Us asian post june 12, 2013

Celebrating

T H E

ENTERT

INMENT

Charice has a crush on Sarah Geronimo See ENTERTAINMENT 4

Vol. 2. No. 39

LOS ANGELES

A Balita Media Publication

Wednesday - Tuesday, June 12-18, 2013

PHL chases boat from UN-protected reef MANILA, June 10, 2013 (AFP) - The Philippine Navy deployed a gunboat and a surveillance plane to a World Heritage-listed marine sanctuary after a suspected Vietnamese fishing vessel was seen there, authorities said Monday.

The incident came a month after a Filipino coastguard vessel opened fire on a Taiwanese fishing vessel near an island in the northern Philippines, killing a crew member and sparking a diplomatic row with Taiwan.

Marine rangers saw the small vessel at the remote Tubbataha Reef late Saturday in the Sulu Sea in the far south of the country, and sought the navy’s help after a failed chase, park superintendent Angelique Songco said.

“We suspect it was Vietnamese but we didn’t catch anyone,” she told AFP by telephone.

“It was dark and they turned off their lights. They had one light on the rear but when they saw

our boat coming, they turned it off and ran.”

In response to the plea for help, the navy dispatched a patrol gunboat and a surveillance aircraft to the area, but they failed to find or identify the vessel, navy spokesman Lieutenant Stanley Gonzaga told AFP. Songco said the mystery vessel was flying a Philippine flag but the rangers were convinced that was a ruse. She said one of the rangers, an ex-navy officer, told her its shape was the same as Vietnam’s fishing fleet.

“The navy knows from the make, where the boat comes from,” she said.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the coast guard had been ordered to investigate whether it was a Vietnamese vessel.

The Vietnamese embassy spokesman in Manila could not be See PHL CHASES BOAT, page 6

Aquino gov’t prioritizes modernizing the military, says Palace official MANILA, June 8 (Mabuhay) – The Aquino administration will remain focused on attaining a minimum credible defense position to protect the country’s sovereignty against both external and internal threats, a Palace official said on Saturday.

In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the Aquino government has already accomplished a lot in modernizing the country’s police and military.

Lacierda’s statements came in the midst of some calls among lawmakers to increase the 2014 budget of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police so that they could readily respond against external and internal threats.

See MODERNIZE, page 6

Under the AFP Modernization Law, the administration of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino was able to acquire a Hamilton class cutter from the US – the BRP Gregorio del Pilar. The navy is also awaiting the arrival of another naval ship – BRP Ramon Alcaraz from the US, he said.

Sister Ship. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr., accompanied by Capt. Ernesto Baldovino, commanding officer of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) and Capt. Elson Aguilar, Defense and Naval Attache at the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. look at the USCGC Gallatin, sister ship of the Alcaraz and the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Charleston, South Carolina, on Sunday. The Alcaraz will be leaving for the Philippines on Monday. (Philippine Embassy Photo by Elmer G. Cato)

Aquino signs law declaring Cordillera province Tourism Development Area MANILA, June 10 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed a law declaring the province of Kalinga in the Cordillera Region as a Tourism Development Area (TDA) in a bid to boost the country’s tourism industry.

The Chief Executive signed on May 17 Republic Act No. 10561 otherwise known as the “An Act Declaring the Province of Kalinga in the Cordillera Region as a Tourism Development Area (TDA)”.

Miss Philippines USA delegates with Carson Mayor Jim Dear and Mayor pro tem Elito Santarina

Aquino extends invitation for 2014 See TOURISM AREA page 6 in celebration of Philippine Independence Day. (Story on page 3) WEF summit to be held in Manila Kirams: PHL gov’t Labor Sec. Baldoz cries foul NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar, President Aquino issued the June 8 (Mabuhay) – President invitation in his remarks at the wants to surrender Benigno S. Aquino III personally closing plenary of the 22 WEF on us to Malaysia over PHL ‘slave nation’ tag invited on Friday the delegations East Asia held here. He congratund

who attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia here to attend next year’s summit set in Manila.

lated the government of Myanmar for successfully hosting this year’s forum.

See WEF INVITATION, page 6

No politics in banning food from Taiwan MANILA, June 10 (Mabuhay) – No politics involved.

This was how a Malacañang official described a decision by a government agency banning 15 food products from Taiwan that were found to contain maleic acid, an unapproved food additive that could potentially harm the kidney.

“Alam mo ang kagandahan dito sa FDA (Food and Drug Administra-

tion) there is empirical evidence e. [They were banned] because of the presence of a certain ingredient. It’s not subject to politics,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said at a press briefing Monday.

Lacierda added that the banning of the food products, which include tapioca pearls and rice noodles, have been subjected to See BAN TAIWAN, page 6

See SURRENDER TO MALAYSIA, page 6

Biazon backs Ping as anti-smuggling czar

not trickled down to the poor.

“Asset reform means the assets are with the people: land reform for the poor, no contractualization in companies. The gap between the poor and the rich is widening,” he told Radio Veritas.

CBCP president and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma also challenged Aquino to tell the truth rather than trumpeting the 7.8-percent gross domestic product report during his state of the

MANILA, June 10 (Mabuhay) – Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon welcomes the possible appointment of Senator Ping Lacson in an anti-smuggling task force.

“We would welcome any help, especially from a person like Senator Lacson who has a proven track record in law enforcement,” he said.

President Aquino earlier said he has offered Cabinet posts to both Lacson and Sen. Francis Pangilinan after their terms in the Senate expire on June 30.

Palace insiders said that last

See AQUINO FAILS, page 6

See BIAZON BACKS PING, page 6

Bishops give Aquino failing grade in 3 years of gov’t MANILA, June 10 (Mabuhay) – Leaders of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) gave President Benigno Aquino III a failing grade for failing to curb poverty in the country amid claims of better-than-expected economic growth.

CBCP-National Secretariat for Social Action chairman and Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said he is giving Aquino a grade of three out of 10 because the so-called economic growth has

MANILA, June 10 (Mabuhay) – The family and supporters of self-proclaimed Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III on Monday said the Philippine government is planning to surrender them to the Malaysian government, even though the two Southeast Asian neighbors do not have an extradition treaty.

Princess Jacel Kiram, daughter of the sultan, said a reliable source told her that the Philippine government is out to surren-

MANILA, June 10 (Mabuhay) – Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz on Monday decried the “slave nation” tag given to the Philippines by Hong Kong football fans who booed the Philippine football team Azkals recently.

“The remarks are derogatory,” Baldoz said.

With almost half of the 300,000 domestic helpers in Hong Kong coming from the Philippines, Hong Kong remains to be a market for Filipino domestic workers or Household Service Workers (HSWs), Baldoz admitted.

But this does not make the country a “slave nation.”

Baldoz instead called on em-

Lyceum of the Philippines and Ayala Bridge display the Philippine flag as a sign of celebration, common identity, and national unity.

Homes and businesses are bedecked with Philippine flags and national symbols starting late May until late June. Miniature flags are displayed in public and private conveyances in the run up to June 12, the 115th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day. See SLAVE NATION, page 6 (MNS photo)

Popular Inquirer cartoonist quits after gay joke MANILA, June 9, 2013 (AFP) – A Philippine cartoonist has quit after a controversial joke about homosexuality in his popular comic strip angered conservative quarters in the Catholic country.

“Sorry I dishonored you. I resign,” Pol Medina Jr. said in short letter to Letty Jimenez Magsanoc, editor-in-chief of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, a copy of which was

widely circulated on social media Sunday.

Medina’s resignation ends a 25-year run of his popular Pugad Baboy (Nest of Pigs) strip in the Inquirer, one of the Philippines’ most widely circulated and influential broadsheets.

An embarrassed Inquirer apologized last week for what it said See CARTOONIST QUITS, page 6

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12 dead as bus falls Hero’s homecoming for disfigured PHL dog off PHL cliff: police MANILA, June 8, 2013 (AFP) – A dog that lost half its face saving two girls returned to a hero’s welcome in the Philippines on Saturday after undergoing a series of operations in the United States.

After an 11-hour flight from Los Angeles, Kabang, a twoyear-old mongrel, stepped out of her travel kennel at Manila airport and greeted a large throng of well-wishers with a lively wag of her tail.

Kabang was later to be transported to the southern Philippine port of Zamboanga, to be reunited with her owner, labourer Rudy Bunggal, and her small puppy.

“This is the first time in the history of the Philippines that we’ve seen such support for a dog,” said Ed Unson, a Filipino veterinary surgeon serving as one of her handlers.

In 2011, Kabang, then aged two and pregnant, became a hero after running in front of a motorcycle in what her owner said was a deliberate act to save her daughter and niece who were crossing a busy road.

The accident tore off of Kabang’s face, leaving a gaping hole.

A website, Facebook page and Twitter account were set up in an online fundraising drive that raised more than $27,000 for Kabang to be treated in the United States.

She was released from the University of California’s Davis Veterinary Hospital on

LA TRINIDAD, June 8, 2013 (AFP) – A bus carrying supporters of a local politician fell off a cliff in the mountainous northern Philippines on Saturday, killing 12 people, a police spokesman said.

The victims were supporters of the mayor of the town of Buguias, Melchor Diclas, and were being ferried home from a victory party

he hosted after he retained his post in last month’s elections, police said. Rescuers found 10 bodies at the bottom of an 80-metre (262-foot) ravine and two others were declared dead on arrival at nearby hospitals.

Seven passengers were treated for injuries, said local police spokesman Vicente Lim-mong.

Five gang suspects killed, two beheaded MANILA, June 8, 2013 (AFP) – Five men believed to be members of a Philippine crime gang were killed on Saturday, and two of them beheaded in a suspected revenge attack, police said.

About 10 hooded gunmen broke into the shack where the gang was staying in the northern town of Bugallon and shot two of the men in the hands and feet, said Senior Inspector Ryan Manongdo, the provincial police spokesman.

The gunmen then beheaded the two wounded men before shooting dead the three others, Manongdo added.

A 14-year-old boy who was related to all five men witnessed the grisly attack but was unharmed, police said.

“The victims were allegedly engaged in illegal activities, such as burglaries and cattle rustling,” the police spokesman said.

Manongdo said police were looking into the possibility that the killings were carried out by a family previously targeted by the gang. One of the dead men had been conditionally freed on parole in April after serving a prison sentence for robbery, Manongdo added.

2013 search for outstanding judges, clerks of court extended Veterinarian Anton Lim holds Kabang, a mongrel dog, upon her return to the Philippines after eight months of surgery and treatment in the U.S., at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Paranaque, Metro Manila June 8, 2013. Kabang has been hailed as a hero in the Philippines after her snout was ripped off while saving the lives of her owner Rudy Bunggal’s daughter and niece in 2011 when she leaped in front of a motorcycle on the verge of hitting them. She was released from the University of California’s Davis Veterinary Hospital on June 3 following surgery to partially reconstruct her face and treatment for heartworm and cancer that were funded by money raised in an online campaign. (MNS photo)

Monday after eight months of treatment in which her face was partially rebuilt and she was cured of cancer and a potentially fatal worm disease.

However, efforts to fit a prosthetic snout and jaw were abandoned.

