Indonesia raises quake-tsunami death toll to 1,234

JAKARTA, Indonesia — The Indonesian government on Tuesday said the death toll from a devastating quake-tsunami on the island of Sulawesi had risen to 1,234 people, up from the previous count of 844.

"As of 1:00 pm there are 1,234 dead," said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the national disaster agency spokesman.

source: philstar.com

Mass burials to begin as Indonesia toll tops 800

PALU, Indonesia — The death toll from Indonesia's quake and tsunami disaster nearly doubled to 832 Sunday and was expected to rise further, prompting authorities to announce mass burials in a desperate attempt to stave off disease.

As shattered survivors scoured make-shift morgues for loved ones, and authorities struggled to dig out the living or assess the scale of the devastation beyond the city of Palu, grim warnings came that the eventual toll could reach thousands.

"The casualties will keep increasing," said national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, whose agency announced the jump in the toll from 420 earlier.

"Today we will start the mass burial of victims, to avoid the spread of disease."

Rescuers on Sulawesi island raced against the clock and a lack of equipment to save those still trapped in the rubble, with up to 60 people feared to be underneath one Palu hotel alone. Rescuers said they heard voices and a child's cries from under the rubble.

In a post to Twitter, the disaster agency spokesman also warned residents to be alert to the hoax forecasts of further tsunamis and earthquakes he said were appearing on social media.

Desperate survivors, now facing a third straight night sleeping outdoors, turned to looting shops for basics like food, water and fuel as police looked on, unwilling or unable to intervene.

The government was left with little option but to promise it would reimburse owners.

"Record everything taken, inventories it. We will pay for it all," said security minister Wiranto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

One survivor, Adi, was hugging his wife by the beach when the tsunami struck on Friday. Like countless others he has no idea where she is now, or whether she is alive.

"When the wave came, I lost her," he said. "I was carried about 50 metres. I couldn't hold anything. The water was spinning me around," he said.

"This morning I went back to the beach, I found my motorbike and my wife's wallet."

Others have centred their search around open-air morgues, where the dead lay in the baking sun -- waiting to be claimed, waiting to be named.

- Help at hand? -

Indonesian President Joko Widodo visited the region Sunday afternoon, urging a "day and night" effort to save all those who can be saved.

But disaster agency spokesman Nugroho indicated sheer power of will may not be enough.

"Communication is limited, heavy machinery is limited... it's not enough for the numbers of buildings that collapsed," he said.

Still, as dire as the situation in Palu was, it was at least clear. In outlying areas, the fate of thousands is still unknown.

Indonesian Vice-President Jusuf Kalla said the final death toll in the north of Sulawesi island could be in the "thousands" since many regions have still not been reached.

Indonesia’s Metro TV on Sunday broadcast aerial footage from a coastal community in Donggala, close to the epicentre of the quake. Some waterfront homes appeared crushed but a resident said most people fled to higher ground after the quake struck.

"When it shook really hard, we all ran up into the hills," a man identified as Iswan told the TV.

The 7.5-magnitude quake struck Friday, sparking a tsunami that ripped apart Palu's coastline.

Save The Children program director Tom Howells said access was a "huge issue" hampering relief efforts.

"Aid agencies and local authorities are struggling to reach several communities around Donggala, where we are expecting there to be major damage and potential large-scale loss of life," Howells said.

The national disaster agency said it believed about 71 foreigners were in Palu when the quake struck, with most safe.

Three French nationals and a South Korean, who may have been staying at a flattened hotel, had not yet been accounted for, it added.

Getting enough aid in may prove a problem.

Satellite imagery provided by regional relief teams showed severe damage at some of the area's major ports, with large ships tossed on land, quays and bridges trashed and shipping containers thrown around.

A double-arched yellow bridge had collapsed, its ribs twisted as cars bobbed in the water below.

A key access road had been badly damaged and was partially blocked by landslides.

"People here need aid -- food, drink, clean water," said Anser Bachmid, a 39-year-old Palu resident.

- Far and wide -

Friday's tremor was also felt in the far south of the island in its largest city Makassar and on neighbouring Kalimantan, Indonesia's portion of Borneo island.

As many as 2.4 million people could have felt the quake, it is believed.

The initial quake struck as evening prayers were about to begin in the world's biggest Muslim majority country on the holiest day of the week.

As news of the scale of the disaster spread, US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert conveyed "condolences and support" and said that the US was "ready to assist in the relief effort."

From the Vatican, Pope Francis offered prayers for victims.

source: philstar.com

Olympic gold medalist Schooling set for next phase at Asian Games

JAKARTA, Indonesia — The hardest lap for any swimmer is usually the one coming home.

