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Vol. 4. No.45 LOS ANGELES
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Wednesday - Tuesday, August 5 - 11, 2015
Roxas to resign; eyes transition : Palace MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Saturday said that Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II will resign from his post following an endorsement from President Benigno Aquino III for the 2016 presidential elections. “Of course, that is a given. He will not stay in office so he won’t be accused of taking advantage of his position. Certainly, he will not do that,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said over state-run Radyo ng Bayan. “What he is actually preparing for is the transition already to whoever will lead the DILG
(Department of Interior and Local Government) next,” she explained. Valte, however, could not confirm who will replace the Interior Secretary. Roxas is expected to recommend names for the position. Valte said Roxas wants to have a smooth transition, especially for the priority projects of the DILG, including the Oplan Lambat Sibat of the Philippine National Police. Members of the opposition have already called for the resignation of Roxas, who was praised by Aquino on Friday for his integrity. (MNS)
LP still hoping for RoxasPoe tandem in 2016 President Aquino raises the hand of DILG Secretary Mar Roxas to the shower of confetti after Aquino endorsed Roxas for the presidential race at the Club Filipino in Greenhills on Friday. Aquino cited Roxas’ record and pointed to him as the best bet to continue the “Daang Matuwid” (Straight Path). (MNS photo)
Poe to Roxas: I wish him well MANILA, July 31 (Mabuhay) – Senator Grace Poe on Friday expressed hope that the 2016 presidential campaign will focus on good governance with Interior Secretary Mar Roxas as one of the possible candidates. “I recognize Secretary Roxas has decided to offer himself as a possible president, and I wish him well,” Poe said in a press statement. “I am hopeful that the 2016 election campaign will be one of open discussion of issues and proposed programs of government that will build on what President Aquino has started,” she added. Poe said this will allow the Filipino people to arrive at a clear choice on election day. The senator thanked President Aquino for considering her among those who can continue his vision for “Daang Matuwid.” See I WISH, page 2
South East China tensions flare at Asia sea talks By Martin Abbugao
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (AFP) Tuesday 8/4/2015 – Southeast Asian diplomats said Tuesday that China’s controversial island-building drive is raising regional tensions, with the Philippines slamming its “unilateral and aggressive activities”. The US and some Southeast Asian states have watched with growing alarm as Beijing expands tiny reefs in the South China Sea, topping some with military posts to reinforce its disputed claims over the strategic waters and fanning fears of future conflict. The flashpoint issue has taken centre stage at the annual security forum hosted by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that began Tuesday. But China has insisted it will not discuss the dispute during the meetings. That prompted a sharp rebuke from the Philippines, which along with Vietnam has been involved in the most direct territorial confrontations with China. “As we speak, we see no let-up on the unilateral and aggressive activities of our northern neighbor in the South China Sea,” PhilSee TENSIONS, page 2
MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) – The Liberal Party (LP) remains hopeful that Senator Grace Poe will agree to be the running mate of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas in the 2016 presidential elections. Roxas was anointed by President Benigno Aquino III on Friday as his preferred successor for 2016. The President said he is confident that Roxas can continue his administration’s “Daang Matuwid.” Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice, LP’s chairman for political affairs, likened Roxas to a “trained pilot” and Poe, on the other hand, to a co-pilot who still needs further training. “Makatwiran lang naman po yung Pangulo na si Secretary Mar bilang bihasa nang piloto at si Senator po ang co-pilot para matrain... Bata pa naman si Senator Poe, bata pa rin yung kanyang experience sa pamamahala so dapat muna, tingnan niya muna yung piloto kung paano niya paliparin yung piloto nang maayos,” Erice said.
Poe, who has topped voter preference surveys on possible presidential candidates, has met with the President several times to discuss next year’s polls. The President never said categorically that he wanted her to run as Roxas’ running mate, but Poe said she felt that way. She, however, rejected the idea, even saying that she might take a different path from the administration. But in a statement following the President’s endorsement of Roxas, Poe assured Aquino that she will continue to walk the “Daang Matuwid.” Erice, for his part, stressed that a “different path” is no longer a “straight path.” “Dapat po yung nangangarap para sa pagpapatuloy ng ‘Tuwid na Daan’ ay patuloy na mangarap na magkaisa yung pwersa ng ‘Tuwid na Daan.’ Kaya po, palagay ko po, aasa pa rin kami na maliliwanagan si Senator Poe at nananawagan ako sa kanya,” he said. See ROXAS-POE, page 2
Senator Grace Poe talks with Senator Francis Escudero during a break in the Senate session on Tuesday (July 28, 2015) after the latter resigned from his post as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and co-chairman of the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Public Expenditures. (MNS photo)
Japan report shows PHL weakness in disputed sea MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) – The Philippines lags behind three other claimants in a maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea, according to a report released by the Japanese military. In a presentation released by the Japanese Ministry of Defense, Japan compared of military capabilities of China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, which are among the most active claimants in the sea dispute.
According to the presentation, “China’s Activities in the South China Sea,” The Philippines has the least number of warships at 80, while China has the most at 892. Malaysia has 208 warships, while Vietnam has 94. Among the four, the Philippines is the only country that does not have a submarine, while China has 26. With regard to combat aircraft, See WEAKNESS, page 2
Couples apply for 1st same-sex marriage licenses in PHL Manila, Philippines (AFP ) Monday 8/3/2015 – Two same-sex Philippine couples applied for marriage licences Monday in a first for the conservative Catholic nation, but were promptly rejected by the government. Maria Arlyn Ibanez and her partner Joanne Reena Gregorio joined Pastor Crescencio Agbayani and his partner Marlon Pelipe in trooping to a civil registry office in Manila, hoping to raise awareness about gay rights. “We expected it would be denied but we tried it anyway.... We thought maybe there would be a miracle and it would be approved,” Ibanez, a 33-year-old call centre worker, told AFP. After the government agency turned them down, Ibanez and Agbayani, who runs an informal church for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, brandished a sign saying “We were denied” in front of a rainbow flag. Officials at the agency told reporters it was the first time a same sex couple had applied for a marriage license. Government officials have previously said no same-sex unions See SAME-SEX COUPLES, page 2
Anti-mining activists hold placards during the International People’s Conference on Mining in Manila on Friday. Environmental advocates and experts from 28 countries gathered to formulate a global mechanism to address the destructive impact of mining liberalization. (MNS photo)
Aquino gov’t vows action on Haiyan rebuilding after UN criticism Manila, Philippines (AFP) Sunday 8/2/2015 – The Philippines on Sunday vowed to take further action to aid those displaced by deadly Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, following UN criticism that the government’s response so far had been “inadequate”. President Benigno Aquino’s spokesman Herminio Coloma said the government was not merely trying to find new housing for those displaced by the storm, which was the most powerful ever recorded to have hit land, but was also trying to ensure they would be relocated to safer ground. “This is our commitment: The government will continue its effort to help these internally dis-
placed persons, particularly regarding setting up permanent, safe and decent housing,” he told reporters. “Additionally, we hope to help them find suitable livelihood and jobs so they can further recover from the calamity,” Coloma added. His remarks came after UN special rapporteur Chaloka Beyani said that the government had not done enough for those left homeless by Haiyan, which flattened whole towns and left about 7,350 dead or missing when it swept through the central Philippines in November 2013. Roughly 2,000 families have See HAIYAN, page 2
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Firefighters battle blazes across California By Sara Puig
Los Angeles, United States (AFP) Sunday 8/2/2015 – Thousands of firefighters battled Monday to contain wildfires in California that have forced the evacuation of thousands of homes and burned more than 121,000 acres of land. They managed to bring number of fires down from 21 to 18, but a new fire erupted in Ventura county Sunday and was quickly dubbed the Chorro fire. The biggest fire, the Rocky Fire, was sweeping through Colusa, Lake and Yolo counties north of Sacramento, the state capital. More than 13,000 people have been forced to flee homes threatened by Rocky, CALFIRE spokeswoman Alisha Herring said. Only 12 percent under control, Rocky has burned through more than 60,000 acres (24,200 hectares), destroying 50 structures, about half of them homes, and threatened 6,000 more, she said. “It’s the Rocky Fire that continues to really be a fast-moving fire that definitely continue toss challenge us today,” CALFIRE spokesman Daniel Berlant said. He said the fire ravaged through the forests at break-neck speed, with firefighters struggling to keep apace. “Over the weekend, 20,000 acres burned in just about a fivehour period. That’s unprecedented historical rate of spread,” he said. The newly-sparked Churro Fire was burning across 500 acres and was 15 percent contained, CALFIRE reported Monday. ‘Tinder dry’ A total of 121,000 acres of land have burned so far, according to figures provided by the state. California Governor Jerry Brown’s office said that some 9,600 people were battling the fires early Sunday. Weather in the drought-stricken state was the main culprit,
with several thousand dry lightning strikes reported over the weekend. “The drought is playing a huge role. With four years of dry conditions, our vegetation, the trees, the brush, are tinder dry,” Berlant said. California is in the throes of a record-breaking drought, with much of the state completely parched. The northern part of the state was the worst-hit, where forests were completely engulfed by the infernos, and several stretches of highway were forced closed. In areas where fires had been put out, charred cars were all that was left behind on some roads, and trees were left smoldering on the blackened earth. But Berlant said firefighters were making headway on some fronts, with at least three fires extinguished since the weekend and other almost under control. “We are making progress on several fronts. In fact several of the fires are near containment or almost completely contained,” he said on CNN. But, he warned there is no sign the dry, hot and windy conditions will improve, and said the coming months could see more fires. “The dry conditions unfortunately will not get any better. We have several more months of fire season ahead until we get a bit of rain.” The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for northern California, cautioning that “extreme fire conditions are occurring or imminent.” A state of emergency was issued Friday, and the California National Guard has been called in, underlining the scale of the threat facing the western state. A firefighter from South Dakota, Dave Ruhl, 38, was killed Thursday while fighting the Frog Fire in the Modoc National Forest outside Alturas.
