Indonesia finds new COVID-19 cluster after treatment of infected Filipino ship crew

JAKARTA - Indonesia reported a new cluster of 42 coronavirus infections among medical workers who treated 13 Filipino ship crew who were sick with COVID-19, and is tracing dozens of others, a government official said on Sunday.

About 140 other medical workers came into close contact with the crew of the Panamanian-flagged cargo ship Hilma Bulker, who tested positive for the new coronavirus after docking in Central Java on April 25, the province's governor, Ganjar Pranowo, told Reuters. The vessel had come from India.

Genome sequencing showed the crew had the highly infectious B.1617.2 variant first identified in India, Ganjar said, adding that one of them had later died in hospital.

"For now we're actively tracing their nurses. Hundreds had had direct contact, close contact, and 42 had tested positive," Ganjar said by phone.

With more than 1.7 million confirmed cases and 49,000 deaths, Indonesia is the worst-hit country in Southeast Asia.

Its COVID-19 crisis is not as bad as that seen in India, but some health experts are concerned mass gatherings at this month's Eid al-Fitr celebrations and virus variants could trigger a surge of new cases in the world's fourth-most populous nation.

Last month Indonesia stopped issuing visas for foreigners who had recently been in India.

Ganjar said all other crew members of the Hilma Bulker had self-quarantined on the ship, and 49 Indonesian officials who oversaw the unloading of the ship had all tested negative for the virus.

The vessel had delivered refined sugar from India, Ganjar said. It left Indonesia this month headed to Manila, according to Refinitiv Eikon's vessel tracker. 

-reuters-

Filipino artist fights waste by using recycled trash in paintings

When Filipino artist Gilbert Angeles found out that his country was one of the world's biggest contributors of plastic trash in the ocean he felt compelled to take action.

Angeles decided the best way to show how discarded waste could be given a new life in a different medium was to incorporate materials ranging from shredded plastic to old paint and leftover construction wood in his paintings.

Since 2019, he has made over two dozen paintings of this kind.

"I make these artworks to raise awareness so we can fight against the trash in our area, to make us more responsible in how we dispose of our trash, and to make us aware of where our trash goes," said the 49-year-old.

The artist sources the materials from around his Manila neighborhood or through donations from contacts he has made since launching his environmental campaign.

Angeles remembers being spurred on to take up the project after seeing a news report about the Philippines being one of the top contributors of plastic waste.

The Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and China account for around 60 percent of the world's marine plastic, or 8 million tons annually, according to a 2017 report from the Ocean Conservancy and the McKinsey Center for Business and Environment.

Angeles' artwork has since been shown in galleries, with paintings selling for around $600 to $3,000, depending on the size. Part of the proceeds goes to his environmental group, Green Artz, which encourages artists to use recycled waste in their work.

"I love the fact that it gives us hope," said Linda Pecoraro, general manager of Conrad Hotel, where Angeles' work is being exhibited.

"It's got beautiful colors and recycled plastic, repurposing things that damage our environment and making them beautiful."

-reuters-

Body of man believed to be crew of missing ship found off southwestern Japan

The Japan Coast Guard said Friday that the body of a man believed to be a crew member of a freighter that went missing in stormy weather earlier in the week was found drifting in the East China Sea.

Coast guard officials said the body was found in the sea off Amami-Oshima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, at around 6:30 a.m.

He was attached by a cord to a life vest with the name of the freighter, they said.

The 11,947-ton Gulf Livestock 1 sent a distress call around 1:45 a.m. Wednesday when it was about 185 kilometers west of Amami-Oshima, according to the coast guard. It left New Zealand with 43 foreign crew members and 5,800 heads of cattle on board on Aug. 14 and was scheduled to arrive in China on Friday.

A Filipino crew member was rescued from the waters Wednesday night. He told authorities that the vessel was hit side-on by waves and capsized after one of its engines stopped.

The crew members of the Panamanian-registered vessel consist of two Australians, 39 Filipinos including the captain and two New Zealanders.

The search for the missing crew members and the vessel is still under way by the coast guard and the Maritime Self-Defense Force.

