Jo Koy: No joke incorporating Pinoy culture into comedy act

Filipino-American funnyman Jo Koy has made the Pinoy in him a staple of his stand-up comedy act. From his Filipino mom and other relatives, to Filipino culture and idiosyncrasies, hilarious stories about these subjects have not only resonated with Filipinos, but have also found him non-Filipino fans from all over the world, gained especially through his hit Netflix specials Jo Koy: Live From Seattle (2017) and Jo Koy: Comin’ In Hot (2019).

But did you know that it took years for Jo Koy — Joseph Glenn Herbert in real life — to create comedy out of his being Filipino?

“It wasn’t that I didn’t want to talk about it. I just didn’t know how to talk about it and make it funny. So, one important thing that I always want to do is make sure that it is funny. How to, you know, involve my mom and our relationship and talk about Filipino people in a funny way, without making fun of them, or how to tell their story and make it relatable. And that takes a while,” the 48-year-old comedian, who’s in the country for his Just Kidding World Tour, told The STAR in a phone interview on Tuesday. “That alone is already hard, no matter what you’re up to. Just trying to take real life and inserting into the comedy, it’s already hard, you know, and trying to get the mass to relate to a specific ethnicity is even harder. It took me awhile to figure it out.”

How did he finally get to incorporate Pinoy culture into his routine? “The one that really took off, where I really understood what was happening, was when my mom played Nintendo Wii with my son on Christmas,” Jo Koy shared, referring to one of his most popular jokes, titled Mom and Wii, featuring his mom Josie from his 2009 Comedy Central special Don’t Make Him Angry.

He recalled just observing his mother and son playing, and finding out how competitive she could get. “Then I went onstage and impersonated her playing it. That joke just took off and it ended up being one of the biggest jokes of my first special, and that’s when I knew how to talk about my mom and what stories to talk about.”

Another hit everywhere he performs is the skit about his growing-up years when “my mom cured everything with Vicks Vapor Rub” that “I should have died nine times as a kid.”

“It was huge! So, I think any situation that my mom is involved, they love it!” he said.

Apart from his mom whom he swears loves his every joke about her, a favorite subject of his comedy is his teen son Joseph Herbert Jr.  “He’s here with me,” he said. “He loves it here, he thinks it’s the best. He can’t get enough of it. He loves the places we’re staying at and the food we’re eating. It’s been fun. I bring him to specific shows but this one was really, really important because we’re shooting a special for Netflix and I want him to see that and I want him to be a part of it. More importantly, I want him to see what my childhood was, where dad was a kid.”

Jo Koy used to live in Cubao, Quezon City. “I got family all over the place,” he said, while recalling childhood years in the Philippines from when he was five until age 11 when his family moved to the States.

“Oh, I remember everything. All the sari-sari stores. I remember running up and down with my cousins, and having a good time out here. It was always the best,” added Jo, who was spotted filming at Farmer’s Market in Cubao last week as part of a new Netflix special.

Meanwhile, bringing his comedy to Netflix “changed the game” for him. But it wouldn’t have happened had he not poured his life savings into producing Jo Koy: Live From Seattle. “One hundred percent, all of (my life savings). Netflix said no, and we went ahead anyway and shot it, and let them say yes when they watched it. When they watched it, they bought it right away! But if I didn’t make it, if I didn’t produce that special, I wouldn’t have been on Netflix — ever!”

Comin’ In Hot, his follow-up to Live From Seattle, took his act all the way to the top and “made it what it is now.” It was paid for by Netflix due to the success of Live From Seattle.

Told that his success has made many a Filipino proud, he responded that it’s a dream come true. And for Filipino audiences to patronize him through sold-out shows such as his Mall of Asia Arena gig yesterday (according to concert promoter MMI Live), “it means everything to me!” Jo Koy, who did five shows the previous time he was here in 2017, added, “It’s what I’ve always dreamt about, and to be able to do it in a giant venue in Manila, where my mom is from, it means so much to me to embrace the culture like this, and have people out here proud of me for the representation. Also putting us out there, and (having people) laugh with us rather than making fun of us, we’re enjoying our culture the right way.”

It’s not lost on Jo Koy that he has arrived in the country at a “crazy time,” what with the Taal Volcano eruption and ashfall situation. In fact, his Just Kidding show in Cebu was affected by the airport shutdown and cancelled flights, and moved from Jan. 14 to tomorrow, Jan. 17.

Since he believes comedy can do something good especially during times of tragedy, so, “Of course, I’m always going to talk about situations that happen during my stay here. I’ve never experienced something like this before, the whole world finding out that the Taal volcano erupted and here I am... just a weird experience, you know. I can’t wait to share that onstage.”

And no, he no longer feels stage jitters. “Oh my god, no! I enjoy no matter what situation I’m in, it could be an open mic, an empty bar, it could be anything, or it could be a sold-out arena, whatever. It’s the same excitement that I get no matter what stage I walk into, I just enjoy stand-up, I love it!”

Jo Koy also has some advice for aspiring comedians: “To any upcoming Filipino out there, especially those living in the Philippines, just watch my specials and know that it’s possible and remember that people said no to me, too, and I still had to make it happen. Just do it, stay focus and keep that dream alive, it’s going to come true. Hard work pays off — always.”

source: philstar.com

WATCH | Pinoy macho dance group earns three yes votes on ‘Asia’s Got Talent’

“Asia’s Got Talent” judge Anggun can’t help but grin from ear to ear. So did most of the ladies in the studio audience.

And why not? The latest Filipino act to audition on AXN’s popular talent search show was none other than an all-male dance group called The Stripboys. From their name alone, one can already imagine that there was more to them (or in their particular case, less) than just dancing.

Entering the stage wearing bathrobes, a giggling Anggun had to exclaim, “I cannot wait to… ssseeeee… your act. If you’re ready, I am… very ready, too!”

The Stripboys then proceeded to do their thing much to the delight of the women in the crowd. In addition to revealing their chiseled figures and short black boxer briefs, the boys elicited oohs, aahs, gasps, and cheers with their fancy footwork, dazzling backflips and graceful acrobatics.

“That was fun! Well boys, I was super entertained by that!” Anggun blushed.

