Guerrero is a famous travel photographer from the Philippines. You may have seen his work in GQ, Conde Nast Traveler, and New York Times Travel.

He was born and bred in Manila in the Philippines! His father is of Spanish descent and his mother is a mestiza. He attended university in London, where he studied anthropology. He studied photography at the Brooks Institute of Photography in California. He now works as a professional photographer in Barcelona, Spain.

If you are interested in photography, you can visit his website.
You can also read his short biography there:

http://www.francisco-guerrero.com

Paco has also put up a photo studio with two colleagues in Spain:

http://www.redbenchstudio.com

You can see more of his work here and another bio.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/154/420770766_b810d049bf_o.jpg

Elsewhere with Francisco Guerrero

A world-class travel photographer talks about his life, his work, and the sights he’s seen.

Talking to Francisco Guerrero will make you wish you were elsewhere. Not because he’s horrible company—quite the opposite. He is enthusiastic, articulate, funny, and half-covered with tattoos: all qualities that make for good conversation. The problem is that when he starts telling you about any of the numerous adventures he’s experienced as a globe-trotting travel photographer, you’ll be struck by the sudden urge to toss a few shirts into a backpack and head for the nearest airport yourself. Whether he’s regaling you with tales of shooting monks in a European monastery or tattoo artists in Tahiti, you get the impression that the world beyond your borders is such an exciting, surprising place, filled with interesting experiences and unexpectedly generous strangers.

Francisco has done work for an impressive roster of clients: GQ, Conde Nast Traveler (both Spain and U.K. editions), and New York Times Travel. He shares a studio in Barcelona with two other photographers—one who specializes in Vanity Fair-style portraiture, and another who does mostly fashion and advertising work. "Redbenchstudio.com, that’s my commercial work. I work a lot for hotel chains. I do a lot of catalog work and advertising work…We teamed up because as photographers, we got sick and tired of laboring away in obscurity and not having contact with the outside world, so what we did is, we just opened a space and teamed up. And it’s good to have somebody there who you can bounce ideas off of. It’s really fun."

It’s hard to place Francisco Guerrero’s accent—at first it sounds vaguely Spanish, then it sounds somewhat American, and then a phrase or two he uses makes you think, no, his accent’s more British. "My accent really is mixed up," he admits. "It depends on who I’m speaking with." Though born and raised in the Philippines, Francisco has lived in a wide variety of places. "My dad is in hotels, so we moved around the country.... I’ve [lived in] Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, sort of bouncing up and down between those countries. And then when I was 18, I moved to California, Sta. Barbara, where I studied photography. I lived there for three years, then moved back to Kuala Lumpur where I started my first so-called ‘real’ photographer job. After that, I moved to Spain with my girlfriend—now wife—lived there for a year and a half, lived in London for three years studying Anthropology and Communications; that’s my second degree. And then we moved to Spain, and we’ve been there for six years now."

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/04/02/TOUR20080402120678.html.

Last year he did a photo shoot in Tahiti for his friends at Rogue magazine!

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skyscraper100

December 19th, 2008, 10:10 PM

Is she Fil-Am?

yes she is,but vanessa minillo says she's a polynesian.. inner beauty? shes not even proud of her roots!

kiretoce

December 19th, 2008, 11:53 PM

Is she Fil-Am?

Yes she is. Dad is American, Mom is Filipino. She was the former Miss Teen USA 1998 and represented the state of South Carolina in the pageant.

Maxxclip

December 20th, 2008, 02:36 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/3061115173_4b9f9c3e2f_o.jpg

Wow! para lang painting:bow:

-TC-

December 25th, 2008, 01:39 AM

http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20081224-179845/TV-coup-spurs-devt-of-e-jeepneys

TV coup spurs dev’t of e-jeepneys
By Ronnel Domingo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
12/24/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Interest in, and support for, the electric-powered jeepney have perked up following the broadcast of a Discovery Channel feature on the environment-friendly mode of public transport, according to proponents of the project.

The e-jeepney is currently being pilot-tested in the cities of Makati and Puerto Princesa in Luzon, and Bacolod in the Visayas.

“We have a commitment to deliver six units in January 2009, which the Green Renewable Independent Power Producers (GRIPP) will award to designated recipients,” said Ferdinand Raquelsantos, president of PhUV Inc.

PhUV Inc. is the business arm of the Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (MVPMAP), which GRIPP has tapped to produce at least 22 e-jeepney units.

“We are producing the first six units with funding support from DOEN Foundation of Netherlands,” Raquelsantos said. “But with the feature on the e-jeepney aired globally on cable TV, more parties, like the British Embassy, have shown interest in supporting the project.”

The e-jeepney was featured in the show “Ecopolis” on the Discovery Channel. The show investigates various challenges cities will face in the future—such as in the areas of food production, water access, energy, waste management and transportation.

Hosted by Nobel Prize-winning scientist Daniel Kammel, the show also examines visionary technology-driven solutions that would help in confronting such challenges.

In the episode that aired last Dec. 15, Kammel picked the Philippines’ Climate Friendly Cities (CFC) project—which the local nongovernment organization GRIPP is implementing—to illustrate an evaluation of several innovative technologies to address the twin problems of transportation and air pollution.

Kammel presented the e-jeepney initiative, which is part of the CFC project, as one that may prove to have the most impact in reducing harmful carbon dioxide emissions.

In the Ecopolis episode, GRIPP chair Athena Ballesteros explained that the NGO’s solution would address the pollution and noise problems that come with some 250,000 diesel-fed jeepneys clogging Philippine streets.

Under the CFC project, people will commute in quiet, smoke-free mass transportation vehicles that get their power from garbage.

The project’s first component involves the use of e-jeepneys as an alternative to diesel-fed ones that emit a lot of noise and smoke.

A second component involves the installation of bio-digesters coupled to gas engines. These are essentially power plants that convert organic trash to energy, producing electricity to run the e-jeepneys as well as homes and offices.

A third component is a piece of land that will serve as the garage, maintenance area and charging station of the e-jeepneys.

According to Raquelsantos, the e-jeepney—which can carry 14 people including the driver—can run for 60 to 90 kilometers after charging overnight from an ordinary wall power outlet.

“Charging is very easy, much like charging a cell phone because a charging kit is provided with the unit,” he said.

The e-jeepney can take on an incline with 20-percent grade and wade in flooded streets of up to a foot deep, he added.

“That is the advantage of the local design: The e-jeepney can take on local road conditions unique only to the Philippines.”

Yvonne Palomar-Castro, GRIPP project director, said the CFC project deserves the support of both the private and public sector.

“Having [appeared] in Ecopolis is proof that the e-jeepney is not science fiction,” Castro said. “It is already right here, right now.”

dandelionne

December 26th, 2008, 07:38 AM

i dont understand why we filipinos make a big deal of fil-ams making it big in hollywood.

i mean,americans or the rest of the world dont care if they are filipinos. They dont see them as Filipinos but as Hollywood stars.

just as we dont care if shia lebouf is half-french or other big hollywood stars who are descendants of another race.

We should make a big deal of Filipinos who are living here and making big waves in the US just like Charice. Not those Fil-Ams and then claiming them as our own.

diz

December 26th, 2008, 08:23 AM

Why isn't the Philippines part of mainstream media? A lot of OPM songs are in English, yet the mainstream only picks up American, Canadian, Australian and European.

kiretoce

December 26th, 2008, 09:50 AM

We should make a big deal of Filipinos who are living here and making big waves in the US just like Charice. Not those Fil-Ams and then claiming them as our own.

Not to sound condescending, but outside of the the Fil-Am community here, she doesn't even register a blip on the mainstream consciousness of regular Americans. A novelty at best; sad, but true nonetheless.

dandelionne

December 26th, 2008, 12:07 PM

Not to sound condescending, but outside of the the Fil-Am community here, she doesn't even register a blip on the mainstream consciousness of regular Americans. A novelty at best; sad, but true nonetheless.

Well,at least she`s a Filipino that amazed Oprah. Guesting on Ellen was a phenomenon,how much more on Oprah,which has a bigger following in the States. I dont think she DID NOT register on mainstream america. She was just flavor of the month for sometime. Wait till she debut her album there.

Fil-Am stars are another thing. Yeah they claim they love the phils. and all but i find it all so chika lang. Look at fil-ams visiting here in the country, they find it hard to connect with the local customs. They seem to be amazed over the simplest of things. i mean hello,if they say they are as filipino,they should be aware and familiar on all things pinoy.

kiretoce

December 26th, 2008, 12:21 PM

Well,at least she`s a Filipino that amazed Oprah. Guesting on Ellen was a phenomenon,how much more on Oprah,which has a bigger following in the States. (1)I dont think she DID NOT register on mainstream america. She was just flavor of the month for sometime. (2)Wait till she debut her album there.

(1) - Ask the ordinary American on the street who she is and chances are they'll give you a blank stare back.

(2) - That will be the litmus test to her career, whether she can triumphantly conquer the discerning musical taste of the everyday American. And if I remember correctly, many have tried, and many have tanked. Anyone remember a little girl named "Banig" before? Hmm....where is she now?

To Charice's credit, she does have the chops to make it in the music business, or show business in general, there's no doubt about that. But people tend to forget that show business is also a subjective field wherein you have to make fans, and win over detractors that don't see you as a star with staying power. If she can achieve that, then kudos to her.

dandelionne

December 26th, 2008, 12:30 PM

(1) - Ask the ordinary American on the street who she is and chances are they'll give you blank stares back.

(2) - That will be the litmus test to her career, whether she can triumphantly conquer the discerning musical taste of the everyday American. And if I remember correctly, many have tried, and many have tanked. Anyone remember a little girl named "Banig" before? Hmm....where is she now?

To Charice's credit, she does have the chops to make it in the music business, or show business in general, there's no doubt about that. But people tend to forget that show business is also a subjective field wherein you have to make fans, and win over detractors that don't see you as a star with staying power. If she can achieve that, then kudos to her.

first thing first,i am not a big fan of charice ok but i do appreciate her talents.

with regards to any ordinary american,it just depends on what he/she is into. I`ve chatted with an american and he didnt even know who Mariah Carey was. Lo and Behold!

red_jasper

December 26th, 2008, 01:52 PM

... Anyone remember a little girl named "Banig" before? Hmm....where is she now?...

^^

Josephine ‘Banig’ Roberto to Release Newest Album in Manila
June 27, 2008

If Charice is RP’s international singing sensation today, “Banig” was our singing sensation in the 80s. The former International Star Search champion will release her newest album in Manila soon.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/owl4ever/starmometer7/banigsc0.gif

Josephine “Banig” Roberto was discovered on RPN 9’s amateur singing contest “Ang Bagong Kampeon” (the show where Regine Velasquez and Donna Cruz were also discovered).

After being junior champion for several months in the show, she later represented the Philippines on the international edition of Star Search in 1989. She defeated no less than Christina Aguillera that year on the way to become Female Vocalist Champion in the junior division of the said competition.

Now at age 25, Banig is set to release her newest album in Manila, which features English and Tagalog original compositions as well as revivals.

The album’s tracks are written and produced by Banig herself and Jhoanna “Jojo” Roberto.

Source (http://www.starmometer.com/2008/06/27/josephine-banig-roberto-to-release-newest-album-in-manila/)

^^ kelan kaya yong soon?
June 2008 ang date ng article...

kyle@1008

December 26th, 2008, 02:07 PM

Charice will make it ,unlike Banig

because Oprah said so, how dare you mere mortals doubt her words....

watch what happens to heretics who refuse to believe...

1ZwSTadVGqE

dandelionne

December 26th, 2008, 02:47 PM

Charice will make it ,unlike Banig

because Oprah said so, how dare you mere mortals doubt her words....

watch what happens to heretics who refuse to believe...

1ZwSTadVGqE

umm,dear i love oprah and charice pero hwag muna natin pangunahan kng ano.

if you remember Oprah`s film BELOVED;even amidst the continued ratings dominance of her hit talk show, successful magazine publication, book club popularity and her philanthropic efforts in education and hunger relief; the film met with less than stellar box office returns.

diz

December 26th, 2008, 04:33 PM

If Charice debuts her album here, she won't make even make it to the Billboards. Ballads are no longer popular. Therefore, there isn't even the slightest chance that she'll pierce into the mainstream.

Utada Hikaru, Japan's best selling artist, even sang with Ne-Yo yet she still didn't even make it in the Billboards.

bariQ

December 26th, 2008, 06:15 PM

^^ even Rain... but some asians did make it good in the american music mainstream.... for awhile... like anggun and tata young :D

filcan

December 27th, 2008, 02:07 AM

Other examples of Filipinos that made it big in American music were Apl De Ap from Black Eyed Peas, Nicole Scherzinger from Pussycat Dolls, and Chad from Neptunes.

higen

December 27th, 2008, 02:31 AM

i dont understand why we filipinos make a big deal of fil-ams making it big in hollywood.

I think it's because some Filipinos think that it automatically makes them smart/talented/amazing/expert just because someone who is of Filipino decent or some Pinoy made it big somewhere...funny really. It's absolutely ok to be proud and Im dang proud to be Pinoy myself, but really???...I remember the Jasmine Trias craze a few years back when she became popular in Phils after losing in American Idol:lol:. I went home to Cavite during those times and when entering Cavite (coastal road) there was a BIG banner saying "welcome home" Jasmine...Geezzz...The Phils nor Cavite was never her home...:ohno:

Claiming connection to someone who is popular just becasue he/she has a hint of Filipino blood is really really...well..u think of an adjective.

dandelionne

December 27th, 2008, 02:54 AM

Other examples of Filipinos that made it big in American music were Apl De Ap from Black Eyed Peas, Nicole Scherzinger from Pussycat Dolls, and Chad from Neptunes.

hello,apl de ap became famous because of black eyed peas and not being a filipino. di ba may mexicano dun? did you care about his being mexican? di ba hindi. you cared because they are black eyed peas.

with nicole,we made a big deal about her but do u even know the rest of the girls of pussy cat dolls and their race?

dandelionne

December 27th, 2008, 02:57 AM

I think it's because some Filipinos think that it automatically makes them smart/talented/amazing/expert just because someone who is of Filipino decent or some Pinoy made it big...:ohno: funny really. It's absolutely ok to be proud and Im dang proud myself to be Pinoy myself, but really???...I remember the Jasmine Trias craze a few years back when she became popular in Phils after losing in American Idol:lol:. I went home to Cavite during those times and when entering Cavite (coastal road) there was a BIG banner saying "welcome home" Jasmine...Geezzz...The Phils nor Cavite was never her home...:ohno:

Claiming connection to someone who is popular just becasue he/she has a hint of Filipino blood is really really...well..u think of an adjective.

