MANILA, Philippines – Rajo Laurel is taking more leaps in his career as he embarks on a “personal quest” of dressing up Filipino-Mexican “American Idol” finalist Jessica Sanchez.
The esteemed designer has flown to Los Angeles, California, and brought with him some of his creations that he hopes Jessica could wear on the show.
“Kung madamitan ko siya, eh di siyempre tuwang-tuwa ako. But it’s a personal quest,” he said in a taped interview on “Showbiz Central,” April 29.
Rajo is a self-confessed fan of 16-year-old Jessica, and believes she’s “an amazing singer.”
He earlier declared his dream of dressing her up via Twitter. His call did not go unnoticed as Jessica herself and Soyon An, “American Idol” design consultant and stylist, have responded to his tweets.
“I like the collection. Direct message me. I also like your men's collection! X,” Soyon tweeted.
Meanwhile, Jessica, in a previous interview with “Balitang America,” likewise expressed interest over Rajo’s collections.
“I haven’t really gotten the time to really, really check out his stuff. But what I’ve seen is really good so he would just have to talk to our stylist. We’ll see what happens,” said the San Diego, California native.
Rajo is apparently more inspired to take bigger strides, given that a handful of Filipino designers have already earned their respective niches abroad.
“To my designer friends who are ahead of me in dressing up celebrities, thank you for paving the way. Umpisa na ‘to eh. Nandiyan na tayo, buksan na natin ‘yung pinto… Tibangin na natin ‘yung pintong ‘yan. Pakilala na natin sa buong mundo ang talento ng Filipino fashion designers. Ika nga ‘di ba, sabi ko, it’s not only more fun in the Philippines, now, it is more fashionable,” he enthused.
Two weeks ago, Rajo made the headlines after supermodel-TV host Tyra Banks donned his dress, a piece from his 2008 “Insect” collection, in an episode of US reality show, “America’s Next Top Model.”
An honored Rajo professed his gratitude to his cousin, Michael Carandang, who happens to be a producer on “ANTM,” for encouraging him to send his creations to Tyra.
He also tweeted on April 23, “Believe that w each day we get closer in attaining our dreams! Move forward, if you fall pick urslf up and push even harder!”
source: mb.com.ph
MANILA, Philippines - The government stands to gain P25 billion each month from prepaid electricity - an amount that can plug the Philippines' P279 billion full-year budget deficit. The catch is, customers of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) would have to fork out that amount.
Prepaid electricity is a scheme that would allow Meralco customers to manage their consumption, in the same way prepaid plans allow telecom subscribers to rationalize their mobile phone use.
However, each of the five million Meralco customers would have to shell out a P3,000 registration fee and between P500 and P1,000 a month to subscribe to prepaid electricity, said Marthyn Cuan, the company's chief information officer. These represent costs for the prepaid meters, which have communications components that are regulated and thus levied fees by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
"We'd like to waive it but we have to get clearance from Department of Finance and the Office of the President," Cuan said.
"NTC understands na hindi naman namin ito ibebenta ng per minute calls. It's for the use of the equipment. That's why we're very optimistic we can get it waived, we just need government awareness na hey, we have to get our acts together or the consumers will bear the brunt," he added.
Meralco plans to conduct a technical test for prepaid electricity in July in preparation for a much wider commercial pilot project. The utility is preparing its 'smart grid' technology as a platform for the prepaid service.
source: interaksyon.com
MANILA, Philippines — Epicureans around the world have set their eyes and taste buds on this new haven.
No, sir. It is not in Spain or Tokyo or Paris. Say, goodbye, for now to El Bulli, Nuvo, and to the three 3-star restaurants owned by French chef Alain Ducasse.
Then where is this new revered dining place? It is in Copenhagen, Denmark, and it is called Noma. It opened only in 2003.
This Nordic haven is owned by a young Danish chef named Rene Redzepi, and he is only 34 years old.
“The man runs the best restaurant in the world,” commends TIME magazine of March 26, 2012.
In the world of Epicureans, if a restaurant is rated No. 1, it follows that its chef achieves the same ranking.
Top chefs around the world concede Noma is the best and the finest dining enclave on this planet today. And yet only a handful have ever dined there.
The few who have been privileged to sit at a table and savor its imaginative but ingeniously Danish cuisine are the pillars of international dining connoisseurs’ league, and, of course, the moneyed set.
TIME says Noma occupies the top spot on the world’s 50 best restaurants list published every year by the respected international RESTAURANT magazine.
Again, what makes it the hallowed dining establishment in the world today?
The answer is simple: Noma serves only foods that are truly Nordic, which means the raw food, ingredients, and anything else that is goes into the casserole are essentially Danish. The exceptional talent of chef Redzepi seals in the internationally acclaimed cuisine.
Ironically, it was only in 2003 that Danes realized their cuisine is exceptionally delicious and it did not take long for the rest of the world to agree. That year Noma opened for business.
On the trivia side, I was curious what the US news weekly mentioned in its cover story of Noma and Redzepi. Two Nordic dishes are similar to what some regional Filipino restaurants serve.
For example, Noma has Danish ants and cured bear meat; our Pinoy restos offer the breakfast fare beef tapa, while a few – notably, the Cabalen chain – serve the crispy Capangpangan camaru or those chirping ricefield crickets.
Today Noma’s tables are fully booked three months in advance. That means any gourmand anywhere in the world whose pockets are bulging with cash, and desirous of dining at the Copenhagen establishment can start making reservations now for a table in August.
source: mb.com.ph
MANILA, Philippines — What’s wrong with this guy? How come he’s not making any move? Bading ba siya?”
Model-turned-actress Valerie Bariou contemplated to herself about this guy who had been calling her and hanging out with her at every opportunity but has not made any move or even said anything about possibly courting her. The guy was actor-turned-businessman Juan Miguel “Onemig” Bondoc.
Sometime in 2005, the two met during a shooting stint for an advertisement for a spa owned by their common friend. That same friend even proposed that the three of them should establish a perfume business, but it was shelved for some reason. Although the business didn’t push through, the friendship continued. Onemig and Valerie became constant companions.
That time, Onemig had already decided to quit the entertainment industry and concentrated instead on investing his earnings in real estate, as well as in his family’s business. That time, he was already managing the Benedictine International School of Quezon City.
But of course, even if the former matinee idol had retired from showbiz, many people still remember him from his “TGIS” days and can recognize him whenever he would go out.
“When I met him, I didn’t know he was a big star here. During the shoot, I saw people asking for his autograph but I thought it was just normal. As a model, I get some requests like that. I thought that those people who were calling him were his friends. He would never admit that they were not his friends, but fans. One time, we went to a mall and people started shouting his name, even mobbing him. I got scared,” Valerie recounts in between giggles.