“The extent of the fracture was so big and though we were hoping to get a prosthesis • Labor Certification (PERM) • Request for Evidence (RFE) made for Kabang, it was im• Nurse and P.T. Petitions • Notice of Intent to Deny/Revoke possible,” Unson told AFP. • Specialty Workers (H1B) • Fiancé & Spouse (K1/K3) Despite the disfigurement, • Treaty Traders & Investors (E) • Student Visas (F1/M1) Kabang can still chew her food • Adjustment of Status (I485) • J1 Waiver (212e) using her two remaining mo• Family Petitions (I130) • Visitors (B1, B2) lars, and smell well enough • Employment Petitions (I140) • Crewman & Transits (C1, D1) • Intercompany Transfer (L1) • Battered Spouse/Child (VAWA) to recognize her owner and • Extraordinary Ability (O1) • Child Status Protection (CSPA) handlers, Anton Lim, another • Investor Visa ($1M. $500K) • Removal of Conditions (I751) of her Filipino veterinary sur• Artists & Athletes (P1, P3) • Citizenship and Naturalization geons, told reporters on Satur• Religious Workers (R1) • All other Related Matters day.

• AAO Appeals & MTR She has learned a unique Martindale Centre Pasadena Koll Center way to wet her tongue by roll216 N. Glendora Ave., Suite 200, 1055 E. Colorado Blvd. Suite 500, ing it inside her mouth, Lim Glendora, CA 91741 Pasadena, CA 91106 added.

Though the surgery did not (626) 240-4688 www.dandrealaw.com • info@dandrealaw.com entirely yield the desired reWashington D.C. Bar • American Bar Association • American Immigration Lawyers FREE Association • Federal Bar Association • Orange County Bar • Los Angeles County Bar sults, Unson said it was still a CONSULTATION success.

MANILA, June 8 (Mabuhay) – The Supreme Court, through the Society for Judicial Excellence, has extended to June 14, 2013 and June 18, 2013 the deadline for the submission of nominations and requirements, respectively, for the 2013 Search for Outstanding Judges and Clerks of Court.

The public is invited to send in their nominees for the different awards with their corresponding resumes and the reasons for the nomination.

The categories are Regional Trial Court Judges; Metropolitan Trial Court/Municipal Trial Court in Cities/Municipal Circuit

Trial Court/Municipal Trial Court Judges and Shari’a Circuit Trial Court Judges; Clerks of Court (First- and Second-Level Courts) and Branch Clerks of Court (First- and Second-Level Courts).

All nominations should be addressed to the Permanent Secretariat, Society for Judicial Excellence, 2nd Floor, Supreme Court Annex Building, Padre Faura Street, Manila, with telefax number (02) 523-1301 and mobile number 0932-8781299, or through e-mail at judicialexcellence.sec@ gmail. com. The awarding ceremonies will be held on Sept. 18, 2013 at the Manila Hotel. (MNS)

It’s back to manual for bgy, SK polls MANILA, June 10 (Mabuhay) – The Commission on Elections has scrapped its earlier plan to automate the coming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in some parts of the country due to lack of preparation time.

“Back to manual na kami. Gumagawa na kami ng calendar of activities.

Prepare for bidding-bidding na,” Commissioner Lucenito Tagle said.

Tagle said the general registration for voters resumes on July 1.

The continuing registration shall revert to its schedule before the midterm election, Monday to Sat-

urday from 8 am to 5 pm.

The general registration will use biometrics registration as required by law to purge the list of voters.

Tagle said the poll body has accepted that the elections for the barangay and SK will happen as scheduled, since there may be no time to abolish the SK. He said the SK may not be needed anymore and urged lawmakers to file a bill to abolish it.

(MNS)

Juico accepts Morato’s apology MANILA, June 10 (Mabuhay) – Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) chairperson Margarita Juico yesterday accepted the apology of the agency’s former head Manuel Morato for their “unfortunate differences” in the past.

Morato, together with former president, now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is facing plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly diverting P366 million in PCSO intelligence funds from 2008 to 2010.

“I have forgiven Mr. Manuel L. Morato a long time ago for his attacks on my person and family.

As a Christian, it is not mine to keep forgiveness from anyone,” Juico said in a statement.

“I hope Mr. Morato has forgiven me too for whatever pain he perceives he suffered as a result of my faithfully performing my duties as PCSO chairperson,” Juico added.

Citing his failing health, Morato sent a letter to Juico last Thursday, offering his apology for their past differences.

Last Friday, the Sandiganbayan’s First Division allowed Morato, former PCSO chairman Sergio Valencia and director Raymundo Roquero to post bail in the plunder case.

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LOS ANGELES

Southern California Edison retires San Onofre nuclear plant ROSEMEAD, Calif. (June 7, 2013) – Southern California Edison (SCE) has decided to permanently retire Units 2 and 3 of its San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).

“SONGS has served this region for over 40 years,” said Ted Craver, Chairman and CEO of Edison International, parent company of SCE, “but we have concluded that the continuing uncertainty about when or if SONGS might return to service was not good for our customers, our investors, or the need to plan for our region’s long-term electricity needs.”

Both SONGS units have been shut down safely since January 2012. Unit 2 was taken out of service January 9, 2012, for a planned routine outage.

Unit 3 was safely taken offline January 31, 2012, after station operators detected a small leak in a tube inside a steam generator manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). Two steam generators manufactured by MHI were installed in Unit 2 in 2009 and two more were installed in Unit 3

in 2010, one of which developed the leak.

In connection with the decision, SCE estimates that it will record a charge in the second quarter of between $450 million and $650 million before taxes ($300 million - $425 million after tax), in accordance with accounting requirements.

After months of analysis and tests, SCE submitted a restart plan to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in October 2012. SCE proposed to safely restart Unit 2 at a reduced power level (70%) for an initial period of approximately five months.

That plan was based on work done by engineering groups from three independent firms with expertise in steam generator design and manufacturing.

The NRC has been reviewing SCE’s plans for restart of Unit 2 for the last eight months, during which several public meetings have been held. A recent ruling by an adjudicatory arm of the NRC, the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board, creates further uncertainty regarding when a final decision might be made

on restarting Unit 2. Additional administrative processes and appeals could result in delay of more than a year. During this period, the costs of maintaining SONGS in a state of readiness to restart and the costs to replace the power SONGS previously provided would continue.

Moreover, it is uneconomic for SCE and its customers to bear the long-term repair costs for returning SONGS to full power operation without restart of Unit 2. SCE has concluded that efforts are better focused on planning for the replacement generation and transmission resources which will be required for grid reliability. “Looking ahead,” said Ron Litzinger, SCE’s President, “we think that our decision to retire the units will eliminate uncertainty and facilitate orderly planning for California’s energy future.”

Litzinger noted that the company has worked with the California Independent System Operator, the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission in planning for Southern California’s energy needs and will continue to do so.

Miss Philippines USA 2013 is all set for Aug. 18 Glendale, Ca- The tradition continues! Miss Philippines USA 2013 is officially locked and loaded. Coronation night is on Sunday, August 18 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, in La Mirada, California. Last year’s pageant was sold out with more than 1200 attendees. It is anticipated that this year’s pageant will duplicate the number of attendees and sold out status. So, reserve your tickets now by calling 818.242.2088.

Miss Philippines USA’s mission is to develop the finest ambassadors of goodwill for the Filipino-American community. As such, executive producer Lou Razon has sought out some of the best mentors to work with the delegates. These mentors will not only coach the delegates on how to be beauty queens, but also provide them wisdom and tools on how to be great ambassadors for the community.

Things that they can use and add value

to their life after the pageant.

Interested applicants are encouraged to register now! Please note that deadline for delegate applications is June 30, 2013. For more information on how to become a 2013 Miss Philippines USA delegate, please email Sandy at missphilusainfo@gmail. com.

In preparation for coronation night, Miss Philippines USA will be holding several pre-pageant events. They include the following: June 2 at Seafood City West Covina - meet and greet the delegates June 8 at Cason’s Filipino Independence Day Celebration - meet and greet the delegates June 9- Breast Cancer Walk June 30 at Celebrity Centre in Hollywood - Fashion for a Cause August 4 at the 11th Annual Historic Filipino Town Festival meet and greet the delegates For tickets and more information,

please call 818.242.2088 This year’s sponsors for Miss Philippines USA 2013 are: Seafood City, Lou Razon Couture, Roxas Law, Dr. Tess Mauricio, Mary Aquino DMD, Careline Hospice, Lay Bare Waxing Salon, Historic Filipino Town Neighborhood Council, Tesoro Diamonds, Alpha Kappa Rho, Flowers

by Demetrio, Rex Vincent Photography, Bamboo Bistro, Max’s of Manila, First Nations Funding, Guaranteed Realty & Investments, JR D’Angeles Salon and Cinema Make up School.

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Certified results of the 2013 General Municipal and Special Elections LOS ANGELES (June 7, 2013) – City Clerk June Lagmay announced today that the Certified Results for the May 21, 2013, City of Los Angeles General Municipal and Special Elections have been released and are attached to this notice. The Certified Results can also be viewed on the Office of the City Clerk - Election Division website athttp://clerk.lacity.org/ Elections.

The Certified Results contains the final election results for the election held on March 21, 2013 for various offices in City of Los Angeles, the L.A. Unified School District, and the L.A. Community College District, broken out by Vote-By-Mail and at-poll ballots within those jurisdictions. The results also include the outcome of four City of Los Angeles measures that also appeared on that ballot.

Candidates were elected to the offices of: Mayor, City Attorney, City Controller, Council Districts 1, 9, 13, LAUSD District 6, and LACCD Seat 6. A Special Runoff Election to fill the vacancy in Council District 6 will be held on July 23, 2013.

The Certified Results will be submitted to the Los Angeles City Council which shall declare the results of the General Municipal and Special Elections as well as the runoff candidates qualified to be placed on the Council District 6 Special Runoff Election.

115th Philippine Independence Day celebration at Los Angeles City Hall In commemoration of the 115th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, the Los Angeles Filipino Association of City Employees (LAFACE) cordially invites everyone to attend a celebration at Los Angeles City Hall.

BERNARDO BERNARDO, a well-known award winning FilAm artist of stage, TV and film, will be directing and hosting the program.

Songs from the Motherland will be performed by MON DAVID, an award winning Fil-Am jazz vocalist and composer; and ANNIE NEPOMUCENO, an accomplished music professional.

The celebration will be highlighted by FOLK DANCES and live music from the archipelago that reflect the colorful multiethnic culture and history of the Philippines FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2013 10:00 a.m. – Presentation of City Council Resolution, proclaiming: 115th Philippine Independence Day, and June as the Filipino Month to LA Consul General Maria Hellen M. Barber-de la Vega, LAFACE, and the community, at the Los Angeles City Council Chamber,

Los Angeles City Hall, Third Floor, 200 North Spring Street, LA, CA 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Program & Reception, City Hall Forecourt, 200 N Spring St., LA 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Vendors’ Showcase, City Hall Forecourt, 200 North Spring Street To RSVP and arrange for parking, email alex.banares@lacity. org.

Free Parking and lunch tickets will be provided VENDORS’ TABLES are still available to showcase brochures, services, and products.

To register as a vendor, please email coraaragon@aol.com.

LAFACE is the only FilipinoAmerican employee organization in existence in the City of Los Angeles. It was formed in 1982 and currently represents over 2,500 Filipino City of Los Angeles employees.

One of the objectives of LAFACE is “to promote the economic, educational, social, and cultural advancement of Filipinos in the community.” The 115th Philippine Independence Day anniversary is the perfect time to remind Filipinos and the whole world about our rich cultural heritage.

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‘We are for peace but be prepared to defend PHL territory,’ Cuisia tells crew of Ramon Alcaraz CHARLESTON, South Carolina – The Philippines will exert all efforts to ease tensions in the West Philippine Sea but it will also defend its territory if needed, Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. told the officers and crew of the country’s newest warship, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF16), on the eve of its departure for Manila.