INSECURE.

I mean Americans wont give a hoot if a Fil-american became a superstar here in the phils. di ba.

dandelionne

December 27th, 2008, 03:01 AM

kiretoce

December 27th, 2008, 03:05 AM

Other examples of Filipinos that made it big in American music were Apl De Ap from Black Eyed Peas, Nicole Scherzinger from Pussycat Dolls, and Chad from Neptunes.

Ever noticed that all of these individuals are a part of a group instead of a solo act? ;)

higen

December 27th, 2008, 03:07 AM

hello,apl de ap became famous because of black eyed peas and not being a filipino. di ba may mexicano dun? did you care about his being mexican? di ba hindi. you cared because they are black eyed peas.

Now, now...I think Filcan was merely citing out other Pinoys or people with Pinoy decent that made it big. I dont think he was implying the bold...:)

higen

December 27th, 2008, 03:11 AM

INSECURE.

Thanks for the adjective :lol:...Most of the time I try to be patient with these kind of Pinoys, but sometimes they get in my nerves too...:lol:

Askal82

December 27th, 2008, 09:58 AM

I have this observation also from reporters and talk show hosts. whenever a big name artist comes here for a concert, they automatically ask HOW DO YOU FIND THE COUNTRY LIKE? Gosh, as if they toured the whole country! Well,these artists would annoyingly say IT`S BEAUTIFUL!

At least Claire Danes was downright honest about what she observes about the country and yet she got the flak for saying what she feels about it. :lol:

dandelionne

December 27th, 2008, 01:18 PM

At least Claire Danes was downright honest about what she observes about the country and yet she got the flak for saying what she feels about it. :lol:

well,technically she was right but for the wrong reasons. She didnt come here for a vacation but to shoot a film. The script required that scene locations would be on a seedy part of the city. Have you seen Brokedown Palace? Eh dun lang sila nagshoot sa parang old downtown. Eh natural wala kang makikitang kanais-nais. That`s why she drew a lot of flak because she wasnt even thinking.

-TC-

December 27th, 2008, 01:21 PM

At least Claire Danes was downright honest about what she observes about the country and yet she got the flak for saying what she feels about it. :lol:

Clare Danes -

In an interview in Vogue magazine in April, Danes described Manila as a "ghastly and weird city."

More recently, she was quoted in Premiere magazine as saying Manila "smelled of cockroaches, with rats all over, and that there is no sewerage system, and the people do not have anything - no arms, no legs, no eyes."

Source (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/1998/10/01/entertainment/main18857.shtml)

That was being downright honest? She got flak? Nope she was declared a persona non grata and her movies were banned!

kyle@1008

December 27th, 2008, 02:15 PM

^^ oh that old incident,....now I looking back, I wonder what kate beckinsale thought of Manila then...

Askal82

December 27th, 2008, 03:30 PM

Clare Danes -

In an interview in Vogue magazine in April, Danes described Manila as a "ghastly and weird city."

More recently, she was quoted in Premiere magazine as saying Manila "smelled of cockroaches, with rats all over, and that there is no sewerage system, and the people do not have anything - no arms, no legs, no eyes."

Source (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/1998/10/01/entertainment/main18857.shtml)

That was being downright honest? She got flak? Nope she was declared a persona non grata and her movies were banned!

Well, she's honest about her feelings and she doesn't give a s4it whatever she says on whatever she observed over there. Filipinos are way too oversensitive to accept ugly comments coming from a foreigner like her because it hurts the so-called national pride. Claire Danes might be harsh, but I admire her as an individual for being straightforward about what she felt in the Philippines.

-TC-

December 27th, 2008, 03:54 PM

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp/?p=3748

Steven Ngo wins World Jr. Wushu Gold

Goodnewspilipinas.com

A new star is born in Philippine wushu. Steven Luis Ngo took centerstage by bagging a gold medal in the Second World Junior Wushu Championship in Bali, Indonesia.

The 15 year old student of Philippine Cultural High School, amassed 9.31 points to defeat chief rival Erwin Wijayanto for the gold in the spear event.

Wijayanto, though, got back at Ngo in the sword competition, where the Filipino lost by just a point.

But the performance, a sterling improvement from a bronze finish two years ago in South Korea, gives Ngo the inside track in the race for spots in the RP men’s team for the 2009 Southeast Asian Games in Laos.

The Philippines also grabbed two silver medals, thanks to Henson See and Francesca Bernasconi.

Bernasconi, a gold medalist in the spear two years, settled for a silver in the broadsword to duplicate Se’s finish in the same event of the boys’ division.

China emerged as the top country in the three-day event with 10 gold medals.

dandelionne

December 27th, 2008, 04:08 PM

Well, she's honest about her feelings and she doesn't give a s4it whatever she says on whatever she observed over there. Filipinos are way too oversensitive to accept ugly comments coming from a foreigner like her because it hurts the so-called national pride. Claire Danes might be harsh, but I admire her as an individual for being straightforward about what she felt in the Philippines.

yes she was downright and brutally candid and frank. But i guess the place they were filming on was the manila she was referring to! As ive said,she didnt come here to visit but to film. And the film locations were on dilapidated buildings!

It would be justifiable if she really toured Manila and saw that it was teeming with cockroaches and decapitated beings! I think because of that brouhaha she faded away..

bariQ

December 27th, 2008, 04:57 PM

Askal82

December 27th, 2008, 05:25 PM

ohhh.... so she felt people from the philippines had no limbs.... now thats what i call honesty

Yeah, she's honest about her feelings but that doesn't make it a fact. It's funny how Estrada banned her for saying opinionated statements like that. Immaturity at its best.

Askal82

December 27th, 2008, 05:28 PM

yes she was downright and brutally candid and frank. But i guess the place they were filming on was the manila she was referring to! As ive said,she didnt come here to visit but to film. And the film locations were on dilapidated buildings!

It would be justifiable if she really toured Manila and saw that it was teeming with cockroaches and decapitated beings! I think because of that brouhaha she faded away..

Unfortunately, she was taken to the ugly side of the town to make that generalized statement. Its funny that people takes the offense very seriously yet they are not serious and sincere enough to address the problems from her simple yet brutal underlying statements. Then if some individuals (like Charice Pempengco or Manny Pacaquiao) takes the international limelight, everybody especially the politicians are hoarding all the credits as much as they can simply because its pride. :lol:

The fact that she witnessed the one of the ordinary depressed parts of the Philippines at conditions 100 times more deplorable than other countries are pictures worth more than a thousand words.

Time to wake up people. We can't compel people to say something good about the country all the time and if they say something negative then it should be regarded as a wake up call.

bariQ

December 27th, 2008, 06:38 PM

its one thing to feel and say to a friend how you dont like a place but to be published on a magazine saying that. thats just wrong. especially because shes a movie star that she coould be heard by more people. her comments are irresponsible.. people have no limbs??? i dont think thats honesty. is it?

lets say you know somebody with down syndrome, and youre a star. do you go out saying that kid is retarded to everybody.

irresponsible i say. we all know the country is not THAT clean. almost everybody in the world ALREADY knows that.

Askal82

December 27th, 2008, 07:38 PM

Animo

December 27th, 2008, 09:21 PM

URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan, Dec. 26 (PNA (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&nid=1&rid=177739)) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today underscored the vital role the Philippines played in the history of international navigation, dating back to the discovery in the 15th century of the Urdaneta Route that brought Philippine and Asian cultures to Europe through Mexico.

The Urdaneta Route was named after the Spanish friar of the Augustinian order, Fray Andres de Urdaneta, who plotted the Pacific Ocean route that became the sea lane of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade between the Philippines and Mexico for 250 years.

Urdaneta passed through the route on his way back from the Philippines to Spain in 1565. His historic discovery gained for the Philippines a place in the history of international navigation.

“I would like to congratulate all of you. This is something we should be proud of,” the President said while being briefed by National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) Executive Director Cecille Alvarez about the monument being built in honor of the Spanish friar.

The NCCA, in collaboration with the Urdaneta City government and other groups, spearheaded the construction of the P12.7-million project, which is expected to be finished by March next year in time for the celebration of the 5th centenary of Fray Urdaneta.

“We will be back, together with the Mayor of Ordizia to inaugurate this monument,” the Chief Executive told hundreds of people in front of the newly-built hall here.

Urdaneta was born in the province of Ordizia in Spain on Nov. 30, 1498.

Guidote-Alvarez said that the Philippines will get global attention once the monument is completed.

“It (the monument) will be a magnet for tourism, especially among Spanish-heritage countries and this was made possible because of the President’s proclamation of the year of Urdaneta,” she said.

In recognition of Urdaneta’s valuable contributions to the Philippine arts and history, the President had issued Proclamation No. 1423 creating a 15-man committee to further deepen research work and studies on the Spanish friar.

She also declared Dec. 6, 2007 as the start of the “Year of Urdaneta” when she visited Ordizia.

Aside from the President, also present during the inspection of the project were First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, NCCA Chairperson Vilma Labrador, Philippine-Urdaneta 500 Commission President Fr. Luis Galende and Presidential Assistant for Region l Ernie Mendoza.

bariQ

December 27th, 2008, 10:29 PM

^^ Its her personal opinion everybody is entitled for in the same way that we have our own criticisms of other countries 'below' us. Quits lang. We can't put words in her mouth and sugarcoat everything that they see here. I remembered when GMA put billboards along a creek or a waterway filled with garbage and shanties in preparation of Pres. Bush arrival at NAIA airport. Alam pala nila ang mga kalokohan nila kaya tinatakpan nalang para hindi makita ang ibang totoong mukha ng Pilipinas. :lol:

If its an attack on a person or his race, creed or color, then it could be either libel, slander, profiling or discrimination but if she's making her own comments about A PLACE, then that's a different story. She was simply asked a question and she responded with what she really saw over there.

she was quoted as saying them.... no sugarcoating! GMA can do whatever she wants.... still those comments are just outrageous. imagine Bush going to China and says it stinks like dead rats? and wow did she really see people from the philippines with no limbs? ABSURD! does manila really smell like cockroaches? kung sikat ka, dapat marunong ka pumili ng pananalita mo.

simply theres no excuse for those comments, they are offensive. simple as that.

and add to that. everybody has the right to have an opinion, but she has no right to offend a people

dandelionne

December 27th, 2008, 11:11 PM

Unfortunately, she was taken to the ugly side of the town to make that generalized statement. Its funny that people takes the offense very seriously yet they are not serious and sincere enough to address the problems from her simple yet brutal underlying statements. Then if some individuals (like Charice Pempengco or Manny Pacaquiao) takes the international limelight, everybody especially the politicians are hoarding all the credits as much as they can simply because its pride. :lol:

The fact that she witnessed the one of the ordinary depressed parts of the Philippines at conditions 100 times more deplorable than other countries are pictures worth more than a thousand words.

Time to wake up people. We can't compel people to say something good about the country all the time and if they say something negative then it should be regarded as a wake up call.

unfortunately for her! But the place she went to did not represent the whole of manila. have she seen the other places? Good thing if she did, then her remarks would be justifiable.

I appreciate her frankness but her remarks were unfair.

Askal82

December 28th, 2008, 01:22 AM

she was quoted as saying them.... no sugarcoating! GMA can do whatever she wants.... still those comments are just outrageous. imagine Bush going to China and says it stinks like dead rats? and wow did she really see people from the philippines with no limbs? ABSURD! does manila really smell like cockroaches? kung sikat ka, dapat marunong ka pumili ng pananalita mo.

simply theres no excuse for those comments, they are offensive. simple as that.

and add to that. everybody has the right to have an opinion, but she has no right to offend a people

unfortunately for her! But the place she went to did not represent the whole of manila. have she seen the other places? Good thing if she did, then her remarks would be justifiable.

I appreciate her frankness but her remarks were unfair.

Offensive because there is a grain of truth to it. It won't be that offensive if some of them is not true.

Whoa whoa!! Hold your horses but China is on a different league. Many issues in China such as pollution and human rights issues are still in the headlines. Guess what? At least they are doing their efforts to clean their reputation and one example is how the government took the criticisms from the visitors and changed the way their people behaves. You can check it here (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/31/world/main4310034.shtml) and here (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070413102036.htm). Kung magagawa yan ng mga officials natin, doon palang ako maniniwala na masama ang comments ni Claire Danes. :rofl: :rofl:

dandelionne

December 28th, 2008, 02:37 AM

My point was,ok lang sa akin kahit sabihin pa niya na ang manila ang pinakapangit na city na napuntahan nya sa buong buhay nya KUNG nakita at nalibot nya talaga ang BUONG maynila!

Eh kung sa Smokey Mountain(supposing the landfill still exist) sila nagshooting tapos dun lang nya ibabase yung comments about manila,eh kagagahan naman yun. Before she commented,she should have seen the good side of manila too. That way,it would be Fair.

Kung sasabihin pa din nya na pangit ang manila,tanggap ko kahit nakita na nya ung good side ng Manila. eh in her case,dun lang sya naexpose sa mga ugly part eh.

dandelionne

December 28th, 2008, 02:42 AM

What China is doing is all for show for outsiders. In reality,they are suppressing their own dirt.

Remember the melamine scare? it broke out in china a few weeks before the olympics. But they silenced the chinese media cz the country`s image would be tainted. dun lang pagkatapos ng Olympics nagopen up ang mga officials.

skywalker2008

December 28th, 2008, 03:32 AM

Pacquiao amasses huge lead in ESPN’s ‘champ of champs’ (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/141411/Pacquiao-amasses-huge-lead-in-ESPNs-champ-of-champs)
JONATHAN PEREZ, GMANews.TV
12/27/2008 | 06:14 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Might as well add the ESPN Star Sports' Champion of Champions (http://www.espnstar.com/games/champions-2008/game/)’ title to Manny Pacquiao’s growing list of achievements.

Pacquiao, who fought in three weight divisions to go 3-0 in 2008, could very well be the winner of the online poll contest as he enjoys a huge lead over Malaysian squash player Nicol David.