She adds: “But then we became friends. He was sensitive and caring.” With this, Onemig shot her a disbelieving look but Valerie just laughed and insisted, “Totoo naman ah!”
At first, Valerie admitted that she wasn’t attracted to him. Yes, she found him good-looking and charming but Valerie wasn’t that convinced.
But when the two began to hang out and do activities that they both like scuba diving and traveling, she got to know him as Juan Miguel the person and not as Onemig the actor. He would often visit her, call her as often as possible and ask her to watch a movie or try some new restaurants. “Our friendship was going well. We didn’t have to pretend we were this person,” says Valerie.
But sometimes, too much getting to know each other would keep the girl guessing. Valerie started to wonder whether Onemig had any plans for them. “He was not making any move. He was not saying anything. But he was calling me and asking me out. He’s so kind and sensitive,” shares Valerie.
Maybe, it was his tactic: typically ignoring her beauty to get her full attention. But perhaps, somehow, it backfired a bit.
“Onemig was used to girls courting him. They would literally throw themselves at him. Maybe, he was challenged because I was different. I wasn’t trying to please him. I was just being myself. I’m very flexible and independent. I didn’t give him any pressure,” enthuses Valerie, to which Onemig agrees, saying: “She’s just a simple person who wants simple things. She is not maarte.”
Their love story is not the typical, conventional courtship. In fact, the two admitted that there was no courtship that happened at all. Through time and constant company, they just found themselves falling in love with each other.
But like any relationships in its early stage, they had to face challenges, like jealousy and some trust issues.
“Whenever we were not together, he would call me every five minutes. At first, I found it sweet, but later it was somewhat irritating. It was like, you just called up and now you’re calling me again. Then, sometimes, he would send his driver Mang Joel to the set to pick me up,” shares Valerie, then looks at Onemig and teasingly adds: “Maybe, he was doing that to check up on me. To know where I was and who I was with.”
But Valerie understands where Onemig was coming from. “The way I see it, he has some trust issues because of what he had experienced in his past relationships. Probably, his past relationships revolved around some lies. That was why he acted that way. He was, in a way, very jealous and insecure. But I told him that it should not be that way.”
Somehow, Onemig got over the “jelly” (being jealous) stage. Perhaps, he saw how trustworthy Valerie is. The “Bourne Legacy” stand-in never got tired of showing Onemig that he had chosen well.
After three months of being together, the couple knew in their hearts that they were meant to be together. “It felt like God put that someone in your life. The more I got to know him, the more I knew he was the one. He is not a womanizer. He is respectful. And most especially, he is God-driven,” says Valerie.
Onemig adds: “During those three months, my perception has changed. I know she is someone I could trust, and that she would make a good mother. We share plans in life and we are both heading in the same direction.”
And so the unconventional courtship leads to unconventional proposal. How did Valerie become Mrs. Bondoc? He asked her, “Would you like to have a baby?”
“I was expecting ‘Would you marry me?’ but all I got was ‘Would you like to have a baby?’ It was an unconventional proposal, but it was a proposal I said yes to. I didn’t hesitate because I know we would be good parents, and we were ready for that,” shares Valerie.
“I didn’t tell anyone about my pregnancy. We only told our parents the last minute. I was already five months pregnant when I told my mom. I had to hold the phone away because she was screaming,” Valerie laughingly reminisces.
While they didn’t follow the rules and didn’t have the conventional set-up, they both flourished with their decision. “Even our parents agreed with our decision. They told us to take the time. We wanted to be sure. It would be harder if we got married instantly and later realized we were not meant to be together,” shares Onemig.
But soon, after the emotional struggles of having a baby, of giving birth, hormones and baby blues, they felt that they have adjusted well to the new chapter in their lives. After much thought, they were ready to fulfill two tasks of being parents and being partners, so the two decided to get married a year after Valerie gave birth to Armelle.
ON BEING PARENTS:
He said: I’m a very protective father, probably because she’s still a baby. I’m also very hands-on. I gave her a bath, changed her nappies and prepared her milk. Sometimes, I would bring her to my office. The biggest challenge when you got married is standing up on your own. I have to earn on my own to support them. I want to bring up a responsible daughter who is not dependent and can stand on her own. Valerie is the disciplinarian. But sometimes I discipline her. But we’re different. Like for me, it’s okay for Armelle to eat candies and chocolates, but Valerie doesn’t like it.
She said: When she was born, her eyes were wide open. It was as if she was already observing the things around her. And she is an intelligent child. When she does something wrong, I would explain it to her and she would understand. She would not repeat it again. It is helpful to me because I do not have much patience with kids. I can never be a teacher. We teach her the basics. We teach her how to be polite. We don’t want her to become a spoiled brat. As parents, you have to learn how to say no to your children. In the long run, it is for their own good.
ON ARGUMENTS AND PATCHING UP:
He said: We talk. We patch things up. We don’t fight a lot now, not like before. We matured. I matured. As a couple, you have to understand each other. But it is better when you’re not arguing.
She said: Onemig used to be so hot-headed. He would shout and pick fights. I would keep quiet, and let him be. Maybe, hindi siya sanay. In his past relationships, there were a lot of shouting and fighting. But I wasn’t like that. So, he got frustrated because I would not answer back. He mellowed. But when he did, ako naman ‘yung ganun. But now I know when he’s annoyed. He knows when I am annoyed. We meet halfway. We find ways to compromise.
MANILA, Philippines — What’s wrong with this guy? How come he’s not making any move? Bading ba siya?”
Model-turned-actress Valerie Bariou contemplated to herself about this guy who had been calling her and hanging out with her at every opportunity but has not made any move or even said anything about possibly courting her. The guy was actor-turned-businessman Juan Miguel “Onemig” Bondoc.
Sometime in 2005, the two met during a shooting stint for an advertisement for a spa owned by their common friend. That same friend even proposed that the three of them should establish a perfume business, but it was shelved for some reason. Although the business didn’t push through, the friendship continued. Onemig and Valerie became constant companions.
That time, Onemig had already decided to quit the entertainment industry and concentrated instead on investing his earnings in real estate, as well as in his family’s business. That time, he was already managing the Benedictine International School of Quezon City.
But of course, even if the former matinee idol had retired from showbiz, many people still remember him from his “TGIS” days and can recognize him whenever he would go out.
“When I met him, I didn’t know he was a big star here. During the shoot, I saw people asking for his autograph but I thought it was just normal. As a model, I get some requests like that. I thought that those people who were calling him were his friends. He would never admit that they were not his friends, but fans. One time, we went to a mall and people started shouting his name, even mobbing him. I got scared,” Valerie recounts in between giggles.