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) firefighters battle a blaze at a fabric warehouse in Brgy. Ugong, Valenzuela City, Friday. The caretaker of the warehouse was reported killed during the fire, which was declared under control at 2 p.m. (MNS photo)
HAIYAN From page 1
been forced to relocate to evacuation camps with many living in shanties, often without power or water, the report and social welfare officials have said. Coloma said that in the 2016 budget, the government had allocated more money to setting up new communities for those af-
fected by Haiyan as well as those displaced by fighting with Muslim rebels in the south. He did not specify how much money was going to victims of Haiyan. President Benigno Aquino has budgeted 160 billion pesos ($3.6 billion) to rebuild after Haiyan,
considered as one of the major tests of his six-year term that will end in June next year. The Philippines is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, at risk from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and an average 20 typhoons yearly.
SAME-SEX COUPLES From page 1
will be recognized unless a law is passed for the purpose, adding that it would likely be blocked by legislators allied with the Catholic church. Gay rights have been in the spotlight around the world following the US Supreme Court’s landmark ruling to legalise gay marriage in June. Hundreds of people took to the streets in Taiwan this month calling for the legalisation of gay marriage, while pressure is mounting on the Australian government for
a parliamentary vote on the subject. The Philippines – where 80 percent of a population of 100 million is Catholic—is the only country where divorce is not legal, largely due to church influence. Abortion is also illegal. Gay rights lawyer Clara Rita Padilla said the marriage license applications reflected the need to legalize same-sex unions in the Philippines. “The right to marry is guaranteed by our constitutional rights
to equality, equal protection of the law, privacy, and religion,” she said in a statement. Ibanez said Monday’s rejection will not stop her and her partner from taking part in a “wedding” ceremony slated later this month at Agbayani’s church. The union would not be legally recognized but would show her commitment to her partner, she said. “We will continue to fight for our rights,” she told AFP.
TENSIONS
Wang Yi said on Monday that such gatherings are not “the appropriate place for discussing specific bilateral disputes,” and that doing so would “heighten confrontation.” He reiterated China’s position that it would not bow to pressure on its land reclamation. But despite Beijing’s protestations, Malaysia’s foreign minister said the South China Sea disputes were “discussed extensively” dur-
ing the day’s meetings. “We also discussed ways to address erosion of trust and confidence amongst parties following recent developments in the South China Sea, including land reclamation, as well as escalation of tension on the ground,” Anifah Aman told reporters. Beijing claims control over nearly all of the South China Sea, a key shipping route in the Pacific.
From page 1
ippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario told fellow ASEAN foreign ministers at an afternoon meeting, according to a transcript of his remarks obtained by AFP. He also hit out at what he described as “massive reclamation activities” and construction by Beijing in the disputed sea which had “undermined peace, security and stability”. Chinese Foreign Minister
WEAKNESS From page 1
Philippines has 26, while China has 2,582 combat aircraft. The presentation also showed a historical timeline of Chinese encroachment in the West Philippine Sea from the 1950s to present. Another set of slides gave a timeline of armed clashes in the region that Japan related to China’s “maritime push.” More slides detailed China’s occupation of islands in the South China Sea, including its reclamation of islands, and the possible implications of its militarization. Japan is also in a dispute with China, but in the East China Sea, where both countries are staking claim on a set of islands called the Senkakus. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Colonel
Restituto Padilla finds the attention Japan is paying to the West Philippine Sea reassuring. “The armed forces is very thankful the defense ministry is taking interest in the situation in the West Philippine Sea. It is reassuring for us as well there is increasing awareness and concern for our nation region and area hopefully on the subject,” said Padilla. “Having seen this, we see this increasing awareness and increasing level of awareness on issue can hopefully generate collective action to activities that will increase assuring freedom of navigation security of common and add stability to the region that will be beneficial to peace loving nations in this region,” he added. (MNS)
I WISH From page 1
“I see this as an acknowledgement of my efforts in our shared desire to improve the lives of all Filipinos,” she said. Poe and President Aquino met four times to discuss the 2016 polls but no decision was reached. She, however, assured Aquino that she will continue to walk the Daang Matuwid “because I believe it will be made more meaningful if more people continue the journey, wherever they may be and in whatever role they play.” Senator Francis Escudero said he respects the decision of Roxas to join the presidential race next year. “Alam ko na hindi naging madali ang kanyang pagpapasya at bilang kaibigan, nadarama ko
ang hirap ng kanyang pinagdaanan. Iginagalang at nauunawaan ko ang kanyang pasya,” he said in a text message. President Aquino also met with Escudero to discuss the 2016 polls. (MNS)
ROXAS-POE From page 1
“Kasi po kung gagawa tayo ng ibang daan, hindi na po yan ‘Matuwid na Daan,’ private road na po yan,” he added. Meanwhile, Erice said Roxas has already expressed his intention to resign from the Cabinet following his declaration of candidacy for the 2016 polls.(MNS)
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VP Binay’s camp downplays Roxas endorsement MANILA, July 31 (Mabuhay) – The camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Friday downplayed President Benigno Aquino III’s endorsement of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas as his successor. In a press statement, Binay’s spokesperson Rico Quicho said the anointment was “nothing but expected and actually anticlimactic.” “No amount of praise can change the fact that Sec. Roxas desperately failed in his roles in the present administration,” Quicho said. “Truth be told, Sec. Roxas simply did not get things done to uplift the lives of our people. Worse, he is petty and vindictive.” He mentioned the incident in Tacloban City in the days after Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 where Roxas supposedly scolded Mayor
Alfred Romualdez and made a big deal out of the mayor’s surname. “Two years from that tragedy, with more than 6,000 dead, 2,000 injured and countless more left without homes, this same man, who is a study in incompetence and lack of sensitivity for the plight of the downtrodden, is being hailed as the yellow hero to succeed to the throne of the mighty Aquino,” said Quicho. Binay, who defeated Roxas in the vice presidential race in 2010, has openly expressed his intention to run for president in 2016. “Lie of the highest order” He also said that Aquino’s statement that “Mar gets things done” is “a lie of the highest order. A statement that even PNoy does not seem to take too seriously.” Quicho also said that Roxas
fashions himself as the only candidate that the people can trust to continue the “Daang Matuwid” “But what is “daang matuwid” exactly? Based on the five years of this administration it seems that “daang matuwid” refers to the yellow brick road accessible only to the privileged few who managed to climb their way to PNoy and the Liberal Party’s good graces,” he said. He added that Daang Matuwid has nothing to do with the real and everyday lives of the Filipinos. He further said the coming election would reflect the kind of leadership the people deserve. “Should we continue with the ‘palpak at manhid’ governance that distinctly marked the kind of governance of the present admin-
Vice President Jejomar Binay and Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla raise their hands during the covenant signing between United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) and Partido Magdalo at Kawit Cavite on Thursday. Remulla expressed support for Binay’s candidacy for president in the 2016 elections. (MNS photo)
istration? Or, we demand more from our government in terms of public service, leadership and proper governance,” he said. He further said that the country now needs solid track record
and unparalleled accomplishment. “We have to shy away from politics that breed apathy, vindictiveness and division of the nation,” said Quicho.(MNS)
Sandiganbayan cancels pretrial of Enrile, Reyes, Napoles’ plunder case MANILA, July 31 (Mabuhay) – The Sandiganbayan’s Third Division on Friday cancelled the scheduled pre-trial of the plunder case of Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile and his co-accused Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes and Janet LimNapoles. During the scheduled pre-trial of the case, Enrile’s lawyer Anacleto Diaz raised an objection to the conduct of the procedure pointing out that the prosecution team has not presented even a single original document as its evidence in the case. “All they have presented were photo copies of the documents or photo copies of the photo copies,” Diaz said. Diaz also pointed out that the defense cannot proceed with the marking of its own counter-evidence unless the prosecu-
tion has finished laying out its own evidence and witnesses against the accused. The court has earlier given the prosecution and the defense almost a year to conduct preliminary conferences or an offcourt meetings to mark their evidence and witnesses as well as to stipulate on the facts of these evidence. “Until now they are not yet done with the marking of their evidence, your honor,” Diaz said. “We cannot proceed unless they are done.” Third Division senior member Associate Justice Samuel Martires, meanwhile, raised a concern over the defense’s insistence that the prosecution must present the original copies of its documentary evidence. “If we are gonna do that, we will be
LP coalition’s NPC, NP still undecided on presidential bet MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) – Despite President Benigno Aquino III’s endorsement of Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II as the one to succeed him, political parties under the Liberal Party coalition are still undecided on who to support for the 2016 presidential race. But the Nationalist People’s Coalition, one of the coalition members, will push the reform agenda of the Aquino administration, NPC spokesperson Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian said. “We remain in the [Liberal Party] coalition ... the NPC’s commitment to the President’s good governance agenda remains steadfast,” he said. “As for politics and whom the NPC will support [in] next elections, the party
will make its own decision in the coming months. We are still consulting our members,” he added. For his part, acting Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III, an NPC stalwart, said the party’s leadership will soon meet to discuss matters concerning the 2016 elections. “After that, we will consult Ambassador Danding and the general membership for our final decision,” he added, referring to NPC’s founder business tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco. Meanwhile, Nacionalista Party (NP) stalwart Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said they will make an announcement in late September or early October about their plans for the coming polls.