-Kyodo News-

ABS-CBN shares on trading halt after regulator forces sign off

MANILA -- Shares of ABS-CBN Corp were placed on trading halt on Wednesday, after the Philippines' telecommunications regulator ordered it to sign off.

The National Telecommunications Commission issued a "cease and desist" order against ABS-CBN despite a request from lawmakers to grant the company provisional authority to operate beyond the expiry of its franchise on May 4 as they need more time to deliberate on its renewal.

"I think it was fair also to have a halt, otherwise it could spiral down because of uncertainty and that could also be bad for investors," BDO Capital President Ed Francisco told ANC's Market Edge.

"I still think there’s great intrinsic value in that and I’m hopeful it will be, Congress will fix it and they’ll get their temporary license or even a permanent franchise soon," he said.

The broadcast shutdown order also came as ABS-CBN sustained its broadcast and public service works, raising up to P300 million, to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns.

The NTC order covers 42 ABS-CBN television stations, including the flagship Channel 2, 10 digital broadcast channels, 18 FM stations and 5 AM stations, including DZMM radio.

"We trust that the government will decide on our franchise with the best interest of the Filipino people in mind, recognizing ABS-CBN’s role and efforts in providing the latest news and information during these challenging times," the company said.

"ABS-CBN remains committed to being in the service of the Filipino and we will find ways to continue providing meaningful service to them," it said.

ABS-CBN signed off past 7 p.m. Tuesday, at the end of its flagship newscast, TV Patrol. It will continue streaming programs on its websites and on its official Facebook and YouTube channels. Cable channels will also continue operating.

news.abs-cbn.com

Pinoy Grand Princess crew member dies of COVID-19

SAN FRANCISCO - A Filipino crew member aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship died of the coronavirus after being transferred off the ship last month, according to Bay Area advocacy groups.

The male worker was sent to a hospital in San Francisco where he eventually succumbed to the disease, becoming the third person aboard the ship to die from the coronavirus.

Terry Valen, president of the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), was informed of the death of the crew member by the latter's Filipino shipmates who have since been repatriated.

Valen said he could not provide any further information about the fataility at this time.

In an email to Fox 2 KTVU, spokeswoman Negin Kamali of the Princess Cruises said they are deeply saddened by the death of one of their team members on Grand Princess who passed away from complications related to COVID-19.

Philippine Consulate General Henry Bensurto Jr. of San Francisco told ABS-CBN News they attempted to request if the crew member's daughter could come to the US to see him before his passing. 

But the highly contagious nature of the disease did not make it possible.

Bensurto said the Filipino was able to video chat with his family before his death.

Read more on Balitang America: 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

New generation of Fil-Ams rediscovering roots in Pinoy-owned superstore

CLIFTON, New Jersey – A Filipino-owned store considered as the oldest and largest in the east coast is expanding business and has been providing job opportunities to a new generation of employees called the iGen, also known as the GenZ.

What started out as a small store in a garage in the 1970s grew into a storefront with more than 372 square meters of space in Jersey City years later.

Now, this Philippine grocery store has quadrupled into a 1,500-sqm superstore known as “Filstop” here.

The Santos family is the proud owner of Filstop that offers Filipino food and products. The store became even more famous when it was featured twice on Bizarre Foods America by host Andrew Zimmern.

Erwin Santos is among the next generation of the Santos family taking the reins in running their one-stop shop.

His latest spin is bringing in a new generation of workers, those born between 1995 and 2012.

While this generation comprises digital natives who grew up in the digital age of iPhones and iPads, Santos, also an iGen, said working at the superstore temporarily takes him away from the digital world to rediscover the analog world and his Filipino roots.

“I found this job through social media and I take pride in the culture and the community and that's why I currently work here,” said Aaron Carr of West Orange, New Jersey.

From stocking groceries and cutting chicken meat to descaling and cleaning fish, young Fil-Am employees are learning all kinds of skills.

For Japanese-American Jacob Leonard, working at Filstop is a summer job that beats flipping burgers or folding clothes at retail stores.

“I really like the fact that everyone here’s kinda young and energized. I’m getting ready for college. I’m going to my first year in college,” he said.

Santos said Filstop is a place where people can put away their smartphones and other gadgets and focus on eating, shopping and spending time with loved ones.

