Celebrating
T H E
ENTERT
INMENT
Lani to Charice: Keep singing for Pinoys See PAGE 10
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Vol. 3. No. 13
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Binay: I will run against Poe
Vice President Jejomar Binay sprinkles holy water at the tomb of Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) at the Manila North Cemetery on the occasion of the 10th death anniversary of the acknowledged Filipino movie king on Sunday (Dec.14, 2014). Also in photo are Senator Grace Poe and movie-TV actress Susan Roces (2nd from left). (MNS photo)
MANILA, Dec 15 (Mabuhay) – Vice President Jejomar Binay said Monday that he would fight Senator Grace Poe should she run for president against him in 2016. Asked if he would pursue his bid if the administration picked Poe to be its standard-bearer in 2016, Binay said: “Opo naman.” (Of course.) He recalled that immediately after the elections in 2010, he already declared his intention to become president. “Kinabukasan matapos ang halalan, nagpahayag na ako. Talaga namang naghanda ako para maglingkod bilang pangulo ng ating bansa,” Binay said. (The day after the elections, I made the announcement. I have prepared myself to serve as the next presi-
dent of the country.) “Tutuloy akong magkakandidato kahit sino pa po ang makakalaban,” he added. (I will run no matter who I run against with.) Binay stressed, “Ang issue sa darating na halalan ay karanasan at kakayahan.” (The issue in the upcoming elections would be experience and capability.) The Vice President has remained the top choice of 28 percent of voters, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey. Poe is second with 18 percent. However, unlike Binay, Poe has repeatedly said that she had no plans of joining the presidential derby. And while they were being pitted against each other, Binay said See BINAY, page 6
VP Binay: Mercado trying to convince more friends in US to testify against me MANILA, Dec 15 (Mabuhay) – Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday alleged that his former ally turned enemy, former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, was trying to convince their common friends in the United States to testify against him. “’Yong complainant namin nagpunta sa America. Alam na namin kung ano ‘yong mga pinagpupuntahan niya (Mercado). Pinagpipilitan niyang tumestigo at gumawa ng istorya,” Binay said in a press statement. Binay said Mercado, who went
to the US late last month, persuaded their common friends there to testify that the Vice President received commissions from them for various projects in Makati City. “’Yong mga gusto nilang tumestigo, pinupuntahan nila (Mercado’s camp) na magsinungaling – na tumanggap ako sa kanila kahit na wala naman ‘yon. …Pinuntahan si gano’n. ‘Sabihin mo na lang si Binay, bati-bati na tayo. Hindi ka na namin pahihirapan sa Senate,’” Binay said. Aside from talking to certain
individuals, Binay said Mercado also took photos of some properties in the US, among them properties allegedly owned by Mercado himself. Binay said he expects Mercado to present these photos in the next hearing of the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee in January next year and make it appear that the properties are owned by him or his alleged dummies. “Eto [si Mercado] kukuha ng litrato. [Tapos sasabihin,] ‘Property ito niya, property ni Binay See MERCADO, page 6
Jeb Bush a step closer toward White House run By Jérôme Cartillier
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush to run for Bush 45th.
Drugs, hot tub, Playstation seized inside Bilibid
MANILA, Dec 15 (Mabuhay) – Some 100 operatives from various law enforcement agencies swooped down on the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Monday morning and discovered illegal drugs and some home items, including a hot tub, inside the maximum security compound of the prison. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, accompanied by elements
of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Philippine National Police (PNP), held a surprise inspection at the national penitentiary’s maximum security compound amid reports that convicted drug lords are still able to continue with their operations inside jail.
Sydney, Australia | AFP | Monday 12/15/2014 – Two hostages and the lone Iranian-born gunman were killed as heavily armed Australian police early Tuesday dramatically stormed a central Sydney cafe to end a day-long siege sparked when the “self-styled sheikh” took 17 people hostage. Police in SWAT-style gear
See JEB BUSH, page 6
US Marine charged with murder By Joel Guinto
Manila, Philippines | AFP | Monday 12/15/2014 – Philippine prosecutors on Monday charged a US Marine with murder over the death of a Filipino transgender woman, in a case that has fanned anti-American sentiment and tested close military ties. Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton used “treachery, abuse of superior authority and cruelty” against his alleged victim, lead prosecutor Emilie Fe delos Santos said as she announced the charge. “We believe we have a strong case,” delos Santos told a nationally televised briefing. Pemberton will not be allowed to post bail, she said. Murder is punishable by up to 40 years in jail. Jennifer Laude, a 26-year-old transgender woman also known
as Jeffrey, was found dead on October 12 in a cheap hotel in a red light district of the port city of Olongapo. Pemberton, who had just finished taking part in US-Philippine military exercises near Olongapo, had checked into the hotel with Laude and was the last person seen with her, police said. The charge sheet against Pemberton released on Monday detailed what the prosecutors said was an unprovoked and relentless attack against a defenceless victim. “Respondent Pemberton choked Jennifer from behind. Obviously, in that position, Jennifer was deprived of the opportunity to defend herself,” the six-member prosecutors panel said in the charge sheet. “Undeniably, respondent See US MARINE, page 6
Pacquiao says Mayweather has ‘nowhere to run’
hurled percussion grenades and opened fire, unleashing a flurry of loud bangs and flashes in the eatery in the heart of Australia’s biggest city, after a number of the staff and customers managed to flee for their lives. Police moved in after an exchange of gunfire, with the 50-year-old “lone gunman” shot and killed, New South Wales Po-
General Santos, Philippines | AFP | Sunday 12/14/2014 – Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao vowed to chase Floyd Mayweather into ring submission after his US rival offered to fight him next year in a blockbuster world title face-off. “He (Mayweather) has reached a dead end. He has nowhere to run but to fight me,” Pacquiao told AFP late Saturday, hours after the undefeated Mayweather issued the May 2 challenge on US television. The two were long-time rivals as the “best pound-for-pound” boxers of their generation, but the
See SYDNEY SIEGE, page 6
See PACQUIAO, page 6
See BILIBID, page 6
Gunman, two hostages killed as police storm Sydney siege cafe By Glenda Kwek
Washington, United States | AFP | Monday 12/15/2014 – Former Florida governor Jeb Bush, brother of the 43rd president of the United States and son of the 41st, appears to be preparing a bid to become the 45th. George H.W. Bush’s 61-yearold second son promised Sunday that he would make up his mind on whether to run “in short order.” But would his presidential heritage be a bonus or a burden? As speculation grips Washington at what is the de facto start of the November 2016 presidential election, many commentators have spoken of Bush as a heavyweight Republican contender. But, aside from possible Bush fatigue, he shares with defeated 2012 Republican flag-bearer Mitt Romney a career in off-shore pri-
Members of ProGay and women’s rights group Gabriela rally in front of the Supreme Court in Manila last month to denounce the alleged government inaction on violence against women. The rally was held just as the high court was on its second day of oral arguments on the constitutionality of the PHL-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. The suspect in her death, as US Marine, has been charged with murder. (MNS photo)
Speaking to Showtime Sports on Friday night, Floyd Mayweather said he wants his next fight to be against Manny Pacquiao, who is coming off an impressive win over Chris Algieri (his opponent in this photo) last month in Macau, China.