That's when they have to try their hardest, giving it everything they have to get to the finish.

Singapore's Olympic gold medalist Joseph Schooling is about to discover what that means when he's not in the competition pool.

After spending the last nine years in relative anonymity in the United States, the 23-year-old Schooling is getting ready for the second half of his sporting career back in southeast Asia, knowing he probably won't be able to walk down the street or go for dinner without being noticed.

"It's everywhere but it shows that they support you and they're excited to see you, and so you can't complain," Schooling said. "You can never brush aside your fans. You've always got to reciprocate so I'm completely fine with it."

Schooling is competing at the Asian Games this week, where he has entered in the 50- and 100-meter butterfly, three relays and the 50 freestyle. He will bid to defend his title in the 100 butterfly on Wednesday.

Despite leaving Singapore in his teens to chase his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal, the island-state has always been in Schooling's heart. But so too has Texas, where he has been studying at University and training under the watchful eye of Eddie Reese.

Schooling will complete his economics degree later this year before returning to Singapore, but will take back two permanent reminders of his time in the US that changed his life.

One is the tattoo on his left shoulder of the University of Texas mascot, the Longhorn, with the words "come and take it" underneath. The other, inked after he won Rio, is the Olympic rings on his right bicep.

The Longhorns won the NCAA national title four years in a row while Schooling was on the team and he credits his time there for helping him win the ultimate prize when he beat American great Michael Phelps for the Olympic title in the 100 fly.

"It's great, it's a different atmosphere, great teammates," Schooling said. "I feel like it's the perfect environment for high performance."

Schooling wants to keep swimming through to the 2024 Olympics in Paris and, although he hasn't made a final decision on his training plans, he has spent the past few months practicing with Singapore's new high-performance unit and likes what he sees.

Australia's Stephan Widmer, who helped Libby Lenton and Leisel Jones win Olympic titles, has been appointed performance director at the institute while Gary Tan is the national head coach and Sonya Porter, who has extensive experience coaching in the US, is the technical director.

Schooling's biggest challenge could be how to deal with his celebrity status but after he held off Phelps on the biggest final lap of his life to date, he's confident he can manage.
"It takes some getting used to but at the end of the day if you focus on what you're doing and you don't care about outside distractions it's ok," he said. "I like being in that position and I don't see it as a burden at all."

source: philstar.com

Malaysia, Indonesia markets roiled as investors scramble for hedge on Trump

JAKARTA -- Emerging markets in Southeast Asia were slammed on Friday as the stunning upset of Donald Trump's presidential win in the United States reverberated around the world, with Malaysia and Indonesian central banks intervening to try to stem the flow of money out of stocks and bonds.

The latest selloff was triggered by markets recalibrating their expectations of a Trump presidency on broad economic policy, with a growing consensus that his policies will be inflationary and push US rates up driving investors out of emerging markets and into dollar-based assets.

Yields on benchmark 10-year Treasuries have spiked 41 basis points in the past two days as investors scrambled to readjust their positions.

Emerging markets in Asia are particularly vulnerable to hot money outflows, and deep uncertainty over how broad US and international policy will ultimately play out under Trump has unsettled investors.

On Friday's Asian session, the differential between the onshore spot rate in the Malaysian ringgit and the offshore NDF rate spread hit its widest since 2009.

Ringgit one-month non-deliverable forwards plunged to 4.5280 per dollar, while spot ringgit stood at 4.2670. As a result, the dollar/ringgit's NDFs premium over the dollar/ringgit spot widened to 0.2610, the widest since at least April 2008, according to Reuters data.

The subdued spot rate belied the drama because Bank Negara Malaysia was acting to stem any panic, traders said.

Malaysia's central bank governor Muhammad Ibrahim told reporters on Friday the ringgit should not be priced out of sync with fundamentals, and that it has a responsibility to tell banks to take temporary measures to calm the market

"We don't want to be dictated by factors that have nothing to do with the country's fundamentals," Ibrahim said.

Traders in Kuala Lumpur said the central bank had told them not to quote offshore rates and was approving large ringgits sell orders on a one-off basis in a bid to keep a lid on things. The tactic seemed to work with onshore trade reportedly very thin.

Hot money headache

However, yields on Malaysian government bonds told another story. Yields on 10-years have widened 22 basis points since Wednesday, while those on 20-year and 30 year bonds have widened 21 basis points and 10 basis points respectively over the same period.

Almost 40 percent of Malaysian government bonds are in foreign hands.

Malaysian stocks were down almost one percent.