Bongbong, among 6 choices for Binay’s running mate, says UNA MANILA, Aug 1 (Mabuhay) – Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is among six individuals being considered as Vice President Jejomar Binay’s running mate in the 2016 presidential elections, the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) confirmed Saturday. “I will have to admit, kasi lumabas na yan, na kasama siya,” UNA interim president and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco said. Tiangco said the search committee is looking at six names as possible running mate of Binay when he seeks the presidency in 2016. Tiangco, however, refused to name names, saying: “Kasi ang nangyayari pag sinasabi namin yung pangalan, first of all, it’s unfair to the others na hindi napangalanan. Number 2, pag nagbigay kasi kami ng pangalan... ang lumalabas minsan yun ang gusto namin. Di ba iba naman yung ‘kinokonsidera?’” He said UNA has a self-imposed dead-
line of September 30 for Binay’s vice presidential candidate and the party’s senatorial slate. Meanwhile, Tiangco reiterated that they are not threatened by the candidacy of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, saying they are confident that the Filipino people will continue to support Binay, given his track record in government. The UNA official, however, admitted that President Benigno Aquino III’s endorsement of Roxas can boost the interior secretary’s presidential bid. More than that, he said, is that Roxas, being the administration candidate, has the machinery of the government. “This year is the election budget year. Yan ang tatalakayin pagbalik namin sa Congress. Siyempre may persuasive effect naman yung administrasyon kung saan nila dadalhin yung mga pondo. So yan, napakalaking bagay niyan,” he said.
waiting until January. What are you waiting for, the next election?” Martires said. Diaz, however, maintained that their camp must see the original documents to verify their authenticity and to best determine how they can counter them. With the objection of the defense in the conduct of the pre-trial as well as the admission of the prosecution team that it is not yet done with the marking of evidence, Third Division chairman Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang ruled to cancel the pre-trial proceedings. “Considering that the preliminary conference of this case is not yet terminated, the pre-trial is canceled without prejudice to the conduct of preliminary conference,” Tang said. The court, however, did not set a deadline as to how long the prosecution and the defense can mark their evidence through preliminary conferences. Enrile and Reyes who were both present during the scheduled pre-trial, immediately left the courtroom after the canceled proceedings. Asked how he was feeling, Enrile said: “I’m okay. I’m doing a lot of reading, studying geography, capital generation, power competition, currency development.” Enrile said he was not able to see Reyes during the proceedings despite the latter
was seated just a chair behind him. “I didn’t see her. I have no eyes behind.” The pre-trial would have signaled the start of the trial proper of the case. The Third Division earlier stated that it will commence with the trial proper of the plunder case despite the pending resolution of Napoles’ bail petition, which the court has been hearing since July last year. Third Division clerk of court Dennis Pulma on Thursday said the pending bail petition of Enrile, which the 91-yearold senator has elevated to the Supreme Court, would also not stop the Third Division from conducting the trial unless the highest tribunal would issue a temporary restraining order. Enrile, through Reyes, is accused of amassing P172 million worth of kickbacks by allocating his priority development assistance fund to Napoles-linked foundations from 2004 to 2010. Reyes is currently detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Female Dormitory in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig, while Enrile is under hospital arrest at the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Napoles, meanwhile, is currently detained at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City. (MNS)
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LOS ANGELES
As expected, Aquino endorses Mar
OPINION
By Joel Guinto
Manila, Philippines (AFP) Friday 7/31/2015 – Philippine President Benigno Aquino endorsed long-time ally Manuel Roxas on Friday for the country’s 2016 presidential election, saying the interior minister was the best person to advance anti-corruption reforms. “We choose the one who is certain to pursue the straight and narrow path,” said Aquino, alluding to his hallmark anti-graft crusade that he says ushered in unprecedented economic growth in the impoverished archipelago nation. “I believe that person is none other than Mar Roxas,” the president told cheering members of his Liberal Party, using the minister’s nickname. The Philippines elects a new leader in May 2016. Contenders must register their candidacy ahead of a mid-October deadline. The interior minister is likely to run against Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is being investigated by a special prosecutor over graft allegations, and the popular Senator Grace Poe, who had also sought Aquino’s endorsement. Supporters in yellow clapped and chanted “Roxas Now” as the 58-year-old grandson of the Philippines’ first president choked back tears and thanked Aquino. “I accept the challenge,” said Roxas. “I will never stray from the straight and narrow path.” Aquino said he interviewed three potential candidates ahead of Friday’s endorsement, but in the end chose Roxas, even though he has been polling poorly. Risky move However, analysts say Aquino’s pick was laden with risk. “On paper, he looks like a competent technocrat and successor,” Richard Javad Heydarian, a political science professor at Manila’s De La Salle University, told AFP. “But he lacks the popular touch,” Heydarian said of the interior minister, whose wealthy family owns one the capital’s largest commercial centres. According to recent polls, Roxas trails Binay, whose populist policies as mayor of Manila’s financial district won the hearts of the area’s poor. Heydarian also warned that Roxas and Poe could split Aquino’s support base, giving Binay an edge. Aquino on Friday downplayed Roxas’ poor polling numbers. “If something is really important, you must work hard for it, fight for it,” he told an audience of senators, congressmen, mayors and campaign organisers. Binay said he was looking forward to a rematch with Roxas, after beating him in the 2010 vice presidential election. “If this were boxing, we fought as lightweights, now we’re welterweights,” Binay told reporters. Senator Poe, after wishing Roxas well and pledging support for Aquino’s corruption fight, remained coy about her political ambitions. Aquino is unable to run for another stint in office, thanks to the country’s single-term limit set by a constitution that his late mother, former president and democracy icon Corazon Aquino, endorsed in 1987 to prevent a repeat of the 20-year dictatorship of the late Ferdinand Marcos. “I do not wish to open the possibility for an individual to stay in power their whole life,” Aquino said, adding that he has rejected calls to rewrite the constitution. Thousands of dissidents were killed or went missing during the rule of Marcos, who has been accused of plundering billions of dollars from the nation’s coffers. Aquino’s mother led a bloodless revolt that eventually toppled Marcos in 1986.
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Main contenders for 2016 presidency Manila, Philippines (AFP) Friday 7/31/2015 – Philippine President Benigno Aquino named Interior Minister Manuel Roxas on Friday as the candidate he will support in the May 9, 2016 presidential election. The following are the leading contenders for the post: Manuel “Mar” Roxas, 58 A scion of the old, landed rich from the central Philippines’ sugar-baron country, US-educated Roxas is a grandson of the country’s first post World War II president, who also had the same name. Untainted by corruption, unlike many Filipino politicians, he is a close friend of Aquino and is seen by many as a safe pick to carry the torch of the latter’s reformist presidency. Despite marrying a celebrity television presenter, the former investment banker lags behind in the polls and often comes across as bland and boring. He lost the 2010 vice presidential election to Jejomar Binay, one of his potential rivals in the upcoming election. Jejomar “Jojo” Binay, 72 Though currently leading polls, the feisty septuagenarian’s popularity has recently been dented by allegations he illegally enriched himself and built a family dynasty during his 20-year tenure as mayor of Makati, Manila’s financial district.