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Court backs out of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada cases MANILA, Dec 15 (Mabuhay) – The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has inhibited itself from the plunder and graft charges of Senator Jinggoy Estrada related to the pork
barrel scam. In a letter dated December 10 addressed to Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, the division said it was inhibiting due to per-
sonal reasons. “May we request for our refusal in the above-indicated criminal cases for personal reasons,” said the letter signed by Division Chair Associate Justice Roland Jurado, and members Associate Justices Alexander Gesmundo and Ma. Theresa Do-
lores Gomez-Estoesta. The division had been hearing the bail proceedings of Estrada from plunder. Estrada faces plunder and graft charges before the court for his alleged involvement in the purported diversion of his Priority Development Assistance
Funds to ghost projects. Estrada is detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center with fellow accused Senator Ramon Revillla Jr. Meanwhile, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile is under hospital detention also for plunder. (MNS)
Erap retiring in 2016, turning Manila’s reins over to Vice Mayor Isko MANILA, Dec 15 (Mabuhay) – “I plan to retire.” This was the statement of Manila City Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Monday, when asked if he will seek a second term in 2016. “I have a very good vice mayor to continue the projects that I have started,” the former
President said in a press conference. “I already committed to my vice mayor. He is very much qualified,” he added. Like Estrada, his vice mayor Francisco Domagoso, popularly known as Isko Moreno, was also an actor and a three-term councilor of the city’s first congressio-
nal district. Estrada said he felt “vindicated” after the people of Manila voted for him in the 2013 midterm elections against then incumbent Mayor Alfredo Lim. In 2010, Estrada ran as President but lost to President Benigno Aquino III. (MNS)
Complaints prompt LTFRB to get tough on taxi drivers and operators MANILA, Dec 15 (Mabuhay) – As complaints against taxi drivers spike towards the Christmas season, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday issued a memorandum circular
(MC) requiring all taxi operators in Metro Manila to submit a list of authorized drivers and issue ID cards in a bid to protect the riding public. Taxi operators found breaching the provisions of the MC will
be meted a penalty of P5,000 per violation. “Dahil sa sunud-sunod na mga insidente na sangkot ang ilang mga taxi drivers sa pagsasagawa ng krimen katulad ng holdap, rape at iba pagsasamantala sa mga mananakay, kailangan nating magpatupad ng ordinansa upang masawata ang ganitong mga masamang tangka sa publiko,” LTFRB chairman Atty. Winston Ginez said in a statement. The regulator noted a sharp increase in the number of complaints against discourteous, arrogant, dishonest and irresponsible drivers while several passengers were victimized by drivers and their accomplices. “As part of our mandate in ensuring the safety of the people, we need to act to protect the riding public from these criminals disguising as legitimate taxi drivers,” Ginez said. List of taxi drivers All taxi operators in Metro Manila must submit a list of their authorized drivers in soft and hard copies to the LTFRB Information and System Management Division (ISMD) on or before January 15, 2015, together with an affidavit attesting that the list is complete and names of the drivers are all legitimate. The operators are also required to update their list by to submitting to ISMD the names and other details of their drivers who are no longer authorized to drive their units, as well as new authorized drivers, every 15th and 30th of the month. Taxi operators were also ordered to issue identification cards to their authorized drivers with contents and design to be prescribed by the Board. Taxi drivers must conspicuously hang the IDs in the rear view mirror of the taxi units. Drivers without IDs are barred from driving their units. Non-compliant drivers also face penalties, the LTFRB said. Once the MC takes effect, taxi drivers must secure an LTFRB certificate to verify their employment history and check if there are any pending complaints against them. Taxi operators face cancellation, suspension or revocation of their franchise if their driver fails to secure the LTFRB certificate. The drive was launched with the support of the Land Transportation Office Department of Transportation and Communications Action Center, PNP-HPG and DILG Emergency No. 117. It was also supported by the Philippine National Taxi Operators Association, Association of Taxi Operators of Metro Manila, Airport Transport Concessionaires Association Inc. and National Center for Commuter Safety Protection to launch the drive against taxi crimes.
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Palace hopes Pinoys starting to develop a‘culture of preparedness’ MANILA, Dec 13 (Mabuhay) – Following the government’s preemptive actions to Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit), Malacañang on Saturday expressed hopes this could be the start of a “culture of preparedness.” Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said such a culture is needed in dealing with an average of 20 cyclones that pass through the country every year. “Coming off our recent experience with Ruby, we hope we’re evolving to a culture of preparedness,” she said on governmentrun dzRB radio. In the weekend before Ruby was projected to make landfall over Eastern Visayas, local gov-
ernments in Bicol and Visayas preemptively evacuated residents in danger zones. As of Saturday morning, figures from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council showed Ruby left at least 18 dead. The Philippines earned praise from many in the international community for the preemptive actions. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations said its secretarygeneral Le Luong Minh cited the preemptive efforts in mitigating losses and damages. “ASEAN Chief commended Philippines for its early warning efforts and disaster preparedness
plans which mitigated losses and damages,” the ASEAN said. Minh also expressed ASEAN’s sympathy to the Philippines in the wake of Ruby - while still recovering from super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Australia welcomed continued reports that “preparedness by local authorities has helped to limit the impact of the typhoon.” It also promised to “continue to work with the Philippine Government and international partners to support the typhoon response as required.” “Our actions tend to show we are starting to (imbibe) a culture of preparedness,” Valte said. (MNS)
House panel okays bill requiring registration of pre-paid SIM cards MANILA, Dec 13 (Mabuhay) – The House Committee on Information and Communications Technology has approved for plenary debate a proposed measure that would require the registration of prepaid Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards to help law enforcement agencies in their campaign against criminality. House Bill 5231, which substituted House Bills 525, 858, 1519, 2444, 2588, 2624, 3295, 3602 and 3928, establishes a system of sale and registration of SIM card for pre-paid users by registering pertinent data in a registration form. Under the bill, to be known as the “Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card Registration Act,” every direct seller shall require the end user of a SIM card to present valid identification with photo to ascertain the latter’s identiy. The direct seller shall also require the end user to accomplish and sign a controlnumbered registration form issued by the respective Public Telecommunications Entity (PTE) of the SIM card being purchased. The registration form shall
include an attestation by the end user that the person personally appearing before the direct seller and the identification documents presented are true and correct and that the person is one and the same who has accomplished and signed the registration form. An end user who does not produce valid identification with photo and who fails to accomplish a registration form shall be refused sale of a SIM card by the direct seller. “The registration of pre-paid SIM cards would put a stop to the brazen theft of mobile phone units which have become an indispensable communication tool to everyone,” according to Rep. Rodolfo G. Biazon (Lone District, Muntinlupa City), author of HB 525. Rep. Sergio A. F. Apostol (2nd District, Leyte), author of HB 858, said the registration of SIM cards would reduce kidnapping and other petty crimes. Rep. Marcelino R. Teodoro (1st District, Marikina City), author of HB 1519, said one of the key provisions of the measure is authorizing the PTEs to automatically deactivate the services of unreg-
istered existing pre-paid SIM card subscriber. A fine of P 300,000 should be imposed for the first time if the offense is committed by a PTE, P 500,000 for the second offense and for the third and subsequent offenses, a fine of P 1,000,000 for every offense. Further, the bill imposes a penalty of suspension of its operation on any direct seller who fails to comply with the provisions of this Act and a fine ranging from P 5,000 to P 50,000. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is mandated to promulgate the rules and regulations necessary to ensure the effective implementation of this Act. Other authors of the bill approved by the committee chaired by Rep. Joel Roy Duavit (1st District, Rizal) are Reps. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), Maximo Rodriguez, Jr. (Party-list, Abante Mindanao), Magnolia Rose Antonino-Nadres (4th District, Nueva Ecija), Sherwin Gatchalian (1st District, Valenzuela City), Marlyn PrimiciasAgabas (6th District, Pangasinan) and Winston Castelo (2nd District, Quezon City). (MNS)
(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak during the bilateral meeting at the Westin Chosun Busan Hotel on Thursday (December 11) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit 2014. (MNS photo)
Aquino brings up ‘pyramid scam’ issue with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib BUSAN, South Korea, Dec 13 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III said he brought up the issue of the “pyramid scam,” particularly concerning Manuel Amalilio, founder of Malaysiabased investment company Aman Futures, with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak last Thursday. The two leaders had a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of their attendance of the 25th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations - Republic of Korea (ASEAN-ROK) Commemorative Summit here. “Pwede bang sabihin ko na lang sa inyo, pinag-usapan namin ang tungkol kay (Manuel) Amalilio and there was a very good response from Prime Minister Najib (Razak),” President Aquino told the media during his regular coffee meeting with them on Friday when asked about the issues raised during the bilateral meeting. President Aquino declined to expound on the details of his discussion on Amalilio, saying only that he does not want to preempt a “nice development” that
he expects to happen soon. The Philippines has been seeking the extradition of Amalilio, a Filipino of Malaysian descent who had reportedly duped thousands of Filipinos in a P12-billion investment pyramiding scam. Having managed to evade arrest, Amalilio fled to Malaysia where he was apprehended for carrying a fake passport. After facing a two-year jail sentence, he was freed by Malaysian authorities. The Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs has since rejected the appeal of the Philippine government to extradite Amalilio, allowing him to elude the syndicated estafa case filed against him in the Philippines. While there is no extradition treaty between the Philippines and Malaysia, the Department of Justice has vowed to have Amalilio deported and brought to justice. Aside from Amalilio, President Aquino also discussed with Prime Minister Najib the kidnapping incidents concerning Malaysians. (MNS)