She adds: “But then we became friends. He was sensitive and caring.” With this, Onemig shot her a disbelieving look but Valerie just laughed and insisted, “Totoo naman ah!”
At first, Valerie admitted that she wasn’t attracted to him. Yes, she found him good-looking and charming but Valerie wasn’t that convinced.
But when the two began to hang out and do activities that they both like scuba diving and traveling, she got to know him as Juan Miguel the person and not as Onemig the actor. He would often visit her, call her as often as possible and ask her to watch a movie or try some new restaurants. “Our friendship was going well. We didn’t have to pretend we were this person,” says Valerie.
But sometimes, too much getting to know each other would keep the girl guessing. Valerie started to wonder whether Onemig had any plans for them. “He was not making any move. He was not saying anything. But he was calling me and asking me out. He’s so kind and sensitive,” shares Valerie.
Maybe, it was his tactic: typically ignoring her beauty to get her full attention. But perhaps, somehow, it backfired a bit.
“Onemig was used to girls courting him. They would literally throw themselves at him. Maybe, he was challenged because I was different. I wasn’t trying to please him. I was just being myself. I’m very flexible and independent. I didn’t give him any pressure,” enthuses Valerie, to which Onemig agrees, saying: “She’s just a simple person who wants simple things. She is not maarte.”
Their love story is not the typical, conventional courtship. In fact, the two admitted that there was no courtship that happened at all. Through time and constant company, they just found themselves falling in love with each other.
But like any relationships in its early stage, they had to face challenges, like jealousy and some trust issues.
“Whenever we were not together, he would call me every five minutes. At first, I found it sweet, but later it was somewhat irritating. It was like, you just called up and now you’re calling me again. Then, sometimes, he would send his driver Mang Joel to the set to pick me up,” shares Valerie, then looks at Onemig and teasingly adds: “Maybe, he was doing that to check up on me. To know where I was and who I was with.”
But Valerie understands where Onemig was coming from. “The way I see it, he has some trust issues because of what he had experienced in his past relationships. Probably, his past relationships revolved around some lies. That was why he acted that way. He was, in a way, very jealous and insecure. But I told him that it should not be that way.”
Somehow, Onemig got over the “jelly” (being jealous) stage. Perhaps, he saw how trustworthy Valerie is. The “Bourne Legacy” stand-in never got tired of showing Onemig that he had chosen well.
After three months of being together, the couple knew in their hearts that they were meant to be together. “It felt like God put that someone in your life. The more I got to know him, the more I knew he was the one. He is not a womanizer. He is respectful. And most especially, he is God-driven,” says Valerie.
Onemig adds: “During those three months, my perception has changed. I know she is someone I could trust, and that she would make a good mother. We share plans in life and we are both heading in the same direction.”
And so the unconventional courtship leads to unconventional proposal. How did Valerie become Mrs. Bondoc? He asked her, “Would you like to have a baby?”
“I was expecting ‘Would you marry me?’ but all I got was ‘Would you like to have a baby?’ It was an unconventional proposal, but it was a proposal I said yes to. I didn’t hesitate because I know we would be good parents, and we were ready for that,” shares Valerie.
“I didn’t tell anyone about my pregnancy. We only told our parents the last minute. I was already five months pregnant when I told my mom. I had to hold the phone away because she was screaming,” Valerie laughingly reminisces.
While they didn’t follow the rules and didn’t have the conventional set-up, they both flourished with their decision. “Even our parents agreed with our decision. They told us to take the time. We wanted to be sure. It would be harder if we got married instantly and later realized we were not meant to be together,” shares Onemig.
But soon, after the emotional struggles of having a baby, of giving birth, hormones and baby blues, they felt that they have adjusted well to the new chapter in their lives. After much thought, they were ready to fulfill two tasks of being parents and being partners, so the two decided to get married a year after Valerie gave birth to Armelle.
ON BEING PARENTS:
He said: I’m a very protective father, probably because she’s still a baby. I’m also very hands-on. I gave her a bath, changed her nappies and prepared her milk. Sometimes, I would bring her to my office. The biggest challenge when you got married is standing up on your own. I have to earn on my own to support them. I want to bring up a responsible daughter who is not dependent and can stand on her own. Valerie is the disciplinarian. But sometimes I discipline her. But we’re different. Like for me, it’s okay for Armelle to eat candies and chocolates, but Valerie doesn’t like it.
She said: When she was born, her eyes were wide open. It was as if she was already observing the things around her. And she is an intelligent child. When she does something wrong, I would explain it to her and she would understand. She would not repeat it again. It is helpful to me because I do not have much patience with kids. I can never be a teacher. We teach her the basics. We teach her how to be polite. We don’t want her to become a spoiled brat. As parents, you have to learn how to say no to your children. In the long run, it is for their own good.
ON ARGUMENTS AND PATCHING UP:
He said: We talk. We patch things up. We don’t fight a lot now, not like before. We matured. I matured. As a couple, you have to understand each other. But it is better when you’re not arguing.
She said: Onemig used to be so hot-headed. He would shout and pick fights. I would keep quiet, and let him be. Maybe, hindi siya sanay. In his past relationships, there were a lot of shouting and fighting. But I wasn’t like that. So, he got frustrated because I would not answer back. He mellowed. But when he did, ako naman ‘yung ganun. But now I know when he’s annoyed. He knows when I am annoyed. We meet halfway. We find ways to compromise.
ON CAREER:
He said: We respect each other. When we have to make a big decision, we consult each other. And lately, when I made a big decision, I consulted her. She has her doubts, but she supports me. I’m preparing for the next election. I decided to run as vice-governor in my hometown of Bataan. Before, many people were already telling me to run, but I didn’t. I felt then that I wasn’t ready for that. But now, I feel it is the right time. Our family loves to help people. But I thought it wasn’t enough. I have to be in the service to be able to help as many people as I can.
She said: I’m the person who wants to try everything. I tried being a voice-over talent, VJ, modeling. I dabbled into jewelry and perfume businesses. When I decided to become an actress and enter showbiz, he didn’t like it. He told me he had been there and he knew how things go. We negotiate. We argue. We compromise. I wasn’t planning to become a super mega star. I just want to try it. I want to see my limits, what I can and can’t do.
He said: We respect each other. When we have to make a big decision, we consult each other. And lately, when I made a big decision, I consulted her. She has her doubts, but she supports me. I’m preparing for the next election. I decided to run as vice-governor in my hometown of Bataan. Before, many people were already telling me to run, but I didn’t. I felt then that I wasn’t ready for that. But now, I feel it is the right time. Our family loves to help people. But I thought it wasn’t enough. I have to be in the service to be able to help as many people as I can.