Short and dark-skinned, Binay has been described in jest as the Philippines’ Barack Obama, the first black US leader. In the 1980s the self-made orphan and trained lawyer represented the victims of human rights abuses perpetrated during the rule of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. A close ally of Aquino’s late mother, the democracy icon Corazon Aquino, Binay is relishing a potential rematch with the incumbent’s preferred successor Roxas, whom he beat in the 2010 vice presidential election. Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares, better known as Grace Poe, 46 The former Philippine film censor was Roxas’ rival for Aquino’s endorsement, and toppled Binay from the top of the polls in June. US-based for over a decade until her return to the Philippines in 2004, she is seen as a refreshing new face in a country weary of corruption. Dumped at a church as a baby and adopted by popular Filipino film action hero Fernando Poe, who died shortly after losing the 2004 presidential election, the younger Poe was a surprise top vote-getter in the 2013 senatorial ballot. She has yet to make her views known on many major issues, and foes brand her as inexperienced. They also insist she has not lived in the country long enough to satisfy a 10-year residency rule for presidential candidates.
LP exec: Poe ties with Escudero mired Aquino plans for her MANILA, July 31 (Mabuhay) – The plot is out. The President would have wanted Senator Grace Poe to be the running mate of Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas in 2016, then she would be given a Cabinet portfolio and an administration’s endorsement in 2022, a Liberal Party (LP) official disclosed on Friday. But that plan apparently did not materialize supposedly because of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, said LP treasurer and Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso “Boy” Umali Jr. Umali is also a close friend of President Benigno Aquino III since they were members of the House of Representatives. “Ang gusto kasi ni Presidente continuous ‘yung matuwid na daan, 18 years,” he told reporters in an interview at the Club Filipino in San Juan city. (The president wants continuity in the straight path for 18 years) “So after him, Mar sana at kinukuha si Grace as Vice President tapos after that bibigyan ng magagandang portfolio para come 2022, si Grace ang magpipresidente,” he said. (So after him, Mar would continue it, then Grace as Vice President will be given a good portfolio to aid her in 2022.) But Umali said Escudero suddenly came into the picture. “Ang sabi ni Grace, papano naman si Chiz? Mukhang committed s’ya kay Chiz,” he said. (But Grace said, what about Chiz? She looks committed to Chiz.) “So ‘yun ang problema. So gusto sana pag-ayusin si Chiz at Mar kaya lang parang mahirap kasi alam naman natin ag nangyari noong eleksyon, Noy-Bi si Chiz,” the governor said. (So that’s the problem. We wanted to fix the rela-
tionship of Chiz and Mar, but that’s quite impossible because of what happened in the last elections.) Noy-Bi stands for Aquino and Vice President Jejomar Binay, a tandem endorsed by Escudero during the 2010 presidential race. Roxas was Aquino’s running mate in 2010 but Escudero opted to support Binay, who was then the running mate of former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. “As the ruling party kami LP, alangan naman kumuha kami ng president at vice president from the outside, mukhang out of the picture ‘yun. Malabongmalabo yun,” said Umali. (As the ruling party, we at LP wouldn’t endorse someone outside the party for president and vice president. That is quite impossible.) Since Escudero could not be endorsed by the party for vice president since he is not a member, Umali said he could still be given a Cabinet post such as head of the Department of Interior and Local Government, which is now being headed by Roxas or the senator could become the next Senate President . “Pwede syang ipa-appoint, bigyan ng position, SILG (Secretary of Interior and Local Government) or kung ano man or siguro pwedeng Senate President pwede, kaya lang ayaw nila,” he further said. (He can be appointed as SILG or Senate President, but they do not want to.) Despite the apparent breakdown of talks between Aquino and Poe, Umali said the vice presidential slot is still open for the lady senator But if Poe was not really keen on running with Roxas, Umali said the LP has three other options for vice president —Senate Majority Leader Alan Cayetano, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, and Batangas Governor Vilma Santos.(MNS)
Yolanda rebuilding ‘inadequate’, says UN Manila, Philippines (AFP)Saturday 8/1/2015 – The Philippines has not done enough to rebuild after Super Typhoon Haiyan, as thousands remain in shanties without power or water for nearly two years, a United Nations representative said Saturday. Many storm survivors in the central region have had to endure relocating to evacuation camps up to three times since Haiyan struck in 2013, and the sub-standard housing leaves them vulnerable to future typhoons, said Chaloka Beyani, UN special rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons. “While the government is to be commended in terms of its immediate responses, its attention to ensuring sustainable durable solutions for IDPs (internally displaced persons) remains inadequate to date,” Beyani said in a statement posted on the UN website. Beyani was in the Philippines in late July to check on the government’s handling of people displaced by Haiyan and by fighting between the military and Muslim rebels in the south. Aside from falling short of safety standards, the wood-and-tin “bunkhouses” also leave women and girls vulnerable to sexual abuse and early pregnancy, Beyani said. The box-like shanties also rob the storm survivors
of their “privacy and dignity” as they struggle to rebuild their lives, he said. Haiyan, the most powerful storm ever recorded to hit land, wiped out entire communities and left 7,350 dead or missing when it struck the impoverished central islands in November 2013. Roughly 2,000 families remain in the bunkhouses as well as in palm-thatch temporary homes, said Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman. The government aims to move 70 percent of the 2,000 into permanent concrete homes by year-end, she said. “We are aware of the need to fast-track the permanent shelters, but there are constraints,” Soliman told AFP. Soliman said the lack of power and running water in some areas was due to local governments’ unpaid utility bills. An increase in land prices also delayed the construction of permanent homes as land owners cashed in on government demand, she said. President Benigno Aquino has budgeted 160 billion pesos ($3.6 billion) to rebuild after Haiyan, considered as one of the major tests of his six-year term that will end in June next year. The Philippines is one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, at risk from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and an average 20 typhoons yearly.
Eat, pray, shop: PHL malls become the new town plazas By Mynardo Macaraig
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Manila, Philippines (AFP) Thursday 7/30/2015 – As she eyes the colourful ice creams on offer at a Baskin-Robbins in one of Manila’s most luxurious shopping centres, Philippine teenager Jamie Gamboa admits to being an incurable mall rat—but not only for the shopping. “It is the only place where you can just walk around without having to spend, and there are a lot of things to entertain us,” said the petite 16-yearold, surrounded by a gaggle of friends. “We tried other places but it’s more of a hassle. In parks, there isn’t enough to do. A museum or a zoo isn’t a place you go to more than once.” With their functions expanding from shopping and dining to venues for Catholic mass, Zumba workouts or even weddings, experts say malls are taking on a more important role at the heart of communities. Filipino life traditionally revolved around a public square, with a church, local government building and market attached, where adults socialised and children played, according to urban planner Felino Palafox. But while malls have long been a mainstay of urban Manila – the capital has at least 153 peppering its skyline – the neon-lit consumer temples are now sweeping across the Philippine archipelago, penetrating even rural areas.
“They have replaced the public plazas as gathering places,” Palafox said. City lungs ‘lost’ As the Philippines’ population has boomed in recent decades, soaring from 68 million in 1995 to 100 million in 2015, creeping urbanisation has magnified the appeal of malls to residents and businesses alike. But this has come at the expense of green spaces, left languishing through neglect, short-sightedness and poor urban planning. “We are losing the lungs of the city,” said Palafox. Provincial grocer Wendy Tan remembers how she and her friends used to play in the sprawling, verdant plaza in Mambusao, a central Philippine town of about 38,000 people. But as the park deteriorated over time, the locals searched for the next best thing—a spanking new, 300-hectare (740-acre) air-conditioned shopping mall in Roxas city, about an hour’s drive away. “There are no more tall trees. No more fountains. There is no more shade so it is too hot,” she said. So the mall developers stepped in, sometimes even leasing green spaces to build retail complexes. “They know very well that the government is not delivering services so they address those. If the government does not create public spaces, they will build public spaces,” said Jorge Mojarro, a Spanish PhD student studying Philippine culture.
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UTREACH Gerphil gears up for big project with David Foster
Part of the administration anti-corruption drive, according to the energy secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, was President Aquino’s efforts to put the right people on key government posts. Petilla said this during a recent news conference with the members of the Fil-Am media in Los Angeles.