“Thank God your underwear didn’t slip off while you’re dancing!” Jay Park said, grinning.

Jay further added that while the dance number was not exactly his “favorite concept” but gave props to it just the same as it was, in his words, “something new” and something he had not seen before.

“I think it would have been better if they were all girls,” David Foster cracked. “But you know what? It was really a lot of fun, it was entertaining, it was kinda unique, good, clean fun, so thank you for that.”

When it was time to vote, Anggun initially played coy before declaring, “You made me really, really happy so I say yes!”

Jay and David voted yes as well and now The Stripboys are now in the running to advance to the semi-finals stage of the competition. The five young men ages 23 to 25 said they joined “Asia’s Got Talent” to prove that stripping is a form of expression, and not necessarily a negative thing.

“Asia’s Got Talent” airs on AXN every Thursday at 8:30PM with replays scheduled throughout the week. For program schedules, visit www.AXN-Asia.com.

AXN is available on Cablelink Channel 38, Cignal Channel 121, Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Satellite TV Channel 20, G Sat Channel 51, and SKYCable Channel 49. AXN HD is available on SKYCable Channel 247.

Watch The Stripboys’ audition on “Asia’s Got Talent” here:

source: interaksyon.com

The latest Samsung Galaxy J Series is here

MANILA, Philippines — Samsung Philippines launched today the Galaxy J Series, which the South Korean tech giant said would answer many smartphone woes often encountered by Filipinos.

Lost signal, high phone bill charges on data usage, and running out of storage memory are among the problems most smartphones users have, and will soon be a thing of the past with the new J Series smartphones, according to tech company.

First up is the Signal Max, an RF technology feature that provides wider signal coverage and at the same time enhances call quality. Along with all components of the three-point Signal Flow Technology, the new Galaxy J Series makes it so much easier to stay connected, allowing J Series users to enjoy an upgraded call quality.

Then, there’s the Ultra Data Saving for optimized data usage — a mobile saving solution that saves up to 50% on mobile data by compressing applications and browser content and limiting mobile data to only selected applications. It frees up the phone’s RAM for an enhanced performance, greatly improving your browsing experience. Samsung said that it even exerts less effort on the battery, prolonging hours of phone usage.

The smartphone’s 16GB memory and bundled with a 32GB micro SD card — a total of 48GB memory — allows users to store more content. Plus, its 13MP F/1.9 camera and its rear 5MP camera can take clear selfies with its autofocus ability, complemented by a powerful Quad Core Processor for top performance.

Both Android-based devices come with equally powerful fast-charging batteries 3,100mAH batteries and large screen HD Super AMOLED displays (5.2-inch for the J5, while the Galaxy J7 carries 5.5-inch). The J Series also come with exclusive Filipino-themed wallpapers, icons and screensavers.

The Galaxy J5 is tagged at P11,990 and the J7, P14,990.

source: interaksyon.com

Cellprime partners up with global brands

Manila, Philippines – PH based Cellprime, the creators of the CloudFone brand, announced their partnerships with international brands such as Gionee, Hyundai, NBA, Windows 10/Xbox, Spotify, along with their ongoing partnerships with the PBA and other local brands.

“Cellprime’s mission was to give more Filipinos greater access to mobile technologies that are not just affordable but also equipped with the latest and most compelling innovations from leading technology providers,” said Cellprime CEO Eric Yu.

CloudFone Special Edition smartphones and tablets were accessorized with Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars designs, as the Cellprime brand has also ushered in new devices such as the Hyundai Aero and the latest in Gionee gadgets.

“2016 will be a banner year for Cellprime because we have succeeded in making some of the world’s biggest lifestyle and technology brands part of our growing family, giving Filipinos the widest range of smartphone and tablet,” said Jaime Alcantara, Cellprime COO.

source: interaksyon.com

PNoy gifts Pope with sculpture of 'Mary, Undoer of Knots,' papal visit coins

MANILA, Philippines -- President Benigno Aquino III gifted Pope Francis during their private meeting in Malacanang with a sculpture of “Mary, Undoer of Knots,” and P50 and P500 commemorative coins issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for the papal visit.

"In this sculpture, in Mary, Undoer of Knots, in His Holiness' life, and in the story of the Filipino people, we see the beauty of faith and the strength of devotion, amidst the suffering and challenges of life," he told the Pope.

The image was carved from a piece from a century-old acacia tree that once stood in the grounds of Malacanang but was felled by typhoon Glenda in July 2014.

Fred Baldemor, a multi-awarded sculptor from Paete, Laguna, hand-carved the image several months ago.

Baldemor's works can also be found at the Immaculate Concepcion Parish in Pasig City and St. Patrick Cathedral in New York and has been featured in many exhibits.

The limited edition coins were issued in commemoration of the state and pastoral visit of Pope Francis.  Both coins are legal tender and will be sold for P100 and P1,000, respectively, to cover production, packaging and other costs.

The coins are minted under a licensing agreement with the Vatican.

As a matter of policy, the BSP commemorates significant events in the country’s history through the minting of coins, medals or overprints on our banknotes. Papal commemorative coins were also issued for the 1970 visit of Pope Paul VI, and for the 1981 and 1995 papal visits of Pope John Paul II.

The 50-piso Commemorative Coin for Pope Francis is made of Nickel Brass while the 500-piso is made of Nordic Gold with gold plating.

source: interaksyon.com

Obama talks about renewed leadership in Asia, pact with PH, China dispute

MANILA, Philippines - Below is U.S. President Barack Obama's statement delivered during a press conference in Malacanang with President Benigno Aquino III on Monday, April 28.

Obama, who is on a two-day state visit to the Philippines, discussed about the U.S. move to renew its leadership in the Asia Pacific. Amid Filipino activists' claim of U.S. "expansionism," Obama also stressed that the U.S. had no intention to either reclaim old bases in the Philppines or build new ones.

Moreover, Obama said the U.S. goverment was reaffirming "the importance of resolving territorial disputes in the region peacefully without intimidation or coercions."

READ OBAMA'S FULL STATEMENT.

Mabuhay!

Thank you President Aquino for your warm welcome and your very kind words. With the President’s indulgence, I want to begin by saying a few words about some terrible storms and tornadoes back home in the United States.

