VIRAL: Gun-wielding cop relieved from post

MANILA - A policeman who appeared to be boasting of his gun during a road altercation has been relieved from his post, the Philippine National Police said Friday.

The cop, identified PO2 Manuel Carvajal Taytayon, has been placed under the jurisdiction of the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City for preventive measure, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said in a statement Friday.

Taytayon will face a probe and has since been ordered to vacate his post, NCRPO said.

In videos that recently went viral on social media, Taytayon, an officer assigned at the Southern Police District, was seen wielding his gun and shouting expletives against 2 minors in Pasay City.

NCRPO chief Oscar Albayalde said PNP will not tolerate misbehavior among its ranks.

“Kung mapapatunayan na may paglabag si PO2 Taytayon, ay hindi po mangingimi ang NCRPO na patawan sya ng karampatang parusa,” Albayalde said.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

'Like hell': Groom-to-be recalls Resorts World Manila attack

MANILA- “It was like hell.”

This was how groom-to-be Roscoe Fernandez described his and his siblings’ experience during the attack at the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City.

Fernandez was staying at a hotel in the area since he was supposed to get married Friday.

He said he and his siblings came from the casino at the 2nd floor and were on their way back to their room when they met running men.

“There was a commotion na but little did we know meron nang ano, a guy who was wearing a bonnet, a Kevlar vest. I couldn’t determine what kind of rifle the guy was using,” he said.

“I saw him exactly. We were a few meters away from the gunman,” he added.

Fernandez said he did not see anyone accompanying the gunman. The suspect was also only firing upwards and was not shooting anyone, but still caused panic.

“Wala ako nakita na kasama pero he was ano discriminately firing upwards eh but he wasn't shooting anyone so nataranta kami so we went to the fire exits,” Fernandez said.

Police already ruled out terrorism as a motive for the attack while Resorts World Manila has dispelled rumors that there was more than one gunman.

Fernandez said he did not see any security guard going after the gunman and was not aware where the guards were.


Out of fear, Fernandez ran to the fire exit and went straight to the basement where he hid for more than an hour.

Resorts World Manila on Friday said there were 35 fatalities from the attack. Of this figure, 13 were employees of the casino while 22 others were guests. Authorities later raised the toll to 38 dead.

Stephen Reilly, chief operating officer of the casino, also confirmed that a member of the casino’s security team shot and wounded the gunman.

 The suspect, who also torched casino tables, hid in a hotel room where he committed suicide.-- report from Doris Bigornia, ABS-CBN News

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Palace: Resorts World incident not terrorism, not linked to Marawi crisis

MANILA - Malacanang on Friday emphasized that the incident in Resorts World Manila in Pasay City was not terror-related, even as reports showed a terrorist group already claimed responsibility for the attack.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, citing information from law enforcement agencies, said there were no indications that what took place in Resorts World Manila was a “terroristic activity.”

Abella said the “emotionally disturbed” perpetrator did not carry out a terror attack and that there were no indications that he wanted to harm or shoot anyone.

At least 36 bodies were found in two floors of the casino complex, following an attack by a supposedly lone heavily-armed suspect, who later committed suicide. The suspect was stil unidentified. 

Most of them suffocated due to the thick smoke from the burning casino tables torched by the suspect, authorities said.

At least 54 others were brought to nearby hospitals after sustaining injuries, officials said.

The presidential spokesperson also dismissed insinuations that the attack was linked to the ongoing crisis in Marawi City, where the Maute Group, which has pledged allegiance but has yet to get recognition from Islamic State, led a siege.

Abella also noted that apart from the attacker who set himself on fire, only one other individual - a security guard - sustained a gunshot wound after accidentally shooting himself.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Motorists told to avoid Resorts World area

Motorists were advised to avoid passing along areas near the Resorts World Manila entertainment complex in Pasay City as some roads are still closed to traffic, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Friday.

"Manlunas St. is closed to traffic due to due to the ongoing investigation at Remington, Maxims, and Marriott Hotel," The MMDA said in a statement.

"Motorists may take Sucat Road or Edsa instead of Andrews Ave to avoid traffic congestion in the Resorts World vicinity," the MMDA's announcement read.

The route of the Pasig River Ferry system was also cut short due to the incident in the resort casino.

"Malacanang Restricted Area has been closed to all vessels today due to red alert owing to Resorts World incident last night. Ferry service for today will only be PUP to Pinagbuhatan back and forth," the Pasig River Ferry's management said in a statement.

