Bono salutes journalists, activists, volunteers at 2019 Philippine concert

MANILA, Philippines — Irish rock band U2 has honored Red Cross volunteers, journalists and activists at the Philippine leg of their world tour, "The Joshua Tree Tour" promoted by MMI Live and held in Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

During the concert, frontman Bono asked concertgoers to include volunteers, journalists and activists in their prayers. In a Zipline press conference the other day, Bono shared that his concert was free for Red Cross volunteers and if not a singer, he would probably be a journalist.


“Red Cross is in the house tonight, volunteers. Let’s keep them in our prayers, the ones who keep us safe from physical harm,” Bono said.

“Also in our prayers, let’s keep the journalists, the truth-tellers, the activists who keep this country spiritually safe. We salute you. Truth-tellers, everyday heroes. Let’s see our lights, let’s see out stars in the middle of the sky,” he added.

Bono's statement comes on the same day it was reported that government officials and uniformed personnel were linked to at least 69 attacks and threats against journalists recorded since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office, according to a report of a network of media organizations.



U2, composed of Bono, guitarist David Evans, bass Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr, was in the country for the first time since the band started in 1976.

Bono thanked Filipinos for their patience as they played the band’s greatest hits in four decades, including, “With or Without You,” “Bullet the Blue Sky,” “Desire,” “Elevation,” “Where The Streets Have No Name,” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” to name a few.

“Thank you, Manila for your patience. I know it’s taken a while getting in the arena tonight. It took us four decades, but we feel very welcome. And this is for sure gonna be the best show we ever play in Manila,” Bono said.

source: philstar.com

WOCEE and WOSAS 2019 welcome the future of technology, security

MANILA, Philippines – Recognizing how the tech and security industries require an avenue to introduce innovations, Worldbex Services International – the country’s leading events and expositions organizer – mounted the third installments of World of Consumer Electronics Expo (WOCEE) and World of Safety and Security Expo (WOSAS).

Mounted across a 15,000-sqm exhibit area, this year’s WOCEE and WOSAS showcased about 500 booths.

Over 300 topnotch exhibitors, hailing from all over the country as well as from abroad such as China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Indonesia and Dubai, brought in a wide range of cutting-edge products in the field of consumer technology and safety and security.

The back-to-back trade shows officially launched with a grand opening ceremony at the World Trade Center Metro Manila last September 26. Present were PNP Police Col. Ramchrisen Haveria Jr., PNP Police Brigadier Gen. Nolasco Bathan, National Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna, WSI’s Joseph Ang and Levi Ang, architect Francisco Flameño Jr., Jill Aithnie Ang, Rene Ramos and Tessie Roque.

Witness the future of technology at WOCEE

Serving as a sustainable launch pad for the latest technologies from local and international innovators, WOCEE returned for its third year to let everyone “Experience the Future.”

Proving to be a diverse platform for innovation, the product profile of this year’s show included Wireless Devices and Wearables; Video, Photography, Digital Imaging; Audio; Educational Innovations; Sports Technology and Gaming; Smart Home; Robotics; Automotive Electronics; Fitness, Health and Wellness; as well as Computer Hardware and Software.

Aside from being able to witness an extensive display of tech innovations, attendees experienced live product demonstrations and launches; the MRSP (Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines) International and National Robotics Competition which is presented in cooperation with Hytech Power Inc.; the first ever AMEROB (Automation, Mechatronics, and Robotics) International Conference which unites and encourage the industry to adopt a more competitive and innovative mindset.

The Startup Pavilion was the newest highlight at WOCEE, which consisted of different start-up businesses from the tech industry.

There was also the International Pavilion, which showcased products and services from various international companies; the WOCEE Business Park for those looking for future business partners.

The Tech Talk seminars were also available for people seeking technological knowledge enrichment; and last but not the least, the WOCEE Circuit Gallery, which displayed the cutting-edge technology from various companies.

Ultra-modern security innovations at WOSAS

As a venue to showcase state-of-the-art products and services for private and public safety and security, WOSAS, on its third year, offered everyone the opportunity to “Experience the Assurance.”

WOSAS presented an expansive product profile which includes CCTV & Biometrics; Smart Home Technology; Fire Safety and Protection; Information Security; Emergency and Rescue; Health and Medical Technology; Training and Consultation; Transport Safety and Security; and Investigation and Protection.