As of Saturday, results of the online poll gave Pacquiao an overwhelming 80.74 lead over Nicol. The Filipino boxing icon garnered 90.73 percent of the votes while the world’s top ranked squash player earned 9.63 percent.

Pacquiao made history in 2008 when he became the first Asian to wear four world titles in three different weight divisions. He is the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) and The Ring magazine’s super featherweight champion after beating Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in a split decision on March 15.

He then added the WBC lightweight belt after scoring a ninth-round knockout win over David Diaz on June 28. But what made Pacquiao sort of a demigod in the boxing world is his eight-round demolition of future Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya on December 6.

He also earned the nickname as the “Mexecutioner" after nine of his last 14 fights were against Mexican champion boxers. He fought Erik Morales three times and, faced Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez twice in that span.

Pacquiao won 12 of those 14 fights losing only once in his first meeting with Morales on March 19 2005. He was held to a draw by Marquez on May 8, 2004 and had to wait for four years before beating the Mexican in a split decision.

He earned the Ring Magazine’s top pound-for-pound boxer after then holder Floyd Mayweather Jr. retired this year. Pacquiao is also a former Ring Magazine featherweight champion, once hold the International Boxing Federation bantamweight crown and held the WBC flyweight belt.

David earned a spot in the finals after becoming the first Asian to top the world rankings. She is the reigning World Open and British Open champion, titles which she also won in 2005 and 2006.

Pacquiao and David arranged a finals showdown after beating cricket superstars Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly in the semifinals.

The final day of voting is on December 30 with the winner to be announced in ESPN Sports Center.

Other big name sports stars in the list are NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, Indian cricket sensation MS Dhoni, Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo, reigning world no.1 tennis player Rafael Nadal, Beijing Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, legendary football manager Sir Alex Ferguson, world 100-meter record holder Usain Bolt, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, golf’s Tiger Woods and world MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi. – GMANews.TV

crappypants

December 28th, 2008, 03:54 AM

I agree with Askal, We can't stop foreigners from their first impressions ,opinions of Manila based on their experiences. Instead of orerreacting, being defensive we should just fix and improve these places if we don't want to hear negative opinions. On the flipside You can't just show ayala center to visitors , they will see all parts of Metro Manila if they're driving to their destinations. There is a grain of truth to her statements since inner Manila was filthy at that time , I don't know about now whether it has improved or not.

-TC-

December 28th, 2008, 09:44 AM

Guys/gals, you maybe in a Philippine Forum but the SSC is ultimately an international forum so please mind cultural sensitivities here. Likewise,
this is the In the News: Proudly Pinoy Thread and recent (esp the last few) posts have gotten way off-topic already.

Back to topic please. Thanks.

OtAkAw

December 28th, 2008, 01:33 PM

^^This thread was getting funnier by the post. :lol:

http://www.clickthecity.com/img2/articles/CTC-1462-image7.jpg

Anyway who watched Charice's rendition of "One Moment in Time" hours ago at ASAP? Man, the girl was fierce! She was amAAAzing!!! I wish my daughter would be like her, then I can be proud both as a father and as a Pinoy!

JulZ

December 29th, 2008, 11:47 AM

yah!^^ napanood ko yun....grabe! wla pa ba nun sa youtube??!?!

dandelionne

December 29th, 2008, 12:00 PM

http://dl3.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1870/1870093pr60nnmdlx.gif

amras

December 29th, 2008, 12:08 PM

yah!^^ napanood ko yun....grabe! wla pa ba nun sa youtube??!?!

meron sa youtube:

AZtyYGS5rGY

JulZ

December 29th, 2008, 01:04 PM

ang tanong ko ngayon: bat di sya nanalo sa Little Big Star? :lol:

OtAkAw

December 29th, 2008, 01:35 PM

^^Lam mo naman dito, talagang kinoconsider ang "artista factor". Si Sam Concepcion ang nanalo sa batch nya no?

Narnian_King

December 29th, 2008, 04:27 PM

^Hindi kasi binoto ng mga "Fans Kuno ni Charice ngayon" si Charice sa Little Big Sta. Ngayon lang nagsulputan ang mga supporters ni cha ng makilala abroad.

bukid

December 29th, 2008, 04:58 PM

hay naku, bahala sila kung ano man ang nais nilang sabihin tungkol sa ating bansa. basta ang alam ko maraming guapo sa pinas. i'm proud to be pinoy because pinoys are guapo (puera buyag lang). well, i'm guapo, so i'm pinoy. :D

leechtat

December 29th, 2008, 05:05 PM

meron sa youtube:

AZtyYGS5rGY

^^ grabe, gumagaling na si charice.. dati sumisigaw lang ang batang yan, ngayon may tono na ang sigaw niya.. :lol: baka masapawan na niya si sarah geronimo na 20M per month daw ang TF...

stanleymalls

December 29th, 2008, 05:09 PM

^^ LOL!

The performance of Charice is so stunning! Two thumbs up! :okay: :okay:

A round of applause! :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

amras

December 29th, 2008, 08:12 PM

nilamon sila lahat ni charice. ^^

higen

December 30th, 2008, 05:55 AM

This girl is really talented...sana pati ung English nya gumaling na din...:lol: Im sure it will

diz

December 30th, 2008, 09:00 AM

^^ sana pati english ni pacquiao gumaling din

kiretoce

December 30th, 2008, 09:12 AM

^^ :rofl:

dandelionne

December 30th, 2008, 12:14 PM

ang tanong ko ngayon: bat di sya nanalo sa Little Big Star? :lol:

because the motto of Talent Center is face value muna,yung talent puede naman DAW madevelop sa workshop.NGEKK. Look at Star Circle. andami nang nagsulputang batch.Halos every year ata cila nagkakaroon ng new batch. Magaganda at ang guguapo nga pero konti lang yung may talent. Diba most of the star circle talents faded away. Mangilan-ngilan lang yung sumikat.

When i first saw Charice sang I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY and a Janet Jackson Hit( i forgot the title) on Little Big Star,i was instantly enamored.

It was very clear naman na yung mga people behind that contest were grooming Sam to win.

dandelionne

December 30th, 2008, 12:18 PM

In fairness to Sarah,she is also a total performer. I saw her perform Beyonce`s latest hit PUT A RING ON IT last sunday on ASAP and boy was i flabbergasted!

dandelionne

December 30th, 2008, 12:20 PM

^^ sana pati english ni pacquiao gumaling din

Hay ba`t andaming lintang nakapaligid ni pacquiao?

hopefully,nandun din sila sa tabi nya kapag di na sya sikat.

-TC-

December 30th, 2008, 12:29 PM

^^ sana pati english ni pacquiao gumaling din

His English has already improved a whole lot since his KO win against Lehlohonolo Ledwaba at the MGM in 2001. You should hear his interview then.

Narnian_King

December 30th, 2008, 01:18 PM

because the motto of Talent Center is face value muna,yung talent puede naman DAW madevelop sa workshop.NGEKK. Look at Star Circle. andami nang nagsulputang batch.Halos every year ata cila nagkakaroon ng new batch. Magaganda at ang guguapo nga pero konti lang yung may talent. Diba most of the star circle talents faded away. Mangilan-ngilan lang yung sumikat.

When i first saw Charice sang I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY and a Janet Jackson Hit( i forgot the title) on Little Big Star,i was instantly enamored.

It was very clear naman na yung mga people behind that contest were grooming Sam to win.

lmao... charice votes during little big star is only 4% :lol:

OtAkAw

December 30th, 2008, 03:55 PM

^^4%?! naku di lang yata sa politics di marunong bumoto ang Pinoy :lol:

-TC-

December 30th, 2008, 04:33 PM

^^4%?! naku di lang yata sa politics di marunong bumoto ang Pinoy :lol:

That is proof that Pinoys are really talented. Everybody can sing and sing well so Charice wasn't head and shoulders above the other contestants. People also say that she didn't have that "artistahin" X factor which was why she lost the votes.

Askal82

December 31st, 2008, 01:45 PM

^^ sana pati english ni pacquiao gumaling din

Pacquiao did make vast improvements with with his English. Napanood ko yung HBO commentaries bago ng laban, parang okay na rin. At least, he doesn't need any translators at sa tingin ko malaki na ring achievement yun considering his background education. Yeah, he butchered English during the interviews but he didn't rely on translators unlike others. :lol:

diz

December 31st, 2008, 03:29 PM

^^ sana mag rely na lang siya sa mga translators. :lol:

-TC-

December 31st, 2008, 07:46 PM

Speaking of Manny Pacquiao... here is a spoof of our People's Champ: :D

F0AG8ocuInE

Manny Poohquiao @ ABS-CBN's Christmas Special

bitoy

December 31st, 2008, 10:21 PM

^^ Funny spoof.. :lol:

"del or no del" :D

-TC-

January 2nd, 2009, 09:09 AM

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20090101-180951/Gerard-Salonga-goes-global

Gerard Salonga goes global
By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
01/01/2009

MANILA, Philippines—Just like his big sis Lea, musical director and conductor Gerard Salonga has gone international.

He recently worked with Taiwan’s Lee-Hom Wang, who topbilled Ang Lee’s “Lust, Caution” and soon, France’s Vanessa Paradis, who is, incidentally, the girlfriend of Johnny Depp.

The Hong Kong Philharmonic had tapped Salonga to conduct its yearend concert last Dec. 22, 23 and 24 at the HK Cultural Center Concert Hall.

Schoolmates

Featured performer in that show was Wang who, like Salonga, studied in Berklee.

“Lee-Hom’s a smart guy. He scored 1600 in his SATs (US college admissions exam),” said Salonga of his fellow musician. “He’s a pop star. He sings, but he [also] plays the piano, guitar and drums.”

At the concert, Wang reportedly played the violin, too.

Salonga, who conducted the entire concert, first worked with the HK Philharmonic for sister Lea’s Chinese New Year show last February.

He described the 110-piece orchestra as “one of the finest in Asia.”

The HK Philharmonic recommended Salonga to French superstar Paradis, who approved his participation as conductor and arranger in her own concert, which will coincide with the Le French May festivities this year.

“I submitted a demo, a new arrangement of her 1988 hit ‘Joe le Taxi.’ Luckily, she liked it,” Salonga recounted.

He said they instantly hit it off.

“She’s easy to talk to,” he noted. “She sounded sweet. Fortunately, we share the same tastes in music: Joni Mitchell, Bjork. She wants the arrangements for her May concert to be different from the usual.”

Seems sister Lea is also looking forward to the Paradis concert.

“My sister said, ‘Don’t do it if Johnny Depp isn’t coming to Hong Kong,’” Salonga said, in jest.

He added that Lea is scheduled to fly to Hong Kong in May.

“They’re planning to celebrate her baby Nicole’s birthday there, which falls around the same time as Le French May,” Salonga said.

On the local front, Salonga conducted the FILharmoniKa in the soundtrack of the Metro Manila Film Fest entry “Dayo,” which includes sis Lea’s song “Lipad.”

He also worked in the new albums of The CompanY (“Group Hug”), Reymond Sajor (“Coming Home”) and Eddie Mesa.

diz

January 2nd, 2009, 10:04 AM

BTW, Wang Lee Hom is awesome! :banana:

in_a_rush

January 2nd, 2009, 06:58 PM

Pacquiao did make vast improvements with with his English. Napanood ko yung HBO commentaries bago ng laban, parang okay na rin. At least, he doesn't need any translators at sa tingin ko malaki na ring achievement yun considering his background education. Yeah, he butchered English during the interviews but he didn't rely on translators unlike others. :lol:

My Dream is come true! -Manny Pacquiao (on meeting Kevin Garnett) :nuts:

-TC-

January 2nd, 2009, 07:08 PM

My Dream is come true! -Manny Pacquiao (on meeting Kevin Garnett) :nuts:

Haha I heard that. Well, let's give him some leeway to make a few mistakes once in awhile. At least his English has already improved a whole lot compared to when he first arrived in the US several years ago right?

filcan

January 3rd, 2009, 12:24 AM

BTW, Wang Lee Hom is awesome! :banana:

Proudly Pinoy that Wang Lee Hom is... :okay:

diz

January 3rd, 2009, 12:27 AM

what? Pinoy siya?

filcan

January 3rd, 2009, 12:39 AM

I don't even know who Wang Lee Hom is

diz

January 3rd, 2009, 12:41 AM

He's a Taiwanese artist. He also got a perfect 1600 on his SAT.

filcan

January 3rd, 2009, 01:20 AM

so in a a way he is Pinoy...creative and intelligent :D

-TC-

January 3rd, 2009, 07:06 AM

http://sports.inquirer.net/inquirersports/inquirersports/view/20090103-181140/So-achieves-highest-RP-Elo-rating

So achieves highest RP Elo rating
By Jasmine W. Payo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
01/03/2009

MANILA, Philippines—Chess sensation Wesley So opened the year on top again in the rating game as the 15-year-old Grandmaster earned the highest-ever Elo achieved by a Filipino.

Propped up by a series of strong finishes in international tournaments, So’s Elo rating zoomed to 2627 from 2610, according to the latest rankings released by the Fide (international chess federation) for January 2009.

That rating surpassed the local high of 2621 set by GM Mark Paragua in April 2006.

Eugene Torre, Asia’s first GM, remained second among Filipinos with an Elo of 2560.

GM John Paul Gomez improved by 20 points to rise to third with an Elo of 2539, dislodging Paragua (Elo 2537).

The 24-year-old Paragua, the first Filipino to reach the Elo 2600 mark, gained 11 points to improve on his 2526 rating last October.

So, fresh off his gold-medal windup in the 1st Asian Club Cup, picked up 17 Elo points in the last three months to sustain his phenomenal rise as one of the world’s youngest grandmasters.

“I will do my best to give the Philippines more honor,” said So, a high school junior at St. Francis of Assisi College System in Bacoor.

Last Thursday, So bagged the individual gold medal on board one as the Philippines settled for fourth place in the 1st Asian Club Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

mhek

January 3rd, 2009, 01:50 PM

BTW, Wang Lee Hom is awesome! :banana:

may nakita akong newspaper about dito, sino ba to??

diz

January 3rd, 2009, 10:02 PM

try wikipedia

skywalker2008

January 4th, 2009, 01:54 AM

My Dream is come true! -Manny Pacquiao (on meeting Kevin Garnett) :nuts:

Medyo mahaba kaya tinabas ko :)... For the full article: http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20090103-181250/English-the-Filipino-way

English the Filipino way

By Antonio Aboitiz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:06:00 01/03/2009

MANILA, Philippines—The ubiquity of the English language in these islands is a bittersweet reality of our culture.

