WATCH: Jack Black gives shoutout to Pinoys

MANILA - "Pilipinas, unleash the creatures in 'Goosebumps."

This is the terrible advice from actor Jack Black, who stars as the fictionalized version of "Goosebumps" author R.L Stine, considering that the whole premise of Sony's film adaptation of the beloved '90s book series is to keep the monsters from wreaking havoc on the world.

The first trailer, released Thursday, gives us a sense of the film's plot. Zach (Dylan Minnette) moves in next door to Stine's house and meets his niece, Hannah (Odeya Rush).

Zach and his friend, Champ (Ryan Lee), then accidentally releases Stine's creations from their manuscripts and must now find a way to "suck" them all back.

The film is directed by Rob Letterman and will premiere in the Philippines on October 21.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

These 11 Pinoys are among world's richest

MANILA – Eleven Filipino billionaires made it to Forbes magazine's latest list of richest persons in the world.

The SM Group’s Henry Sy is still the richest Filipino with a net worth of $14.2 billion. He ranked number 73 among the richest billionaires in the world.

“His net worth has increased by 10 digits plus thanks to the continued growth of his SM Investments Corp, the largest retailer in the Philippines with over 200 individual outlets around the country. The firm is one of the country's largest conglomerates with interests in real estate development, shopping malls and banking,” Forbes said.

Second-richest Filipino is the founder of JG Summit Holdings, John Gokongwei Jr., who has a net worth of $5.8 billion.

Gokongwei, who ranks 254th richest in the world, has businesses in airlines, telecoms, property development, banking, hotels, and power.

The chairman and chief executive of International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI), Enrique Razon Jr., ranks 291st richest person in the world with a net worth of $5.2 billion.

ICTSI is the largest port operator in the Philippines, and operates a total of 29 ports across 21 countries.

Megaworld’s Andrew Tan is the Philippines’ fourth richest billionaire with a net worth of $4.8 billion. He ranks 330th in the world.

Aside from Megaworld, Tan is also the man behind the success of Emperador Distillers and Resorts World Manila.

LT Group’s Lucio Tan is the Philippines’ fifth richest billionaire and 369th in the world with a net worth of $4.4 billion.

LT Group owns Asia Brewery and has a stake in Philip Morris-Fortune Tobacco, which has an estimated 80 percent market share of the cigarette market in the Philippines.

Rounding up the list of riches Filipinos in the Forbes annual list are GT Capital’s George Ty ($4.4 billion; 369th); DMCI’s David Consunji ($4.1 billion; 405th); Jollibee’s Tony Tan Caktiong ($2.7 billion; 690th); Puregold’s Lucio and Susan Co ($2.3 billion; 810th); Prudential’s Robert Coyiuto Jr. ($1.8 billion; 1054th); and former senator and Vista Land founder Manuel Villar ($1.6 billion; 1190th).

World's richest

The title of world’s richest man still belonged to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who has a current net worth of $79.2 billion, up from $76 billion in 2014.

Gates took the top spot for the second consecutive year, beating out telecom mogul Carlos Slim Helu, whose net worth increased to $77.1 billion from $72 billion last year.

Warren Buffett ($72.7 billion), Zara’s Amancio Ortega ($500 million), and Oracle’s Larry Ellison ($54.3 billion) closed out the five richest billionaires in the world.

Forbes said a record 1,826 billionaires made the list, higher than the 1,645 billionaires in 2014.

A record 290 billionaires were added to the list this year, beating out a previous high of 268 newcomers last year.

By countries, the US has the most number of billionaires with 536, followed by China with 213, Germany with 103, India with 90 and Russia with 88. Regionally, Asia-Pacific has the most billionaires with 562, followed by the US with 536, and Europe with 482.

The complete list is posted on www.forbes.com/billionaires.

source: ww.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinoys in Napa clean up damage after strong quake

NAPA, California - Clean-up in the Bay Area has started after Sunday's 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck near the cities of Napa and American Canyon.

PG&E is also continuing to search for more gas leaks while power has been restored to nearly all the 75,000 customers who lost electricity.

Over 200 injuries were reported. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.