She said: I’m the person who wants to try everything. I tried being a voice-over talent, VJ, modeling. I dabbled into jewelry and perfume businesses. When I decided to become an actress and enter showbiz, he didn’t like it. He told me he had been there and he knew how things go. We negotiate. We argue. We compromise. I wasn’t planning to become a super mega star. I just want to try it. I want to see my limits, what I can and can’t do.
source: mb.com.ph
MANILA, Philippines — DMCI Holdings, Inc. reported a 22 percent improvement in its net income (after minority) to P9.6 billion last year from P7.9 billion in 2010.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the firm said significant growth in the coal, nickel and power segments along with the sustained improvement in the real estate and water businesses caused the growth in consolidated bottom line.
It noted that growth was seen despite a slide in general construction and the non-inclusion of operating results from the firm’s former steel fabrication business.
For the year, mining was the main driver of the R1.7 billion increase in the DMCI’s income due to higher coal prices and improved operations in the nickel business.
The real estate and power generation segments also posted significant growth due to healthier housing sales and increased generation capacity coming from the rehabilitated Calaca unit 2.
Investments in the water business, accounting for 23 percent of total net income, registered modest improvements, testament of the sustained and consistent operations evident in the utilities sector.
This year marks the non-inclusion of Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Company of Manila, Inc., DMCI’s previously owned steel fabrication business which was sold in December 2010 and contributed almost 9 percent of last year’s net income.
For 2011, water investment contributions from Maynilad Water Services, Inc. reached P2.2 billion, up by a respective 16 percent from the previous year.
The construction business experienced a marginal decrease from its unprecedented growth last year due to the completion of big infrastructure projects with no new infra projects awarded.
The lower earnings was also because last year’s income included the recognition of change orders from the Shangrila Boracay project where the costs were conservatively booked in the previous years.
DMCI’s real estate business, under the brand name DMCI Homes, recognized an impressive 40 percent increase in net contributions from w1.3 billion last year to P1.8 billion this year as realized housing sales for the year grew by 25 percent to R8.2 billion.
Semirara Mining Corporation (SMC), DMCI’s coal and power unit, reported an improvement in operations with a net income of around P4.1 billion for coal mining and P1.9 billion for power generation in 2011 compared to R2.6 billion and R1.3 billion respectively in 2010.
source: mb.com.ph
Microsoft accused Beijing Ming Wan Zhi Da Technology Co., Ltd. and Ming Wan Information Technology Co., Ltd., which jointly operate two websites and offer e-commerce solutions to small and medium-sized companies, of installing pirated Microsoft Windows, Office, Visual Studio and other software packages on the companies’ computers, according to the lawyer representing Microsoft in the case.
The two IT companies are based in Beijing and run branches across the country.
The 10 million yuan in compensation sought by Microsoft includes economic losses the U.S. company estimates it incurred related to the case. But the claim was vigorously refuted by the defense lawyer in court, citing miscalculation in the estimate, court officials said.
Microsoft also demanded the two companies issue a statement of apology in the country’s flagship newspaper the People’s Daily, the lawyer said.
The judge of Beijing No. 2 Intermediate Court ruled that the court needs to hear the case in a second trial due to stark differences in the two sides’ estimates of economic losses.
Chinese authorities have begun to crack down on the rampant use of pirated software in recent years. All levels of government agencies are required to use copyrighted software by the end of 2012.
Copyrighted software has already been installed in central government departments, and it will be popularized among local authorities in 2012, an official with the Ministry of Commerce said in December last year.
Many businesses have also begun to phase out pirated software in their offices over fears of being targeted in rising intellectual property lawsuits in the country.
source: interaksyon.com
| For New Zealand house rentals go to Century 21. Article Source: http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051548536-1-some-important-points-for-comparing-home-loans/ |
A woman lawyer could become the first Filipino-American to serve as an Article III federal judge if her nomination by US President Barack Obama is approved by the US Senate.
Article III judges enjoy lifetime tenure.
The nomination of Lorna Schofield was immediately hailed by Asian-American community leaders.
“I am honored to put forward these highly qualified candidates for the federal bench,” President Obama said in nominating Schofield and three others. “They will be distinguished public servants and valuable additions to the United States District Court.”
“As a second-generation Filipino American, Ms. Schofield’s nomination and confirmation by the Senate would make her the first in the history of the United States to serve as a federal judge,” said National Federation of Filipino American Associations chairman Ed Navarra. “Given that Asian Americans are significantly underrepresented in the federal judiciary, Ms. Schofield’s addition will greatly enhance the judiciary’s diversity.”
“We congratulate Lorna Schofield on her nomination to serve as a federal district court judge on the Southern District of New York,” said Nimesh M. Patel, president of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. “She is an exceptionally well-qualified nominee, and we thank both President Obama and Senator Schumer for putting her name forward to serve on such a distinguished court.”
“It is exciting to finally see a Filipina American have the opportunity to serve as a federal judge,” said KAYA: Filipino-Americans for Progress co-chairman Jason T. Lagria. “Growing up, there were not many Filipino lawyers I could look to as role models, and I hope her nomination inspires members of our community to follow in her footsteps.”
Schofield is a second-generation Filipino-American, the only child of a post-World War II Filipina immigrant who raised her after her father left them when she was just three years old.
She received a full tuition scholarship to attend Indiana University and earned her law degree from the New York University Law School in 1981.
In 2008, she was named one of the nation’s 50 most influential minority lawyers by the National Law Journal.
She served as Assistant United States Attorney in the criminal division of the Southern District of New York for four years where her significant cases involved prosecuting domestic terrorism, arms smuggling, and tax fraud.
Schofield was the first Asian American Pacific Islander to chair the Litigation Section of the American Bar Association’s largest section, which has over 60,000 members, and has also served as a member of the ABA’s Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary.
source: interaksyon.com
If the cancellation of "Hannah Montana" was as big of a deal as losing your first love (me too!), than this photo of Miley Cyrus reuniting with her TV brother, Jason Earles, is dedicated to you! (Also, you may want to join me in reconsidering our emotional priorities.) We're pretty sure this is the only time we've ever gotten this excited about any kind of family reunion -- but everyone knows TV families are wayyy more fun than real ones. (JK, Grandma, love you.)
The "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go" singer was snapped in an adorbz pic while chilling with her faux bro and shared it on Twitter. While we're not too sure what's going on with the Earle's-face-on-a-stick situation, we're just really happy to see that the ex co-stars are still in BFF status. Also, can we all be thankful for modern technology's ability to keep us up-to-date on these very important "where are they now" moments? If you're somehow reading this from 1996, remember the name "Twitter" and INVEST. EVERYTHING.
source: http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2012/04/27/miley-cyrus-hannah-montana-brother-jason-earles/
SEOUL - US pop diva Lady Gaga wowed tens of thousands of South Koreans at the opening show of her global tour Friday with signature flamboyant outfits and a provocative performance.