“I think it’s just seeing people relaxing, conversing and talking about back home or here, I think that’s been the thing that's made me the happiest,” Santos said.

For those who can’t physically make it to Filstop, they can also order online thru Filstop.com.

Filstop’s superstore officially opens on August 22.

Read more on Balitang America:

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Filipino LGBTs win 3rd place in best boat design in Amsterdam Canal Pride Parade

AMSTERDAM — It was a perfect ‘coming-out’ party for the Filipino LGBTs in Europe. 

The boat by the group Filipino LGBT Europe won third place, out of 80 participants, in best design during the Amsterdam Canal Pride Parade last Saturday, August 3.

It was the first time that a Filipino and Asian boat sailed through the Canal Pride Parade, one of the most unique and biggest pride events in the world. It was the highlight of the month-long pride celebration in the Netherlands.

Hundreds of thousands of people packed the main canals of Amsterdam for the parade that is held annually since 1996. It was expected to draw between half a million and a million people. 

Wearing indigenous costumes showcasing different regions in the Philippines, the Filipino LGBTs rode a boat inspired by the 'balangay,' a pre-colonial Filipino vessel, through the canals of Amsterdam along with other floats from various groups and organizations in the Netherlands.

Filipinos in the Netherlands and others who flew from all over Europe, threw their support, cheered and waved flags as the ‘balangay’ sailed through the picturesque canals of Amsterdam.

The more than 60 Filipino participants, their partners and friends executed a 10-minute, five-part performance that called for unity among LGBTs, HIV awareness, out and proud and marriage equality advocacies of the group. 

Filipino LGBT Europe chair Chris Sta. Brigada, who was dressed as a chieftain, chanted in Filipino as drums reverberated. The dance routine, music and indigenous costumes took the audience back to the past and relived some of the richest parts of the Filipino heritage and ethnic culture.

“Daar komt een fantastische boot aan—the Filipino LGBT Europe...Prachtig! Prachtig! Ik hou er zo van! Kijk die hoofdtooi! Geweldig! (Here comes a fantastic boat—the Filipino LGBT Europe. Beautiful! Beautiful! I love it so much! The headdress, look at the headdress! Magnificent!),” said actress and host of Pride Amsterdam livestream Eva Van de Wijdeveen. The host, who mispronounced ‘balangay’ as ba-lan-GAY, also narrated to the audience the significance of the Filipino boat that was making history as the first Filipino and Asian in the parade. 

Meanwhile, Genibe Molavin waited hours along the canal to see the parade for the first time. She said she couldn’t be more proud than today as a Filipino in the Netherlands. 

“It is my first time to see the Canal Pride and I am so proud to see the Filipino boat and our flag being waved for all the audience to see!” she enthused as she cheered for the Filipino LGBTs on the boat.

Lora Milan, another Filipino who saw the Canal Parade for the first time, was impressed by the Pinoys’ boat.

“Kakaiba talaga. (It’s so unique) It stands out. I am so proud,” said Milan.

This year’s Pride theme is “Remember the past, create the future”, which commemorates the Stonewall riots that broke out in New York 50 years ago and form a decisive moment in the history of the LGBT movement. The Filipino LGBT boat designed by Red Domingo played on the theme to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines that has yet to adopt marriage equality. The colorful design also symbolized equality and acceptance.

“I am just so teary-eyed with the news (that the Filipino boat got 3rd place) because this is the first time that the Filipino LGBTs in Europe joined forces together. It is a milestone. Kudos to the group! I am an ardent supporter because I believe that if we unite together all the countries that make it difficult for gay people will be awakened,” said Jitty Dela Cruz, a Filipino salon-owner and resident of Amsterdam for more than 30 years.

Participants on the boat flew in from the all over Europe not just from the Netherlands. They were also joined on the boat by fellow Pinoy and Mr. Gay World 2019 Janjep Carlos. 

Josepher Balesa and his partner Victor Glanville came from London to join the parade. Balesa said he practiced the dance routine and songs through regular teleconferencing with the group. 

“I made my way here because I want to be part of history,” Balesa said. His partner Glanville added that “the effort the Filipinos made was marvelous. The color was great. The routine was good…I’m glad we did come here… Except next time I’ll bring a go-pro so I can get over the heads of all the Filipinos waving their flags.”