While support shelters are set up, no Filipinos were found there.

Most Filipinos affected by the quake have turned to their families and fellow kababayans for shelter.

Filipino businesses like 3-J's Oriental Store in American Canyon was open for business after being forced to close their doors while recovering from the damage of the quake.

"We were affected because in the front of the store a lot of things fell and a lot of glasses broke. A lot of the things we sell here fell and the ceiling came down," said cashier Elvira Baltazar.

Baltazar hopes they will be better prepared in the future.

"Always be prepared with things like this because we don't know what will come and what to expect," she said.

Meanwhile in Napa, Filipino couple Fides Enriquez and her husband are going over the damage to their home.

"There is some structural damage to our house. One side it's like the house shifted so there's this little buckling on the base and I understand the house needs to be lifted and we need to replace the wood and bolt it back down. I don't even know how much that's going to be," said Enriquez.

Broken glass and damaged belongings are among the wreckage. But Enriquez said that isn't their big problem.

"We still don't have water. I mean from what I read in the news there's about 600 residents who don't have water service yet because of all the leaks so it's a little tricky. Some of our neighbors who do have water have been great. They've offered us to let us use their bathrooms," Enriquez said.

Napa Public Works said it could take up to a week to get the water system back to normal. But officials say the running water is safe to drink.

Enriquez is already preparing a new earthquake kit in case of more powerful aftershocks or future quakes.

"I experienced the '89 earthquake so after that everyone was all oh you need to have your kit, you have to have this and that and sometimes you remember for a moment there and you're prepared but afterwards you forget and it lapses so I would definitely build up my kit again," said Enriquez.

While the damage is great they are thankful for family members who came across the Bay Area to help make the recovery easier.

"Family is our best resource. If it wasn't for my sisters and my brother or my dad, my cousin who just came in and picked up a broom and helped us clean and just brought us water and food I don't think we would have faired well. We would have been a total wreck," Enriquez added.

Read more from Balitang America.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinoy students bag awards in HK math tilt

MANILA – Filipino elementary students finished first runner-up overall and won a total of 15 awards in the 17th Po Leung Kuk Primary Mathematics World Contest held recently in Hong Kong.

According to Mathematics Trainers Guild Philippines (MTG), Philippine Team C won first runner-up overall in the group contest and took home a merit award. The team is composed of John Henry Marquez of UP Integrated School, Stefan Marcus Ong and Steven Ting Reyes of St. Jude Catholic School and William Joshua King of Bethany Christian School.

Marquez, Ong and Reyes won gold medals, while King bagged a silver medal.

“We are so happy that our Filipino wizards achieved another feat. This is the Philippines’ strongest performance in the contest since 2010,” Dr. Simon Chua, head of the Philippine delegation and president of MTG, said in a statement.

Philippine Team A – composed of Genrish Wendell Ng of St. Jude Catholic School, Bert Joseph Tropicales of Southernside Montessori School, Karl Raymond Roque of Notre Dame of Greater Manila and Mickel Lyle Angelo Pe of Antique SPED Center – won a merit award in the team contest. Roque was awarded a silver medal, while Tropicales received a bronze in the individual contest.

Immanuel Josiah Balete of St. Stephen’s High School and Andrhea San Gabriel of Small World Christian School Foundation also won silver medals.

Bronze medalists, meanwhile, include Patrick Nino Policarpio of Greenpark Montessori Learning Center, Bryce Ainsley Sanchez of Grace Christian College, Maxinne Louise Dominique Co of Ateneo de Iloilo-SMCS and Ryan Jericho Sy of Chiang Kai Shek College.

The other members of the Philippine delegation are Raymund Carlo Masbano of St. John’s Institute and Patricia Faith Capito of UP Integrated School

Aside from the Philippines and Hong Kong, the other countries that participated in the 17th Po Leung Kuk Primary Mathematics World Contest were the United States, Australia, Bulgaria, China, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan and Thailand.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sun Cellular expands broadband coverage

MANILA, Philippines - Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. said it has more than doubled Sun Cellular's mobile broadband coverage.

Charles Lim, Sun Cellular executive vice president and head of wireless consumer business group, said Sun Broadband provides fast and reliable Internet connection to more Pinoys.

