Switch Off Appliances, Public Told

CEBU CITY, Philippines — For Earth Hour this year, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 Regional Executive Director Maximo O. Dichoso is urging the public to switch off not only their lights but also other non-essential electrical appliances for one hour and beyond.

Earth Hour 2012 will be observed today, March 31, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (local time). People, businesses and communities from across the globe are encouraged to turn off their lights for one hour to send a message on taking action against global warming. For the past three years, the Philippines recorded the most number of participating towns and cities.

"This is an opportunity to express our solidarity to the rest of the world that we are serious in reducing our carbon footprint by decreasing our electrical consumption for an hour or more than 60 minutes, thus lessening emissions generated from carbon dioxide and fossil fuel, which hugely contribute to climate change," Dichoso said.

Carbon footprint refers to the totality of the impact or effect of all activities done by an organization, group or individual on the environment. It covers all greenhouse gases that each individual or organization may emit in the atmosphere as a result of its activities. (Phoebe Jen Indino)

source: mb.com.ph

Catholic school defies court order, bars students from grad rites over Facebook bikini pics

MANILA, Philippines - Though the court sided with the female teenage students in Cebu City who posted on Facebook pictures of themselves in bikinis, they were still not allowed by their school to attend Friday's graduation rites.

Despite the issuance of a temporary restraining order by Cebu Regional Trial Court Judge Wilfredo Navarro, Saint Theresa's College still barred the students from entering the school grounds during the commencement ceremony, according to a news report. Nonetheless, the students will still be given their diplomas.

The Catholic school filed a motion for the court to reconsider its decision. The court was supposed to hear the motion of the school on Friday at 10 a.m. but the judge was unavailable.

Earlier, Navarro ordered the school to allow the students to attend their graduation ceremony, otherwise the school's action would be "un-Christian" and possibly illegal.

He also said that minors were supposed to be protected from every form of child abuse, including verbal abuse.

In their complaint, the students alleged that Sister Celeste Ma. Purisima Pe, the school principal, called them “sluts”, “addicts”, “drunkards” and “cheap.”

Pe's camp denied the allegation. The principal said the students were given due process when they were asked last February to explain their side of the issue.

School officials also met with the students' parents, showed them the photos of their children, and were told of the decisions and actions of the school's disciplinary committee.

The school, run by the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, prohibits students from uploading on the Internet their photos showing "ample body exposure." The prohibition is contained in the school's handbook, which is customarily given to students.

A report from radio dzMM on Friday said that while the students' photos were not public and were only shared to their Facebook friends, their classmates or their parents might have alerted school officials about the pictures.

The issue drew mixed reactions from InterAksyon.com readers. Some defended the school's decision while others took the cudgels for the students.

Yal Puzla from USC-TC Cebu City said that "from the start," the students "knew the rules of the school" and thus should have not studied there if they had no intention to follow the school's policy.

"Ambot naman lang, wala na lang unta sa eskwela sa St. Theresa para libre mo post sa networking site;-)," said Puzla.

Via Chan said: "As A theresian, WE ARE OBLIGED TO FOLLOW the school rules in and out the vicinity. What's the use of the handbook if you just disregard what's written on it?"

"And please you don't know half of the story, those aren't the pictures, there are more nasty and more indecent ones. so please don't judge the school," added Chan.

Khamil Andan Xxvii of the World Citi Colleges said: "oh well lets just say social network now adays are also used for prostitution. couldn't blame this people, sobrang hirap ng buhay kaya may mga ganto, and yes ang mga kabataan ngayun mas in sakanila ang magpost ng sexy picture without knowing na nababastos cla they're all after compliments"

Freelance artist Perry Crsit Lequigan said: "the FACT na umabot sya sa graduation, it means alam na alam niya ang RULES and REGULATIONS sa school, sinuway niya ang batas ng eskwelahan dapat may kaparusahan para di pamaresan.... but of course may DUE PROCESS!"

Aleth Velasquez of St. Paul University Manila said: "The nuns has no right to demean those girls, they may have misbehaved, but they are entitled to march in graduation, this is unfair, legally the nuns are guilty for the violation of the children's right via verbal abuse..being catholic is not on how we dress up, being catholic is how we treat other people with respect."

Estefan Ezequias Onesimo Benecio said: "TEACH, NOT PUNISH.. Students should have been given thorough counseling instead of leaving them with heavy emotional burden.. This is what I expect from a Religious school, not name-calling and prejudices."

Terence Logramonte Valdehueza of Xavier-Ateneo de Cagayan said: "Calling and judging someone 'sluts', 'addicts', 'drunkards' and 'cheap' is not part of due process. If I were one of the two teens, I will sue the principal for slander and seek for moral damages."

Nancy Arceo Chan of the University of the Philippines-Diliman said: "It's time the school show all the pictures posted and you will agree that these kids need to be penalized....the truth must come out....no lesson learned here....what a fiasco!"

source: interaksyon.com

Noda says he will stake career on consumption tax bill

TOKYO — Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said Friday he is staking his political career on doubling the consumption tax to 10% as the cabinet approved a revised bill, overcoming an earlier scare after the head of a coalition partner said it may leave the government over the issue.

The agreement is a step closer to a deal the government says will help rein in Japan’s gigantic public debt, but it is still likely to face a rocky road with opposition to the unpopular tax hike both inside and outside the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ).

Noda is playing a balancing act between keeping his fragile coalition together and seeing through the bill’s passage.

Noda has warned that the future of the world’s third-largest economy rests on tackling its public debt while financing an increasingly expensive social welfare system.

“We must create a society in which people can be assured that tomorrow will be better than today,” he told a press briefing Friday. “I will stake my political career to achieve the goal.

“We must weigh the sustainability of social security. Everybody has fears about their post-retirement years. We must remove these fears and that is the most important point of this reform.

“Now it is time for the whole Diet to make a decision without any postponement, strictly for the benefit of people.”

The bill was Friday sent to the lower house, which will ultimately pass the legislation or shut it down—a process expected to take several months.

A group of DPJ lawmakers is threatening to vote against it, due mainly to worries that a tax increase would derail Japan’s uncertain economic recovery.

The DPJ’s former head and major political power broker Ichiro Ozawa, who leads the party’s anti-tax group, told local media that he “can’t support a simple tax hike.”

“If Mr Noda pushes for a publicly unpopular tax hike, his party support base will disappear,” Ozawa was quoted as saying.

The opposition, which controls Japan’s upper house, is also unhappy with the bill and could scupper its passage.

The law would see the consumption tax rise from 5% to 10% by 2015.

The expected rise in government revenue is earmarked to cover Japan’s snowballing social welfare costs, including public pensions and a universal health insurance system in a country that boasts one of the world’s highest life expectancy rates.

Only about 40% of what the government currently spends comes from taxes.

The rest is financed by borrowing, leaving Japan’s debt at more than double gross domestic product, dwarfing troubled Greece, with analysts warning that only higher tax revenue or spending cuts can bridge the gap.

source: japantoday.com

Fun summer cooking with Tefal

Manila, Philippines - Introducing, Tefal Plancha UltraCompact, a reliable griller that lets you cook and enjoy your favorite summer treats! It features a wide non-stick cooking surface that allows you to cook more food at once.

With a detachable juice tray which collects excess oils and fats, you can be sure your meals are tasty and healthy as it should be! It also features an adjustable thermostat which puts you in control of the cooking temperature, makes for an easier, more convenient time in the kitchen.

Whether for indoor or outdoor use, this remarkable griller will definitely make for a great kitchen partner this summer!

Tefal is exclusively distributed nationwide by Rustan Marketing Corporation and is available in leading department stores nationwide.

source: mb.com.ph

NFL: Tim Tebow sports apparel sales halted in Nike-Reebok feud

Nike Inc. has won a court order blocking rival Reebok International Ltd from selling New York Jets apparel bearing the name of the popular quarterback Tim Tebow, in a battle over licensing rights.

The order issued late on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel prevents Reebok from manufacturing, selling and shipping the alleged unauthorized apparel for the National Football League team and bearing Tebow's name.

It also requires Reebok to offer to buy back such apparel from retailers and recall the products from shipping channels. The Denver Broncos traded Tebow to the Jets on March 21.

Castel, however, rejected Nike's demand that Reebok destroy any unauthorized Tebow products. The judge set an April 4 hearing to discuss whether the ban should be extended. Nike filed the lawsuit on Tuesday.

Reebok is a unit of Germany's Adidas AG.

Daniel Sarro, a Reebok spokesman, said the company plans to refute Nike's contentions at the hearing, "which should enable the court to change its view."

Paul Sarkozi, a lawyer for Nike, declined to comment. Nike spokeswoman Kellie Leonard did not immediately return a telephone call seeking a comment.

According to the complaint, on April 1, Nike will begin an exclusive five-year contract with the NFL to sell uniforms and related apparel for all 32 teams.

Nike also said Reebok has no current agreement to sell Tebow-related Jets products and that a Reebok merchandising license with the NFL players union expired prior to this month.

It accused Reebok of trying to capitalize on "short-lived intense consumer appetite for such products," and selling products bearing Tebow's name without the player's consent.