Over the weekend, a series of storms claimed at least a dozen of lives and damaged or destroyed homes and businesses and communities across multiple states with the worst toll in areas in Arkansas. So I want to offer my deepest condolences to all those who lost loved ones. I commend the heroic efforts of first responders and neighbors who rushed to help.

I want everyone affected by this tragedy know that FEMA and the Federal government is on the ground and will help our fellow Americans in need, working with state and local officials, and I want everybody to know that your country will be there to help you recover and rebuild as long as it takes.

Now, this is my first visit to the Philippines as President, and I am proud to be here as we mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf when Americans and Filipinos fought together to liberate this nation during World War II. Now, all these years later, we continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to uphold peace and security in this region and around the world.

Mr. Benigno, I want to thank you and the Filipino people, not only for your generous hospitality today but for a friendship that has spanned generations. I’d like to add our friendship is deeper and the United States is stronger because of the contributions and patriotism of millions of proud Filipino-Americans.

As I made clear throughout this trip, the United States is renewing our leadership in the Asia Pacific and our engagement is rooted in our alliances, and that includes the Philippines, which is the oldest security treaty alliance that we have in Asia.

As a vibrant democracy, the Philippines reflects the desire of citizens in this region to live in freedom and to have their universal rights upheld. As one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, the Philippines represents new opportunities for the trade and investment that creates jobs in both countries.

And given its strategic location, the Philippines is a better partner on issues such as maritime security and freedom of navigation. Let me add that recent agreement to end the insurgency in the South gives the Philippines a historic opportunity to forge a lasting peace here at home with greater security and prosperity for the people of that region.

I was proud to welcome President Aquino to the White House two years ago, and since then we’ve worked to deepen our cooperation and to modernize our alliances. Our partnership reflects an important Filipino concept: ‘bayanihan’—the idea that we have to work together to accomplish things that we couldn’t achieve on our own.

That’s what we saw last year when Typhoon Yolanda devastated so many communities. Our Armed Forces and civilians from both our countries worked as one to rescue victims and to deliver life-saving aid—that’s what friends do for each other. And Mr. President, I want to say to you and the people of the Philippines, the United States will continue to stand with you as you recover and rebuild. Our commitment to the Philippines will not waver.

Today, I’m pleased that we’re beginning an important new chapter in the relationship between our countries, and it starts with our security with the new defense cooperation agreement that was signed today. I want to be very clear: the United States is not trying to reclaim old bases or build new bases.

At the invitation of the Philippines, American service members will rotate through Filipino facilities. We’ll train and exercise more together so that we’re prepared for a range of challenges, including humanitarian crises and natural disasters like ‘Yolanda’.

We’ll work together to build the Philippines’ defense capabilities, and work with other nations to promote regional stability, such as in the South China Sea. And I’m looking forward to my visit with forces from both our nations tomorrow to honor their service and to look ahead to the future we can shape together.

As we strengthen our bilateral security cooperation, we’re also working together with regional institutions like ASEAN and the East Asia Summit. When we met in the Oval Office two years ago, Benigno and I agreed to promote a common set of rules founded in respect for international law that will help the Asia Pacific remain open and inclusive as the region grows and develops.

Today, we reaffirm the importance of resolving territorial disputes in the region peacefully without intimidation or coercions. And in that spirit, I told him that the United States supports his decision to pursue international arbitration concerning territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Finally, we agreed to keep deepening our economic cooperation. I congratulated President Aquino on the reforms that he’s pursued to make the Philippines more competitive through our partnership for growth and our Millennium Challenge Cooperation compact. We are going to keep working together to support these efforts so that more Filipinos can share in this nation’s economic progress because growth has to be broad-based and it has to be inclusive.

We discussed the steps that the Philippines could take to position itself for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and I encouraged the President to seize the opportunity he’s created by opening the next phase of economic reform and growth.

Today, I’m announcing that my Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker will lead the delegation of American business leaders to the Philippines this June to explore new opportunities. And I add that we’ve also committed to work together to address the devastating effects of climate change and to make Philippine communities less vulnerable to extreme storms like 'Yolanda'.

So Mr. President, let me once again thank you for everything you’ve done to strengthen our alliance and our friendship. I’m looking forward to paying tribute to the bonds between our people at the dinner tonight and on working with you as we write the next chapter in the relationship between our two countries.

source: interaksyon.com

Kidney failure rising by 10 to 15 pct per year; 23,000 undergoing dialysis in 2013

Close to 23,000 Filipinos underwent dialysis due to kidney failure in 2013, raising alarm at the Department of Health (DOH). To put that number into perspective, there were only around 4,000 cases of kidney failure in 2004, said Dr. Antonio Paraiso, DOH's manager for the Philippine Network for Organ Sharing.

Paraiso said this translates to "a 10 to 15 percent increase per year, and that's a big number."

In 2013 alone, Paraiso said at least 12,000 Filipinos developed kidney failure, requiring crucial transplants and/or, in the interim of undeteremined length, expensive dialysis.

Paraiso tied the rise in cases to an increase in diabetes and hypertension cases in the country. The third most common cause is glomeruloneprhtiris, a term used to refer to several renal diseases, "which used to be number one," he said.

The DOH blamed lifestyles - changing in unhealthy ways - for the shift in what's causing the most number of kidney problems. "Both diabetes and hypertension are lifestyle diseases," Paraiso said. "As our lives change, the illnesses we suffer also change with it."

To combat the kidney problems, Paraise called on the public to get examined by a competent doctor every year. He said lifestyle modification is also important to prevent not only kidney ailments but diabetes and hypertension as well.

source: interaksyon.com

Pinay caregiver Rose Fostanes does it ‘My Way’, wins ‘X Factor Israel’

Filipina caregiver Rose Fostanes completed her Cinderella story Tuesday night in Tel Aviv (early Wednesday morning, Manila time), winning the first season of “The X Factor Israel”.

Singing Frank Sinatra’s signature song “My Way”, the 47-year-old native of Taguig City won on her own terms and displayed the form that made her the darling of the Israeli version of the British singing competition created by former “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell.

“There’s nothing to say but you did it your way. I’m so proud of you. Everyone’s proud of you,” the show’s host, Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli, told Fostanes right after her victory-clinching performance of the all-time Filipino karaoke favorite.

