National Dance Day 2010 National Dance 2010 is a grassroots movement taking place on Saturday, July 31 that promote and encourage people of this nation to get up and move. Furthermore its the Nigel Lythgoe's brain, the executive producer and co-creator of the hit FOX series So You Think You Can Dance and founder of the Dizzy Feet Foundation.
"So You Think You Can Dance" is most popular and well knowned dance reality program that is aired on the channel Fox and featured worldwide.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Pilipinas Win na Win
Pilipinas Win Na Win replaced the popular noontime show Wowowee. Pilipinas Win na Win premiered earlier july 31,2010 and was hosted by Ms Kris Aquino, Mr. Robin Padilla together with Mariel Rodriguez, Valerie Concepcion and Pokwang.
Pilipinas Win Na Win Theme Song
Kasama niyo kami, tayo’y magsasaya
At handang marinig ang kwento ng iba
Sa problema mo, di ka nag-iisa
Karamay niyo kami, matutulungan ka
Sa loob at labas ng ating bansa
Kami’y maghahatid ng milyong milyong tuwa
Sa bawat pamilya, may dalang pag-asa
Ang programa na para sa bawat isa
Pilipinas, Win na win, win na win!
Pilipinas, Win na win, win na win!
Pilipinas, Win na win, win na win!
Pilipinas, Win na win…
Kapiling niyo kami sa bawat tahanan
Kayo ang boss namin
Kaya relax lang kayo diyan
Sarap makarinig ng bawat tawanan
Dahil sa programang panalo ang bayan
Pilipinas, Win na win, win na win!
Pilipinas, Win na win, win na win!
Pilipinas, Win na win, win na win!
Pilipinas, Win na win, win na win!
Pilipinas, Win na win, win na win!
Pilipinas, Win na win, win na win!
Pilipinas, Win na win, win na win!
Pilipinas, Win na win!
Friday, July 30, 2010
American Idol Judges
American Idol Judges: Ellen DeGeneres announced that she was leaving the show after just one season due to her active and busy schedule with her organized daytime talk show, and besides she's feeling depressed by the emotional call of criticizing many contestants.
TMZ reports that Kara DioGuardi, a judge for the last two seasons, has been fired and American Idol has hired Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler to replace Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell.
TMZ reports that Kara DioGuardi, a judge for the last two seasons, has been fired and American Idol has hired Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler to replace Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell.
'Wowowee' through the years
MANILA, Philippines - After five years on the air, the country’s hit noontime TV show on ABS-CBN, Wowowee, finally bade viewers goodbye.
On Friday, July 29, the most controversial afternoon program mounted its last show without its main host, Willie Revillame.
For a long time, the show gave its best to give joy and happiness to Filipinos here and abroad with its main female co-hosts Mariel Rodriguez, Valerie Concepcion and Pokwang.
But like any show, Wowowee wasn’t spared from controversies.
Below is the timeline of Wowowee’s history.
February 5, 2005: Wowowee aired its first show. The game show was seen on TV on weekdays and Saturdays since then.
February 4, 2006: ULTRA stampede. Wowowee decided to hold its first anniversary show at Philsports Arena (ULTRA) in Pasig City. The stampede claimed the lives of 71 fans and supporters.
October 19, 2006: The Department of Justice (DOJ), through its five-member panel, recommended that charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and physical injuries be filed against 17 ABS-CBN executives and employees in connection with the deadly ULTRA stampede.
May 12, 2007: Wowowee got a 3-day suspension after young actress Eda Nolan had a wardrobe malfunction while the show was airing.
January 29, 2008: The Supreme Court (SC) affirmed the authority of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct an investigation into the alleged link of some ABS-CBN executives to the ULTRA stampede.
August 3, 2009: Revillame asked that the airing of former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino’s funeral cortege from La Salle Greenhills to Manila Cathedral be stopped. The footage was being beamed live simultaneously and shown as an inset on the screen on the noontime show. His actions drew flak, and Revillame was even asked by some people, particularly Aquino supporters, to resign from the show.
August 4, 2009: Revillame apologized on TV after he drew criticism for ordering the removal of the live streaming on Wowowee of former President Corazon Aquino’s funeral procession.
August 10, 2009: ABS-CBN Corporate Communication head Bong Osorio bared that Revillame was on leave “indefinitely” as a result of the controversy generated by Revillame's order to stop the airing of President Corazon Aquino's funeral procession on Wowowee.
September 21, 2009: Revillame made a triumphant return to Wowowee, six weeks after going on indefinite leave.
May 4, 2010: Revillame slammed Sucaldito for the latter’s alleged nonstop criticisms. Revillame, in particular, got irked after Sucaldito allegedly insulted the contestants of Wowowee. The contestants were reportedly high school students with general averages of between 75 and 79. Sucaldito repeatedly denied that he insulted the Wowowee contestants. Revillame demanded that the network fire Sucaldito or else he will leave the network.
May 5, 2010: Revillame failed to report for Wowowee.
May 12, 2010: Revillame gave a letter to the bosses of the Kapamilya network asking that he be released from his contract.
May 15, 2010: Robin Padilla joined Wowowee as its first male guest co-host after Revillame went on indefinite break.
May 25, 2010: ABS-CBN management announced that Revillame is taking an "indefinite break."
May 29, 2010: Kanto Boys (John Lloyd Cruz, Billy Crawford and Luis Manzano) took over Padilla’s hosting job.
June 3, 2010: Cesar Montano hosted Wowoweeas guest co-host. He stayed in the show for just one week.
June 12, 2010: DOJ dismissed the charges against Revillame in connection with the 2006 ULTRA stampede.
July 27, 2010: ABS-CBN announced the end of Wowowee.It revealed that its replacement will be "Pilipinas, Win na Win" to be hosted by Mariel Rodriguez, Valerie Concepcion, Robin Padilla and presidential sister Kris Aquino.
July 30, 2010: Wowowee bids goodbye.
Article Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/30/10/wowowee-through-years
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Family, friends grieve for former NBA star Wright
MEMPHIS (AP) – Relatives and friends
of Lorenzen Wright gathered Wednesday and grieved for the former NBA player who has been missing for 10 days, as police investigated the discovery of a man's body outside of Memphis.
Wright's uncle, Curtis Wright, told The Associated Press that police called the player's father, Herb Wright, Wednesday afternoon with the news he had died.
Sgt. Alyssa Macon-Moore of the Memphis Police Department wrote in an e-mail to the AP that police were investigating the death of an unidentified man beside a wooded area about 15 miles south of downtown Memphis. Asked if the man was Wright, she wrote they could not confirm the victim's identity Wednesday night.
The family issued a statement through a cousin of Lorenzen Wright, Camella Logan: "Lorenzen's family has come together to mourn his loss and honor his legacy. We appreciate your thoughts, prayers and condolences as they are comforting at this very difficult time. Additionally, we ask that you please respect our privacy as we try to cope with his sudden loss."
Wright's mother, Deborah Marion, arrived at the scene Wednesday night with a handful of family members. She crossed the crime scene tape and tried to talk to police when she was told to move back. She sat in a TV van before returning to the tape. Two officers then let her through.
The distraught Marion then started running down the road toward the crime scene before being stopped by an officer. She spoke with officers, then walked back past reporters without speaking straight to a van.
The 34-year-old Wright was last seen July 18 when he was expected to fly out of town. His family filed a missing person report July 22.
Wright played 13 years in the NBA with five different teams: the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and most recently the Cleveland Cavaliers with 17 games in the 2008-09 season. Wright left the University of Memphis early for the NBA, and the Clippers made him a lottery pick with the No. 7 selection overall.
He averaged 8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in 778 career games.
By nightfall, nearly 200 people had visited the road blocked off by police while TV news helicopters showed investigators scouring the grounds for evidence. Police brought in a mobile command center that further blocked off the scene.
Former NBA star Penny Hardaway, who played at Memphis two years before Wright, said he heard the news from a friend and went to the scene near where the body was found.
"I cried. The emotions hit me immediately. It's just sad because we lost a good person and a brother," Hardaway said.
Elliot Perry, another friend and former Memphis player, also was at the scene. Wendy Wilson, who once worked as Wright's personal assistant, also was there and said Wright often used the road police had cordoned off as a shortcut to his mother's house.
"He was a good person. He did not deserve to die this way. God is not pleased with this," Wilson said.
Source: (Philstar.com)
of Lorenzen Wright gathered Wednesday and grieved for the former NBA player who has been missing for 10 days, as police investigated the discovery of a man's body outside of Memphis.
Wright's uncle, Curtis Wright, told The Associated Press that police called the player's father, Herb Wright, Wednesday afternoon with the news he had died.
Sgt. Alyssa Macon-Moore of the Memphis Police Department wrote in an e-mail to the AP that police were investigating the death of an unidentified man beside a wooded area about 15 miles south of downtown Memphis. Asked if the man was Wright, she wrote they could not confirm the victim's identity Wednesday night.
The family issued a statement through a cousin of Lorenzen Wright, Camella Logan: "Lorenzen's family has come together to mourn his loss and honor his legacy. We appreciate your thoughts, prayers and condolences as they are comforting at this very difficult time. Additionally, we ask that you please respect our privacy as we try to cope with his sudden loss."
Wright's mother, Deborah Marion, arrived at the scene Wednesday night with a handful of family members. She crossed the crime scene tape and tried to talk to police when she was told to move back. She sat in a TV van before returning to the tape. Two officers then let her through.
The distraught Marion then started running down the road toward the crime scene before being stopped by an officer. She spoke with officers, then walked back past reporters without speaking straight to a van.
The 34-year-old Wright was last seen July 18 when he was expected to fly out of town. His family filed a missing person report July 22.
Wright played 13 years in the NBA with five different teams: the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and most recently the Cleveland Cavaliers with 17 games in the 2008-09 season. Wright left the University of Memphis early for the NBA, and the Clippers made him a lottery pick with the No. 7 selection overall.
He averaged 8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in 778 career games.
By nightfall, nearly 200 people had visited the road blocked off by police while TV news helicopters showed investigators scouring the grounds for evidence. Police brought in a mobile command center that further blocked off the scene.
Former NBA star Penny Hardaway, who played at Memphis two years before Wright, said he heard the news from a friend and went to the scene near where the body was found.
"I cried. The emotions hit me immediately. It's just sad because we lost a good person and a brother," Hardaway said.
Elliot Perry, another friend and former Memphis player, also was at the scene. Wendy Wilson, who once worked as Wright's personal assistant, also was there and said Wright often used the road police had cordoned off as a shortcut to his mother's house.
"He was a good person. He did not deserve to die this way. God is not pleased with this," Wilson said.
Source: (Philstar.com)
Winn Dixie
Winn-Dixie announced that they will close the doors to 30 of their 514 stores and lessen their staff as part of a multi-million dollar cost-cutting plan. The company plans to consolidate from four operating regions to three."We continue to operate in a particularly difficult economic and retail environment in the Southeast," Winn-Dixie Chairman, President and CEO Peter Lynch said in a press release.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Be it in Vegas or Mexico: Pacquiao ready to face Margarito
The feeling is mutual as far as Antonio Margarito is concerned.
With a November 13 showdown with Manny Pacquiao looming in the horizon, the 32-year old Mexican can’t help himself but be thrilled by the prospect of meeting inside the ring the man considered today as the best fighter in the world, pound-for-pound.
“I’d love to get that fight. I think everyone’s talking about it," said the `Tijuana Tornado’, a former two-time world champion.
Pacquiao also expressed his willingness to face Margarito in a possible title bout, believing the Mexican is the best available option for him after Floyd Mayweather Jr. refused to sign the contract to face the Filipino ring icon in what many sees as possibly the richest boxing duel in history.
Now it’s Margarito who stands to benefit from it, just a year after falling from boxing grace following the discovery of a hardened substance in his knuckle pad shortly before his January 2009 title match with Sugar Shane Mosley.
In the aftermath of the controversy, Margarito was slapped a one-year suspension by the California State Athletic Commission, prohibiting him from fighting in the U.S.
Although the ban had already elapsed, Margarito has yet to secure a license to fight in America, and his chance to secure one rests the decision of where the fight will be held.
In the event he failed to obtain a license, Top Rank Promotions’ Bob Arum has already expressed his intention of bringing the fight in Mexico.
The 31-year old Pacquiao, the fighting Congressman from the Philippines, doesn’t see any problem facing Margarito in front of an expected rowdy crowd, mentioning that it will be his first time to fight in Mexico.
At 5-foot-11, Margarito will also be the biggest opponent ever for Pacquiao, who stands 5-foot-6. The Mexican also has a reach of 73.
Owing to the size disparity, negotiations are now being made to have the match be made at a catch weight of 150 pounds and the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) light middleweight belt at stake. - RCJ, GMANews.TV
With a November 13 showdown with Manny Pacquiao looming in the horizon, the 32-year old Mexican can’t help himself but be thrilled by the prospect of meeting inside the ring the man considered today as the best fighter in the world, pound-for-pound.
“I’d love to get that fight. I think everyone’s talking about it," said the `Tijuana Tornado’, a former two-time world champion.
Pacquiao also expressed his willingness to face Margarito in a possible title bout, believing the Mexican is the best available option for him after Floyd Mayweather Jr. refused to sign the contract to face the Filipino ring icon in what many sees as possibly the richest boxing duel in history.
Now it’s Margarito who stands to benefit from it, just a year after falling from boxing grace following the discovery of a hardened substance in his knuckle pad shortly before his January 2009 title match with Sugar Shane Mosley.
In the aftermath of the controversy, Margarito was slapped a one-year suspension by the California State Athletic Commission, prohibiting him from fighting in the U.S.
Although the ban had already elapsed, Margarito has yet to secure a license to fight in America, and his chance to secure one rests the decision of where the fight will be held.
In the event he failed to obtain a license, Top Rank Promotions’ Bob Arum has already expressed his intention of bringing the fight in Mexico.