The star dazzled some 50,000 fans at the Olympic stadium in Seoul, with the audience wearing paper bracelets reading "18 above" issued by organizers in response to Seoul banning under-18s attending.
The limit was imposed after a state ratings board judged the much-anticipated concert unsuitable for younger audiences, and ticket-holders had to present ID cards to enter the venue.
Lady Gaga rode onto the stage on horseback, wearing a glittering black bodysuit and an enormous black metal headpiece as screaming fans waved thousands of glowing sticks and chanted her name.
"I was told that your government decided that my shows should be 18 or over... So, I'll make sure it will be!" Lady Gaga shouted, to cheers from the crowd.
The professional provocateur's show included throwing dancers and herself into a giant fake meat grinder and staging scenes of machine gun fire and simulated group and lesbian sex.
The concert was the first in her "Born This Way Ball" tour, which will visit several Asian countries before going on to Australasia and Europe later this year.
It follows the success of her album "Born This Way," which has sold nearly six million copies worldwide since it was released in May 2011.
The "Poker Face" and "Bad Romance" singer belted out more than 20 hits in a 100-minute show on a stage featuring a castle-shaped structure topped with an illuminated cross.
The star, rated one of the 100 most influential fashion icons by the US magazine Time, showed off some 10 different outfits, ranging from a dress and a pair of heels fashioned out of raw meat to a skirt made of a piano keyboard.
Before the concert, dozens of Lady Gaga lookalikes in extravagant costumes inspired by the singer took souvenir pictures as hordes of fans waited in line outside the stadium, which was guarded by police and security guards.
Some male fans wore leather corsets over black and white suits and black sunglasses with metal spikes, while scores of others put on facepaint to honor the singer known for her otherworldly dress sense.
The concert prompted opposition from religious groups who accuse Lady Gaga of advocating homosexuality and pornography.
The Korean Association of Church Communication vowed last month to take "concerted action to stop young people from being infected with homosexuality and pornography" by the US star's concert.
Outside the stadium on Friday, two foreign Christian protesters held placards reading "Lady Gaga. Go home!" and "Sexual purity, virginity, fidelity", while about 20 South Korean Christian activists prayed.
In another part of Seoul about 100 Christian activists gathered for a rally.
"Lady Gaga... is a wounded soul that is in desperate need of restoration. Therefore Christians should love and bless her. We should hate the evil spirit behind her, not Lady Gaga herself," they said in a leaflet.
source: interaksyon.com
MANILA, Philippines – Brazilian model-TV host Daiana Menezes takes pride in being a stand-in for American hotel heiress and reality show star Paris Hilton in one of her shows.
The buzz exploded two weeks ago when she posted on Facebook a photo of herself in blonde hair and wearing a skimpy swimsuit.
“Actually ‘yung sa Paris Hilton kasi dinodouble ko siya sa isang project na ginawa niya,” shared the sexy TV personality to Bulletin Entertainment and other members of the press at the relaunch of the wardrobe apparel Crimson in Prive Luxury Club on April 25.
Meneses said that her stint on the show, which she refused to name, was the reason she dyed her hair corn blonde and is currently sporting a fringe.
Although Menezes is aware that she and Hilton look anything but alike, she thinks that the fact they have roughly the same height (5'8") and similar angles on-cam were among the reasons she bagged the part.
“There was this agency and they were looking for someone that kind of looks like Paris. I don’t really look like Paris but I guess some angles they were able to get it,” said she.
Even though it was a “minor role,” the 24-year-old model is grateful to have been given such kind of opportunity.
“I was very blessed naman to you know, kahit hindi main role, for me it’s a pleasure to be her double,” she enthused.
Asked if she was able to meet the fashion designer-cum-business-woman while filming, Menezes’ excitedly shared, “I’ve seen her and she’s very pretty.”
Meanwhile, though initially hesitant to speak about her past relationship, Menezes was honest enough to admit that she has indeed “returned” the engagement ring she received from former beau, director GB Sampedro.
“’Wag na nating pagusapan ‘yung past, pagusapan nalang natin ‘yung present ‘di ba? Wala ng ano ‘yung eh kasi tapos na,” she said at first.
She later disclosed, “Yes, sinoli ko naman talaga because with all due respect to anyone that you’ve had relationship with, whatever is past is past. It’s done and i’m just looking forward for my future.”
The actress was very upbeat during the interview which prompted people to ask if she has a new flame.
“Ok na ok na ako ngayon eh. Actually very happy naman ang puso ko,” was her meaningful response.
Apparently, all issues that she had to contend with last year -- the tax evasion case filed against her the Bureau of Internal Revenue followed by her failed engagement with Sampedro -- did her good.
“I’m a different Daiana, very, very happy ako ngayon. Parang I think sa lahat ng pinagdaanan ko natuto ako kung paano maghandle ng situation,” Menezes said.
Speaking of having a “different self,” local clothing line Crimson, like Menezes—according to Jay Khemani, Crimson’s Sales & Marketing Manager—also got a face lift recently as they elevated the brand into producing “premium” apparel.
“When we acquired the company two years ago, we saw the potential of being a premium brand. And of course having a premium brand you have to sell premium quality. So we changed the entire concept and strategy. We now have high-quality fabric, better accessories and we’ve improved the collection as well,” Khemani explained.
Khemani boasted that their brand now has a “high-fashion collection” which they hope would appeal to the upper classes in the society.
Crimson’s products are available in leading department stores nationwide.
article source: mb.com.ph
TOKYO — Japanese game giant Nintendo on Thursday posted its first-ever annual loss since becoming a public company, blaming a soaring yen and price cutting on its consoles.
The Kyoto-based company said it lost 43.2 billion yen in the fiscal year through March, reversing a year-earlier profit of 77.62 billion yen, although the result was not as bad as the 65 billion yen loss it had forecast this year.
The firm went public in the early 1960s, according to its website.
Nintendo said sales dropped 36.2% from the previous year to 647.65 billion yen, adding that it “could not recover from a sales slump of Nintendo 3DS consoles in Europe and in the United States in the early fiscal year.”
For its current fiscal year, Nintendo forecast a return to profit, booking earnings of 20 billion yen on sales of 820 billion yen.
The company in August cut the price of its new Nintendo 3DS console from 25,000 yen to 15,000 yen in Japan, followed by similar reductions overseas as it struggled to boost sales going into the key Christmas season.
But the move failed to make up for the poor take-up seen earlier in the year, as the company battles tough competition from smartphones, tablet computers and social networking websites.
source: japantoday.com
MANILA, Philippines – Heidi Reyes Gatmaitan, sister of warring actresses Ara Mina and Cristine Reyes, has voiced out how their family feels about the legal battle between the two allegedly brought about by unpaid debt.