Tebow's No. 15 Broncos uniform had been among the NFL's top-selling jerseys before his trade to the Jets.

Apparel sales for a popular player who changes teams customarily soar in the first few days after the change.

Nike's lawsuit does not concern Broncos products bearing Tebow's name and those made before March 1.

A January poll by Walt Disney Co's ESPN rated Tebow the No. 1 favorite active professional athlete in the United States.

The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, who played for the University of Florida, is also an evangelical Christian who prays on the football field in a pose known as "Tebowing."

He left the Broncos after they signed star quarterback Peyton Manning, who had played for the Indianapolis Colts.

The case is Nike Inc et al v Reebok International Ltd, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 12-02275. — Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com

Rocco Nacino not closing his doors on nude scenes

“Cloud nine pa rin ako!"

Ito ang masayang sambit ni Rocco Nacino nang tanungin ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) kung ano ang pakiramdam na sa loob ng sampung araw ay nakadalawang acting awards siya.

Noong March 14 ay nagwaging Best New Movie Actor si Rocco sa 28th Star Awards for Movies ng Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC).

Ten days later, noong March 24, ay nanalo naman siya sa kategoryang Breakthrough Performance by An Actor sa 9th Golden Screen Awards ng Entertainment Press Society (EnPress).

Ang dalawang tropeo ni Rocco ay para sa pagganap niya sa kanyang debut film na Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa, na isa sa mga New Breed entries sa Cinamalaya film festival noong isang taon.

Ang mga napanalunan niyang awards daw ay naging dahilan para mas lalo siyang maging “motivated" sa kanyang trabaho.

Sabi ni Rocco, “Very motivated dahil nakausap ko ang mga taong talagang nagke-care sa akin, na sinasabihan ako na, ‘Pag nalaman ko na lumaki ang ulo mo, ako ang unang-unang susuntok sa ‘yo!’

“I had few people tell me that at nagpapasalamat ako na nagke-care sila sa akin, concerned sila sa akin.

“At sobra akong ganadong magtrabaho ngayon."

Saan nakapuwesto ang dalawang acting trophies niya?

“Sa divider namin sa bahay, katabi yung trophies ko sa StarStruck," nakangiting sabi ni Rocco.

Inaasahan ba niyang madadagdagan pa ang awards niya ngayong taon?

“Hopefully, with the projects I’m receiving now, magaganda yung feedbacks… sa Good Daughter, maganda yung feedback.

“I’m just hoping for the best.

“Kung ma-nominate, malaking honor na ‘yon para sa akin."

Ang The Good Daughter ang pinagtatambalan nilang afternoon soap ni Kylie Padilla sa GMA-7.

Nakausap ng PEP si Rocco sa thanksgiving presscon para sa Afternoon Prime block ng GMA-7 na ginanap nitong Martes ng gabi, March 27, sa Studio 6 ng GMA Network.

UNDER THE WEATHER. Ano naman ang reaksiyon ng mga kasamahan niya sa StarStruck sa back-to-back awards niya?

“First ten people—sila Enzo [Pineda], sila Steven [Silva], sila Mark Herras…

“Kaya haping-happy ako those two nights, makita ko yung mga bati sa akin ng malalapit kong kaibigan, nakakatuwa, nakakatuwa talaga. Sobra!

“Nung nakita ko yung texts nila Enzo, si Sheena [Halili] nag-congratulate sa akin, mga directors, mga kaibigan ko.

“So it’s really humbling na malaman na I have such good friends,'"saad ng ngayo'y award-winning actor na.

Yun nga lang, bagamat nasa alapaap pa rin ngayon ang kanyang pakiramdam dahil sa awards na napanalunan ay dinapuan naman ng sakit si Rocco.

Aniya, “Bumigay na yung katawan ko, may sakit ako ngayon. Wala akong boses.

“Medyo naapektuhan yung taping ko kahapon.

“Pero kumakain ako ng maraming oranges, mga vitamin C.

"At nagpapagaling para makapagtrabaho ulit."

Worried din ba ang rumored girlfriend niyang si Sheena na may sakit siya?

“Concerned siya… oo naman, oo naman.

“Pinapaalala niya yung mga gamot na kailangan kong inumin para ano… thoughtful lang naman si Sheena."

Dagdag pa ni Rocco, “Alam ko may mga injuries ako ngayon kaya hindi ako makapag-train sa Lam-ang.

“Pero nakakalimutan ko ‘yon at gusto kong maging perfect itong Lam-ang na ‘to kaya kahit anong sakit, titiisin ko para maging maganda itong film."

NUDITY IN FILM. Ang Lam-Ang ay ang pagsasapelikula ng epic Ilocano poem na 'Biag Ni Lam-ang.' Si Rocco ang gaganap sa title role.

Sa April 20 na ang simula ng shooting ng pelikulang ito.

Handa na ba ang katawan ni Rocco para sa Lam-ang, kung saan nakabahag lamang siya?

Ayon sa StarStruck V alumnus, “Hindi, ngayon tinigil ko muna pag-diyeta kasi bumagsak yung katawan ko, e. Nasira yung resistensiya ko.

“Binalik ko muna yung normal kong pagkain."

Pero handa na ba siyang magpakita ng puwet kung saka-sakali?

“Sige lang! Pakitaan na ng puwet ‘to!" sakay namang biro ni Rocco.

Pero ang sabi sa akin ni Direk Ana [Agabin], hindi naman masyadong revealing ‘to…

“Revealing, pero hindi pa kami nakakapag-costume fitting, e.

“Malamang, during the fight scenes, may makikita pa rin, pero okey lang naman ‘yon—para sa ikakaganda ng movie."

Hanggang saan ba ang kaya niya pagdating sa pagtanggap ng roles o sa mga eksenang gagawin niya? Handa ba siyang maghubad o gumawa ng nude scenes sa pelikula?

Nabanggit ng PEP kay Rocco na hindi naman porke’t may nude scenes ay nangangahulugan nang bold ang tema ng isang pelikula.

Ibinigay naming halimbawa ang 2011 Taiwanese film na You Are The Apple of My Eye na isang romantic-comedy film, kunsaan maraming nude scenes ang bidang lalake (Ko Chen-tung).

Ito ay dahil nakalakihan niya na nakahubad palagi siya kapag nasa loob ng bahay; kahit na sa harap ng kanyang mga magulang o kahit na nasa harap ng hapag-kainan o kahit na nag-aaral lang siya.

Ang Taiwanese film na ito ay nakakuha ng maraming nominasyon sa nakaraang Asian Film Awards, kung saan nanalo ang mga kababayan nating sina Eugene Domingo at Shamaine Buencamino.

Kaya ba ni Rocco na gawin ang ganitong klase ng role kung saka-sakali?

“Malaking challenge ‘yan, ha. Malaking challenge yung ganyan," napaisip na sabi ng young actor.

“I would say because I love this art, I love this craft, I love finding challenges for different kinds of characters, there may come a time na pag-isipan ko na gawin ‘yan… ganyang klaseng ka-daring.

“Kasi nga, just to experience different kinds of roles, I guess I would do it.

“Pero siyempre, nandiyan yung management, so madadaan sa matinding pag-uusap, kung magiging okay ‘yan.

“Pero ako, as much as possible, gusto kong gawin lahat, at the right time." -- Erwin Santiago, PEP

article source: gmanetwork.com

Student who posted bikini photos on Facebook allowed to attend graduation rites

The high school student who got in hot water for posting controversial photos of her on her Facebook page has found relief from a Cebu City court, which cleared the way for her to attend her graduation rites Friday.



The Cebu court issued a temporary restraining order against St. Theresa's College's imposition of sanctions that would have barred the girl from attending her special day, radio dzBB's Cebu affiliate reported.

The identity of the student was withheld as she is a minor.

Earlier, the school barred the girl from attending her graduation ceremony supposedly due to her Facebook photos showing her in a bikini and holding a lighted cigarette, which supposedly violated the school's teachings.

With the TRO, Judge Wilfredo Navarro ordered officials of St. Theresa's College to treat the girl "with kindness and civility befitting true graduates."

The dzBB report quoted the school's lawyer as saying the officials will follow the court order, and made sure that there will be no harassment of the girl on Friday.

The case stemmed from the lawsuit filed by the student's mother against the school for allegedly barring her daughter from attending the graduation rites. — KBK, GMA News

article source: gmanetwork.com

Vicky Morales' reflections on Arnold Clavio vs. Azkals issue

MANILA, Philippines – Broadcast journalist Vicky Morales believes there are lessons to be learned in the sharp commentaries that her fellow anchor Arnold Clavio made against the Philippine Azkals, and the debate that ensued.

Clavio drew flak online earlier this month for criticizing the football team in the morning show “Unang Hirit,” during a discussion on the sexual harassment complaint that Cristy Ramos, match commissioner and daughter of former president Fidel V. Ramos, filed against them.

“I guess the lesson to be learned na lang here is restraint for both parties...” said Morales in a PEP report.

She related that Clavio himself has also learned his lesson.