During the after parade-celebration, the Filipino LGBT Europe chair Sta. Brigada said despite the success of their first ‘coming out’ in the Canal Pride, there were still a lot of things to be done.

“The anti-discrimination bill needs to be passed, our marriages in Europe need to be recognized in the Philippines, HIV-AIDS awareness campaign needs to be strengthened,” said Sta. Brigada, ending that this participation sends love to all Filipinos especially in the Philippines to be proud of who they are. 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Pinoy facing sexual assault charges in Pennsylvania

A 21-year old Filipino was accused of sexually assaulting a woman at Elizabethtown College campus in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

According to authorities, Alexis John Dolotina, who was on campus through an international work travel program, is being accused of sexually assaulting a woman in one of the school buildings.

No students were reportedly involved in the incident.

Dolotina has been taken into custody with bail set at $500,000.

He is charged with rape, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault and similar charges.

Read more on Balitang America:

source: news.abs-cbn.com

'One of my favorite things about myself is being half-Filipino': Darren Criss and his roots

The Filipino runs in his blood. 

Born to a mother from Cebu who loves music and performing, Darren Criss has lived a life dedicated to the spotlight, swaying to the rhythms that would eventually earn him an Emmy -- the first Filipino-American to do so. 

His "drive" to become a star, he attributed to his mom who, along with his "sneak attack musician" (a person who has musical talent but refuses to play instruments, he explained) dad, made sure that he grew up surrounded by singing and dancing. 

This upbringing meant that pursuing a career in Hollywood was inevitable; in fact, he is still best known for his role in the award-winning musical series "Glee." 

Now, Criss holds the distinction of becoming the first actor with Pinoy roots to win an Emmy -- perhaps the highest honor in TV. 

He won for his role in "The Assassination of Gianni Versace" as Andrew Cunanan, the half-Filipino serial killer notorious for murdering five men, including famous fashion designer Gianni Versace, in 1997. 

In an interview back when was promoting the drama, he revealed that he celebrated getting the part with a trip to his favorite Filipino restaurant in Los Angeles -- an example of just how proud Criss is of his connection to the Philippines. 

However, this association faced scrutiny last March, when he was perceived to have renounced his Pinoy roots. 

Speaking with Vulture, he said that it would "be unfair" to have identify himself as Asian-American, likening it to "reaching for the minority card on a college application." 

He did clarify this by writing on Twitter: "One of my favorite things about myself is that I'm half Filipino. PERIOD."

"I happen to not look like it, but that face is not what I like. I like the fact that most people don't know it's an ace up my sleeve, an ace I'm very proud of, regardless of what I look like." 

That love for his Pinoy side shone through when he helped raise funds for survivors of super typhoon Yolanda in 2013. 

Recently, he also took the time out to send his love for those affected by typhoon Ompong. 

"Stay safe. My thoughts are with you. There’s only so much we could do for this side except send love and as many good vibes I can. Look out for each other out there," he said.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

DACA scrapping affects 5,000 Filipino 'dreamers' in U.S.

The legal fight has begun for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals with more than a dozen states suing the Trump administration over its decision to end the Obama-era immigration policy. As Annalisa Burgos tells us, it's a battle that may decide the fate of hundreds of thousands of young immigrants, including Filipinos. – The World Tonight, ANC, September 7, 2017

source: news.abs-cbn.com

LOOK: Filipino words in the Oxford English Dictionary

MANILA -- Did you know that more than 35 Filipino words have made it to the Oxford English Dictionary?

In its 2016 update, words uniquely coined by Filipinos like “aggrupation,” “yaya,” and “tabo” were added to the international dictionary.


In celebration of Buwan ng Wika, the ABS-CBN Investigative and Research Group takes a look at some of the Filipino words that have become part of the English language through the years.

Advanced: Of a clock or watch: indicating a time ahead of the correct time (Philippine English)

This term is most likely an offshoot of Pinoys’ tendency to be late for appointments—a habit that they themselves dubbed ‘Filipino time.’ Wearing an ‘advanced’ watch is thus a way of avoiding being on ‘Filipino time.’