“This has gained so much publicity to the damage of the family. Let us give them time to talk and settle their differences. We understand that both of them are hurting right now. We appeal to everyone to give them space so these matters can be cleared up and let the family patch things up,” Heidi said in a statement published on ABS-CBNNews.com, April 26.
The celebrity sisters caused media fanfare last week when Ara charged Cristine with libel and grave coercion. This was when Ara allegedly received “below-the-belt” text messages from Cristine, demanding her to pay up a debt amounting to more than a million, after they bought a townhouse in Quezon City last year for their mother.
But Heidi said, in another part of the statement as flashed on “TV Patrol” also on Thursday, that “there should be no issue about it [house].”
“Cristine already gave it to our mom. We are very positive this will end soon, pamilya pa din ang magtutulungan at magdadamayan kahit anong away pa iyan,” she continued.
Heidi claimed that no one in their family is taking sides because all of them love both equally.
“We know our sisters more than anyone else,” she was quoted as saying by ABS-CBNNews.com
Heidi believes that her two sisters are “nagkatampuhan lang, which is very common among siblings,” adding, “the whole family is very positive that this will end soon because in the end, pamilya pa din ang magtutulungan at magdadamayan kahit anong away at galit pa iyan.”
“The family, especially our mom, is saddened by this turn of events… We appeal to everyone to give them space so these matters can be cleared up and let the family patch things up,” she reiterated.
Ara already called for a press interview to address the issue Wednesday last week, while Cristine has yet to speak up on the matter.
source: mb.com.ph
(Reuters) - A Mexican woman is pregnant with nine babies - six girls and three boys - the country's main broadcaster Televisa reported on Thursday night.
The woman was identified as Karla Vanessa Perez of the northeastern state of Coahuila, which borders Texas. She is currently being treated at a hospital in the state capital Saltillo, the broadcaster said in the report.
Perez, whose age was not given, had fertility treatment leading to the multiple pregnancy, it said.
State-owned news agency Notimex also reported the pregnancy, saying Perez was due to give birth on May 20.
"It's very early to think of names for the babies," Perez told Notimex. "First I hope that everything goes well."
The successful delivery of nonuplets would be one of the highest multiple births ever recorded.
In 2009, a woman in California gave birth to octuplets, sparking worldwide media attention.
MANILA, Philippines — As Manny Pacquiao steps up his high-altitude training in Baguio City, Tim Bradley’s own buildup is starting to heat up in the desert city of Indio, California.
“Bradley is training like an animal,” reported Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum Friday from Los Angeles, 127 miles (204 kilometers) from Indio.
Last Thursday, Pacquiao started a crucial phase of his preparation by sparring with the rugged slugger Ruslan Provodnikov, who looked like a Russian bear tangling with a gray wolf (Pacquiao).
At the end of the four-round session, the bear sustained a welt underneath his right eye, while the wily wolf emerged almost unscathed and grinning from ear to ear.
“He (Pacquiao) is very fast,” said Provodnikov, handpicked by trainer Freddie Roach owing to his size and all-out fighting style.
Bradley is a 3-1 underdog in his quest to topple the Filipino pound-for-pound king from his lofty perch on June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
But the unbeaten 28-year-old Bradley is unfazed, saying he has what it takes to shock the world.
Pacquiao and Bradley almost began their preparation at the same time and have vowed to put on sensational showings come fight night.
While Bradley is remaining in Indio until a week before the fight, Pacquiao is uprooting his training camp this coming week and setting shop at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles beginning May 7.
A fresher batch of sparring partners are keenly awaiting for his arrival, said Roach, who has been very satisfied with the first week of training in Baguio and the outcome of the sparring session.
source: mb.com.ph
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan — Osama bin Laden’s family were deported from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia early Friday, officials said, nearly a year after the al-Qaida leader was killed in a U.S. raid.
The 9/11 mastermind’s three widows and their children were detained by Pakistan after he was killed on May 2 last year in a secret U.S. Navy SEAL operation in the garrison town of Abbottabad, north of Islamabad.
Washington and Islamabad are currently working to repair their relationship, which was badly damaged by the revelation that the world’s most wanted man was living a stone’s throw from Pakistan’s elite military academy.
Pakistani authorities have already demolished the Abbottabad house and with the one-year anniversary of bin Laden’s death just a few days away, they will be keen for the deportation to mark a definitive end to what has been an extremely embarrassing episode.
After 10 months in detention, the widows and two of bin Laden’s older daughters were sentenced by a Pakistani court to 45 days’ detention on charges of illegal entry and residency in the country and ordered to be deportation.
Around midnight on Thursday, a minibus collected the family from the Islamabad house where they had served the sentence, which was completed 10 days ago.
The family were believed to number 12—three widows, eight children and one grandchild—though an interior ministry spokesman said orders were passed for the deportation of 14 bin Laden relatives.
They were taken to Islamabad airport to board a special flight to the Gulf kingdom which took off shortly before 2 a.m. Friday.
An interior ministry spokesman told AFP: “The plane has left for Saudi Arabia.”
The family were originally supposed to be deported after completing their sentence last week but the move dragged on—officially because legal formalities were not complete but amid suggestions the Saudis were reluctant to accept such a notorious group.
Then on Thursday, a Pakistani security official said, “some development happened late in the evening” allowing them to be expelled.
The family’s lawyer Atif Ali Khan last week said bin Laden’s Yemeni widow Amal Abdulfattah and her five children could be sent to Yemen after Saudi Arabia.
Bin Laden’s discovery in Abbottabad dealt a huge blow to U.S.-Pakistan relations and led to accusations of Pakistani complicity or incompetence.
After fleeing Afghanistan in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, bin Laden moved his family around Pakistan before settling in a three-story house inside a walled compound in the garrison town in 2005.
The family’s prolonged detention after the raid fed speculation that the Pakistani authorities were worried about what they might reveal about bin Laden’s time in the country—and how he was able to live there for so long undetected.
Abdulfattah, 30, bin Laden’s youngest and reportedly favorite wife, told Pakistani interrogators that her husband fathered four children while he hid out in Pakistan, according to a police report seen by AFP last month.
source: japantoday.com
MANILA, Philippines - Amid isolated rains in several parts of Luzon, the temperature in Metro Manila soared to 36.4 degrees Celsius Friday afternoon, the hottest recorded since January this year.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the temperature peaked at 3 pm, as recorded in the Science Garden in Quezon City.
Earlier, Pagasa said the temperature might not go any higher than 34.6 degrees Celsius, the highest for the day then, as the mercury dropped to 32 degrees at 1 pm due to some clouds. But the existing ridge of high pressure area extending throughout the Luzon island acts as a natural deterrent to the formation of huge rain clouds.