Indonesian markets also dived in early trade. Indonesia has enjoyed relatively high inflows into stocks and bonds markets in the past few months, making it vulnerable to hot money outflows at times of uncertainty.

The rupiah  fell as much as 2.7 percent, while Jakarta Composite Index fell as much as 3.2 percent to its lowest since Sept 16.

Bank Indonesia sold dollars to stabilize the currency, traders said, but it still fell to a four-month low.

Nanang Hendarsah, an official at BI, said the rupiah's sharp drop was caused by sudden hedging activity in the NDF market, but noted outflows from Indonesian markets were contained so far.

Yield of Indonesia's 10-year government bonds jumped on Friday to 7.462 percent from 7.417 percent. Foreigners own 38.4 percent of outstanding Indonesian government bonds.

Philippine stocks were also caught in the selloff with the main index tumbling more than 2.5 percent. The Philippines peso, however, was steady at 48.99.

The short term might prove a head-spinning affair for investors, especially for those in emerging markets.

"With the market now pricing in low expectations of further US Federal Reserve rate hikes beyond the one expected in December, Mr. Trump’s economic policies present an upside risk to rates," said Khoon Goh, head of Asia research at ANZ.

"This, coupled with the depreciation pressure on Asian currencies, has put serious pressure on Asia’s carry trades."

source: interaksyon.com

Solar eclipse begins sweeping across Indonesia

TERNATE, Indonesia - A solar eclipse began sweeping across the vast Indonesian archipelago on Wednesday, with hordes of sky gazers set to watch the spectacle, which will be marked by parties, prayers, and tribal rituals.

The moon began to move between the Earth and sun at 6:19 a.m. (2319 GMT Tuesday), the official Meteorology, Climate and Geophysics Agency said.

A rare total solar eclipse will be visible in a broad arc across the country about an hour later.

All direct sunlight will be blocked for a short time from the western island of Sumatra, to the spice-fringed Maluku Islands thousands of miles to the east, before the total eclipse sweeps out across the Pacific Ocean.

From a festival featuring live bands, to fun runs, and traditional dances, events are being organized across the country for an estimated 10,000 foreign visitors and 100,000 domestic tourists who will be witnessing the phenomenon.

Hotels in the best viewing spots filled up weeks ago -- in the city of Ternate, in the Maluku Islands, officials have had to find extra space for tourists on boats.

"It's an extraordinary spectacle that only takes place about once a year in one part of the world," said Arnaud Fischer, a 33-year-old French tourist, who has witnessed several eclipses and was set to watch Wednesday's in Ternate.

I Gde Pitana, the government's head of foreign tourism, described the phenomenon as "a tourism attraction created by God."

However there are concerns that clouds could obscure the view in some places, as it is currently the wet season in Indonesia.

It will be a deeply spiritual experience for many in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, with the faithful being urged by Islamic authorities to perform special eclipse prayers.

"Our Prophet Mohammed said the prayer signifies the greatness of Allah, who created this wonderful phenomenon," said Ma'ruf Amin, chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council, the country's top Islamic clerical body.

Tribal rituals

Some of Indonesia's tribespeople are fearful of the phenomenon, however. Members of the Dayak tribe in one part of Borneo island will perform a ritual to ensure that the sun, which they view as the source of life, does not disappear entirely.

The total eclipse will sweep across 12 out of 34 provinces in Indonesia, which stretches about 3,000 miles (5,000 kilometres) from east to west, before heading across the Pacific Ocean.

It will be visible for between just one and a half to three minutes in most places.

Partial eclipses will be visible in northern Australia and parts of Southeast Asia.

Before hitting Sumatra, the eclipse sweeps across Sulawesi and Borneo, then moves over the Malukus and heads out into the ocean.

One of the most popular events for foreign tourists will be a festival close to Palu, in Sulawesi.

Among those coming to Indonesia is Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who recently hit the headlines after a $40,000 toilet custom-built for her visit to Cambodia went unused.

She will be watching the spectacle in Ternate, although officials insist that no luxury commode has been built for her on this occasion.

The last total solar eclipse occurred on March 20, 2015, only visible from the Faroe Islands and Norway's Arctic Svalbard archipelago.

Total eclipses occur when the moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, and the three bodies align precisely.

As seen from Earth, the moon is just broad enough to cover the solar face, creating a breath-taking silver halo in an indigo sky.

source: interaksyon.com

Asian scholar Benedict Anderson dies in his sleep in Indonesia

EAST JAVA, Indonesia - Asian studies scholar Benedict Anderson died in his sleep in Batu, Balang, East Java Sunday morning, it was learned. He was 79.