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Pechanga Resort & Casino’s New Year Gift: Filipina Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo Live in Concert on Jan. 16 & 17 Filipina Pop Star impact as a box office star when she Princess Sarah did A Very Special Love and You Geronimo is poised Changed My Life opposite John to open New Year Lloyd Cruz. The two romantic-comwith a bang for a edy films were both box office hits. two-night concert She also starred with the recently to endear followers concluded film opposite Coco Marand avid patrons of tin, released in August 2014. the only getaway On TV, Sarah Geronimo is a for music and game regular on ASAP. She also had a lovers, Pechanga Sunday night musical variety show Resort & Casino in entitled, Sarah G. Live. Sarah also Live concert is on June 16 and 17. Temecula, Califorsat as one of the four coaches of realnia on January 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. ity singing competition. Pechanga Resort & Casino is well-known All year-round, Pechanga Resort & Cafor hosting the best and the brightest Fili- sino delights its audiences not only in prepino entertainers and performers such as senting innovative entertainment shows Mega Star Sharon Cuneta, veteran actor but more importantly, in varied gaming acRichard Gomes and OPM (Outstanding Pil- tivities and foods galore, plus a tons of rafipino Music) legend Rico J. Puno, who gave fles and giveaways for visiting participants. wholesome entertainment to the delight of Time is running out. Buy your tickets the crowd in previous engagements. now – from $85, $75, $70 and $65. Tickets Variety is the name of the game are available at the Pechanga Box office or for Pechanga Resort & Casino, the reason online at www.Pechanga.com/tickets. Room why it is hosting in January 2015 the first- and show packages are available. To purever two-day concert of Geronimo dubbed as chase wheelchair seating, please call the ‘Perfect 10’ by Viva Live group. Box Office at 1-877-711-2946. At age two, Geronimo, who was gifted Shows in the Pechanga Theater offer a with talent in both singing and acting, comfortable and intimate concert experistarted a series of shows in the malls. She ence. With 1,200 seats in its theater, each born July 25, 1988 by Filipino parents, Di- show features state-of-the-art and acoustivine and Delfin and is the third of four chil- cally perfected sound. dren. Enjoying favorite artists at Pechanga When she turned four, her mother led versus other venues proves effortless with her to audition to different TV programs free valet and self-parking for guests, comwhere she became part of the kiddie show, plimentary casino/resort shuttles, gourmet Pen-Pen de Sarapen (4-6 years old), Ang TV and casual dining options on site, plus com(7-8 years old), and NEXT (8-9 years old). fortable chairs and an up-close view from She likewise, performed in various other every theater seat. venues as hotel lounges and huge shopping About Pechanga Resort & Casino malls and in 1995 became one to perform Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of for the 1995 visit of Pope John Paul II. the largest and most expansive resort/caIn 2003, when Geronimo was just 14 sino experience anywhere in the country. years old, she joined the singing competi- Rated a Four Diamond property by AAA tion Star For A Night hosted by Ms. Regine since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino proVelasquez. On finals night, Sarah’s rendi- vides an unparalleled getaway, whether tion of Celine Dion’s To Love You More won for the day or for an extended luxury stay. her the P1-million and a managerial con- Offering more than 3,000 of the hottest tract at Viva Artist Agency grand prize in slots, table games, world-class entertainthe singing tilt. ment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and Soon enough, Geronimo became busy championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, with albums, concerts, soap operas, host- Pechanga Resort & Casino features a desing chores in Sunday variety show ASAP, tination that meets and exceeds the needs movies and endorsements. She became a of its guests and the community. Pechanga role model for many aspiring young sing- Resort & Casino is owned and operated by ers and dubbed as the Pop Star Princess. the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For She starred in such teleseryes as Bituing more information, call toll free 1-877-711Walang Ningning, Pangarap na Bituin, and 2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow the short lived TV musical series 1DOL. Pechanga Resort & Casino on Facebook. She was cast in such films as Filipinas, com/Pechanga and on Twitter @PechangaCaptain Barbell, Masikip sa Dibdib, Annie Casino. Pechanga Resort & Casino is open Batumbakal, Lastikman: Unang Banat and 24-hours. Guests must be 21 and older to Hating Kapatid. But she really made an enter the casino.
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China rules: Why the pope ducked meeting with Dalai Lama By Jean-Louis De La Vaissiere
Vatican City, Holy See | AFP | Saturday 12/13/2014 - Pope Francis may be known for championing dialogue, but faced with the certainty of riling China, analysts say, he ducked out of a meeting with the Dalai Lama. Sensitivities over the fate of the Catholic minority in China were foremost on the pope’s mind when he decided against greeting the Tibetan spiritual leader, according to observers. A spokesman for the Holy See confirmed Thursday that the pope would not meet the Dalai Lama – whom the Argentinian pontiff “obviously holds... in very high regard” – despite the Tibetan’s presence at a meeting in Rome of Nobel peace laureates. Francis, an advocate of interfaith ties, isn’t the first pope to wrestle with the question of whether to grant an audience to the Tibetan Buddhist leader. His predecessor Benedict XVI met the Dalai Lama in 2006 but declined follow-up visits in 2007 and 2009. The issue of how to handle Tibet is of strategic importance for the Vatican. China is home to several million Catholics and Protestants, whose freedom of religion is heavily curtailed. The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Vatican would allow Catholicism in the world’s most populous nation to flourish. Since becoming pope, Francis has given new impetus to the quiet discussions that have been ongoing between Rome and Beijing since the 1980s. A meeting with the Dalai Lama could jeopardise that, given Beijing’s known abhorrence of any gesture of solidarity towards Tibet by other powers. A spokesman for the Dalai Lama said he was “disappointed” but acknowledged that a meeting with the pope could have caused “inconvenience.” “The Vatican’s diplomatic objective is to avoid actions that fuel instability in already tricky situations and avoid decisions whose consequences are paid for by others – in this case, Chinese Catholics,” Andrea Tornielli, a commentator with the Vatican Insider site, said.
On his return from a visit to South Korea in August Francis had expressed a wish to visit China as early as “tomorrow” and voiced admiration for its “wise people.” “The church only asks for liberty for its task, for its work – there’s no other condition,” he said, referring to Beijing’s tight control over the country’s “official” Catholic church. Papal priority China’s Communist leader Mao cut ties with the Holy See in 1951. The dialogue resumed after the Cultural Revolution, under John Paul II. China has been top priority for the Vatican ever since. President Xi Jingping and Francis exchanged letters of congratulation on their respective elections in 2013. In September, Argentina’s Infobae news site reported that Francis had followed up with a letter to Xi, inviting him to a meeting at the Vatican. China has around 12 million Catholics, half of whom are members of the state-controlled Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association. The remainder belong to underground churches that are loyal to the Vatican, although there is some overlap. The chief bone of contention between Rome and Beijing is China’s policy of consecrating of bishops without the pope’s approval. In the rest of the world, bishops are named by the pontiff. For China, renouncing control over the nominations would mean relinquishing part of its sovereignty. Beijing is also wary of the influence of Western ideas spread by Catholics and Protestants. There are two schools of thought in the Vatican on normalising ties. One believes that the Vatican should reach an agreement with China “on a less problematic nomination process,” says Regis Anouil, a French specialist on Asian churches. The other fears that China would twist any agreement in its favour. The pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, which has been backed by two local cardinals, is likely to dampen any vague desire China had to relax its grip on religion.
Sister Bernardina Aguillon picks up a 2015 Pope Francis calendar being sold in front of the Quiapo Church in Manila on Friday. Many memorabilia are flooding the market as the visit of Pope Francis in January next year nears. (MNS photo)
Thousands rally in US ciƟes to protest police killings By Jennie Matthew
New York, United States | AFP | Saturday 12/13/2014 – Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in New York and Washington on Saturday, stepping up demonstrations across the United States demanding justice for black men killed by white police. The rallies in the US capital, New York, Boston and in several Californian cities were among the largest in a growing protest movement sparked by the killing of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri on August 9. Grand jury decisions not to prosecute the white officers responsible for 18-year-old Brown’s death and a fatal chokehold on New York father of six Eric Garner in July, have triggered weeks of protests. A sea of demonstrators shut down parts of Manhattan and Washington’s Pennsylvania Ave-
nue that leads to the Capitol with cries of “No justice, no peace!” “Justice Now!” and “The whole damn system is guilty as hell!” Though police in Washington did not provide an estimate of the crowd size, it appeared far larger than the 5,000 people organizers initially said they’d expected. In New York, police said approximately 25,000 took to the streets. The organizers tweeted that 50,000 people turned out. Their Facebook page had said that 48,000 would take part before the rally began. The mixed crowds of black and white mobilized many young people but also families, children, parents and the elderly. They held aloft banners proclaiming “Stop racist police” and “I can’t breathe”—the last words uttered repeatedly by Garner, as police wrestled him to the ground for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes in New York’s Staten
Island. A string of deaths at the hands of officers, including that of 28-year-old Akai Gurley in Brooklyn, have inflamed resentment against police tactics in the United States and distrust many blacks feel toward law enforcement. The Garner and Brown families were joined in Washington by relatives of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, who was shot dead last month by Cleveland police, and of Trayvon Martin, who was killed in Florida by a neighborhood watchman in 2012. History-making moment Garner’s widow and wife took to the stage before the energized crowd. “I am here not only for marching for Eric Garner, but for everyone’s daughters and sons and nieces and nephews and dads and moms,” widow Esaw Garner said.