In order to make the experience as immersive as possible, WOSAS featured a series of event highlights such as the live product demonstrations and launches.

The WOSAS Business Park was available to those seeking for potential business relationships in the safety and security industry; while SecuCon offered a free flowing and holistic exchange of information about safety and security.

The WOSAS Circuit Gallery opened for everyone to witness the display of innovations from various industries in the Philippines; and lastly, the International Pavilion wherein exhibitors from Indonesia presented at this year’s show

source: philstar.com

Psei down in morning trade as investors digest Luzon quake aftermath

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine shares were in the red at the end of the morning trade Tuesday as investors digest the aftermath of a magnitude 6.1 earthquake that struck Luzon on Monday.

As of market recess Tuesday, the bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index was down 0.72% or 55.97 points to 7,776.46. The broader All Shares index was also in the negative territory, down 0.41% or 19.75 points to 4,814.93.

“Investors may remain on the sidelines as they gather more information regarding the aftermath of last night's earthquake. If there's any indication, Philippine iShares were slightly down -0.61% to 34.46,” Luis Limlingan of Regina Capital said in a market commentary.


Authorities say that as of mid-morning on Monday, 11 people have been confirmed dead in the aftermath of the earthquake.

The quake — which was tectonic in origin — hit Castillejos, Zambales at around 5:11 p.m. Monday. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology earlier recorded a magnitude 5.7 quake before revising it to magnitude 6.1.

A total of 447 aftershocks were recorded as of 10 a.m. Tuesday following the tremor that hit Luzon and swayed buildings in Metro Manila.

‘Cautious’

Stocks were generally lower in Asian trade on Tuesday as investors move cautiously ahead of a deluge of corporate results later in the week.

Tokyo stocks were trading down with profit-taking before 10 days of holidays in Japan weighing on the market.

With many markets opening after an extended Easter break, Hong Kong Shanghai, Taiwan, Singapore were all down, while Australia and Seoul were trading up.

"Some of the world's biggest technology companies are reporting earnings this week as well as a raft of the big European banks," Nick Twidale, chief operating officer at Rakuten Securities Australia, said in a note to clients.

"Investors will be hoping for some better-than-expected results from both groups to keep the topside momentum in global equities, however if the data starts to show a significant slowing across these key industries then expect both stocks and risk trades to start to come under some heavy pressure."

Major earnings releases expected this week include Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, Exxon Mobil and auto maker Tesla.

Aerospace giant Boeing will report earnings on Wednesday for the first time since a deadly March 10 plane crash plunged the company into crisis-mode. — Ian Nicolas Cigaral with AFP

source: philstar.com

What's that unidentified object in the sky?

The skyline of Makati City with its glittering lights and silver skyscrapers can easily leave anyone mesmerized. The city is abuzz with energy because of the constant flow of people and traffic making its way across the metro.

But last July 2, families and the commuting public spotted a peculiar sight — an unidentified object in the sky hovering above the metro CBD’s buildings.

Could this be the first other-worldly sighting in Manila finally caught on tape?

“When I first saw it, I had to do an immediate double take!” shares Michelle Alingarog, a 34-year-old mom who was with her four-year-old daughter, Mayumi. “It wasn’t scary or anything, actually my daughter was excited to see it!”

Another passerby, Jasper Lagorza, shared, “It made me stop whatever I was doing, because here was something I had never seen before.”

Instead of striking fear, the experience made the adults and kids curious, pointing to the sky and badgering their parents for answers.

source: philstar.com

Office space market sees growth in 2018 on back of BPO resurgence

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The office property market is expected to continue expanding next year with a resurgence of the information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) and growth of the offshore online gaming industry.

David Leechiu, chief executive officer of Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC), said they are anticipating a “dramatic resurgence” of the IT-BPM industry in 2018 resulting from reaffirmed relations with the US and the approval of the bicameral version of the comprehensive tax reform law, which is friendly to the IT-BPM industry.

Leechiu noted the recent upgrade of the country’s credit rating is also a positive development.

“A handful of the world’s largest companies by market capitalization are in final stages of setting up shared services operations that will be employing tens of thousands of Filipinos, which will assure the world that all is well in the Philippines,” he said in a press briefing on Tuesday, Dec. 12.

Leechiu said there is a “very good chance” that Metro Manila office take-up would reach 800,000 to 850,000 square meters in 2018.