"You know, we have this think before you click [campaign]. Siguro now, you can carry it to other things... Think before you speak, think before you act,” she added.

Morales, who co-hosts the late-night news program “Saksi” with Clavio, stood up for the latter amid accusations that he’s “racist” (for commenting that the Azkals are insensitive, conceited, and, in his words, "Eh, hindi naman kayo Filipino, nagpapanggap lang kayong kayumanggi, hindi dito lumaki…”).

“…That never came to his mind. That was not part of his intention, ‘yung racism issue,” said she, adding that Clavio got really affected by the netizens' reactions on Twitter.

She, however, noted that Clavio is innately outspoken, and believes “that’s why he’s a very successful radio commentator.”

"Kahit kami-kami na lang nag-uusap, oh my gosh, talagang hard-hitting talaga siya. At the same time, ‘yung mga na-offend naman sa mga commentary niya, they have a right to their own course of action,” said Morales.

Clavio has already appealed the public for understanding for his deemed offensive statements, even as he urged that sexual harassment is an issue that deserves as much attention and, definitely, action.

The power of influence that media personalities possess also comes with a significant amount of responsibility, and Morales herself makes sure that she’s fair with her commentaries.

She’s particularly careful whenever assigned to anchor GMA News TV’s coverage of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

“I ask naman the questions in my head. I do a lot of reading—that's what I really do these days. Lahat ng mga commentary, lahat ng mga diyaryo, lahat nasa harap ko na. Because I want to know as much as possible, as I can, all the kuro-kuro ng lahat ng editors. Para at least, I can form my own opinion, and help others form theirs,” she related.

source: mb.com.ph

Half of US homes own Apple products: survey

SAN FRANCISCO — A latest survey released on Wednesday showed that half of all U.S. households own at least one Apple product.

According to CNBC’s All-America Economic survey, the Apple- buying household on average has a total of three Apple products. Overall, the average household has 1.6 Apple devices with almost one quarter planning to buy at least one more in the next year.

The survey, collecting answers from 836 Americans, found that Apple buyers tend to be male, college-educated and younger.

Ownership is strongly related with household income. Only 28 percent of those making less than 30,000 U.S. dollars a year own at least one Apple product, compared with 77 percent of those making more than 75,000 dollars.

Households on the higher end of the income own an average of about three Apple devices, while the average number of Apple products for lower-income homes is only 0.6.

Meanwhile, the age gap in purchasing Apple products is not as wide as people usually think. Some 63 percent of people between 18 and 49 said that they own an Apple product and 50 percent of people between 50 and 64 owned one. Among those at the age of 65 or older, Apple owners still reach 26 percent.

Families with children are also more likely to own an Apple device. Around 61 percent of households with children own Apple devices, compared with 48 percent of homes without kids.

“It’s a fantastic business model — the more of our products you own, the more likely you are to buy more,” said Jay Campbell, a vice president of Hart Research Associates, which conducts the CNBC survey. “Planned obsolescence has always been a part of the technology industries sales model, but Apple has taken it to a whole new level.”

source: interaksyon.com

House members differ over Pacquiao's fight against BIR

MANILA, Philippines -- House members are of two minds on the accusation by their peer, Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, that he is being persecuted by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. One view holds he should just quietly settle the issue with the tax agency, while another view insists he was treated unfairly.

Leaders of the House of Representatives said Wednesday that instead of crying harassment, Pacquiao should just explain to the BIR the questions raised on his tax payments.

“Congressman Pacquiao should talk to BIR preferably with his accountant. That’s the better way to settle the issue,” Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said.

The issue at hand stems from a case the BIR lodged against Pacquiao for alleged violation of Section 266 of the National Internal Revenue Code or the provision on “failure to obey summons.”

Majority Leader and Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales II said the cry of harassment by the boxing champion was unfounded.

“There no basis to cry harassment,” Gonzales said, adding “to further connect it to the impeachment is hitting below the belt.”

But Pacquiao's friend and colleague from San Juan City thinks otherwise.

“Insensitive and a major distraction in preparation for Pacman’s June fight” was how San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito slammed the BIR and Commissioner Kim Henares’ attitude toward their handling of the alleged tax fraud case against Pacquiao.

The lawmaker said this distraction is all due to the bureau’s process of exacting tax, which has now come to a point of harassment to the personality of the Sarangani Representative.

“BIR’s duty is given; Manny is not taking that personally. What only bothers him is how his case is being handled. Because BIR officials coming out to speak to the media is apparently becoming an attack to his personality rather than what they say as a fulfillment of duty,” Ejercito explained.

“For example, in news reports, some government officials may not be blatantly labeling Pacman as a tax evader. But if you read between the lines, it’s all the same,” he added.

And given Pacquiao’s rock star status, Ejercito said the media picks up almost every news item that relates with the boxing champ so easily.

“It is just unfortunate that at this time that Pacman needs to promote his upcoming fight, some government officials choose to feed media with pressers that smear on his personality,” he furthered.

“Is this how the government repays him with the victories he has brought to our country, by harassing him in the public to pay his taxes?”

But this is not to say that he and his colleagues in Congress are seeking for special attention with regard to Pacquiao's taxes, the lawmaker said. “Manny is only asking for consideration that they (government) listen to his side of the story. Because after all, he is also a public official.”

In the end, Ejercito hopes the BIR is not merely riding on Pacquiao’s popularity to portray that it is performing well, but is only after accomplishing its tax exacting responsibilities.

source: interaksyon.com

Rockwell To List By Introduction

MANILA, Philippines — Rockwell Land Corporation, the high-end property development arm of the Lopez group, is seeking to list its shares by way of introduction at the Philippine Stock Exchange by May 14, 2012.

In its registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Rockwell said it plans to list 6.22 billion of its shares at P1.46 per share for a total market capitalization of P9.09 billion.

The listing will follow the distribution of 3.18 billion Rockwell shares as property dividends to the stockholders of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) which owns 51 percent of Rockwell.

As a result of the property dividend, Rockwell will have at least 48,892 shareholders and this qualifies the firm to list under the amended rules on listing by way of introduction of the PSE.

The firm said the initial listing price of P1.46 is supported by the valuation report and fairness opinion issued by the independent financial adviser CLSA Exchange Capital Inc. last month.

Rockwell reported a 14 percent growth in net income to P914.9 million last year from the P801.3 million earned in 2010 as total consolidated revenues rose 26 percent to P6.2 billion in 2011.

Since its start of operations in 1995, Rockwell has successfully redeveloped an old thermal power plant site into an upscale mixed-use community now known as Rockwell Center in Makati.

Rockwell Center now consists of 7 high-rise residential towers, a shopping mall, an exclusive leisure club, a graduate school and two office buildings.

It has also completed an office complex in Ortigas as well as launched a new mixed-use community called the Grove which is also located in Ortigas.

source: mb.com.ph

Gunmen seize Saudi diplomat in south Yemen — police

ADEN - Saudi Arabia's deputy consul in Yemen's southern port city of Aden was seized by unknown gunmen outside his home on Wednesday, a police official told AFP.

"Abdullah al-Khalidi was kidnapped while leaving his home in the Mansoura neighborhood of Aden," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

He said police have launched an investigation into the kidnapping and are actively searching for the diplomat.

"He was taken to an unknown location and we are searching from him," the official added.

This is the second attack against Khalidi in recent months. Late last year, unknown gunmen stopped the diplomat while he was driving in Aden, pulled him from his car and then stole it. He was unharmed.

Aden borders Yemen's lawless southern Abyan province, where al Qaeda linked militants have exploited the weakening central government in Sanaa to strengthen their presence in the country, launching deadly attacks against security forces especially across the restive south and southeast.

The United States says the Yemen-based al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP, is the most active and deadly branch of the global jihadist network.

Since last May, the extremists have increased their control over several towns and villages in the south, including Abyan's capital Zinjibar.

More than 200 people have been abducted in Yemen over the past 15 years, many of them by members of the country's powerful tribes who use them as bargaining chips with the authorities.

Almost all of those kidnapped were later freed unharmed. — AFP

source: gmanetwork.com

Bali’s Most Extravagant Luxury Villas

INDONESIA - Nestled in incomparable beauty, Bali is famous for enchanted landscapes, serene spas and pristine beaches. In a world where luxury villas are standard, discovering the absolute best for an extraordinary getaway is imperative. Vilondo Villa Rental recently presented their list of the most extravagant villas in Bali and their top three picks are the perfect starting point.

"Living like royalty along the warm waters of the Indian Ocean will cost you between 2000 and 4000 USD a day, but as the villas can house up to 20 people, the price per person doesn’t have to be more than the price of a good hotel room," said Stefan Russel, co-founder of Vilondo Villa Rental.

Villa Istana in Bukit Bali Soars 100 Meters Above the Indian Ocean

The five-suite Istana estate rests upon a picturesque cliff on the southwestern tip of the island overlooking white sand beaches and a lagoon abundant with sea life and coral. The impressive cliff-side gazebo offers guests mesmerizing Indian Ocean sunsets, along with the perfect setting for romantic meals, barbeques and gourmet cocktails from a fully stocked bar. Guests can rejuvenate with tranquil spa treatments offered in-house including invigorating body scrubs, signature facials, ultimate manicures and essential pedicures. While adults unwind, children can explore their own wing complete with a playroom and poolroom.