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BINAY From page 1
that he and Poe could run together. “Posible po ‘yon. Ang sinasabi ko naman palagi tiyak na ako ay magkakaroon ng vice president,” Binays said. (That’s possible. I always say that I will surely run with a vice president.) But he said it was too early to say who his vice president would be. “Kailangan pa po ng masus-
MERCADO From page 1
ito. Siya ang may-ari niyan. Dummy (niya) yan.’ ‘Yan na ang lahat ng naabutan natin,” Binay said. Binay maintained that he has no property in Beverly Hills, as earlier claimed by Mercado in a televised Senate inquiry. “Ngayon, [property sa] Beverly [Hills naman]. Hindi ko nga alam kung saan sa Amerika ‘yong Beverly [Hills] na ‘yon,” Binay said. Binay, meanwhile, slammed the blue ribbon subcommittee for what he
ing pag-aaral,” he said. (This needs thorough study.) He added that those who would not be his running mate would be his “foe.” “Maraming gustong maging vice president ko. Yung hindi ko mapipili, ginawa ko nang kalaban ‘yon,” Binay said. (Many want to become my vice president. Those whom I will not choose, I will already consider as foes.)
described as “prolonged proceeding to influence the public’s perception” against him.
JEB BUSH From page 1
vate equity which may not sit well with voters. And, when it comes to wooing the conservative Republican base in his own party’s primaries, he could suffer from his seven-year absence from the political scene and largely centrist positions. In particular, his moderate position in the explosive US immigration debate, may hurt his chances of selection.
BILIBID From page 1
Government authorities seized suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) from convicted drug lord Peter Co in his room at the maximum security compound. Authorities also discovered a storage area, secret pathway, entertainment appliances, and even a sauna facility inside his room.
SYDNEY SIEGE From page 1
lice Commissioner Andrew Scipione said at a press conference. A man, aged 34, and a woman, 38, were also pronounced dead after being taken to hospital. “It was the act of an individual. This should never destroy or change the way of our life,” Scipione said.
PACQUIAO From page 1
dream fight has never materialized to the disappointment of the boxing world. “I will try my best to (make) this a thrilling and entertaining fight. But I doubt if he’s gonna engage me in a slugfest,” said the Filipino, winner of an unprecedented eight world titles in different weight classes. “You all know his fighting style. Most of his previous fights, if not all, induced us to sleep,” said Pacquiao from his southern Philippines home city of General Santos. Should the fight happen, Pacquiao, who turns 36 on Wednesday, said he will do to Mayweather what he did to another previously undefeated American, Chris Algieri, who lost to the World Boxing Organization welterweight champion in Macau last month.
US MARINE From page 1
(Pemberton) made sure that Jennifer was dead. He did not stop at badly beating her up and choking her, he made sure she suffered to her death. “He deliberately and repeatedly plunged her head down the toilet until she breathed her last.” Pemberton, aged 19 at the time of the death, had asked via his lawyer to downgrade the murder charge to homicide, which carries a maximum 20year prison term. He has made no other comment on the case. Outcry Laude’s death sparked street protests in the Philippines, a former US colony that gained independence in 1946 but has retained a close alliance. An enduring US military presence since the independence has been a constant source of anger for vocal and powerful American critics.
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Aquino to new AFP officers: Resist corruption
MANILA, Dec 15 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday enjoined new officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to resist corruption. During the graduation rites of the AFP Officer Candidate Courses, Aquino said military officials should muster strength to clean their ranks. “Ibang klaseng tapang at dangal din ang hihilingin sa inyo sa pagharap sa tuksong maaaring makaengkuwentro habang nagsisilbi sa bayan,” Aquino, the military’s commander in chief, said in his speech. “May mga magtutulak ng sobreng hitik sa salapi, kapalit ng pirma. May mga magtatangkang padaliin ang buhay ninyo, kapalit ang prinsipyo,” he added. Aquino, who won in 2010 on an anti-corruption platform, also told AFP officials that his administration’s drive against corrupt officials are already bearing fruit. He said his presidency has succeeded in bringing back the people’s trust in government. “Alam kong gagawin ninyo ang tama, dahil tiwala akong nakikita ninyo ang magandang bunga sa pagtahak natin sa tuwid na daan,” Aquino said. (MNS)
Pulse Asia: 88% of Pinoys facing 2015 with hope MANILA, Dec 15 (Mabuhay) – Despite the problems they faced this year, nearly nine out of 10 Filipinos or 88 percent will face the coming New Year with hope, according to a new survey by pollster Pulse Asia. In its survey conducted Nov. 14 to 20, Pulse Asia said this was the “predominant sentiment in every geographic area and socio-economic class.” Only one percent will face the coming year “without hope” while 11 percent are ambivalent, it added. A breakdown of the 88 percent of those facing 2015 with hope includes 86 percent in Metro Manila, 91 percent in Luzon, 89 percent in Visayas and 84 percent in Mindanao. Such a sentiment is prevalent among 90 percent of Class ABC, 89 percent of Class D and 84 percent of Class E. Those facing 2015 “without hope” include one percent in all geographical areas and almost all socio-economic classes—with zero percent of Class ABC having such a sentiment. Christmas 2014 On the other hand, the survey also showed more than half or 52 percent of Filipinos expect their Christmas celebration to be “no different” from 2013. However, it said more Filipinos see a more prosperous Christmas celebration for their families this year than last year. It said this is the majority sentiment in Metro Manila (51 percent), Mindanao (51 percent), and the rest of Luzon (55 percent) and in Classes D and E (53 and 51 percent respectively). Visayans (46 percent) and those in Class ABC (44 percent) share this view or even expect a more prosperous celebration compared to 2013 at 41 and 47 percent respectively. At the national level, 34 percent of Filipinos say the coming Christmas season will be more prosperous for their families. Only 14 percent believe this year’s celebration will be poorer than last year’s, the survey added. “Between December 2013 and November 2014, there is an increase in the percentage of Filipinos expecting a more prosperous Christmas season for their families (+12 percentage points),” Pulse Asia said. It noted such movements in Metro Manila (+21 percentage points), Visayas (+16 percentage points), Class ABC (+21 percentage points), and Class D (+13 percentage points). The percentage of Filipinos who see a poorer holiday season for their families this year fell at the national level by 10 percentage points and in the Visayas (21 percentage points) and Class D (9 percentage points), it added. Survey background The survey was conducted with 1,200 representative adults, with a ± 3% error margin at the 95% confidence level. At the time the survey was conducted, the issues of the day included: the Senate’s continued investigation into allegations of corruption against Vice President Binay; the cancellation of a debate between Binay and Senator Antonio Trillanes IV; the Senate probe into the reported overpricing of the Iloilo Convention Center, which was endorsed by Senate President Franklin Drilon as a recipient of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF); the participation of President Benigno Aquino III in the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in China and the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Myanmar; global efforts to stop the spread of the Ebola virus and, in the Philippines, the 21-day quarantine in Caballo Island imposed on Filipino peacekeepers returning from Liberia; Filipinos’ commemoration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day as well as the first anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda; the probe being conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into the reported anomalous procurement of vaccines in 2012 by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Enrique Ona and DOH Undersecretary Eric Tayag; the report of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs which calls on the Office of the Ombudsman to determine whether or not Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Alan Purisima should face graft and corruption charges; the approval by the House Committee on Energy of Joint Resolution No. 21 which seeks to grant Aquino emergency powers to allow him to more efficiently and effectively address the looming energy crisis in 2015 and the Senate’s approval on second reading of a bill that would raise the tax exemption cap for the 13th month pay and other benefits from the current P30,000 to P82,000 the lower electricity bills of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) customers for November 2014 primarily due to lower generation charges, among others.