It has been three weeks since Metro Manila experienced any significant rains.
On Tuesday, the temperature in Metro Manila reached 36.2 degrees Celsius at 2 pm. The following day, the mercury registered the same temperature at past 1 pm.
source: interaksyon.com
TOKYO -- The United States is to shift 9,000 Marines out of Japan in a move Washington hopes will ease sometimes fractious relations with its ally over the huge American military presence.
The redeployment, which will see troops moved to Guam, Hawaii and Australia, will go ahead regardless of any progress on the moving of a busy airbase on Okinawa that had originally been a key plank of a deal with the US.
In a joint statement issued in Washington and Tokyo, the two sides said they remained committed to the relocation of the Futenma base from its present urban location to a coastal spot -- a move that is heavily resisted in Okinawa.
The two governments "reconfirmed their view that (this) remains the only viable solution that has been identified to date," the statement said.
The deal comes just ahead of a visit to Washington by Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who will meet with President Barack Obama on Monday for what both sides hope will be a demonstration that the alliance is back on track.
Japan and the United States have long clashed over Okinawa, the site of sporadic tensions with US troops. Around half of the 47,000 US service personnel in Japan are based on the strategically located island, which is nearer to Taiwan than it is to Tokyo.
In 2006, the United States agreed to shift the Futenma air base -- a longtime source of grievance as it lies in a crowded urban area -- to a quiet stretch of seashore, with 8,000 Marines leaving Okinawa for Guam.
But some activists in Okinawa pressed for the base to be removed completely.
The controversy felled one Japanese prime minister, Yukio Hatoyama, who failed to fulfilL campaign pledges in 2009 to renegotiate the deal.
Speaking ahead of the official announcement, Kurt Campbell, the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said the deal would move relations forward.
"We think it breaks a very long stalemate that has plagued our politics, that has clogged both of our systems, that has made it difficult to deal with the critical and crucial issues that confront the United States and Japan," Campbell said.
The statement said the total cost of the relocation to Guam was expected to be $8.6 billion, with a US official saying more than a third would be paid by Tokyo.
"The $3.1 billion dollar Japanese cash commitment ... is significant and we particularly appreciate this commitment in the context of Japan's fiscal challenges, which we fully recognize," a senior official at the US defense department said.
source: interaksyon.com
BERLIN -- A German couple on Friday opened a museum devoted to legendary British rock band, the Rolling Stones, complete with urinals in the shape of the group's famous "tongue" logo.
The museum, in the small eastern German town of Luechow, will show "thousands of pieces" of memorabilia, including an original signed pool table the group took on tour, instruments, posters and a Stones pinball machine.
The Stones-mad couple, Birgit and Ulrich Schroeder, say the museum -- in a town with a population of less than 10,000 -- is the world's first devoted to the ageing rockers.
The grand opening party later Friday was due to be attended by Stones backing singer Blondie Chaplin but Birgit Schroeder said she was hopeful that they would soon have a visit from one of the band members.
"There's constant contact between us and the Stones," she told AFP.
"The problem is that it is up to the management to decide, not the band. But we think that if the Rolling Stones are anywhere in the vicinity that they will come to visit us.
"But we can't expect them to fly over from San Francisco or Ireland just to visit the museum," Schroeder added.
The museum's famous urinals made headlines around the world after several local women complained they were degrading.
"It was the best publicity we could possibly have had," said Schroeder, confirming the toilets were still on display.
"People came from far away just to use the toilet."
source: interaksyon.com
MANILA, Philippines - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Friday said the country's banks remain solvent at end-September 2011.
In a statement, the BSP said the capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of the country's lenders stood at 16.44 percent on solo basis and at 17.43 percent on consolidated basis. This is well above the central bank's minimum of 10 percent and the international standard of eight percent.
Tier 1 capital ratios also were higher at 14.14 percent on solo basis and 14.23 percent on consolidated basis.
Tier 1 capital represents equity and excludes debt that qualifies as capital.
A high CAR indicates a strong buffer against losses.
source: interaksyon.com
In a move more reminiscent of a downtrodden, retired NFL player, Cher is (allegedly!) hawking an exceptional item from her personal collection on eBay: an honorary key to the city of Adelaide, Australia, which was presented to her by the city's mayor, who is not exactly thrilled with the discovery of the auction.
Either Cher or a trusted confidante of the singer, put the key up for auction, which has left the mayor “exceptionally disappointed” with the iconic pop star.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the auction appeared a few days ago and the high bid as of this moment is a whopping $95,900 with only a few hours left. The key was presented to Cher in November 1990, as labeled on the key’s plaque, when she performed at the Australian Grand Prix formula one race. The description touts it as a “very unique item from Cher’s own personal collection!” and adds that the key will come with the original box, a hand-written sticky note and certificate of authenticity.
Mayor Stephen Yarwood isn’t happy about it, saying, “It must be very embarrassing for her if she is selling it because she needs the money.” (Editor’s note: Ouch! Editor's note 2: We doubt Cher needs any money following her recent, very lucrative Las Vegas residency.)
"I would have thought that getting the key to a city like Adelaide would have had some value to her, but obviously it doesn't because she wouldn't have got rid of it," he lamented.
Cher has been quick to react, suggesting through a tweet that it must be some kind of accident, writing, “Im upset 2& trying 2get2 bottom! I Think my office fkd up?” in response to a fan’s question.
That’s all Cher has mentioned of the incident. However, the actual eBay seller, known as "Linda," commented with further clarification. "Cher receives many awards and gifts from all over the world," the seller wrote. "At certain times she goes through her huge collection and decides to share many of these special treasures with her fans, with all the proceeds going to Cher's Charitable Foundation.”
The text begins to read quite defensively as the seller continues, "I think the city of Adelaide should be proud of what this plaque & key are doing for those in need or suffering. Cher is incredible, kind and generous and in no way meant to slight the people of Adelaide. Thank you for your understanding."
The auction is still up, so apparently it’s not too much of a mix-up for Cher to actually end its sale.
MANILA, Philippines — From celebrities, to politicians, to notable figures in Philippine society, Skye Lounge was a melting pot of people from all walks of life. But for one night, they would all bow down to a global icon—the one, multi talented, Manny Pacquiao.
Last March 2, TechnoMarine launched the limited edition Manny Pacquiao MP8 watch with an event attended by the likes of Pops Fernandez, Cesar Montano, Gloria Diaz and Philippine Azkal, Anton del Rosario, among others.
Set in the breezy Penthouse of W tower overlooking the Taguig skyline, Skye Lounge was tinted with a spectrum of red, blue and yellow surrounding a mini boxing ring. While waiting for Pacman’s arrival, guests were entertained by the wit and beauty of event hosts BorgyManotoc and Georgina Wilson.