The 31-year old Pacquiao, the fighting Congressman from the Philippines, doesn’t see any problem facing Margarito in front of an expected rowdy crowd, mentioning that it will be his first time to fight in Mexico.
At 5-foot-11, Margarito will also be the biggest opponent ever for Pacquiao, who stands 5-foot-6. The Mexican also has a reach of 73.
Owing to the size disparity, negotiations are now being made to have the match be made at a catch weight of 150 pounds and the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) light middleweight belt at stake. - RCJ, GMANews.TV
Monday, July 26, 2010
SONA 2010 -President Aquino's First State Of The Nation Address -English translation
State of the Nation Address
His Excellency
Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
to the Congress of the Philippines
Session Hall of the House of Representatives
July 26, 2010
Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City.
Honorable members of the Congress of the Philippines, His excellency, Benigno Simeon C. Aquino- The President of the Republic of the Philippines.
Speaker Feliciano Belmonte; Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; Vice President Jejomar Binay, Chief Justice Renato Corona, Former Presidents Fidel Valdez Ramos and Joseph Ejercito Estrada; Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate; distinguished members of the diplomatic corps;
My beloved countrymen:
Our administration is facing a forked road. On one direction, decisions are made to protect the welfare of our people; to look after the interest of the majority; to have a firm grip on principles; and to be faithful to the public servant’s sworn oath to serve the country honestly.
This is the straight path.
On the other side, personal interest is the priority, and where one becomes a slave to political considerations to the detriment of our nation.
This is the crooked path.
For a long time, our country lost its way in the crooked path. As days go by (since I became President), the massive scope of the problems we have inherited becomes much clearer. I could almost feel the weight of my responsibilities.
In the first three weeks of our administration, we discovered many things, and I will report to you some of the problems we have uncovered, and the steps we are taking to solve them.
This report is merely a glimpse of our situation. It is not the entire picture of the crises we are facing. The reality was hidden from our people, who seem to have been deliberately obfuscated on the real state of our nation.
In the first six years of this year, government expenditure exceeded our revenues. Our deficit further increased to PhP196.7 billion. Our collection targets, which lack PhP23.8 billion, were not fully met, while we went beyond our spending by PhP45.1 billion.
Our budget for 2010 is PhP1.54 trillion. Of this, only PhP100 billion – or 6.5% of the total budget – can be used for the remaining six months of the current year. Roughly 1% of the total budget is left for each of the remaining month.
Where did the funds go?
A calamity fund worth PhP2 billion was reserved in preparation for anticipated calamities. Of this already miniscule amount, at a time when the rainy season has yet to set in, PhP1.4 billion or 70% was already spent.
The entire province of Pampanga received PhP108 million. Of this, PhP105 million went to only one district. On the other hand, the province of Pangasinan, which was severely affected by Typhoon Pepeng, received a mere PhP5 million, which had to be used to fix damages inflicted not even by Pepeng, but by a previous typhoon, Cosme.
The funds were released on election month, which was seven months after the typhoon. What will happen if a typhoon arrives tomorrow? The fund has been used up to repair damage from typhoons that hit us last year. Our future will pay for the greed of yesterday.
This is also what happened to the funds of the MWSS. Just recently, people lined up for water while the leadership of the MWSS rewarded itself even though the pensions of retired employees remain unpaid.
The entire payroll of the MWSS amounts to 51.4 million pesos annually. But this isn’t the full extent of what they receive: they receive additional allowances and benefits amounting to 81.1 million pesos. In short, they receive 211.5 million pesos annually. Twenty four percent of this is for normal salaries, and sixty six percent is added on.
The average worker receives up to 13th month pay plus a cash gift. In the MWSS, they receive the equivalent of over thirty months pay if you include all their additional bonuses and allowances.
What we discovered in the case of the salaries of their board of trustees is even more shocking. Let’s take a look at the allowances they receive:
Attending board of trustees and board committee meetings, and you get fourteen thousands pesos. This totals ninety eight thousand pesos a month. They also get an annual grocery incentive of eighty thousand pesos.
And that’s not all. They get a mid-year bonus, productivity bonus, anniversary bonus, year-end bonus, and financial assistance. They not only get a Christmas bonus, but an additional Christmas package as well. Each of these amounts to eighty thousand pesos. All in all, each member of the board receives two and a half million pesos a year exclusive of car service, technical assistance, and loans. Let me repeat. They award themselves all of these while being in arrears for the pensions of their retired employees.
Even the La Mesa watershed wasn’t spared. In order to ensure an adequate supply of water, we need to protect our watersheds. In watersheds, trees are needed. Where there should be trees, they built homes for the top officials of the MWSS.
We cannot remove them from their positions quickly because they are among the midnight appointees of former president Arroyo. We are investigating all of these things. But if they have any shame left, they should voluntarily relinquish their positions.
Now let’s discuss funds for infrastructure. The DPWH identified two hundred forty six priority safety projects to be funded by the motor vehicle user’s charge. This needs a budget of 425 million pesos. What they ended up funding were only 28 projects. They disregarded 218 projects and replaced these with seventy projects that weren’t in the plans. The 425 million pesos originally asked for became 480 million pesos, increasing because of projects allocated for a favored few.
These projects make no sense: unstudied and unprepared for, sprouting like mushrooms.
The era of such projects is at an end. Under our administration, there will be no quotas, there will be no overpricing, the funds of the people will be spent for the people.
There’s more. Five days before the term of the previous administration ended, they ordered 3.5 billion pesos to be released for the rehabilitation of those affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. This was supposed to fund eighty-nine projects. But nineteen of these projects amounting to 981 million pesos didn’t go through public bidding. Special Allotment Release Orders hadn’t even been released and yet the contracts were already signed. It’s a good thing Secretary Rogelio Singson spotted and stopped them. Instead, they will all go through the proper bidding, and the funds will be used to provide relief to those who lost their homes due to typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.
Let’s discuss what happened in Napocor. From 2001 to 2004, the government forced Napocor to sell electricity at a loss to prevent increases in electricity rates. The real motivation for this is that they were preparing for the election.
As a result, in 2004, NAPOCOR slumped deeply in debt. The government was obligated to shoulder the 200 billion pesos it owed.
What the public thought they saved from electricity, we are now paying for using public coffers. Not only are we paying for the cost of electricity; we are also paying for the interest arising from the debt.
If the money we borrowed was used properly, then there would be added assurance that constant supply of electricity is available. However, this decision was based on bad politics, not on the true needs of the people. The people, after having to sacrifice, suffered even more.
This is also what happened to the MRT. The government tried again to buy the people’s love. The operator was forced to keep the rates low.
In effect, the guarantee given to the operator that he will still be able to recoup his investment was not fulfilled. Because of this, Landbank and the Development Bank of the Philippines were ordered to purchase the MRT.
The money of the people was used in exchange for an operation that was losing money.
Let us now move on to the funds of the National Food Authority (NFA).
In 2004: 117,000 metric tons (of rice) was the shortage in the supply of the Philippines. What they (the government) bought were 900,000 metric tons. Even if you multiply for more than seven times the amount of shortage, they still bought more than what was needed.
In 2007: 589,000 metric tons was the shortage in the supply of the Philippines. What they bought were 1.827 million metric tons. Even if you multiply for more than three times the amount of shortage, they again bought more than what was needed.
What hurts is, because they keep purchasing more than what they need year after year, the excess rice that had to be stored in warehouses ended up rotting, just like what happened in 2008.
Is this not a crime, letting rice rot, despite the fact that there are 4 million Filipinos who do not eat three times a day?
The result is NFA’s current debt of 177 billion pesos.
This money that was wasted could have funded the following:
* The budget of the entire judiciary, which is at 12.7 billion pesos this year.
* The Conditional Cash Transfers for the following year, which cost 29.6 billion pesos.
* All the classrooms that our country needs, which cost 130 billion pesos.
This way of doing things is revolting. Money was there only to be wasted.
You have heard how the public coffers were squandered. This is what is clear to me now: change can only come from our determination to stamp out this extravagance and profligacy.
That is why starting now: we will stop the wasteful use of government funds. We will eradicate projects that are wrong.
This is the point of what we call the zero-based approach in our budget. What used to be the norm was every year, the budget merely gets re- enacted without plugging the holes.
Next month we will be submitting a budget that accurately identifies the problem and gives much attention on the right solution.
Those that I have mentioned were only some of the problems we have discovered. Here now are examples of the steps we are undertaking to solve them.
There is a case of one pawnshop owner. He purchased a vehicle at an estimated cost of 26 million pesos.
If he can afford to buy a Lamborghini, why can’t he pay his taxes?
A case has already been filed against him. Through the leadership of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares, Customs Commissioner Lito Alvarez, and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, every week we have new cases filed against smugglers and against those who do not pay the right taxes.
We have also already identified the suspects of the cases of Francisco Baldomero, Jose Daguio and Miguel Belen, 3 of the 6 incidents of extralegal killings since we assumed the Presidency.
Fifty percent (50%) of these incidents of extralegal killings are now on their way to being resolved.
We will not stop the pursuit of the remaining half of these killings until justice has been achieved.
We will hold murderers accountable. We will also hold those who are corrupt that work in government accountable for their actions.
We have begun forming our Truth Commission, through the leadership of former Chief Justice Hilario Davide. We will search for the truth on the alleged wrongdoing committed in the last nine years.
This week, I will sign the first ever Executive Order on the formation of this Truth Commission.
If the answer to justice is accountability, the answer to the dearth in funds is a new and creative approach to our long-standing problems.
We have so many needs: from education, infrastructure, health, military, police and more. Our funds will not be enough to meet them.
No matter how massive the deficit is that may keep us from paying for this list of needs, I am heartened because many have already expressed renewed interest and confidence in the Philippines.
Our solution: public-private partnerships. Although no contract has been signed yet, I can say that ongoing talks with interested investors will yield fruitful outcomes.
There are some who have already shown interest and want to build an expressway from Manila that will pass through Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, until the end of Cagayan Valley, without the government having to spend a single peso.
On national defense:
We have 36,000 nautical miles of shoreline, but we only have 32 boats. These boats are as old as the time of (US General Douglas) MacArthur.
Some had this proposition: they will rent the Navy headquarters on Roxas Boulevard and the Naval Station in Fort Bonifacio.
They will take care of the funding necessary to transfer the Navy Headquarters to Camp Aguinaldo. Immediately, we will be given 100 million dollars. Furthermore, they will give us a portion of their profits from their businesses that would occupy the land they will rent.
In short, we will meet our needs without spending, and we will also earn.
There have already been many proposals from local to foreign investors to provide for our various needs.
From these public-private partnerships, our economy will grow and every Filipino will be the beneficiary. There are so many sectors that could benefit from this.
We will be able to construct the needed infrastructure in order to help tourism grow.
In agriculture, we will be able to have access to grains terminals, refrigeration facilities, orderly road networks and post-harvest facilities.
If we can fix out food supply chain with the help of the private sector, instead of importing, we will hopefully be able to supply for the needs of the global market.
The prices of commodities will go down if we are able to make this efficient railway system a reality. It will be cheaper and faster, and it will be easier for travelers to avoid crooked cops and rebels.
A reminder to all: creating jobs is foremost on our agenda, and the creation of jobs will come from the growth of our industries. Growth will only be possible if we streamline processes to make them predictable, reliable and efficient for those who want to invest.
We make sure that the Build-Operate-and-Transfer projects will undergo quick and efficient processes. With the help of all government agencies concerned and the people, a process that used to take as short as a year and as long as a decade will now only take six months.
The Department of Trade and Industry has already taken steps to effect this change, under the leadership of Secretary Gregory Domingo:
The never-ending horror story of registering business names, which used to take a minimum of four to eight hours depending on the day, will be cut down drastically to fifteen minutes.
What used to be a check list of thirty-six documents will be shortened to a list of six, and the old eight-page application form will be whittled down to one page.
I call on our local government units to review its own procedures. While we look for more ways to streamline our processes to make business start-ups easier, I hope the LGUs can also find ways to implement reforms that will be consistent with the ones we have already started.
All will certainly benefit from this streamlining — be it businessmen, soldiers, rebels and ordinary Filipinos. As long as the interests of Filipinos will not be jeopardized, we will explore all available avenues to make this a reality. We must start now, and we should all help achieve this and not stand in each other’s way.
The time when we will no longer be made to choose between our people’s security and the future of our children is upon us now.
Once we implement these public-private partnerships, we will be able to fund public service in accordance with our platform.
This will enable us to fund our plans for education.
We will be able to expand our basic education cycle from seven years to the global standard of twelve years.
We can build more classrooms, and we will fund service contracting under the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Program (GASTPE).
Conditional cash transfers that aim to lessen the burden of education on parents will also be funded if this partnership becomes a reality.
Our plans for improving PhilHealth can now be within reach.
First, we will identify the correct number of Filipinos who sorely need PhilHealth coverage, as current data is conflicting on this matter. On one hand, PhilHealth says that eighty-seven percent (87%) of Filipinos are covered, then lowers the number to only fifty-three percent (53%). On the other hand, the National Statistics Office says that only thirty-eight percent (38%) of Filipinos are covered by Philhealth.Even as we speak, Secretary Dinky Soliman and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are moving to implement the National Household Targeting System that will identify the families that most urgently need assistance. An estimated 9 billion pesos is needed in order to provide coverage for five million poor Filipinos.
Our country is beginning to see better days ahead. The private sector, the League of Provinces headed by Governor Alfonso Umali, together with Governors L-Ray Villafuerte and Icot Petilla, are now ready to do their share when it comes to shouldering the financial burden. I know that the League of Cities under the leadership of Mayor Oscar Rodriguez will not be far behind.
If the local governments share in our goals, I know that I can surely count on Congress, the institution where I began public service, to push for our agenda for change.
Our Cabinet has already showed it skill by identifying not just problems but also proposing solutions in a matter of three weeks.
In the aftermath of Typhoon Basyang, we were told by those in the power sector that we would be without electricity for four days. The quick action of Secretary Rene Almendras and the Department of Energy resulted in the restoration of power to almost all those affected within twenty-four hours.