Former energy chief credits Aquino for cutting down corruption in gov’t By Abner Galino
AN hour or two before President Benigno Aquino III could deliver his sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday (Philippine time), his former energy secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla spoke to the media here in Los Angeles and credited his former boss for cutting down corruption in the government. “I could vouch for (him) on that,” Petilla said, adding that the proof of the success of President Aquino’s anti-corruption drive can be seen in the budget that the government was able to generate. “The numbers that we have is 3 trillion and then you have money for armaments. Yan ang mahirap badyetan eh, defense. Without sacrificing DepEd (Department of Education). Baka naman wala nang matira for DepEd. And of course, debt servicing,” Petilla explained. Part of the administration anticorruption drive, according to the energy secretary, was President Aquino’s efforts to put the right people on key government posts. Although, he clarified that while not every choice of the president was perfect, they were generally well thought of. These appointees, Petilla said,
were mostly drawn from the private sector and were people “who do not need jobs” and instead “sacrificed” to join the government and serve the people. “We don’t need the government to survive,” Petilla added, implying that he was one those people picked by President Aquino to head a government position because of perceived proficiency and integrity. The former energy chief also said that the anti-corruption campaign of the Aquino administration should be credited for regaining the trust of investors which consequently resulted in a healthy economy. “Pag walang investors confidence, walang mangyayari sa atin,” Petilla stressed. President Aquino, according to Petilla, should also be credited for having the political will to implement or push policies that were deemed to be unpopular. Petilla did not specifically cite any of those unpopular policies pushed by President Aquino but among them were the Reproductive Health Act of 2012 and the Basic Bangsamoro Law which still pending in Congress. Lastly, Petilla said President Aquino’s legacies would also in-
MHS ’73 reunion set in February The Manila High School Class of 1973 is planning to hold a reunion during the last week of February 2016. Activities for the planned reunion include a homecoming visit to the campus on a typical school day and a reunion night. Manila High School, located at Muralla and Victoria Streets in Intramuros, is considered the oldest public school in Asia. It was established in June 1906 and boasts of having graduated three Philippine presidents, namely Manuel Roxas, Elpidio Quirino and Jose P. Laurel. Other notable alumni are Carlos P. Romulo, the
only Filipino who became UN Secretary General; Conrado Benitez, known journalist and educator; National Artist Vicente Manansala, and Narciso Ramos, former member of the Philippine Legislature and father of former President Fidel V. Ramos. Those interested in joining the reunion may contact organizers Zen Alcantara Cabaluna, cp# 0908.884.9190, e-mail goldland_zen@yahoo.com; Mario Bulatao, cp# 0917.521.5739, e-mail supermcb55@yahoo.com; or Virgie Nudalo Calimag, cp# 0932.861.5484 Email vncalimag@yahoo.com.
Immigration the major concern for Europeans: poll Brussels, Belgium (AFP) Saturday 8/1/2015 – Immigration is the main concern of Europeans, ahead of economic problems and unemployment, according to a new opinion poll released by the European Commission. A similar poll last November had the economic situation, employment, and public deficits top of the list. Since then immigration has been a hot topic, with Italy, Greece and Malta having to deal with unprecedented arrivals by sea from Africa and the Middle East. The latest flashpoint is in Calais, northern France, where each day hundreds of migrants attempt to sneak across to Britain via the Channel tunnel. According to the study, released on Friday, 38 percent of respondents across the European Union cited immigration as their top concern. This issue is “now way ahead” of the economic situation which was the foremost issue for 27 percent of the people polled, and unemployment (24 percent), the study said. “It is the number one most frequently cited concern in 20 Member States reaching peaks in Malta (65 percent) and Germany (55 percent).” The “expectations for the economy are improving and support for the euro remains stable,” according to the findings of the “Spring 2015 Standard Eurobarometer” poll. Concern for terrorism at EU level has also increased significantly since November, up six points to 17 percent. In Italy, where tens of thousands of migrants have fled aboard rickety boats across the Mediterranean, immigration was the top concern for 43 percent of people. According to the study, the number of Europeans who say they have a positive image of the EU has risen from 39 percent last November to 41 percent in May, with only 19 percent having a negative image. The poll was conducted through face-to-face interviews in May with more than 30,000 people across the EU’s member states and candidate countries.
clude the ability to keep a big margin of people behind the causes being espoused by his administration. While it has been routine for presidents to gradually lose their popularity as their terms progressed, Petilla noted, that President Aquino’s satisfaction rating among the constituents remains relatively high compared to his predecessors. Pressed why he left Cabinet a couple of months back, Petilla admitted that he and President Aquino had some policy differences. However, he said, this was patched up before he resigned and that it ended well for the two of them. The former energy secretary added that he thought it was the perfect time to leave the Cabinet post as such gave him enough momentum to explore his options. Petilla admitted that he has a plan to run for the Senate in the 2016 elections. He would try to be elected as a senator under a platform that espouses government policies that would make the energy sector serve the interest of the poor. The former energy secretary was also the governor of Leyte before he joined the Cabinet of President Aquino.
MANILA, July 24 (Mabuhay) -– It seems international composer and producer David Foster is indeed keeping his promise to “Asia’s Got Talent” contestant Gerphil Flores. During her stint on “Asia’s Got Talent,” Foster promised Flores, who finished third, “global fame.” “I promise you, I promise you, the world is going to know about you. That’s a promise,” Foster, who mentored and helped launch the international career of Filipino singing sensation Charice, told Flores after her finals performance. Flores said she and Foster are in touch about the project but could not reveal any details about it as of the moment. “Ngayon po nag-uusap kami at may magandang project coming soon,” she briefly said. The classical singer said she is grateful that her fans continue to support her even after her stint
on the show. “Nagpapasalamat po ako na nandyan po sila na sumusubaybay sa akin at patuloy po ang pagdadasal nila at suporta nila sa akin kaya hindi ako makakarating dito kundi dahil sa kanila,” she said. While she prepares for her project with Foster, Flores is keeping busy with school. She is currently in her last year at the University of the Philippines College of Music. “Para sa akin po kasi education comes first. Iba pa rin po kasi ang may natapos ka. Kumbaga para sa akin bilang singer, balang araw mawawala rin ang boses eh. Kumbaga tatanda rin ako kaya dapat ibahagi ko na ang nalalaman ko when it comes to music,” she said. Meanwhile, Flores also announced that she will also be a part of a concert this August to be headlined by big names in the international music scene. (MNS)
Jeb Bush would give undocumented a way to stay in US Washington, United States (AFP) Tuesday 7/28/2015 – Republican White House hopeful Jeb Bush vowed Monday to launch comprehensive immigration reform, including stronger borders and finding a way for the 11 million undocumented people in the country to make their status legal. Back in 2008, then-candidate Barack Obama pledged to seek a major immigration policy reform that would let the undocumented stay indefinitely. But his efforts hit a wall in the Republican-run Congress. According to former Florida governor Bush, a president is only going to be able to carry off the sometimes controversial issue if the new leader “is committed to protecting the border” and to building people’s trust.
“That is the way it is. I am making the commitment, and I know that we can get it done,” Bush said in an interview with Telemundo network, the first he has done completely in Spanish since throwing his hat in the ring. The son of ex-president George H.W. Bush and brother to former president George W. Bush explained his plan would see 11 million people come out of the shadows, get a legal work permit, pay taxes and a fine, as well as learn English without getting federal benefits but while eventually obtaining permanent legal status. Jeb Bush’s take on immigration – far more liberal than most Republicans’ stands – could help him get more support from Hispanics, the United States fastest-growing minority group.
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The rally at the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Los Angeles Consulate was led by organizaƟons such as Bantay Pilipinas-USA, Talakayan sa FACLA, Knights of Rizal-HFT and the Overseas Filipinos for Good Governance (OPGG), a US-wide organizaƟon that led the rallies in San Francisco, New York, the Marianas and other places worldwide.
Fil-Ams stage protest vs China at China Consulate in Los Angeles JULY 25 Los Angeles – Chanting “China Out of the Philippines, Now” and singing “China, China Magnanakaw,” scores of Filipino-Americans rallied and picketed Friday at the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Los Angeles Consulate to join what they call is a global action against China. The rally was led by organizations such as Bantay Pilipinas-USA, Talakayan sa FACLA, Knights of Rizal-HFT and the Overseas Filipinos for Good Governance (OPGG), a US-wide organization that led the rallies in San Francisco, New York, the Marianas and other places worldwide. The more than an hour-long demonstration was held in front of the PRC Consulate located at 443 Shatto Place St. in Los Angeles. Among the demonstrators was Califor-
nia lawyer Atty. Roman Mosqueda, who said that “This rally is in support of the Philippine government and our delegation at The Hague” where a Philippine delegation argued why China’s actions on the islands within the disputed waters in West Philippine Sea constitute violations against Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone territorial claim. According to Mosqueda, “There is ample evidence that the Chinese claim does not hold water and can be described as preposterous.” Along with Mosqueda, other Fil-Am civic leaders included Andrea Aquino of NAM-USA, Dr. Orly Cagampan of the Knight of Rizal and Rotary Club of HFT, Macky Fortu of RVNC and Knights Commander of the KOR-HFT Arturo Garcia and Talakayan sa FACLA.