Metro Manila office take-up rate is forecast in 2017 to register at an all-time high of 750,000. As of end-November, take-up was at 728,305 square meters.

“The exponential growth from the offshore online gaming industry fuelled robust office demand and more than made up for a slack from the IT-business process manufacturing industry,” he said.

Leechiu further said online gaming expanded by 306 percent from only 56,700 square meters in 2016 to 230,102 square meters as of the end of November.

IT-BPM take-up, on the other hand, was 28-percent less at 347,660 square meters as of November from 485,100 square meters in 2016.

Online gaming firms took up spaces mostly in Bay City, the business districts rising along Manila Bay. Bay City accounted for 67 percent of all online gaming take-up as of last month.

Meanwhile, vacancy rate across Metro Manila registered at a manageable 6.62 percent. – Leslie Gatpolintan

source: interaksyon.com

CSB student dies, 3 suffer injuries in suspected fraternity initiation

MANILA - A student of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde was declared dead when brought to the Philippine General Hospital, while three other fellow students suffered serious injuries reportedly from a fraternity initiation rite in Manila.

Initial reports indicated that the victims were applying to become members of the Alpha Kappa Rho (AKRHO) fraternity.

On Sunday, the Homicide Division of the Manila Police District (MPD) identified the fatality as Guillo Cesar Servando, 18, a sophomore HRM student.

Police were still trying to obtain and verify the names of Servando's companions, who were recuperating now at the Philippine General Hospital.

The victims were said to have suffered "severe bruises" on different parts of their bodies during the hazing.

Personnel of the Philippine Red Cross responded late Saturday night to an "emergency call" from an unknown person to Unit 2907 of One Archers Place on Taft Avenue in Manila to attend to persons in need of medical assistance.

Based on the initial investigation by the police, the four students were picked up blindfolded from a fastfood chain near DLS-CSB and then brought to Unit 2907 at around 9:30 p.m.

Investigators were still collecting details about where the initiation rites were conducted.

In a related development, the League of Filipino Students issued a statement that reads, in part:

"We, in LFS, demand the authorities to act quickly and resolutely in delivering justice to the perpetrators of the crime.

"We also urge the families, friends, and fellow students of the victims to join our call in ending the culture of impunity which still pervades in our society.

"LFS calls on fraternities, sororities and all youth organizations to end the barbaric practices still being practiced in several Greek orgs.

"While we uphold the right to organization, we equally assert that this shouldn’t translate as an opportunity to harm or kill anyone."

source: interaksyon.com

Taylor Swift arrives in Manila for concert, leaving midnight

MANILA, Philippines – Grammy-winning singer-composer Taylor Swift arrived Friday afternoon at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on a private chartered CL60 Challenger jet (flight VJ317) from Singapore for a seven-hour trip that includes a concert.

Swift is to perform tonight (Friday) at the Mall of Asia Arena for her RED Tour concert series and will leave again for Singapore at midnight on the same private jet parked at the general aviation area of the airport.

Her arrival was marked by extra-tight security; and private security personnel hired by the organizers prevented local media from approaching and taking a clear photo of the celebrity singer’s arrival at the tarmac.

source: interaksyon.com

Measles outbreak in Australia traced to Filipino dancer

MANILA, Philippines - An outbreak of measles in Australia has been traced to a Filipino dancer, Australian media has reported.

A report by the Sydney Morning Herald said the measles outbreak "began when a Filipino man with flu-like symptoms competed at the 2013 World Supremacy Battlegrounds (WSB), attended by more than 2000 people at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre in Homebush on December 7 and 8."

It said a 10-year-old girl from Adelaide, who attended the competition, was next to be infected with measles followed by a woman from Auckland, another person from Sydney, nine more from Turangi and Taupo in New Zealand, and a 21- year-old man from Melbourne.

Philippine Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Enrique Tayag cried foul over the report, saying it was not yet confirmed whether the Filipino dancer indeed contracted and/or spread the measles virus.

"Bakit 'yong MERS-Corona Virus, ni isa walang naninisi pa sa mga bansang Middle East. Tapos tayo dahil sa isang maliit na bansa sisihin ngayon. Huwag naman sana," Tayag said during a forum in Manila on Tuesday.

[Why is it that nobody blamed the countries in the Middle East when the MERS-Corona virus spread? And now, because we are a small country, we are being blamed. I hope it's not done that way.]