“As you know, there are some tensions in the West Philippine Sea and this may put you in harm’s way but there is no doubt that you will perform your duty of protecting Philippine territory if needed,” Ambassador Cuisia said in his remarks during his visit to the ship at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center here on Sunday.

“We do not want to see a confrontation and we are hoping that diplomatic efforts would ease these tensions,” Ambassador Cuisia said. “We are for peace and for the stability of the region but at the same time, we are prepared to defend what is ours.”

Ambassador Cuisia told Capt. Ernesto Baldovino and the officers, men and women of the Alcaraz that they are all expected to live up to the reputation of Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a World War II hero, in whose honor the warship was named.

Alcaraz was credited for downing three enemy aircraft while commanding the Q112 Abra, a 55-foot offshore patrol boat, during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. Alcaraz was captured and imprisoned by the Japanese but survived the war and went on to serve in the Navy where he retired as commodore in 1966. He passed away in 2009.

“Ramon Alcaraz had a very distinguished record in serving our country and our people. You are expected to live up to his reputation,” Ambassador Cuisia told the 88 officers and crew of the 378-foot Alcaraz, the second weather high endurance cutter (WHEC) that the Philippines acquired from the United States last year.

In his remarks, Ambassador Cuisia also expressed his appreciation to the United States Government for transferring what was formerly the USCGC Dallas to the Philippine Navy and to the US Navy and the US Coast Guard for ensuring the vessel’s successful retrofitting at a cost of $15.6 million.

“We look forward to the Alcaraz joining its sister ship, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar,” Ambassador Cuisia said, referring to the other Hamiltonclass cutter that was earlier acquired from the US in 2011. “We look forward to further upgrading the capabilities of the Philippine Navy.”

Ambassador Cuisia wished Captain Baldovino and his crew a safe journey to the Philippines and told them the Navy has a special place in his heart, having served as Naval Reserve Corps Commander during his time at De La Salle University in Manila.

He congratulated the officers and crew for their dedication to duty for surviving more than a year away from their loved ones in the Philippines as a result of the extended refurbishment of the vessel and their training.

During his visit, the Ambassador also had the chance to meet with members of the Filipino Community who attended a farewell reception on board theAlcaraz. He paid tribute to the community for serving as foster families to the crew thus allowing them to easily cope with their extended stay in the US. “We are grateful to our kababayans here in South Carolina for opening the doors of their homes to the men and women of the Alcaraz and taking them in as their own,” he said.

The Ambassador was accompanied during his visit to the Alcaraz by officers from the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. led by First Secretary and Consul Elmer Cato, Defense and Naval Attache Capt.

Elson Aguilar, Air Force Attache Col. Arnel Duco and Veterans Affairs Representative Maj. Gen. Delfin Lorenzana.

The vessel will leave at 10 a.m. on Monday and is expected to arrive in the Philippines in the first week of August.

US senators urge Obama to block Alaska mine WASHINGTON, June 10, 2013 (AFP) – Five Senate Democrats are calling on US President Barack Obama to consider blocking construction of a copper mine in Alaska, arguing it could jeopardize the pristine environment of America’s biggest salmon fishery.

The concerns by lawmakers from the western states of California, Oregon and Washington could add to pressure on the Environmental Protection Agency to scupper the huge Pebble Mine project.

EPA is currently conducting a study of the impact of the project, which would disrupt several square miles of watershed around Bristol Bay, where an estimated 40 million salmon return every year.

“Water contamination and habitat loss from the construction and operation of a hard rock mine in Bristol Bay would put thousands of fishery-related family wage jobs at risk,” wrote the lawmakers, led by Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington state.

The senators pointed to a new study by the University of Alaska’s Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER), which valued the commercial fishing activities in the region at $1.5 billion in output, including $500 million in direct income.

“Additionally, Washington, Oregon and California benefit from $674 million in economic activity from Bristol Bay salmon fishing and processing,” the lawmakers said.

The three western states hold over 1,100 fishing permits for Bristol Bay in southwest Alaska, supplying thousands of jobs in the industry.

Pebble Mine owners Northern Dynasty and Anglo American say the project’s operational investments would top $1.2 billion per year, which would provide substantial tax revenue for the remote state, and expand US copper production by 20 percent.

EPA released a peer review report last November in which several experts noted the “significant impacts” that such a project would have, including the loss of dozens of miles of streams that are spawning areas for sockeye, chinook and other salmon species.

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OPINION

Obama defends surveillance dragnet

BY STEPHEN COLLINSON

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2013 (AFP) – President Barack Obama has defended US spy agency programs which trawl phone and Internet data as a “modest encroachment” on privacy needed to keep Americans safe from terrorism.

“Nobody is listening to your telephone calls,” Obama said, seeking to quell public disquiet after two days of explosive revelations hinting at the scope of a vast and classified government data mining operation.

Obama, in San Jose, California, hit out at what he said was “hype” over reports the National Security Agency (NSA) logs details of millions of domestic calls, for possible later use in anti-terror operations.

He also defended a program called PRISM, in which NSA and FBI agents are tapping into the servers of nine US Internet giants, including Facebook, Google, YouTube, Apple and others, as they try to subvert terror plots originating abroad.

“This does not apply to US citizens. And it does not apply to people living in the United States,” Obama said.

Civil liberties and privacy groups have raised alarm at the two programs, reported by the Guardian and Washington Post newspapers, warning they are “Orwellian” and could be unconstitutional.

Obama said he welcomed the debate, but warned the programs had previously been kept under wraps to avoid tipping off America’s enemies and said they made only “modest encroachments” on privacy.

“I think it’s important to recognize that you can’t have 100 percent security and also then have 100 percent privacy and zero inconvenience. We’re going to have to make some choices as a society,” he said.

He repeatedly argued that Congress had been kept fully apprised of the activity and had voted to authorize it. Federal and secret intelligence courts were also used to present abuse, he said.

The Washington Post, citing a career intelligence officer, reported late Thursday the NSA had direct access to Internet firm servers to track an individual’s web presence via audio, video, photographs and emails.

The paper said the leak came from an officer “with

firsthand experience of these systems and horror at their capabilities.”

“They quite literally can watch your ideas form as you type,” the officer was quoted as saying.

Internet giants, however, denied opening their doors for US spy agencies.

“We have never heard of PRISM,” said Apple spokesman Steve Dowling.

Facebook’s chief security officer Joe Sullivan said the huge social network did not provide any access to government organizations.

Experts said the program could be so close-held that only lawyers at the firms or a small number of administrators might know about it, or it could be going on covertly.

“There is something deeply mysterious about this,” said Joseph Hall, senior technologist with the Center for Democracy and Technology, a digital rights activist group.

Despite possible embarrassment over the exposed US surveillance programs, Obama, meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in California, raised the need for new “rules of the road” following the reports of a vast cyber spying operating by China.

The US president ruled out any comparison between the alleged Chinese hacking of US commercial and military secrets and the National Security Agency programs.

“I think it’s important ... to distinguish between the deep concerns we have as a government on theft of intellectual property or hacks that enter our financial systems or critical infrastructure – versus some of the issues that have been raised around NSA programs,” Obama said.

The White House denied that the drama of the last few days would undercut Obama’s message.

“This is a pretty good illustration of the type of conversation we want to have about respecting civil liberties and protecting the constitutional rights of the people that you govern,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said.

Claims of the Internet spy operation broke as Washington reeled from a Guardian newspaper report on Wednesday detailing an apparent operation by the NSA to capture millions of domestic phone records.

Google chief calls Internet spying threat to freedoms SAN FRANCISCO, June 7, 2013 (AFP) – Google chief Larry Page on Friday branded Internet spying a threat to freedoms and called for governments to be more revealing about what they try to find out about people’s online activities.

“We understand that the US and other governments need to take action to protect their citizens’ safety—including sometimes by using surveillance,” Page said in a blog post.

“But the level of secrecy around the current legal procedures undermines the freedoms we all cherish.”

Page put his personal stamp on the Californiabased Internet giant’s denial that it opened any doors for US intelligence agencies to mine data from its servers.

Google and other technology firms on Thursday were adamant that they did not knowingly take part in a secret program called PRISM that gave the National Security Agency (NSA) and the FBI back doors into servers at major Internet companies.

“We have not joined any program that would give the US government or any other government

direct access to our servers,” Page said.

“Indeed, the US government does not have direct access or a ‘back door’ to the information stored in our data centers,” he continued. “We had not heard of a program called PRISM until yesterday.”

The program was reportedly set up in 2007 and has grown “exponentially” to the point where it is now the most prolific contributor to President Barack Obama’s Daily Brief, the US leader’s topsecret daily intelligence briefing.

Some of the biggest firms in Silicon Valley were involved in the program, including Microsoft, Yahoo, Google, Facebook, Apple, PalTalk, AOL, Skype and YouTube, reports said.

However, Internet titans contacted by AFP denied providing intelligence agencies with back doors to networks and held firm that they only cooperated with legal “front door” requests for information. “This episode confirms what we have long believed – there needs to be a more transparent approach,” Page said.

Google routinely publishes transparency reports listing numbers of requests for user data by governments and how they were handled.

Smartphone life shakes up website world

BY GLENN CHAPMAN

SAN FRANCISCO, June 10, 2013 (AFP) – Internet giants from Google and Facebook to Yahoo and Zynga are scrambling to adapt to an online world where people reach for smartphones or tablets instead of traditional computers.

Social games pioneer Zynga, which rose to stardom making titles played at Facebook’s website, is cutting nearly a fifth of its staff as part of a move to focus on titles for mobile gadgets.

After taking over as chief executive at Yahoo last year, former Google executive Marissa Mayer laid out a turn-around strategy that made a priority of tailoring offerings to smartphones and tablets.

The dismal performance of Facebook’s freshlylaunched stock last year was blamed in large part on fears that it lacked tools to cash in on members who are increasingly accessing the social network from mobile devices. Google has proved prescient by creating and giving away an Android mobile operating system that showcases its software and services on smartphones and tablets.

Even the Mountain View, California-based technology titan’s seemingly offbeat “big bets” on Internet-linked Glass eyewear and Web-connected selfdriving cars are seen by some analysts as shrewd moves to remain anchored in lifestyles.

“The head-mounted display makes the mobile user much more valuable because you can serve ads as they are walking and make them location-based,” independent Silicon Valley analyst Rob Enderle said of Glass.

“With self-driving cars, the dashboard is a huge tablet; if the car is driving and someone is bored, you can serve up whatever you want.”

Companies that staked claims with websites visited by people using desktop or laptop computers risk obsolescence if they don’t adapt to Internet users switching to apps on smartphones or tablets.

Industry data shows that people are moving “aggressively” to apps and away from traditional web-

sites, according to Gartner analyst Van Baker.

“It is important to cater to that mobile user,” Baker told AFP. “That is the driving force in the market right now; the one device a person carries everywhere—the smartphone.”

Not only are the devices preferred by Internet users changing, so is their behavior.

Gartner research shows that people using smartphones access the Internet an average of 20 times a day with sessions lasting about a minute, compared with four times daily for about 35 minutes a pop on traditional computers.

“It is a big challenge, because the behavior associated with a smartphone is dramatically different from a notebook computer,” Baker said.

“Your experience needs to be two clicks deep and be done in a minute,” he continued. “If it takes any longer, they are gone.”

Smartphones in particular have small screens, raising the risk of people being annoyed by advertising.