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OPINION
Sydney hostage drama: A jihadist propaganda win? By Fran Blandy
Paris, France | AFP | Monday 12/15/2014 – His motives are a mystery and his acts described as random and deranged, but analysts say the gunman who took a Sydney cafe full of terrified people hostage could still score a propaganda coup for jihadists. Bearing a black jihadist flag, the Iranian-born Islamist created precisely the sort of lone-wolf attack urged by groups such as the Islamic State – replete with bomb threats, hostages and panic in a major Western city. Although any link to a specific group has yet to be established, the explosions and flashes of the dramatic police storming of the cafe that left two hostages and the hostage-taker dead, drove home the increasing reality of the “lone wolf” threat. The gunman was named in Australian media as an Iranianborn “cleric” called Man Haron Monis, aged 49, who had sent offensive letters to the families of dead Australian soldiers and was out on bail on charges of being an accessory to the murder of his exwife. He was described as a “fringe Islamist” who acted on his own, and while the reasons for his acts remained murky, analysts said IS could take it as a win for their cause. “The key thing with these attacks isn’t to cause lots of casualties, it is to cause a media buzz, get everyone focused on it, everyone talking about it,” said Matthew Henman, the head of London-based IHS Jane’s Terrorism and Insurgency Centre. “Every time this sort of thing happens, even if there are no casualties, it is still a propaganda victory for the Islamic State who can say we have people all over the world who are prepared to act in our name.” He said even if the Sydney gunman had not drawn inspiration from IS “they will try and claim (the attack) as some kind of victory for them.” The web-savvy jihadist group that has seized large parts of Iraq and Syria has sent shivers down spines across the globe with calls for spontaneous attacks on “disbelievers”. This poses a nightmare for Western authorities who already have their hands full trying to prevent nationals from leaving to fight alongside IS and tracking them when they return. “Islamic terrorism has now become totally decentralised,” said Steven Emerson of the US-based
Investigative Project on Terrorism. Islamic State spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani in September singled out Australia, along with France, Canada and America in his rallying call to kill “disbelievers... including the citizens of the countries that entered into a coalition against the Islamic State.” ‘Attention-grabbing’ Henman said there had been a “considerable increase” in lonewolf attacks around the world in the past year coinciding with the IS group’s reign of terror in its new so-called caliphate. “They have realised all they need to do is something which is attention-grabbing, whether it’s running someone down with a car, attacking someone with a knife, which maybe isn’t going to cause high casualties but is seen to be doing something,” he told AFP. In May this year a Frenchman who had spent more than a year fighting alongside Islamist extremists in Syria was arrested for killing four people at the Brussels Jewish Museum. In September Australia foiled a plot by IS jihadists to carry out
random beheadings in the country and saw a suspected militant shot dead after he stabbed two policemen. October saw the first successful jihadist attacks on Canadian soil – including the storming of its parliament – which resulted in the deaths of two unarmed soldiers. The idea of individual jihad is not new. Al-Qaeda has for years called on recruits and volunteers to go it alone without specific orders or training. Online jihadist magazines have published recipe upon recipe for homemade bomb-making – “how to make one in your mother’s kitchen” being one of them – as well as lists of prime targets and are the source of lone wolves for their criminal activities. “ISIS has copied that same play book in calling for local attacks,” said Emerson, using an alternative name for the group. “These attacks are happening all over the world now especially fuelled beyond the Internet by the rise of social media which has pushed the message of Islamic terrorism virtually as fast as the speed of light.”
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UTREACH ‘Fresh Off The Boat’ is coming soon on ABC Comedy is first Asian American TV show in 20 years By Hannah De Castro-Abinuman StaffWriter
The Grinch reveals himself during the 2014 spectacular GRINCHmas tree with fireworks display by NBC at Universal Studios, graced by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, the “GRINCH,” Yvette Nicole-Brown, Carols and Alexa PenaVega.
On this year’s Conference for Creative Content (C3), Visual Communications presented ABC’s newest comedy TV show – “Fresh Off The Boat.” A special screening of the pilot episode was held last December 6 at the David Henry Hwang Theatre in Los Angeles for students, creatives, media executives and community organizations of the entertainment media. The screening was then followed by a panel discussion, moderated by actor and Asian American community leader, Amy Hill. During the panel discussion, attendees of the event were able to learn more about how the show came about and the challenges faced by the producers and media executives in creating and presenting an Asiancentered show in today’s TV industry in the United States. Members of the panel include actor and producer, Randall Park (who plays Louis Huang in the show), the show’s creator for television and executive producer, Nahnatchka Kahn, Executive Producer Melvin Mar and ABC’s Executive Vice President for Comedy Development, Samie Kim Falvey. “Fresh Off The Boat” is the first Asian American network television show in twenty years, since All American Girl, which
Randall Park plays Louis Huang in the show
aired in the same network back in the 1990’s. And being part of the cast of All American Girl, it was just fitting for Amy Hill to be chosen as the moderator of Fresh Off The Boat’s panel discussion. Inspired by a true story, the show is based on the memoirs of celebrity chef and television personality Eddie Huang. Fresh Off The Boat is centered on the life of a hip-hop loving, 11-year old, Chinese boy (Eddie) trying to fit in. Set in Suburban Orlando, it also illustrates his family’s struggles of living in America during the 1990’s. The show is a classic immigrant story seen through the eyes of a first generation Asian American child. Samie Kim
Falvey (EVP for Comedy Development at ABC) said, “For years we’ve been looking for an immigrant family show because we felt that this was the original American story, and we felt that it was not being told. We knew that a show like this will transcend race and will be a love letter to America, if executed properly.” “Fresh Off The Boat” will surely tickle your funny bone as Natch Khan’s creative comedic genius is very apparent in the dialogue (she’s also known for her work in Don’t Trust the B--- in Apartment 23). And though the show’s genre is comedy, it also depicts the more serious issues that immigrants face in their journey towards the American Dream. With the show having a very diverse set of writers, it was important for them to make the script appear authentic and very specific but still feel universal. The show is not just about Asians but about being an outsider in your world. It’s about how an individual gets judged or ostracized for being different, which is something that a person of any race can relate to. Fresh Off The Boat stars Randall Park as Louis, Constance Wu as Jessica, Hudson Yang as Eddie, Forrest Wheeler as Emery and Ian Chen as Evan. Eddie Huang provides the voice over narration. The series is produced by 20th Century Fox Television and is set to air on ABC in 2015.
SCE warns customers to be aware of utility bill scam this Holiday season ROSEMEAD, Calif., Nov. 26, 2014 – Southern California Edison (SCE) warns customers to stay vigilant this holiday season as impostors, claiming to represent the utility, continue a telephone scam demanding immediate payment for allegedly past-due electricity bills. The hustle and bustle of the season makes customers especially vulnerable as telephone bill scammers increase calls threatening to disconnect electrical service unless immediate payment is made on past-due bills. The caller demands that payment be made through a prepaid card and urges victims to purchase a
prepaid debit card, load a specific amount of money on the card and give the card number to the scammer. Once the impostor collects the card’s value, the customer has been defrauded and the money is gone. Authorities warn that scammers have become more aggressive. Impostors recently resorted to making claims that local police will be called to your home or business if an immediate payment is not received. Others have established bogus telephone lines that state: “Hello. Thank you for calling Southern California Edison Disconnection
Department.” Truth is, SCE does not contact the police about customers’ bill payments and the utility does not have a “Disconnection Department.” “The best way for customers to protect themselves against utility impostors and this phone scam is to educate themselves, their employees and their friends about being aware when they receive telephone calls from individuals demanding money for payment,” said Kari Gardner, manager, SCE Consumer Affairs. In recent years, an estimated 13,000 SCE customers have received calls from phone scammers posing as utility employees threatening to disconnect service due to unpaid bills. According to law enforcement officials, the majority of victims are small business owners and entrepreneurs whose first language is not English.SCE customers who suspect a fraudulent call should ask for the caller’s name, department and business phone number. SCE customers should end the call and report the incident immediately to local police or SCE at 1-800-655-4555. SCE offers the following additional tips to customers: SCE will never call and demand immediate payment with the threat of service disconnection. An SCE employee will never ask for money in person. SCE does not accept prepaid cards from customers for bill payments. SCE does not conduct credit transactions on weekends or holidays. Never reveal personal information, including your credit card, ATM or calling card number (or PIN number) to anyone. Never use a call-back number provided by an unknown caller to verify billing information. And, SCE does not use extension numbers. Instead, call legitimate SCE telephone numbers printed on your utility bill or access SCE’s website (SCE. com).