“Thank you so much for those Israeli who like my voice. Thank you for giving me the chance to be in ‘The X FactorIsrael’,” Fostanes said after she bested two other finalists. She also thanked the thousands of Filipinos in Israel who supported her.

Fostanes — who has been caring for an elderly Israeli woman for six years — was teary-eyed after her solo number, which was rewarded with thunderous cheers and a standing ovation from the judges and the studio audience.

The audience included her sister Nancy and her girlfriend Mel Adel, who had flown in from Manila to witness the finale.

One of the judges was also overcome with emotion  — her mentor Shiri Maimon, who performed a duet of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You” with Fostanes during the show.

Fostanes won the finale representing the over-25s, the category for mature performers. Eden Ben Zaken (Girls category) placed second, while Ori Shakiv (Boys category) came in third.

An extremely popular song in karaoke bars in the Philippines, “My Way” nonetheless got a bad rap in recent years after from many bars that banned the song (link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/philippines/7199022/My-Way-deaths-lead-karaoke-bars-in-Philippines-to-ban-song.html) after singing it led to several “karaoke killings” in recent years.

“My Way”, however, proved to be a lucky choice for Fostanes as the only thing she “killed” was her performance that drew a standing ovation from the studio audience and judges composed of Israeli music sensations Ivri Lider, Moshe Peretz, Rami Fortes and Shiri Maimon.

Since “The X-Factor Israel” turned her into a household name and now, a global phenomenon, Fostanes is often compared with Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle who shot to fame in 2009 after joining “Britain’s Got Talent”, another talent show created by Cowell.

Fostanes, however, achieved in “The X-Factor Israel” what Boyle had failed to do in “Britain’s Got Talent”—win it all.

And she has the estimated 40,000 OFW population in Israel to thank for it. It is widely believed that her fellow OFWs, including the 16,000 strong “That’s My Tomboy of Israel” group rallied and voted for her to win in the contest.

“mabuhay ka idol INSPIRASYON KA, HERO KA, WE LOVE YOU MATUTUPAD MO NA LAHAT NG PANGARAP MO SA BUHAY…. HAPPY KAMI FOR YOU, BUONG BANSA AY NAG DIDIWANG NGAYON, KAHIT SANG PARTE NG MUNDO NA MAY OFW NAG DIDIWANG,” went the latest Facebook post of “That’s My Tomboy of Israel” shortly after Fostanes won.

Fostanes made no bones about her sexual orientation, admitting in interviews that she misses not only her family but also her girlfriend who is based in Manila.

Adel, Fostanes’ girlfriend, flew to Israel together with the singer’s younger sister, Nancy to personally lend their moral support and ultimately, to witness the victory of the newly-crowned “X-Factor Israel” champ.

Watch Rose Fostanes perform “My Way” in “The X-Factor Israel” finale in this clip from the program as uploaded by Benjo Bojos:

source: interaksyon.com

Pinay caregiver Rose Fostanes shines spotlight on Israel’s low-paid foreign workers

TEL AVIV | Once part of a faceless crowd of foreign workers who clean homes and tend to Israel’s sick and elderly, a Filipina caregiver has shot to stardom on a popular TV singing contest.

Rose Fostanes, 47, surprised viewers of Israel’s X-Factor talent show and swept its judges off their feet with soulful renditions of pop songs by the likes of Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera. And she has rocked her way to Tuesday’s live final.

Fostanes hopes her popularity on the show will shine a spotlight on Israel’s low-paid foreign workers, who include about 20,000 Filipinos.

For many Israelis, the word “Filipino” has become synonymous with caregiver, and Fostanes’ appearance and success on X-Factor could help break the stereotype.

“I think I will be a leader for them because of what I did and I think also they will be proud of me,” she told Reuters on Sunday. “Everybody in the world will know that Filipinos, even working as a cleaner … can also share their talents.”

Fostanes, who came to Israel four years ago, has been working for about 20 years across the Middle East. She had always wanted to be a professional singer and the X-Factor gave her a shot at her dream.

At first she thought Israelis would not vote for a foreign worker, and that she would be an underdog in the competition, where viewers and a panel of four Israeli musicians determine at different stages which contender moves up and which gets dropped.

“I feel that everybody is looking at me like I was an alien,” she said on one of the early audition episodes of the show. “A Filipina working here, cleaning houses.”

Then Fostanes — who cares for an ailing woman in Tel Aviv — got on the stage and sang Lady Gaga’s “You and I”, winning a standing ovation from her competitors. To her surprise, the votes, cast via text messages and the show’s website, kept on coming and catapulted her to celebrity status.

“I get from them a lot of good compliments, especially when I’m on the street, when I’m on the bus. I get from them love, from all the Israeli people who saw my videos and saw me on the television,” Fostanes said.

Fostanes has been compared to the Scottish singer Susan Boyle, 52, who shot to fame in 2009 after appearing on the TV show “Britain’s Got Talent” and performing a powerful rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” from the musical “Les Miserables”.

Boyle’s giddy rise from unknown to multi-million-selling recording artist has been made into a musical.

“My dream is to win this competition, but I have to go back to my work as a caregiver,” Fostanes said before getting up on the arena stage to rehearse one of the numbers she was due to sing at the finals, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”.

source: interaksyon.com

Oral care: Window to overall wellness

MANILA, Philippines - Dr. Steve Mark Gan, one of the Philippines’ most respected dentists, opted to establish a dental practice here instead of in the USA where he had pursued advanced studies in Prosthodontic and Implant Education. One of the compelling reasons why he did so was to promote much-needed dental care and share his knowledge and skills with his fellow Filipinos.

“Dental health is still not a priority in our country. It was number 35 in terms of priority, based on studies conducted several years ago, compared to the USA, for instance, where it is always in the top 10,” says Dr. Gan.

Compounding the challenge was the state of dental healthcare when he first came back. “The standards of hygiene, like correct sterilization, were not being followed by some dental practitioners,” explains Dr. Gan, who founded the state-of-the art clinic Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC).