The entire world is scrambling to learn the planet’s current lingua franca while we, who had it thrust upon us for better or worse, are coming dangerously close to losing our fated headstart because of a variety of complex factors.

One of these factors is the fact that many of us who do not pronounce the words like the people on the pirated DVDs everyone purchases (piracy is a crime!) are very intimidated by this inability, and therefore become frustrated or ashamed and give up. This is something that must be smashed. Not the DVDs, but the stigma and teasing that can come along with bad diction.

Making fun

The perpetuation of the national pastime of making fun of someone’s English abilities should be ended. That is because we have our own English. It is Filipino English, and it is as valid—if not more so—than the English spoken by say, Australia or Canada, nations whose populations are but a fraction of ours.

We are supposedly the third largest English-speaking nation in the world. However, that all depends on how you define fluency. If you take the number of speakers of English as a second language, we probably rank around that.

English is a difficult language to learn. It has many rules, but also has almost as many exceptions and is fantastically non-phonetic (why is knife spelled with a k?). Its earliest evolution from its Germanic base, running into long and bloody backs and forths with the Romans, Vikings, then the French, then a liberal spiking of words obtained from conquered lands belies the history of the incredible islands from which the language bursts forth and itself conquered the world.

There may be more speakers of Chinese, but their geographic scope and influence around the globe cannot rival that of English.

This is THE language of international business, diplomacy, aviation, science, entertainment, and the World Wide Web.

English was brought to us by Americans, who started our public school system (an educated citizenry is a pre-requisite to true democracy) and left us speaking lots of good English. That is, until we decided to make Pilipino the national language in 1936 (check the preface on your kid’s Balarila) and the Bagong Lipunan tried desperately to force it as a medium of instruction.

We have our own English. We say comfortable the way it is spelled, not as “cumftabul” the way an American would. We use the word “already” as no one else does. “It is ready already” “it is finished already” this is pure Filipino-English. An Australian or an American would likely say simply “it’s done.” We say “for a while”—what exactly does that mean? I take it to mean, “when it’s ready already.” Again other English speakers might say “just a moment” or “just a sec”—but they mean the same thing really. The British and their Commonwealth members use “take away” Americans, “to go” Filipinos say “take home”—or at least used to.

God help you if you ask for the “CR” in any other English-speaking nation. But hey, we’ve also contributed to the English language in general: “boondocks” is a corruption of bundok.

The very difficulty and inconsistency of the English language—its fluidity and ability to invent and co-opt words—lies at the heart of the creative potential it imbibes to those who speak it.

Our ability to comprehend English is a trump card that we have to develop further and play to the hilt.

It makes courting foreign investments easier, makes tourism more attractive, adds to the “by the grace of God” advantages we have—great natural wealth in terms of biodiversity and minerals, strategic crossroads location, and more importantly, truly friendly, caring people who have a great sense of humor.

English is a living language, just as our own languages are. We also co-opt other words and usage as they come into our lives and become ubiquitous, and unavoidable. Its evolution is not determined by scholars and laid down as the law of the land.

diz

January 4th, 2009, 03:43 AM

English is a difficult language to learn. It has many rules, but also has almost as many exceptions and is fantastically non-phonetic (why is knife spelled with a k?).

Amen.

kiretoce

January 4th, 2009, 08:08 PM

Filipino flies world’s biggest jet (http://www.bworldonline.com/BW010509/content.php?id=042)

http://www.bworldonline.com/BW010509/flight.jpg
Nathaniel Jordan S. Calvo, the first and only Filipino A380 pilot in the world.

The Airbus A380, launched almost four years ago, is every inch a marketing tool as it is an advantage to airlines that own the world’s biggest commercial aircraft.

After all, only a handful of carriers have the 525-seater plane in their fleets given the Super jumbo jet’s premium $320-million price tag. The next biggest plane, the Boeing 747-400 from rival Boeing, costs $50 million to $100 million less.

Equally few and far between are the men than call themselves A380 pilots. But while no Philippine carrier can afford the jet, and no local airport can fully accommodate it, Filipinos can take pride in the fact that behind the wheel of one of the biggest man-made objects in the sky is one of their own.

"I guess you can say God smiled upon me and blessed me It’s the proverbial being at the right place at the right time," Nathaniel Jordan S. Calvo, the first and only Filipino A380 pilot in the world, said. "It’s like living a dream," he told BusinessWorld via e-mail.

The A380’s upper deck extends along almost the entire length of the fuselage, and its width is equivalent to that of a wide-body aircraft. This allows for a cabin with 50% more floor space than the Boeing 747-400 and provides seating for 525 people in a standard three-class configuration, or up to 853 passengers in an all-economy class configuration.

Nathaniel Jordan S. Calvo, the first and only Filipino A380 pilot in the world.

On Sept. 15, in the culmination of what he described as a "very intense and thorough training program," Mr. Calvo received his temporary license to fly the Super jumbo. For him, its was a dream come true.

"This is like the cherry on top of a cake. Not only do I get to fly the biggest and most modern airplane, but I am also very glad to have made some sort of history as being the first Filipino qualified to fly it," said Mr. Calvo, who works for Emirates Airline.

The 37-year-old Filipino-American pilot has childhood roots that are unmistakably Filipino. He studied at O.B. Montessori in Greenhills for his elementary education before moving to Manila Science for high school.

Upon graduation, Mr. Calvo took up mechanical engineering at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, before leaving for the US to continue his studies at Parks College of Saint Louis University. There, he earned a degree in aerospace and mechanical engineering.

After college, he entered the Flight Safety Academy in Florida, this time, not just to learn flying as a hobby, but as a trained professional. By 1995, less than five years after attending Saint Louis, Mr. Calvo was already flying as a professional.

"I can’t remember wanting to be anything else than a pilot," he said. With roots linked to a country that has more than eight million people, or roughly a tenth of its population working abroad to contribute more than $15 billion to the country’s economy yearly, Mr. Calvo is proud that he, along with other Filipino pilots, have risen above the usual profiling by foreigners.

"I am always proud to meet other Filipino pilots whenever I am flying around. It reaffirms my belief that we as Filipinos can always live up and even go beyond the typical stereotypes we usually face in other countries," he said.

While being able to fly the A380 is a feat in itself, he said knowing that jaws are dropping when people see the plane he flies is a bonus. "I like the fact than when flying, air traffic control designates our airplane type as Super jumbo to let air traffic know what a big airplane they are seeing on their radar screens," Mr. Calvo said.

Hearing other more experienced pilots over the radio say how big the A380 is, and calling it names like "a building with wings" does not fail to thrill him.

Happily married and raising his three-year-old son with his wife of eight years, Cecilia, Mr. Calvo does not have plans to have his wings clipped any time soon.

"For as long as God allows me to be a pilot" was how Mr. Calvo described his retirement plan. "Besides, when the day comes that I quit being a professional aviator, I still see myself flying around in my own little four-seater airplane," he added.

And his advice to other Filipinos working abroad? "Keep your head high and never let anyone put you down no matter what. Don’t be bothered by the type of work you may be in, as long as it’s honest living, you can and always should be proud."

-TC-

January 5th, 2009, 02:17 AM

http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20090105-181410/Filipino-Assassin-leaves-UFC-mark

‘Filipino Assassin’ leaves UFC mark
By June Navarro
Philippine Daily Inquirer
01/05/2009

MANILA, Philippines—Another mixed martial arts fighter with Filipino roots is making heads turn in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

And just like UFC celebrity Brandon “The Truth” Vera, Philippe Nover has impressed organizers and MMA enthusiasts with a strong finish in the “The Ultimate Fighter 8” last month.

Nover clobbered veterans Joe Duarte, Dave Kaplan and George Roop inside two rounds on his way to the lightweight finals of the reality show produced by the UFC.

The Brooklyn, New York-raised Nover, however, dropped a three-round decision to Mexican Efrain Escudero in the lightweight finals to end up with a 6-1-1 (win-loss-draw) record last year.

Totally impressed, UFC president Dana White conveniently ignored Nover’s defeat and nicknamed the 5-foot-9 Pinoy-Brazilian jiu-jitsu blackbelter as the “Filipino Assassin.”

White and TUF8 coach Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira said Nover could be the next Anderson Silva, the reigning UFC middleweight champion. They also likened Nover to reigning UFC welterweight titleholder George St. Pierre.

Nover remained humble despite the praises.

“I never even thought I could blow up this much and I’m glad that my fans enjoyed it,” the 24-year-old Nover said in a report on www.ufc.com.

“I hope I can keep doing what I’m doing. I’ve been training like crazy, and there’s no other way to go but up,” added the fighter who is gifted with heavy hands, a good clinch and a knack for bringing an opponent down to submission.

Determined to follow in the footsteps of the light heavyweight Vera (9-3-0), Nover—whose mother is a Filipino— gave up a high-paying job as a registered nurse in the emergency room of the Coney Island Hospital in New York.

Nover added other dimensions to his skills prior to entering the UFC by training hard in muay thai, karate, kung fu and arnis to complement his jiu-jitsu expertise.

“I’ve dedicated the last six months of my life to fight,” said Nover, who briefly lingered in the Ring of Champions before bringing his act to the UFC. “I quit my full-time job and sacrificed my social life.

“The UFC is the NBA of mixed martial arts. I guess dreams come true when you work hard for them. Kung may sipag at tiyaga, may nilaga (You will succeed if you persevere).”

Sleepwalker

January 5th, 2009, 02:22 AM

filcan

January 6th, 2009, 01:49 AM

^^any link to that? :)

Sleepwalker

January 6th, 2009, 02:24 AM

National Geographic Channel (http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/fight-science/all/Overview/09#tab-styles)

I think, the Kali master they featured was Don Inosanto.

filcan

January 6th, 2009, 02:38 AM

^^no video link :(...but thats okay...thanks for the link

Sleepwalker

January 6th, 2009, 02:48 AM

^^no video link :(...but thats okay...thanks for the link

Yes..Sorry for that... :)

If you have the chance, it is better to watch it on TV... :)

-TC-

January 6th, 2009, 08:30 AM

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20090106-181700/Filipinos-build-unmanned-aerial-vehicle

Filipinos build unmanned aerial vehicle
By Alexander Villafania
INQUIRER.net
01/06/2009

MANILA, Philippines -- After successfully launching the first underwater unmanned vehicle, research and development firm Roboteknik is developing the country's first commercially available unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which can be used for industrial and military purposes.

The Custos (Latin for guardian) is a remote controlled aircraft almost two meters in length and is similar to some UAVs used in the US, particularly the RQ series made by AAI Corporation and Israel Aircraft Industries.

The Custos is only about 1.5 meters in length and is powered by a single electric jet propulsion engine. The UAV can be outfitted with high resolution close circuit television camera for still and video shots, a global positioning system receiver, infrared sensors, among others.

The Custos can fly for two hours at a maximum height of 5,000 feet. It can fly within a 10-kilometer range and can be controlled from the ground through a mobile command station.

The Custos won third prize in last year's Department of Science and Technology’s National Inventors Week Awards.

Roboteknik President Michael Poblete said that the company is building an upgraded version of the original Custos.
He said it would be ready by February 2009.

Poblete declined to reveal details of the upgraded version but said it would be for an "immediate client."

The new UAV, however, will also be used by the military, local government units, law enforcement and agriculture.

Poblete said the first UAV model would cost around P90,000 though it might not be used commercially for some time.

The price of the upgraded version is yet to be announced.

johnmizer

January 7th, 2009, 12:39 PM

^saan school galing?

Jake_noypi

January 7th, 2009, 07:12 PM

^^ nakita ko na ata ito eh, eto ba yung gawa lang sa ordinary na eroplano na gawa ng TAMIYA na de RC? :)

-Sanan may pics para hindi gumana maxado ang mga imagination namin baka kung ano lumabas.hehe

skywalker2008

January 8th, 2009, 02:57 AM

Teves is Asia's best finance minister - The Banker (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/143147/Teves-is-Asias-best-finance-minister---The-Banker)
01/08/2009 | 09:30 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Finance Secretary Margarito B. Teves has been named "Best Finance Minister" in Asia, a title given by London-based international finance magazine, The Banker.

The recognition is published on the January 2009 issue of The Banker, which is part of the Financial Times group. The magazine is on its eighth year of giving the award.

In his letter of notification to Teves, The Banker finance editor Philip Alexander said the decision on choosing the best finance minister is a result of a survey conducted with economists and bankers "and therefore represents a real vote of confidence by the markets."

"Survey respondents mentioned that, thanks to progressive improvements in revenue collection, lower public debt levels and more stable finances at the state-owned enterprises, the Philippines has entered the current global credit crunch in a much less vulnerable position than during the past financial crises," Alexander said.

Teves was Land Bank of the Philippines president when he was tasked to be the Finance chief after a mass resignation of the Arroyo administration's economic team in July 2005.

Even back then, the former lawmaker already said one of his goals would be to balance the budget by 2008.

As early as May last year, however, the Finance department said the goal of balancing the budget needs to be pushed back to the original 2010 target.

In November 2008, Teves said "it will be extremely difficult to balance the budget in 2010 because of the changing circumstances" in the global economic arena.

In the latest issue of The Banker where an article on Teves is featured, the Finance chief was quoted saying," Our original goal of a balanced budget will be deferred, as the priority now is to stimulate the economy and keep people employed."

He added that the deficit will remain within 1.2 percent of the gross domestic product, or the value of goods and services produced by the country, as the government is still repaying its debts. - GMANews.TV

-TC-

January 8th, 2009, 09:41 AM

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=430030&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Palawan's underground river one step closer to new 7 wonders

January 08, 2009
Philippine Star

The underground river in Palawan is now a step closer to being named one of the world’s new seven wonders of Nature.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) yesterday reported that Palawan’s Subterranean River has been officially selected as the country’s bet in the race for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

“We are proud to announce that the Philippine marvels have stood strong in the first round of voting. This affirms the support of Filipinos as well as other tourists in helping our natural sites make their mark in the global scene,”

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said.

Durano said results of the first phase of voting in the Official New7Wonders of Nature campaign were announced yesterday at the New7Wonders Foundation headquarters.