Mobile devices also allow location, calendar information and other contextual data to be woven into services to win people over with desirable information at just the right moments and places.

“The opportunity to be relevant or helpful is much greater because of the contextual information,” said Forrester analyst Charles Golvin.

“If you interrupt me and adopt the old get-in-yourface approach of many marketers, you are much more likely to sour any potential relationship.”

Internet companies don’t have the luxury of focusing on either mobile devices or traditional computers; they must tailor offerings for both, according to analysts.“Mobile first is correct, but it is not mobile only,” Golvin said.

“You need to enable your customers to reach you where and when they choose to and on the device that happens to be in their hand at that moment.”

Established Internet companies tend to be wellpositioned to adapt to engaging people on mobile devices.

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UTREACH Local Asian TV station steps up its campaign against domestic violence KSCI-TV LA 18 to broadcast “Telethon for Change, Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence” live on Saturday, June 22, 2013, 3-5pm PST Los Angeles – KSCI-TV LA 18 (LA 18), Los Angeles’ #1 Asian TV station, will air a telethon to raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Asian American community for the second year in a row. In partnership with the Center for the Pacific Asian Family (CPAF), the two-hour telethon will be broadcast in Mandarin, Korean, Tagalog, and English to inform Asian viewers about this very serious issue and to highlight the services CPAF offers the community.

Dennis J. Davis, General Manager of KSCI-TV, states that “we are pleased to fully utilize the station’s powerful and unique position to add awareness of and benefit to this important outreach program. Recognizing the Asian American community’s needs for a broader education and outreach on family violence issues, LA 18 feels compelled to pull its resources together to inform viewers and help in raising funds for CPAF. We’re proud to broadcast the tele-

thon again to help tackle this issue after last year’s encouraging results.”

The telethon will be hosted in four languages by LA 18 Evening News anchor Christine Chiang (Mandarin Chinese), Kababayan Today host Jannelle So(Tagalog/English), and LA 18 Prime News anchor Min- Jung Song (Korean).

During the broadcast, viewers will be encouraged to donate to CPAF in support of their efforts via phone or mail. Multilingual phone volunteers will be answering phones during the broadcast, and corporate donations will be accepted on air. One hundred percent of the donations to the telethon will go directly to CPAF, Little Tokyo Service Center, and the Asian Pacific Women’s Center to aid survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

“LA 18 has been a critical partner in reaching the isolated and abused Asian American immigrants who are not able to seek and find help due to language and cul-

BMI and Pechanga Resort & Casino Anne Curtis ‘Annebisyosa’ No Other Concert Contest winners known Last Friday, Balita Media, Inc., in cooperation with Pechanga Resort & Casino concluded its Anne Curtis “Annebisyosa” No Other Concert ticket giveaway and selected eleven winners.

The first eight of these eleven winners will see Anne Curtis perform live with her special guests, Nina and Derek Ramsay at the Pechanga Theater. The remaining three winners will each receive a $50 dollar food coupon from Pechanga Resort & Casino.

Balita Media, Inc. & Pechanga Resort & Casino would like to sincerely thank and congratulate the following winners who will receive a pair of admission tickets to see the show on June 15th at 8:00 PM: Lucy Rice, Fernando P. Iya and Maria Theresa Saavedra; and the following winners of a pair of admission tickets to see the show on June 16th at 7:00 PM: Armando S. Garcia, Matthew Konn, Cecilia Baldomar, Carmelino Manio and Alelyn Aggabao. The following winners will receive a $50 dollar food coupon from Pechanga Resort & Casino: Maricel Baldomar, Luisita Cabrales and Celia Gamalinda.

We look forward to seeing you all at Pechanga Resort & Casino’s celebration of the 115th Philippine Independence Day. As always, feel free to send pictures of your concert experiences to info@balita. com for a chance to see them published on Balita.com. Thank you.

Experience it all at Pechanga Resort & Casino As the largest casino in the Western U.S., Pechanga offers an allinclusive AAA Four-Diamond luxury resort in the heart of Southern California’s Wine Country of the Temecula Valley. With more than 3,800 slots, 130+ table games, and a smoke free poker room, the resort boasts the soaring elevation changes of the Journey at Pechanga course, ranked as the 4th “Best New Course You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine in 2009.

The 445-acre resort also includes a full-service spa, featuring a couple’s massage suite; nine award-winning restaurants and a 24-hour food court; superstar concerts in its theater, a comedy club; world title boxing events; and three clubs and lounges, including Silk, the largest nightclub in Southern California. “Experience it all” at Pechanga Resort & Casino.

For more information please call: 1-877-711-2win (1-877-711-2946) or visit website at www.Pechanga.com. Located at 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, CA 92592. the list of winners for the Anne Curtis contest, as follows: The winners for the Anne Curtis contest, are as follows: (June 15 show) a. 1 Pair Tickets for June 15th Show – Lucy Rice b. 1 Pair Tickets for June 15th Show – Fernando P. Iya c. 1 Pair Tickets for June 15th Show – Ma. Theresa Saavedra (June 16 show) a. 1 Pair Tickets for June 16th Show – Armando S. Garcia b. 1 Pair Tickets for June 16th Show – Matthew Konn c. 1 Pair Tickets for June 16th Show – Cecilia Baldomar d. 1 Pair Tickets for June 16th Show – Carmelino Manio e. 1 Pair Tickets for June 16th Show – Alelyn Aggabao Other winners: a. $50 Food Coupon – Maricel Baldomar b. $50 Food Coupon – Luisita Cabrales c. $50 Food Coupon – Celia Gamalinda

Aquino returns home after attending World Economic Forum in Myanmar MANILA, June 8 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II on board a charter Philippine Airlines flight around 12:40am Saturday following his attendance to the 22nd World Economic Forum on East Asia in Myanmar.

During his trip, the President had a bilateral meeting with President Thein Sein of Myanmar aimed at enhancing the relations between the Philippines and Myanmar.

The President, in his first trip to Myanmar, also met WEF founder and executive chairman Klaus Schwab. He also attended a luncheon meeting hosted by the Ayala Corp.

During the luncheon, the chief executive asked foreign businessmen to come to the Philippines as he showcased the accomplishments of his administration. President Aquino personally extended his invitation to the delegates of WEF to the Philippines, which will host next year’s forum.

The President also met with Aung San Suu Kyi, the chairperson and general secretary of the National League for Democracy.

Accompanying the President in his Myanmar trip were Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Presidential Management Staff chief Julia Abad and Presidential Protocol Chief Celia Anna Feria.

tural barriers,” states Debra Suh, Executive Director of CPAF. LA 18 is well known among local organizations for its support of and involvement in extensive community-based events and projects. LA 18’s Mandarin-language PSA campaign against domestic violence contributed to a 43% increase in callers to CPAF’s 24-hour crisis line. \The station is also a recent recipient of the prestigious “Hope of LA” award, being recognized for its community outreach contributions.

About KSCI-TV (LA 18) Founded in 1976, KSCI-TV is Los Angeles’ #1 Asian-language TV station bringing news and entertainment, in multiple languages, to the largest U.S. Asian market – composed of nearly 2.5 million Asian consumers. KSCI-TV produces and airs 9 local shows: daily local news and variety shows in Chinese, Korean, and Tagalog. KSCITV’s over-the-air signal covers 5.6 million TV households in the Los Angeles DMA. KSCI-TV

is also a must-carry local station on cable and satellite systems in the L.A. DMA. In 2008, KSCITV became the first U.S. station to multicast in various Asian languages on digital sub-channels.

One of its premier digital channels includes the 24/7 Chinese-language channel, LA 18.8 DT, that is carried on cable (Charter, Cox, Time Warner, Verizon FiOS) as well as free over-the-air.

About Center for the Pacific Asian Family (CPAF) Founded in 1978, CPAF is a pioneering nonprofit organization that established the first multilingual and multi-cultural hotline, emergency shelter, and transitional housing in the United States that specialized in serving Asian and Pacific Islander (API) survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Today, CPAF responds to thousands of crisis calls on its 24 hour hotline in 30 API languages and shelters hundreds of women and children, in addition to providing community education and outreach. For more information about CPAF, visit www.NurturingChange. org or call 1-800-339-3940.

MoneyGram to transfer to NASDAQ DALLAS (April 23, 2013) – MoneyGram International, Inc. (NYSE: MGI), a leading global money transfer company, announced today that it will move its stock listing to the NASDAQ Global Select Market from the New York Stock Exchange, effective May 13, 2013.

The Company will continue trading under the ticker symbol “MGI.” “Upon being listed on the NASDAQ, MoneyGram joins the world’s most innovative companies,” said Pamela H. Patsley, chairman and chief executive officer. “NASDAQ is a global leader in advanced trading technologies, which will provide our shareholders with cost-efficient trading opportunities. MoneyGram will also benefit from reduced listing fees.

As an innovative leader in the money transfer and payments industry, we are excited to be a part of the NASDAQ.” “We welcome MoneyGram to our growing list of leading companies that are innovators in their industries,” said Bruce Aust, executive vice president, NASDAQ OMX. “MoneyGram brings its customers closer by helping them send funds almost anywhere in the world through cash, bank account, online and mobile. Their versatility

MoneyGram Chairman and CEO, Pamela Patsley, together with the MoneyGram team.

and forward thinking culture is perfectly aligned with NASDAQ’s family of listed companies.”

About MoneyGram International MoneyGram, a leading money transfer company, enables consumers who are not fully served by traditional financial institutions to meet their financial needs. MoneyGram offers bill payment services in the United States

and Canada and money transfer services worldwide through a global network of more than 310,000 agent locations – including retailers, international post offices and financial institutions – in 197 countries and territories. To learn more about money transfer or bill payment at an agent location or online, please visit moneygram.com or connect with us on Facebook.

‘Hasaan Ng Tulaan’: A Night of Philippine Culture and Poetry June 19, 2013 is the 152nd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Philippines’ revered national hero. On that night Filipino poetry and music will fill the hall of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, aptly named Rizal Hall after the great hero.

In collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles and the Filipino American Press Club of California, this cultural event will highlight the homegrown poetry of Tony Berango, Jess Española, Vics Magsaysay, Rafael Maniago and Mat Relox, collectively known as “Manunula” of L.A. A night to promote the

beauty of the “Inang Wika” or mother tongue.

FASO (Filipino American Symphony Orchestra) conductor and master flutist Robert ‘Bob’ Shroder, Gelo Francisco and the Philippine Chamber Singers–Los Angeles (fresh from their Memorial Day Carnegie Hall performance) and singer/composer Mon Concepcion will be showcasing their mastery of Filipino songs and music during the cultural extravaganza.

Director and emcee of the event will be well-known entertainer extraordinaire, Bernardo Bernardo. The event is sponsored by Amberville Board and Care.

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LOS ANGELES

PHL CHASES BOAT

TOURISM AREA

reached for comment Monday.

The 97,000-hectare (230,000acre) Tubbataha Reef is the country’s largest marine protected area and was listed as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1993. A US Navy minesweeper ran aground there in January, damaging a section of the reef and triggering a public

The Act was finally passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on February 4 and February 5, 2013, respectively.

President Aquino said it is the policy of the State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable and equitable for local communities.

Kalinga was declared as TDA because the province is “endowed with natural beauty, rivers, lake and mountain resources, and historical and cultural significance.”

Foreign and local tourists will enjoy their visit to the municipal-

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But Lacierda said the current thrust of the government is modernizing the Philippine police and military.

“In only a span of three years we have devoted a substantial amount of money towards modernizing our armed forces,” Lacierda said in the interview.