While there are few reasons to leave this immaculate villa that overlooks waves that catch worldwide surfing attention, exploring Bali’s nearby cultural gems such as the revered Uluwatu temple is simple and thrilling in the accompanying refurbished VW convertible and Toyota Alphard.

Eco-conscious Taman Ahimsa Redefines Beachside Paradise

A world of enchanting gardens and fragrant flowers awaits guests at Taman Ahimsa, an eco-conscious "retreat by the sea." The property’s masterful architecture is designed to enhance the gentle surroundings with the natural elements of Bali, creating the ultimate backdrop for a magnificent beach-side vacation. No detail or request is overlooked…guests can immerse themselves in the freeform 20-metre swimming pool lined with green Java stone that employs a low-to-no chemical ozone system that is soft on the earth and gentle on the skin, or lounge under an umbrella on an over-sized rattan sun bed on the surrounding ironwood deck. On-site cooks prepare fresh, wholesome cuisine, using organic produce, ayurvedic ingredients and fresh fish caught daily by local fishermen.

Numerous dining and sitting areas are ideal for leisure breakfasts, poolside lunches, afternoon tea, sublime dinners and sunset gatherings. Therapeutic massages are offered in relaxation pavilions with the best masseurs and Balinese healers on the island. The Nirwana Golf Course, designed by Greg Norman, as well as Tanah Lot, Bali’s most dramatic sea temple, are both just 10 minutes away. The infinite ocean views enjoyed while surfing, rafting, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing and cycling complete this fantasy retreat.

Live the Bali Dream at Villa Atas Ombak in Langun Bali

Magnificent views of the Indian Ocean greet guests as they wake each morning in what is known as one of Bali’s most luxurious beach-side villas. Sprawling over one and a half acres of land, the refined property features five elegantly appointed bedrooms, each with their own private open-air bathroom. With an extensive experienced household staff to take care of all cooking and shopping, as well as to cater to every whim and desire, guests have nothing to do but enjoy the serene beach, two inviting swimming pools, entertainment pavilion, traditionally thatched gazebo and exquisite library.

Additionally, Villa Atas Ombak is a member of the Canggu Club (Bali's first country club) and villa guests are eligible to use the club facilities, including a full gym, spa, tennis and squash courts, football pitch, large pool and all its F&B facilities.

source: mb.com.ph

Designing Aquascapes

MANILA, Philippines — Aquascaping is the art and science of arranging aquatic plants, rocks or driftwood in an aquarium. It’s creating and maintaining a garden that happens to be underwater. Hobbyists specializing in aquascapes are called aquarium gardeners.

This is an easy way to do gardening since you don’t need to water the plants. They aren’t prone to diseases and pests are never a problem. But the plants will need sufficient natural or artificial light, a source of carbon dioxide and fertilization to survive.

It is possible to create an aquascape without fish. Plants or even just rocks will suffice. Although the primary aim is to create an artful underwater landscape, the technical aspects of aquatic plant maintenance must be considered. For professional aquarium hobbyists, this would include a system for water filtration, maintaining dissolved carbon dioxide, substrate and fertilization for plant growth, lights to promote plant photosynthesis and algae control. There are “natural” methods of meeting these requirements. For instance, a few small fish and a snail in the tank can clean the algae in the glass.

More than a hundred plants species can thrive underwater. They’ve been tested to survive in water and under artificial light. These plants are collectible and belong to different plant families like ferns, aroids and even carnivorous plants.

There are a number of designs to choose from. There’s the Dutch style which features a lush arrangement of various types of plants. They’re arranged like terrestrial plants in a flower garden or a dish garden. This style was developed in the Netherlands in the 1930s when freshwater aquarium equipment became commercially available. Plants are emphasized and placed on terraces of varying heights. Rocks and driftwood aren’t used. Plants are grouped based on their size and color, with the small plants placed on the front and the much taller plants ensconced behind to hide the tank’s equipment. More than 80 percent of the aquarium floor is covered with plants, and little or no substrate is left visible.

The Nature style is fitted with multiple large gray stones to simulate natural mountain peaks or cliffs. Small stones or rocks are arranged upfront while the larger rocks are placed in the back. Some of the stones are carpeted with small, low, fine green plants to simulate a forest as viewed from a distance.

The Jungle style is very similar though it requires a bigger tank. It’s brightly lit from above and is densely populated with plants of varying leaf shapes, as if growing in a tangle. Most plants are green while a few have red or yellow foliage. Low green plants are on the front, with taller, differently colored plants placed behind them. Driftwood and rocks are incorporated. Bold, coarser leaf shapes such as Echinodorus bleheri are used to provide a wild-like appearance. Small brightly-colored blue or red fish complete the look.

Another design is the Biotopes which replicates the aquatic habitat of a particular geographic location. Plants and fish aren’t a must but if you insist on having them you’ll have to find the same types found in the habitat you’re trying to emulate. This also goes for the gravel, hardscape materials and chemical composition of the water. An example is the habitat in fast running streams. You’ll be required to use course gravel, a few large stones and driftwood.

If you want to have a miniature Amazon River, you’ll be doing a representation of lush vegetation and submerged roots of trees. You can capture this look with driftwood and a school of gentle moving Discus fishes.

One colorful, yet challenging design is the Saltwater reefs design. This one mimics a marine ecosystem and contains actual marine fish and animals. An arrangement of rocks, corals and other marine invertebrates and coralline algae can effectively represent freshwater plants.

A home aquarium could certainly be more than decorative. It’s a mini-garden that offers the chance to tend some unique water plants and a few fish. It also adds a lot of serenity to a room and is therefore a form of relief from stress.

source: mb.com.ph

Aga Muhlach, the politician?

MANILA, Philippines – Multi-awarded actor Aga Muhlach is open to taking on another role very soon – that of politician.

“Yeah, of course! Why not?” said he at a recent media huddle that was tendered for his recent triumph as Golden Screen Awards Best Actor.

The actor has admitted taking the necessary steps that would bring him closer to fulfilling ambition and that is by registering as voter in sleepy San Jose in Camarines Sur.

“Tagaroon kami,” he insisted in the same interview.

Apparently, Muhlach, although largely Manila born and bred, still considers himself very much a Bicolano at heart. He disclosed having traced his roots on his father’s side to the Amador and Borja clans of Goa and San Jose.

Although Muhlach is not eager to reveal what town and position he is gunning for, he is reportedly eyeing a congressional seat in the fourth district of Camarines Sur, which includes Goa and San Jose.

Further fueling the buzz is his participation last month in a mass baptismal in San Jose alongside his friend, Camarines Sur Governor LRay Villafuerte.

San Jose, about 60 kilometers northeast of Naga City, is categorized as a fourth-class municipality with an annual income of P20 million-P30 million. It has 21,471 voters (as of 2010) and a population of at least 35,000 covering 29 barangays.

Goa on the other hand, is a second class municipality, which according to the 2007 census, has a population of 54,035 people.

The 42-year old Muhlach started his career as actor in the '80s via several teenybopper movies, the most notable of which is “Bagets” in 1983. He has appeared in over 61 movies since, as well as several successful made-for-TV comedy series.

Muhlach is also a longtime commercial endorser for the Jollibee fast food chain and is the founder of MaAga Ang Pasko, a Christmas gift-giving event launched in 1994 which benefits the less fortunate.

Prior to the big announcement of his political plans, Muhlach snared a lucrative deal with TV5, where he now hosts an educational travel series.

source: mb.com.ph

BMW recalls 1.3 million cars worldwide

FRANKFURT - German luxury carmaker BMW said on Monday it was recalling some 1.3 million cars worldwide due to battery problems that could in extreme cases result in a fire.

"In order to carry out a quality measure, BMW is recalling all BMW 5 and 6 Series models of the previous generation, built between 2003 and 2010 and still on the market, for repair at authorized dealers," the firm said in a statement.

It pointed to potential problems with the battery cable cover, which it said may be incorrectly mounted.

"This can result in the electrical system malfunctioning, the vehicle failing to start and, in some cases, to charring or fire," the statement added.

BMW said it was unaware of any injuries resulting from this fault and asked owners to visit repair workshops for a 30-minute refit.

Approximately 1.3 million vehicles worldwide are affected, the firm said.

source: interaksyon.com

'Build The Country On Cash' — Suze Orman

MANILA, Philippines — As part of its mission to usher its customers and employees toward the road to financial progress, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) recently flew in globally renowned Personal Finance expert Susan “Suze” Orman for a series of inspiring talks on financial wellness and responsibility.

Orman, a two-time Emmy Award winner and touted by USA Today as a “one-woman financial advice powerhouse and a force in the world of personal finance,” has spoken throughout the United States, South Africa and Asia to audiences of over a hundred thousand. Her recent talks to BPI audiences mark her first appearance in the country—a high point in the bank’s financial literacy campaign.