This prompted him to ally with the government and his fellow practitioners in the mission to improve the state of dental healthcare in the country. Dr. Gan was the former chairman of the Board of Dentistry and former president of the Philippine Academy of Implant Dentistry (P.A.I.D.) under the Philippine Dental Association.

It has also led him to pursue his “SerbisyongBayan” advocacy, where he has embarked on projects to reach out to the grassroots level by organizing monthly dental missions and educate  people on the value of dental care. “Proper oral hygiene plays a significant role in life. Statistics show that 98% of the nation’s youth has dental caries, dental decay, or missing teeth. What people might not be aware of is that oral health can serve as a window to one’s overall wellness.”

Dr. Gan, also known as the “Dentist to the Stars” due to his high-profile, celebrity clientele, also debunks some myths surrounding dental care.





“People generally think that the harder you brush, the better — when in fact, harder tooth brushing only leads to abrasions and gum recession. It is also not true that going to the dentist means setting yourself up for pain.”

On the topic of proper oral care, he touches on the subject of mouthwashes with a “sting.” “More often than not, mouthwashes with a stinging effect due to high alcohol content are detrimental to the health of the gums and to the health of the oral mucosa in the long run,” he points out. “Also, dark mouthwashes should be used sparingly as these mouthwashes have been known to stain the teeth.”

It is important, therefore, to be discerning when choosing a mouthwash. OraCare, for instance, has a no-alcohol formulation with Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide, a breakthrough active ingredient and antibacterial agent that gently cleans without the stinging sensation. It neutralizes odor-causing volatile sulfur compounds in the mouth, working continuously to eliminate bad bacteria that cause plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay.

To know more about OraCare’s gentle yet effective anti-bacteria action, check out www.oracare.com.ph.

source: philstar.com

CNN's Cooper takes on Korina as netizens weigh in

MANILA, Philippines -- After ABS-CBN anchor Korina Sanchez twitted him for supposedly not knowing what he was talking about when he reported on the inadequate government response five days after super typhoon “Yolanda” struck Tacloban, CNN’s Anderson Cooper took to his show, "AC 360°" Friday morning in Manila to respond.

Social media wasted no time weighing in, with Sanchez apparently faring worse as netizens noted that she was in an air-conditioned booth as she criticized Anderson, who was on the ground in Tacloban.

On Friday, Cooper tackled the issue head-on, saying: "Miss Sanchez is welcome to go there," and suggesting that, since her husband, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II is in charge of government efforts in Tacloban, he might arrange a flight for her.





Sanchez actually went to Ormoc, on the opposite side of Leyte from Tacloban, on Thursday.

Cooper also clarified that he had never said there was no government presence or leadership on the ground.

At the same time, Cooper said that his reports were also a tribute to the strength of the Filipinos caught by Yolanda’s path.

"Filipino people, the people of Tacloban, and Samar, and Cebu, and all these places where so many have died, they are strong not just to have survived this storm, but they are strong to have survived the aftermath of this storm," he said. "They have survived for a week now, often with very little food, with very little water, with very little medical attention. Can you imagine the strength it takes to be living in a shack, to be living, sleeping on the streets next to the body of your dead children?"

Like they did earlier, netizens quickly jumped into the fray, with many praising and thanking Cooper for his coverage and others defending Sanchez who, they said, only intended to stress that government has been acting to respond to the disaster.

But even more called for an end to the bickering and for everyone to focus on helping the victims instead.

storify.com/interaksyon/netizens-still-riled-up-over-korina-sanchez-but-so?utm_source=embed_header

source: interaksyon.com

Donations tax-free, but BIR asks aid givers to touch base with NDRRMC, DSWD-accredited agencies

MANILA – No tax or duty is being imposed on donations coming in for areas hit by super typhoon Yolanda, but the Bureau of Internal Revenue is advising all donors to coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure the tax-free status, allow the government to track and acknowledge all donations, and guarantee they go only to victims.

BIR chief Kim Jacinto-Henares made this clear Thursday as a flood of donations from at least 36 countries and international organizations led by the UN have come in the past several days, along with spontaneous acts of mercy by private volunteer groups, companies and concerned Filipinos from abroad.

The government, said Henares, will shoulder the 12-percent value-added tax by way of a tax expenditure, so it’s important, especially for major donor initiatives, to coordinate with the relief agencies accredited with DSWD or the NDRRMC.

“Please coordinate with DSWD about the VAT because they have a mechanism to address that… The donation to NDRRMC is also duty exempt; if there’s going to be any VAT, it’s going to be supported via the GAA, it’s going to be paid for by the national government via tax expenditure fund.”

She added, “There’s really no tax because it’s going to be shouldered by the government by budget support by as long as the donation is made to NDRRMC. Now, for donations made to accredited relief agencies of DSWD…It’s the same—it’s duty exempt . . .They should coordinate with DSWD so the VAT can properly be answered for.”

Asked if government is keeping track of the donations, she replied, “yes, that’s why they have to go through customs. We keep track of it and make sure it’s a legitimate donation. Unfortunately, there are some people . . . I mean, as far as we are concerned, everyone is in the mode of helping people but unfortunately, as you can see from experience in Tacloban, there are people who take advantage of the misery of other people."

Smugglers, keep out

Henares added: "So what we want to do is provide assistance to those who need it and really give the benefit [tax breaks] of all these things to those people who are really helping, and not to the people who are lawless like smugglers. Because we know there are people who will take advantage of it. Although that should be our real concern at this time, but…. although everyone is paying attention to the people affected directly, if we [BIR, finance agencies] do not also manage this, it will affect the other farmers, other entities [that] need protection from the government."

She said "The system has to be put in place and customs people and DOF people have put a one-stop shop in the ports where DSWD and NDRRMC are. From what I understand we have been doing this every time. It’s been going on smoothly as far as DSWD is concerned. Of course, there are some people who encounter difficulty because they have never done this. Some people who will just suddenly bring in things without coordinating with others, [and of course, problems are bound to arise]. They should coordinate with DSWD and NDRRMC.