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Pops Fernandez, Society of Seven in Filipino concert, Feb. 7, at Pala PALA, CA, December 10, 2014… Pops Fernandez, the Filipino “Concert Queen” will perform with the Society of Seven in a special Filipino concert at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, February 7, in the Events Center at Pala Casino Spa & Resort. Lhey Bella, a rising Filipino star, also will perform with the Society of Seven. Fernandez, one of the most popular performers in the Philippines, has recorded numerous chart-topping songs and attracted sell-out crowds throughout her 20+-year career. The Society of Seven is a variety group and show band that traces its roots back to the ‘60s and performs throughout Asia and the United States. Lhey Bella enjoys a wide musical range and performs jazz standards, dance tunes, R& B and rock and roll. Tickets on sale at 10 a.m., Friday, December 12, with no service charge, at the Pala Box Office in the casino, or call 1-877-WIN PALA (1-877-9467252). Tickets also are available at Star Tickets, 1-800-585-3737, or www.startickets.com. Pala is located in Northern San Diego County; from San Diego/Riverside, take I-15 to Highway 76 east five miles; from Los Angeles County and Orange County, take I-5 south to Highway 76 east, then travel 23 miles. Pala is 15 miles north
of Escondido, 12 miles south of Temecula. Address: 11154 Highway 76, Pala, CA 92059 Telephone: 1-877-WIN-PALA (1-877-946-7252) Web site: http://www.palacasino.com Other shows coming to Pala: Kathy Griffin, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2015, Events Center. Tickets, $60. $50, $40, $30 at www.startickets.com Tu Quy (Fantastic Four) Vietnamese Concert, 7 p.m., Saturday, January 17, 2015, Events Center. Tickets, $100, $55, $45, $35, at www.startickets. com and all Vietnamese ticket outlets. One Night Only California’s Best Elvis Impersonators with Travis Allen, James “King” Kruk, Rob Ely, 7 p.m., Saturday, January 24, 2015, Infinity Showroom. Tickets, $30, at www.startickets.com Arrival From Sweden The Music of ABBA, 7 p.m., Saturday, February 14, 2015, Infinity Showroom. Tickets, $45, $37, atwww.startickets.com Jim Jefferies, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2015, Events Center. Tickets, $40, $30, at www.startickets.com Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 14, 2015, Events Center. Tickets, $125, $100, $95 atwww. startickets.com
Pala Casino Spa & Resort includes a Las Vegas-style casino with 2,000 slot machines, 87 table games and 13 poker tables; a 507-room hotel; a 10,000-square-foot, full-service spa and salon that features 14 treatment rooms; a state-of-theart fitness center; swimming pool with 12 private poolside cabanas, and dual-temperature outdoor whirlpool hot tub. Pala also offers 10 restaurants and 40,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Pala Casino Spa & Resort is an AAA Four-Diamond Award winner for 11 consecutive years. Its state-of-the-art Pala Spa was named the number one spa on the West Coast and one of the top 100 spas in the United States for 2013 by Spas of America. Previously, Pala Spa was named the 2009 Best Casino Spa by Spas of America, the 2009 Best Casino Spa by the Southern California Gaming Guide and in 2012 received a spaAward and was selected by Spas of America as one of the top 100 spas in the United States. In 2011, Pala Casino Spa & Resort was voted Best Casino in San Diego by the public in the 10News.com annual A-List poll sponsored by KGTV-TV 10 Newsin San Diego. For more information, visit http://www. palacasino.com.
Christmas shopping is a puzzle for Barack Obama too Washington, United States | AFP | Monday 12/15/2014 – Running America, President Barack Obama can do. But finding a gift for his wife Michelle is a tough one. “She’s very fashionable and she looks good. I’m worried about buying her clothes,” the president said Monday on the radio show “On Air With Ryan Seacrest.” “On Christmas Day, she will look at it and
say ‘That’s very sweet honey...’ and I never see her wear whatever I bought.” “Michelle’s hard to shop for,” he said. Choosing a gift for his oldest daughter, 16-year-old Malia, is easier. “Malia is fun to shop for because she is a big film buff. So one year I got her a collection of the 100 greatest movies ever made and she loved that,” he said. “That may have
been my best Christmas present to her.” At the end of November, Obama visited Washington’s Politics and Prose independent bookstore with his two teenage daughters, where he purchased “some books for various members of the family.” The Obamas leave Friday for Hawaii, the president’s home state, where the family traditionally spends Christmas.
Pops Fernandez and the Society of Seven (inset)
Pope to ride open, ‘vulnerable’ vehicle in PHL: church Manila, Philippines | AFP | Tuesday 12/16/2014 – Pope Francis has asked to ride an open vehicle when he visits the Philippines next month, making him both “vulnerable” but more accessible to the people, the Filipino Catholic Church said Tuesday. The government announced last month a custom-built “popemobile” would be built in coordination with Vatican security to protect him from unspecific threats during his January trip to Asia’s Catholic bastion. However, Filipino church officials revealed Tuesday the vehicle will be open and “not bulletproof” to accommodate the demands of the visiting church leader. “What this means is our Holy Father will be very vulnerable during his visit,” said Father
David Concepcion, a member of a church committee preparing for the papal visit. Francis is to arrive in Manila from Sri Lanka on January 15 and spend an entire day on January 17 hearing mass and comforting victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban city and Palo town on the central island of Leyte. The typhoon, the strongest ever to hit land, killed or left missing 7,350 people and left millions of others homeless in November last year after it triggered tsunami-like giant waves that wiped out entire towns. Pope Francis, who has shunned the pomp of his predecessors, said earlier this year he prefers to use open-top cars rather than the Vatican’s bulletproof “popemobile” used by previous pontiffs, which he called a “sardine can.”
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Coco Martin is not Lani tells Charice: Keep Why yet ready to settle down on singing for Filipinos Lani Misalucha was asked to give advice to her fellow singer Charice, who lamented the “bullying” she has received time and again from Filipino viewers despite her achievements on the international stage. Misalucha, who is known in Las Vegas as “The Siren of the Strip,” said Charice should continue to pursue her passion and keep on singing for her fellow Filipinos. Comparing Charice’s situation with her fellow Filipinos to a romantic relationship that needs to be fixed, Misalucha stressed that the young singer should not give up on her Filipino audience. “Ganito na lang siguro. Kung ako si Charice [at] nangyari sa akin ‘yon, ang gagawin ko na lang is to continue on. Parang kunyari, sa [magkasintahan], kunyari ‘yung lalaki ay nagkaroon ng kasalanan doon sa babae at ‘yung babae ay ayaw na siyang
tanggapin. Eh gusto mo talagang bumalik sa girlfriend mo, ano ang gagawin mo? You just have to exert extra effort for you to win her back. It’s just that. If you really love that person, you just have to do everything for you to get her back. Parang ganoon lang ‘yon. ‘Yun lang ang nakikita kong analogy,” she told reporters. “You just have to continue and go on. If you feel that the people don’t like you anymore, keep on singing for them,” added Misalucha. Charice earlier said that despite her achievements, Filipino viewers tend to dwell on her supposed shortcomings and continue to criticize her for her looks, her personal life and, more recently, her sexuality. In June 2013, Charice made international headlines when she confirmed that she is lesbian, ending months of speculation.(MNS)
Lani Misalucha
How Jolina Magdangal inspired Toni Gonzaga Toni Gonzaga thanked akin na akala Jolina Magdangal on Sunmo hindi siya day for serving as her insi Jolina Magspiration since she began dangal,” Gonher showbiz career. zaga said. Gonzaga shared how Sharing she would watch the rehow she witturning Kapamilya star in nessed that awe during her concerts in fame never the 1990s. really got into “Napakalaking inspiMagdangal’s rasyon ni Jolina lalo na head, Gonzanung ‘90s sa mga katuga continued: lad namin na aspiring Toni Gonzaga “Nakikita ko makapasok sa industriya. I got a pa siya nun, kasi kapag may conchance to work with her sa front cert siya, sisilipin ko kung paano act sa mga concert niya. Hindi siya nagre-ready. Siya lang ‘yung mo mararamdaman nung time nag-iipit sa buhok niya.” na ‘yun kung gaano siya kalaking Gonzaga said even her father artista. Nakikipag-usap siya sa told her before to be like Magdan-
gal when she makes it in showbiz. “Sinabi ng daddy ko sa akin, ‘Kung meron kang isang artista na tutularan kapag narating mo ‘yung kung ano man ang gusto mong marating, dapat si Jolina ‘yun.’ Hindi siya nagbabago. Sinabi ng dad ko ‘yan,” she said. Magdangal officially marked her return to ABS-CBN by signing a two-year contract with the Kapamilya network. Magdangal’s first project is the soap “Flordeliza” with her original love team partner, Marvin Agustin, who is also making a comeback as a Kapamilya. Magdangal said she is excited to be part of ABS-CBN again after 12 years. (MNS)
At 33, award-winning actor Coco Martin is still not ready to settle down in the near future. Martin said he is still in the process of saving up for his family, knowing fully well that he will not be in showbiz forever. “Siguro gusto ko munang sagarin habang okay ang lahat. Gusto kong makapag-ipon. Gusto kong magkaroon ng time na makabawi sa family ko para maalagaan ko sila. Para if ever dumating ‘yung time para sa akin, nagawa ko na lahat para sa kanila,” he explained. “Dadating din yung point na ‘yun. Ipon-ipon muna hanggang maging maayos lahat,” he added. Martin, who is marking his 10th year in show business, recalled that when he was starting out, all he wanted was to have regular acting gigs. “Ang hinihiling ko lang naman noong araw ay magkaroon lang ako ng regular na trabaho. Ngayon binigay sa akin lahat ng blessing kaya talagang
Coco Martin
pinagsusumikapan ko lahat ng meron ako ngayon,” he said. Martin threw a party last week to celebrate his birthday and his first decade in showbiz. It was attended by his family and close friends within and outside the entertainment industry. “Sabi ko nga, para makapagbalik-tanaw naman sa mga taong tumulong sa akin nung nagsisimula ako, nung mga panahon na wala pa ako. Para magkita-kita ulit kami,” he said. (MNS)
Christian Bautista dreams big
He has high hopes of breaking into the international theater scene the way his friends Mark Bautista and Rachelle Ann Go have done. “I dream of that. Kung magkakaroon ng right role for me, kung bumagay ako sa role, I would love to do that… darating din siguro sa tamang panahon,” Christian Bautista says in an interview. Mark is cast as the late President Ferdinand Marcos in the London run of “Here Lies Love,” while Rachel plays Gigi in the West End revival of “Miss Saigon” musical. Although Christian doesn’t feel left out or even pressured to match his friends’ achievements, he does admit, “may longing (lang na) sana someday kung para sa akin ay maabot ko rin (ang international theater break).” He is, nevertheless, grateful for his numerous projects and juggles his time between drama series “Strawberry Lane,” musical variety “Sunday All Stars” and dance show “Marian.” Asia’s Romantic Balladeer is “very proud” of Mark and Rachelle, noting in particular the rave reviews the former has been receiving for his performance. “This guy is so hardworking and I’m so happy na nakukuha niya ’to. I’m very happy for him,” he says. With the three of them being products of TV talent shows, and also good friends that have often worked together, comparisons are inevitable. Christian accepts that and remains pragmatic about it.