According to Durano, the head of communications for New7Wonders Tia Viering sent a letter congratulating the Philippines for qualifying in the second phase of voting.

Viering said the 261 nominees in the second phase of the race are now one step closer to being chosen one of the Official New7Wonders of Nature by the people of the world.

The Philippines’ underground river shares the spotlight with the Coral Triangle, a multinational participant.

Spanning eastern Indonesia, parts of Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands, the Coral Triangle is the global center of marine biodiversity and one of the world’s top priorities for marine conservation.

The qualified 261 national and multinational nominees from the 222 participating countries feature iconic locations such as the Grand Canyon, Loch Ness, the Black Forest, and Mount Fuji, alongside the Amazon, the Danube, the Dead Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, Iguazu Falls, the Kalahari Desert, Mont Blanc, and Niagara Falls.

The first stage of the Official New7Wonders of Nature campaign officially ended last Dec. 31 and voting was suspended on the New7Wonders website until yesterday to allow organizers to tally and verify all votes.

Of the original 441 nominees, 180 or more than 40 percent were eliminated. Those selected will become the pool from which the 21 official finalists are chosen.

A panel of experts will select the 21 finalists from the top 77, which will be announced on July 21 this year.

When the third and final phase of voting begins, the people of the world will have approximately two years to choose from the 21 finalists for the Official New7Wonders of Nature, to be revealed in 2011. Over one billion votes are forecast.

Durano said the new seven Wonders of Nature campaign is expected to promote and increase awareness and appreciation of the different spectacular sites all over the world.

“With billions of supporters all over the globe, promotion of spectacular sites from all over the world has been set to greater heights. It is also very important to call on the sustainable promotion of these tourism sites, which are Nature’s blessings,” Durano said.

Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque said inclusion of the Philippines’ wonders in the list gives more reason to strengthen not only the promotion but the preservation of our natural sites.

Jarque said the country’s participation in the New7Wonders campaign would inevitably translate to increased interest in seeing the nominees, including the tourist destinations in the Philippines.

Rence

January 8th, 2009, 07:37 PM

The entire country would like to extend its warmest welcome and
congratulations to the delegates Mr. Andres S .Golamco and Mr. Dennis
Sy for winningthe Gold Prize also Mr. Nonito Dolera and Mr. Dario
Lagmao for Bronze Prize in Orchid landscaping 3x5 square meter
category. The International Show is participated by more than 30
countries with over 50 landscape exhibit booth.

The 3rd China (Sanya) International Orchid and Garden Show is
being held from January 05 to January 11, 2009. This is the biggest
orchid and plant garden show in China. The show site boast of 12,000
square meters of Sanya Luhuitou square. Hainan is a tropical
paradise of China located just above Batanes. China had proclaimed
Sanya as vacation and tourist destination during the winter months.
Various international events like Miss World 2003,2004, 2005 and
2007 was held in this capital city of Hainan.

The show committee of the 3rd China ( Sanya ) International Orchid
and Garden Show invited participants from all over China (including,
Yunnan, Guangxi , Fujian Guangdong, Sichuan, Zhejiang, Beijing,
Hongkong, Macao, Hainan and Taiwan) while International participants
came from plant and orchid societies from Thailand, Malaysia,Israel ,
Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam,
Japan, Singapore,Brunei Darussalam, Korea, Japan, Philippines, Papua
New Guinea, Palau, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, United States of
America, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden,
South Africa , Norway, Denmark. Mexico, Brazil and Northern Marianas

Aside from winning international recognition and goodwill
ambassadors for the country, the representatives also won cash prize
worth RMB6,000 (Gold Prize) or an equivalent of Php41,880.00 and
RMB2,000 (Bronze Prize) or an equivalent of Php13,960.00 and a
trophy.

Not only the country is blessed with natural beauty of our flora and
native orchids but also show the great artistry in Filipinos
creativity for landscaping showcasing Filipino talent and indigenous
culture.

The twin achievement marks a milestone in its 63 years of the society
in promoting goodwill to the international orchid and plant
exhibitions. Pictures still to be posted !

For inquiries, please call POS Secretariat:
Telefax: 929-4425/ 926 5061
Mobile Numbers: (Globe) 0917-8485468
(Sun) 0922- 8959544 Ms. Jenny Rivera – Office Secretary

0919-3901671 (Smart) Mr. Lawrence Chan – Corporate Secretary

E-mail: philorchidsociety@ yahoo.com
Address: 2nd Floor Unit 209 Delsa Mansion, 44 Scout Borromeo corner
Scout Torillo Brgy. South Triangle 1103, Quezon City

kiretoce

January 9th, 2009, 09:13 AM

Congratulations to Philippine-born Tim Tebow, the Star Quarterback of the University of Florida Gators for winning the BCS Championship!

GATOR NATION! GATOR PRIDE!

skywalker2008

January 10th, 2009, 07:42 AM

Obamas to retain Fil-Am as White House chef (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/143552/Obamas-to-retain-Fil-Am-as-White-House-chef)
01/10/2009 | 11:33 AM

WASHINGTON — One thing President-elect Barack Obama will not be changing: The White House's Filipino-American chef.

Transition officials said Friday that Cristeta Comerford will stay on for the Obamas. Comerford is the first woman and first minority member to serve as White House executive chef.

Michelle Obama, the US next first lady, said she and Comerford have a "shared perspective on the importance of healthy eating and healthy families."

Comerford is a naturalized US citizen from the Philippines who studied French cooking in Vienna, Austria, and specializes in ethnic and American cuisine.

Born as Cristeta Pasia in 1962, she grew up in Sampaloc district of Manila, finished secondary education at the Manila Science High School and took up food technology at the University of the Philippines, Diliman in Quezon City.

Before completing her studies, however, she immigrated to the United State at the age of 23.

According to Wikipedia, Comerford's first worked = at the Sheraton Hotel near O'Hare International Airport, then at the Hyatt Regency hotel.

After Chicago, she moved to Washington, D.C., and worked as a chef at two restaurants. She spent six months in Vienna as a rotating chef, and was was recruited by executive chef Walter Scheib III in 1995 to work in the Clinton White House.

When Scheib resigned as executive chef in February 2005, First Lady Laura Bush promoted Comerford, appointing her as head chef on August 14, 2005. She became the first female executive chef and the first Filipina to hold this position.

Comerford lives in Columbia, Maryland, with her husband, John, and their daughter, Danielle. - AP and GMANews.TV

kiretoce

January 10th, 2009, 08:05 AM

^^ I wonder if she'll be serving Asian/SEA dishes every once in a while to the Obamas; well, since Barack once lived in Indonesia as a kid. He might want some Gado-Gado, Rendang, Lahksa, Soto Ayam, or Nasi Goreng from time to time. :colgate:

kiretoce

January 10th, 2009, 09:31 AM

Filipino to coach Vietnam’s cage team (http://sports.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20090110-182587/Filipino-to-coach-Vietnams-cage-team)

Vietnam has hired a Filipino coach to help develop the socialist county’s grassroots basketball development program.

Eric Samson, who last handled Pagadian City in the Liga Pilipinas, is leaving for Vietnam this February after accepting a year-long contract from the Vietnam Basketball Federation.

He takes over the job once held by another Filipino mentor Ricky Magallanes, who is now in New York after accepting an offer to become a part of a five-star camp for coaches.

Samson has been tasked to draft Vietnam’s first-ever under-18 youth program for Ho Chi Minh City.

“Ako ang hahawak ng kauna-unahang youth program ng Vietnam sa basketball. Parang iyung ginagawa dito sa atin ni Rajko Toroman, iyun din ang gagawin ko doon (I will handle Vietnam’s first ever youth program in basketball. It’s like what Rajko Toroman does here, I will do the same there),” Samson said.

Basketball Association of the Philippines secretary-general Graham Lim, coach Beaujing Acot and Emilio Aguinaldo College sports director Nomar Isla encouraged Samson to accept the offer.

Samson, who used to be an assistant coach of the UE Warriors said the Vietnamese wanted a youth program for basketball because of the huge gap in the ages of talented players.

Filipino coaches are held in high esteem in the region. Samson’s former colleague in the University of the East David Zamar is now handling an Indonesian club team.

kiretoce

January 10th, 2009, 09:40 PM

Pinoy UN Peacekeepers: Beyond The Call Of Duty (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=430623&publicationSubCategoryId=90)

The country, if not the world, was touched when photos of Cpl. Danilo Galingan, a Filipino soldier assigned to the 8th UN Peacekeeping Contingent to Haiti (8th PCH), landed on the front page of The STAR, showing him in the act of rescuing those who were trapped when a school building collapsed in the troubled nation’s capital of Port au Prince on the morning of Nov. 7, 2008.

Haiti, which has been torn apart by factional fighting, gang wars and kidnapping for ransom, was again hit by a tragedy, which killed at least 30 people. And Filipino troops, risking their own lives and personal safety, rushed to the scene to help rescue those buried in rubble.

“It was a pitiful situation, seeing them in that condition. It touched something in us that made us forget about our own safety. All we thought of during that time was to help and rescue those that might still be alive,” Galingan said in an interview shortly after the tragedy.

Faced with the difficulties of a language barrier with the locals, the lack of proper rescue equipment, and the risks of the urgent mission at hand, Filipino peacekeepers worked double time, focusing on survivors as the primary objective and then the casualties.

“At first, we were shocked to see so many people who had died. But some were still alive at nagpapasaklolo (asking for help). Dahil sa sobrang awa namin, agad kaming kumilos at tumulong sa mga victims at una naming tinulungan ay ‘yung mga buhay at dinala sa safety area o kaya sa mga ambulance para madala sa ospital (We were overcome with pity so we rushed to help the victims, bringing those still alive to a safe area or to the ambulance so they could be taken to hospital). Kahit ilang ulit na kaming pabalik-balik ay hindi namin naramdaman ang gutom at pagod that time (No matter how many times we had to go back, we didn’t feel hungry or tired),” Galingan said.

Responding in that manner to such incidents came as no surprise for the Filipino peacekeepers, because back home, soldiers often take an active role in disaster rescue and relief operations.

In Haiti, however, the 155-strong 8th PCH members are normally tasked to do clerical work and provide security for key personalities involved in the UN peacekeeping mission.

The La Promese incident prompted Col. Raymundo Elefante, 8th PCH chief, to recommend the issuance of rescue equipment to the peacekeepers to enable them to respond effectively to similar disasters that they might encounter during their six-month stint.

Foreign military commanders who are part of the UN peacekeeping mission to Haiti have also expressed admiration for their Filipino counterparts. The Filipinos were cited for responding beyond the call of duty and showing their determination to accomplish the mission, whether it be securing key personalities or res-ponding to emer-gency situations, even thousands of miles away from home.

But it was not the first time that the Filipino soldier acting as peacekeeper displayed heroism and willingness to offer his life for others.

Staff Sgt. Antonio Batomalaque, an elite army Scout Ranger, died when he used his body to cover other peacekeepers who were being fired upon by criminal gangs in Port Au Prince last April 14, 2005.

For this, he was posthumously awarded the Soldier’s Medal, making him the first Filipino to earn the highest US award for non-combat gallantry.

Col. Martin Girard of Canada, the concurrent chief of staff of the UN mission to Haiti, admires what he sees as Filipino traits, saying these have enabled them to relate more effectively not only to their foreign counterparts, but also to the locals in the mission area, who see them as “bagay,” the Haitian word for “friend.”

“The admirable characteristics of the Filipino peacekeepers, compared to that of other nationalities in the mission area, are their professionalism, dedication, effectiveness and efficiency in performing their job or assigned tasks,” he said.

He pointed out that the Filipino’s amiable personality, charisma and hospitality have endeared them to their counterparts, who accord them high regard and respect.

“They can easily adjust and adapt to any given situation and the Filipinos are well-known English speakers,” Girard said.

Elefante, meanwhile, said that his troops, while performing their mandated tasks dutifully, never fail to keep in touch with their loved ones back home through e-mail and phone calls.

“As peacekeepers, they are by nature sweet and loving people who always find ways and means to keep in touch with their loved ones and family back home. Though deployed in a distant land, they always maintain their close-knit family ties through the use of cellular phones and Internet communication,” he said.

The soldiers receive three times their basic pay as compensation, and this they send back to their families in the Philippines.

Aside from Haiti, the Armed Forces of the Philippines deploys peacekeepers to Liberia, East Timor, Sudan and Ivory Coast as part of its commitment as a UN member nation, where they also serve as ambassadors of goodwill to people in the mission areas.

Narnian_King

January 11th, 2009, 07:58 AM

Charice to Perform at Obama Inaugural Ball! (http://chavids.com/2009/01/10/it-is-confirmed-charice-to-perform-at-obama-inaugural-ball/)
Posted On: January 10, 2009
Posted In: News

After yet another stellar performance in Wowowee Saturday, Willie Revillame announced what all Charice fans are hoping for 2009. Charice will be singing at the Obama Inaauguration ball on January 18! Word from the internet forum Peyups.com (the student forum of the University of the Philippines), Ricky Lo’s article, and the endless speculation from the fans, were finally answered!

It is not clear where the venue is and who will be at the ball. Hopefully, more details are revealed as soon as possible. Many fans speculate that this is Oprah running the show once again since she is close to the President-elect.

I do hope that Obama is seated at the front row while the young girl from the Philippines sings for him. A message of change that will surely captivate the President of the United States.

kiretoce

January 11th, 2009, 08:03 AM

^^ Uhmm....that remains to be seen. Although, good for her!

-TC-

January 11th, 2009, 10:44 AM

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/sim/sim/view/20090111-182674/Stepping-Up-to-the-Big-Time

Henry Sy: Stepping Up to the Big Time
By Mio de la Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:06:00 01/11/2009

A SMALL corner shoe store on Carriedo, a busy street in the populous district of Quiapo, seemed enough to fit the bill for “a business that would draw a steady income for my family.”

So reveals Henry Sy of the store he named Shoemart, never imagining that 50 years later, the venture would turn into the huge business empire that it is today. That empire would make him the country’s richest man and land him on Forbes Magazine’s list as one of the world’s wealthiest with over $3.1 billion in net worth.

By yearend of 2008, Henry Sy, fondly called “Tatang” by neighbors in Forbes Park, had built more than 30 giant malls all over the country, four of them listed among the world’s 10 biggest.