Aggrupation: (Philippine English) An association or grouping, especially a political organization; an affiliation formed on the basis of common interests or objectives.

This word has long been used in Philippine political discourse, and in bills filed in Congress and other official documents. But the word ‘aggrupation’ was only included in the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016. 

Bahala na: (Philippine English) Expressing an attitude of optimistic acceptance or fatalistic resignation, especially in acknowledging that the outcome of an uncertain or difficult situation is beyond one's control or is preordained; Hence also as n.: an approach to life characterized by this attitude

Pinoys are known for their sense of humor even through the worst disaster—an attitude that often borders on fatalism. The term ‘bahala na’ succinctly encapsulates this Pinoy characteristic of giving up to fate the things beyond their control.

Balikbayan: (Philippine English) A Filipino visiting or returning to the Philippines after a period of living in another country.


With 2.2 million Filipinos working overseas per the 2015 Census, nearly every Filipino has a relative or knows someone working abroad. Filipinos have thus coined the term ‘balikbayan’ to refer to someone who returns home from abroad. When a balikbayan arrives, the whole clan—along with the entire neighborhood—celebrate.

A balikbayan usually ships a ‘balikbayan box’ to the Philippines: a big box containing food, clothes, toys, kitchenware, and the like for family and friends.

Batchmate: A member of the same graduation class as another; a classmate (chiefly S. Asian and Philippine English)

By putting together two English words: ‘batch’ and ‘mate’, Filipinos have coined a new term to denote what in other countries is simply called a ‘classmate’. Filipinos have an affinity with their batchmates that often remains long after graduation.


Carnap: To steal (a motor vehicle) (Now chiefly Philippine English)

Carnapper: A person who steals a motor vehicle; a car thief (Now chiefly Philippine English)

These terms have been used in American publications in the mid-20th century but eventually fell out of use in the US. In the Philippines however, these terms have remained typical. The Philippine National Police includes the category ‘carnapping’ in its official crime statistics. In 2016, the police have recorded 9,334 ‘carnapping’ incidents in the country.

Comfort room: (originally) a room in a public building or workplace furnished with amenities such as facilities for resting, personal hygiene, and storage of personal items (now rare); (later) a public toilet (now chiefly Philippine English)

What the rest of the English-speaking world refers to as a “restroom” “toilet” or ”washroom” is a ‘comfort room’ for Filipinos. Like the word ‘carnap,’ the term ‘comfort room’ had already been used in American publications but later fell out of use.


Dirty Kitchen: (Philippine English) a kitchen where everyday cooking is done by household staff, as distinct from a kitchen that is purely for show or for special use by the owner of the house.

It is not uncommon for Filipino homes to have two kitchens: a nice kitchen just for show, to be used only on special occasions by the owner of the house, and a second ‘dirty kitchen’, where the household’s daily meals are prepared.

Gimmick: (Philippine English) a night out with friends

Whereas the English definition of ‘gimmick’ refers to a trick to attract attention, Filipinos have coined a new meaning for this word to refer to a night out with friends.

High blood: n. and adj. (a) n. colloq. high blood pressure; hypertension; (b) adj. (Philippine English) angry, agitated


In the Philippines, the English words ‘high’ and ‘blood’, when joined together, refers to hypertension, as in high blood pressure. But Filipinos also use the term to connote feelings of anger and agitation.

Note: Not to be confused with “high-blooded,” which refers to someone of noble descent or from a highly regarded family.

Kikay: (Philippine English) n. A flirtatious girl or woman. Also: a girl or woman interested in beauty products and fashion

A woman who likes to shop for new clothes and cosmetics is ‘kikay.’ Filipinos also created the hybrid term ‘kikay kit’ to refer to a small case or bag to hold one’s toiletries and cosmetics.

Mabuhay: (Philippine English) An exclamation of salutation or greeting: long live ——! good luck (to you)! hurrah! cheers!


A multipurpose term, ‘Mabuhay’ is primarily used as a greeting to guests, and as such, has become a mark of Filipino hospitality. It is also used as an exclamation for what in English are the expressions ‘Long live!’ ‘Good luck!’ ‘Hurrah!’ or ‘Cheers!’