Under the AFP Modernization Law, the Aquino administration was able to acquire a Hamilton class cutter from the US – the BRP Gregorio del Pilar. The navy is also awaiting the arrival of another naval ship from the US, he

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nation address (SONA) in July.

The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) earlier reported an “impressive” 7.8% growth in the first quarter on higher consumption, manufacturing and government spending.

This is faster than last year’s 6.5% growth and the previous quarter’s revised 7.1% expansion.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said this is even the highest so far among the major East and Southeast

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tests.

“It’s subject to a scientific evaluation whether that banned substance exists in those products, and if it is, under our laws, it is banned. It is as simple as that,” Lacierda said.

“It has nothing to do with politics. It has nothing to do with the present situation that we’re in with Taiwan. FDA ‘yung nagdesisyon ‘nun e,” he added.

outcry. A Chinese fishing vessel also ran aground on the reef in April, causing even more damage.

The Philippines says it is facing a growing threat from neighbours illegally fishing in its waters.

It regularly protests the presence of Chinese vessels around Philippine-claimed waters and islands in the South China Sea. said.

The military also acquired several combat helicopters from Poland with the first four choppers now being used by the Air Force.

There are additional deliveries of more choppers as well as jet fighters most probably from South Korea.

“We are going to achieve what we have always maintained, what the President has always said—a minimum credible defense position; and if the lawmakers would wish to add to the budget of the AFP, again, we are going through a budget deliberation process,” Lacierda said.

Asian economies, particularly Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and China.

But Palma said the GDP data remains a mystery to him amid the bigger picture of hunger besetting a larger population.

“Now, the people are hungry for the truth. What is really the truth? Up to what extent is the socalled development?” Palma also told Radio Veritas.

He also criticized the businessmen for questioning the administration’s imposition of higher taxes.

Lacierda said the government continues to look out for the health of all Filipinos.

“Siyempre ang concern po ng gobyerno, ‘yung safety po at ‘yung kaligtasan, ang kalusugan po ng ating mga mamamayan. It has everything to do with the health of the Filipino citizens,” he said.

However, Lacierda also expressed hope that the tensions in Taiwan, which has resulted in cases of discrimination against OFW’s there, will end soon.

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ity of Tinglayan, with its natural formation of mountain ranges and the natural beauty of Palan-ah Falls and Hot Springs.

The rainforest of Mt. Binaratan in the municipality of Tanudan is now considered a potential site for trekking.

The visitors may enjoy the sighting of the subterranean rivers and caves in the municipality of Balbalan, the Aguinaldo Hill and mountain lakes in the municipality of Pinukpuk.

The President also mentioned the potential site for white water rafting along the Chico River starting in Tinglayan down to Lubuagan, Pasil and Tabuk City, as well as its historical sites, same in Guina-ang Village in the mu-

SURRENDER TO MALAYSIA

nicipality of Pasil, the Padharao Lake! the Elephant Hill and the man-made lagoon in the municipality of Rizal.

The province shall be accorded priority development by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing tourism zones.

“The Tourism Development Plan of the Province of Kalinga shall be incorporated in the DOT’s overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the “National Tourism Act of 2009? and be jointly implemented with the local government and the Provincial Tourism Council of Kalinga.

A National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) report concluded that there was conspiracy among members of the Kiram family and its supporters to reclaim Sabah.

The NBI report cleared former national security adviser Norberto Gonzales, Council for Philippine Affairs secretary-general Pastor Saycon, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari, and former media man Waldy Carbonell of any participation in the incursion, which led to the deaths of both Filipino and Malaysian nationals.

The NBI also recommended the filing of illegal possession of firearms and violation of election

gun ban and Article 118 of the Revised Penal Code or inciting to war against the Kirams and their supporters.

Jacel said that instead of persecuting the Kirams, the Philippine government must help them reclaim Sabah, which they said rightfully belongs to the sultanate, and by extension, to the Philippines.

“Wala tayong ginagawang kasalanan, ipinaglaban natin ang karapatan natin at kung anong para sa atin. Nasaan na ang pag-aaral na ginawa ni Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on the issue of Sabah? Ano na ang findings sa study na iyon? Bakit di nila ilabas sa publiko? I’m sure the Filipino people want to know what the findings are about,” Jacel said.

growth,” he said.

The President also said that a level playing field assures potential investors that the foundations for success in the Philippines are new ideas and hard work.

“That is the simple recipe behind the Philippine revival, and we are excited to discuss it more thoroughly with all of you next year, especially since we are accelerating our agenda of social inclusiveness and equitable progress,” he said.

“I am certain that we can learn much from your experiences in that regard. Thus, I am inviting all of you to visit the Philippines to see with your own eyes the transformation that has taken place,” he added.

President Aquino further said that their visit to the Philippines will be a memorable experience if they will set aside some time to explore some of the renowned tourist destinations in the country.

“For now, I suppose it is back to work for all of us. Rest assured,

I, along with the members of my Cabinet, will be at our desk, finding even more ways to accelerate our reform efforts so that we can surprise you even more during your visit next year,” he said.

“It has been a productive few days for a lot of us, and I am hopeful that as we all depart this beautiful country, the lessons we have shared and learned will endure; and that we can all look forward to following through on the commitments we have made towards building a stronger, more cooperative, and more inclusive world economy,” he added.

President Aquino also said that he and the Philippine delegation enjoyed their short visit here in Nay Pyi Taw. “And it has been a pleasure to witness a new chapter unfolding in Myanmar’s history, in which all sectors and groups can participate in improving peoples’ lives.

We are encouraged by the notable steps being taken to achieve greater political and economic openness in Myanmar,” he said.

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der members of the Kiram family and its supporters the to the Malaysian government following the February incursion in Sabah.

“May nakarating sa atin na there is a plan of giving us up, turning us over to Malaysia,” Jacel said at a press conference in Taguig City.

“Hindi natin maintindihan kung paano ito gagawin dahil legally, walang basehan ito. Kung extradition and pag-uusapan, as we have consulted our lawyers, kung ie-extradite ka, that is if you have a case in the country at bumalik ka lang sa Pilipinas. It’s part of the responsibuility of the government to return you the country kung saan ka nagkaroon ng kasalanan,” she added.

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“We are hopeful that we can match the standards set by Myanmar and duplicate their success,” President Aquino said. The Philippines has already started its preparations for the 2014 WEF East Asia Summit.

In his remarks, President Aquino also shared the Philippines’ experience in addressing the issue of development. He said that the government’s agenda “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap” resonated among the Filipinos.

“This is the overarching philosophy that has guided our reforms, our policies, and our social and economic resurgence, and it is in line with this philosophy that we are fostering a business environment in our country that is highly conducive to broad-based

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ployers and host countries to recognize the rights of domestic workers, following the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 89.

“Employers and host governments who treat HSWs as slaves are violating the ILO Convention 89 that recognizes equal rights of domestic workers as regular workers,” Baldoz said, who is in Geneva to attend the ILO’s 102nd International Labor Conference.

Under ILO Convention 89, employers and host governments have to step up measures and laws to “improve treatment of all domestic workers and recognize them as part of regular workers who have rights based on labor standards, right to safety and health and respect for their religious beliefs and practices,” Baldoz said.

The Labor Secretary added the move of

recruitment agencies to stop sending Pinoy workers to Hong Kong if employers refuse to pay placement fees “serves as a strong signal” that Filipino HSWs should be treated with dignity.

It is a strong message “na hindi pamigay ang ating mga HSWs,” Baldoz said.

Fifty-two recruitment agencies allied with the Society of Hong Kong Association of Recruiters in the Philippines (SHARP) vowed not to charge Hong Kong-bound Filipino HSWs placement fees.

An earlier report on the South China Morning Post said SHARP “wants Hong Kong agencies to pay their counterpart agencies in the Philippines HK$5,500 more in total recruitment fees to cover expenses such as plane tickets and insurance.” (MNS)

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was an “offensive” June 4 issue that criticized the hypocrisy of homophobic Christians, The strip also suggested that all the “beautiful” students and some nuns at a leading Catholic school for girls were lesbians.

The school, St. Scholastica’s College, had threatened to sue the paper and demanded an explanation as to how editors allowed the joke to go to print.

The paper said the strip was originally submitted in April, but was rejected. An apparent mix-up led to its publication.

Medina could not be immediately reached for comment Sunday, but in an interview with ABS-CBN television, he said he was hurt when his strip was axed despite a sincere apology.

“My resignation is the ultimate expression of regret,” he said.

More than 80 percent of Filipinos are Catholics, and while homosexuality is tolerated in the democratic country, the church remains a powerful force.

The Pugad Baboy comic strip has been offering stinging commentaries on life in the Philippines through the eyes of a community composed of obese characters since 1988.

The Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) in a statement said it regretted Medi-

na’s treatment by the Inquirer and warned it was a “threat to freedom of expression.”

“This can set a dangerous precedent for other publications and media institutions under similar situations,” group spokesman Renan Ortiz said.

The group noted that the strip “served not only as a source of humor but also satire and relevant social commentary” that even poked fun at the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

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month, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. was tasked to come up with an executive order creating a specific law enforcement office whose main objective is to rid the bureaucracy of the so-called rotten eggs.

Reliable sources also revealed that the Executive Order No. 8 that former President Joseph Estrada issued in July 1998, creating the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), “may be revived” by Malacañang.

This was the same PAOCTF that Lacson headed, except for few possible modifications. (MNS)

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DOST launches gov’t email system, cloud MANILA, June 10 (Mabuhay) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Monday launched key information and communication technology (ICT) applications and services, to kick off ICT Month.

Among the apps and services introduced are the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), government-wide email system (GovMail), government cloud (GovCloud), Agency Records Inventory System (AgRIS), and Government Website Template. “These applications and systems all contribute to more efficient government operations that redound to the benefit of the citizens through faster delivery of goods and services,� said Denis F. Villorente, iGovPhil project director.

Villorente said the PKI will provide added security to government online transactions and communications with the use of dual keys for sealing and opening documents online and the use of digital certificates for authentication and verification. The technology can also be used in transactions with the public like delivery of services and online payment.

As for GovMail, the government will now have a uniform email and online identity. “The email, including data and other records, will be stored in

a remote and secure facility,� he said, referring to GovCloud.

GovCloud is owned and operated by the government and data is hosted at a government data center.

Also to give the government a unique corporate identity, the Government Website Template was created. Government agencies are urged to adopt the template to give their websites a common “look and feel.� “With one look, the user will be able to say that this is a Philippine government website. The agencies, of course, still control content on their sites.

They will have features that show their line of service, like content and presentation,� Villorente said.

AgRIS is an inventory of files, documents and records kept by each government agency. Its role is to keep track and provide a list of all these records and store them in a government data center in preparation for the eventual implementation of the National Archives and Records Management (NARM) program.

The government is holding festivities for ICT Month through June 14 at the Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) at C.P. Garcia Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.(MNS)

Guingona to re-file bill on people’s participation in budget process MANILA, June 8 (Mabuhay) – Sen. Teofisto Guingona III has expressed commitment to re-file a bill on the people’s participation in the local and national budget process in the Senate in the forthcoming 16th Congress.

Guingona made his promise in front of the various marginalized sectors and non-government organizations (NGOs) headed by Social Watch Philippines in a recent forum at the Philippine Senate.

The lawmaker from Mindanao filed Senate Bill 2857 of the People’s Participation in the Budget Process Act in 2011 but it failed to get approval in the just-concluded 15th Congress. �It was one of the very complicated bills. When I filed it, the local government budget was included but due to strong opposition, we were forced to remove local budget,� Guingona said.