The so-called water shortage in Metro Manila was quickly attended to by Secretary Rogelio Singson and the Department of Public Works and Highways. Secretary Singson did it without prodding, which alleviated the suffering of those affected.
We also witnessed the competence and initiative of those we appointed to be part of our Cabinet. It is but just that they not be forced to go through the eye of a needle to be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments. Should this happen, competent Filipinos will be encouraged to help our country by becoming public servants.
In the soonest possible time, we will convene the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) to discuss the important bills that need to be addressed. Rest assured that I will keep an open mind and treat you honorably.
We will push for the Fiscal Responsibility Bill, which will limit spending bills only for appropriations that have identified a source of funding. We need 104.1 billion pesos to fund those laws already passed but whose implementation remains pending because of lack of funds.
We will re-evaluate fiscal incentives given in the past. Now that we are tightening our purse strings, we need to identify those incentives that will remain and those that need to be done away with.
We will not allow another NBN-ZTE scandal to happen again. Whether from local or foreign sources, all proposed contracts must undergo the scrutiny of correct procedures. I now ask for your help with amending our Procurement Law.
According to our Constitution, it is the government’s duty to ensure that the market is fair for all. No monopolies, no cartels that kill competition. We need an Anti-Trust Law that will give life to these principles, to afford Small- and Medium-Scale Enterprises the opportunity to participate in the growth of our economy.
Let us pass into law the National Land Use Bill.
It was in 1935, during the Commonwealth, that the National Defense Act was passed. There is a need to amend for a new law that is more responsive to the current needs of national security.
I appeal to our legislators to pass the Whistleblower’s Bill to eradicate the prevalent culture of fear and silence that has hounded our system.
We will strengthen the Witness Protection Program. We must remember that from 2009 to 2010 alone, cases which involved the participation of witnesses under the program resulted in a ninety-five percent conviction.
There is a need to review our laws. I call on our lawmakers to begin a re- codification of our laws to ensure harmony in legislation and eliminate contradictions.
These laws serve as the basis of order in our land, but the foundation of all rests on the principle that we cannot grow without peace and order.
We face two obstacles on our road to peace: the situation in Mindanao and the continued revolt of the CPP-NPA-NDF.
Our view has not changed when it comes to the situation in Mindanao. We will only achieve lasting peace if all stakeholders engage in an honest dialogue: may they be Moro, Lumad, or Christian. We have asked Dean Marvic Leonen to head our efforts to talk to the MILF.
We will learn from the mistakes of the past administration, that suddenly announced an agreement reached without consultations from all concerned. We are not blind to the fact that it was done with political motivation, and that the interest behind it was not that of the people.
We recognize the efforts of the MILF to discipline those within its ranks. We are hopeful that the negotiations will begin after Ramadan.
To the CPP-NPA-NDF: are you prepared to put forth concrete solutions rather than pure criticism and finger-pointing?
If it is peace you truly desire, then we are ready for an immediate cease- fire. Let us go back to the table and begin talking again.
It is difficult to begin discussions in earnest if the smell of gun powder still hangs in the air. I call on everyone concerned not to waste a good opportunity to rally behind our common aspiration for peace.
Our foundation for growth is peace. We will continue to be shackled by poverty if the crossfire persists.
We must understand that now is a time for sacrifice. It is this sacrifice that will pave the way for a better future. With our freedom comes our responsibility to do good unto our fellows and to our country.
To our friends in media, especially those in radio and print, to the block- timers and those in our community newspapers, I trust that you will take up the cudgels to police your own ranks.
May you give new meaning to the principles of your vocation: to provide clarity to pressing issues; to be fair and truthful in your reporting, and to raise the level of public discourse.
It is every Filipino’s duty to closely watch the leaders that you have elected. I encourage everyone to take a step towards participation rather than fault- finding. The former takes part in finding a solution; from the latter, never- ending complaints.
We have always known that the key to growth is putting the interest of others beyond one’s own. One thing is clear: how do we move forward if we keep putting others down?
How will those without education secure quality jobs? How will the unemployed become consumers? How will they save money for their future needs?
If we change all this, if we prioritize enabling others, we will open a world of opportunities not just for ourselves but for those who direly need it.
We have already begun the process of change, and we are now able to dream of better things for our country. Let us not forget that there are those who wish us to fail, so that they will once again reclaim power to do as they please at the expense of our people.
My firm belief is that our fate is in the hands of God and our people. While we focus on uplifting the lives of our fellow men, I have an unshakeable faith that Almighty God will give us His blessings and support. If we remain firm in our belief that God is on our side, is there anything impossible for us to achieve?
The mandate we received last May 10 is testament to the fact that the Filipino continues to hope for true change. The situation is not what it was before; we can all dream again. Let us all become one in achieving a fulfilment of our hopes and aspirations for our country.
Maraming Salamat Po!
His Excellency
Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
to the Congress of the Philippines
Session Hall of the House of Representatives
July 26, 2010
Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City.
Honorable members of the Congress of the Philippines, His excellency, Benigno Simeon C. Aquino- The President of the Republic of the Philippines.
Speaker Feliciano Belmonte; Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; Vice President Jejomar Binay, Chief Justice Renato Corona, Former Presidents Fidel Valdez Ramos and Joseph Ejercito Estrada; Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate; distinguished members of the diplomatic corps;
My beloved countrymen:
Our administration is facing a forked road. On one direction, decisions are made to protect the welfare of our people; to look after the interest of the majority; to have a firm grip on principles; and to be faithful to the public servant’s sworn oath to serve the country honestly.
This is the straight path.
On the other side, personal interest is the priority, and where one becomes a slave to political considerations to the detriment of our nation.
This is the crooked path.
For a long time, our country lost its way in the crooked path. As days go by (since I became President), the massive scope of the problems we have inherited becomes much clearer. I could almost feel the weight of my responsibilities.
In the first three weeks of our administration, we discovered many things, and I will report to you some of the problems we have uncovered, and the steps we are taking to solve them.
This report is merely a glimpse of our situation. It is not the entire picture of the crises we are facing. The reality was hidden from our people, who seem to have been deliberately obfuscated on the real state of our nation.
In the first six years of this year, government expenditure exceeded our revenues. Our deficit further increased to PhP196.7 billion. Our collection targets, which lack PhP23.8 billion, were not fully met, while we went beyond our spending by PhP45.1 billion.
Our budget for 2010 is PhP1.54 trillion. Of this, only PhP100 billion – or 6.5% of the total budget – can be used for the remaining six months of the current year. Roughly 1% of the total budget is left for each of the remaining month.
Where did the funds go?
A calamity fund worth PhP2 billion was reserved in preparation for anticipated calamities. Of this already miniscule amount, at a time when the rainy season has yet to set in, PhP1.4 billion or 70% was already spent.
The entire province of Pampanga received PhP108 million. Of this, PhP105 million went to only one district. On the other hand, the province of Pangasinan, which was severely affected by Typhoon Pepeng, received a mere PhP5 million, which had to be used to fix damages inflicted not even by Pepeng, but by a previous typhoon, Cosme.
The funds were released on election month, which was seven months after the typhoon. What will happen if a typhoon arrives tomorrow? The fund has been used up to repair damage from typhoons that hit us last year. Our future will pay for the greed of yesterday.
This is also what happened to the funds of the MWSS. Just recently, people lined up for water while the leadership of the MWSS rewarded itself even though the pensions of retired employees remain unpaid.
The entire payroll of the MWSS amounts to 51.4 million pesos annually. But this isn’t the full extent of what they receive: they receive additional allowances and benefits amounting to 81.1 million pesos. In short, they receive 211.5 million pesos annually. Twenty four percent of this is for normal salaries, and sixty six percent is added on.
The average worker receives up to 13th month pay plus a cash gift. In the MWSS, they receive the equivalent of over thirty months pay if you include all their additional bonuses and allowances.
What we discovered in the case of the salaries of their board of trustees is even more shocking. Let’s take a look at the allowances they receive:
Attending board of trustees and board committee meetings, and you get fourteen thousands pesos. This totals ninety eight thousand pesos a month. They also get an annual grocery incentive of eighty thousand pesos.
And that’s not all. They get a mid-year bonus, productivity bonus, anniversary bonus, year-end bonus, and financial assistance. They not only get a Christmas bonus, but an additional Christmas package as well. Each of these amounts to eighty thousand pesos. All in all, each member of the board receives two and a half million pesos a year exclusive of car service, technical assistance, and loans. Let me repeat. They award themselves all of these while being in arrears for the pensions of their retired employees.
Even the La Mesa watershed wasn’t spared. In order to ensure an adequate supply of water, we need to protect our watersheds. In watersheds, trees are needed. Where there should be trees, they built homes for the top officials of the MWSS.
We cannot remove them from their positions quickly because they are among the midnight appointees of former president Arroyo. We are investigating all of these things. But if they have any shame left, they should voluntarily relinquish their positions.
Now let’s discuss funds for infrastructure. The DPWH identified two hundred forty six priority safety projects to be funded by the motor vehicle user’s charge. This needs a budget of 425 million pesos. What they ended up funding were only 28 projects. They disregarded 218 projects and replaced these with seventy projects that weren’t in the plans. The 425 million pesos originally asked for became 480 million pesos, increasing because of projects allocated for a favored few.
These projects make no sense: unstudied and unprepared for, sprouting like mushrooms.
The era of such projects is at an end. Under our administration, there will be no quotas, there will be no overpricing, the funds of the people will be spent for the people.
There’s more. Five days before the term of the previous administration ended, they ordered 3.5 billion pesos to be released for the rehabilitation of those affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. This was supposed to fund eighty-nine projects. But nineteen of these projects amounting to 981 million pesos didn’t go through public bidding. Special Allotment Release Orders hadn’t even been released and yet the contracts were already signed. It’s a good thing Secretary Rogelio Singson spotted and stopped them. Instead, they will all go through the proper bidding, and the funds will be used to provide relief to those who lost their homes due to typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.
Let’s discuss what happened in Napocor. From 2001 to 2004, the government forced Napocor to sell electricity at a loss to prevent increases in electricity rates. The real motivation for this is that they were preparing for the election.
As a result, in 2004, NAPOCOR slumped deeply in debt. The government was obligated to shoulder the 200 billion pesos it owed.
What the public thought they saved from electricity, we are now paying for using public coffers. Not only are we paying for the cost of electricity; we are also paying for the interest arising from the debt.
If the money we borrowed was used properly, then there would be added assurance that constant supply of electricity is available. However, this decision was based on bad politics, not on the true needs of the people. The people, after having to sacrifice, suffered even more.
This is also what happened to the MRT. The government tried again to buy the people’s love. The operator was forced to keep the rates low.
In effect, the guarantee given to the operator that he will still be able to recoup his investment was not fulfilled. Because of this, Landbank and the Development Bank of the Philippines were ordered to purchase the MRT.
The money of the people was used in exchange for an operation that was losing money.
Let us now move on to the funds of the National Food Authority (NFA).
In 2004: 117,000 metric tons (of rice) was the shortage in the supply of the Philippines. What they (the government) bought were 900,000 metric tons. Even if you multiply for more than seven times the amount of shortage, they still bought more than what was needed.
In 2007: 589,000 metric tons was the shortage in the supply of the Philippines. What they bought were 1.827 million metric tons. Even if you multiply for more than three times the amount of shortage, they again bought more than what was needed.
What hurts is, because they keep purchasing more than what they need year after year, the excess rice that had to be stored in warehouses ended up rotting, just like what happened in 2008.
Is this not a crime, letting rice rot, despite the fact that there are 4 million Filipinos who do not eat three times a day?
The result is NFA’s current debt of 177 billion pesos.
This money that was wasted could have funded the following:
* The budget of the entire judiciary, which is at 12.7 billion pesos this year.
* The Conditional Cash Transfers for the following year, which cost 29.6 billion pesos.
* All the classrooms that our country needs, which cost 130 billion pesos.
This way of doing things is revolting. Money was there only to be wasted.
You have heard how the public coffers were squandered. This is what is clear to me now: change can only come from our determination to stamp out this extravagance and profligacy.
That is why starting now: we will stop the wasteful use of government funds. We will eradicate projects that are wrong.
This is the point of what we call the zero-based approach in our budget. What used to be the norm was every year, the budget merely gets re- enacted without plugging the holes.
Next month we will be submitting a budget that accurately identifies the problem and gives much attention on the right solution.
Those that I have mentioned were only some of the problems we have discovered. Here now are examples of the steps we are undertaking to solve them.
There is a case of one pawnshop owner. He purchased a vehicle at an estimated cost of 26 million pesos.
If he can afford to buy a Lamborghini, why can’t he pay his taxes?
A case has already been filed against him. Through the leadership of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares, Customs Commissioner Lito Alvarez, and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, every week we have new cases filed against smugglers and against those who do not pay the right taxes.
We have also already identified the suspects of the cases of Francisco Baldomero, Jose Daguio and Miguel Belen, 3 of the 6 incidents of extralegal killings since we assumed the Presidency.
Fifty percent (50%) of these incidents of extralegal killings are now on their way to being resolved.
We will not stop the pursuit of the remaining half of these killings until justice has been achieved.
We will hold murderers accountable. We will also hold those who are corrupt that work in government accountable for their actions.
We have begun forming our Truth Commission, through the leadership of former Chief Justice Hilario Davide. We will search for the truth on the alleged wrongdoing committed in the last nine years.
This week, I will sign the first ever Executive Order on the formation of this Truth Commission.
If the answer to justice is accountability, the answer to the dearth in funds is a new and creative approach to our long-standing problems.
We have so many needs: from education, infrastructure, health, military, police and more. Our funds will not be enough to meet them.
No matter how massive the deficit is that may keep us from paying for this list of needs, I am heartened because many have already expressed renewed interest and confidence in the Philippines.
Our solution: public-private partnerships. Although no contract has been signed yet, I can say that ongoing talks with interested investors will yield fruitful outcomes.