“SM North EDSA is considered the third largest, but it is actually number 2 now because the South China Mall, reputedly the world’s largest, had already closed shop,” explains Hans Sy, Henry’s son and president of SM Prime, the company’s flagship company. While the old man continues to relish memories of his past and achievements, his children continue to nurture his vision to provide employment for Filipinos and offer affordable products and services to their customers.'

Despite his age and a debilitating muscle condition in his lower limbs that has confined him to a wheelchair, the senior Sy still manages daily mall visits and attends weekly board meetings. “His presence during board meetings is particularly crucial when the directors cannot decide unanimously on a certain issue,” says daughter Teresita Sy-Coson, currently SM President. “He is there to share his insights and break the impasse.”

While it is now the next generation that actively manages the SM conglomerate, it is still Tatang who scans the future for new possibilities, including the company’s ventures into tourism projects. “He continues to weave new projects and demands that we implement them,” shares Sy-Coson, who also chairs SM-owned Banco de Oro. “But that’s how he raised us—we are continuously bombarded by challenges and we have to rise to the occasion each time.”

The country’s richest tycoon is not known to require elaborate feasibility studies to back a new project. Early in his career, Tatang was famous for starting projects, using a mere table napkin for financial calculations. “Until now, he still demands brevity and requires that business proposals be summarized into one or two pages.”

However, Tatang is not one to demand something that he himself is not capable of or inclined to do, his children add.

At the age of 12, the young Sy traveled from Fujian province in China to help out his father, who owned a small store in Manila then. “Life was hard in China and I imagined that life in the Philippines was better because my father was able to steadily send us money,” he recalls. “I was surprised to find that my father was operating just a small sari-sari store along Carriedo, and I helped him out as best as I could.” In China, he explains, children are encouraged to strike out on their own at the age of 12, so it was not difficult for him to get his Filipino mother’s permission to join his father in Manila.

His father’s frugality, hard work, and devotion to family inspired the young migrant to do the same, as he studied and worked at the same time. Sy completed his secondary education in a school that has since closed down, “perhaps what is now known as Chiang Kai Shek College,” Sy-Coson surmises. After high school, he took up a business course at the Far Eastern University, but later gave up formal schooling to start a family and set up his own business.

“After the war, business opportunities were limited because of the devastation, with goods in great shortage,” Sy recalls. “Our family lost almost everything, with one of our sari-sari stores burned down and another looted. Everyone was into buy and sell, so I decided to do the same by putting up a shoe business because I thought everyone would need a pair of shoes.”

He opened three shoe stores, which he named Plaza (1946), Paris (1947), and Park Avenue (1948), all of them in Carriedo, which was then known for its heavy pedestrian traffic. In 1958, he established Shoemart for easier recall. “I did not want to have to think of a new name each time I would open a new store,” he muses. “I thought it would be better to just call it Shoemart Cubao if I open a store in Cubao, or Shoemart Makati if I open one in Makati.”

As he was building up his business, Tatang continued to follow the frugal lifestyle of his father, spending only the salary his gave himself and plowing back into the business whatever profits it earned. “It was like that before and it is like that until now, although we are presently drawing a higher salary and have more perks,” Sy-Coson adds, smiling.

Before SM became a publicly listed corporation in 1995, Tatang made it a policy to avoid borrowing his equity. “Our capital is internally generated and this helps ease the pressure in the worst of times,” he says, his old voice quivering and occasionally fading into a whisper, although remaining firm and strong from a seat fitted with a cushion to support his lower back.

Sy-Coson says her 83-year-old father has a muscle problem in his lower limbs and needs help moving around the house and going to the malls he visits everyday.

His limbs may be weak, but Sy says he continues to find strength in his dreams. “I dream a lot and like to make things happen,” he says, eyes shining.

When Tatang opened the first Shoemart store in 1958, he thought that if he could sell a pair of shoes to every Filipino, he would be a successful man. Today, he sells not just shoes, but an entirely new lifestyle anchored on four core businesses - retailing, banking, real estate, and tourism development. “We try to respond to the ever changing needs of our customers,” he says. “Our company has grown with our customers, and many of our customers and their families have grown with us.”

Asked how he has managed to survive the Philippines’ notorious boom-bust economic cycle, Sy replies: “In good times, I continue to work; in bad, I work harder. It is important to be optimistic. Many of our milestones occurred during difficult times. During martial law in 1972, at the height of heavy capital flight, I decided to build my first department store in Quiapo. After the Aquino assassination in 1983, I started SM City North EDSA. During the coup attempts from 1987 to 1989, I started to build SM Megamall. Then, in the midst of the Asian crisis in 1997, I embarked on the greatest project of my life—the SM Mall of Asia. There are always opportunities in crisis situations.”

Henry believes in the opposite of Newton’s Law of Gravity—what comes down, must go up. When the economy is down, he says, one should learn to coast along, but never stop whatever it is one is doing. “We have to plan, be focused, and have passion in what we do. It is also important to have integrity.”

While he and his family take pleasure in his being named the richest man in the country, nothing pleases Sy more than watching from afar the happy faces of Filipino families enjoying shopping, or even just walking, in his malls.

“Filipinos are very family-oriented. They work and buy for their families. They spend much time shopping, dining out, watching movies, and having fun with them.”

More than the wealth he has accumulated and the accolade he has amassed from over 50 years of building his business empire, Sy says he enjoys most the company of his family and the sight of his productive employees at work. He readily gives in to requests for souvenir shots whenever an employee requests for one.

On one of his regular mall visits, Sy chanced upon a number of students who are all scholars of SM Foundation, the socio-civic arm of the SM Group of Companies. The SM scholars quickly gathered around their benefactor and gleefully hoisted him on their shoulders, like a hero and champion. Touched by the gesture, Henry, a devout Catholic, keeps a framed copy of the photograph in his living room like a prized trophy.

“He teaches by example,” reveals Sy-Coson. “He always reminds us that real wealth is not measured by the money one can amass, but the number of lives one touches and helps to improve.”

stanleymalls

January 12th, 2009, 02:45 PM

stanleymalls

January 12th, 2009, 02:47 PM

Animo

January 13th, 2009, 08:11 AM

She is not the 1st Filipino to be the White House Chef.

I was stationed at Camp David Presidential Retreat from 1992-1993 and worked under the White House Military Office. During my time at Camp David, I, along with nine other Navy enlisted personnel, personally served and cooked for President George Bush, Sr., First Lady Barbara Bush, Vice President Dan Quayle and Second Lady Marilyn Quayle and of course many of the President's guest. I had the honor of cooking for Prime Minister John Majors of Great Britain, Prime Minister Mulroney of Canada and celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, Amy Grant, George Strait etc.

When the Navy was downsizing and so was Camp David, I was asked to see if I would be interested in transferring to The White House. Of course I said yes! Within a week, I was transferred to the White House Staff Mess ("WHSM"), a fine dining restaurant in the West Wing that served the President, First Lady and Senior Staff members like David Gergen, Leon Panetta, Sandy Berger, George Stephanoupolis and Dee Dee Myers, while they are in the West Wing during working hours. While I was at the WHSM, I also worked with Executive Chef Walter Scheib, the main residence chef, on state dinners and special events. This really taught me a lot about the culinary field and gave me a broad range of recipes to work with. I was very fortunate to have cooked for and worked on events that served many foreign dignitaries like Nelson Mandela and celebrities like Tom Hanks, Jimmy Buffett, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Oliver Stone, James Woods, Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones, Crosby, Stills and Nash and many more. I was also a member of the advance travel team along with the US Secret Service and got to travel with the President and Senior Staff within the United States and abroad to make sure that the meals prepared for the President were secure. I worked at The White House from 1993 through late 1995 and was offered another culinary experience elsewhere.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/2655499356_8cce687f74_o.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/2654672917_39dcba6b7c_o.jpg
Chef Louie "Luigi/Louis Zaragoza" Gonzalez Eguaras

He is Presidential Chef in the U.S.A. (http://www.presidentialchef.com/cheflouis.html)!
He was born and raised in Manila.
He belongs to the prominent Spanish mestizo Gonzalez and
Spanish-Basque mestizo Eguaras families in the Philippines.
His paternal grandmother belonged to the old Elzingre clan of
Manila and are relatives of French author Alexander Dumas!
He moved to America as a teenager.
Today he is also a celebrity chef in Los Angeles:

http://www.filipinovillage.com/show-site2.asp?s=FV4

Obamas to retain Fil-Am as White House chef (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/143552/Obamas-to-retain-Fil-Am-as-White-House-chef)
01/10/2009 | 11:33 AM

WASHINGTON — One thing President-elect Barack Obama will not be changing: The White House's Filipino-American chef.

Transition officials said Friday that Cristeta Comerford will stay on for the Obamas. Comerford is the first woman and first minority member to serve as White House executive chef.

Michelle Obama, the US next first lady, said she and Comerford have a "shared perspective on the importance of healthy eating and healthy families."

Comerford is a naturalized US citizen from the Philippines who studied French cooking in Vienna, Austria, and specializes in ethnic and American cuisine.

Born as Cristeta Pasia in 1962, she grew up in Sampaloc district of Manila, finished secondary education at the Manila Science High School and took up food technology at the University of the Philippines, Diliman in Quezon City.

Before completing her studies, however, she immigrated to the United State at the age of 23.

According to Wikipedia, Comerford's first worked = at the Sheraton Hotel near O'Hare International Airport, then at the Hyatt Regency hotel.

After Chicago, she moved to Washington, D.C., and worked as a chef at two restaurants. She spent six months in Vienna as a rotating chef, and was was recruited by executive chef Walter Scheib III in 1995 to work in the Clinton White House.

When Scheib resigned as executive chef in February 2005, First Lady Laura Bush promoted Comerford, appointing her as head chef on August 14, 2005. She became the first female executive chef and the first Filipina to hold this position.

Comerford lives in Columbia, Maryland, with her husband, John, and their daughter, Danielle. - AP and GMANews.TV

Animo

January 13th, 2009, 08:19 AM

- edit

Animo

January 13th, 2009, 08:34 AM

Filipina figure in Philippine Piano Music and a fashion designer too.

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Ingrid Blanco Sala-Santamaria

Ingrid Blanco Sala-Santamaria is a renowned classical pianist
from Cebu City in the Philippines!
She received her Bachelor of Music degree from the
Battig Piano School in Cebu (under her mother,
Doña Pilar Blanco Sala).
She later studied at the Juilliard School in New York! Wow!!!
She also has a doctorate in Music from De La Salle University!

Among the honours received by Ingrid Sala-Santamaria are:

The Hall of Fame award from the Performing Arts League in
Crestwood, Florida, USA;
"Who is Who" in Asia documentary feature by NHK Television, Japan;
"One of the 100 Most Notable Cebuanos of the Century" award;
and Chevalier, Ordre des Palmas Academiques;
and Chevalier, Ordre du Merite Nationale from France!

She now travels throughout the Philippines to bring live classical
music to the general public. Isn't that terrific?
You can see her complete concert schedule on her brand-new
Wikipedia page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingrid_Sala_Santamaria.

You can watch her performances on YouTube here:
http://www.youtube.com/rpcjt.
Isn't she better than Rob? Ha ha ha!
And she is SO beautiful too!!!

Her husband belongs to the old Santamaria Spanish mestizo clan.
Her grandfather Don Juan "Salita" Sala was born in Barcelona,
Spain and emigrated to Leyte in the Philippines, where he
married a wealthy mestiza, Doña Bernabela "Belang" Escaño.
Ingrid is the daughter of Don Salvador "Badong" Escaño Sala
and Doña Pilar Blanco.
Her brother Jose "Cheling" Blanco Sala is currently President of
the Casino Español de Cebú.

She also belongs to the very prominent Spanish mestizo Escaño
shipping clan of the Visayas. They owned one of the earliest
Philippine shipping lines in the Visayas and were one of the
wealthiest families in the Eastern Visayas.
The fire that destroyed their ancestral home in Malitbog, Leyte was
even reported in the New York Times after the Second World War!
They are still prominent members of Manila and Cebu high society!

Her daughter is also married to an Escaño.
Did you know that famous Filipina fashion designer
Monique Llamas Lhuillier is also a member of the Escaño clan?!?

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Monique Llamas Lhuillier

She is one of the world's most famous fashion designers.
Her parents sent her to study at Lausanne, Switzerland when
she was a teenager.
Most prominent mestizo families in the Philippines send their
children to boarding schools in America, Spain, Switzerland, or England.

Her father is Michel Escaño Lhuillier, who was born in Vietnam to
a French officer and a Spanish mestiza from the Philippines.
He is the country's leading pawn shop empresario.
Her mother Amparito is from the prominent mestizo Llamas clan.
Both of her parents are active board members of the
Casino Español de Cebú and are native Spanish-speakers.
Her relatives are well-known members of Manila high society,
including the Manila Polo Club, as well.

Animo

January 13th, 2009, 08:46 AM

Fashion

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Iñigo Roxas Elizalde

Iñigo Elizalde is an artist and designer from the Philippines.
He is the youngest of the four sons of businessman
Don Francisco Jose "Frank/Patxi" Yturralde Elizalde, Sr.,
International Olympic Committee representative of the Philippines,
and Doña Maria del Carmen "Pamen" Roxas de Elizalde.
His brothers are involved in running the Roxas-Elizalde
business empire in the Philippines.
They are married to members of the mestizo Zobel-de Ayala,
Aboitiz, and Gonzalez clans!
All four sons attended the Portsmouth Abbey School in the U.S.
Iñigo Elizalde is a graduate of the prestigious Rhode Island
School of Design (RISD).
He is friends with another famous Filipino alum, Carlos Celdran.

Iñigo Elizalde is Art Director at RAFE Studio Ltd.
His work in the fashion world is featured in the collections of
Freddy&Ma of New York.

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Freddy&Ma's fashion and handbag collections featuring the
design work of Iñigo Elizalde

Philippine Art

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Mario Yrisarry

Mario Yrisarry is a world-renowned minimalist artist.
He was born in Manila in 1933 and grew up there during WW2.
After the war, his family moved to New York, where he still lives.
The Spanish-Basque mestizo Yrisarry clan is descended from
Don Juan Yrisarry y Bautista, who settled in the Philippines in
the early 1800s. They are cousins of the Teus and Elizalde clans.

In late 2006, the Mitchell Algus Gallery hosted an exhibition of
paintings from 1964 – 1967 titled: "The Filipino Roots of Minimalism:
Leo Valledor and Mario Yrissary."