The Herald report said that when the disease broke out, WSB organizers contacted dancers who competed at Homebush and finally traced the spread of measles "to a competitor from a Manila dance troupe, FMD Xtreme, whose management said had turned up at the competition with flu-like symptoms."

"After further investigation, we have since discovered the source of the disease. An adult male dance competitor from the Philippines was infected by measles," WSB event director Marco Selorio said in a statement posted on the WSB Facebook account.

Selorio said that according to the dancer's team manager, the Filipino "showed flu-like symptoms on the day of international competition on December 8, but continued to dance after he received cold and flu tablets."

"He was bed-ridden for a few days after the event. He did not know that he had measles until the rashes appeared. His rashes did not show until he returned to the Philippines on 11th December. He was soon confined to hospital and isolated for two weeks until he was healed," said Selorio.

He said it was an "unfortunate incident that the spread of measles could not be prevented."

"Had we known earlier that the competitor or any of our dancers contracted the illness, we would have prevented them from entering the competition premises," Selorio added.

Meanwhile, the DOH is looking at the possibility that displaced victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) may have contributed to the measles outbreak in Metro Manila.

But Tayag was quick to add that the agency wasn’t blaming the typhoon victims for the spread of the disease.

Tayag said the DOH was surprised to find out that many child-victims of the typhoon had not yet been vaccinated against measles. "Sa Manila noong magbakuna sila, laking gulat nila ng malaman nila na marami pa palang batang hindi nabakunahan.”

The DOH is now conducting a survey to find out if those who got sick with measles came from the areas devastated by Yolanda.

source: interaksyon.com

BPOs brace for lower revenues, as US shutdown coincides with peak season

MANILA - The Philippine business process outsourcing (BPO) industry expects revenues to dip in the fourth quarter, as American consumer demand could weaken as a result of the US government shutdown that began yesterday.

"In terms of volumes of calls, affected American consumers may be not buying, not transacting. These are the calls going to the Philippines," Jose Mari P. Mercado, president of the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), told reporters today.



US laws forbid the outsourcing of federal work, but American legislators' failure to pass a new budget sent 800,000 government employees on unpaid leave starting yesterday.

Philippine call center volumes from the US usually climb by a quarter during the "ber" months on increased business transactions accompanying holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, Mercado said.

While it is "too early to tell" how much the impact would be, reduced call volumes may eventually temper BPO firms' revenues, he said.

US clients account for two-thirds of BPO work done in the Philippines. The country's sunrise BPO industry is one of the key sources of foreign exchange earnings, which along with remittances have insulated the Philippines from the recent volatility in foreign investment flows.

Mercado said the BPO industry however is "not scared" of the shutdown, which he expects the US government to resolve soon.

"It will be fixed in a week's time. They cannot afford to remain shut down for a long time," he said.

Paul Townsend, general manager of the Philippine BPO operations of US-based Capital One Financial Corporation, said, "We do not see the shutdown impacting on our business in the Philippines.

Capital One only recently opened its BPO operations in Manila.

source: interaksyon.com

Obama cancels visit to PH on account of US shutdown

MANILA - United States President Barack Obama has cancelled his two-day visit to the Philippines on account of "issues relating to the US Government shutdown," the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Obama's decision, said DFA, was "conveyed to President Benigno S. Aquino III" Wednesday morning, or some 36 hours after the US went into shutdown mode on account of a congressional impasse on spending.






Full text of the DFA statement issued minutes ago:

"This morning, United States President Barack Obama conveyed to President Benigno S. Aquino III that he regrets that he will not be able to push through with his visit to Manila this month. President Obama explains that this is because of issues relating to the US Government shutdown.

"President Aquino understands the decision of President Obama.  Philippines-U.S. relations remain strong and forward-looking."

source: interaksyon.com

Ex-Westlife lead vocalist in Manila for promotional tour

Former Westlife lead vocalist Shane Filan arrived in Manila on Thursday for a promotional tour.

The 34-year-old Irish singer is expected to perform his debut single “Everything To Me” and other songs from his first solo album, which is set for release by year-end and for exclusive distribution by MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines).

Filan will perform on Saturday at 6PM at The Block of SM City North Edsa and on Sunday at 4PM at the Podium.