There are some who have already shown interest and want to build an expressway from Manila that will pass through Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, until the end of Cagayan Valley, without the government having to spend a single peso.
On national defense:
We have 36,000 nautical miles of shoreline, but we only have 32 boats. These boats are as old as the time of (US General Douglas) MacArthur.
Some had this proposition: they will rent the Navy headquarters on Roxas Boulevard and the Naval Station in Fort Bonifacio.
They will take care of the funding necessary to transfer the Navy Headquarters to Camp Aguinaldo. Immediately, we will be given 100 million dollars. Furthermore, they will give us a portion of their profits from their businesses that would occupy the land they will rent.
In short, we will meet our needs without spending, and we will also earn.
There have already been many proposals from local to foreign investors to provide for our various needs.
From these public-private partnerships, our economy will grow and every Filipino will be the beneficiary. There are so many sectors that could benefit from this.
We will be able to construct the needed infrastructure in order to help tourism grow.
In agriculture, we will be able to have access to grains terminals, refrigeration facilities, orderly road networks and post-harvest facilities.
If we can fix out food supply chain with the help of the private sector, instead of importing, we will hopefully be able to supply for the needs of the global market.
The prices of commodities will go down if we are able to make this efficient railway system a reality. It will be cheaper and faster, and it will be easier for travelers to avoid crooked cops and rebels.
A reminder to all: creating jobs is foremost on our agenda, and the creation of jobs will come from the growth of our industries. Growth will only be possible if we streamline processes to make them predictable, reliable and efficient for those who want to invest.
We make sure that the Build-Operate-and-Transfer projects will undergo quick and efficient processes. With the help of all government agencies concerned and the people, a process that used to take as short as a year and as long as a decade will now only take six months.
The Department of Trade and Industry has already taken steps to effect this change, under the leadership of Secretary Gregory Domingo:
The never-ending horror story of registering business names, which used to take a minimum of four to eight hours depending on the day, will be cut down drastically to fifteen minutes.
What used to be a check list of thirty-six documents will be shortened to a list of six, and the old eight-page application form will be whittled down to one page.
I call on our local government units to review its own procedures. While we look for more ways to streamline our processes to make business start-ups easier, I hope the LGUs can also find ways to implement reforms that will be consistent with the ones we have already started.
All will certainly benefit from this streamlining — be it businessmen, soldiers, rebels and ordinary Filipinos. As long as the interests of Filipinos will not be jeopardized, we will explore all available avenues to make this a reality. We must start now, and we should all help achieve this and not stand in each other’s way.
The time when we will no longer be made to choose between our people’s security and the future of our children is upon us now.
Once we implement these public-private partnerships, we will be able to fund public service in accordance with our platform.
This will enable us to fund our plans for education.
We will be able to expand our basic education cycle from seven years to the global standard of twelve years.
We can build more classrooms, and we will fund service contracting under the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Program (GASTPE).
Conditional cash transfers that aim to lessen the burden of education on parents will also be funded if this partnership becomes a reality.
Our plans for improving PhilHealth can now be within reach.
First, we will identify the correct number of Filipinos who sorely need PhilHealth coverage, as current data is conflicting on this matter. On one hand, PhilHealth says that eighty-seven percent (87%) of Filipinos are covered, then lowers the number to only fifty-three percent (53%). On the other hand, the National Statistics Office says that only thirty-eight percent (38%) of Filipinos are covered by Philhealth.Even as we speak, Secretary Dinky Soliman and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are moving to implement the National Household Targeting System that will identify the families that most urgently need assistance. An estimated 9 billion pesos is needed in order to provide coverage for five million poor Filipinos.
Our country is beginning to see better days ahead. The private sector, the League of Provinces headed by Governor Alfonso Umali, together with Governors L-Ray Villafuerte and Icot Petilla, are now ready to do their share when it comes to shouldering the financial burden. I know that the League of Cities under the leadership of Mayor Oscar Rodriguez will not be far behind.
If the local governments share in our goals, I know that I can surely count on Congress, the institution where I began public service, to push for our agenda for change.
Our Cabinet has already showed it skill by identifying not just problems but also proposing solutions in a matter of three weeks.
In the aftermath of Typhoon Basyang, we were told by those in the power sector that we would be without electricity for four days. The quick action of Secretary Rene Almendras and the Department of Energy resulted in the restoration of power to almost all those affected within twenty-four hours.
The so-called water shortage in Metro Manila was quickly attended to by Secretary Rogelio Singson and the Department of Public Works and Highways. Secretary Singson did it without prodding, which alleviated the suffering of those affected.
We also witnessed the competence and initiative of those we appointed to be part of our Cabinet. It is but just that they not be forced to go through the eye of a needle to be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments. Should this happen, competent Filipinos will be encouraged to help our country by becoming public servants.
In the soonest possible time, we will convene the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) to discuss the important bills that need to be addressed. Rest assured that I will keep an open mind and treat you honorably.
We will push for the Fiscal Responsibility Bill, which will limit spending bills only for appropriations that have identified a source of funding. We need 104.1 billion pesos to fund those laws already passed but whose implementation remains pending because of lack of funds.
We will re-evaluate fiscal incentives given in the past. Now that we are tightening our purse strings, we need to identify those incentives that will remain and those that need to be done away with.
We will not allow another NBN-ZTE scandal to happen again. Whether from local or foreign sources, all proposed contracts must undergo the scrutiny of correct procedures. I now ask for your help with amending our Procurement Law.
According to our Constitution, it is the government’s duty to ensure that the market is fair for all. No monopolies, no cartels that kill competition. We need an Anti-Trust Law that will give life to these principles, to afford Small- and Medium-Scale Enterprises the opportunity to participate in the growth of our economy.
Let us pass into law the National Land Use Bill.
It was in 1935, during the Commonwealth, that the National Defense Act was passed. There is a need to amend for a new law that is more responsive to the current needs of national security.
I appeal to our legislators to pass the Whistleblower’s Bill to eradicate the prevalent culture of fear and silence that has hounded our system.
We will strengthen the Witness Protection Program. We must remember that from 2009 to 2010 alone, cases which involved the participation of witnesses under the program resulted in a ninety-five percent conviction.
There is a need to review our laws. I call on our lawmakers to begin a re- codification of our laws to ensure harmony in legislation and eliminate contradictions.
These laws serve as the basis of order in our land, but the foundation of all rests on the principle that we cannot grow without peace and order.
We face two obstacles on our road to peace: the situation in Mindanao and the continued revolt of the CPP-NPA-NDF.
Our view has not changed when it comes to the situation in Mindanao. We will only achieve lasting peace if all stakeholders engage in an honest dialogue: may they be Moro, Lumad, or Christian. We have asked Dean Marvic Leonen to head our efforts to talk to the MILF.
We will learn from the mistakes of the past administration, that suddenly announced an agreement reached without consultations from all concerned. We are not blind to the fact that it was done with political motivation, and that the interest behind it was not that of the people.
We recognize the efforts of the MILF to discipline those within its ranks. We are hopeful that the negotiations will begin after Ramadan.
To the CPP-NPA-NDF: are you prepared to put forth concrete solutions rather than pure criticism and finger-pointing?
If it is peace you truly desire, then we are ready for an immediate cease- fire. Let us go back to the table and begin talking again.
It is difficult to begin discussions in earnest if the smell of gun powder still hangs in the air. I call on everyone concerned not to waste a good opportunity to rally behind our common aspiration for peace.
Our foundation for growth is peace. We will continue to be shackled by poverty if the crossfire persists.
We must understand that now is a time for sacrifice. It is this sacrifice that will pave the way for a better future. With our freedom comes our responsibility to do good unto our fellows and to our country.
To our friends in media, especially those in radio and print, to the block- timers and those in our community newspapers, I trust that you will take up the cudgels to police your own ranks.
May you give new meaning to the principles of your vocation: to provide clarity to pressing issues; to be fair and truthful in your reporting, and to raise the level of public discourse.
It is every Filipino’s duty to closely watch the leaders that you have elected. I encourage everyone to take a step towards participation rather than fault- finding. The former takes part in finding a solution; from the latter, never- ending complaints.
We have always known that the key to growth is putting the interest of others beyond one’s own. One thing is clear: how do we move forward if we keep putting others down?
How will those without education secure quality jobs? How will the unemployed become consumers? How will they save money for their future needs?
If we change all this, if we prioritize enabling others, we will open a world of opportunities not just for ourselves but for those who direly need it.
We have already begun the process of change, and we are now able to dream of better things for our country. Let us not forget that there are those who wish us to fail, so that they will once again reclaim power to do as they please at the expense of our people.
My firm belief is that our fate is in the hands of God and our people. While we focus on uplifting the lives of our fellow men, I have an unshakeable faith that Almighty God will give us His blessings and support. If we remain firm in our belief that God is on our side, is there anything impossible for us to achieve?
The mandate we received last May 10 is testament to the fact that the Filipino continues to hope for true change. The situation is not what it was before; we can all dream again. Let us all become one in achieving a fulfilment of our hopes and aspirations for our country.
Maraming Salamat Po!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Kaye Cowher Dead
Kaye Cowher, the wife of former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher,died Friday- July 23, 2010 after fighting skin cancer, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. She was only 54. Her Family and Friends are deeply sad and full of tears.
Kaye Cowher was a native of North Carolina. The Cowhers met when they were classmates at North Carolina State University in 1976. They fell in love with each other and got married in 1981. They lived at North Carolina after their marriage. The Cowhers have three daughters, Meagan, Lauren and Lindsay.
Kaye Cowher and her twin sister Faye were both basketball players at North Carolina State. She played 3 seasons in the Womens Professional Basketball League and later on she left and stopped playing due to other things and wanted to give more time to her husband. Mrs. Cowher is very much concerned and involved in charities for children.
Coach Cowher retired just one year after from winning Super Bowl XL, at the summit of a 15-year career as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While some suspected financial terms in a contract extension were his reason for resigning as the head coach of the Steelers.
The family has requested privacy and has released no information on Kaye Cowher's death. According to the reports, services will be held in North Carolina on Monday,
Kaye Cowher was a native of North Carolina. The Cowhers met when they were classmates at North Carolina State University in 1976. They fell in love with each other and got married in 1981. They lived at North Carolina after their marriage. The Cowhers have three daughters, Meagan, Lauren and Lindsay.
Kaye Cowher and her twin sister Faye were both basketball players at North Carolina State. She played 3 seasons in the Womens Professional Basketball League and later on she left and stopped playing due to other things and wanted to give more time to her husband. Mrs. Cowher is very much concerned and involved in charities for children.
Coach Cowher retired just one year after from winning Super Bowl XL, at the summit of a 15-year career as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While some suspected financial terms in a contract extension were his reason for resigning as the head coach of the Steelers.
The family has requested privacy and has released no information on Kaye Cowher's death. According to the reports, services will be held in North Carolina on Monday,
Friday, July 23, 2010
US stocks surge on upbeat earnings and forecasts
NEW YORK – Stocks had their biggest rally in two weeks Thursday as earnings and economic reports reassured investors that the recovery, while uncertain, is continuing.
The Dow Jones industrial average rose 201 points after second-quarter earnings from Caterpillar Inc., UPS Inc. and other companies beat analysts' forecasts. A better than expected report on housing and encouraging signs of growth in Europe added to the upbeat mood.
But investors might be ready to sell again when trading resumes Friday. After the close of regular trading, Amazon.com Inc. issued a report that fell short of expectations. Its stock fell almost 14 percent in after-hours trading. If the market gives back gains Friday, it would follow its pattern of falling on disappointments in what so far has been a mixed earnings season.
Microsoft Corp. also released earnings after the close of trading and beat analyst estimates. Its stock fell slightly.
Investors had plenty of reasons to buy on Thursday. Caterpillar said its orders are growing and production will pick up in the second half of the year. UPS raised its outlook because of spending by businesses. Caterpillar's stock rose 1.7 percent, while UPS gained 5.2 percent.
Chris Hobart, founder of Hobart Financial Group in Charlotte, N.C., said the outlooks are especially important because, if companies expect to grow, they'll need to hire again.
If improved forecasts lead to jobs growth, "then this can be better than a good quarter or good second half, (it can mean) we've got a good economy," Hobart said.
A report on the housing market, while still showing a slowdown, was reassuring because it wasn't as bad as investors expected. The National Association of Realtors said sales of previously occupied homes fell to an annual rate of 5.37 million in June from 5.66 million a month earlier. Economists forecast the sales rate to fall to 5.18 million.
The Dow rose 201.77, or 2 percent, to 10,322.30. That was the Dow's biggest advance since it rose 274 points on July 7.
The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 24.08, or 2.3 percent, to 1,093.67, while the Nasdaq composite index rose 58.56, or 2.7 percent, to 2,245.89.
Only 397 stocks fell on the New York Stock Exchange, while 2,675 rose. Consolidated volume came to 4.9 billion shares, up from 4.8 billion on Wednesday.
Traders largely wrote off a jump in the number of people seeking unemployment benefits for the first time. The increase was likely skewed by seasonal factors. Instead, investors focused on earnings from a broad range of companies that showed businesses aren't seeing a slowdown in the recovery. News of corporate deals also lifted shares.
Meanwhile, European markets rose after a report showed unexpected growth in the 16-nation group that uses the euro. In recent months, investors worldwide have been concerned that rising government debt in Europe would stall a global recovery. A jump in Europe's purchasing managers index Thursday was a relief after forecasts of a possible recession on the continent.
The economic reports out of Europe were "a big surprise because everyone expects that to be the Achilles heel of the global economy," said Anthony Chan, chief economist at J.P. Morgan Private Wealth Management in New York.
Problems in Europe set off the big drop in stocks in late April. As Greece struggled to make debt payments and ratings agencies downgraded the government debt of several companies, stocks plunged in the US on fears that the domestic recovery was in jeopardy. Stocks then fell further as US economic reports showed that the recovery was at best bumpy. Some investors feared a "double dip," or the economy falling back into recession.