“BPI’s core values have earned our bank the reputation in this country as a beacon of financial responsibility, and in many ways Ms. Orman mirrors BPI’s core values in that we are aligned with her in our advocacy of financial empowerment,” shares Maria Teresa Javier, senior vice president and head of BPI Asset Management.

Talking Credit

Popular for dishing out financial advice in one of CNBC’s top-drawing segments, “The Suze Orman Show,” the TV host’s visit to the Philippines couldn’t have come at a better time. With the country’s mushrooming BPO industry, and the BSP forecasting OFW remittances to further grow by 5 percent to P21 billion in 2012, consumer spending is likewise increasing.

The Philippines is entering an age of economic empowerment, says Orman, and the country would do well to learn from the current financial crisis in the United States. “I have watched the United States go from being one of the greatest economic powers in the world to being a power that has absolutely no electricity behind it whatsoever. I have watched a country that had a vibrant middle class and I’ve watched that middle class totally disappear. There is now a highway into poverty and there’s absolutely not even a sidewalk out,” Orman shares, citing that 50 million people in the U.S., out of 300 million, are now officially in poverty. “One out of every two people in the U.S. are essentially in poverty or close to being so,” she adds.

The culprit? Credit card debt and amortization debt that people could not afford, says Orman. “The United States allowed its economy to grow on debt and borrowing money. The banks were making wonderful interest and income on the interest and overcharges and late fees and all these things. I watched them lend money to people to buy homes when they couldn’t afford to buy the homes, and now one out of four people in the USA are underwater in their homes. What this means,” she explains, “is I know people who bought homes for $150,000—not so much for a home in the U.S.—and those homes are now selling for $5,000.”

Upon seeing how debt crippled her country, Orman urges the BPI executives in attendance to take care of the country and its people. As much as money can be made in a bank on credit cards and interest on amortization loans, Orman says that “there are other ways to make money other than on the back of things people cannot afford. Build the country on cash, on a solid foundation so that it can never collapse. Then you will have built a future that nobody can ever take away from you.”

Aurelio Montinola III, president of BPI, agrees. “We’re fortunate here to have learned our lessons from the financial crises of the ’80s and ’90s,” he says, “which was that bank leverage, corporate leverage and even consumer leverage was too high. And what we’re trying to do now with BPI is what we call ‘Purposeful and Responsible Lending’ so hopefully we can stay on the right side of Suze’s statements.”

Achieving Balance

Orman’s statements caused quite the stir, as most of the people in attendance belonged to the bank’s credit card group. One employee asked, “How do you propose we sell credit card loans wherein we can merit our business objectives and the social responsibility of financial freedom?”

There are enough people in the country that can afford and use credit cards responsibly, Orman answers. “But I would say that once you see somebody being irresponsible with a BPI credit card, help them. Help them and close it down,” she says.

In the United States, the common practice among credit card companies in terms of handling credit card trouble was actually extending their cardholders’ credit limit. “This was the mistake made in the States,” shares Orman, urging the group to “stop the limit” once someone maxes out their credit card. “Don’t let them charge anymore,” she says, “and as they pay off debt, you can decrease their credit limit so they could never get into credit card trouble…at least with your bank.”

There will always be people who are irresponsible with money, says Orman. “But there are also all these people who are responsible with money and can use your products in a responsible way so that your bank can continue to make money while your consumers can continue as well to live a life where they could be financially free,” she says.

Addressing a credit card division is difficult, admits Orman. “Because I can see the bad that happens with it,” she says, “but I can also see the good, the potential of it if you help others be responsible because they can’t help themselves.”

The bottom line, Orman tells the group: “Just don’t be an aide to somebody’s financial destruction. The number one thing that will render a person powerless when it comes to money is debt. Credit card debt is bondage.”

source: mb.com.ph

'Smash' producers get top award by US gay media group

NEW YORK - The producers of the new TV musical drama series "Smash" were honored by gay and lesbian watchdog group GLAAD at a gala on Saturday that highlighted gay marriage and bullying.

Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, film and television producers known for such movies as the Oscar-winning "Chicago," and "Hairspray" were honored at New York's Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, or GLAAD, Media Awards.

The awards, hosted by Cory Montieth and Naya Rivera from the hit TV musical show "Glee," recognize the best portrayals of gay community members in film, television, radio, music, newspapers and blogs.

GLAAD honored the efforts of Meron and Zadan on "Smash," the program about a Broadway show that features a healthy gay relationship, as well as several of the pair's previous efforts, including the television movie "Serving in Silence."

In accepting the top award named after gay activist Vito Russo, the producers noted they had received death threats for their controversial 2003 miniseries, "The Reagans," which argued that former U.S. President Ronald Reagan failed to recognize the AIDS crisis.

Zadan said being gay was "part of who I am, so it impacts the work that we do," while Meron said the pair had spent years trying to "fight, persuade and manipulate" the entertainment industry to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender characters and stories.

Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein presented openly gay high school student Katy Butler a special award in recognition of her anti-bullying efforts, while outstanding TV segment was awarded to "ABC World News with Diane Sawyer" for "Battle Against Bullying."

The 2011 indie film, "Pariah," about a black teenager living in Brooklyn, New York, who embraces her identity as a lesbian, won outstanding film in limited release, and HBO's "Cinema Verite" took home the best TV movie or miniseries award.

TV's "Dancing With The Stars" won outstanding reality TV program for featuring contestant Chaz Bono, the transgender child of singers Cher and Sonny Bono, who completed a female-to-male sex change in 2010.

Pop Star Lady Gaga, who did not attend the awards, won outstanding music artist for her album "Born This Way." Best talk-show episode went to Oprah Winfrey's program for the episode "Coming Out on the Oprah Show: 25 Years of Unforgettable Guests."

Playwright Tony Kushner won the theater award for his play "The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures."

Among other media winners were CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360", Metro Weekly, The New York Times, The Boston Globe and The Advocate.

GLAAD, which promotes positive images of LGBT people in the media, will present additional media awards in Los Angeles on April 21 and San Francisco on June 2. — Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com

Sanchez Bounces Back On 'Idol,' Reclaims Judges' Nods

MANILA, Philippines — Jessica Sanchez once again earned a standing ovation – her third – from “American Idol” judges, coming from last week’s not so impressive performance.

The Filipino-Mexican contestant performed “Everybody Has A Dream” during Top 10’s Billy Joel Night, March 21 (March 22, Manila time).

It was a defining moment for the 16-year-old singer from San Diego who made the cut to the show’s Top 9 with Hollie Cavanagh, Skylar Laine, Elise Testone, Joshua Ledet, Colton Dixon, Philip Phillips, DeAndre Brackensick and Heejun Han.

Erika Van Pelt was voted off from her season 11’s journey.

Just like her previous standing ovation performances of Jennifer Hudson’s “Love You I Do” and Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” Sanchez’s rendition of the Billy Joel song left judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson mesmerized.

Tyler told Sanchez, “You’ve gone way past my judging.”

“When God was giving out vocal cords, you were so at the front of the line. I’ve got nothing to say except for thank you for letting me hear you sing, baby,” he added.

Lopez, on the other hand, thought of Sanchez’s piece to be a fitting choice, like it was her own.

“That song was, like, written for you… Like [Billy Joel] wrote that song for you a long time ago.

“That was a defining moment for you, for me… a defining song because I really feel like that’s you. That’s you. You have this dream and you’re here and you’re seizing the moment and you’re living it in every second and we all get to feel that and that’s a beautiful thing,” she said.

Jackson took note of Sanchez’s consistency and described her performance flawless and perfect.

“It takes consistency to win and you have a moment every time you step on that stage… Every time you step up every week, you have to have a moment. You have a moment every time you step on that stage and I love it. You are flawless, it was perfect.”

He even commended “Idol’s” resident mentor Jimmy Iovine, image adviser Tommy Hilfiger and guest mentor Sean “Diddy” Combs. “Yo, Jimmy, Diddy, Tommy, everybody was right on. Excellent!”

Prior to Sanchez’s well-lauded performance, Diddy told the young singer during rehearsals, “I don’t believe you.”

“To be honest with you, I don’t believe you. I just think that you’re over singing the song. I just want to believe that you have that dream… If you hold back on the showing off tricks… Tricks are not going to get you to that superstar level,” Combs suggested to Sanchez.

Taking Diddy’s advice, Sanchez proved that she can sing in a more restrained manner while looking straight at him, turning Diddy into a believer.

Sanchez’s take on “Everybody Has A Dream” was one of the standouts on Wednesday’s performance night. As per judges’ verdict, same raves went to Colton Dixon and Elise Testone. Being the youngest contender left, Sanchez is considered as one of the frontrunners this “Idol” season.

The latest “Power Rankings” of Entertainment Weekly had Sanchez on the third spot coming after Phillip Phillips Jr. and Hollie Cavanagh.

source: mb.com.ph

'Panny Girl' and Internet sensation Petra Mahalimuyak signs with Viva

Boss Vic del Rosario knew next to nothing about her. Only that she's popular on the Internet. The CEO of Viva Entertainment hadn't even seen any of her hit videos on Youtube.