Considering this is the biggest logistical and humanitarian challenge for disaster-prone Philippines, Henares said the avalanche of aid is understandable. This is why, she stressed, all those who help should be acknowledged and their task facilitated. “We have to keep track and eventually say thank you. We have to acknowledge aid coming in. If we don’t keep track, how do we acknowledge; when people say they provided aid, we want to say show them it really went to people. So we want to keep track to make sure aid being brought to us is not wasted.”

source: interaksyon.com

US Pinoys rally to aid kababayan post-'Yolanda'

NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES -- Filipinos across the United States rallied to support aid efforts for their homeland on Monday as rescue workers an ocean away struggled to reach remote areas of the country that was ravaged by a deadly typhoon.

Many Filipino-Americans expressed appreciation for early efforts by the US government to respond to Typhoon Haiyan, which killed at least 10,000 people and left 600,000 homeless.

The US government provided immediate support that included 55 tons of food, $100,000 for water and sanitation support and the deployment of 90 Marines and sailors, but some Filipino-Americans expressed concerns that foreign aid could be diverted by corrupt local officials.

In the New York City borough of Queens, where many businesses along a 15-block thoroughfare dubbed "Little Manila" were planning charitable efforts for typhoon victims, the manager of Payag, a Filipino restaurant, said its weekly fundraisers for victims of last month's deadly earthquake in Central Visayas were being expanded to assist typhoon survivors.

"We started these events on November 1 not realizing soon after another calamity would occur," restaurant manager Peter Obac said. "So now it's for earthquake and typhoon victims."

Anne Beryl Corotan, a New York-based campaign coordinator for the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns, said her organization was working to send advance teams to the hard-hit areas of Samar and Leyte.

Reflecting sentiments common in the Filipino-American community, Corotan applauded US government relief efforts but said she hoped American officials would closely monitor disbursement of the aid.

"I would like to ensure that my taxes are going to appropriate provision of social services and not for militarization, corruption and only to those who are powerful, landlords and big business owners," she said.

President Benigno Aquino III came to office on a good governance and anti-corruption platform, but corruption remains endemic in the Southeast Asia nation.

Food and medicine

Efforts among Filipino-Americans to assist with typhoon relief extended across the country.

In San Francisco, the West Bay Pilipino Multi-Service Center, a nonprofit that serves underprivileged Filipino youth, stayed open overnight on Sunday to accept donations of food and medicine for victims of the typhoon.

The center collected about 700 pounds of canned food and medical supplies, said executive director Rudy Asercion, a third generation Filipino-American.

Asercion said the supplies would be shipped this week to Cebu, where Catholic church-affiliated volunteers would distribute them to typhoon victims in hard-hit places like the city of Tacloban.

Maria Hellen Barber De La Vega, consul general for the Philippines in Los Angeles, said that church and volunteer-based relief efforts in southern California were well under way, including $10,000 raised over the weekend in part by a five-kilometer fundraising walk on Sunday.

But she said the needs in the affected areas of central Philippines were nearly overwhelming.

"Right now we need medicines for cold and fever, food and water, but we really need treatment for bones. Many were caught in trees and hurt by flying debris," she said. "The problem is access."

Efforts to help extended beyond the Filipino expatriate community.

At the US Conference of Catholic Bishops assembly in Baltimore on Monday, Bishop Gerald Kicanas, chairman of the board of directors of US-based Catholic Relief Services, urged his colleagues to take up a "second collection" from churches for relief efforts in the Philippines and Vietnam.

"We hope you can send those collections as soon as possible because the crisis is so imminent."

Also speaking at the assembly, CRS President Carolyn Woo said her group had pledged $20 million in typhoon aid that it has not yet raised.

"It's important for people to be buying supplies," she said, adding that her group hoped to help 100,000 affected families.

Philippines Airlines also lent a hand, saying in a statement that it was offering space on its planes to ship certain aid supplies to the country free of charge.

source: interaksyon.com

Palace says P26.18B available for relief, rehab as House lets go P12B in PDAF for victims

Malacañang said Tusday there is at least P26.18 billion available for relief and rehabilitation in areas devastated by super typhoon “Yolanda” while members of the House of Representatives said they are waiving some P12 billion of their pork barrel this year for the same purpose.

"We wish to assure the public that we’re already moving funds to address the urgent need for disaster relief in all typhoon-stricken areas," Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said.

The funds and their sources are:

P6.4 billion from the President's Social Fund
P16.6 billion in government savings
P1.08 billion in Quick Relief Funds
P1.28 billion in Calamity Funds
P824 million in Contingency Funds
"Because we only have two more months before the year concludes, however, the more costly rehabilitation requirements will be largely addressed through the 2014 budget," Abad said. "By then, fresh budgetary support will be available to aid all efforts at repairing the damage wrought by Yolanda to the Visayas region.”

“Nonetheless,” he added, “the more urgent post-disaster requirements -- such as the restoration of power, water, and other utilities in all affected communities, as well as the immediate provision of shelter, food, medical and rescue activities, and clearing operations -- will be amply supported by available funds."

At the House, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. was joined by other leaders of the chamber and of political parties in filing House Resolution No. 07, which authorizes the executive department to realign the unspent portion of their Priority Development Assistance Fund to the national government’s calamity fund.

However, the amount is currently the subject of a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court, which is hearing several petitions to declare the PDAF unconstitutional.

The petitions were filed following revelations that as much as P10 billion in the congressional pork barrel could have been embezzled in a conspiracy that involved lawmakers and other government officials allegedly colluding with businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles.

"We have informed the Solicitor General to make representations with the Supreme Court that we are not interested (in the unreleased PDAF) anymore, provided the same is realigned by the executive to the calamity fund," Belmonte said at a news conference.

He said the estopped pork barrel would boost government’s ability to respond to the needs of Yolanda’s victims.

It could also help in the continued rehabilitation of Bohol and Cebu provinces, which bore the brunt of the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Central Visayas last month.

"These disasters have caused massive loss of lives, as well as major damage to property, infrastructure, livelihood and agriculture, bringing much pain and suffering to the Filipino people," the House resolution said.

"Members of Congress express their desire to assist the victims of these disasters and help in the speedy post-disaster recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the provinces affected by the disasters," it added.

Following the scandal triggered by the pork barrel scam, lawmakers removed the P25.2-billion appropriation for PDAF in the proposed 2014 budget and realigned the funds to six government agencies.