Mani-pedi: colloq. (orig. Philippine English). A beauty treatment comprising both a manicure and a pedicure

According to the Oxford English Dictionary Editorial, while the word ‘mani-pedi’ is now widely used all over the English-speaking world, it was discovered to be of Philippine origin. Filipino writer Kerima Polotan-Tuvera first used the term in a 1972 essay.

Presidentiable: (Chiefly Philippine English) A person who is a likely or confirmed candidate for president

Every six years, Filipino voters elect their next leader from among several ‘presidentiables.’

From the English word ‘president,’ Filipinos have added the suffix –able to refer to a candidate for President or a likely candidate for the position.

Pulutan: (Philippine English) Food or snacks provided as an accompaniment to alcoholic drinks

Americans usually munch on peanuts while drinking beer. Pinoys also love to drink beer while munching on, well, an entire menu of dishes collectively known as ‘pulutan.’ Sisig is a crowd favorite, but also deep-fried pork intestines (chicharon bulaklak), fried tofu, grilled pork, grilled seafood, and even veggie sticks. 

Salvage: (Philippine English) to apprehend and execute (a suspected criminal) without trial

Notwithstanding the formal meaning of ‘salvage’ as being saved, this word was used in the Philippines to refer to the summary execution of a suspected criminal, or the immediate killing of someone accused of a crime without due process. This word has become popular again with the rise in the number of suspected drug pushers and users killed since last year.

Sari-sari store: (Philippine English) A small neighborhood store selling a variety of goods

A Filipino neighborhood is incomplete without a ‘sari-sari store.’ Filipinos have coined this term from the word ‘sari’, which means ‘variety.’ Don’t be fooled by its diminutive size though—a sari-sari store offers nearly everything that a supermarket and pharmacy offers—snacks and canned goods, alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, even medicines and toiletries—but sold per piece or ‘tingi’.

Tabo: (Philippine English) A dipper used to scoop up water from a pail or bucket while washing, traditionally made of coconut shell or bamboo but now more commonly made of plastic.

This permanent fixture in many Filipino homes is a simple but functional multipurpose tool that may be used for bathing, washing clothes, cleaning the house, and for washing one's bottom.


Yaya: (Philippine English) A woman employed by a family to look after a child, or a sick or elderly person.

In the Philippines, especially in urban areas, yayas have become an organic part of the household so much so that when yaya is away, the entire household falls into disarray.

Their nurturing ways and genuine concern for the children they look after have endeared Pinoy yayas to families the world over. Prince William, celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, and Olympic gold medalist Joseph Schooling have openly declared and demonstrated their affection for their Pinoy yayas.

Other Filipino words or English words with Filipino meanings included in the Oxford English Dictionary are: baon, barangay, barkada, barong, barong tagalog, baro’t saya, buko, despedida, estafa, go down, halo-halo, KKB (kanya-kanyang bayad), kuya, pan de sal, pasalubong, sinigang, suki, and utang na loob.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Fil-Am wins first runner-up in Miss World USA

Filipina beauty queen Maureen Montagne won first runner-up over the weekend at America’s Miss World 2017 beauty pageant held in Orlando, Florida.

This is the second time for the Filipina to represent her home state of Arizona nationally. She was first crowned Miss Arizona USA in 2015 and landed in the top 15 finalists for the Miss USA crown.

She recently did a commercial ad on TV for Massage Envy, a print ad for Talking Stick Resort, and has graced magazine covers.

“After Miss Arizona, I focused on school. Now that I finished with a degree from Arizona State University, I’ve been focusing on modeling. And I’m looking into getting a job in marketing,” she said.

Every time Montagne competes, she always highlights her Filipino roots. Her advocacy benefits some Fil-Am children in the valley.

Montagne immerses herself as well with the Abaka Foundation, which promotes Filipino culture, language, and arts. In return, she learns to speak a few Tagalog words and becomes an inspiration for young kids.

“Personally, I wasn’t able to engage with my culture until college, until I found a Filipino club at Arizona State University. Having these venues for the kids to learn is amazing,” she said.

Montagne said that this will be her last time to compete in a beauty pageant and will hereon pursue a career in modeling and marketing while continuing her advocacies to help the Fil-Am community.