But the arrival of Manny Pacquiao was really what kicked the night off.
TechnoMarine, the Swiss brand known for its bold yet distinctive timepieces, teams up with no less than the world’s pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao to bring yet another winning creation.The limited edition “Manny Pacquiao 8” or simply MP8 is a testament to TechnoMarine’s continuous innovation, dedication to style and fine craftsmanship. Designed for today’s fun and active individuals who value quality, MP8 brings to fore a “cool” take on luxury as it shows off striking details.
“We are extremely pleased to introduce the limited edition MP8 to the Philippines,” states Rex Mendoza, director of Techno Time Retailers Corp., the exclusive distributor of TechnoMarine in the Philippines. “This timepiece is very limited with only 1,000 pieces that will be produced worldwide.”
MP8 takes inspiration from the country’s very own boxing champ and his unprecedented global achievements. TechnoMarine associates with the world’s best and this partnership with the Pacman is no exception.
The features are evident right from MP8’s eye-catching dial. The number “8” prominently stands out on the face of the watch, symbolizing Pacquiao’s eight world boxing championship titles alongside a yellow sun. The additional red and blue details that accentuate the silver dial give the MP8 an unmistakable Filipino connection. It still retains the signature wave pattern alluding to the water element that has become TechnoMarine’s signature look.
Adding a stylish touch is the red strap that can be interchanged with a white one. Limited edition yellow and blue straps are sold separately to match every mood.
The TechnoMarine MP8 is more than just another bold statement in watch-making. It underlies a timely partnership between an esteemed luxury brand and one of the world’s accomplished professional athletes. This partnership amplifies the brand’s innovative spirit – one that fuses bold designs with the luxury of a fine Swiss watch.
article source: mb.com.ph
Los Angeles (dpa) - New mother Beyonce was named as the world's most beautiful woman on Wednesday in People magazine's annual list.
''I feel more beautiful than I've ever felt because I've given birth,'' Beyonce, 30, told People. ''I have never felt so connected, never felt like I had such a purpose on this earth.''
Modern Family's Sofia Vergara was named the second most beautiful woman of 2012, followed by actress Charlize Theron. Also making this year's list was singer Adele, and Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence.
Previous winners include Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie. Last year's winner was Jennifer Lopez.
WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama will headline his first re-election rallies next week, marking an important turning point in the race for the White House, as Republican nominee-in-waiting Mitt Romney intensified efforts to unite his party and raise money for the battle ahead.
The president will hit the campaign trail with back-to-back rallies May 5 in Ohio and Virginia, according to an Obama campaign official who requested anonymity to speak ahead of the campaign's formal announcement. Obama carried both states in the 2008 election and will need them again in November if he wants to hold the White House.
Michelle Obama, the popular first lady, will join the president at the rallies, which will be held on the campuses of Ohio State University in Columbus and Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, the official said.
Meanwhile, Vice President Joe Biden is calling the foreign policy outlined by Romney shallow, ill-informed and dangerous.
Biden says Romney would return the United States to what he called ``the past we have worked so hard to move beyond.''
In remarks prepared for delivery Thursday at an overtly partisan campaign event in New York City, Biden says that Obama will gladly stack accomplishments such as killing terror mastermind Osama bin Laden against Romney's rhetoric.
The Associated Press obtained excerpts of the speech Wednesday.
The campaign speech at New York University represents a broad defense of Obama's national security record. So far, neither Romney nor Obama has made foreign policy a major issue in the campaign.
With Romney now assured of the Republican Party's nomination, Obama couldn't afford to stand off to the sidelines much longer in what is shaping up to be a close contest.
Even the White House, which has been loath to engage fully in the election as it seeks to project a focus on the day-to-day business of governing, acknowledged Wednesday that the general election was in full-swing. White House spokesman Jay Carney, referring to the Republican contest, declared that ``the race is over on that side.''
The campaign official said Obama would use his return to the campaign rally circuit to lay out what he sees as the real stakes in the election, and DRAW a contrast between his economic approach and what the campaign says is the Republican Party's desire to return to the policies that crashed the economy.
The campaign rallies could serve as a way to energize his base, especially the young voters on the campuses where the events will be held. They also break down the barrier the White House has tried to maintain between the president and the political bickering on the campaign trail.
That barrier has been thin at best. Obama has for months been wooing donors at campaign fundraisers across the country, building up a sizeable money advantage over Romney. And Obama's official events have often had a campaign vibe, with Air Force One landing in politically important states and crowds breaking into chants of ``four more years.''
News of Obama's first campaign rallies followed word from the Republican National Committee that it had filed a formal complaint with the Government Accountability Office requesting an investigation into whether Obama was using taxpayer money to fund travel that benefited his re-election campaign.
RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement that Obama's campaign ``has been cheating the American taxpayer by using taxpayer dollars to fund their general election efforts.''
While young voters were solidly behind Obama in the 2008 election, they are being aggressively wooed by Romney. His campaign is hoping he can appeal to young voters burdened by a bleak employment picture and student loan debt.
At official events this week on college campuses in North Carolina, Colorado and Iowa, Obama told crowds that Congress needed to act on a bill to freeze the interest rate on student loans.
In 2008, Obama had a 34-point advantage over Republican Senator John McCain among voters under age 30. But new polling suggests the president may face a harder sales job with younger voters this time around.
Romney, meanwhile, moved aggressively to raise money for the battle against Obama and reconcile with a divided Republican Party.
Despite the former Massachusetts Governor's struggle to win over the most conservative Republicans, his well-financed campaign knocked over his main rivals one-by-one during the arduous state-by-state primary race.
Priebus marked the transition Wednesday by proclaiming Romney the party's ``presumptive nominee.''
Two of Romney's once-bitter rivals signaled they would support him.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich had a friendly telephone conversation Wednesday with Romney and had started planning an event where he would throw his support behind the likely nominee, Gingrich spokesman R.C Hammond said. The pair agreed to work together to unite conservatives against Obama.
``It's clear Romney is the nominee and the focus should be on defeating Obama. We should not focus on defeating ourselves,'' Gingrich, who has not formally dropped out of the race, told disappointed supporters in North Carolina.
Rick Santorum, the former Pennsylvania Senator who suspended his campaign two weeks ago, said he intended to sit down with Romney's representatives on Wednesday and with Romney himself in the next week or two.
``Mitt Romney is going to be the nominee,'' Santorum told CNN, ``and I'm going to support the nominee.''
Romney was attending fundraisers Wednesday and Thursday to prepare for what may be the most expensive presidential contest in the history of American politics. He exuded confidence Tuesday night, but faces a 10-to-1 cash disadvantage in a general election matchup against the president.
source: mb.com.ph