However, the Senate still failed to approve it on the floor while the House version sponsored by Rep. Erin Tanada never hurdled the committee level. �The opposition is too much. In one of the meeting, a local government said there is no need for people’s participation because we are already the

people’s representatives to scrutinize budget,� Guingona said.

Despite the strong opposition, Guingona expressed his renewed commitment to push for the passage of the bill in the forthcoming 16th Congress. �It’s really difficult but we will try to pass it in the next Congress. Hopefully, more lawmakers would not support this measure,� Guingona said.

Among the marginalized sectors who attended the Senate forum include cultural communities, coconut farmers, urban poor, upland and lowland farmers, fishermen and persons with disability.

The marginalized and NGOs expressed appreciation to Guingona as they also made recommendations on how to strengthen citizen’s participation in local governance and budget and public finance.

The forum was held to provide venue that will facilitate linkages among local budget advocates and partner senators as well as the Senate Economic and Planning Office and Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office towards strengthening and sustaining people’s budget engagement strategies. (MNS)

Comelec withholds additional seats for Buhay, et al MANILA, June 10 (Mabuhay) – The Commission on Elections has started issuing certificates of proclamation (COP) to winning party-list groups in the May 2013 mid-term election.

However, Comelec Commissioner Lucenito Tagle said they will continue to withhold the additional party-list seats of Buhay, An Waray and Magdalo as well as the proclamation of the last 5 seats due to the pendency of the disqualification case against Senior Citizens and Abang Lingkod before the Supreme Court.

Tagle said the poll body has issued the certificates of proclamation of many of the party-list winners.

The COP is the document needed to identify a party list representative so he/she can be allowed to as-

7

Filipino Global Runner Cesar Guarin completes Middle East leg of his solo run around the world The first Filipino global runner and the “Father of Ultramarathon� in the Philippines Cesar Guarin is back from his successful Middle East run,

which lasted 30 days from April 15 to May 17, and covered a total distance of 932 kilometers.

After running in six countries in the Middle East, Guarin continues to bring pride to his countrymen through his global pursuit to join the ranks of elite global runners numbering less than 10 worldwide.

GMA International, the international arm of leading broadcast company GMA Network, has been a staunch supporter of the veteran distance runner since his Australian leg last year and has once again renewed their partnership with Guarin and The Global Run (GR) team for this ME leg. “We are proud of Mr. Cesar Guarin for successfully completing his Middle East run, which was deemed as his most challenging global run stage of all,� said GMA Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia.

“We admire his passion and determination, and consider it an honor to play a significant role in his quest to become the first Filipino and Asian to finish a solo run across the globe� he added.

Guarin kicked off his ME run in Bahrain, where he conquered desert roads and oil pipelines for two days along with local female ultrarunner, Dunya Elias. Prior to his 110-km run, Guarin covered 22 kms within Bahrain’s capital and its largest city, Manama.

From Bahrain, Guarin endured major highways on desert roads and extreme temperature in Qatar to complete 209 kms in 5 days despite such challenging condition. Guarin and his GR Team Joon Malicse (project head and consultant) and Lester Fernandez (former handler and GRT volunteer) also attended the Emir Basketball Cup, where they met Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, the Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary General and member of the royal family, and even joined a fun run in Doha.

Guarin marked the third leg of his ME run in Kuwait, where he was met by over 1,000 spectators – his biggest crowd in ME. The global runner ran 110 kms, which he finished in just 5 days.

Guarin then continued his run in Saudi Arabia on May 1 as a fitting tribute to OFWs in the country. From an initial target run of 500 kms for 7 days, it was trimmed down to a 1-day, 43-km run due to unforeseen delays in the approval of their visa. Still and all, Guarin is the first Filipino runner to be given a permit from the Saudi government to do a solo run in the Eastern province of Saudi.

According to Guarin, his run in Oman was the most difficult of all legs.

But even the mountainous region of Oman did not stop Guarin from finishing the race what with his decades’ worth of experience running across the globe.

He completed this stage in 6 days covering 175 kms.

The Filipino ultamarathoner capped off his ME run in UAE, where he covered a total running distance of 285 kms. For his longest leg, Guarin ran along major highways from Abu Dhabi going to Dubai for 9 days.

In between runs, Guarin and his team made their rounds in each of the country’s Philippine Embassy, where they were met by local officials and fellow Pinoys wanting to lend their support.

Guarin noted on the generous support provided by the Philippine embassies, Ministry of Sports of each country and from our kababayan working in the Middle East.

With this new achievement in place, Guarin is even more determined to finish what he started and become an inspiration to more Filipinos across the globe. “I’ve seen Cesar ran in 14 countries already in 3 years but it still amazes me to see him every time he run each day on the road,� shared Malicse. “His determination and stamina to run under the scorching heat of the sun in the Middle East from sunrise to sundown is unbelievable. And at the end of the day he can still manage to smile genuinely and still take time to wash his clothes and do other stuff. I hope a lot people get the chance to see him run the way we do. He truly is inspiring.�

Guarin is set to take on his next stage – his 2,500-km solo run in North America, covering Alaska, Vancouver, and other key cities in the West Coast – from October to December this year bringing him closer to the fulfilment of his ultimate dream.

GMA International channels - GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV and GMA News TV International - can be seen in the US, Canada, and in countries in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia Pacific.

For more details, visit the GMA International website www. gmanetwork.com/international, Facebook pages www.facebook. com/GMAPinoyTV,www.facebook.com/gmalifetv and www.facebook.com/gmanewsinternational, or Twitter pages @GMAPinoyTV and @GMA_LifeTV. (30)

sume office by the House of Representatives.

Last week Comelec said it will withhold the COPs of the 3rd seat of Buhay and the 2nd seats of An Waray and Magdalo.

The Comelec also withheld the seats of Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) as the poll body has yet to resolve who between the groups’ warring factions should get the seat. “The way I look at it, baka resolve agad ng SC yan because of the June 30 deadline. Saka wala pa kami formal resolution na sinasabi ganyan. Hino-hold lang namin certificate of proclamation. Malamang makuha rin. I have a hunch,� he said.

Tagle believes the Supreme Court will rule on the merits of the disqualification case against Senior Citizens and Abang Lingkod soon. “Problema di kami makakilos though they promised to resolve main petition.

EARN YOUR WE OFFER MANILA, June 8 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino Karamihan ng 53 nandun na.� • Work study programs • Full-tuition scholarship • Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management Tagle, who is acting chairman while III’s State of the Nation Address for 2013 is still in its early • Master’s Degree in International Business • Dorm housing for Students • Academic Immigration Counseling stages, with speechwriters still working on the outline as of Sixto Brillantes is on vacation, said • ESL & TOEFL there is no reason yet for Buhay to seek Saturday, Malacaùang said.

CONTACT 3130 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010 On state-run dzRB radio, presidential spokesman Edwin relief from the SC regarding its 3rd seat.

Telephone: (213) 381-3710 • (213) 381-3719 US: “OK lang yun. Amin naman temporary Lacierda said the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) and Fax: (213) 381-6990 Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras are collating data lang yun. Di pa na-implement no reason to go Hanapin si www.ciula.edu to the SC. Sa aming computation hinold lang from concerned agencies.

Jomar Caluza INTERNATIONAL “Between now and SONA, apart from the daily briefings naming temporarily yung 2 binigay na namAdmissions STUDENTS WELCOME ing pasok na kaya si (Lito) Atienza,� he said. (and) the daily work the president will be engaging, there will be opportunities to meet with speechwriters, Cabinet members and the Cabinet Secretary to discuss the SONA,� he said.

He added the PMS is responsible for tracking the promises Aquino had made when he assumed office in 2010. It will assess “what we delivered and what we still need to deliver,� he added.

Citing updates from communications undersecretary Manuel Quezon III, he said this year’s SONA has undergone at least two outline revisions. “Wala pa ang talumpati (We have not started work on the speech itself),� he said.

WH +DQGOH $// ,PPLJUDWLRQ 0DWWHUV On July 22, Aquino is to deliver his SONA before members of Â&#x2021; 5(029$/ '(3257A7,21 '()(16( th the 16 Congress at the Batasan complex in Quezon City. Â&#x2021; )$0,/Y %$6(' ,00,*5$7,21 Â&#x2021; %86,1(66 $1' ,19(6725 9,6$ New Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Army causing peace Â&#x2021; (03/2<0(17 %$6(' process standstill â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Palace $WW\ *DOL .RUHQ Â&#x2021; +($/7+&$5( 352)(66,21$/6 MANILA, June 10 (Mabuhay) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Despite a report saying that Licensed Attorney Â&#x2021; 3(50 $SSURYDO *XDUDQWHHG RU ZH OO 5HILOH IRU )5((

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Laude, from Western State University. She obtained her LLM in â&#x20AC;&#x153;We would like to have a peace agreement with them but it is $WW\ &DUOR %RUMD International Law from the University of San Diego Law School, not us which is the stumbling block to the peace process,â&#x20AC;? Presimajoring in Immigration Law. Ms. Koren is a member of the Licensed Attorney dential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a briefing.

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WE WILL WORK HARD FOR YOU TO FULFILL YOUR IMMIGRATION GOALS! But Lacierda said the government has never violated the agreement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think if you look at the history or rather several news rei n f o @ k o r e n i m m i g r a t i o n . c o m Â&#x2021; w w w . k o r e n i m m i g r a t i o n . c o m ports, several years back, we have not used landmines, we have 15260 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1200 1475 S. State College Blvd., Suite 110, not violated Carhrihl,â&#x20AC;? Lacierda said.

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MOTORING French electric car share program sets sights on Indy (CHICAGO-AFP) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A French electric car share program has set its sights on the home of one of the top US race car events: Indianapolis.

Bollore, which already runs a successful car share program in Paris, plans to bring 500 electric vehicles and 1,200 charging stations to the home of the Indy

500 early next year.

The $35 million project is Bolloreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first car share venture outside of France and the first step in a plan to establish similar programs in a number of US cities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The success of the Autolibâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Paris â&#x20AC;&#x201C; based on convenience, reliability and availability â&#x20AC;&#x201C; has exceeded our expectations and real- An electric Autolib bluecar is presented during a press conference at the Trocadero in Paris. AFP PHOTO / ized our ERIC PIERMONT ! " " # $% $"! ! &# business communityâ&#x20AC;? and a large student popgoal of transforming habits of car ownership, ulation which could make use of car sharing, reducing pollution and relieving traffic congesMuller told AFP. tion,â&#x20AC;? chairman Vincent Bollore said in a stateUnlike many midsized US cities, it also has ment. a vibrant downtown core populated by young The Indianapolis project will fill a pressprofessionals who might be willing to give up ing need for better public transportation in their cars if a good alternative was offered, he a sprawling midwestern city whichâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;unlike & ' (( ) % * said. urban hubs like New York, Chicago and San The charging stations will be available to Francisco â&#x20AC;&#x201C; does not already have a car sharing private electric vehicle owners, which will help program and has a limited transit system.

Indianapolis to be one of the most electrified â&#x20AC;&#x153;This program provides a great opportunity cities in the United States. for downtown workers, residents and visitors to

Bollore has been in contact with a number of get around town in a car without owning one,â&#x20AC;?

! "" # other large and midsized US cities, and Muller Indianapolis mayor Greg Ballard said.