But when he laid eyes on her for the first time Thursday he knew instantly that he was in the presence of a star, albeit one who speaks "panny".

Petra Mahalimuyak is a feisty fashion-forward Filipina who speaks in fluent but heavily accented English.

Boss Vic, who charts the careers of Sarah Geronimo, Anne Curtis, Vice Ganda, Cristine Reyes, and Willie Revillame, is confident that Petra Mahalimuyak can cross over to Philippine showbiz in a big way now that she has signed a management contract with Viva Artist Agency.

He wants Petra to be on TV, in movies, on the live stage, in CDs. "She is a new kind of comedienne—maganda, magaling, matalino!” he quipped after being bowled over by Petra during their first meeting in his office.

She looked every inch a leading lady in a chic royal blue mini-dress that showed off her fetching figure. It was only when she slipped into Petra mode to perform a short medley of her biggest viral hits that the "panny" girl emerged.

Yes, for the uninitiated, Petra Mahalimuyak is just a character. It was created last year by then-18-year-old Filipino-American model Ashley Rivera, who was born in Los Angeles, grew up in the Philippines and moved to Las Vegas in 2010.

"Petra is my alter ego," Ashley said. "She's the exaggerated version of me. She'll do whatever she wants. And she sincerely doesn't give a pack."

Petra Mahalimuyak, whose surname means "fragrant" in Filipino, was born out of boredom while Ashley was adjusting to her life in Las Vegas. She made her Youtube debut almost a full year ago, on April 12, with the video, "Make Up Tutorial by Petra M."

To date, her Youtube channel has over 50,000 subscribers, and it has also played host to Ashley's other characters, including the British fashionista Tiffany Madison and Petra's best friend, Jora Echusera.

Her 40-plus self-produced videos of tutorials, parodies, and skits—shot mostly in her bathroom using her iPhone—have received over 9 million total views. Her biggest hit, "How to get abs in 1 min," has been viewed 1,098,561 times as of presstime.

"I absolutely love entertaining people," said Ashley. "It's a passion of mine. I love to dance, act, sing, cook and just have fun. I don't take things too seriously. I just go with the flow."

Did she say cook? Yes, Ashley is a graduate of the Center for Asian Culinary Studies and could certainly carry her own cooking show.

With Boss Vic paving the way, she can expect mainstream Filipino audiences to soon bear witness to her considerable comedic skills.

On Saturday afternoon, Petra Mahalimuyak had a meet-and-greet session with her Facebook fans at Fez in Serendra in Taguig City.

source: interaksyon.com

Back Pain Treatments

Back pain is a frustrating symptom to have to deal with. There are varying degrees of agony; sufferers experience any range from minor irritating soreness to severe debilitating pain. It can occur anywhere in the spine; however, the lower back is where the majority of individuals experience the sensation. This discomfort can be caused by any number of reasons. More severe problems, such as degenerative disks or scoliosis can cause discomfort. There are also external factors, such as heavy lifting, that would cause pain. Pregnancy and the mother who carries around a small child have most likely felt the effects of this discomfort.

Different types of treatments or therapies work uniquely for the people using them. It is not uncommon to have two people react differently to the same treatment. Many people opt to see a chiropractor. A chiropractor is a doctor who specializes in the spine. By using this type of physician, they are able to see what is the underlying problem causing the discomfort and then correct it. Sometimes tests or other work is necessary. Chiropractors utilize: blood work, X-Rays, and MRIs, among other things. Once the cause is located, it can be corrected. The amount of visits or length of time it takes depends on the severity of the problem.

Outside of medical attention, heat therapy is one of the most popular ways in healing discomfort. Applying a warm to hot patch to the area relaxes the muscles in the affected area. The patch can be anything from a hot water bottle to a face cloth. There are also patches available that stick on the skin and apply consistent heat for up to eight hours. In the same way that heat is used, cold can also be used to achieve the same effect. The most popular item to apply to the area is an ice pack wrapped in cloth.

Medicines, such as ibuprofen, can be helpful in achieving comfort. When using medicines, it is important to follow the directions closely to not overdose on the pills. Over the counter medicines have a label that specifies how many pills can be taken in a twenty-four hour period. It is crucial to not exceed this limit; taking more than the recommended dose can cause other health issues. Stretching exercises can also help to strengthen and heal the affected part of the body.

There are several options to help back pain. While uncomfortable, it is not a permanent state. Healing back pain is important to maintain the highest quality of life possible.

If you are interested in information on healing back pain, be sure to visit pain tips.

Article Source:
http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051547942-1-back-pain-treatments/

Nokia feels out tattoos that vibrate with incoming calls

SAN FRANCISCO — Mobile phone maker Nokia is seeking a US patent for tattoos that vibrate to let people know when they have calls on their mobile phones.

Technology laid out in a patent application available online Wednesday would enable tattoos to receive magnetic waves emitted by mobile phones.

Waves would trigger tattoos to generate “perceivable stimulus” to alert them to calls, messages, or batteries running low.

“The perceivable stimulus may comprise vibration, a vibration on the image on a user’s skin, for example,” according to the application filed with the US Patent Office late last year.

The application described an ink enhanced with magnetic compounds used to make visible or invisible images “attached to the skin.”

Sensations caused by tattoos, permanent or temporary, could be customized depending on the content, suggesting vibrations could vary in intensity and timing depending on who was calling or whether it was a text message.

“The magnetic field, when detected by the apparatus, will cause a different effect based on its characteristics,” the patent application read.

“For example, the magnetic field may cause vibration of one short pulse, multiple short pulses, few long pulses, mixture of short and long pulses, strong pulses, weak pulses, and so on.”

People would be able to recharge tattoos using strong magnets, according to the application.

source: interaksyon.com

Younghusbands positive about team's future; two Azkals players ready to face charges

MANILA, Philippines – Azkals players Phil and James Younghusband feel that, through sheer hard work, the country’s premiere football team faces a better future in the international sports scene.

According to Dyan Castillejo’s report on“TV Patrol,” March 21, “Pagod pero masaya ang Philippine team Azkals pagdating ng Maynila kagabi matapos ang 18 oras na biyahe mula Nepal.”

“Proud nilang ipinakita ang third place medal mula sa AFC Challenge Cup. May kaunting kainan ang team sa lounge habang hinihintay ang [mga] bagahe.”

She related that, “Masaya si Phil Younghusband sa nakuha niyang Golden Boot Award bilang player na may pinakamaraming goals sa tournament. Aminado si Phil na super inspired siya ngayon dahil sa suporta ni Angel Locsin.”

“Pumunta siya [Angel] sa first game namin laban sa North Korea. Sobrang supportive siya. ‘Good luck, galingan mo,’ things like [that, ang sabi niya],” Phil said in the interview.

“Proud si James sa kanyang kapatid. Naniniwala sila na kasabay ng patuloy na hard training, malayo pa ang mararating ng Philippine team sa football.”

“Some people say it’s a fluke, it’s a one-off set. The team’s really happy that we’ve done this and show that we can progress even more so we’re really happy,” James explained.

According to Dyan, “Dumiretso sa Europa sina Neil Etheridge, Rob Gier, Paul Mulders at Jason Dejong.”

As for the Manila-based players, they will continue their practice “sa kani-kanilang club teams sa UFL League.”

“Magsasama muli ang Azkals sa Mayo para paghandaan ang apat na friendly matches sa Hunyo at [ang] Suzuki Cup sa Nobyembre,” the report noted.

For Azkals’ Michael Weiss, the people’s view about football players has drastically changed.

“They have biggest respect for us now, and [before] that was not the case. And apart from the results, this is also something we can be proud of,” Michael shared.

Meanwhile, the two Azkals players that have been accused of sexual harassment by Match Commisioner Cristy Ramos are preparing for their testimonies.

“Ipapadala nila ito sa disciplinary committee ng Philippine Football Federation na humahawak ng reklamo,” Dyan reported.

Dan Palami, Azkals’ team manager, pled to the public not to pass judgment on the two involved players.

“Sana po huwag muna natin husgahan ‘yung mga team members po na medyo nasasangkot sa gulo,” he said.

The report said, “Ayon kay Lexton Moy, isa sa mga inireklamo, gusto niya talagang ihayag ang kanyang panig o kuwento sa kontrobersyal na pangyayari.”

“I can’t wait for the truth to come out, and when it does, I think the public will see a true, genuine side of what the team stands for,” Moy said.

source: mb.com.ph

Transforming space

MANILA, Philippines — The condominium boom that shows no signs of abating has necessarily catapulted the interior design industry along with it. The thousands of bare units have to be transformed into livable, beautiful spaces and this process necessitates furniture, accessories, décor, drapery, carpets, window solutions, lighting fixtures, appliances, among others. Before, hiring an interior designer seemed to be an unnecessary expense, the frivolity of the rich. Now, it’s almost de rigueur. A space magically transformed by an interior designer (or a team thereof) looks more organized, efficient, evocative and ironically, more personalized, as opposed to that of haphazardly spruced up by the owner.