House members also pledged P10,000 each from their salaries and to mobilize relief teams at both the Batasan Pambansa and their respective districts, Belmonte said after emerging from a meeting with lawmakers.

The initiative was formalized in House Resolution 446, which will be signed by the 289 House members. They earlier adopted two similar resolutions for donations to the victims of the earthquake in Bohol and Cebu, and the families affected by the fighting in Zamboanga City.

At the same time, Belmonte said the House will support the realignment of certain items in the proposed 2014 budget for a P10-20 billion rehabilitation fund for areas ravaged by calamities.

He said this will be discussed when they sit down with senators in the bicameral conference committee meetings on the budget.

Belmonte called on his colleagues to organize their respective relief drives. "Difficult as the situation, this will really require self-help. Let's not be too dependent on Manila," he said.

Western Samar Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento said congressional districts can be used as staging points of relief going to the typhoon-hit areas.

He said lawmakers are prepared to help manage the packing and transport of goods that would pass through their districts.

For example, Sarmiento said that Surigao City can be a drop-off point going to Leyte.

Relief items may also be ferried from Cebu City to Ormoc, Leyte.  Iloilo City can take care of goods to be transported to Aklan and Capiz, two other provinces affected by the typhoon.

source: interaksyon.com

Bargain hunters to flock to Divisoria, Baclaran as Christmas Season fast approaches

MANILA, Sept. 15—With the “ber” months now at hand and the Yuletide Season just a few knocks away, Filipino bargain hunters are expected to make an exodus at the various malls in Divisoria and Baclaran that are known to sell cheap but quality goods such as clothes, shoes and even Christmas fares.

Long-time patrons are convinced that items sold in these establishments are cheaper by as much as 40 to 50 percent compared to the other well known malls in Metro Manila.

“Polo shirts (in Divisoria and Baclaran) that are normally sold for P500 in well known malls can be bought for as low as P200 or P150 depending on your ability to bargain with the sales staff,” Eva Alejo, 47, a resident of Barangay Muzon, Malabon said in Filipino.

Aside from shirts, leather and rubber shoes are also for the picking, provided that one is patient enough to walk through the maze of stalls where they are located.

Alejo said that she is now saving money so that she can buy Christmas clothing for her grandchildren.

She added that she will drop by these malls within November or the early weeks of December.

Another bargain hunter, Catherine Encarnacion, also of Malabon City, said that what she likes about these malls is the preponderance of cheap electronic appliances like DVDs and cellphones which are usually sold at very fair prices.

“Prices are usually 50 percent lower than those being sold in high-end malls and the quality is not that bad either,” she stressed.

And for someone working overtime to make both ends meet, Encarnacion said that this is godsend.

Some stalls in Divisoria and Baclaran are also known to sell copies of “designer or signature clothes” 70 to 50 percent lower than the actual cost of the legitimate product.

And since some Filipinos are very brand conscious, the trade in these items are usually brisk despite the risk to the stall owners caught selling such items.

Violators are usually charged with trademark Infringement under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines or Republic Act 8293.

Recently, P20-million worth of fake “Lee” pants were seized by operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation-Intellectual Property Rights Division (NBI-IPRD) during operations in Pasay City last September 6.

This is equivalent to around 13,759 pairs of fake “Lee” pants. These items were seized from the two stockrooms of Willie Ang located at One Shopping Center and Khatar Region, Kapitan Ambo, Pasay City and showroom and two stockrooms of Willie Cheng located at New Galleria Baclaran Shopping Mall and at Park Avenue Shoe Plaza (HSP2), Park Avenue, also in Pasay City.

The government is expected to crack down hard on stall owners selling “counterfeit goods” in the coming Yuletide Season due to complaints raised by manufacturers who are claiming that the distribution and selling of such items are detrimental to their product.

source: interaksyon.com

OFWs to hold Zero Remittance Day on Sept. 19 to protest corruption

MANILA - For four decades they've been called the anchor of the Philippine economy, but for one day, on Sept. 19, overseas Filipino workers will stop doing the one thing they're praised for: remit funds back home.

The gesture, dubbed “Zero-Remmittance Day,” is meant to send a message to the government that the workers are serious about the move to abolish the pork barrel system and end corruption.

In a statement, Migrante International's Gary Martinez said Wednesday 112 Filipino migrant organizations all over the world are coordinating their protest and will not send remittances to their families in the Philippines on September 19. It is meant as a blow against widespread corruption, patronage politics and social injustice.

“Filipino immigrants from all over the world will once again send a united message against the pork barrel system. Our remittances that keep the economy afloat are being plundered by greedy officials,” Martinez said.

Through the Zero Remittance Day, OFWs want to pressure the government to re-channel funds from PDAF to programs directly promoting the people’s interest, "including more efficient services and welfare assistance to OFWs in distress,” he added.

The first Zero Remittance Day was launched on October 29, 2008 in protest against the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) which was held in Manila. The ZRD criticized the GFMD and the Philippine government’s promotion of what it called "modern-day slavery" through the labor export policy. It was supported by more than 112 Filipino migrant organizations all over the world, resulting in hundreds of millions lost in remittances.

The second ZRD protested former Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s attempts to implement charter change through a constitutional assembly on July 26, 2009.

source: interaksyon.com

Explain why bogus NGOs continued to receive pork barrel even under PNoy's term, DBM told

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad should explain why fake non-government organizations continued to receive public funds even during the time of President Benigno Aquino III since 2010, the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) said.

"If indeed the release of PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) since 2010 have been judicious and strictly regulated, why then are there documented releases to fake NGOs through the GOCCs (government owned and controlled corporation), amounting to more than P500 million?” Navotas Representative and UNA secretary general Toby Tiangco said.

Quoting from documents obtained from the Philippine Forest Corporation, National Agribusiness Corporation, Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment of Natural Resources, Tiangco said that some P500 million PDAF was released to fake NGOs between 2010 and 2012.

The P500 million released by the Department of Budget and Management in the last three years was different and separate from the more than P1 billion given between 2010 and 2012 to foundations and corporations under businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles.

Tiangco also said that Abad cannot just claim innocence on the multi-billion peso releases to the 82 questionable NGOs identified by the Commission on Audit until 2012.