" Bollore, a shipping giant which also develsaid every one of them expressed interest in es

tablishing an electric car-sharing program. ops electric batteries and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;smartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; electrical sys

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The question is how do you translate that tems, said it was drawn to Indianapolis after

interest into a real project,â&#x20AC;? Muller said.

Ballard announced plans last year to shift the

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on short one-way rentals and the cars will be â&#x20AC;&#x153;That told us, ah there is something there outfitted with a GPS that allows users to reâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; we have to go talk to Mayor Ballard,â&#x20AC;? said $%# $%# serve a parking spot with a charging station Herve Muller, general manager for Bollore "&'( "&'( near their destination. subsidiary IER, which is managing the pro gram.

It will be available to both individuals and to government and corporate users wishing to Aside from the strong political commitreduce the size of their vehicle fleets. ment, Indianapolis also offers a â&#x20AC;&#x153;very dynamic

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Ferrari is one of nine car companies to confirm that it will be integrating Appleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iPhone operating system within its cars before the end of 2014. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS

(Relaxnews) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The tech companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next mobile operating system will not just be coming to iPhones and iPads, it will also be coming to car dashboards.

During his keynote presentation at the World Wide Developers Conference, Eddy Cue, Appleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head of internet software and services and a sitting Ferrari board member, said that full iOS integration with car dashboards will be coming in 2014 and that 12 manufacturers were already onboard, one of which, surprise, surprise, is Ferrari, a company Cue joined in 2012 to help it harness the power and possibility of internet services.

The other companies to pledge support are Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Chevrolet, Infinity, KIA, Hyundai, Volvo, Opel, Jaguar Land Rover and Acura.

In his demo, a number of iOS apps appeared on a car dashboard display screen including Voice calls, Messaging, Maps and Music Player, all of which react to voice commands.

It was at last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WWDC that Apple

revealed something called Siri Eyes Free, an option on the latest iPhone that made it safe to use while driving.

By pressing a dedicated button on a carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dashboard, the driver could use voice commands to make and receive calls, instruct Siri to make searches or to read back emails and take dictation.

Driving, distractions were reduced further still by the fact that in Eyes-Free mode, the iPhoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s screen didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even light up when in use.

Twelve months later, the feature is already being offered on Chevrolet, Honda, Acura, BMW and Mercedes cars.

The latest announcement really ups the ante. Siriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capabilities have received a serious overhaul and now the voice-activated, talkative virtual assistant can make web searches and access information via Bing or Wikipedia, read back Tweets, and control elements such as screen brightness and volume. And whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, she (or he if the user prefers a male voice) can now do it all while the deviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s owner is behind the wheel.

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BMW to integrate Appleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Siri Eyes Free across entire range by 2014 (Relaxnews) - The German executive car maker will also offer support for Samsungâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s S-Voice voice operation feature within the next 12 months.

Siri Eyes Free is a feature in the latest version of the iPhoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operating system that allows a driver to access a number of smartphone functions with voice commands, without touching the deviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homekey.

The features, which include making and receiving calls, internet searches and obtaining turn-by-turn navigation, are instead accessed via a dedicated button on a carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dashboard or, in BMWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s case, on the steering wheel.

When pressed and held, Siri comes to life and the driver can ask questions or give voice commands.

The integration, part of BMWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reworked ConnectedDrive integrated driver and multimedia interface, will also see voice support for a number of apps in-

BMW ConnectedDrive

cluding Pandora and Glympse. The system will also support S-Voice, the Samsung Galaxy S equivalent of Siri.

Siri Eyes-Free was first revealed at the 2012 Apple World Wide Developers Conference as a way of keeping drivers safe while they access smartphone apps, and eight car makersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;BMW, GM, Jaguar and Land Rover, Toyota, Audi, Chrysler, Honda and Mercedes-Benzâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; were announced as initial supporters of the feature. Earlier this year, Hyundai also pledged support for its integration.

Mercedes-Benz was the first company to integrate the feature in its cars with the 2013 A-Class supermini, launched in Europe in September. Since then Chevrolet and Honda have also joined the party, announcing support for the feature on a number of models at the Detroit Motorshow. However, thus far, BMW is the first company to integrate Siri across its entire vehicle line.

Driving is as stressful as skydiving: study (Relaxnews) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; An in-depth study by technologies. GPS was used to track the Audi and MIT designed to understand vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location and speed while in-caband reverse the impacts of stress and in cameras monitored the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facial strain on drivers in different road condi- expressions and his or her view through tions finds that getting behind the wheel the windshield.

To put the collected data into perspecis as stressful as participating in extreme tive, it was compared with other routine sports.

The Road Frustration Index (RFI) is a and not-so-routine tasks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In addition to project that investigates the emotive as- daily driving conditions, we are measurpects of driving. A collaboration between ing stress levels under a variety of daily the German carmaker and the Massa- activities: at home, in the office, while chusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) having breakfast or attending a lecture SENSEable City Laboratory, it com- at MIT. We found that certain driving bines real-time data on traffic, incidents, situations can be one of the most stressweather and driver sentiment across 30 ful activities in our lives,â&#x20AC;? said Kael Gremetropolitan areas in the US to under- co, project leader, MIT SENSEable City stand and accurately measure the level of Laboratory.

One of the biggest surprises came when driver stress each situation and location the stress levels of driving were compared creates.

For the clearest picture of how these to those generated from partaking in exconditions negatively impact on drivers, treme sports. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The data we received is MIT designed a series of experiments fascinating. One study showed that get

an oncoming car can that measure stress and frustration dur- ting side swiped by

ing real-world driving tasks, which saw be almost as stressful as jumping out of volunteers put behind wheel and a plane,â&#x20AC;? said Filip Brabec, director of Out TotheBe The wired up to computers with psychologi- product management, Audi of America.

Nissan dealer the World* Trials were conducted over a 12-month cal sensors plus face-inand body-tracking

The Audi A6 Avant with the traffic Jam assistant: Audi, already a world-leader in autonomous car tech, has teamed up with MIT to understand how to eliminate stress while driving through new driver assistance and connected car technology.

period on a variety of roadway types, ranging from bustling highways to quiet suburban side streets, and a variety of road conditions, from stop-and-go traffic patterns to confusing roadway navigation.

As well as using the sensor-collected data, results were validated via driver questionnaires and through film footage of the trails.

Audi hopes that the results will help to

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inform its future development of driver assistance and connectivity technologies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By working with MIT to identify stress points for drivers, Audi is able to anticipate the needs for future mobility. Audi has worked with MIT on other projects as part of a strategy to develop new technology and approaches with leading universities to better understand the conditions that lead to driver stress.â&#x20AC;?

GM launches free car-key smartphone app

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(Relaxnews) - With the RemoteLink app, remote door locking and engine start features are standard across the entire General Motors 2014 range.

By simply downloading the app to their Apple or Android device, drivers will be able to remotely operate their new vehicle from anywhere as long as they have a wireless or cellular connection.

Despite not having the same reputation for automotive innovation as many of its European, Japanese and even US competitors, GM can claim to be one of the first car companies to realize the benefits of connected cars and of the potential of smartphone apps.

Its OnStar infotainment system, which provides navigation, entertainment, emergency services and hands-free phone calls, was one of the first on the market and also one of the first to use a real-life rather than virtual assistant.

Simply press the button, speak to the switchboard operator and he or she will send turn-by-turn directions to the carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sat nav system.

Features such as remote locking and unlocking; sounding the horn; turning lights on and off; and engine start are usually paid options, even on executive cars, and while GM is making them standard features for any new OnStarequipped car through the app, the company is clearly hoping that the benefits will tempt customers to pay for other â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;premiumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; app features.

Additional paid-for features include remote diagnostics (being able to use a smartphone to check oil pressure and fuel levels etc); the ability to plan a route and send the directions to the car; and a one-touch connection to an OnStar advisor for both simple and emergency requests.

All a customer has to do to turn their phone into a remote key fob is to take order of a 2014 GM vehicle, download the app via Google Play or Appleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s App Store and agree to the terms and conditions.

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Health and fitness agenda: Wanderlust, mind over madness (Relaxnews) – Coming up, Vermont ramps up for its annual yoga and music festival, Wanderlust, while New Yorkers seek yogic tranquility in one of the busiest places on earth, Times Square.

Wanderlust June 21-24 Bondville, Vermont, USA This popular annual festival is all about yoga, music, and nature. Days are for downward dogs with 40+ yoga instructors including the Village Anusara with YogaSlackers, a play lounge, hoop dance, hikes, and meditation. Nights are dance parties featuring top musical acts and DJs. Sister events happen in California’s Squaw Valley July 18-July 21, Colorado on July 4-7, and Whistler, BC, August 1-4. http://www.wanderlustfestival.com Mind Over Madness June 21 New York, New York On June 21, thousands of yogis will be seeking tranquility and flexibility in one of the busiest places on earth, Times Square, as part of the annual Mind Over Madness event. The day-long free yoga event, sponsored by Athleta and held at Broadway between 42nd and 47th Streets, happens every year to mark the summer solstice. The event features free scheduled yoga classes, musical performances, speakers, raffles, and free giveaways. Preregister and learn more at http://www. timessquarenyc.org/events/solstice-intimes-square/index.aspx International Surf Day June 23 Worldwide Surfers around the world will take to the waves to celebrate their sport on the 10th anniversary of International Surf Day. Last year nearly 200 events took place in more than 30 countries around the globe,

and this year even more are expected, as surfers and paddle-boarders mobilize for a celebration of free concerts, surf lessons and demos, parties, beach clean-ups, and contests. http://www.surfing-day.com/en/default.aspx 10th pHealth June 26-28 Tallinn, Estonia pHealth is celebrating its ninth annual event as the leading international conference devoted to wearable micro nano technologies for personalized health. The event is designed for health professionals and scientists but there will be lots of new “future” medicine and therapies revealed. http://phealth2013.eu Reebok CrossFit Games 2013 July 22-28 Carson, California, USA The CrossFit Games event is the final competition in a series in which the world’s fittest, who have triumphed in regionals and sectionals around the world, come together to compete for the grand prize. CrossFit is about metabolic conditioning and combines a series of intense, fast workouts without machines for core strengthening and conditioning including weightlifting, sprinting, and gymnastics. http://games.crossfit.com 29th IDEA World Fitness Convention August 7-11 Los Angeles, California, USA Moving to Los Angeles in 2013, IDEA World Fitness Convention is one of the largest and oldest trade events for fitness professionals. Thousands of influential fitness and wellness professionals from 65 nations will participate in hundreds of sessions devoted to new fitness trends.

After this event, fitness centers globally Mind Over Madness takes place June 21 in New York City.Photo: Adam Pantozzi http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-conferwill be introducing new classes, tech- clude Germany’s FIBO and LA’s IHRSA niques and products. Rival tradeshows in- International Convention & Trade Show. ences/idea-world-fitness-convention

Cook with vegetable fats for a healthy heart: study Not all fats are created equal, say researchers from the University of Missouri and the University of Illinois.

But vegetable fats have been unfairly vilified and lumped in the same group as animal fats when in fact they can help strengthen cardiovascular health, they say.

Published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and released by the universities last week, the study reviewed 15 clinical trials involving 500 adults who consumed various forms of fats.

The overall conclusion was that vegetable-derived fats like soy, corn and canola are rich in linoleic acid, which has been shown to help reduce Cooking with vegetable fats like corn, sunflower blood cholesterol levels. and canola can be heart healthy. PhotoSGH/shutterAnimal fats, meanwhile, can cause stock.com (Relaxnews) – People should feel harmful inflammation in the body, guilt-free when cooking with veg- which has been linked to chronic etable fats like canola, corn and sun- disease.