Safety urged as heat wave, thunderstorms approach By Paul Netter, Southern California Edison
July 28, 2015 – With the National Weather Service predicting triple-digit temperatures and thunderstorms in some areas of the region beginning Wednesday, Southern California Edison (SCE) urges its customers to stay safe while staying cool. SCE has also called a Save Power Day for Wednesday. Customers participating in the conservation program can earn up to $100 in bill credits per year for conserving energy between 2-6 p.m. The weather service is forecasting that a hot and humid weather pattern, along with possible isolated thunderstorms, will
linger over SCE’s service area, including Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, through at least Saturday. Lightning is possible as well. “During heat waves and especially thunderstorms, it is important that people size up their situation and take the appropriate precautions,” said Don Neal, SCE director of Corporate Environmental, Health and Safety. “For example, if you hear thunder, even in the distance, immediately find a safe place. Fully enclosed buildings with wiring and plumbing or hard-topped metal vehicles with closed windows are best.”
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Zsa Zsa to marry boyfriend in 2016 Zsa Zsa Padilla and her boyfriend, architect Conrad Onglao, are planning to tie the knot in Italy next year. Onglao said he already told Padilla about his plans and where exactly in Italy he wants to hold the wedding. “Sabi niya, ‘Where’s my ring?’ Sabi ko it’s coming. I want to get married in Florence. I’m taking her to Italy after her ‘ASAP’ show in London,” he said. Although they already live together, Onglao said marrying Padilla has always been the end-goal since they became a couple. “I wanted to assure her. I said we are heading that way. Even my kids are always asking me when I’m going to get married. I said, ‘Why do you ask?’ Kasi daw I look so happy. I said soon. It’s not something I take lightly. I just wanted for her to know that it’s the end goal,” he said. But one of the conditions that Padilla has set in their relationship is
Jiro Manio
Ai-Ai finds Jiro Manio’s biological father Actress Ai-Ai delas Alas revealed that she has found the biological father of former child wonder Jiro Manio. This, after the 50-year-old Delas Alas promised the “Magnifico” star that she will bring him to Japan in an attempt to reunite the two. The 21-year-old Manio, who was found homeless around the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in June, is currently inside an undisclosed “wellness facility” in Quezon City. “Nahanap na siya,” Delas Alas told reporters. “Hindi ko palang makausap kasi the father is... may family. So siyempre isipin din natin yung kalagayan din nung kabilang side.” According to Delas Alas, she has already informed Manio about the news.
Angeline Quinto
Why Angeline pulled out of soap with Coco Angeline Quinto has pulled out of the upcoming television series, “Ang Probinsiyano,” which would have reunited her with former leading man Coco Martin. The two first teamed up on the big screen in the 2012 “Born to Love You.” The 25-year-old Quinto said that she has decided to leave the project due to conflicts in schedules. “Before pa nung nilalatag pa yung mga schedule namin, pabago bago kasi yung taping. Hanggang sa umabot sa before mag-concert, hindi na nagawan ng paraan. Kasi meron pa akong mga schedules din before na nagawa na para ngayong taon,” she explained. Quinto is set to headline a concert at the Araneta Coliseum on August 15, alongside rumored boyfriend Erik Santos, who has admitted being jealous of Quinto’s friendship with Martin. Quinto, however, said that she would not hesitate to accept another project with Martin if given the chance to do so. “Sabi ko, eh kung nangyari ito, siguro may dahilan naman. Kung sakaling may susunod sana mabigyan ulit ng chance,” she said. (MNS)
that Onglao should allow her to continue working in showbiz. “Pinag-usapan din talaga namin from the onset na I cannot stop working because I have children to take care of. Kailangan pa nila ng tulong ko kasi,” Padilla said. Onglao, for his part, said he will not hinder Padilla from continuing what she does best if it will make her happy. “I like the fact that’s she really works. I want her to be happy. If singing is what makes her happy, or acting, I said, ‘I’m just there to applaud you.’ I’m not going to take it away from her. Before I met her, she was already a very accomplished singer and actress. Why would I take that away from her?” he said. Onglao said Padilla’s dedication to her work to provide for her children is something he admires about his partner. “That’s something similar for us, ‘yung care for family. The way she takes care of her mom, it kind of re-
minds me when my mom was still alive. Kapag may family gatherings, I always tell her I’m so happy,” he said. Looking back after being together for over a year now, Padilla admitted she is fortunate to have found Onglao, who has all the qualities she’s looking for in man. “I prayed for somebody who would love and accept my kids. Siyempre he could easily choose someone who is dalaga. Sabi ko lang sana tanggapin na tatlo ang anak ko, and that I’m a working mother, somebody who would be caring enough. ‘Yung qualities na gusto ko sa isang tao, nandoon,” she said. Prior to Padilla, Onglao was married to interior designer Ivy Almario, with whom he has two sons. They were divorced in the United States and obtained a legal separation, and church annulment here in the Philippines. Padilla, on the other hand, was the long-time partner of the late Comedy King Dolphy. (MNS)
Zsa Zsa Padilla
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Multi-masking: When it comes Summer fitness: A vacation routine to to face masks, more is more Saturday August 1 2015 (Relaxnews) – You know all about multitasking, but are you up to date when it comes to multimasking? That’s right – gone are the days when it was acceptable to smear a sweet-smelling concoction all over your face, put your feet up in front of Netflix and let Mother Science weave its beautiful magic on your pores. These days it’s all about combining different scrubs, gels and creams, depending on what’s going on in each of your facial zones. For example, you might be in possession of an oily T-zone but have chafed skin on your cheeks, or a particularly sensitive or puffy eye area. Multi-masking allows you to create one masterfully tailored mask from several lesser masks to suit your skin’s individual needs. The trend has taken root on Instagram, where users have been mixing up their masks, to clownlike but beneficial effect, dividing their skincare products over two or three separate zones, displaying the results with the hashtag
soothe your sciatica
Beauty insiders are no longer content with just putting one and the same concoction all across their face. ©bart78/shutterstock.com
#multimasking. If you’re interested in testing it out for yourself then beauty blogger Renee Clementine suggests choosing masks that require a similar amount of time on the skin, as trying to wash your nose without getting water on your chin could prove tricky. She also recommends opting for masks that are removed the
same way, for similar reasons. Skincare brand Boscia is one step ahead, offering a combination of four peel-off masks designed exactly for the purpose of multi-masking ($33.60). But there’s no reason why you can’t go ahead and get creative by using what you already have in your bathroom cabinet. Now, anyone for Netflix?
Get the holiday makeup look: LA Sunday August 2 2015 (Relaxnews) – From perfect surf to rolling vineyards and some of the hottest nightspots in the US, California has it all. If you’re heading to LA or its surroundings this summer, then here’s what you’re going to need to get your makeup look down pat. First things first: they don’t call it “The Golden State” for nothing. If you’re vacationing in Cali, then your most important accessory will be a gorgeous glow. Make sure to protect your skin with sunscreen when out and about during the day, as redness never looks good on anyone. Get a lightly sun-kissed glow with Chanel’s new limited edition Lumière d’Été illuminating powder compact ($65), which can be used to add radiance to the face, eyes and décolletage. Alternatively, use different shades of bronzer and highlighter to gently emphasize your bone structure –a California Bronze trio from Bare Minerals offers three flattering shades including a champagne color, a rich bronze and a deep matte hue. Once you’re looking tawny then it’s time to start working on your eyes. Make like LA native model Kendall Jenner and keep things
Kendall’s sister will complete the look. Finish with a slick of lip color such as the new Dior Addict Lipstick in “Coral Trip” or “Nude Fever”($33) and a shiny blow-out. The look can be easily updated for the evening by adding a smudgy, smoky eye, using the new Dual Intensity Telestoeyeshadow palettes from Nars ($29). Use a liner to really make the color pop before adding a few coats of Dior’s recently revamped Diorshadow mascara ($27.50) to look picture perfect before heading out to play.