Home Mavericks, a furniture boutique and a design consultancy firm based in Makati, has been providing interior design direction for clients who wish to make the most out of their spaces, even if they are outside the country. For their latest project, a Z-loft, two-bedroom unit at Rockwell West Tower, the design team has created a warm, effusive home for a balikbayan couple based in Canada.

“What we do is we communicate with them through emails,” begins Eric Go Po, one of Home Mavericks’ founders. “When they are in their respective countries, we send them the designs and they approve what they like,” he begins. “When they come here, everything is ready. It may take a bit longer but it’s more convenient on their part.”

For the Rockwell space, the couple wanted a modern, practical home with touches of Filipino and classical designs. Extensive brainstorming ensued: the team came up with an eclectic look that is predominantly the marriage of warm wood and gorgeous texture. The dining area is spruced up with furniture with coco shell as base. To achieve the balance between the classic and the contemporary, they upholstered chairs with a traditional silhouette in turquoise fabric. Sectional sofas in dark leather punctuate the living area. Mirrors and a stone wall accent increase the volume and heighten the verticality of the space.

With his background in sales and marketing, Eric says that he is the sober voice in the team who puts himself “in the shoes of the client.”

“The designers, they do the designs. I always strike a balance between aesthetic and function,” he says. The design process of Home Mavericks, in this light, is intensely collaborative, something that their clients treasure. In return, they also do their part by showing the design team the accessories they wish to add to the space, asking whether they could work in the over-all theme.

Examples of practical solutions that Home Mavericks has introduced into the unit include the bed which can be disassembled into four parts for ease of transport; upholstered headboards so the clients can have the fabric changed as often as they like; cascading lighting fixtures in the living room that also illuminate the staircase; and the customized HunterDouglas window treatments which Home Mavericks, as an official supplier, carries in their shop.

Despite having their own ready-made furniture, Eric says that they don’t use them in outfitting spaces they design. “We don’t use the existing designs in our shop because we want each house to be unique,” he says. “We want it to coincide with the owners’ personalities. We actually have a questionnaire so we can assess their personalities, their style and taste and what they want.”

Vincent Sandoval, also a founder of Home Mavericks and a filmmaker, says that the key in creating a space that works is to harmoniously blend disparate elements. “These elements individually are not particularly groundbreaking but when we put them together, you see some things that you wouldn’t otherwise experience,” he says. “The whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.”

Eric and Vince affirm that their strategy—customized solutions, collaboration with client, world-class design—is paying off. They have designed a number of units in the same tower based solely on word of mouth. But the ultimate satisfaction they feel is “when the balikbayans comes home, when they open the door, they say wow.”

Home Mavericks is located at G/F 926 Arnaiz Ave. (formerly Pasay Road), Makati City 1223 (across New World Hotel). Call 844-9549 or visit www.homemavericks.com for more details.

article source: mb.com.ph

Olympus foreign investors call for board rethink

TOKYO — Foreign shareholders in Japan’s scandal-hit Olympus have called for a rethink of new board appointments, saying creditor banks have exerted “undue influence” on the lineup.

In an open letter to the company, nine institutional investors, who collectively hold up to a 30% stake, said an “independent” chairman should be selected to head a board that would represent broad interests.

“To accept a bank-led rehabilitation would be a setback, in our view, to the interests of shareholders, as well as to the earnest efforts of the Japanese Financial Services Agency and the Tokyo Stock Exchange to improve corporate governance standards in Japan,” the institutions said.

“While shareholders and employees both have as their prime objective the growth and development of the company as an independent entity, creditors’ first concern is likely to be Olympus’s current balance sheet status,” it said.

The letter came as the company attempts to rebuild its reputation following a $1.7 billion cover-up scandal by present and former top executives.

The losses stem from bad investments made since the 1990s, which were brought starkly into focus by ousted CEO Michael Woodford.

Woodford went public with the matter to the international media after being sacked in October when he raised concerns over the losses, which were moved off the company’s balance sheet.

Olympus eventually admitted wrongdoing and several implicated executives were forced out.

However, despite support from foreign stakeholders, Woodford abandoned his campaign to get his job back, citing a lack of enthusiasm among Japanese institutional shareholders, who are traditionally unwilling to rock the corporate boat.

He has a Japanese-language book on the scandal due out in April.

Wednesday’s open letter came a month after the company nominated former Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp senior managing director Yasuyuki Kimoto as its next chairman of the board and former executive officer of the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Hideaki Fujizuka as a director.

The company also nominated serving Olympus executive Hiroyuki Sasa as the next president to replace incumbent Shuichi Takayama.

The medical equipment and camera maker has nominated a 11-member board for approval at an extraordinary shareholders meeting on April 20.

Olympus declined to comment on the letter, saying it was yet to receive it.

source: japantoday.com

Diablo III now up for preorder in Philippines

Diablo III, Blizzard Entertainment's popular action role-playing game, is now available for preorder in the Philippines, in time for its official global launch on May 15.

IP E-Game Ventures Inc., Blizzard's games distributor in Southeast Asia (SEA), said the game can be preordered at P3,145.

Gamers who wish to order a copy of the game can do so with IP E-Game Ventures Inc.'s retail partners in the Philippines, including:

iTech
Datablitz
Brochiere
PCHub
PCQuest
Digital Hub


IP E-Game Ventures Inc. (IP e-Games) is a publicly-listed company that operates the online gaming business of technology conglomerate IPVG Corp.

It is ranked as the leading online games publisher in the Philippines and holds top MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game) titles such as RAN Online and CABAL Online.

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. is best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft and the Warcraft, StarCraft and Diablo franchises,

Its track record includes 13 number one selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company’s online gaming service, Battle.net, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active players. — TJD, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Former 'Darna' actress launches charity project

MANILA, Philippines - Former actress Nanette Medved, who became famous in the '90s for her film portrayal of super-heroine “Darna,” is back though not to reprise that role.

Apparently, Medved is more into helping the downtrodden; putting up the “I Drink, I Give” campaign, which aims to raise funds to build classrooms.

“This is about helping our children,” said she at the launch of the campaign recently.

“Alam naman natin na marami pa [sa kanila] ang nag-aaral sa ilalim ng puno,” she added, noting the need for an additional 66,800 classrooms across the country.

“Let’s not always rely on government to do things for us. Let us also try to be proactive and do things ourselves, kaya naman natin.”

She quickly dismissed notions that she is out to create publicity for a planned showbiz comeback.

“This is not about me, please,” said she. “Marami nang magagaling d’yan, hayaan na natin sila. I will just focus on helping [others].”

“What we’re trying to bring to the scene here is ‘Hope in a Bottle,’ nakikitulong lang ako,” she added.

Medved’s showbiz background allowed her to tap some of her colleagues to join the crusade including veteran comedian Dolphy, Boy Abunda, Jericho Rosales and Bea Alonzo.

Medved was born in Hawaii, but she grew up in Angeles City, Philippines.

Some of the movies she did during her heydays included a couple with Fernando Poe Jr. namely “Dito sa Pitong Gatang,” and “Isang Bala Ka Lang.”

She also did films with Robin Padilla (“Sa Diyos Lang Ako Susuko”), Bong Revilla (“Iukit Mo sa Bala”), Rudy Fernandez (“Tumbasan Mo ng Buhay”), and Christopher de Leon (“Hiram Na Mukha”).

She became scarce in the scene after getting embroiled in the so-called Metro Manila Film Festival Scam of 1994.

She went on to pursue her studies, graduating with degrees in Finance and Entrepreneurship (with highest honors) from Babson College, Massachussetts, USA.

Medved is married to Chinese businessman, Chris Po.

source: mb.com.ph

American apologizes for viral video about 'disliking' PHL

MANILA, Philippines – American Jimmy Sieczka, who posted a video enumerating things he dislikes about the Philippines, has apologized for his shenanigans.

In a video that he posted on the Internet, Jimmy initially said he did not intend to offend or attack Filipinos with his video, which went viral.

“Hello, this is Jimmy, the host of ‘20 Things I dislike in the Philippines’ and I just like to start by saying that the video that I hosted was never made to attack or put down or to hurt or to let down some of the people in this wonderful, beautiful nation that’s been so great to me since I live here two years ago, two and a half years ago,” he said.

Then he humbly apologized to those who were offended by his rants.

“I’m deeply sorry that I’ve offended some of the people in the Philippines and the show is just made to point out obvious things that any other person probably would acknowledge and say to themselves or say to their friends but obviously not take the steps that I took...”

He feels sad that a lot of people took his bashing seriously.

“I just really wanna say, you know, it saddens me that so many people took it a horror, took it so serious, which is kind of…”

Jimmy explains that he never used the word hate in his video. He feels that he was misunderstood.

“I just wanna say, well, that a lot of people think that I hate the Philippines. Well, the video is called ‘20 reasons why I hate the Philippines.’ That was never a word used, it was never an idea of mine, never spoken by me. That was just something that was misconstrued online.”