Prof. Patricio Abinales, formerly of the University of the Philippines and now of the University of Hawaii, confirmed Anderson’s death in his Facebook page.

Anderson is best known for his book Imagined Communities, first published in 1983.




According to an Indonesian news website, Anderson was staying in a hotel in Batu, Malang when he died. He was traveling with a driver and colleagues.

The driver and his colleagues heard sounds from his bedroom, but thought he was just sleeping soundly.

When they went to his bedroom, Anderson’s body had already turned blue. They took him to the hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

According to an updated Wikipedia entry, Anderson was Aaron L. Binenkorb Professor Emeritus of International Studies, Government & Asian Studies at Cornell University.

Anderson was born in Kunming, China, to James O'Gorman Anderson and Veronica Beatrice Bigham, and in 1941 the family moved to California.

In 1957, Anderson received a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Cambridge University, and he later earned a PhD. from Cornell's Department of Government, where he studied modern Indonesia under the guidance of George Kahin. He is the brother of historian Perry Anderson.

During his life, some of Anderson’s works became reference for scholars and students in Indonesia such as Java in a Time of Revolution, Debating World Literature, Language and Power: Exploring Political Cultures in Indonesia, and Imagined Communities.

He was banned from entering Indonesia due to his analysis and critical views of the regime of the late Indonesia strongman Suharto. Only after Suharto fell from power was Anderson able to return to Indonesia.

source: interaksyon.com

Indonesia inaugurates outsider Widodo as president

JAKARTA - Joko Widodo, Indonesia's first leader without deep roots in the era of dictator Suharto, was sworn in as president Monday but faces huge challenges to enact a bold reform agenda.

The inauguration, which was attended by foreign dignitaries including US Secretary of State John Kerry and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, capped a remarkable rise for a softly-spoken politician who was brought up in a riverside slum.

Widodo, known by his nickname Jokowi, worked his way up through local politics before securing the presidency in July following a close race against controversial ex-general Prabowo Subianto.

He is the country's first president from outside an ageing band of political and military figures who have ruled the world's third-biggest democracy since the end of the three-decade Suharto dictatorship in 1998.

But fears are growing that a hostile parliament dominated by parties that opposed Widodo at the election, and the new leader's status as a novice in national politics, could make it impossible for him to push through reforms aimed at reviving Southeast Asia's top economy and helping society's poorest.

At a ceremony in parliament, Widodo, wearing a black suit and traditional cap, stood for the national anthem alongside outgoing president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, before taking the oath.

"In the name of God, I swear that I will fulfil my obligation as the president of Indonesia as best as I can and as fairly as possible," he said.

Lawmakers and visiting dignitaries packed out the parliament for the ceremony, and there was applause when Prabowo walked in after speculation he would not attend, the latest sign of a thaw after weeks of political tensions.

Crowds had gathered across Jakarta to celebrate the inauguration of Widodo, a 53-year-old former furniture exporter who won legions of fans with his man of the people image during his time as Jakarta governor.

"I am proud of him. I don't mind spending money to travel here to watch this first-hand," said Sunti, who like many Indonesians goes by one name and had travelled a long distance from her hometown for the inauguration.

After the ceremony, Widodo and his new vice president, Jusuf Kalla, will travel in a horse-drawn carriage accompanied by a parade to the presidential palace.

In the evening the new leader, a heavy metal fan, is expected to join rock bands on stage at an outdoor concert.

About 24,000 police and military personnel were deployed to secure the day's events.

Critical moment for economy

But the euphoria of the inauguration is likely to be short-lived, analysts warn, as Widodo faces up to the task of leading the world's fourth most populous country, with 250 million people spread over more than 17,000 islands, at a critical moment.

Growth in Southeast Asia's top economy is at five-year lows, corruption remains rampant, and fears are mounting that support for the Islamic State group could spawn a new generation of radicals in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.

Widodo has set out an ambitious reform agenda to tackle the country's many problems, but there is concern the notoriously fractious parliament could prove a hindrance.

However Prabowo's appearance at the inauguration was the second sign of easing tensions in just a few days after he unexpectedly met Widodo Friday for the first time since the election and pledged support, and raises hopes for the new leader's prospects.

In recent weeks, Prabowo's supporters in parliament had used their majority to abolish the direct election of local leaders, a move opposed by Widodo, and win key posts in the legislature.

But analysts cautioned it was too early to say if the reconciliation would last or help Widodo.

Widodo's first test will be to reduce the huge fuel subsidies that eat up about a fifth of the budget, a move economists say is urgently needed but which risks sparking large street protests.