The former Westlife frontman is best remembered for the lead vocals on the Irish boy band’s hit songs “If I Let You Go”, “I Lay My Love On You”, “Swear It Again” and “Flying Without Wings”. Westlife have sold over 50 million records worldwide.

source: interaksyon.com

Security plans all set for Napoles arraignment on Monday - PNP

MANILA - Security measures are adequate in the high-risk mission of transporting to and from Fort Sto. Domingo in Laguna the alleged “pork-barrel queen,” Janet Lim-Napoles, for her arraignment Monday in a Makati City court, the Philippine National Police said on Sunday.

Napoles' arraignment on serious illegal detention charges filed by pork barrel scam whistleblower Benhur Luy will proceed after the Makati court threw out Napoles' motion to defer arraignment pending action on her petition for certiorari at the Court of Appeals.

Superintendent Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesman, said Sunday: “Units of the SAF (Special Action Force) in coordination [with] and support from NCRPO (National Capital Regional Police Office), HPG (Highway Patrol Group) and PRO4A (Police Regional Office 4-A) are tasked to provide security.”

Napoles, currently detained at a bungalow at the anti-terrorism police training camp in Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa City, will be transported to the sala of Judge Elmo Alameda at Branch 150 of the Makati RTC, where she will be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. Monday. She will return to Laguna after that.

Benhur Luy, Napoles’ cousin and former bookkeeper of her transactions in the P10-billion pork-barrel scam, had accused the businesswoman of illegally detaining him for nearly four months starting December 2012 after she began suspecting he was setting up his own racket.

Funds sourced from lawmakers’ Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocations were allegedly funneled into Napoles’ fake nongovernment organizations. According to Luy, 50 percent of the allocation for a project was pocketed by some lawmakers as their “commission” from Napoles.

Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada, Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile, some incumbent and former congressmen, incumbent and former government officials, and private individuals were charged last week with plunder and malversation of public funds by the Department of Justice at the Office of the Ombudsman.

Mayor did not give details on the route and time of Napoles's transport to , on ly saying the convoy must be at Alameda's sala in time for the 1:30 p.m. start of court proceedings.

Earlier, Senior Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, head of the PNP’s Public Information Office, said: “All security operations for this will be spearheaded by the PNP-SAF. Suffice it to say, all other information are sensitive operational data. Hence, they are classified. The SAF is testing all sorts of combinations based on all possible scenarios earlier discussed in yesterday’s (Friday’s) meeting.”

source: interaksyon.com

Why Yosi is good for you

There are flats and there are flats. Some are pretty to look at but score poorly on the comfort scorecard, while others are practical and feel good on the feet but fail to register on the style radar.   Then there is Yosi Samra, the eponymous New York brand that got the cool factor plus comfort balance right down to fashion pat. Their sophisticated collection of flats — from straightforward leather to exotic animal skin — recently debuted locally bringing the Yosi Samra fashion fever that has spread in Hollywood and New York to Manila.  If you are in the market (or not!) for a great pair of flats, head over to check out their line and see what chic celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Alba, Charlize Theron, Mila Kunis, Halle Berry, Eva Longoria, Selena Gomez and Isla Fisher are going gaga over.


Yosi Samra is a second-generation Israeli shoe impresario who learned the craft from his father, a cobbler for a select, discerning clientele. The shoe designer absorbed the fine art while watching his father lovingly create great shoe pieces. Each pair of Yosi Samra is crafted not only to be stylish but also to be supremely snug. The sole cushioning guarantees ultimate comfort, the folding elastic band creates a secure fit, and the leather is culled from the best materials — real cow leather, pig skin, kid suede, sheepskin, nubuck, and calfskin — to give you a pair that’s a second-skin sexy fit. This is why Hollywood celebrities are seen wearing this cult fashion brand on their days off.

I took mine for a test drive on a recent trip to Italy and let me tell you, the brand does not lie when it says their shoes feel like second-skin. My feet were in comfort nirvana from taking strolls on the beaches in Puglia to walking on the cobble-stoned roads of Milan; my pink suede silver glitter-tipped version of the flats provided enough support for all the hours I spent on my feet. I received several compliments from Italian women and felt right at home strutting my Yosi Samras on the famed fashionable Via Montenapoleone and Via Spiga. Back in Tokyo, they felt right at home on the concrete pavements of Ginza, Omotesando and Harajuku.