“Hate is a very strong word,” he stressed. “I don’t hate anyone. I don’t hate anything. It saddens me that people think that I hate this nation or I hate... It’s such a strong word for anyone to think that, you know, I would stay here for as long as I have and hate the place. It’s not just true. I’m deeply sorry that I offended the Philippine nation, most specifically the Cebuanos that have been so nice to me over the years. That’s about it.”

In his video rant, Jimmy enumerated the not-so-positive things that he observed during his stay in the country – piling garbage, obsession for whitening products, stinking toilets, heavy traffic, pollution, erring taxi drivers, beggars.

The website called Brain Contour reported that, “On Monday, March 19th, the City of Cebu has reacted to the buzz.”

A Sun-Star article titled “Video embarrasses Cebu, country”, as reported by the said website, said that, “City Councilor Sisinio Andales wanted Jimmy Sieczka declared ‘persona non grata in the city’ and that ‘he will file a resolution before the City Council next week.’”

On March 20, Mo Twister, in his early morning radio program over Magic 89.9, “Good Times”, interviewed Jimmy and Councilor Andales.

After the interview, the controversial radio host posted Jimmy’s public apology on Twitter, which read: "I, James Sieczka, have considered the Philippines as my second country and Cebu as my second home. The subject video that was aired was made in good faith and as a legitimate and reasonable exercise of my right, ‘freedom of expression.’ There was no intention to scrutinize the city nor the people that governs the same.

"It's an honest observation and opinion that I myself think needs to be worked on, not just specifically in Cebu. These are little things that we see around us as normal people and from the eyes of an ordinary man like me. But from all that's happening and me just trying to exercise my freedom of speech, I am very open and amenable for an apology, on the manner and means that I exercise my right, if the need presents itself. As a sign of my compliance with the duly authorized authority and rule of law, I am not ashamed to apologize to people that I offended in the process, with the hope that you would reconsider in declaring me ‘persona non grata.’ Sincerely, James Sieczka.”

source: mb.com.ph

Tebow traded to New York Jets

Quarterback Tim Tebow has been traded by the Denver Broncos to the New York Jets, the National Football League website NFL.com reported on Wednesday.

Tebow, a Heisman Trophy winner with the University of Florida, helped lead the Broncos to the playoffs last season but was traded one day after Denver signed free agent Peyton Manning.

The Jets acquired the unorthodox quarterback, who became the talking point of the NFL in helping the Broncos mount a six-game winning streak to get into the playoff picture, by sending a fourth-round draft pick and a sixth-round selection to Denver, who sent a seventh-round pick back the Jets along with Tebow.

The move by New York came after the AFC East team had signed young starting quarterback Mark Sanchez to a contract extention.

The Jets finished out of the playoffs last season with an 8-8 record, the same mark posted by Denver, but lost their last three games to fall out of contention.

Denver was looking to trade Tebow after they signed 11-time Pro Bowl quarterback Manning to a five-year $96 million deal. — Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com

Studies find an aspirin a day can keep cancer at bay

LONDON (Reuters) - Three new studies published on Wednesday added to growing scientific evidence suggesting that taking a daily dose of aspirin can help prevent, and possibly treat, cancer.

Previous studies have found that daily aspirin reduces the long-term risk of death due to cancer, but until now the shorter-term effects have been less certain - as has the medicine's potential in patients already diagnosed with cancer.

The new studies, led by Peter Rothwell of Britain's Oxford University, found that aspirin also has a short-term benefit in preventing cancer, and that it reduces the likelihood that cancers will spread to other organs by about 40 to 50 percent.

"These findings add to the case for use of aspirin to prevent cancer, particularly if people are at increased risk," Rothwell said.

"Perhaps more importantly, they also raise the distinct possibility that aspirin will be effective as an additional treatment for cancer - to prevent distant spread of the disease."

This was particularly important because it is the process of spread of cancer, or "metastasis", which most often kills people with the disease, he added.

Aspirin, originally developed by Bayer, is a cheap over-the-counter drug generally used to combat pain or reduce fever.

The drug reduces the risk of clots forming in blood vessels and can therefore protect against heart attacks and strokes, so it is often prescribed for people who already suffer with heart disease and have already had one or several attacks.

Aspirin also increases the risk of bleeding in the stomach to around one patient in every thousand per year, a factor which has fuelled an intense debate about whether doctors should advise patients to take it as regularly as every day.

Last year, a study by British researchers questioned the wisdom of daily aspirin for reducing the risk of early death from a heart attack or stroke because they said the increased risk of internal bleeding outweighed the potential benefit.

Other studies, including some by Rothwell in 2007, 2010 and 2011, found that an aspirin a day, even at a low dose of around 75 milligrams, reduces the long-term risk of developing some cancers, particularly bowel and oesophageal cancer, but the effects don't show until eight to 10 years after the start of treatment.

Rothwell, whose new studies were published in The Lancet and The Lancet Oncology journals on Wednesday, said this delay was because aspirin was preventing the very early development of cancers and there was a long time lag between this stage and a patient having clinical signs or symptoms of cancer.

Rothwell and others said deeper research was now needed into aspirin as a potential treatment for cancer in patients whose disease has not yet spread.

"No drug has been shown before to prevent distant metastasis and so these findings should focus future research on this crucial aspect of treatment," he said.

Peter Johnson, chief clinician at the charity Cancer Research UK, said his group was already investigating the anti-cancer properties of aspirin. "These findings show we're on the right track," he said.

In a written commentary on the research in The Lancet, Andrew Chan and Nancy Cook of Harvard Medical School in the United States said it was "impressive" and moved health experts "another step closer to broadening recommendations for aspirin use".

source: mb.com.ph

Acer bids for Jeremy Lin as brand ambassador

Computer vendor Acer Inc. is bidding to have rising NBA superstar Jeremy Lin as its global brand ambassador, the company's chairman said Tuesday.

Acer Chairman and CEO J.T. Wang told an Acer corporate social responsibility forum they expect Lin to choose one PC maker and endorse that brand globally.

"We have submitted a proposal. Based on our understanding, there might be about four to five PC makers around the globe that have made proposals to Lin," he said, according to a report from Taiwan's Central News Agency.

Acer's proposal came after it announced a marketing partnership with the Knicks on March 14.

The partnership will allow Acer's logo to be featured courtside at the Knicks' home games for the rest of the 2011-12 NBA season.

But Wang declined to disclose how much Acer is offering Lin, first NBA star of Taiwanese descent.

He said Lin will discuss the matter with his family and agent before making a choice.

The Acer-Knicks partnership will give Acer mileage among the nearly 20,000 spectators at Madison Square Garden, and to TV and Internet viewers following "Linsanity."

Last January, Acer, the world's fourth largest PC maker, announced world's No. 1 female golfer Yani Tseng of Taiwan would act as its global spokeswoman.

It also disclosed it had renewed its contract with Major League Baseball Washington Nationals pitcher Chien-Ming Wang of Taiwan, who will be the brand's spokesman in Taiwan.

Meanwhile, Wang said Acer will build a pavilion at the at the London Olympics Games to host visitors and feature its products.

He said they will launch Olympics-related products in the second quarter of 2012, although the volume of the new models will be limited due to Acer's losses in 2011. — TJD, GMA News

article source: gmanetwork.com

NFL: Tebow's time in Denver looks set to expire

Tim Tebow, who had a huge following last season as he led the Broncos to the NFL playoffs, is expected to be traded now that coveted free agent quarterback Peyton Manning has reportedly picked Denver as his desired team.

Barring a last-minute snag in contract negotiations, Manning appears poised to join Denver, a deal that raises the prospects of the Broncos trading Tebow, according to multiple U.S. media reports on Monday (Tuesday, PHL time).

A college-style quarterback whose public displays of religiosity polarized public opinion and whose passing technique led critics to write him off as a pro, Tebow became the talk of the NFL with his hard-running and charismatic leadership.

But whereas Manning is a prototypical pro-style quarterback, and master of recognizing opportunities to pick apart defenses with his passing, Denver thrived by adapting their offense to embrace the unorthodox Tebow's ability to run with the ball.

Helped by a defense that kept games close, Tebow was in position to launch a series of late-game comebacks despite completing a dismal 46.5 percent of his left-handed throws.

Tebow led Denver on a six-game winning streak, three of them in overtime, shortly after being named the starting quarterback last October. The phrase 'Tebow Time' was coined to capture the fact that five times last season his Broncos won games in which they trailed in the fourth quarter.

His post-touchdown, knelt-in-prayer pose - known as "Tebowing" - inspired fans around the world. Many have posted pictures of themselves "Tebowing" on sites such as Tebowing.com.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been mentioned as a possible landing spot for Tebow, who rose to fame at the University of Florida, where he won a pair of BCS national championships and the Heisman Trophy as most outstanding college football player.

Jaguars new owner Shahid Khan, whose team has had trouble filling its stadium, has said he would have been interested in Tebow had he been in charge of the team in 2010 when Denver drafted the quarterback 25th overall.

After the winning streak Tebow and the Broncos lost their last three games but still managed to qualify for the playoffs.

Tebow, who was 7-4 in regular season games he started last season, led Denver (8-8) to an overtime win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the playoffs before the team was eliminated 45-10 by the New England Patriots. - Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com