Overseas, Britain's FTSE 100 rose 1.9 percent, Germany's DAX index gained 2.5 percent and France's CAC-40 rose 3.1 percent. In Japan, where trading ends before it begins in the US, the Nikkei stock average fell 0.6 percent.
Bond prices dipped as investors jumped back into stocks. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note, which moves opposite its price, rose to 2.94 percent from 2.88 percent late Wednesday.
The market's gains Thursday came a day after investors sold stocks because Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned Congress that the economy remains fragile. Bernanke confirmed investors' fears that the best scenario for the economy is only slow growth and relatively high unemployment. Bernanke testified again before Congress on Thursday, but his comments had little impact on trading.
Guy LeBas, chief fixed income strategist of Janney Montgomery Scott in Philadelphia said there are two groups in the market fighting back and forth, which has led to the volatility. One believes the economy is going to fall back into recession, while the other thinks this is just a pause in a strong rebound.
"There's no middle ground," LeBas said. As a result, he said, each group will pounce on news that backs up their claims and send the market sharply higher or lower. "We are absolutely hypersensitive to what we're seeing."
Amazon, which rose $2.64, or 2.3 percent, to $120.07 in regular trading, slid $16.57, or 13.8 percent, after hours. Microsoft, which rose 72 cents, or 2.9 percent in regular trading, to $25.84, slipped 8 cents in after-hours activity.
UPS jumped $3.14, or 5.2 percent, to $63.15. Caterpillar rose $1.13, or 1.7 percent, to $68.
Homebuilders stocks rose in response to the home sales report. Hovnanian Enterprises Inc. rose 15 cents, or 3.8 percent, to $4.07. KB Home rose 41 cents, or 3.9 percent, to $11.06.
The Labor Department said weekly claims for jobless benefits jumped by 37,000 to 464,000. Economists polled by Thomson Reuters expected claims to rise to 445,000 last week. The big jump comes after a big drop a couple of weeks ago when companies like GM reported fewer temporary layoffs than usual for the time of year. Even with the distorted numbers, high unemployment remains of the biggest obstacles to a strong, sustained recovery. — AP
gmanews.tv
The Dow Jones industrial average rose 201 points after second-quarter earnings from Caterpillar Inc., UPS Inc. and other companies beat analysts' forecasts. A better than expected report on housing and encouraging signs of growth in Europe added to the upbeat mood.
But investors might be ready to sell again when trading resumes Friday. After the close of regular trading, Amazon.com Inc. issued a report that fell short of expectations. Its stock fell almost 14 percent in after-hours trading. If the market gives back gains Friday, it would follow its pattern of falling on disappointments in what so far has been a mixed earnings season.
Microsoft Corp. also released earnings after the close of trading and beat analyst estimates. Its stock fell slightly.
Investors had plenty of reasons to buy on Thursday. Caterpillar said its orders are growing and production will pick up in the second half of the year. UPS raised its outlook because of spending by businesses. Caterpillar's stock rose 1.7 percent, while UPS gained 5.2 percent.
Chris Hobart, founder of Hobart Financial Group in Charlotte, N.C., said the outlooks are especially important because, if companies expect to grow, they'll need to hire again.
If improved forecasts lead to jobs growth, "then this can be better than a good quarter or good second half, (it can mean) we've got a good economy," Hobart said.
A report on the housing market, while still showing a slowdown, was reassuring because it wasn't as bad as investors expected. The National Association of Realtors said sales of previously occupied homes fell to an annual rate of 5.37 million in June from 5.66 million a month earlier. Economists forecast the sales rate to fall to 5.18 million.
The Dow rose 201.77, or 2 percent, to 10,322.30. That was the Dow's biggest advance since it rose 274 points on July 7.
The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 24.08, or 2.3 percent, to 1,093.67, while the Nasdaq composite index rose 58.56, or 2.7 percent, to 2,245.89.
Only 397 stocks fell on the New York Stock Exchange, while 2,675 rose. Consolidated volume came to 4.9 billion shares, up from 4.8 billion on Wednesday.
Traders largely wrote off a jump in the number of people seeking unemployment benefits for the first time. The increase was likely skewed by seasonal factors. Instead, investors focused on earnings from a broad range of companies that showed businesses aren't seeing a slowdown in the recovery. News of corporate deals also lifted shares.
Meanwhile, European markets rose after a report showed unexpected growth in the 16-nation group that uses the euro. In recent months, investors worldwide have been concerned that rising government debt in Europe would stall a global recovery. A jump in Europe's purchasing managers index Thursday was a relief after forecasts of a possible recession on the continent.
The economic reports out of Europe were "a big surprise because everyone expects that to be the Achilles heel of the global economy," said Anthony Chan, chief economist at J.P. Morgan Private Wealth Management in New York.
Problems in Europe set off the big drop in stocks in late April. As Greece struggled to make debt payments and ratings agencies downgraded the government debt of several companies, stocks plunged in the US on fears that the domestic recovery was in jeopardy. Stocks then fell further as US economic reports showed that the recovery was at best bumpy. Some investors feared a "double dip," or the economy falling back into recession.
Overseas, Britain's FTSE 100 rose 1.9 percent, Germany's DAX index gained 2.5 percent and France's CAC-40 rose 3.1 percent. In Japan, where trading ends before it begins in the US, the Nikkei stock average fell 0.6 percent.
Bond prices dipped as investors jumped back into stocks. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note, which moves opposite its price, rose to 2.94 percent from 2.88 percent late Wednesday.
The market's gains Thursday came a day after investors sold stocks because Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned Congress that the economy remains fragile. Bernanke confirmed investors' fears that the best scenario for the economy is only slow growth and relatively high unemployment. Bernanke testified again before Congress on Thursday, but his comments had little impact on trading.
Guy LeBas, chief fixed income strategist of Janney Montgomery Scott in Philadelphia said there are two groups in the market fighting back and forth, which has led to the volatility. One believes the economy is going to fall back into recession, while the other thinks this is just a pause in a strong rebound.
"There's no middle ground," LeBas said. As a result, he said, each group will pounce on news that backs up their claims and send the market sharply higher or lower. "We are absolutely hypersensitive to what we're seeing."
Amazon, which rose $2.64, or 2.3 percent, to $120.07 in regular trading, slid $16.57, or 13.8 percent, after hours. Microsoft, which rose 72 cents, or 2.9 percent in regular trading, to $25.84, slipped 8 cents in after-hours activity.
UPS jumped $3.14, or 5.2 percent, to $63.15. Caterpillar rose $1.13, or 1.7 percent, to $68.
Homebuilders stocks rose in response to the home sales report. Hovnanian Enterprises Inc. rose 15 cents, or 3.8 percent, to $4.07. KB Home rose 41 cents, or 3.9 percent, to $11.06.
The Labor Department said weekly claims for jobless benefits jumped by 37,000 to 464,000. Economists polled by Thomson Reuters expected claims to rise to 445,000 last week. The big jump comes after a big drop a couple of weeks ago when companies like GM reported fewer temporary layoffs than usual for the time of year. Even with the distorted numbers, high unemployment remains of the biggest obstacles to a strong, sustained recovery. — AP
gmanews.tv
Which college grads snag the best salaries
Source:PayScale.com
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Attending school in California and becoming an engineering major can really pay off for college graduates — by thousands of dollars a year.
According to a report released Thursday from salary-tracker PayScale.com, petroleum engineering majors and graduates of Harvey Mudd College are taking home the biggest paychecks.
While mid-career salaries fell 1.5% overall between 2009 and 2010, engineers, scientists and mathematicians continued to rake in the big bucks, as well as students who graduated from Ivy League schools.
“Our society values something practical — that’s why poetry isn’t popping up on the top of the list,” said Al Lee, director of quantitative analysis at PayScale. “As in the past, engineering and [similar] fields with a strong math component plus a physical world component remain on the top, with lots of money to be made in these fields.”
The data in the report, collected from 999 bachelor degree institutions in the last year, track median starting salaries of employees who graduated in the last five years and median mid-career salaries of graduates with more than 10 years of experience in a given field.
Follow the money: So where are all the lavishly paid engineers bred? According to PayScale.com, it’s Claremont, Calif., where Harvey Mudd alums go on to earn a mid-level salary of around $126,000.
“Harvey Mudd is the nexus of all good places to be in terms of graduate earnings,” said Lee. “Not only do engineering majors make good money and this happens to be a specialized school for engineering, but southern California is an area that tends to have some of the highest wage earners in the country.”
Meanwhile, Dartmouth College, which claimed the title as the school with the highest paid graduates for the past two years, was knocked down the list to number two — tied with Princeton — with its graduates receiving a starting salary of $54,100 and a mid-career salary of $123,000.
Since a large chunk of Dartmouth students typically head into financial services post-college, many graduates felt a blow to their wallets in the last year as financial companies cut back on pay, said Lee.
Harvard, California Institute of Technology, Colgate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford, Duke and Bucknell rounded out the top ten list of schools with the highest-paid mid-career graduates.
On the other end of the spectrum, if you choose Coker College in South Carolina — the worst-paying school on the list — be prepared for a starting salary of around $28,900 and a mid-level salary of $40,300.
Majors that pay: Topping the list of best-paying degrees this year, petroleum engineers earn a starting salary of $93,000 and a mid-level salary of $157,000.
That’s $49,000 more than the next most lucrative majors, aerospace engineering and chemical engineering, which both produce graduates earning a salary of around $108,000.
“Petroleum engineering has been an incredibly profitable sector for the last few years,” said Lee. “It’s a very cyclical field and depends largely on the price of oil, and we’re very much on an up cycle right now.”
Electrical engineering was the third-highest paying major on the list, with mid-level pay of $104,000 per year, followed by nuclear engineering, applied mathematics, biomedical engineering, physics and computer engineering.
But I don’t want to be an engineer! If science and math aren’t your thing, don’t worry. There are plenty of other majors — many you wouldn’t expect — that will put you on the money-making track.
“People always think they have to be an engineer if they want to make good money down the line, but there are a lot of other majors that will help you find good careers with salaries that anyone would be comfortable living on,” said Lee.
A building construction major typically leads to a mid-career salary of more than $94,000, while mid-level government majors earn $87,300 on average. International relations, supply chain management and urban planning also boast average salaries of more than $80,000 a year.
Even majors like film production and zoology can help you land a good-paying job. While film-makers earn a starting salary of only $36,100 and recently-graduated zoology majors tend to make about $34,600, mid-level salaries come in at about $77,800 and $68,800, respectively.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Charice undergoes cosmetic fix for 'Glee'
Filipino singing sensation Charice Pempengco has had noninvasive cosmetic procedures in preparation for her debut in the second season of the hit TV show "Glee."The 18-year-old Charice, whose singing career rocketed after appearing on Ellen DeGeneres' and Oprah Winfrey's shows, underwent a 30-minute Thermage procedure, involving an anti-aging skin tightening device, and Botox treatment to make her "naturally round face" more narrow, celebrity cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo told ABS-CBN television.
Charice, in the same interview, said last week's face makeover was part of her big preparations "to look fresh on camera" for the Fox show "Glee."
"All people will be anticipating how will Charice look? Is she good enough to pit against Rachel Berry? So of course there is tremendous pressure," Charice said.
In an earlier TV interview, she said she auditioned for "Glee" in mid-June in Los Angeles and was thankful to have been accepted.
"It's really a blessing," she said, adding she was "very proud to be an Asian, very proud to be Filipino."
Charice said she'll start filming at the end of July.
Born Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco and raised with her brother by a single mother, she sang in local contests and appeared on TV talent shows in the Philippines and South Korea before she got a big break on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" at age 15.
She later appeared several times on the "Oprah Winfrey Show" and credits Winfrey for helping push her career. — AP
gmanews.tv
Friday, July 16, 2010
Christopher Morgan
Christopher Morgan:Christopher Morgan won an Emmy. Another 1 win and 2 nominations. In 2010 he is in Memphis Beat (producer) (1 episode 2010). Also in 2010, he is the producer of Baby, Let’s Play House (2010) TV episode (producer). He already earned a large reputation in cinematography from 1970 until 2010. He is the best actor of his time.
Bieber denies Holocaust
Bieber denies Holocaust: Anything about Justin Bieber, i'm sure the whole world wants to know. Bieber denies Holocaust? Why would he make such a statement as he is a Jew himself. Im sick and tired, People spread lies and rumors about an innocent child.
The young and famous singer had been the victim of cyber-bullying. Rumors against him have become malicious and disgraceful from being vulgar to offensive and foul.
The young and famous singer had been the victim of cyber-bullying. Rumors against him have become malicious and disgraceful from being vulgar to offensive and foul.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
FBI Jobs
FBI Jobs: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is presenting a select group of outstanding students and graduate students from universities in the United States each summer to participate in a complete program designed to give you an inside look at the FBI.
FBI Working fast detailed and organized ability and skills needed in a crisis situation. The FBI is offering positions for a variety of backgrounds and skills and therefore, apart from the written test to analyze their knowledge later in a psychological test is also conducted.
FBI Working fast detailed and organized ability and skills needed in a crisis situation. The FBI is offering positions for a variety of backgrounds and skills and therefore, apart from the written test to analyze their knowledge later in a psychological test is also conducted.
Typhoon Basyang Caused A Massive Blackout
Typhoon Basyang international name Typhoon Conson hits Metro Manila. Much of Luzon had no electricity and damaged all the power transmission lines 12:41 a.m including Metro Manila. Nearly one hundred percent of Metro Manila experienced a massive blackout because of typhoon Basyang. Classes have been suspended in primary and secondary levels.
Typhoon Basyang unexpectedly hit Metro Manila because it was first forecast to hit Central Luzon without people expecting it to due to belief that the PAGASA weather forecast was dependable and reliable.
Commercial power has been out. There is power interruption, communication lines were cut. Aside from battery issues, all the networks were down, No internet connection.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Hotel workers' union protests at Disneyland
ANAHEIM, California - Mickey Mouse mask-wearing protesters were among about 325 union members and supporters who demonstrated against Disneyland over a hotel employee contract dispute.Protesters on Monday wore masks colored with a black eye to represent the union's message that Disney is the black eye of Anaheim, where the amusement park is located.