If you’re vacationing in Cali, then your most important accessory will be a gorgeous glow. ©Aleshyn_Andrei/shutterstock.com
groomed but low-key for a laidback daytime vibe. A strong brow defined with the help of Smashbox’s new Brow Tech Matte Pencil ($21) will help to frame your face and draw attention to your peepers. Lashings of mascara or a few false lashes such as these Kardashian Beauty Glimmer Faux Lashes ($6.49) from
Sunday August 2 2015 (Relaxnews) – Has your sciatica been acting up all year? Make the most of your free time on vacation, on your beach towel for example, and run through this simple routine concocted by fitness instructor Yakisan Cagdas. Thirty to 45 minutes, four times per week for one month, will help bring you relief. Sciatica is to blame for 5-10% of people with back pain. It usually presents itself with a sharp pain in the lower back that extends through the back of the leg, sometimes all the way to the foot, and can affect you for a long time if not taken care of. Exercise 1 To start off, you’ll have to lie on your stomach with your arms outstretched to the sides. The object of the exercise is to lift your head and torso off the ground and stay locked in that position for 30 seconds while breathing normally. This will strengthen your abdominal area and the muscles in your lower back. Sciatica occurs when one of the five nerve roots in the lower back (the L4, L5, S1, S2 and S3 vertebrae) lock up. Strengthening this area is thus essential. Complete 3 sets of 15 reps with a 45-second rest period in between each set. Exercise 2
Start in the same position as in the first exercise, lying on your stomach with your arms forming a cross. This time, instead of locking your body and holding, when you elevate your body raise and lower your torso in little rapid movements, making sure not to force too much and aggravate the sciatic nerve. Complete 2 sets of 20 reps with 45 seconds of rest time in between. Exercise 3 Stay on your beach towel, in the same position, on your stomach. Now you’ll want to lift one side of your torso up off the ground and at the same time lift the leg on the opposite side. Keep alternating the opposite sides for 2 sets of 20 reps with a 45-second break in between. This will strengthen your lower back and your glutes. Exercise 4 This final exercise will tighten the abdomen and strengthen the lower back. With your body on its side, keep your body straight as you support yourself on one elbow and one foot, your hip not touching the ground. Keep your abs tight. To complete the exercise, raise and lower your waist with short and quick movements. Do 2 sets of 20 reps on one side and then the same on the other, always with 45 seconds to recover in between each set.
Wash, cut and publish: How celebrities are taking to Instagram Thursday July 30 2015 (Relaxnews) – Need hair inspiration for summer? Look no further than Instagram, where your favorite celebrities are busy unveiling their latest look revamps, often helpfully tagging their hairstylists in the process. FKA Twigs is the latest star to get on board, uploading this photo of herself going for the chop Tuesday alongside the caption “inches and scissors never hurt anybody.” The mysterious snap shows off a new chin-length bob for the UK musician, styled in loose curls. Actress and singer Ashley Tisdale also took to the social media site last week to show off her new textured ‘lob’ (that’s a long bob to you and me), crediting her stylist for her good work. “Short shorts and short hair by: my favorite @kristin_ess,” she wrote. Tuesday she was at it again, this time debuting an incredibly covetable new shade of bronde (between blonde and brunette), courtesy of the same hairdresser. Other stars using their Instagram accounts to break the news of their makeovers before the paps get them include J-Lo, who made headlines with her “Short hair don’t care...” post earlier this month, showcasing a cute feathered style as opposed to the voluminous extensions we have become accustomed to from the global superstar. The picture has since received over half a million likes from fans. The trend for dramatic Instagram hair makeovers began to take hold back in the spring, when supermodel Tyra Banks revealed a drastic new pixie cut captioned with the phrase “It’s about time.” Her elegant style was cropped close to the neckline, with a steep gradient and longer strands on top serving as bangs to soften the look. Around the same time, actress Vanessa Hudgens lightened her load by kissing goodbye to her mid-length tresses and opting for a jawline bob. “Who needs a lob when you can have a bb (blunt bob)!!” the star crowed on her Instagram account.
An Ebola vaccine provided 100-percent protection in a field trial.©Olivier Le Queinec/ shutterstock.com
Vaccine offers 100 percent Ebola protection: trial results Friday July 31 2015 (Paris, France-AFP) – An Ebola vaccine provided 100-percent protection in a field trial in hard-hit Guinea, researchers and officials said Friday, mooting “the beginning of the end” of the killer West African outbreak. The world is “on the verge of an effective Ebola vaccine,” the World Health Organization (WHO) said, hailing the results from the first efficacy test of the VSV-ZEBOV vaccine among people living in a high-danger zone. “This is an extremely promising development,” added WHO chief Margaret Chan. “An effective vaccine will be another very important tool for both current and future Ebola outbreaks.” About 28,000 people have been infected in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia in the worst Ebola outbreak in history, according to the WHO, and more than 11,000 have died. VSV-ZEBOV may become the first licensed vaccine against the disease for which there is also no approved treatment or cure. The trial showed that the vaccine “offers 100 percent protection against Ebola after roughly one week,” said researcher Sven Trelle from the University of Bern. The test, backed by drug firm Merck, the WHO and the governments of Canada, Norway and Guinea, saw 4,123 high-risk people vaccinated immediately after someone close to them fell ill with the deadly hemorrhagic fever. None of the vaccinated group caught the virus, according to study results published in The Lancet medical journal. A second, comparison group of 3,528 people received the vaccine
only three weeks after potential exposure. Sixteen of them contracted the virus, said the study, but by day six after immunisation, the remainder of this group was also fully protected. “Indeed, no vaccinee developed symptoms more than six days after vaccination, irrespective of whether vaccination was immediate or delayed,” said the study paper. “The initial results of the study show that the vaccine can effectively contain the further spread of the Ebola virus,” added a statement from the University of Bern, which contributed to the research. Disease experts welcomed the results. This is big news—the most promising medical development so far in the ongoing race to shut down Ebola,” Benjamin Neuman, a virologist with the University of Reading, told AFP. Added Peter Smith of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the results were “very exciting and suggest that the Ebola vaccine tested may be highly effective in protecting against Ebola disease among those in the immediate vicinity of an Ebola case.”
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KITCHENOMICS FAMILY FEATURES
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ake your next friendly gathering a popping success with desserts and snacks made from a wholesome simple grain. Not only does popcorn bring out the kid in everyone, it’s a naturally healthy treat you can feel good about serving your guests. And, because it’s naturally low in fat and calories, non-GMO and gluten free, you can rest assured that party-goers will keep popping back by for one more guilt-free bite. What’s more, freshly popped corn makes it easy to tickle all your guests’ taste bud cravings. Salty, spicy, sweet — the options are nearly endless. Serve it up with flavors already mixed in, or let guests mix and match their own favorite toppings to create unique tastes of popcorn perfection. These recipes make it easy to prepare crowd-pleasers for all ages ahead of time so you can focus on the fun. Find more festive popcorn recipes to help plan your next party at www.popcorn.org.
Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn Yield: 3 quarts 2 quarts popped popcorn 1 1/2 cups pecan halves 1/2 cup almonds 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt Line large, rimmed 17-by-12-inch baking pan with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray; set aside. Spray large glass or metal bowl with cooking spray and place popcorn and nuts inside. In medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, butter and corn syrup. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Clip on candy thermometer and boil, stirring occasionally, until temperature reaches 290°F (about 15 minutes). Remove candy thermometer and stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over popcorn and stir to coat well. Spread popcorn mixture in even layer on prepared baking pan. Sprinkle with sea salt and allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces to serve. Store in an airtight container.
From Seed to Snack Popcorn, like all six types of corn, is a cereal grain. It resembles corn on the cob in appearance and cultivation, but only popcorn kernels have the ability to pop. Most of the world’s popcorn is grown in the central United States. Popcorn is usually harvested with a combine, which strips the ear from the stalk and shells the kernels from the cob. The kernels are then loaded into a truck and transported to a storage bin for drying. Then, after cleaning and sorting, kernels are packaged for distribution, allowing Americans to consume more than 16 billion quarts of popped popcorn each year.
Marmalade Popcorn Balls
Nutty ’n’ Natural Popcorn
Yield: 15 balls 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 1/4 cups water 1 cup orange marmalade 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1 teaspoon vinegar 5 quarts popped popcorn In saucepan combine sugar, water, marmalade, salt, light corn syrup and vinegar. Bring to boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cook to hard-ball stage (250°F). Pour slowly over popped popcorn and mix thoroughly. Butter hands and shape into 2 1/2-inch balls.
Yield: 3 quarts 2 tablespoons sunflower seed kernels, finely ground 2 tablespoons almonds, finely ground 2 tablespoons walnuts or hazelnuts, finely ground 4-6 tablespoons melted margarine or butter 2 1/2 quarts popped popcorn 2 tablespoons wheat germ 1 6-ounce package (1 2/3 cups) chopped dried fruits and raisins Pour melted margarine over popcorn. Sprinkle with ground nuts and wheat germ; toss to mix. Stir in dried fruits.