Meanwhile, Miss World 2017 Miss Clarissa Bowers from Florida will compete at the Miss World competition in China this September.

Read more on Balitang America:

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Pinoy inventor to start production of brake device

Melchor R. Heñosa, who was awarded Outstanding Invention (Tuklas) for 2016, will be putting into production his invention, a device that seals leaking brake fluid.

Heñosa, a jeepney driver from Silang, Cavite, will receive a P726,000 financial assistance from the Department of Science and Technology-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) to develop and commercialize his “Leak Sealing Valve (LSV).”

Heñosa invented the LSV in an effort to increase the safety of public utility vehicles, particularly jeepneys. In normal driving, a leaking brake tube would affect distribution of the brake fluid on all four wheels.

To prevent this, the LSV is attached to the fluid pipes of each wheel assembly and locks off if it detects leakage. However, the unaffected wheels would remain operational.

The inventor said the concept for the LSV contraption began about 15 years ago when he observed brake fluid leaking from his vehicle.

In a statement, Heñosa said that he was aiming for road safety, especially for PUV passengers.

Under a memorandum of agreement, Heñosa’s grant would allow him to procure raw materials to make molds for up to 40 sets (160 individual units) of the LSV.

Heñosa also plans to upscale the LSV; he would be testing it for vehicles other than jeepneys, thus widening his target market.

Earlier, Heñosa won the Tuklas Award for Outstanding Invention during the DOST’s 2016 National Invention Contest and Exhibit.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Movie co-directed by Pinoy dominates 'Annies'

HOLLYWOOD - A pair of award-giving bodies have announced their winners signaling the start of Hollywood’s award season.

The International Animated Film Society, or 'Annies', made some talented animators very happy when it revealed its nominees. One of the nominees is Filipino.

Pixar's "Inside Out", which was co-directed by Filipino Ronnie del Carmen, has 14 nominations.

Del Carmen is a graduate of the University of Sto. Tomas in the Philippines.

Another Pixar film, "The Good Dinosaur" got 10 nominations.

The winners will be announced during the 'Annies' award show in February.

Read more on Balitang America:

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

WATCH: Kobe Paras drains sitting half court shot

In case you didn't know, Kobe Paras is pretty good at basketball.

And now, the talented young Filipino NBA aspirant is making half-court shots while sitting down.

Watch the clip below and see that we are not kidding.

Kobe Paras is the future.

 This story was originally published on the ABS-CBN Sports website.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinoy jailed for severely scalding boy in shower

REDWOOD CITY, California - A Filipino man from Streamwood, Illinois remains in jail after being accused of aggravated battery of a five-year-old boy.

Authorities said the child was severely burned by scalding water.

Brian Magsombol, 29, faces charges of aggravated battery to a child and aggravated domestic battery, both felonies.

On August 13, Magsombol reportedly left the son of his girlfriend in a shower with the water running at its highest temperature.

The boy ended up with second-degree burns.

Magsombol has yet to enter a plea but is due back in court September 4.

His bond has been set at $250,000.

Read more on Balitang America.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

28 Pinoy heartthrobs according to BuzzFeed

MANILA - Viral entertainment giant BuzzFeed has included several Kapamilya actors in its list of "28 Filipino Heartthrobs Who Should Be Your Valentine This Year."

Among the "handsome, sweet and talented" men are Gerald Anderson, JC de Vera, Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby, Xian Lim, Coco Martin, Luis Manzano, John Lloyd Cruz and Zanjoe Marudo.

Matteo Guidicelli is also included, along with Enrique Gil, Daniel Matsunaga, JM de Guzman, James Reid, Robi Domingo, Jericho Rosales, Jake Cuenca and Diether Ocampo.

Completing the list are Tom Rodriguez, Dennis Trillo, Dingdong Dantes, Sid Lucero, Derek Ramsay, Mikael Daez, Alex Medina, Ping Medina, Albie Casino and Geoff Eigenmann.

The write-up assigned each actor with a "probable pick-up line" that alludes to Filipino culture, such as Ocampo's "Hey girl, are you a karaoke machine? 'Cause I can do you all night."