About 2,100 Disney hotel employees have worked without a contract for about two and a half years and there have been periodic protests.
The main sticking point is health care costs.
Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown says it's unfortunate that the union "continues to focus its energy on protesting" rather than ensuring its members have the security of a contract. - AP
source: gmanews.tv
Jennie Finch and Natasha Watley were the sweethearts of the All-Star Legends & Celebrity Game
USA Softball Olympians Jennie Finch and Natasha Watley were the sweethearts of the All-Star Legends & Celebrity Game held at Angel Stadium in Anaheim CA Sunday. Natasha Watley, the 5’10” USA Softball shortstop, snagged the integrate of tough strike balls during third base with easy athleticism.
That was all the fun and love but should still be recognized that Watley and Finch represent themselves well and athletic women.
That was all the fun and love but should still be recognized that Watley and Finch represent themselves well and athletic women.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Merle Haggard
Country music icon Merle Haggard was born on April 6, 1937 and he was named poet of common man, and his ability to capture the hopes and fears of real people with his songs. Merle Haggard is undoubtedly essential in the present song world. When she sings to spend time in prison, he speaks from experience. When he writes lyrics about starting in a wrong direction however his mother attempt to drive him right.
His early transgressions are part of a PBS "American Masters" documentary, "Merle Haggard: Learning To Live With Myself." which premiers July 21, it includes commentary from Robert Duvall, John Fogerty, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Kris Kristofferson, Keith Richards, Tanya Tucker, Don Was, and Dwight Yoakam.
Brazil: Air France jet lands after bomb threat
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — An Air France passenger jet from Rio to Paris made an emergency landing in northeastern Brazil
due to a bomb threat.
All 405 passengers and 18 crew members were safely evacuated from Air France Flight 443 on Saturday night, said Jorge Andrade, a spokesman for airport authority Infraero.
A spokesman for Air France in Brazil said the bomb threat was phoned in to Rio's international airport by a female voice about 30 minutes after the plane took off.
The control tower contacted the jet and the decision was made to land in Recife, the Air France spokesman said. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter.
In Paris, Air France spokesman Jerome N'Guyen said a full inspection of the plane had been completed and nothing suspicious had been found.
Passengers were taken to nearby hotels until the plane could take off again. This could not happen immediately because of regulations on rest time for flight personnel, but it was expected to leave from Recife at 6 p.m. and reach Paris Monday morning, he added.
Solange Argenta, an Infraero spokeswoman at the Recife airport, said the flight originally took off at 4:20 p.m. and that the plane landed in Recife at 7:53 p.m..
Infraero said in a statement that after landing in Recife, the jet taxied to a secluded area of the airport and those on board were quickly removed. The airport was closed for about 30 minutes, and then reopened.
Flight 443 was on the same route as an Air France jet that crashed in June 2009 off Brazil's northeastern coast, killing all 228 on board. While no definite cause has been determined in the crash, authorities have repeatedly ruled out foul play.
Source: (philstar.com)
due to a bomb threat.
All 405 passengers and 18 crew members were safely evacuated from Air France Flight 443 on Saturday night, said Jorge Andrade, a spokesman for airport authority Infraero.
A spokesman for Air France in Brazil said the bomb threat was phoned in to Rio's international airport by a female voice about 30 minutes after the plane took off.
The control tower contacted the jet and the decision was made to land in Recife, the Air France spokesman said. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter.
In Paris, Air France spokesman Jerome N'Guyen said a full inspection of the plane had been completed and nothing suspicious had been found.
Passengers were taken to nearby hotels until the plane could take off again. This could not happen immediately because of regulations on rest time for flight personnel, but it was expected to leave from Recife at 6 p.m. and reach Paris Monday morning, he added.
Solange Argenta, an Infraero spokeswoman at the Recife airport, said the flight originally took off at 4:20 p.m. and that the plane landed in Recife at 7:53 p.m..
Infraero said in a statement that after landing in Recife, the jet taxied to a secluded area of the airport and those on board were quickly removed. The airport was closed for about 30 minutes, and then reopened.
Flight 443 was on the same route as an Air France jet that crashed in June 2009 off Brazil's northeastern coast, killing all 228 on board. While no definite cause has been determined in the crash, authorities have repeatedly ruled out foul play.
Source: (philstar.com)
Germans, Dutch in World Cup Finals?
Source: Philip Ella Juico (The Philippine Star)
By the time readers go through this column, one half of the finals cast for the 2010 FIFA World Cup championship on July 11 would have emerged. Uruguay and Netherlands played at 2:30 a.m., Philippine time, today. Germany and Spain
face each other tomorrow, July 8, also at 2:30 a.m., Philippine time. The losers of both matches slug it out for third place on July 10.
Uruguay has to be considered the underdog against the Netherlands for the simple reason that the country won two titles in 1930 and 1950, when most of the world was still preoccupied with keeping its collective body and soul together. Survival was the main preoccupation in the agenda of many nations and the present kings of soccer were rebuilding their communities from the ruins of World War II, notably Germany.
Uruguay won in 1950 against the highly-fancied Brazil right in Rio de Janeiro before a screaming crowd of about 200,000. The Uruguayan player credited with that victory was the diminutive Alcides Edgardo Ghiggia, then a youthful 23-year old right-winger of the Uruguayan squad.
In various accounts, including Alex Bellos’s “Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life”, it is said that Ghiggia “became the legend of Uruguayan and world football when he scored the decisive goal in the de-facto final of the World Cup 1950 in the Maracana Stadium of Rio Janeiro in front of the (home) crowd. Brazil only needed a draw to secure the world title and led at the half, 1-0. After about an hour, Uruguay’s Juan Alberto Schiaffino equalized matters. Ten minutes later however, Ghiggia scored off Brazil’s goalie, Moacir Barbosa triggering a national mourning in South America’s largest nation.
Years later Bellos wrote that the goal of (Ghiggia) and the shot that killed (US President John F. Kennedy) have the same dramatic pattern…the same movement…the same precision of an unstoppable trajectory…They even have the dust in common that was stirred up, here by a rifle and there by Ghiggia’s left foot”.
The Singapore Straits Times Rohit Brijnath, also quoting Bellos, talks of a young female Brazilian customs officer who, in 2000, stared at the passport of an incoming passenger who turned out to be the grey-haired Ghiggia. Ghiggia asked her, “Is something wrong?” The customs officer asked, “Are you the Ghiggia?”. Stunned, Ghiggia said yes and told the lady that was 50 years ago. The Customs lady, too young to be born in 1950, turned to the old footballer and said of the ancient defeat: “In Brazil, we feel it in our hearts every day.”
The impact of Brazil’s defeat was so devastating that www.fifa.com/newscentre quoted Ghiggia as having said: Only three people have ever silenced 200,000 people at the Maracana with a single gesture: Frank Sinatra, Pope John Paul II and I”.
The Uruguayans, ranked 18th, are credited with great teamwork largely because its players have been together for quite some time. The 2010 Uruguayan squad is probably the most talented it has fielded since 1970 when the La Celeste (Light Blue), as the team is called, reached the semifinals.
The fourth-ranked Dutch, sent the top-ranked Brazil packing, 2-1, last Friday in the quarterfinals. In Brazil, the defeat of the Brazilians perhaps took up more air time and newsprint than the story of how the Dutch won. Felipe Melo who was credited with an own goal and was thus the convenient scapegoat, could not escape the verbal assault launched by angry Brazilian fans shortly after returning home from South Africa.
The Dutch are aiming to reach their first final in 32 years. The last time the Netherlands reached the finals was in 1978 when they lost to host Argentina, 3-1. They also finished second in 1974 behind Germany.
The Germany (6)-Spain (2) matchup should be a classic. Spain, the 2008 Euro Cup champion, was a heavy favorite to win the Cup at the start of the tournament. It momentarily failed to live up to its billing with a first-game loss to Switzerland
(26), 1-0, and then scored four consecutive victories on its way to the semis.
Germany has to be regarded as the most exciting team in the Cup with its awesome transition from defense to an explosive counter-attack. Germany has the enviable tradition of winning the title three times (1954, 1974 and 1990), but history is to be set aside when they meet Spain. A big factor in favor of Germany is its youthful squad that has lots of fire in its belly. The Germans are aware of the huge expectations the fans back home and have sworn to become inspirations for the future as they have been inspired by the past.
It could be Germany versus the Netherlands on July 11.
By the time readers go through this column, one half of the finals cast for the 2010 FIFA World Cup championship on July 11 would have emerged. Uruguay and Netherlands played at 2:30 a.m., Philippine time, today. Germany and Spain
face each other tomorrow, July 8, also at 2:30 a.m., Philippine time. The losers of both matches slug it out for third place on July 10.
Uruguay has to be considered the underdog against the Netherlands for the simple reason that the country won two titles in 1930 and 1950, when most of the world was still preoccupied with keeping its collective body and soul together. Survival was the main preoccupation in the agenda of many nations and the present kings of soccer were rebuilding their communities from the ruins of World War II, notably Germany.
Uruguay won in 1950 against the highly-fancied Brazil right in Rio de Janeiro before a screaming crowd of about 200,000. The Uruguayan player credited with that victory was the diminutive Alcides Edgardo Ghiggia, then a youthful 23-year old right-winger of the Uruguayan squad.
In various accounts, including Alex Bellos’s “Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life”, it is said that Ghiggia “became the legend of Uruguayan and world football when he scored the decisive goal in the de-facto final of the World Cup 1950 in the Maracana Stadium of Rio Janeiro in front of the (home) crowd. Brazil only needed a draw to secure the world title and led at the half, 1-0. After about an hour, Uruguay’s Juan Alberto Schiaffino equalized matters. Ten minutes later however, Ghiggia scored off Brazil’s goalie, Moacir Barbosa triggering a national mourning in South America’s largest nation.
Years later Bellos wrote that the goal of (Ghiggia) and the shot that killed (US President John F. Kennedy) have the same dramatic pattern…the same movement…the same precision of an unstoppable trajectory…They even have the dust in common that was stirred up, here by a rifle and there by Ghiggia’s left foot”.
The Singapore Straits Times Rohit Brijnath, also quoting Bellos, talks of a young female Brazilian customs officer who, in 2000, stared at the passport of an incoming passenger who turned out to be the grey-haired Ghiggia. Ghiggia asked her, “Is something wrong?” The customs officer asked, “Are you the Ghiggia?”. Stunned, Ghiggia said yes and told the lady that was 50 years ago. The Customs lady, too young to be born in 1950, turned to the old footballer and said of the ancient defeat: “In Brazil, we feel it in our hearts every day.”
The impact of Brazil’s defeat was so devastating that www.fifa.com/newscentre quoted Ghiggia as having said: Only three people have ever silenced 200,000 people at the Maracana with a single gesture: Frank Sinatra, Pope John Paul II and I”.
The Uruguayans, ranked 18th, are credited with great teamwork largely because its players have been together for quite some time. The 2010 Uruguayan squad is probably the most talented it has fielded since 1970 when the La Celeste (Light Blue), as the team is called, reached the semifinals.
The fourth-ranked Dutch, sent the top-ranked Brazil packing, 2-1, last Friday in the quarterfinals. In Brazil, the defeat of the Brazilians perhaps took up more air time and newsprint than the story of how the Dutch won. Felipe Melo who was credited with an own goal and was thus the convenient scapegoat, could not escape the verbal assault launched by angry Brazilian fans shortly after returning home from South Africa.
The Dutch are aiming to reach their first final in 32 years. The last time the Netherlands reached the finals was in 1978 when they lost to host Argentina, 3-1. They also finished second in 1974 behind Germany.
The Germany (6)-Spain (2) matchup should be a classic. Spain, the 2008 Euro Cup champion, was a heavy favorite to win the Cup at the start of the tournament. It momentarily failed to live up to its billing with a first-game loss to Switzerland
(26), 1-0, and then scored four consecutive victories on its way to the semis.
Germany has to be regarded as the most exciting team in the Cup with its awesome transition from defense to an explosive counter-attack. Germany has the enviable tradition of winning the title three times (1954, 1974 and 1990), but history is to be set aside when they meet Spain. A big factor in favor of Germany is its youthful squad that has lots of fire in its belly. The Germans are aware of the huge expectations the fans back home and have sworn to become inspirations for the future as they have been inspired by the past.
It could be Germany versus the Netherlands on July 11.
US credit rating
Chinese company that plans to compete with rating agencies said Washington credit risk worse than Beijing in its first report on the government debt Sunday over China's efforts to grow and gain its influence in world markets.
More stories here
More stories here
Portable Adobe Photoshop CS5 Extended v.12.0.1 Lite Version DM Edition | 223.09 MB
Adobe Photoshop - this is one of the most popular image editors. Adobe Photoshop allows you to both create new images or edit existing image files. Graphic editor Adobe Photoshop is used to create photo-realistic images, work with color scanned images, retouching, color correction, collaging, transformation diagrams, color separation, etc. Adobe Photoshop has all the methods of working with bitmaps, in this case has the opportunity to work with layers and uses contours. Adobe Photoshop is the undisputed leader among the professional graphic editors due to its widest possibilities, high efficiency and speed. On assurances the developer version of CS5 almost twice the speed of work CS4.Advantages of Adobe Photoshop Extended:
- Convenient dynamic control panel for access to all the necessary tools for color correction and toning images, styles, and other editing tools.
- Streamlined Interface.
- Rotate the canvas with a single click from any angle.
- Intelligent scaling.
- Per-pixel image-editing by maximizing individual sites without losing definition.
- Improved editing of motion graphics.