What’s not to love? Yosi Samra comes in a range of styles and colors in soft, supple and sturdy leather finished with prints, glitter and studs. Pair a studded T-strap design with a denim ensemble or a Lace Two-Tone version with a little black dress and you are good to step out in style. Whether you’re kickin’ it at an after-party or just kickin’ around with your gal pals at the mall, dressed up or dressed down, Yosi Samra is your go-to brand. Best of all, Yosi Samra shoes are foldable and come in cute little black 100-percent cotton pouches; you can stash them in your tote, throw them in your suitcase with very minimal space requirement and whip them out after a long day in feet-killing heels without damaging its design integrity.

Since 2009, Yosi Samra has expanded its fashionable footprint around the world to include flip-flops, bags, loafers, booties and kids fold-up flats in response to market demands. Browse through celebrity photos and you’ll see them wearing their Yosi Samras on the streets of Los Angeles and New York on their hang loose, casual outings about town.

Want to count Hollywood celebrities as your comrades-in-flats? Head out to a Yosi Samra store near you.

source: philstar.com

Renee Olstead in Manila for dinner concert on Friday

American singer-actress Renee Olstead arrived in Manila Tuesday night, touching down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on board All Nippon Airways from Tokyo.

The 24-year-old native of Kingston, Texas will headline a special dinner concert at the ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel in Makati on Friday, August 28.

This is her first major concert and her second visit to the Philippines. Best known as a jazz performer with three albums to her credit, she first performed in Manila last year in a show with trumpeter Chris Botti.

Olstead’s voice has been compared to those of Billie Holiday, Amy Winehouse, and Adele.The local female trio Baihana will be her special guest in the concert.

As an actress, Olstead is best known for her role in the sitcom “Still Standing”, which ran from 2002 to 2006, and her co-starring turn in “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”, the ABC teen drama series which ran for five series from 2011 to June of this year.

She also appeared in the movies “13 Going on 30″.

source: interaksyon.com

More than two-thirds of the Senate now seek pork barrel abolition

More than two-thirds of the Philippine Senate--or 17 senators--have expressed willingness to forego their pork barrel funds on Friday, three days before a citizens' movement is set to hold a protest action in Manila on Monday.

In separate statements, Senators Nancy Binay, Juan Victor “JV” Ejercito, Juan Edgardo Angara, Grace Poe, Aquilino Pimentel III, Gregorio Honasan, Serge Osmeña, and Lito Lapid said that the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF)--which gives them P200 million each in funds--should be abolished immediately.

Earlier, Senate President Franklin Drilon also said he supports the move, reversing a previous decision upholding a resolution to stop the release of PDAF until “stricter measures” are adopted by the Department of Budget and Management.

Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano filed separate resolutions seeking the abolition of the pork barrel and other lump sum funds in the national expenditures program.

Senators Ralph Recto and Teofisto Guingona III also expressed support for the move.

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has filed the first resolution calling for the abolition of pork barrel in gradual phases, one-half in 2014, another half in 2015, and its eventual abolition in 2016.

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., also said he wanted to do away with the system after he was linked to bogus non-goverment organizations that siphoned off pork barrel funds through spurious projects and programs.

Lately, Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile and Honasan also echoed calls for the pork barrel abolition not only in Congress but also all government agencies including from President Benigno Aquino III. “But if it must be scrapped, the pork barrel system should be scrapped totally.

"We should not only look at scrapping the PDAF but include the various “pork barrel” or lump sum appropriations of all departments of government under the GAA as well,” Enrile said.

“After thorough impartial investigation by concerned agencies, departments, shift to line item budget process, immediate passage of FOI/POGI bill that would mean full transparency in public affairs. I would support calibrated abolition of the PDAF/pork barrel/discretionary fund system in all branches/departments of government,” Honasan added.

Former Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, who, like Revilla, is linked to the pork barrel scam, also supported the snowballing move to eradicate the pork barrel system.

While Angara urged Congress to support the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill to avoid misuse of public funds, he also supported the call to abolish PDAF.

Newly-elected senator JV Ejercito said "I feel sorry and really bothers me to witness our nation being embroiled in an anomaly involving the use of government funds. This issue does not only drag the image of the Senate, House of Representatives, and Malacañang, but the entire system of governance as a whole.”