"With our expanded broadband coverage across the country, more Filipinos can count on Sun Broadband to deliver reliable services wherever they are in the Philippines," Lim said.

Sun Broadband's coverage was expanded to Ilocos Norte in the North and Tawi-tawi in the South. Now, Sun Broadband covers majority of the provinces in the Philippines, as it benefitted from increased infrastructure coordination with sister company Smart Communications Inc.

Most of the expanded coverage areas are in Mindanao. New provinces added to Sun Broadband's service areas include Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sarangani and North Cotabato.

Sun Broadband has expanded to areas such as Guimaras, Samar Islands, Masbate, and Siquijor in the Visayas, as well as Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Mindoro Islands, Romblon, and Sorsogon in Southern Luzon.

In Luzon, Sun Broadband's expanded coverage now includes Abra, Apayao, Aurora, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Kalinga, La Union, Mountain Province and Nueva Vizcaya, among others.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinoys in Europe celebrate PH Independence Day

LONDON - Various Filipino communities in London joined together to celebrate the 115 years of Philippine independence.

Wearing traditional costumes, Filipinos attended mass at Our Lady of Victories church in Kensington.

"Everyone in society has a role to play in ensuring that Philippines prospers and that we really live up to the ideals of our independence. No one person or group can do it alone," said Ambassador Enrique Manalo.

A cultural presentation with Filipino songs and dances concluded the celebration.

Last weekend, there were also various small gatherings of Filipino groups in north west London for an early celebration of Philippine Independence Day.

Members of all ages from the Kapa-Mill Association attended mass at the Sacred Heart and Mary Immaculate Church in the suburban area of Mill Hill.

"We're very happy na nangyari ito ngayon and we're very excited din. Ang dami-daming tao na dumating. We're proud to be Filipinos," said Emir Torta.

"Dito po kami nagkakasama ng mga OFWs ng London i-celebrate namin ang ganitong kaarawan," said choir singer, Emma Granada.

In Italy, Filipino communities with the backing of Filipino businessmen staged a parade.

A flag raising ceremony was also held at the Philippine Embassy in the Holy See. It was followed by a busy program highlighting Filipino songs and dances.

A special guest from the Philippines wowed the crowds.

"It such an honor na pasayahin ko ang mga Filipino. It's nice to be part of their celebration that celebrates that kind of character ng Filipino na talagang matibay, matatag," said actor Jericho Rosales.

In Milan, the Philippine independence was celebrated with a special program showcasing Filipino culture.

The Bayanihan Dance Company impressed the audience with Philippine history, culture, and national identity presented through songs and dances.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pinoys divided over stricter gun control laws in US

DALY CITY, California - On the one month anniversary of the Connecticut school massacre, Filipino parishioners of the St. Andrew’s Church in Daly City, California said they are praying for a violence-free country.

All over America, Christians are divided over proposals for stricter gun control laws.

CNN cited a study by the Public Religion Research Institute which showed that among religions, Catholics have the most number of people who favor stricter gun control measures, at 62%.

But even among Catholics, kababayans are still divided over stricter gun control laws.

There are those who said that total gun ban on civilians is a must.

"Yung iba na may baril maaring malakas ang loob," said Cesar Calindog.

A parishioner, who did not want to be identified, said there has to be stricter implementation of a gun law. She said, “I hope that our system can really impose safety for everyone.”

But there are those who said people should not be deprived the second amendment right.

Fidela Bugarin said, “It really depends on the person using the gun. Sometimes you have to use guns for protection.”

So what does the Bible have to say about weapons? Father Piers Lahey, parish priest of the St. Andrew’s Church said, it’s clear Christ teaches people peaceful ways to deal with conflict.

“There is a wonderful image in the Book of the prophet Isaiah talks about the vision where spears, weapons will be turned into instruments of peace. I think for Christians around the world, there is a desire that there be peace.”

Father Lahey believes the problem goes beyond guns. He said, “You can stop the guns, you can control it maybe. But you cannot control the inner attitudes. There has to be healing."

source: abs-cbnnews.com

4 in 10 Pinoys getting married outside of Church

MANILA - Despite a predominantly Catholic population, more than 4 of every 10 Filipino couples tied the knot outside the Church, according to the National Statistics Office.