- View photo collections in a convenient format: tabs or in a format mosaic
Features Lite version DM Edition:
Presented a lightweight version is fully functional. The program interface is Russian or English on the user's choice. By removing the other languages, help files, cumbersome installer system activation, additional components Bridge, Device Central and maximum compression of the distribution by size of installation file is significantly decreased. Minimal integration program files in the system significantly reduces installation time and download Adobe Photoshop CS5. Added plugin Camera Raw v.6.1.0.250 and Nvidia DDS
Can be integrated in the distributions, the key silent installation / S Warning! Key case sensitive.
System requirements:
• Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64 Vnimnie! Version CS5 requires SSE2 instructions from your CPU!
• Windows XP SP3; Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise with Service SP1, or Windows 7
• 512 MB RAM
• 400 MB of free hard disk space
• Screen resolution of 1024x768, video card with support for OpenGL 2.0
• Some GPU-accelerated features require graphics support for Shader Model 3.0 and OpenGL 2.0
• Software: QuickTime 7.6.2, required for multimedia features
http://hotfile.com/dl/53036407/5e484af/Portable.APS.CS5.E.v.12.0.1.LV.DM.E.rar.html
Friday, July 9, 2010
Miley as songwriter
MANILA, Philippines - The video of her Top 10 hit Can’t Be Tamed, sees a winged Miley Cyrus busting out of her cage. It makes sense, since the world has been watching breathlessly as Miley plays out her artistic liberation. Miley, 17, looks to a more adventurous musicalfuture with her new Hollywood Records album Can’t Be Tamed.
“The album says the most about me,” Miley notes. “I wanted this record to be completely and totally honest. It’s really about a little of everything going on in my life now.”
Miley co-wrote all but one song. As before, she teamed up with producer/songwriters John Shanks and Rock Mafia (Tim James and Antonina Armato) to craft every note. Result: Furious dance beats, intimate ballads
and that distinctive vocal adrenaline.
Liberty Walk and the title track frame the hunger for freedom in sleek synth sounds. Taking it further is Robot (“Stop trying to live my life for me/I need to breathe/I’m not your robot”).
Ballads Stay, Scars and Take Me Along are about trying to live a normal life — including love relationships — when the world tugs at your time. In Stay, Cyrus writes about being lonely on the road and in Scars, she recalls past relationships that must be left behind. Forgiveness & Love captures Miley’s credo of faith and My Heart Beats for Love is an anthem for anyone who has ever felt judged. The upbeat Two More Lonely People and Permanent.
Source: (The Philippine Star)
Dan Gilbert Letter
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert wrote an open letter to fans tonight. Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;
As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.
This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.
Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.
The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.
There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.
You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.
You have given so much and deserve so much more.
Oil rises to $76 amid optimism on global economy
SINGAPORE — Oil prices rose to near $76 a barrel Friday in Asia, following stock markets higher as confidence rose the global economic recovery remains intact.
Benchmark crude for August delivery was up 47 cents to $75.91 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract rose $1.37 to settle at $75.44 on Thursday.
Signs the global economic recovery remains on track eased fears of a new recession and helped boost investor confidence.
The Labor Department said Thursday that initial jobless claims fell last week to the lowest level since early May, and the International Monetary Fund raised its 2010 world growth forecast to 4.6 percent from 4.2 percent.
All major Asia stock markets rose Friday after the Dow Jones industrial average gained 1.2 percent Thursday. Oil traders often look to equities as a gauge of overall investor sentiment.
U.S. crude supplies dropped last week, suggesting oil demand could be improving. Crude inventories plunged 5.0 million barrels, the Energy Department's Energy Information Administration said Thursday, more than a drop of 3.5 million barrels forecast in an analyst survey by Platts, the energy information arm of McGraw-Hill Cos.
However, inventories of gasoline and distillates rose, the EIA said.
"Given the strength of the fundamentals, we would state that something in the region of $80 or above is more befitting" the oil price, Barclays Capital said in a report.
In other Nymex trading in August contracts, heating oil rose 1.17 cents to $2.0170 a gallon, gasoline gained 1.36 cents to $2.0647 a gallon and natural gas was steady at $4.407 per 1,000 cubic feet.
Brent crude was up 44 cents to $75.15 a barrel on the ICE futures exchange. — AP
source: gmanews.tv
Benchmark crude for August delivery was up 47 cents to $75.91 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract rose $1.37 to settle at $75.44 on Thursday.
Signs the global economic recovery remains on track eased fears of a new recession and helped boost investor confidence.
The Labor Department said Thursday that initial jobless claims fell last week to the lowest level since early May, and the International Monetary Fund raised its 2010 world growth forecast to 4.6 percent from 4.2 percent.
All major Asia stock markets rose Friday after the Dow Jones industrial average gained 1.2 percent Thursday. Oil traders often look to equities as a gauge of overall investor sentiment.
U.S. crude supplies dropped last week, suggesting oil demand could be improving. Crude inventories plunged 5.0 million barrels, the Energy Department's Energy Information Administration said Thursday, more than a drop of 3.5 million barrels forecast in an analyst survey by Platts, the energy information arm of McGraw-Hill Cos.
However, inventories of gasoline and distillates rose, the EIA said.
"Given the strength of the fundamentals, we would state that something in the region of $80 or above is more befitting" the oil price, Barclays Capital said in a report.
In other Nymex trading in August contracts, heating oil rose 1.17 cents to $2.0170 a gallon, gasoline gained 1.36 cents to $2.0647 a gallon and natural gas was steady at $4.407 per 1,000 cubic feet.
Brent crude was up 44 cents to $75.15 a barrel on the ICE futures exchange. — AP
source: gmanews.tv
German Tablet WePad
German Tablet WePad: German maker of a new tablet PC is setting out to rival Apple's iPad with even more technology such as a bigger screen, a webcam and USB ports. Designed to look almost identical to the iPad, the WePad displays more PC-like specs.
Wepad runs a 1.66GHz Intel Atom processor, 11.6-inch wide-screen display and a Webcam, among other things. It's really devised to be an iPad killer, since it has 11.6-inch wide screen, surely bigger than iPad's
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Lindsay Lohan Jail
After a day of lengthy testimony in a Beverly Hills courtroom, on Tuesday afternoon, Judge Marsha N. Revel determined that Lindsay Lohan was in violation of her probation and sentenced. Lindsay Lohan is expected to start serving her 90 day jail sentence starting July 20th. It is not unusual for these types of offences for inmates of light offences to serve 25% of the sentence.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
PEP: Lea Salonga does not mind being compared to Charice Pempengco
"Momentous occasion" ang description ni John "Sweet" Lapus sa pagkakasalang ng world-class artist na si Lea Salonga sa kanyang "Don't Lie To Me" segment sa Showbiz Central last Sunday, July 4. Sa bihirang pagkakataon nga ay napapayag si Lea na maupo sa lie-detector test at tanungin ng mga kontrobersiyal na isyu.
Dagdag pa ni Sweet, na halatang masayang-masaya noong hapong yun, magandang advance birthday gift para sa kanya ang pagge-guest na yun ng international singer. Sa Miyerkules, July 9, ang birthday ni Sweet.
REFLECTION. Ang unang tanong ni Sweet kay Lea ay may kaugnayan sa tagumpay na tinatamasa ngayon ni Charice Pempengco sa international music scene. Tipong "reflection" daw ng naging tagumpay ni Lea ang nangyayari ngayon sa career ni Charice. Okey lang ba kay Lea na ikinukumpara si Charice sa kanya?
"Yes" ang sagot ni Lea at sumang-ayon naman sa kanya ang lie-detector machine at sinabing "Truth" ang kanyang kasagutan.
Sweet asked Lea kung nagkaroon na ba sila ng chance na mag-meet ni Charice?
"Yes, we've worked a couple of times. Oo, magaling na magaling talaga siya," sagot naman ng Tony-winning actress-singer.
Naaalala ba ni Lea ang sarili niya kay Charice ngayon?
"Yes, when I was a little girl," sagot niya. "It happened to her at around the same age na nangyari sa akin yung Miss Saigon. I was 18 and now she's 18, and she's exploding all over the world which is fantastic for her. I kind of see myself a little bit, pero siyempre, sa ibang larangan naman ng showbiz. Now, hers is really with music, me naman is on music/theater."
Ayon kay Sweet, nananawagan ang mga fans na sana ay magkaroon sila ng concert ni Charice sa Pilipinas.
"That would be awesome," sabi ni Lea. "Hindi nga lang ako marunong magbirit. Pero sige, pipilitin ko ang sarili ko."
A WHOLE NEW WORLD. Alam naman ng marami na isa si Lea sa original members ng That's Entertainment, kung saan kabilang siya sa Thursday group. Noong mga panahong yun ay usung-uso ang mga loveteams. Totoo ba na during those times, naging sila ng ngayon ay Mayor na ng Quezon City na si Herbert Bautista?
"No" ang sagot ni Lea at "Truth" na naman ang naging resulta.
Ayon kay Lea, magka-loveteam lang daw talaga sila ni Mayor Bistek nung mga panahong yun, pero inamin niyang nanligaw ito sa kanya. "But I'm not interested at that time with anybody," dagdag niya.
Hindi kaya natakot noon si Herbert sa mommy ni Lea na si Mrs. Ligaya Salonga?
Umiling ng ilang beses si Lea sabay sabing, "Walang takot yun sa nanay ko. What I'm saying is, he was never intimidated with my mom or anything like that. But it just never happened."
Nagkikita pa ba sila ni Mayor Herbert?
"Nagte-text minsan. Noong nanalo siyang mayor ng Quezon City, tinext ko. Nag-congratulate ako," sagot ni Lea.
I REMEMBER THE BOY. Na-link din si Lea noon sa matinee idol na si Aga Muhlach, na nakasama niya sa dalawang pelikula—Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal (1992) at Sana Maulit Muli (1995). Naging mag-on ba sila ni Aga noon?
"No" ulit ang sagot ni Lea, pero this time ay "Lie" ang lumabas na resulta. Dahil dito ay walang nagawa si Sweet kundi sayawin ang kanyang "buwis-buhay dance."
Hirit ni John, umapela raw si Lea dahil lie ang naging result.
"Malay ko ba!" ang nangingiti namang sagot ni Lea.
Kung si Herbert ay inamin niyang nanligaw sa kanya, si Aga ba ay nanligaw rin?
"Hindi rin," tanggi ni Lea. "I think we worked really well as actors. At that time kasi, when we were doing Sana Maulit Muli, he was nursing a broken heart from one girl. And then, he was with another girl again at that time when we got together again in Manila."
Flashback naman ni Sweet, parang naaalala raw niya na manliligaw na sana si Aga kay Lea, pero nakilala ng aktor ang dating Miss Universe na si Dayanara Torres.
"Malay ko ba! Wala akong alam sa private life niya. Hindi ko siya tinatanong," reaksiyon ni Lea.
What about a movie with Aga Muhlach again?
"I would love one," sambit ni Lea.
Sabi naman ni Sweet, wala raw masamang anggulo si Aga, lahat ay guwapo.
"Walang anggulong masama," pagsang-ayon naman ni Lea. "At habang tumatanda, gumuguwapo."
Follow-up pa ni Sweet kay Lea, crush nga ba niya ang lead singer ng The Dawn na si Jet Pangan noong araw?
"Jet Pangan? Oh yes, absolutely!" pag-amin naman ni Lea.
Hirit naman ni Sweet kay Lea, parang crush na rin daw pala siya ni Lea bilang sinasabing kamukha niya si Jet. Pero hindi pumayag si Lea at sinabi nitong "hindi rin" nang natatawa.
On July 24 ay magsisimula na sa Cultural Center of the Philippines ang pagtatanghal dito sa Pilipinas na sikat at award-winning musical na Cats, kung saan gumaganap si Lea bilang Grizabella. Si Lea lamang ang Filipino sa cast. - Rose Garcia, PEP
Source : gmanews.tv
Jenna Fischer marries writer Lee Kirk
Jenna Fischer posted a different kind of out of "The Office" note this weekend, as the TV redhead married her beau, Lee Kirk, on Saturday in Malibu."They were married on July 3 in front of family and friends," a rep for Fischer confirmed to People magazine.
Kirk and Fischer have been an item since January 2008, with Kirk popping the question last summer. Fischer is clocking in for her second marriage, previously having wed writer James Gunn. This is the first trip down the aisle for Kirk.
Celeb pals in attendance at the nuptials included Fischer's "The Office" costar Rainn Wilson, who tweeted his excitement for the pair.
"Went to the most beautiful wedding I've ever experienced. Total Love, Jenna Fischer & Lee Kirk!" he wrote.
The next cast member to tie the knot will be Fischer's on-screen love John Krasinski, who will wed Brit actress Emily Blunt on July 10, according to reports.
-- Matt Donnelly
Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2010/07/jenna-fischer-married-lee-kirk-the-office.html
Monday, July 5, 2010
Earthquake hits Japan
An earthquake with magnitude of 6.3 struck off the east coast of northern Japan on early Monday, No threat of tsunami was detected according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The quake occurred off the coast of Iwate, about 310 miles (500 kilometers) north of Tokyo at 7:08 am (2208 GMT) on Monday. center of the quake was 19 miles (30 kilometers) below the sea surface.
The quake occurred off the coast of Iwate, about 310 miles (500 kilometers) north of Tokyo at 7:08 am (2208 GMT) on Monday. center of the quake was 19 miles (30 kilometers) below the sea surface.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
God Bless America
God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above
From the mountains To the prairies,
To the ocean white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.
Fil-Ams hail Obama’s immigration reform speech
Filipino-American groups have hailed a major policy speech of US President Barack Obama calling for reforms on the country’s immigration laws that should include a mechanism for the legalization of undocumented immigrants.
“We support the call for a practical, common sense approach to our broken immigration system that both secures the borders and establishes a path to legalization," said Arnedo Valera of Migrant Heritage Commission.
“The Comprehensive Immigration Reform should be founded on fairness and social justice rooted on American values," he added.
The National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA) also said they are “heartened" by Obama’s speech, saying Filipinos will be among those who will benefit from immigration reforms.