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Norway says farmed salmon safe and urges public to eat more By Pierre-Henry Deshayes
Oslo, Norway | AFP | Monday 12/15/2014 – Farmed Norwegian salmon – repeatedly criticised for its supposed effects on health – can be safely eaten even by pregnant women, a new report by experts said Monday. A fixture of Christmas and New Year celebrations in Europe, farmed salmon has become more and more controversial, with a French TV programme last year branding it the “most toxic food in the world”. But health watchdogs tasked by the Norwegian government to investigate the issue say women in particular should eat more of the fish. “The benefits of eating fish far outweigh the insignificant risk of pollutants and other substances,” said Janneche Utne Skaare, of Norway’s Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM). “Given the present level of the most dangerous toxins like PCBs, dioxins and mercury, even people who eat a lot of oily or white fish would not absorb them in harmful quantities,” Skaare, a biologist and toxicologist, told public broadcaster NRK. Norway is the world’s biggest producer of farmed salmon, and it is one of the country’s main export earners after oil. The Norwegian authorities had previously advised young and pregnant women to limit their consumption of oily fish to two meals a week so as not to expose their children to health risks. Warning lifted But that warning on eating salmon, trout, mackerel and herring has now been lifted. In fact, the new VKM report “stresses how important it is for this group
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Antibiotics resistance could kill 10-M a year by 2050 London, United Kingdom | AFP | Monday 12/15/2014 – A British government-commissioned review has found that resistance to antibiotics could account for 10 million deaths a year and hit global gross domestic product by 2.0 to 3.5 percent by 2050. The Review on Antimicrobial Resistance said surgeries that have become widespread and low-risk thanks to antibiotics, such as caesarean sections, could become more dangerous without urgent action. The review announced by British Prime Minister David Cameron was led by Jim O’Neill, former chief economist at US investment bank Goldman Sachs, and included British senior public health experts. It found the region with the highest number of deaths attributable to antimicrobial resistance would be Asia with 4.7 million followed by Africa with 4.1 million, while there would be 390,000 in Europe and 317,000 in the United States. For comparison, the review estimated that the second-biggest killer, cancer, would account for 8.2 million deaths a year by 2050. “The damaging effects of antimicrobial resistance are already manifesting themselves across the world,” the report said. “Antimicrobial-resistant infections currently claim at least 50,000 lives each year across Europe and the US alone,” it added. The calculations were based on existing studies by the think tank Rand Europe and the consultancy KPMG.
What active sitting can do for you - and what it can’t
According to a new report, farmed salmon now contains 70 percent less dioxins and PCBs than when Norwegian authorities last did major tests in 2006, and levels of mercury have been halved due to changes in what fish are now fed on. ©Paul Cowan/shutterstock.com
to eat fish because it has been proven that mothers eating fish has a positive effect on the development on the nervous system of fetuses and breast-fed babies,” said public health chief Knut-Inge Klepp. According to the new report, farmed salmon now contains 70 percent less dioxins and PCBs than when Norwegian authorities last did major tests in 2006, and levels of mercury have been halved due to changes in what fish are now fed on. Vegetable oils have largely re-
placed fish meal and oil which made up for 90 percent of the diet of farmed fish in 1990. The Norwegian research institute Nofima said fish protein now makes up no more than 29 percent of their diet. Tests by the VKM show that you can eat more than a kilo of farmed salmon a week without risk, Norwegian public health officials maintained. They recommend that people eat at least two or three fish-based meals a week, or between 300 and 450 grams (10.5-16 ounces), half of which should be oily fish.
(Relaxnews) - As studies emerge classifying sitting for extended periods as bad to our health, wobbly stools and exercise balls are replacing office chairs, pedal sets are being installed under desks and everyone’s talking about how to stay physically active while seated at their desk. But what can we expect from active sitting? LA-based trainer and martial arts expert Philippe Til weighs in on the facts and fables. Fact: Effective posture is the basis for active sitting, so if we start off slumped, we might not get anything out of it at all. “Doing exercises in a chair or on an exercise ball without taking posture into account is like stacking fitness on top of dysfunction,” says Til. To get started, take what he calls the “horse ready” position. “Sit on the edge of your chair with your spine straight and your shoulders squared,” he says, “And open up your thigh-to-trunk angle so that it’s obtuse—this part is
very important. Your feet will be directly under your shoulders.” Fable: Active sitting is a good way to get in shape. Hardly, according to Til, who says that it should never be considered a substitute for whole fitness. “Active sitting is still sitting,” he says. “It’s not going to help you lose weight and it certainly won’t increase your cardiorespiratory fitness levels. It will, however, get your blood flowing and can hinder some adverse long-term effects on the joints if done properly, starting with proper posture.” Fact: Once good posture has been established, blood flow and oxygen intake improve. The simple postural adjustment that Til suggests can open the airways in your lungs. “I’ve had clients with frequently occurring headaches who have seen them stop once they changed their posture, which is most likely due to the increased oxygen intake and blood flow.”
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MOTORING 2014: The year the crossover crossed over SUVs and crossovers have never been in higher demand and the trend looks like it’s here to stay. But what is it about cars with a utilitarian vibe that is proving so popular? Automotive trends don’t start or stop overnight. It takes billions in investment and five years of development work to bring a new car from the sketchpad to the forecourt. Rather they start slowly then keep building momentum year after year. A perfect example is the SUV ‘crossover,’ where demand for cars with a utilitarian look but a refined feel seems to be showing no signs of abating. In fact, according to IHS Automotive, demand for cars that fall into the SUV segment is up 88% since 2008, which makes it the fastest growing segment around the world. One in five new cars on the road is of the SUV variety and everywhere you turn a manufacturer is offering either a new serious off-roader from the likes of Land Rover or a fun crossover such as the Fiat 500X. The Chinese and American markets are currently driving global car sales – two regions where the SUV look has long been coveted – and therefore trends. But in Europe too utility vehicles grew from 8% of the market to 19% between 2008 and 2013. And driving much of that demand in Europe is the Nissan Qashqai, which in November set a new sales record for a vehicle built in the UK – taking just six years to achieve 2 million vehicles sold. But when there is so much choice on the market, from people carriers, to coupés and luxury sedans, why are consumers gravitating towards vehicles like the Qashqai and its growing list of competitors? Nissan’s Ian Tonkin says that, simply put, they offer owners the best of both worlds: “Modern crossovers and SUVs provide owners with enhanced space and practicality when compared to a C- or D-segment car. In addition, a high-riding driving position gives drivers a good view of the road ahead. Crossovers in particular also deliver, in some cases, greater efficiency than D-segment rivals, which is attractive
to buyers.” In the US, where the love affair with the traditional SUV is so entrenched that the relationship only gets put on hold when emissions laws change, tax legislation is altered or there is uncertainty about gas prices, the popularity of the Crossover segment has been nothing short of remarkable. If IHS’s figures are broken down so that ‘true SUVs’ and crossovers are separated, then in the US, crossovers are currently outselling SUVs and minivans combined and are second only to ‘cars’. But more traditional SUV sales are booming too and partly due to the fact that companies are making their latest models more comfortable, less agricultural and more fuel-efficient. Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service says that SUVs now account for 23% of Ford’s global sales. He forecasts that by the end of the decade that figure will have risen to 29%. He also believes that the car that first ignited the American public’s passion for 4X4s is the Ford Explorer, which he describes as “The SUV America fell in love with—a vehicle built for the perfect family adventure.” The new 2016 Ford Explorer, which made its global debut at the LA Motor Show in November is indicative of this growing trend. It is the most refined SUV that Ford America has ever developed and boasts class-leading fuel economy and levels of safety technology and creature comforts one normally associates with a Cadillac or Lexus. And even though it has serious off-road capabilities, its four-wheel drive features were played down at its launch in favor of highlighting its car-like handling and attention to cabin detail such as USB charging ports integrated into every seat. The popularity of the crossover shows no signs of abating, in fact, if anything 2015 could be the year when the trend really hits its peak and goes premium with new launches from Audi, Alfa Romeo, Bentley, BMW, Jaguar, Maserati and even Lamborghini.