“At this juncture, the function of our President plays an important role in giving direction to where this will all go. The President can end this by issuing a vital decision that mirrors the voice of the people,” Ejercito added.

For her part, Poe thanked President Aquino and supported his statement condemning the abuse of PDAF and his directives to make sure that those who took advantage of pork barrel be brought to justice.

“I also agree with him that the discretionary nature of the PDAF encourages corruption. Together with the President and millions of our countrymen, I support the abolition of the pork barrel system,” Poe said.

Aquino said he will take part in the necessary steps to abolish the PDAF in the Senate, a move that supports assertions of his cousin, President Aquino.

For his part, Pimentel said: "Let's prepare for very thick and detailed national budget because there will be line item budgeting to reflect budget priorities at national district and sectoral levels. Tiyagaan ito sa budget process which should really be the case because budget is the most important law enacted by Congress yearly. But let us all be on the lookout for possible reincarnation of the pork barrel in the future.

"In the past when the CDF was abolished, PDAF took its place," Osmena said that he had already moved in 1997 for its abolition. “Only one senator voted with me.”

Lapid said that he welcomed the decision of President Benigno Aquino III to scrap the pork barrel fund in line with the administration's effort to beef up transparency and ensure propriety of the use of the fund.

"Ito na ang pagkakataon nating mga lingkod-bayan na maipakita na tunay tayong seryoso sa pagsuporta sa adhikain ng ating pangulo para sa isang pamahalaang bumabagtas sa tuwid na daan," Lapid said.

source: interaksyon.com

Thai movie stars Mario Maurer, Baifern Pimchanok arrive for promo event

Thai models and movie stars Mario Maurer and Baifern Pimchanok arrived on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on board Thai Airways from Bangkok.

Fans gathered at the airport’s arrival ramp as early as 9AM to catch a glimpse of Maurer and Pimchanok, who became known to Fiipinos with their 2010 movie “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”.

The two are in Manila to headline a mall tour for local clothing brand Penshoppe on Sunday. The Penshoppe Fan Conference 2013 will bring Maurer and Pimchanok to SM City North Edsa at 2PM and the SM Mall of Asia Atrium at 5:30PM.

source: interaksyon.com

Afrojack soon in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - In less than two years, Afrojack has become one of electronic dance music’s major icons. From humble DJ beginnings in his native country of Holland, he has grown to become a multi-awardwinning, platinum-selling producer. His skills are some of the most sought after in the world, and with two Grammy Awards under his belt, it’s easy to see why. His DJ sets have fast become both iconic and unparalleled, providing an explosive take on the current state of dance music across the board.

On April 27, Afrojack will make his second visit to the Philippines, headlining in the CloseUp Summer Solstice Music Festival at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

Starting off in his hometown of Spijkenisse, Nick van de Wall, aka Afrojack, quickly made a name for himself with a slew of hard-hitting underground releases, before exploding in 2011 with the unveiling of Take Over Control, an instant worldwide club and chart hit going platinum in the USA. This also helped solidify his own imprint Wall Recordings as a pioneering club music brand — a value he holds dear as label boss and insures with every release.

From there, the snowball continued, as well as making club hits and collaborating with the likes of David Guetta (co-writing and producing the worldwide smash Titanium). He also began to team up with and write for pop artists around the world. In 2011 he co-wrote and produced Give Me Everything for Pitbull and Ne-Yo, which to this day has sold over five million copies worldwide. Not to mention his work for Beyonce’s Run the World (Girls) and his Grammy nominated remix for Leona Lewis’ Collide.

He has been awarded with Grammy Awards for Best Remix (Madonna, Revolver) in 2011) and Best Rap/Hip Hop Track for his co-production duties on Chris Brown’s “Look At Me Now” this year. 2012 continued upwards when his latest single with Shermanology Can’t Stop Me went top 10 in Holland and is now all over Top 40 radio in the US, while his newest underground club hit Rock The House topped the Beatport charts after just three days, making it one of the fastest number one records there ever.

Afrojack’s skills stretch much farther than the mixing desk however; his presence as one of the world’s top performers is solidified almost daily in a gruelling tour schedule. In 2012 alone he began his North American “Jacked” tour with multiple sold-out shows featuring his growing posse of Wall artists, before embarking on the same concept throughout Europe with seven shows a week throughout the summer. On top of his own shows he headlined both EDC NY & Las Vegas to over 300.000 people, as well as the UMF in Miami + Tomorrowland and many other major festivals throughout Europe.