“Filipinos have the longest waiting time for petitions to be approved and are thus adversely affected by protracted delays in visa processing," said NaFFAA national chairperson Greg Macabenta.
Illegal immigrants in the US have now reached 11 million, according to Obama.
In his speech delivered last Thursday at the American University in Washington, D.C., Obama asked Congress to improve US’ immigration system, which he described as “fundamentally broken" and “painful."
Obama acknowledged the various economic contributions of immigrants, making US the world’s “engine of global economy and a beacon of hope."
However, he described in the same speech as “unwise and unfair" the proposals of some groups to either provide immigrants with legal status or at least put a stop to deportation while waiting for a better law to be passed.
“Our nation, like all nations, has the right and obligation to control its borders and set laws for residency and citizenship. And no matter how decent they are, no matter their reasons, the 11 million who broke these laws should be held accountable," Obama said.
Critics, however, described Obama’s speech as significant but lacking in specific policy proposals.
Discrimination
Valera said the current immigration system promotes discrimination against members of ethnic groups, and leaves undocumented migrants vulnerable to illegal recruiters and unfair labor practices.
“A comprehensive immigration reform now is an effective response to the phenomenon of global migration and the current global economic crisis. Human beings are our resources to build a great nation," Valera said.
He added that undocumented immigrants seeking better lives for themselves and their children in the US likewise bear the brunt of a flawed immigration system.
Macabenta also notes that many Filipino World War II veterans who had filed petitions for their children have passed away, thus voiding their petitions and depriving their children of immigration benefits.
Proposed immigration bills include a provision exempting eligible children of Filipino veterans from such limitations and expediting their visa applications.
“We need to keep raising our voices loudly and demand moral leadership on this critical issue. We must remind America that we are a nation of immigrants, that regardless of where we came from and how we came here, our shared values strengthen and enrich America’s culture and global standing," added NaFFAA national vice chairperson Rozita Lee. - JA/KBK, GMANews.TV
Source - gmanews.tv
July 4, 2010
The Aries moon is a hothead, suggesting that fireworks that fall from the sky will not be the only kind seen on this American Independence Day. Tempers flare, but so do passions. The intense energy can be used for good when you take control and guide the action toward a higher purpose. People want to be involved in a fulfilling service to others.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Going forward doesn’t always mean going alone. In this case, you have a friend who will go with you to offer assistance and insight. It’s a good thing, because this is a task you can’t do by yourself.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You might not always have the right thing to say, but you always try. Sometimes your effort prevails, and sometimes you fall flat on your face. But then you have a good story. Today your effort prevails.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Like a pair of vintage shoes that completes a perfect ensemble, your past makes your present personality all the more loveable. You’re a good egg, but a real egg, and everyone likes that.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). At this fork in the road, you can see that one path continues, smooth and flat. The other immediately starts heading uphill. Both are fine choices, but one will offer a better view when you get to the end of it.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Reminiscing about old times is like watching your favorite TV show with you as the star — or at least as one of the main characters. Today a fond memory will tap on the door of your heart.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your reflection in the mirror must have slept well, because it looks great today. A perceptible aura of good health and positive energy is hovering around you, in your eyes, your skin and your smile.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ve been working steadily to repay a debt. You’re not there yet. Sit back for a moment and congratulate yourself on the progress you’ve made thus far. A fiscally conservative indulgence might not be out of the question.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Potential attitude-dampers abound. However, your mental activity is strong enough to overcome your physical state. You’ll get more energy because you’ll think energetic thoughts.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). “Living on the edge” is a better phrase than it is a life plan. When today you see someone behaving recklessly, you are reminded of what you used to be, and of what you’re not now.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Like a pesky mosquito, there is an irritating problem hovering around that you just can’t seem to defeat. Wait a moment. It will play right into your hands, and you’ll get it for good with one swipe.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). World affairs may be a mess, but at least your own household is running smoothly. If more people had your good habits, the world would be better off. Someone notices this aloud.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You decide to swallow a witty but potentially off-putting comment before it leaves your mouth. There’s a time and a place for mischief, but offending the wrong person can have lasting consequences. So, wise move.
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 4). Even though you enjoy chunks of leisure time this year, you will mostly be in a highly productive mode. You’ll motivate others, who see you achieving your goals. New people are attracted to your warmth in September. You could join a club, church or political party. There will be an important wedding in December. Cancer and Virgo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 33, 15, 44 and 18.
FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Uranus takes an average of seven years to travel through one zodiac sign. That is why he is considered a generational planet — the energy of this slow, frozen giant is reflected in the attitude of entire generations. His current mood — having newly entered the sign of Aries, the warrior — is rambunctious. Babies born after May 27, 2010, will have no shortage of energy and passion to pour into their endeavors, especially when those endeavors involve shaking up the status quo. Yes, Uranus is wily these days, and he’ll reverse on July 5 just to prove the point. He’s only at the starting point of the zodiac wheel, and already he’s ready to review what’s happened and make a better plan. Uranus in Aries will be surprising — if not chaotic and tumultuous — in its rebellion against the old ways. So it will be a bit of a relief when Uranus slips back into Pisces in August for a mellower journey and doesn’t return to Aries until March of next year.
Source: Holiday Mathis (philstar.com)
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Going forward doesn’t always mean going alone. In this case, you have a friend who will go with you to offer assistance and insight. It’s a good thing, because this is a task you can’t do by yourself.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You might not always have the right thing to say, but you always try. Sometimes your effort prevails, and sometimes you fall flat on your face. But then you have a good story. Today your effort prevails.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Like a pair of vintage shoes that completes a perfect ensemble, your past makes your present personality all the more loveable. You’re a good egg, but a real egg, and everyone likes that.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). At this fork in the road, you can see that one path continues, smooth and flat. The other immediately starts heading uphill. Both are fine choices, but one will offer a better view when you get to the end of it.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Reminiscing about old times is like watching your favorite TV show with you as the star — or at least as one of the main characters. Today a fond memory will tap on the door of your heart.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your reflection in the mirror must have slept well, because it looks great today. A perceptible aura of good health and positive energy is hovering around you, in your eyes, your skin and your smile.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’ve been working steadily to repay a debt. You’re not there yet. Sit back for a moment and congratulate yourself on the progress you’ve made thus far. A fiscally conservative indulgence might not be out of the question.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Potential attitude-dampers abound. However, your mental activity is strong enough to overcome your physical state. You’ll get more energy because you’ll think energetic thoughts.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). “Living on the edge” is a better phrase than it is a life plan. When today you see someone behaving recklessly, you are reminded of what you used to be, and of what you’re not now.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Like a pesky mosquito, there is an irritating problem hovering around that you just can’t seem to defeat. Wait a moment. It will play right into your hands, and you’ll get it for good with one swipe.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). World affairs may be a mess, but at least your own household is running smoothly. If more people had your good habits, the world would be better off. Someone notices this aloud.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You decide to swallow a witty but potentially off-putting comment before it leaves your mouth. There’s a time and a place for mischief, but offending the wrong person can have lasting consequences. So, wise move.
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (July 4). Even though you enjoy chunks of leisure time this year, you will mostly be in a highly productive mode. You’ll motivate others, who see you achieving your goals. New people are attracted to your warmth in September. You could join a club, church or political party. There will be an important wedding in December. Cancer and Virgo people adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 33, 15, 44 and 18.
FORECAST FOR THE WEEK AHEAD: Uranus takes an average of seven years to travel through one zodiac sign. That is why he is considered a generational planet — the energy of this slow, frozen giant is reflected in the attitude of entire generations. His current mood — having newly entered the sign of Aries, the warrior — is rambunctious. Babies born after May 27, 2010, will have no shortage of energy and passion to pour into their endeavors, especially when those endeavors involve shaking up the status quo. Yes, Uranus is wily these days, and he’ll reverse on July 5 just to prove the point. He’s only at the starting point of the zodiac wheel, and already he’s ready to review what’s happened and make a better plan. Uranus in Aries will be surprising — if not chaotic and tumultuous — in its rebellion against the old ways. So it will be a bit of a relief when Uranus slips back into Pisces in August for a mellower journey and doesn’t return to Aries until March of next year.
Source: Holiday Mathis (philstar.com)
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Employment Report 2010
Latest employment report /jobs report released at 8:30 AM July 2nd by the US Labor Department. Total nonfarm payroll employment decrease by 125,000 in June, and the unemployment rate bounded to 9.5 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The decrease in payroll employment emulated a decrease -225,000 in the number of temporary employees working on Census 2010.
The employment report suggested the economy is not contracting, but no real growth required to generate new employment opportunities. The private sector has lowered the average hours of work, thereby reducing the income of employees.
The employment report suggested the economy is not contracting, but no real growth required to generate new employment opportunities. The private sector has lowered the average hours of work, thereby reducing the income of employees.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Noynoy arrives late for first military address after refusing to use siren
The new president of the Philippines was 40 minutes late for his first address to the military Friday as he kept his promise to suffer in the capital's heavy traffic like ordinary people.
In one of the most loudly applauded portions of his inaugural speech Wednesday, Benigno Aquino III said he had experienced the frustration of being stuck in traffic while powerful people in siren-blaring cars breezed by.
He promised "no more wang-wang," the local term for sirens.
So, on Friday, the president told his security escorts not to use sirens to clear the road for his convoy heading to the military headquarters less than four miles (6.5 kilometers) from his home.
As a result, he was about 40 minutes late for the address after some painful crawling through Manila's gridlocked streets.
Filipinos generally deride sirens, regarding them as a symbol of abuse of power and privilege and a display of arrogance by officials as well as the rich and powerful.
Under a loosely enforced law, the president, vice president, Senate president, House speaker and Supreme Court chief justice are the only civilians allowed to use sirens for their vehicles or convoys.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Aquino would continue to be subject to the same rules of the road as everyone else.
"I should set an example to the Filipino people," Lacierda quoted Aquino as saying.
Aquino appeared to have endeared himself to ordinary Filipinos for suffering Manila's notorious traffic alongside them.
A reporter for GMA Television who followed his convoy said commuters who noticed the president stalled on the congested EDSA highway were pleased that it did not use sirens to clear the traffic.
Whenever the convoy stopped, presidential security officers opened the doors of their vehicles, ready to jump out in case of a threat to the president.
"I apologize for being late," Aquino later told reporters.
He said his security detail will soon "perfect" his convoy's movements so he won't be late again.
Aquino succeeded unpopular Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whose 9-year rule was rocked by four coup attempts and allegations of corruption, vote-rigging, and human rights abuses. Arroyo has denied the accusations.
Aquino has promised to prosecute the corrupt and banish poverty, saying he was "ending a leadership that has long been insensitive to the suffering of the people."
Aquino's mother and Philippine democracy icon, the late former President Corazon Aquino, also ordered her convoy not to use sirens and to stop at traffic lights for about three months after taking power after a "people power" revolt that ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Lacierda said.
The practice stopped because of threats and seven coup attempts during her administration.
The new president's example will encourage police to enforce the siren law more strictly, national police spokesman Leonardo Espina said.
He said some officers had been threatened with dismissal by officials and wealthy businessmen for stopping convoys that were illegally using "wang-wangs" and flashing lights.
In his first speech as commander in chief, Aquino promised to modernize the 120,000-strong armed forces, one of the most poorly equipped militaries in Southeast Asia.
"I expect of you professionalism, integrity, discipline, valor and hard work. You can expect the same of me," he said. "If all of us follow the rules, and insist on professionalism, integrity is enhanced." - AP
Source: gmanews.tv
In one of the most loudly applauded portions of his inaugural speech Wednesday, Benigno Aquino III said he had experienced the frustration of being stuck in traffic while powerful people in siren-blaring cars breezed by.
He promised "no more wang-wang," the local term for sirens.
So, on Friday, the president told his security escorts not to use sirens to clear the road for his convoy heading to the military headquarters less than four miles (6.5 kilometers) from his home.
As a result, he was about 40 minutes late for the address after some painful crawling through Manila's gridlocked streets.
Filipinos generally deride sirens, regarding them as a symbol of abuse of power and privilege and a display of arrogance by officials as well as the rich and powerful.
Under a loosely enforced law, the president, vice president, Senate president, House speaker and Supreme Court chief justice are the only civilians allowed to use sirens for their vehicles or convoys.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Aquino would continue to be subject to the same rules of the road as everyone else.
"I should set an example to the Filipino people," Lacierda quoted Aquino as saying.
Aquino appeared to have endeared himself to ordinary Filipinos for suffering Manila's notorious traffic alongside them.
A reporter for GMA Television who followed his convoy said commuters who noticed the president stalled on the congested EDSA highway were pleased that it did not use sirens to clear the traffic.
Whenever the convoy stopped, presidential security officers opened the doors of their vehicles, ready to jump out in case of a threat to the president.
"I apologize for being late," Aquino later told reporters.
He said his security detail will soon "perfect" his convoy's movements so he won't be late again.
Aquino succeeded unpopular Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whose 9-year rule was rocked by four coup attempts and allegations of corruption, vote-rigging, and human rights abuses. Arroyo has denied the accusations.
Aquino has promised to prosecute the corrupt and banish poverty, saying he was "ending a leadership that has long been insensitive to the suffering of the people."
Aquino's mother and Philippine democracy icon, the late former President Corazon Aquino, also ordered her convoy not to use sirens and to stop at traffic lights for about three months after taking power after a "people power" revolt that ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Lacierda said.
The practice stopped because of threats and seven coup attempts during her administration.
The new president's example will encourage police to enforce the siren law more strictly, national police spokesman Leonardo Espina said.
He said some officers had been threatened with dismissal by officials and wealthy businessmen for stopping convoys that were illegally using "wang-wangs" and flashing lights.
In his first speech as commander in chief, Aquino promised to modernize the 120,000-strong armed forces, one of the most poorly equipped militaries in Southeast Asia.
"I expect of you professionalism, integrity, discipline, valor and hard work. You can expect the same of me," he said. "If all of us follow the rules, and insist on professionalism, integrity is enhanced." - AP
Source: gmanews.tv
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