Rosales' was, "So I heard you like hotdogs on your spaghetti. You should try my, uh, recipe, then."

Domingo's: "Ang pagmamahal ko sayo ay parang pagtatanim—'di biro."

Guidicelli, meanwhile, was given: "Tara, let's go to EDSA. I wanna spend my forever with you kasi!"

Over the past year, BuzzFeed has regularly produced Philippines-related content, such as Americans tasting Filipino cuisine,"funny" aspects of being Filipino-American in the United States, and why Sam Milby is "The Dashing Pinoy Prince You Deserve."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

WATCH: Kobe Paras scores 10 in win vs Vikings

Check out the highlights of Kobe Paras’ 10-point performance when the LA Cathedral Phantoms steamrolled past the St. Bernard Vikings, 74-42, on Wednesday.

The video posted on YouTube showed the Filipino hoops prodigy dishing out a two-handed slam and nailing a couple of loopers from beyond the arc.

His best highlight in the game was a quick spin move while he was eluding two defenders for a layup.

It was LA Cathedral’s fifth consecutive road win.

The Phantoms improved their record to 17-3 while handing the Vikings their 13th defeat in 23 games.

source:  www.abs-cbnnews.com

Filipino is Mister International 4th runner-up

MANILA -- In yet another pageant victory for the Philippines this year, a 22-year-old Cebuano finished in the top 5 of the 8th Mister International competition held in Jakarta, Indonesia on Thursday.

Filipino Gil Wagas finished 4th runner-up, with Venezuela's Jose Paredes winning the title. Indonesia's Albern Sultan was 1st runner-up; Brazil's Jhonatan Marko, 2nd runner-up; Mexico's Hans Jael Briseno, 3rd runner-up; and Czech Republic's Antonin Beranek, 5th runner-up.

This year's Mister International fielded 38 contestants.Filipino

The results were announced by Mister International Philippines on its official Facebook page.

Wagas' top 5 finish, according to the pageant's local franchise licensee, is the highest finish of the Philippines in the international competition.

The pageant, which promotes the values of health and leadership among young men, was created by the Mister Singapore Organization in 2006 and has since been held annually in Asian territories.

The fourth runner-up feat of Wagas in Mister International 2013 follows several other successes of Filipinos in international pageants this year, including Megan Young's Miss World win, Mutya Datul's Miss Supranational win, and Ariella Arida's Miss Universe 3rd runner-up finish.

Two more major international pageants are set to be held in December -- Miss Earth and Miss International, where Filipinas Angelee delos Reyes and Bea Rose Santiago will compete, respectively.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Filipino, 4 others killed in Tiananmen car blast

A Filipino and 4 other people were killed while dozens were injured on Monday, the government said, when a car ploughed into pedestrians and caught fire in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, the site of 1989 pro-democracy protests bloodily suppressed by the military.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, asked whether the government believed the incident was a terror attack, said she did not know the specifics of the case and declined further comment.

Police said on their official microblog that the car veered off the road at the north of the square, a major tourist attraction, crossed the barriers and caught fire.

The three people in the car died, they said.

The Beijing city government said on one of its official news websites that a female tourist from the Philippines and a male tourist from southern Guangdong province had also died.

Of the 38 injured, three were tourists from the Philippines and one from Japan, it added.

The central and Beijing governments held a meeting after the incident to speedily investigate what happened and "ensure the security and stability of the capital", it said.

The car crashed almost directly in front of the main entrance of the Forbidden City, where there hangs a huge portrait of the founder of Communist China, Mao Zedong.

Tiananmen Square is always under heavy security due to its proximity to the Zhongnanhai compound of the central leadership and due to the Great Hall of the People which overlooks the square. It is also the site of Mao's mausoleum.

But the square is still a magnet for protesters, especially around the June 4 anniversary of the crushing of the student-led demonstrations in 1989, though they are normally swiftly bundled away by police.

A Reuters witness said he saw fire engines, an ambulance and numerous police cars heading in the direction of the fire, which sent a plume of black smoke into the sky.

The main road through the square was briefly closed. Police also evacuated the main part of the square.

A foreign tourist who was on the square and asked not to be identified said she heard an explosion followed by a fire.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com