The second-generation Nissan Qashqai launched in 2014. ©Nissan
The 2015 BMW M6: Blink and you’ll miss it Ahead of the 2015 Detroit motor show, BMW has given its range-topping M6 sportscar so subtle a makeover it could be difficult to spot. However, look for long enough and you’ll see that car – whether in coupé, Gran Coupé or convertible form – has a redesigned kidney grille, front and rear aprons and bigger, more menacing air intakes. BMW has also developed new forged 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch on the Gran Coupé) and, on the hard-top variants, redesigned the carbon fiber roof. It is now more contoured, lighter and sits slightly lower, improving the car’s already excellent center of gravity. Inside the differences are quicker to spot. The levels of trim and styling have been taken up a notch as have the range of optional extras potential owners can choose from. Under the hood it’s business as usual. The new M6 has the same (admittedly wonderful) 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbocharged engine as before and its figures are also the same – 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250kph (155mph). However a competition package is available that will add an extra 15bhp to the engine’s already impressive 552bhp and will knock a whole 0.1 seconds off its 0-100km/h dash. What will be a new addition to the 2015 model is a reworked
The new BMW M6 Coupé. The new car will be offically unveiled in January. ©BMW Group
two-stage exhaust system that BMW says produces a more satisfying engine note. The updates aren’t limited to the flagship 6-Series variants; all models in the range are getting similar though less aggressive external and internal tweaks. However, in the case of the standard range, the engines are also getting improvements. BMW says that six-cylinder and eight-cylinder gas engines now all meet the strictest European EU 6 regulations, their efficiency has been improved and so have acceleration and responsiveness. The company is also for the first time offering its XDrive all-wheel drive system as an option on the standard range, as well as passive rear-wheel steering for keeping the back end in check when making progress.
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Plunder, graft raps filed vs. Binay over ‘overpriced’ HS Science bldg MANILA, Dec 16 (Mabuhay) – A former political opponent of Vice President Jejomar Binay on Tuesday has filed graft and plunder charges against him and 30 others in connection with the alleged overpricing of the construction of the P1.33-billion Makati Science High School. In an 11-page complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, lawyer Renato Bondal said the construction of the building was overpriced by P862 million. Bondal said Binay, who was then Makati mayor, conspired with his son Makati City Mayor Erwin Jejomar “Junjun” Binay Jr., some former and current Makati officials, and 10 executives of Hilmarc’s Construction Corp. Junjun Binay was Makati City councilor at the time the vice president was city mayor. This is the second plunder complaint Bondal filed against the Binays. The first complaint was in connection with the supposed overpricing of Makati City Hall Building II. Bondal said the construction of the high school building was “implemented using the same modus operandi employed in the construction of the overpriced Makati Parking Building.”
He noted that the construction was divided into six phases, with simulated bidding for each piece, which he said is prohibited under Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Act of 2003. Bondal also pointed out that during the ocular visit of the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee, which is investigating the alleged overpricing in the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II and other allegations of irregularities against Binay, it was found that the construction of the high school building was not yet finished. “Makikita ninyo, January 2014, accepted na and completed ang phase six, kaso nung nag-inspeksyon ang mga senador, may lumabas na ang 8th, 9th, 10th floor ay hindi pa tapos, pero bayad na ang phase na iyon, kaya malaki talagang katiwalian ang nakikita,” he said. Preventive suspension Meanwhile, Bondal urged the Ombudsman to preventively suspend the Vice President and other current Makati City government officials so as not to tamper the evidence. “Gaya ng unang complaint namin, dito sa pangalawang complaint, humihingi kami ng preventive suspension, kasi marami
Aquino indecisive on Purisima – Alunan MANILA, Dec 15 (Mabuhay) – A former Interior and Local Government Secretary on Monday said President Aquino acted indecisively on the controversies surrounding Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima. Ex-DILG chief Rafael Alunan said the President’s half-hearted action on Purisima instilled doubt on his leadership. Purisima is facing a six-month suspension for approving the allegedly anomalous Werfast deal. “Actually, I was quite perplexed. He was not decisive. There was waffling. It was obvious to the public. Things like this should not be allowed because it gives room for doubt about the President’s leadership, his values, etc and that impacts on the daang matuwid campaign,” he said. “In matters like this, I think it is important for the President to take decisive action,” he added. Alunan said the President should replace Purisima “just to stabilize the institution so that it can continue its normal activities without a Damocles sword or cloud of doubt over their heads.”
pa talagang madidiskubreng anomalya sa city government of Makati,” he said. However, he admitted the challenges in accessing documents. “Napakahirap um-access ng mga dokumento, kaya sana magkaroon ng preventive suspension para ang mga dokumentong hindi inilalabas, magkaroon kami ng pagkakataong makuha,” Bondal said. ‘Sino ba si Bondal? Reacting to charges filed against Binay, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, United Nationalist Alliance interim president, simply asked, “Sino ba si Bondal?” Tiangco said Bondal is an ally of former Makati City vice mayor Ernesto Mercado, a former Binay ally who is now among Binay’s chief accusers. “Siya (Bondal) ang kakampi ni Mercado. In 2010, siya ay tumakbong councilor under Mercado, and he lost,” he said. Mercado had accused the vice president of involvement in irregularities and of having hidden wealth. Tiangco also said that in 2013, Mercado ran against the younger Binay in the mayoral race. “Both times, natalo siya,” he said. “More importantly, these buildings are in Makati, ang inaakusahan ay ang mayor ng Makati, at ang kalaban ay tagaMakati.” “Ang mga mamamayan ng Makati ang tunay na nakakaalam kung may anomalya nga, kasi kung totoo man ang sinasabi niya (Bondal), bakit hindi siya nanalo sa eleksyon?” he added. Aside from this, Tiangco also pointed out that local government units undergo an audit every year and that the Commission on Audit has never found any anomaly in the transactions entered into by the Makati City government. However, Tiangco assured the public that the Binay camp will answer the charges as soon as the Ombudsman will seek their reply to the complaint. (MNS)
(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III participates in the 25th ASEANRepublic of Korea Commemorative Summit at Busan Exhibition and Convention Center on Friday (December 12). With the theme: “Building Trust, Bringing Happiness,” the summit aims to strengthen Korea’s relationship with ASEAN through trust, which should result in happiness for the citizens of ASEAN and the ROK. (MNS photo)
Purisima to comply with Ombudsman’s suspension order – spokesman MANILA, Dec 13 (Mabuhay) -- Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima will now comply with the preventive suspension order issued against him by the Office of the Ombudsman, after President Benigno Aquino III asked him to do so. PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said, “Yes, he will comply. Pangulo na ‘yan e.” Earlier, Aquino said the allegations against Purisima have yet to be proven but added that the Ombudsman’s processes needed to be followed. “Now, did he knowingly commit this grievous error? Iyon ang kailangang ma-prove. But at the same time, having said that, [if] the Ombudsman feels that he has to be preventively suspended, then he has to comply and he has been told to do so,” Aquino said. Asked about Purisima’s continued stay at the official residence of the PNP chief inside Camp Crame and a possible conflict with PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, Aquino said: “No, [Purisima] is not supposed to be leading.” However, Mayor said as of Friday, Purisima remains at his quarters, dubbed as White House,
inside Camp Crame. The Office of the Ombudsman ordered a six-month preventive suspension on Purisima over an allegedly questionable contract the PNP entered into with a courier service in 2011, to make sure he would not influence the outcome of the investigation into the deal. The complaint that triggered the Ombudsman probe on Purisima and the other officials alleged that the respondents entered into a contract with courier service WERFAST Documentary Agency in 2011 for the delivery of firearms license cards even without proper accreditation. In a press statement issued on Sunday, Purisima denied any involvement in entering a contract with WERFAST. He said the contract between the PNP and WERFAST was executed on May 25, 2011, or more than a year before he was appointed by Aquino as the chief of the PNP on December 18, 2012. On Friday, Sen. Miriam Santiago said Purisima should vacate the White House – the PNP chief’s official residence in Camp Crame – out of delicadeza. “Hindi siya dapat doon magstay kasi all of these are inherent with the position,” Santiago said.