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Eduardo O. Olbés

World-renowned artist Eduardo María "Dado" Ortigas Olbés
was born in Manila in 1951.
He graduated in 1973 from Haverford College (in the U.S.),
where he was a standout football (soccer) player.
Eduardo Olbés has lived and worked in Mexico since 1975
and was married to Noemí Islas Ramírez.
His sculpture is carved from marble, granite, basalt, wood,
obsidian and other exotic materials including jade.
He is also known for his painting, architecture, and wood-working.

Art expert and curator Ramón N. Villegas once wrote of the artist: "Eduardo Olbés rules his own middle realm, somewhere between Mexico and Manila, somewhere between the past and future, somewhere between the black heart of stone and the golden light of human art."

Apart from his extensive commissions for private collectors, his work has been shown at Eye International Gallery, Los Angeles; Arturo Luz Gallery, Manila; Galeria Kin, Mexico City; Gallery of Primitive Art, New York; The Mexico/Japan Center in Mexico City; Torres Joyeros, Barcelona, Spain and others. Publications have included Architectural Digest; La Opinion, Los Angeles; Vogue, Mexico; In Focus; Gemological Institute of America; Mexico Desconocido; Centauro; Lapidary Journal, cover and essay. He was the recipient of the Cockayne Fund Artist's Grant for two years.

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In 2002, his artwork was featured at the exhibition "Art from the Earth: A Botanical Art Adventure in Mexico" held at the famous Hacienda San Gabriel de las Palmas (http://www.hacienda-sangabriel.com.mx) in Amacuzac, Morelos in Mexico.

You can learn more about this Filipino artist in Mexico at his website: http://www.olbes.com.

Eduardo O. Olbés is the son of Don José María "Joe" A. Olbés, Sr. and Doña Amalia Vargas Ortigas vda. de Olbés. Don José Olbés was the legendary President of the Insular Life Assurance Company, Ltd. after the war and a founder of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP). Before the war, the dashing, young insurance executive prodigio was considered Manila's most eligible bachelor. Eduardo's brother Antonio María "Tony" O. Olbés, a graduate of De La Salle University, is currently the Vice-Chairman of Philrealty Corporation, a large real estate company publicly listed in the PSE; President of Meridian Insurance; and holds directorship in Fort Bonifacio Land Inc., which is a consortium that is developing one of the largest commercial and residential properties in the Philippines. He is also Consul General ad honorem to Nicaragua. The Olbés family members are major shareholders in Greenhills Properties, Inc., along with Campos, Lanuza and Company, Inc. The Campos, Lanuza, and Olbés family members left their cousins' Ortigas and Company Ltd. Partnership in 1985 to form Greenhills Properties, Inc.

Animo

January 13th, 2009, 08:55 AM

Filipino (half) in International Music

... As SAM mentioned earlier, pianist Felipe Jose Ramirez!

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Felipe Jose Ramirez

He was born in Spain and studied music in the U.S.,
where he graduated near the top of his program!
His father is a Spaniard while his mother is a Filipina.

SAM, did you know that his mother is from Negros?
He visits frequently and the influences can be heard in his
own compositions, such as “Recuerdos de Ubay” and “Momentos.”
He performs regularly in both Spain and the Philippines
and is active in promoting the arts in both countries!!!

He is also a prize-winning photographer in the U.S.
and a member of the International Society of Poets.
He is the consummate mestizo artist of our time!!!

Pianist

Spanish born pianist Felipe José Ramírez is widely regarded as one of the most unique talents of his generation. He is highly in demand as a soloist worldwide, and has performed throughout the United States, Central America, Spain, France, Italy, Philippines, and Indonesia. Highlights of his extensive performing career include a televised concert from Rizal Park, Manila on the 50th anniversary of United Nations Day, a Christmas concert at the Vatican in 1999, in 2001 a fundraising concert for the earthquake victims in El Salvador, and in 2004, an homage concert in memory of the victims of terrorism in Madrid, Spain. In 2005, he presented the closing program of Spanish music for the festival at the University of Texas-San Antonio in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the publication of Don Quijote. He was invited to appear as soloist in the inaugural concert of the newly formed Flower Mound Symphony Orchestra as well as in the UNESCO Hall in Haiti. In January 2007 he made his Concert Debut at the Palau de la Musica de Valencia.

He has won several prizes in national and international competitions and has been invited as a jury member of the VIII National Piano Competition “Ciudad de Melilla”, Spain and the 1998 Music Competition for Young Artists Foundation in Manila, Philippines. In 2001, he was invited to serve as Artistic Advisor to the Young Artist Foundation in Madrid, Spain.

Despite his extensive and varied repertoire, Felipe has a special love for the music of Spanish composers. He has represented Spain in international festivals of music in Dallas, Houston, and Oklahoma. In 1999, he was the first Spaniard to be invited to participate in the International Hispanic Festival held in Dallas, Texas with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. His performance of the Concerto No. 1 in Eb by Franz Liszt earned him a standing ovation.

Felipe is also well-known as a composer. His solo disc, “Live From Texas” includes his composition “Recuerdos de Ubay” which was commissioned for the Philippine Centennial in 1998. For his achievement, he was awarded the honor of being named “Outstanding Young Artist 1998” in the Philippines. Felipe composed a soundtrack for the short computer-animation film “Pawn” by ImagineAsia Co. His concert overture “Ballada de El Cid Campeador” received its world premier performance in April 2003 by the Meadows Symphony Orchestra in Dallas, Texas. For his contributions, Felipe was named “Musician of the Year” by the Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce in 2003. Felipe is a member of ASCAP and the National Association of Composers-USA, Texas chapter. He presented the music of several of his Texas colleagues, as well as his own music in the opening concert of this association in the Spring of 2006.

Felipe has also made several recordings, including two for Christmas with soprano Karen Maley; “Imagine,” which consists entirely of original compositions for the piano; and a solo recital entitled “Live From Carpenter Hall.” He most recently recorded the complete “Goyescas” by Enrique Granados which was selected by WRR Radio to launch a CD together with the Meadows Museum in commemoration of the opening exhibit Fortuny to Picasso in 2006. Among the artists featured in this CD are Jesus L. Cobos , Enrique Arbos, David Russell, Joaquin Achucarro, Rosa Torres Pardo to mention few. Felipe’s current recording project will feature a selection of his own compositions.

Felipe is a graduate with honors (Master of Music and Artist Certificate) of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. While at SMU, he studied piano with Joaquin Achucarro and Alfred Mouledous, and composition with Simon Sargon. Previously, he also was a student of Vladimir Viardo at the University of North Texas at Denton. There he completed the program “Musicians of the World,” and was named on the Dean’s List for outstanding academic achievement, and is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society.

Felipe is also an accomplished photographer, painter and poet. He has been awarded as a distinguished member of the International Society of Poets, and his poetry has been published in America at the Millenium. His prize-winning photographs in the anthology Innocent Dreams. Felipe is also Artist in Residence at Figaro Academy of Music in Dallas and Irving.

Source: http://www.feliperamirez.com/biography2.html.

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Felipe Jose Ramirez is also an accomplished painter

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He performs regularly in the Philippines! Isn't that great?
He is a darling of Manila, Cebu and Bacolod alta sociedad!
And now comes this six-footer, boyishly-charming, ruggedly handsome-and oozing with talent and sex appeal… Spanish pianist Felipe Ramirez, who’s half-Filipino...
Piano Virtuoso Felipe Ramirez Tonight!

Speaking of pianists, we’d like to pour our wishes on today’s birthday girl, pianist-first-restaurateur-next-and culture-lover forever…Tina C. Ebrada… we all remember her as Golden Cowrie Restaurant’s moving spirit…now she’s elevated to culinary consultant! Toasts, Tina! And now comes this six-footer, boyishly-charming, ruggedly handsome-and oozing with talent and sex appeal… Spanish pianist Felipe Ramirez, who’s half-Filipino (his mom is from Negros Occidental) who’ll be brought to Cebu by the Arts Council of Cebu Foundation and Instituto Cervantes (that’s the cultural arm of the Embajada de España!). Official carrier is Air Philippines.

Felipe’s piano concert will be offered to the culturatti for free, tonight, 8 p.m. at the Sinulog Ballroom of City Sports Club-Cebu at Cebu Business Park. Please call the Arts Council for invitations at tel. no. 233-0236 or 233-0452.

Felipe’s talent is not only with the ivory keys, but at the composer’s chair as well. He will play two of his compositions tonight, “Recuerdos De Ubay” and “Momentos”: conjures scenes from a Negros sunrise, memories of which he recalls vividly from visits there.

Other pieces from Felipe’s repertoire are: three pieces by composer Isaac Albeniz: “Granada”, “Sevilla” and “Asturias”; Enrique Granados’ “Quejas, o La Maja y el Ruiseñor” from “Goyescas”;

Frederick Chopin’s “Nocturne Op. 48” and “Fantasia Betica” by Manuel De Falla. And from the pianist “Momentos”, “Notte di Roma” and “Jennifer’s Ballade”.

The Arts Council would like to acknowledge its valued sponsors: Cebu Plaza Hotel, Air Philippines, Café Laguna, Sol Y Luna Restaurante, and Casino Español De Cebu. We’d also like to mention specially Ambassador and Mrs. Francisco L. Benedicto.

And to these very special people and friends of the arts: Montebello Villa Hotel, M. Lhuillier Jewelers, Theragran-M, Laarni Enriquez, Annabelle Luym, Francisca M. Aboitiz, Dr. and Mrs. Jose Ma. Golez, Dr. Carlos Delgado, Jose Suaco, Mr. and Mrs. Andoni Aboitiz, Mr. and Mrs. Jon Ramon Aboitiz, Mr. and Mrs. Luis Aboitiz, Consul and Mrs. Enrique Benedicto, Rafael and Junjo Ferreros, Alberto De Rotaeche, Consul Markus Stern, Ingrid Sala-Santamaria, Mariquita S. Yeung, Dr. and Mrs. Lorenzo Escaño, and Eduardo Dakay.

And to the co-event chairpersons Teresin Mendezona and Dra. Vivina Chiu Yrastorza and adviser Don Jaime Picornell.

***

Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2003/03/13/life/utzurrum.piano.virtuoso.felipe.ramirez.tonight!.html.

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He has already recorded several albums, including a recital!

Check out his YouTube channel here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/FELIPEJOSERAMIREZ

Classical music

... And as Kastila mentioned before, pianist Rudolf Pelaez Golez!

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Rudolf Caesar Pelaez Golez

Rudolf Pelaez Golez is one of the greatest virtuoso pianists in Asia.
He comes from a very talented family and studied at Juilliard! Wow!
He's probably better than Rob, but I'm not sure ... ha ha!
He belongs to the prominent Visayan mestizo Pelaez, Golez, and
Neri clans and is related to the mestizo Montinola and Virto families.

Rudolf Golez

Rudolf Golez’ musical life is characterized by a series of inspirations. First introduced to the keyboard at age four by his mother, he went through the traditional basic piano training. Three years after, there was a lull in his progress due to scheduling in school. At age 10, his first inspiration rekindled his musical fire in the person of Johann Strauss, Jr. After having watched the movie biography of Strauss, Rudolf played nothing for six months but Strauss’ music. Now hooked to the keyboard, he began to explore other music.

Sister Lourdes Allegado and Nelly Castro were Rudolf’s first formal piano teachers who prepared him for studies in the United States. In 1986, he formally pursued Music studies at the Juilliard School in New York with Seymour Lipkin. Upon his return to the Philippines, he continued to coach with several piano pedagogues including National Artist Jose Maceda and Russell Brandon, his present coach. His diverse training has enabled him to develop the two major schools of Pianism which are the German and French styles.

As a music student, Rudolf’s inspiration was Arthur Rubinstein, the Great Chopin interpreter. To this day, he remains as his model and refers to his recordings for insight. Rudolf was awarded the sole prizewinner of the Chopin Competition held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He was also named ‘Pride of Cebu’ or ‘Garbo sa Sugbu’ in Classical Music, an award program of Cebu Province. Rudolf has appeared as collaborating artist with chamber groups like the Clarion Ensemble and as guest artist of the Manila Chamber Orchestra and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. Presently, he is Vice-president of Cultural Affairs at the Liceo de Cagayan University, where his work in audience development contributes to the holistic university experience of Liceans.

Source: http://rudolfpgolez.com/bio.htm.

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Be sure to check out Rudolf Pelaez Golez's new website!:

http://rudolfpgolez.com/
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Rudolf Caesar Peláez Golez, prizewinner at the 1st ASEAN International Chopin Piano Competition in 2004.

The great Filipino virtuoso pianist Rudolf Peláez Golez belongs to the prominent Visayan Golez and Peláez clans. His mother Dr. Rafaelita "Oche" Peláez Golez, is President and Chairman of Liceo de Cagayan University in Cagayan de Oro City, which was founded in 1955 by her parents the late Atty. Don Rodolfo Peláez y Neri of Cagayan de Oro City and his wife, the late Doña Elsa Peláez y Peláez of Cebu City. Rudolf Peláez Golez is Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at the school, and his brother Alain Marc is Vice President of Administration.

Rudolf Pelaez Golez Pianist Par Excellence

It was part of his piano concert tour series, that memorable Wednesday night, August 3rd, two weeks ago. This was his first major performance in the city, after making the country proud at the First ASEAN International Chopin Piano Competition in Kuala Lumpur last year. There, he was adjudged as the sole prize winner by a select international jury.

That recent victory alone was enough to jampack the 500-seater Marcelo B. Fernan Press Center in Lahug. More seats had to be pulled in as the crowd overflowed to the aisles just before show time. People waited, patiently, for the clock to strike 8 p.m. When the lights dimmed, a peculiar hush swept across the hall. It was time.

Rudolf Caesar Pelaez Golez. The name itself rings heavy. That, too, fuelled the growing anticipation. As soon as a relatively small figure stood at centerstage, vigorous applause burst. The young man was charming but unassuming, absolutely devoid of any pomposity which is the mark of most virtuosos. He instantly became everyone’s darling. That was only the beginning.

His fingers then tiptoed and jumped and danced and glided on the piano keys in masterful ease and precision. The only uneasiness there was, if any, was perhaps in the angst of his playing. The piano roared, wailed, sobbed, hummed and whispered—always beautifully, always in enthralling fluidity and grace.