He is also expected to announce his new cabinet later in the week.

Kerry's attendance was in part aimed at seeking support from Southeast Asian nations in the fight against the Islamic State group, which has taken over vast swathes of Iraq and Syria.

source: interaksyon.com

US teen held in Bali suitcase killing assaulted in custody - lawyer

DENPASAR - An American teenager suspected of killing her mother, whose body was found in a suitcase in Bali, has revealed she is pregnant and claims she has been assaulted in custody, her lawyer said.

Heather Mack, 19, who denies any involvement in her mother's death, also alleges police on the Indonesian resort island have threatened to deprive her of food and water if she does not speak to them, her US-based lawyer Michael Elkin said in a statement.

He added that she was around two months pregnant.

However Bali police rejected the claims, insisting that all detainees were treated well.

The half-naked, battered body of Sheila von Wiese Mack, 62, was discovered on Tuesday last week stuffed in a blood-stained suitcase in the boot of a taxi outside the exclusive St. Regis hotel in the upscale Nusa Dua resort area.

Her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend, Tommy Schaefer, 21, who had been on holiday with the victim, were arrested a day later after fleeing the hotel.

Police say they have strong evidence against the pair, and are leaning towards charging them with premeditated murder, which carries a maximum penalty of death in Indonesia.

However, Elkin has insisted claims that Heather Mack was involved in her mother's death are false.

"Said allegations and reports are not true and will be disproven as the investigation continues or at the conclusion of trial, if formal charges are indeed filed," he said in a statement.

The daughter and her boyfriend have been named suspects in the case, but under the Indonesian legal system would only be formally charged in court at the start of a trial.

In a statement sent to AFP late Saturday, Elkin said his client "has been seriously physically assaulted while in custody", without giving further details, adding that she has been "pregnant for approximately two months".

"Heather was told that if she does not speak to the police she will be deprived of food and water," the statement went on.

"Heather was told that unless her attorney arrives within days she will be deprived of food and water and that he will be denied access to meet with her," it added.

The suspected killers have refused to talk to Indonesian investigators and insisted on having American legal representation. Elkin said he plans to head to Bali soon. He said that he was not representing Schaefer.

But Djoko Hari Utomo, police chief in the Balinese capital Denpasar, insisted: "All those detained here are well treated."

"I do not want to comment on something which doesn't even exist."

An FBI agent has travelled to Bali to help in the investigation, police on the resort island said Saturday. A doctor also revealed new details of the killing, including that the victim's neck had been broken.

source: interaksyon.com

Miss World Megan Young overwhelmed by rapturous homecoming welcome

Megan Young couldn’t help but wax emotional upon seeing the throng of well-wishers that greeted her much-anticipated homecoming at the NAIA Terminal 1 Thursday.

“These are tears of joy. I’m just really happy to be home. I’m just really happy to see everyone,” exclaimed the newly crowned Miss World 2013 during a mini-press conference upon her arrival.

The 23-year-old Filipino-American actress and film student admitted that she still couldn’t believe she was the new Miss World even after she had proceeded to London following her victory in the prestigious pageant in Bali, Indonesia.

“First time ko sa Europe. Hindi ko ma-imagine na magta-trabaho pala ako doon as Miss World. It still hasn’t sunk in to me yet,” she confessed.

As she learns more of her upcoming activities in her scheduled world tour, Megan said she now has a better understanding of the “Beauty with a Purpose” mission of the pageant.

“Ang gusto ko lang sanang hilingin, hindi lang ako ang nandidito para sa Miss World, sana lahat ng Pilipino dito at everyone worldwide kasama ko sa journey bilang Miss World. Hindi lang po ito korona, malaking bahagi ng puso bilang Miss World ang ibinabahagi namin sa buong mundo,” she pleaded.

She later revealed that she intends to raise funds for the charitable projects of Miss World, particularly for the children of Africa who have no access to clean water.

“I was very excited when they told me we were going to Kenya and Ghana because I’ve always wanted to go to those parts of Africa,” Megan said during another press conference at Solaire Resorts and Casino that preceded her homecoming victory dinner party.

As for her own countrymen, Megan’s schedule for the next four days will be capped with a charity visit to the Philippine General Hospital. She said she also hopes to do charity work for street children here while reiterating her concern for the recent typhoon victims in her hometown of Olongapo City which she will visit on Saturday.

“Para sa mga kababayan ko rin po sa Olongapo, I just hope everyone’s okay. I will visit my fellow Batang Gapo during my stay here,” she added.