At least 34 people died from apparent suffocation while 54 other sustained minor injuries after a lone gunman fired shots and torched casino tables inside the entertainment center.

The assailant committed suicide by setting himself on fire while locked up inside a room at the Maxims Hotel.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Paul Bettany enjoying his place in 21st century mythology

Right before entering, the 6-foot-3 English actor then softly said to no one in particular, “This is amazing.”

The second act of Bettany’s career is in full swing. Not too long ago, Bettany, married with three children, sat on the curb along Sunset Boulevard wondering “how to put food on the table” as he put it. It wasn’t like Bettany was destitute, however, after being told one’s career was practically over cast a pall on the man who played key roles in films such as “A Knight’s Tale,” “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World,” “Wimbledon,” and “The Da Vinci Code."

Scarcely had Bettany sat down to mope when his cellphone rang — it was a call from Joss Whedon who offered the role of the Vision in "Avengers: Age of Ultron" -- that started a remarkable turnaround for an actor’s career. “It’s was nice to know that I was going to have a few more films in the bag,” as he later remarked that was tinged with equal parts glee and relief.


Bettany was in Manila last weekend for AsiaPop Comicon, the first international comics convention in the country. He was introduced during a special sneak preview of the upcoming "Captain America: Civil War" where he was received by a thunderous ovation (Bettany also appears in the film).

Kilometric lines snaked around the World Trade Center in Pasay City where thousands and thousands of fans came over for a four-day pop culture fest. And Bettany, was easily the star of the weekend.

“I am amazed and humbled by that thought,” he said during the hour-long interview. “Going to conventions has put people like me in touch with the fans so we have an idea if they love our work or not. Happily, it is the former.”

While Bettany wasn’t weaned on comic books like many American and Filipino kids, he had this passing knowledge about them. He also incredibly admitted to not having seen his wife’s superhero genre films.

Bettany’s wife is American actress Jennifer Connelly who appeared in the 1991 film “The Rocketeer” and the Ang Lee-directed “Hulk” in 2003 where she played Eric Bana’s Hulk/Bruce Banner’s tortured girlfriend, Betty Ross.

“I haven’t seen her superhero films,” sheepishly admitted the English actor as the media heaved a collective sigh of shock at the revelation. “I’m not sure she’s seen mine,” he continued to stammer. "I haven’t seen many of the movies that I make. Jennifer’s seen even less of the movies that she’s in. My kids like them. She didn’t come to the premiere in Los Angeles (referring to 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'). I was alone and miserable in the room and at the mini bar."


Bettany previously appeared in the “Iron Man” and the first “Avengers” film as the voice of Jarvis, the semi-sentient program that runs many of the fictional Tony Stark’s programs and serves as his digital butler/sounding board, and ally. In “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Jarvis finds form as the Vision after the villainous killer android Ultron hopes to turn the program against his master.

Yet in spite of this, Bettany said he has a lot more respect for comics and the superhero genre today.


"These are some of the highest grossing films in the world. They are a modern-day mythology that has become popular the world over and I am happy to be a part of it. And to be appreciated everywhere especially here in Manila, it is wonderful and I am grateful. The response by Filipinos is phenomenal. I’d love to comeback here one day with my family — not on business — but to have a look around," he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

What to look forward to in Asia Pop

MANILA -- It is T-minus 1 by the time you read this. And this means that there’s one day to go ’til the much-awaited Asia Pop Comic Con, the biggest comic book and pop culture convention to hit these shores. And when that happens, some folks will be in Geek Heaven.

There are going to be a lot of activities but personally, here is what I am looking forward to this Asia Pop, which happens on September 17-20 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Thursday, September 17

Checking out all the comics, toys, and merchandise on sale!

Friday, September 18

The special screening of the new Lance Henriksen (who famously played Bishop in the Aliens films and ex-FBI agent Frank Black in the television series “Millennium”) film, "Harbinger Down," a film with alien-like beings that takes the actor back to his roots.

Meeting writer and artist David Mack whose Kabuki and Daredevil stories I read and collected.

Meeting artist David Yardin whose work on Image Comics’ “Aria” following our very own Jay Anacleto and Lan Medina on the wonderful series of magical stories.

Meeting American Cosplayer Monika Lee who did a great interpretation of Final Fantasy X’s Yuna and anime character, Sailor Mars.

Saturday, September 19

The cosplay event our very own goddess Alodia Gosiengfiao and Vampy Bit Me

The Comics Artists Panel with DC Comics’ Hank Kanalz who famously helped start Image Comics with Jim Lee, as well as Filipino superstar artists Mico Suayan, Stephen Segovia, and Carlo Pagulayan.