His long-anticipated yet-to-be- named artist album is nearing completion, with tracks already being road- tested at clubs. A true testament to his prolific profile as a producer and an artist, the long-player will showcase multiple sides of the Afrojack sound — from aggressive to accessible yet always credible. In the pantheon of EDM greats that have risen over the years, Afrojack has earned his place already, but is far from finished with what he has to share. The adventure continues while the beat goes on.

source: philstar.com

British pop-rock band Lawson arrive in Manila for Eastwood concert

British pop rock band Lawson arrived at the NAIA on Sunday at 1:10PM via Singapore on board Singapore Airlines flight SQ910.

Band members Andy Brown (acoustic guitar and lead vocals), Ryan Fletcher (bass guitar and backing vocals), Joel Peat (lead guitar and backing vocals) and Adam Pitts (drums) gamely posed for souvenir photos with fans and airport employees after they cleared their immigration and customs formalities.



The scene was repeated outside the terminal, where throng of fans had waited for the band to pass at the curb side area of the airport. Security personnel were surprised when the group alighted from their vehicle and greeted fans and posed for more souvenir photos.

The group — known for their hit singles “When She Was Mine”, “Taking Over Me”, “Standing in the Dark” and “Learn to Love Again” from their 2012 debut album “Chapman Square” — is scheduled to perform at Eastwood Mall Open Park in Libis, Quezon City on April 9 at 8PM.

The group’s name is a tribute to a real-life surgeon named Lawson who successfully treated lead vocalist Andy Brown’s brain tumor when Brown was 18 years old.

source: interaksyon.com

Australian Catholic University offers scholarship programs for graduating high school students

 

The Australian Catholic University (ACU) Manila has announced that it is offering full and partial scholarships this coming school year.

 

Based on academic merit and talent, the “Esteban Scholarship Awards” will provide one full scholarship, two 50% scholarships and ten 20% scholarships. A full scholarship is valued at AUD 5,200 or PHP 246,000 per year. All scholarships are offered for the entire three-year program in Manila.

 

ACU Manila offers the opportunity to gain a world-recognized Australian Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree and equips students to practice the profession in both Australia and the Philippines.

 

To apply, graduating high school students must have a minimum academic average of 85%; demonstrate level of analytical skills by writing a paper on how Australian business education can empower him or her as a global citizen; like and visit ACU Manila’s Facebook page 

 

(www.facebook.com/acumanila); complete application and referral forms; and attend an Information Session with a parent or guardian.

 

Scholarship slots are available to graduating high school students, as well as to first to third year undergraduate degree students. Application deadline is on April 03, 2013.

 

The ACU Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree offers units specific to Australian accounting requirements in addition to Philippines-specific units. It prepares students for entry-level employment as well as future managerial positions.

 

ACU students develop an understanding of how commercial, industrial and service organizations operate. They also acquire skills to practice in a wide range of finance and accounting occupations such as accountant, auditor, investment manager, financial analyst, stockbroker, tax specialist or treasurer.

 

The ACU Manila campus is located at the Ground Floor of the Makati Stock Exchange Building, 6767 Ayala Ave., Makati City. For further inquiries, call  (+632)5019347 ,  (+632)4748345 , visit www.acu.edu.au/manila, or e-mail acumanila@estebanschool.org.

 

source: interaksyon.com

Actor Liam Hemsworth to arrive in Manila amid reports of split with Miley Cyrus

Australian actor Liam Hemsworth is expected to arrive in Manila early Friday amid widespread reports that he had just broken up with his fiancee, pop star Miley Cyrus.

The 23-year-old “Hunger Games” star is coming to the Philippines for promotional activities on behalf of Filipino clothing line Bench. He will fly in from his native Sydney where he reportedly fled after a supposed split with Cyrus, his girlfriend of three years.

Hemsworth will hold a press conference at The Peninsula Manila at 3PM on Friday, where the younger brother of “The Avengers” star Chris Hemsworth might or might not address the reports of the break-up.

His Twitter newsfeed denied the split on Wednesday and claimed Cyrus herself says the couple “are still together”.


His press conference will be followed by mall appearances at SM Mall of Asia at 5PM and Glorietta Palm Drive at 7PM.

source: interaksyon.com