Although she did not make it on time to toss the ceremonial jump ball in the equally anticipated NBA Global Game between the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers, Megan was likewise greeted with loud cheers upon her arrival at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Aside from her visits to Olongapo and the PGH, Megan’s busy schedule include a courtesy call with President Noynoy Aquino at Malacañang this Friday. This will be followed by a Grand Fans Day that will commence with a motorcade victory parade from Makati to SM Mall of Asia where a meet-and-greet affair will immediately follow.

With regards to personal matters, the reigning Miss World was asked if there was anyone special in her life right now. Megan replied in the negative but did not rule out the prospects of meeting one in the course of her travels as Miss World.

Prior to her winning Miss World Philippines this year that led to her crowning as the new Miss World, Megan was romantically linked with GMA Network talent Mikael Daez. Neither Megan nor Mikael have publicly admitted being in a relationship.

Megan managed to post a lone tweet early Friday morning that expressed what it means for her to finally come home.

source: interaksyon.com

Megan Young bags Philippines’ first Miss World crown

After a long wait and several near misses, the Philippines finally won its first Miss World title as 23-year-old Megan Young, a Filipino-American actress from Olongapo, captured the coveted crown at the Bali International Convention Center in Bali, Indonesia on Saturday.

The result was posted on the Facebook page of the prestigious beauty pageant as Young bested nine other semifinalists from Brazil, Australia, France, Nepal, England, Indonesia, Spain, Jamaica and Ghana. There were a total of 131 contestants from around the world — the most in the pageant’s history.

“It’s destiny!” Miss World Phillippines franchise holder Cory Quirino said in a text message to InterAksyon. “The honor is not only Megan’s but the Philippines’. We have made history and have proven once and for all that the Filipina is the most beautiful woman in the world! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” she added.

Prior to her coronation, Young also figured prominently in three of the preliminary compeititions in the pageant, winning the Top Model challenge and finishing in the Top 5 of the Beach Fashion and Multimedia Award contests.

She achieved her victory despite the malicious resurfacing of her sexy photos from a March 2012 magazine shoot courtesy of what Miss World Philippines franchise holder Cory Quirino called “a smear campaign by a neglible sector of the Philippine pageant industry”.

Megan became the country’s official representative after winning the Miss World Philippines pageant last August in a lopsided contest where she swept most of its special awards, including Best in Fashion Runway, Miss Sports by FILA, Miss Reducin, Miss Olay, Miss Laguna, Miss Bold and Glamorous by Revlon, Miss Figlia and Miss Bench Body.

Also a digital filmmaking student at the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, Megan recently appeared in the TV5 sexy drama series, “Misibis Bay” and headed the ensemble cast of the independent crime anthology, “Bang Bang Alley”.

Established in 1951, Miss World is the oldest major international beauty pageant in the world and is part of the “Big Four” international beauty pageants that also includes Miss Universe, Miss Earth and Miss International.

source: interaksyon.com

Loyola falls in Indonesian invitational debut

The Loyola Meralco Sparks yielded a 1-nil result to Arema Malang to drop its debut match in the 2013 Menpora Cup, an invitational tournament in Indonesia, on Saturday night at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java.

Arema, one of the most popular clubs in Indonesia that boasts a mix of naturalized members of the Indonesia national team, proved to be too much for Loyola as Brazilian striker Alberto Goncalves scored at the 21st minute to give his team the lead.

While the Sparks held 56 percent of the match’s possession, they failed to convert any of their seven shots, only two of which was on target.

Loyola will have a chance to bounce back when it takes on local clubs Mitra Kukar FC on Monday and Persepam Madura United on Wednesday to complete their matches in the Malang Group.

The 2013 Menpora Cup is an invitational club tournament pitting local clubs in Indonesia against some international teams. This marks the second time for Loyola to play in an international competition after bowing out of the Singapore Cup quarterfinals last July.

Also playing in the other group of the tournament, the Bandung Group, are defending Australian League champion Central Coast Mariners, reigning Southeast Asian Games champion Malaysia Under-23 football team, domestic sides Persib Bandung, one of the most successful clubs in Indonesian history, and Sriwijaya FC, 2012 champion of the Indonesia Super League.

source: interaksyon.com

Megan Young leaves for Bali to compete in Miss World pageant

Notwithstanding talks of a possible cancellation of the Miss World beauty pageant, there was no stopping actress Megan Young in her quest to bring home the crown.

Young flew to Bali, Indonesia on Tuesday night on board Philippine Airlines flight PR537, which left the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal 2 at 8PM.