Check out the Marvel Special Panel on "Captain America: Civil War." I figure they will feature a new cut for the trailer.

In conversation with actor Paul Bettany, who played the android Vision in "Avengers: Age of Ultron"

The Cosplay Authority Global Challenge where the winner can take home up to US$10,000!

Sunday, September 20

The Comics Panel with Marvel Comics’ C.B. Cebulski and Filipino superstar artists Whilce Portacio and Leinil Yu, David Mack and David Yardin.

Checkpoint Movie Preview and Panel featuring former pro-wrestler Bill Goldberg

The Toy Panel featuring J’Ryu, Chris Ryniak, Amanda Spayd, and Simone Legno

The Cosplay Authority Global Challenge Awards Ceremony

Some toys worth checking out:

The Hot Toys Booth, powered by Filbar’s or Booth K#19, will delight action figures hobbyists with six Hot Toys 2015 Toy Fair Exclusives—the Iron Man Mark XXIV Tank, Iron Man Mark III (Stealth Mode Version), Maria Hill, Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper Disguise Version), Star Wars: The Force Awakens - 1/6th scale First Order Stormtrooper Squad Leader, and Metal Gear’s Raiden (Inferno Armor Version).

There will be Lego and Star Wars booths as well!

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Telstra, TeleTech open new PH contact center

MANILA, Philippines -- Australian telecommunications company Telstra and TeleTech opened a new contact center in the Philippines.

The facility, located at the Five E-Com building in Pasay City, consists of three floors which will host Telstra and TeleTech employees and a recruitment center.

Telstra has been in the Philippines since 2007, when the company began operating with local industry partners. It launched its first Telstra-operated call center in Manila in 2013, and a second one in Cebu in 2014.

"Our investment in this fantastic center is an expression of how important customer service is to us with great collaboration with our wonderful partners... This is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility that will take customer service to new level. It will operate as one high performing team with customers at the center," Telstra CEO David Thodey said.

Telstra currently services 16.4 million mobile customers, 6.1 million retail fixed voice customers, and 3 million retail fixed broadband customers.

The contact center is said to be the largest operated by TeleTech, and will house 3,500 employees when fully operational.

"Telstra has been one of our long-time, strategic partners in the Philippines and we are excited to work with them at the new contact center," TeleTech chairman and CEO Ken Tuchman said.

Telstra Philippines Country Manager Tom Beach said the company is introducing new ways of operating contact centers through partnerships with industry partners, such as TeleTech.

"In the Philippines, Telstra offers contact center employees more quality-of-life options with its mainly dayshift hours, training, rewards, and career progression. We are committed to providing an environment that makes Telstra a great place to work," Beach said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

IN PHOTOS: Alice Dixson looks as hot as ever in FHM Sexiest party

MANILA, Philippines - Alice Dixson gave the young female stars a run for their money at the 2014 FHM Philippines' 100 Sexiest Women in the World victory party held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Wednesday, July 9.

The 44-year-old actress walked the runway as part of the FHM victory party's opening acts that saw a song and dance number by Danita Paner and Roxanne Barcelo (also known as musical artist Roxee B).

Alice, a crowd favorite, was among the stars who elicited the loudest screams from the audience that night.

The TV5 talent is the only one in this year's 100 sexiest women list who is over 40 years old. She placed seventh on the list, above Ellen Adarna, Anne Curtis, and Jinri Park.

 

Here are Alice Dixson's photos at this year's 100 Sexiest Women in the World victory party (Photos by Yas Salanga): 

source: philstar.com

Asia's first horror theme park to open in Manila

MANILA – A theme park dedicated to horror attractions is set to open here this Halloween.

Said to be the first in Asia, the Scream Park features three scare mazes, “deadly” street performers and live shows. It is located at the corner of Macapagal Avenue and Gil Puyat Avenue in Pasay City, near the World Trade Center.

The horror theme park will be open on selected nights from October 31 to January 5, 2014.





Scream Park Manila will include a haunted house, a zombie-infested cemetery called “The Living Dead: Hungry for Your Flesh,” and an “Asylum of Terror,” which will open in late November.

Pre-purchased tickets to the horror theme park are priced at P550 each, while general admission passes are at P650 each. Visitors can also buy a “VIP Express Line Pass” to avoid the long lines at P1,400 each.

Family packages for two adults and two children under 13 years old are also offered at P1,400.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com