A DIY Dessert that Pops A popcorn bar is a fun and easy way to have guests take an active role in the party. Provide a wide range of toppings and watch them get creative dreaming up delicious flavor combinations. You can even host a taste test and award prizes to the tastiest concoctions. Simply set out a large bowl of popcorn and surround it with smaller bowls with various popcorn fixings. Let each person fill a paper bag or other container with popcorn and top or mix with their desired flavorings. Topping ideas: Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots) Dried herbs and spices (oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg) Nuts (pine nuts, peanuts, slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds) Small candies (chocolate pieces, peanut butter chips, marshmallows)
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MOTORING
Ferrari raises the roof on its latest convertible
The 2016 Honda Accord: The car was unveiled at the new R&D center.©Honda
Honda drives into the future with new Accord, Silicon Valley R&D center
Friday July 24 2015 (Relaxnews) – To mark the official opening of a new facility aimed at harnessing the latest technological breakthroughs for automotive use, Honda took the wraps off its new Accord and offered a preview of some of the high-tech functions and features that could be standard fare in mass-market cars Honda, like a number of leading car companies from MercedesBenz to Nissan, already has a presence in Silicon Valley, but the new R&D facility will see things move into high gear. “As an industry, we are on the verge of some major transformational changes brought on by the convergence of what have been, to this point, largely disparate technology disciplines,” said Honda R&D Americas President, Frank Paluch. “Honda will embrace and help lead this convergence. Our operations in Silicon Valley are a testimony to our focus on this new direction in our product and technology development efforts.”
Honda used the occasion to showcase the 2016 model year Accord, a car the company claims is the most technologically advanced Accord in history. As well as looking sharper, sportier and boasting a number of features such as front and rear parking sensors as standard kit, it is the first massmarket car to hit the road with support for both Google’s Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay smartphone connectivity and infotainment systems. “Where else to introduce the most technologically advanced midsize sedan, the 2016 Accord, than in Silicon Valley,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of the Automobile Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Customers want their vehicles to be more intelligently integrated with their smartphone-powered lives, and we are committed to delivering that experience starting with Accord.” The Accord will also be offered with Honda Sensing, a bundled package of active safety and driv-
er assistance features including lane keeping assist and lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking and adaptive cruise control. Alongside the new car, Honda outlined its plans for Honda Xcelerator – an initiative at the center that will be charged with turning tech advancements into realworld automotive features and services and one that will have loose ties with the tech companies that call Silicon Valley home. It also demonstrated a new system under development that can identify pedestrian and cyclist movement from significant distances, expected come to nextgeneration Honda cars, as well as an interesting take on rear seat entertainment. Rather than stare at a screen integrated into the back of the front seat, rearseat passengers use virtual reality headsets for an immersive experience that can move, change and develop in sync with the car’s movements.
Tuesday July 28 2015 (Relaxnews) – The 488 Spider is the most powerful, technically advanced and aerodynamic V8 drop top in Ferrari’s history. When Ferrari unveiled the 488GTB coupé in February, only one thing could have made it look more impressive – turning it into a convertible. Six months later, at the height of the European summer, the Italian supercar builder has kindly obliged and the Ferrari 488 Spider is a reality. Rather than fabric, Ferrari has gone for a retractable hard top for this particular model, which the company claims is actually lighter than a material cover. This hard top – which can go up or down in just 14 seconds and is therefore the slowest thing about this car – also means that the cabin will be quieter when the roof’s up, letting in less wind roar. And, for those that want to keep their hair in place, even with the roof down, Ferrari has added a glass air-deflecting window behind the seats which can be raised or lowered. Even when the roof’s in place, this rear window can be dropped for ventilation and to hear that twin-turbo 660bhp V8 midmounted engine even more. But Ferrari hasn’t simply cut the roof off the existing coupe version; the car has had to be significantly redesigned to be able to still deliver the same sorts of performance, thrills and spills as its solidtop brother. The aerody-
namics of a convertible are different, and the company has pulled out all of the technological stops to ensure the Spider offers the same responsiveness, agility and road-holding while dialing up the drama thanks to its drop top. Ferrari claims that this is the most aerodynamically efficient Spider in its long and distinguished history and, as a result, it posts the same 0-100km/h time – 3 seconds – as the 488 GTB and a top speed of 203mph (326 km/h), yet, because it is a convertible, Ferrari has made the ride slightly softer, believing, quite rightly, that this is a car that will be spending more time on boulevards and autobahns than on closed circuits. However, it doesn’t mean that the car can’t perform when the time comes. With a throttle response time of just 0.8 seconds, there is virtually no turbo lag and, thanks to its set-up, the car is, in Ferrari’s words, “remarkably easy to drive on the limit,” even in more challenging conditions. The Ferrari 488 Spider will be making its real-world debut at the Frankfurt motor show this September and the car is expected to go on sale in early 2016.
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The Olympic golds we never had By Abner Galino
Philippine gymnasts Tanya, Althea, Jovelyn and Sheila were hugging and shedding tears of joy with their coaches and I was clicking away, capturing the moments with my camera. The emotions passed on from the lens and travelled deep inside me and I suddenly found myself genuinely celebrating with them – even if I just met them at that very moment. I guess the emotions were there because they were fellow Filipinos, or perhaps because I am a parent and I could have felt the pride and joy of the mothers and fathers of these kids. Weird, but a scene from Two and a Half Men popped out of my head shortly after waving goodbye to them. Remember? When Charlie came to Jake’s soccer game and asked his brother about the game’s score? And Alan said they were not keeping score, which of course, horrified Charlie and minced no words in declaring how ridiculous an idea it was. Charlie’s point: You take out the scoring part in a game and you take out the fun part of it. Or, you take out the scoring part of the game and you take out the competition part of it. I can’t remember the actual line. But Charlie must have blurted: Are you out of your freaking minds? Humor, of course, cannot be expected to be philosophically perfect. My take on it: You play the game for whatever little cause it was worth to you. For Tanya, Althea, Jovelyn and Shiela, that moment was overwhelming. I guess the same experience would have been overwhelming even to kids who don’t require special care. The weight of those medals hanging on their necks certainly gave them different feelings – feelings of accomplishment, pride, confidence and of being accepted.
These girls certainly have a sense of what they have achieved and those tears of joy said it all. I honestly don’t know whether it is a good or bad thing to imagine these kids having enough sense to realize that there was a real Olympic where one gold medal could make an athlete become P1 million richer. Tanya alone has 4 golds. Philippines has not won a gold medal in the Olympics. The last closest shot we had to a gold medal was in 1996 Summer Olympics with Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco fighting in Men’s 48 kg boxing category. But if was any consolation, the country holds the record for having most medals without a gold. If these kids were coming from the Olympics, with 10 gold medals hanging on their necks (as of this writing), the country would be in a very big party. There will be a big parade. There will streamers, confettis and marching bands to fetch them from the airport. How wonderful would it have been to have our athletes come home to pure celebration, without the routine finger-pointing and fault-finding. But let’s face it, it is not going be that way and we know why. And we don’t even question why it would be so. It is what it is. But we should be happy because these happy moments are certain to make small ripples here and there back home. And that would be good because there will be more understanding, more love, more attention and hopefully, a little more money – from the government and from the private sector – to make the lives of these girls better. Yes, that is why they play. They play for better lives. They play because they want to be loved and accepted. They play because they want to be part of our team. Yes, that team that we all wish we have.
The Philippine Special Olympics team: Tanya, Althea, Jovelyn and Shiela
Trump coy on releasing tax returns By Ivan Couronne
Washington, United States (AFP) Sunday 8/2/2015 – Billionaire Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump said Sunday he tries to pay as little tax as possible, and kept Americans in suspense as to whether he will release his tax returns. That disclosure is a staple for American presidential candidates. Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton did so on Friday, making public the returns of her and husband Bill for the past seven years. Over the years the duo have released their tax returns going back to the 1970s. Trump, the brash, trash-
talking real estate mogul leading the crowded pack of Republican hopefuls as they prepare for their first debate this week, did the rounds of US morning talk shows again Sunday. He was on three of them. Among other things, he said President Barack Obama, the nation’s first African-American president, has done little for blacks in America. “I thought he would do a fabulous job for the African-American citizens of this country. He has done nothing. They are worse now than just about ever,” Trump said on ABC’s “This Week”. On national security, when
asked if he would bring back the practice of interrogating terror suspects with waterboarding, Trump said he is sure the torture technique works. “When you see the other side chopping off heads, waterboarding doesn’t sound very severe,” added Trump. Clinton jab On money and taxes, Trump said on CBS’ “Face the Nation” that as a businessman, and like every other American, he tries to pay as little as possible. Another reason is that “I hate the way our government spends our taxes. I hate the way they waste our money.”