He played Franz Liszt for the next two hours, with incredible ability that would have made Liszt himself proud. Golez played Liszt so well, that effectively you got to feel the legendary Hungarian composer’s various personal qualities: as nationalist, poet, dramatist, lover, virtuoso, philosopher, and as a deeply spiritual person. All throughout the concert, Golez played from memory, like Liszt did, no note sheets whatsoever.

It is a curious thing to note that Liszt and Golez, whose lifetimes are separated by almost 200 years, share some distinct similarities. Liszt was recognized as a child prodigy at the age of six; Golez began piano studies at age four. And both of them have an instinct for engaging showmanship. Liszt performed to a broad mix of audiences, not just for royalties. Golez’s audience that night consisted of the city’s elite, music scholars, office workers and students.

...

The whole night Golez “possessed” the grand piano. There were distinct sounds of nature, and haunting echoes of life in the timelessness of the pieces which he played with sheer virtuosity. It was not necessary to understand the music, although Prof. Russell Brandon, noted musicologist and pianist, was on hand to give short introductions to the pieces in order to guide the audience.

The experience was spontaneous. It was so universal, something so sophisticated yet so fundamental. The melodies just gripped your heart and soothed your soul. You didn’t need a mind in the experience. It was an emotional rollercoaster ride, leaving you either completely at peace or exuberantly fired up at the end of every piece.

It was noticeable that, at times, Golez would lose himself into his playing. Focus, some would call it. Or, maybe, the young maestro was going through an entrancing journey back in time in order to bring Liszt back to life—and virtually performed that miracle.

“Rudolf Pelaez Golez Plays Liszt” was an Arts Council of Cebu presentation. The Arts Council regularly brings in world-class performances by outstanding home-grown and visiting artists, often for free. Personally, I still have to see an Arts Council show that bores me. They are ever so discriminating in their selection of art events to bring to town. Rudolf Golez’s piano concert was one shining proof.

Source: http://www.thefreeman.com/lifestyle/story-20050814-33348.html.

Read more here: http://pianoandsynth.com/2005/07/15/rudolf-golez-plays-liszt.

The following article on Rudolf Peláez Golez was written by Casino Español de Cebú amigo Don Jaime Picornell (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1302/1187729695_3f2a5968a5.jpg):

Cebu Goes to Manila

Three Cebu-related events in quick succession brought me to Manila.

One was the impressive piano recital of Rudolf Golez at the Little Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The performance was part of the CCP’s Filipino Artists Series.

The threat of a typhoon did not deter the record audience. Welcoming guests and the general public was Rudolf’s glamorous mom, Dr. Rafaelita “Oche” Peláez Golez of Cagayan de Oro and Cebu. Also present were Rudolf’s younger brother Alain and his pretty wife Tanya.

Very much in evidence was Msgr. Rudolfo “Rudy” Villanueva, Cebu’s music genius in residence. He is also a prolific writer. Msgr. Rudy was commissioned by the Golez family to compose a Toccata for the recital.

I had the luck to sit beside Msgr. Rudy who relished every note Rudolf played, not just his composition. One moment he whispered, “It is a performance like this that restores one’s faith in humankind.”

Other works magnificently rendered by Rudolf were Sonata in B-Flat Major by Mozart; Beethoven’s Sonata in F-Minor Major (also known as Appassionata); Stairway of the Devil by Ligeti; and Liszt’s Sonata in B-Minor, the finale. We lost count of the curtain calls.

After the recital, Rudolf and his mom flew to Greece for a piano competition; after that, Vienna, where they caught a series of events that open the annual pre-Winter Music season.

...

You can read the entire article here: http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=38723.

Video clip of Rudolf Peláez Golez in performance:
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A video clip of a performance of Rudolfo Villanueva's "Tocatta" by Rudolf Peláez Golez:
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1292/1179779042_05051a4e69.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2emWoq-8MFI)

Watch his performance of the Liszt Sonata in B Minor here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIqlI7_EbKA

Go here for the rest of the performance:

http://www.youtube.com/user/apponte

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Rudolf Pelaez Golez (center) with fellow Casino Español de Cebú amigos,
including Don Jaime Picornell and Doña Cecilia Picornell

Animo

January 13th, 2009, 09:00 AM

Philippine art scene

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Isabel Echevarría-Rocha

Isabel Echevarria-Rocha is one of the rising stars in the art world.
She was born in Manila and went to school in Cebu.
Today, her works of art are showcased in galleries around the world.
Her art draws on both native Filipino and Spanish themes.
Isabel Echevarria-Rocha is also a very talented painter of portraits.

She was born into the very prominent Basque mestizo Echevarria clan.
Her Echevarria ancestors worked for Ynchausti y Compañia in Iloilo
and later for Elizalde and Company in Manila.
They are related to the Costas, Yrezabal, Galatas, Diez and Gonzalez clans.
Did you know that the green archer mascot of De La Salle University
was created by her uncle Don Miguel "Mike" Costas Echevarria, Sr.?
Her father Don Ramon was elected to the De La Salle Alumni Association
Sports Hall of Fame in 1999!

She married a member of the very old mestizo Rocha clan of Manila.
The old Rocha family of Intramuros made a fortune during the Galleon Trade.
Did you know that the Rochas built Malacañan Palace in the 1700s? Wow!

Read more about this amazing artist on her website:

http://www.geocities.com/rochaisabel5/about.html
http://www.geocities.com/rochaisabel1/index1.html

Isabel Echevarría-Rocha

Born in Manila, where she spent her childhood years, in 1968 Isabel moved to Cebu and continued her high school at St. Theresa’s College. She eventually graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Modern Humanities with a concentration in art and minor in English. She went on to teach Art and English at the Assumption College in Manila.

From 1981 to 1990, Isabel devoted her time to painting and exhibitions. She opened Galeria Rocha and Galeria Isabel helping young artists with shows in different art galleries in Manila and Cebu. She then became co-proprietor of Olio Art Gallery and curator of Siglo Artstudio at the Shangri-la Hotel Manila for three months, organizing the exhibition (The Art of Boban) of Serbian/American sculptor Boban Ilic.

She has trained in museology, conservation and restoration at the National Museum of the Philippines and at the Museo de America in Madrid on Museum and its Environment; Cultural Heritage and Tourism.

She is currently a Director of the Philippine Association for the Scientific Conservation of Cultural Property (PASCON).

As an artist she has had twelve solo exhibitions and numerous group shows in the Philippines, the United States and Spain. In 2002 she won the award “seleccionado” in an art competition in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and in October of 2004 the Nicolas Massieu y Matos Award in the same city.

Isabel is featured in “Cebu - A Heritage in Art” by Alice Guillermo, “Twentieth Century Filipino Artists, vol 1” and “Twentieth Century Filipino Artists, vol 4" by Manuel Duldulao, and “Kayumanggi” Biography of Philippine Visual Artists, Art Series of the Peso Book Foundation.

Her website is www.isabel-echevarria.com (file:///C:/Program%20Files/PUBLISH/HotEditor%204.2/www.isabel-echevarria.com).

Source: http://www.orensanzaward.com/bio_rocha.html.

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From L-R: "Dalagang Bukidnon," "Igorota," and "T'Boli"
I just love her native Filipino-inspired art!

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From L-R: "Mujer Sentada," "Fiesta en Vegueta," and "Baile en el Pueblo"
Aren't her depictions of scenes from the Canary Islands amazing?

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I just LOVE her mestizaje-themed portraits.
I adore this depiction of an old-fashioned mestizo wedding couple
and her regal portrait of the late Doña Maria Clara Lorenzo-Lobregat!

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Her portraits have such character, don't they?
Just look at Don Guillermo (right) and Blanca (center)!
I have always loved the master impressionists and believe that an artist can still keep the tradition of the old techniques yet incorporate that learning in a contemporary setting. Artists come from different walks of life, different cultures, and different generations.. The work they produce will always depict an identity of their own without them realizing it. This is because an artists work speaks of his soul and his passions and more important, the way he views life itself.

My work depicts the simple things in life as I see them. They show the Spanish influence of my race and traditions, the Asian culture of the land where I have lived most of my life, and the influence of America and Europe through my travels. I work with oils, watercolors, pastels and mixed media depending how best I feel the work will express itself. I believe an artwork should show emotion whether through the serenity of a landscape, the power of the anatomy of a horse or the grace of a woman. My favorite themes are those of human figures and their expressions. People tell the story of life through their smiles, their tears, and their poses. More than just to decorate a home, a painting can speak of and educate a viewer of a way of life he or she has never known. If my painting can do that, then someone else might be able to see the beauty of the cultures of life as I see them…and there is just so much beauty out there to see.
Source: http://www.orensanzaward.com/exhibition_rocha.html.

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Isabel Echevarria-Rocha at her exhibits in New York and DC

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And at her exhibits in Spain

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Iñaki Echevarría Rocha

Iñaki Rocha represents the newest generation of Filipino artists!
He was born in Manila and essentially grew up in his parents' Galería Isabel.
He is now based in the Canary Islands in Spain, participates in exhibits in
the U.S. and his native Philippines as well.

Iñaki Rocha y Echevarría

Iñaki Rocha y Echevarría was born in Manila in 1978 into a line of artists, writers, and educators from both paternal and maternal sides of the family. He first began his artistic career at the age of three with his first group exhibit at the Spanish Embassy in the Philippines. Growing up in Galería Isabel, a home/ art gallery run by his parents, there was no doubt about a future related in the arts. His incorporation into the Canary Islands society at 21 would eventually influence him in creating a distinct style he would call his own.

Living in Spain since 2000, Iñaki has combined his work as a vocalist with Lightnin Lobster, a local band with Uruguayan guitarist Rayo Galarza, and his life as an artist. With the interaction of multi-cultural and multi-racial musicians in the islands, weekly jam sessions, he has evolved both as singer and painter reinforcing one with the other. Influenced by European modernists, his artwork combines pop and classic taking it into a higher level creating what he refers to as illusion. Visual concepts of surreal and sensual poetry come alive to the eye as would Dali with The Velvet Underground or Klimt with The Doors, rewriting history on canvass - the essence of illusion.

An artist in residence in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Iñaki has had several solo and group exhibits in the Philippines, Spain, and the United States. He is currently a full time artist and is working with other musicians internationally in joint project collaborations of music and his art.

Source: http://paulcabezas.com/ROCHA.html.

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I believe my work is a combination and embodiment of a mixture of cultures….a blend of the European and Oriental styles I have known since my youth. I was raised in a family where art flourished in all forms, from literature to architecture to visual arts. Although Manila is more conservative in art styles, I have always seen myself creating a combination of pop and art nouveau which I have always identified with. In many ways my work has the detail of a Moorish mosaic, the movement of Spanish gypsies, the discipline of the Orient, and the passion of which is mine in my contemporary world. I see my work as being of no particular age or time.
Source: http://www.orensanzaward.com/exhibition_inaki.html.

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Echevarria family of Manila and Cebu.

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Jose Mari "Joe" Picornell

Joe Picornell is an award-winning artist from Cebu.
His abstract oil paintings have been featured in exhibits throughout
the region, including the Manila Centro Cultura de España '98.
He was 3rd prize winner at the Cebu Art Association (CAA)
modern art competition.
He belongs to the prominent Catalan mestizo Picornell clan of
Cebu and Manila.

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You can see more of his work at the Art Cebu website:

http://www.artcebu.com/gallery.html

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kiretoce

January 17th, 2009, 07:01 AM

It was too good to be true. Here I thought she'll be singing at the "swearing-in" ceremony of Obama on the US Capitol steps. Oh well, still something to be proud of nonetheless. :colgate:

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Charice: "One moment in time" for Obama (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20090117-183901/Charice-One-moment-in-time-for-Obama)

As the program for US President-elect Barack Obama’s inaugural ball—the party that follows the swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20—have Americans all agog for its lineup of performers, a separate set of shows preceding it has got Filipinos doubly excited.

A series of pre-inaugural parties has been organized to build momentum to the main event; one of them, to be held on Jan. 18 at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel, will feature teenage Pinay singing sensation Charice Pempengco.

On the same day, another pre-inaugural concert featuring an all-star lineup including classical musician Yo-Yo Ma and rock singer Bono will be held at the Lincoln Memorial. It is said to be the event that the President-elect is expected to attend in its entirety.

Off to the US

The Cabuyao, Laguna-born Charice, who is now formally called only by her first name, confirmed her participation in the Obama celebrations in an interview with a news team of her home network, ABS-CBN, on the day she was to board a flight to Washington.

Oprah’s protégé

Discovered by the world through the video-sharing website YouTube, Charice—whose international career is being handled by no less than billionaire media personality Oprah Winfrey—will sing two numbers, as requested by Obama’s staff: “God Bless America” and “One Moment in Time”—the latter originally performed on record by pop superstar Whitney Houston.

It was Winfrey, an ardent supporter of Obama’s presidential campaign, who reportedly lobbied to have Charice included in the pre-inaugural program.

Although Charice made her debut TV appearance in the US on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in December 2007, it was a guest stint on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in May 2008 where she was featured in a special segment dubbed “The World’s Smartest Kids.” In that segment Charice sang another Houston hit, “I Have Nothing.”

Four months later, Charice returned as a guest in another special segment, “Dreams Come True,” on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Charice’s performance piece, Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” was made extra special because it had the renowned Canadian songwriter-producer David Foster accompanying her on piano.

"World’s most talented girl"

In the same show, host Winfrey described Charice in glowing terms as “the most talented girl in the world.”

From then on, it has been a dizzying ride to music biz recognition in which Charice —guided by Winfrey’s influential clout—graced a number of high-profile events: a rare duet with Dion at the latter’s Madison Square Garden concert which reportedly merited mention in the New York Times; a spot number at Andre Agassi’s “Grand Slam for Children” benefit concert in Las Vegas; a performance at the annual Carousel of Hope Ball 2008 in Beverly Hills, California, for the benefit of children with diabetes; another guest stint at the David Foster & Friends Charity Gala & Concert at Alberta, Canada; and an appearance at Macy’s 150 Years Anniversary Celebration in New York City, among others.

With music greats

America is bound to hear more of Charice with the release of a DVD/CD of a tribute concert in which the Philippines’ pride shares the stage with various stars who have worked with Foster, including Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Dion, Katharine McPhee, Blake Shelton, Kenny G, Peter Cetera and Brian McKnight.