Before boarding her plane, she told media that she was proud to represent the Philippines in the the world’s oldest international beauty competition. She also asked her countrymen to vote for her in the ongoing online poll, a side event of the contest, at www.missworld.com.

The application is available on iStore for Apple and Google Play for
Android users.

No Filipina has won the Miss World crown. The first time an established actress represented the country in this event, Ruffa Gutierrez won the second runner-up prize (Miss World Second Princess) in 1993.

The coronation night will be held in Jakarta on September 28.

source: interaksyon.com

Crocodile eats Indonesian, head found in river

KUPANG, Indonesia--A crocodile devoured a man as he fished in an eastern Indonesian river but left his head floating in the water where it was discovered by his distraught family, police said Thursday.

Sam Sem Ledo, a father of 11, set off on Tuesday to go fishing for crabs in the Amabi river in Kupang district on Timor island.

But the 53-year-old had not returned home by the following day, so several of his family members accompanied by police began searching for him.

At first they spotted a basket of crabs, his fishing gear and flip-flops -- but then came face to face with his head floating in an estuary, said local detective Bonifasius Rumbewas.

"We were able to identify him because of the head," added local police chief Mochammad Slamet, who said that other body parts, including intestines, were also found in the water.

Police did not say which of the man's family members were involved in the search

Slamet said Ledo had been killed by a saltwater crocodile, and that the area was infested with them.

source: interaksyon.com

San Miguel-Citra consortium plans fund-raising for Philippine, Indonesia tollway projects

MANILA - The joint venture of San Miguel Corp (SMC) and the Citra Group plans to raise more money to finance a multibillion-dollar war chest for building new tollway projects in the Philippines and Indonesia.

In a briefing on Friday, Shadik Wahono, chairman of PT Citra Marga Nuphasala, told reporters that the consortium is considering an initial public offering (IPO) in the Philippines or a business trust listing in Singapore next year.

The SMC-Padma Funds LP consortium holds majority of shares in Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corp, South Luzon Tollway Corp and their respective operating and maintenance companies. 

Padma, which is managed by Cayman Island-based Parralax Capital Management, owns the Citra Group. Citra Manila is the concession holder and operator of the Skyway, while SLTC operates the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

Wahono said the company plans to raise $700 million-$1 billion to finance existing tollway projects and future acquisitions in the Philippines and Indonesia.

"The IPO plan is still in various stages. We are talking with some bankers," Wahono said, adding that it will undertake a road show in Hong Kong and Singapore to get more feedback from investors.

Wahono said the consortium may create a new corporate vehicle for the planned IPO in the Philippines or business trust listing in Singapore.

The company also has the option to list Atlantic Aurum Inc in the local bourse.  San Miguel Holdings Corp (SMHC) owns 46 percent of Atlantic, while Citra Group, the balance.

SMC-Padma's priority projects include the $950 million Skyway Stage 3, $670 million Skyway Stage 4, $230 million SLEX TR4 (from Sto. Tomas to Lucena), and $50 million extension and widening of the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR).

SMC, through its subsidiaries, is involved in the $250 million North Luzon East Expressway and the $390 million Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway projects.

In Indonesia, the priorities are the Becaluya Road Project, the Inner Jakarta Toll Road Project and the South Sumatra Resources Road Project.

The SMC-Padma consortium also is in late stage discussions to acquire control of Star Infrastructure Development Corp, the concession holder of the 42-kilometer STAR in Batangas.

In 2011, combined revenue from these toll roads reached $237 million. Revenue for next year is expected to reach $266 million, or an increase of 12 percent.

source: interaksyon.com

Is Christian Bautista About To Reunite With Rachelle Ann Go?

MANILA, Philippines—Rumor has it that balladeer Christian Bautista, whose contract with ABS-CBN is set to expire on Aug. 27, might just transfer to GMA-7 where his ex-girlfriend Rachelle Ann Go transferred a few years ago.

Despite the intriguing idea of a “reunion,” Bautista, who is very much in love with his present girlfriend, refused to give a definite answer about a network switch, opting to cross the bridge when he gets there.

“Pinapasa-Diyos ko, pinapasa-management ko ang mga negotiations,” he said in an interview.

Though thankful to ABS-CBN for all the breaks they gave him, Christian said that his next career moves won’t be about “channels” at all. He said that he’ll move to “wherever” as long as it would “challenge him to run as fast as I can.”

"I want a project that will widen my eyes, challenge me. A project that will really connect with me. It's not about the money; it's not about exposure... of course you need a little bit of both, pero dapat gusto ko gawin, yung passionate ako. Yung kahit maraming challenges eh gagawin ko siya," he said.