The NSO recorded 482,480 marriages in 2010, down two percent from 492,254 in 2009.

Of the 2010 tally, 209,952 ceremonies were performed through civil rites or a 43.5 percent share of the total that year.

Marriages solemnized in Catholic rites reached 169,034 or 35 percent of all marriages in 2010, the second straight year that the Church played second fiddle to civilian officiators.

Marriages solemnized in Islam, tribal and other religious rites reached 103,299 or 21.4 percent.

The 2010 data also showed that February was that year's "love month," with 53,443 couples taking their vows for a daily average of 1,909 marriages.

Besides February, the next two popular months for marriages were April and December. In contrast, August marked the lowest number of marriages.

source: interaksyon.com

Pinoys most curious about same-sex marriage, Google data says

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines may be a predominantly Catholic country, but when it comes to topics such as same-sex marriage, Pinoys are among the most curious in the world, at least according to search data from Google.

As US President Barack Obama openly declared support for same-sex marriage a few weeks ago, Google noted a spike in searches for the term “same sex marriage,” with the Philippines claiming the top spot, even more than Americans themselves.

Other countries searching for the term include Nigeria, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, and Ireland.

According to Google’s Insights for Search, Filipino netizens has also led in searches for the term “marriage laws,” “gay rights” and “gay marriage states” in the dominant search engine.

This, despite the fact that more than 80 percent of the country’s population is Catholic, and with the Philippine clergy openly opposing same-sex unions in the country.

Gay marriage became a raging debate last month as two prominent personalities publicly denounced marriage between same-sex couples, and irking some camps in the process.

The first is former beauty queen Miriam Quiambao, whose comments in a TV interview and on the social networking site Twitter sparked outcry from groups and individuals fighting for gay rights.

Quiambao tweeted: “Homosexuality is not a sin but it is a lie from the devil. Do not be deceived. God loves gays and wants them to know the truth.”

The beauty queen turned actress subsequently issued an apology, but failed to quell outrage from the local lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.

Meanwhile, world-renowned Pinoy boxer Manny Pacquiao was also placed in a difficult spot after purportedly airing his anti-gay marriage stance, which turned out to be a misquote from a blogger.

The Catholic Church in the Philippines has openly opposed legal measures that, it said, would eventually lead to allowing same-sex marriage in the country, such as the highly contentious Reproductive Health Bill.

source: interaksyon.com

Pinoys celebrate Independence Day in Kuwait

MANILA, Philippines - A week-long celebration of the Philippines' 114th Independence Day kicked off in Kuwait with a Barrio Fiesta gathering over the weekend.

The event, organized by the Philippine embassy, was held at the embassy grounds in Faiha, where a tent was installed due to the scorching heat.

Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Shulan Primavera welcomed everyone, including members of the diplomatic corps.

Various stalls showcasing handmade jewelry and accessories were set up inside the huge tent.

Various Filipino food and some fruit carvings by Filipino artist Romano Roman were on display.

Traditional parlor games like Maria Went to Town and Paluan ng Palayok were held during the event.

Attendees also availed of a free medical check-up.

Some participants also had the chance to showcase their singing prowess in a videoke singing competition. A Pinoy band also entertained the audience.

A flag raising ceremony was led by Ambassador Primavera at the Philippine embassy during the Philippine Independence Day Celebration Tuesday. It was followed by a brief program.

The Ambassador greeted members of the Filipino community as he traced the rich history of the Philippines.

Embassy staff Cathy Gison read President Benigno's Aquino's message, followed by the reading of the message of Vice President Jejomar Binay by Vice Consul Rea Oreta, reading of message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario by Vice Consul Sheila Monedero, and the reading of the message of Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz by Labor Attache David Des Dicang.

The event was capped by a ceremonial cake-cutting and breakfast buffet.

One of the highlights of the Independence Day celebration in Kuwait is a Filipino Community night that will be on Friday in the Al Hashemi Ballroom at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

source: abs-cbnnews.com