“Based on records, these 82 NGOs under question still continue to receive millions upon millions from DBM through the implementing agencies. What happened to the restrictions on the pork barrel releases the DBM has been saying—bakit marami pa ring nakakalusot since 2010?” he asked.

Meanwhile, Tiangco criticized the Aquino administration for its "very special treatment" to Napoles since she turned herself in on Thursday..“It’s not special treatment. It’s concierge service,” he said.

source: interaksyon.com

Google releases crisis map to monitor disaster-prone areas

MANILA - Google on Tuesday said it has released a crisis map to help Pinoys monitor disaster-prone areas in Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.

Google's announcement comes as half the Philippine capita is submerged in flood water because of heavy rains spawned by Typhoon "Maring."

Google Map, which Pinoys can access on their desktops and mobile browsers, provides information about the tropical storm’s path, the rainfall warning, and the 24-hour forecast of accumulated rainfall across the country. The map also shows clouds imagery, landslide and flood-prone areas, as well as rainfall and flooding forecast

“Coming from our experience during recent typhoons, we realize that we are in a unique position to help our fellow Pinoys through technology. We will continue to assist in disseminating information to the public," said Aileen Apolo, head of outreach at Google Southeast Asia.

"This crisis map is made possible with the help of the government, first responders and our volunteer mappers, and we hope it will be useful to those who want to help out," Apolo added.

Anyone can share the maps or embed them in websites. “Simply hit the ‘Share’ button at the top of the map to get the HTML code,” Apolo said. “We will continue to update the maps as more information becomes available.”


For data on typhoons and other crises, go to www.google.org/crisisresponse.

Luzon has been battered by the southwest monsoon brought by Maring since Saturday, displacing 600,000 families. Seven have been reported dead due to the torrential rains.

source: interaksyon.com

Mall tycoon Henry Sy tops Forbes magazine's list of richest Filipinos

Mall magnate Henry Sy again topped Forbes magazine's list of the richest Filipinos for this year.

With a net worth of $12 billion, Sy and his family, owners of the country's largest chain of malls, SM, and the Philippines' biggest bank, BDO, leads the magazine's list of the country's 50 richest people.

The Sy family is followed by Lucio Tan and his family, with a combined net worth of $7.5 billion. Tan owns the country's flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, and the fifth largest lender, Philippine National Bank.

On third place with a net worth of $4.6 billion is Andrew Tan, owner of Megaworld Corp, one of the Philippines' leading property developers, and of Alliance Global Group, a conglomerate that controls the country's leading liquor firm, Emperador Distillers, as well as the master franchise of McDonald's.

With a net worth of $4.5 billion, Enrique Razon Jr. holds the fourth spot. He owns the country's leading port operator, International Container Terminal Services Inc, whose operations span across Asia, the US, Middle East and Europe. He also owns Bloomberry Resorts Corp, the first of four state license-holders to open a casino at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp's (Pagcor) Entertainment City.

On fifth place is John Gokongwei Jr. with a net worth of $3.4 billion, and whose business empire includes the country's leading budget airline, Cebu Pacific, and one of the leading food-and-beverage manufacters, Universal Robina Corp.

The Zobel de Ayala family has landed on the sixth spot with a net worth of $3.1 billion. The family owns the country's leading property developer, Ayala Land, and the third biggest lender, Bank of the Philippine Islands.

With a net worth of $3 billion, the Aboitiz family is seventh place. The family owns one of the country's biggest power plant operators, Aboitiz Power, and has interests in banking, manufacturing and property.

David Consunji is ranked eight with a net worth of $2.7 billion. His family owns one of the Philippines' biggest construction firms, DM Consunji, and the largest coal miner, Semirara.

George Ty and family is listed ninth with a combined net worth of $2.6 billion. The family gem is the country's second-biggest lender, Metrobank, but other businesses include power, property and the Philippines' largest car manufacturer, Toyota Motors, a partnership with the Japanese auto giant.

On the 10th spot is the Co couple of Lucio and Susan, who own the Puregold chain of supermarkets. They have a combined net worth of $1.9 billion.

The full list of the 50 richest Filipinos can be seen here.

source: interaksyon.com

John Gokongwei holding firm hikes capex to $1.033-billion for 2013

MANILA - JG Summit Holdings Inc has set a record capital expenditure budget for 2013 to finance the expansion of its businesses.

During the stockholders meeting of John Gokongwei's listed holding firm, its president Lance Y. Gokongwei said the capex will amount to $1.033 billion this year, a growth of nearly 12 percent from the $926 million spent in 2012.

Robinsons Land Corp will corner $320 million to bankroll the construction of four malls, two office buildings and three Go Hotels as well as the completion of at least eight residential buildings.

JG Summit will allot $300 million for the completion of its $700-million naphtha cracker plant in Batangas slated to begin commercial operations early next year.

Cebu Air Inc will get $275 million to finance the delivery of five Airbus-320s, while Universal Robina Corp will get $120 million for the expansion of its branded consumer food group.

JG Summit will allocate $18 million for Robinsons Bank, which aims to become a significant player in the banking industry over the next five years.

"Coming from the higher-than-expected economic performance in 2012, this year promises to be even better," Gokongwei said.

"Benign inflation, high foreign exchange reserves, sustained rising inflows of overseas Filipinos' remittances, strong BPO activities, rising tourist arrivals, election spending, revival in the manufacturing sector activities and low interest rates are springboard for a rosy outlook for 2013," he said.

Gokongwei reaffirmed JG Summit’s interest in the government's public-private partnership projects, especially airports because of its synergy with the group’s airline and property businesses.

It has partnered with Metro Pacific Investments Corp to bid for the rehabilitation, expansion, operations and maintenance of the Cebu-Mactan International Airport.

JG Summit has become a pan-Asean player, generating a third of its revenues in foreign currencies through the contribution of its food and beverage, airline and residential businesses.

"With these, we have not only successfully diversified the group's revenue base but also have currency hedge for any unforeseen weakness in the financial market," Gokongwei said.

JG Summit’s net income attributable to equity holders slipped to P4.86 billion in the first quarter from P4.91 billion in the same period last year. Revenues rose 8.4 percent to P38.43 billion from P35.46 billion in 2012.

source: interaksyon.com