Asked for a word that would describe his state of mind as far as his career goes, Bautista went speechless for a moment before zeroing on “relentless.”

“Throw everything you got at me pero I will still make it. Put up every wall that you can possibly put up, but I will find a way to break it."

Besides his career in the Philippines, Bautista pointed out that he is also thinking about his pursuits in other Asian countries where he has already made a breakthrough, particularly in Indonesia and Singapore.

But does he want to stay with ABS-CBN?

“Sa ngayon po, we want to review everything,” he quipped.

While mulling over his options and waiting for results of negotiations that would determine his next career moves, Bautista is focusing on his upcoming 10th anniversary concert dubbed “X Class” that will be staged on Oct. 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 at the Meralco Theater. Describing the upcoming series as a dream come true for him, Christian revealed that it would be an intimate show, if not a bit theatrical in concept that fits the venue.

article source: mb.com.ph

Lady Gaga's Indonesia concert canceled after threats

JAKARTA — Pop diva Lady Gaga on Sunday canceled her Indonesian concert with promoters saying the security threat was too serious after Islamic hardliners promised “chaos” if she entered the Muslim nation.

The promoters had indicated that a deal was being hammered out to tone down the June 3 concert in Jakarta, but the U.S. star’s management had stood firm, vowing there would be no compromise to appease religious conservatives.

“Lady Gaga’s management has considered the situation minute to minute, and with threats if the concert goes ahead, Lady Gaga’s side is calling off the concert,” Minola Sebayang, lawyer for promoters Big Daddy, told reporters.

“This is not only about Lady Gaga’s security, but extends to those who will be watching her.”

The flamboyant performer, who has nearly 25 million followers on Twitter—the highest number on the social networking site—wrote just hours before the announcement was made: “There is nothing Holy about hatred.”

After the announcement the show was off, thousands of her fans, who call themselves “little monsters,” sent a flurry of Twitter messages to persuade her to go ahead with the concert.

Earlier this month, Jakarta police refused approval for the show after the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) threatened violence if Lady Gaga performed, calling her a “devil’s messenger” who wears only a “bra and panties.”

Big Daddy president director Michael Rusli said it was “unfortunate” that the show, part of Lady Gaga’s tour of Asia that drew protests from Christian groups in the Philippines and South Korea, had to be called off.

“For the past few days, we have communicated with the government and Lady Gaga’s side. The government has given support, but this is not about the permit,” he said. “The cancellation is really due to concerns over security.”

More than 50,000 tickets had been sold for the event at the Bung Karno Stadium, but FPI Jakarta chairman Habib Salim Alatas said the cancelation was “good news” for Muslims in Indonesia.

“FPI is grateful that she has decided not to come. Indonesians will be protected from sin brought about by this Mother Monster, the destroyer of morals,” he told AFP.
“Lady Gaga fans, stop complaining. Repent and stop worshipping the devil. Do you want your lives taken away by God as infidels?”

The FPI claims seven million followers and has been known to raid pubs and clubs.

Conservative Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali welcomed the cancelation, saying other groups had also raised concerns.

“I strongly believe this cancelation will benefit the country. Indonesians need entertainment and art which have moral values,” he told reporters.

Lady Gaga is scheduled to play three shows in Singapore this week. She was due to play in Jakarta after that, before flying to New Zealand and Australia, and then to Europe on her “Born This Way Ball” tour.

Indonesian fans had suggested that Big Daddy look for another venue outside the capital after Jakarta police refused to give approval, but Rusli said “this is a huge concert, so it can’t be moved elsewhere.”

“Nowhere else in Indonesia can accommodate that many people”, he said, insisting that the 26-year-old singer was “prepared to adapt to Asian culture.”

The star’s manager Troy Carter said in Singapore on Thursday that Lady Gaga would not tone down her concerts.

Disappointed student Agus Murdadi, 17, said he had been waiting for months to see his idol.

“I’m shocked. She’s creative, not provocative. I bought a ticket because I want to see her dancing and singing ‘Judas’ in front of me,” he told AFP.

“I’m going to tweet to her to tell her that she should just come and not worry. The police can take care of FPI. I hate the FPI.”

Another fan, Muh Fadli Firdaus, tweeted on @FadliGermanotta: “Sorry for everything, we still love you.”

Ninety percent of Indonesia’s 240 million people identify themselves as Muslim, making it the world’s largest Islamic-majority nation, but the vast majority practise a moderate form of the religion.

In the past, pop stars including Beyonce and The Pussycat Dolls have been allowed to perform in the country on condition they wore more conservative dress than usual.

article source: japantoday.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