But before you go go throwing asflower oils, which can actually be heart-healthy, suggests a team of US sorted foods into the deep fryer, scientists remind consumers that the experts. maximum recommended daily intake is between 2 to 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil to reap the benefits of linoleic acid.

Meanw h i l e , another study rel e a s e d earlier this year

and funded by the canola industry claimed that the consumption of canola oil can help reduce belly fat over other vegetable oil blends like corn and safflower.

The Canadian-American study was conducted out of the University of Manitoba, Penn State, Laval University in Quebec and the University of Toronto.

Most women say high heels start to hurt after an hour (Relaxnews) – If you’ve ever suffered foot problems from wearing a gorgeous pair of heels, you’re certainly in good company.

Most women report that high heels start to hurt after one hour and six minutes, while 20 percent say that they can feel the pain after just 10 minutes.

In a new British survey of 2,000 men and women and 60 podiatrists conducted

by The College of Podiatry, about half of women said that they suffered foot problems after wearing uncomfortable shoes.

More than 40 percent of women said that they’ll suffer for the sake of fashion, while only 12 percent of men said that they’d do the same.

When the pain gets too much, one in four women said that they have resorted to dancing barefoot in a nightclub or bar, while a third of women said that they have walked home barefoot due to throbbing feet.

Women in the survey on average said that they own 17 pairs of shoes, while men said that they own eight.

The younger the woman, the higher the heels, with 20 percent of women aged 1824 owning a pair of six-inch high heeled shoes compared to 10 percent of those aged 25-42.

Perhaps it’s no surprise but women were also found to have more foot ailments than men, with 90 percent saying that they have experienced problems, ranging from blisters to muscular problems.

Twenty percent of women said that there were “embarrassed” by their feet, with another 12 percent so ashamed that

Ninety percent of women surveyed said that they have experienced foot problems. Photo: coka/shutterstock.com

they always covered them up.

“Feet are one of the hardest working parts of the body and in a lifetime you will walk in excess of 150,000 miles,” said Lorraine Jones, podiatrist from The College of Podiatry. “As a result of general wear and tear, most of us will suffer with some sort of foot complaint at some point in our lives, but we are seeing a lot of cases which could have been prevented - particularly amongst women.”

“We all like to look good but it’s important to take a common sense approach to footwear,” she added. “High heels and flip flops are fine to wear occasionally but not all the time. For day to day wear you should opt for a well-fitting round toed shoe with a heel height of around three centimeters.”

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Gerald Anderson film eyed for Hollywood remake The 24-year-old actor said Hollywood producers have expressed interest in doing a remake of the Erik Matti-directed film “On The Job.” “Sabi nila direk, ‘yung kampo nila Mark Wahlberg tumawag para i-remake, at saka nila Tom Cruise,” Anderson said.

He added: “Malay natin [matuloy].

Kami nga nakarating kami sa Cannes.

Dreams do come true. Mag-focus lang kayo sa gusto niyo mangyari sa buhay niyo, at dahil kay Papa God, mangyayari ‘yun.”

Produced by ABS-CBN’s film production outfit, Star Cinema, “On The Job” held its world premiere in May at Directors’ Fortnight section the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival, Gerald Anderson where it received a standing ovation.

An action-thriller starring Gerald AnRecalling the proud moment, Anderson derson is being considered for a Holly- said, “Tinitingnan ko si Piolo, ‘Bro, kaunwood remake, according to the actor. ti nalang iiyak na ako, eh.’ Kasi talagang

ang-init ng pagtanggap nila. Very proud day para sa mga Pinoy,” he said.

In “On The Job,” Anderson portrays an inmate temporarily released from jail to become a contract killer for corrupt politicians. He is joined in the film by actor Piolo Pascual, who plays a National Bureau of Investigation agent.

The cast also includes Joel Torre, Shaina Magdayao, Joey Marquez, and Angel Aquino.

Prior to the screening of “On The Job” at Cannes, film distributor Well Go USA had acquired the North American rights to the film, according to a report on news website Indiewire.

The film is planned to have a theatrical release in the United States in the last quarter of the year.

“Sa simula ng career ko, never ko inimagine makakarating ako sa ganito, so I’m very thankful, very humbled,” Ander-

son said.

The Kapamilya star said he is also please with the increasing number of opportunities for local actors to cross over from mainstream cinema to indie films, and vice versa.

“Nag-iba na ‘yung style ngayon. Hindi lang ‘yung mga indie actors ang gumagawa ng indie films, kundi kami naring mga mainstream actors. Grabe ‘yung opportunity, eh,” he said.

“We’re sharing our talent na rin, kung anuman ‘yung kaya naming gawin for the indie industry, at ganun narin ‘yung indie for mainstream,” he added.

Asked if he is willing to take up a possible Hollywood offer, following his recent exposure to an international audience, Anderson said, “Kung may offer, gusto ko ipakita na ang mga Pinoy may talent din. Kung may offer, yes, oo naman, para mapakita natin sa kanila.”

Charice has a crush on Sarah G

Piolo’s son also wants to join showbiz

Singer Charice, who admitted that she “Ano man ang sabihin ng iba, masakit is a lesbian, revealed that she has a crush man at hindi maganda, lagi mong iisipon fellow singer Sarah Geronimo. in na ngayon, malaya ka na, “ Seguerra “Kasi po siyempre she’s pretty, bonus na tweeted. ‘yon, we all know that. Pero ang talagang napakabait niya and I know na dinifend niya ako,” Charice said.

Geronimo first met Charice when she hosted the ABS-CBN talent show “Little Big Star” in 2005.

Last April, Geronimo came to the defense of Charice, who drew negative reactions because of her look.

Charice, who is in a relationship with AKA Jam member Alyssa Quijano, said her girlfriend also has her own crush.

“Mayroon siya at mayroon din ako, para safe,” Charice said.

On Aiza In the interview, Charice also admitted that she’s a fan of the openly gay Aiza Seguerra, who also expressed her support for the “Pyramid” singer.

“Idol ko talaga ‘yon, si idol. Siya nga ‘yung hinihintay ko na magsalita about this and she did and I’m very thankful.

Miss Lea Salonga, BB Gandanghari, Ryan Seacrest... Maraming, maraming salamat lang po,” she said.

On Twitter, Seguerra reminded Charice that no matter what happens she’s now Charice Pempengco and Sarah Geronimo free.

Actor Piolo Pascual has vowed to support the dreams of his son Iñigo, who has signified his desire to follow his father’s footsteps in show business.

“Hindi ko alam kung saan niya nga nakuha ‘yon, pero gustong-gusto niyang mag-artista,” Pascual said as he renewed his contract with ABS-CBN. Pascual was accompanied by Inigo, who is currently in the country for a vacation.

“Susuportahan natin ‘yan bata, anak mo ‘yan. Kahit anong gawin niya kapag dumating sa punto na kailangan niyang mag-decide for his own, you just have to be there to support,” Pascual added.

The “Apoy sa Dagat” actor said his only condition is for his son to finish his studies first before pursuing a showbiz career.

“Our only deal is for him to at least finish high school,” Pascual said, noting that his son is active in his school’s theater program.

“So, I guess he’s been bitten by the bug kasi nagmu-musical siya – ‘Godspell’ – and for this school year, he’s gearing up for the next school play.

Hindi natin mapipigilan,” he said.

“That’s the only deal I have with him. Kapag 18 na ‘yan, hindi mo na mapipigilan ‘yan. If you ask me, of course, I want him to finish college first so he will have a degree, something to fall back on. Iba ‘yung kahit paano may knowledge ka. Kahit paano marunong kang humarap sa tao na may nalalaman ka,” he explained.

Piolo Pascual

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Jasmine Curtis-Smith mum on romance with Sam Concepcion YOUNG actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith remains tight-lipped on the real score between her and singer-actor Sam Concepcion.

In a recent interview with the actress, Jasmine said that Sam should be the one answering questions regarding their rumored relationship.

“A lady shouldn’t be the one defining it, especially when it’s such a private part of who I am. When it comes to personal matters, even it was a family matter, I want to keep it private, learn how to handle it in my own little world. Whatever status he says it is, I will say my part once he has done his,” she said.

Jasmine said her family is fond of the singer. He already had dinner with her sister, actress Anne Curtis, and her parents.

“I’m just happy. He’s such a great guy, he’s intelligent, and he’s caring. I’m happy that they’re supportive. But if it’s any other guy, I know they will give the same

support,” she said.

Jasmine said Anne reminded her to keep her personal life private.

When asked if it’s difficult to work in competing networks, the 19-year-old said that as of now, things are looking great between them.

“Considering we’re from different networks, I think it would be hard for our fans. Maybe it would also cause conflict on our projects, but I’m hoping it wouldn’t be a cause for any negativity,” she said.

Sam and Jasmine met each other in the hallways of ABS-CBN in 2006. They’ve become friends since.

Meanwhile, Jasmine is set to enter college this month.

She’s taking up Communication Arts at the Ateneo de Manila University.

“I’m so excited to start in Ateneo because I miss that organized schedule, what time my day starts and finish,” she said.

Even though she will be busy with her

Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Sam Concepcion

studies, Jasmine assured her followers that she will still allot some time for her show biz career.

She is part of “Undercover” opposite Arci Munoz and Derek Ramsay.

“I can still work every day on a maximum of eight hours, but I don’t want to give too much priority to work when I’ve committed myself to my education as well,” she ended.

Julia Montes on love scenes: Not yet Maricar Reyes, Richard Poon tie knot

Julia Montes

While she has already turned 18, actress Julia Montes feels it is not yet time for her to do love or kissing scenes.

The actress, however, clarified that this does not mean she is not willing to do such scenes in her future projects.

“I can’t say I’m super open to it. But if you ask me, if it can be avoided, I will avoid it. I’m super young pa,” she said.

As an actress, Montes said she also wants the TV show to have a good plot.

And if it does require love or kissing scenes, she will give it serious thought.

“If it’s really necessary, if it can improve the show, then maybe… Maybe, I can do it. But not soon. It’s also going to give me a different kind of pressure,” she said.

Montes had her first onscreen kiss in her movie with actor Coco Martin, “A

Moment In Time.”

It was earlier reported that Montes’ grandmother strictly guarded the shoot of her granddaughter’s kissing scene, saying Montes is still too young for that.

Meanwhile, Montes said she is more comfortable doing heavy-drama roles, like the character she portrayed in last year’s top-rating series “Walang Hanggan.”

Montes said she doesn’t mind being given more roles like that because it challenges her.

“Not all artists are given that kind of opportunity – a serious, mature role for my age. For that, I’m happy and blessed,” she told Star.

Montes’ next project is “Muling Buksan Ang Puso” with Enrique Gil and Enchong Dee. Unlike her role in “Walang Hanggan,” the 18-year-old actress said her character in this series isn’t too mature this time.

“Young ang makikita ng tao; maybe ABS wants to remind viewers that I’m just 18,” she said.

Aside from Montes, Dee and Gil, also part of the show are Daniel Fernando, Dominic Ochoa, Matt Evans, Jane Oineza, Cherie Gil, Dante Rivero and veteran actress Susan Roces.

Amalia Fuentes was originally part of the cast but had resigned from the show “due to creative differences with the production team and the challenges and demands of regular taping schedules.”

According to ABS-CBN head of Corporate Communications Bong Osorio, Fuentes’s replacement will be announced soon.

Why Luigi Muhlach decided to become a chef The only son of actor Aga Muhlach and actress Janice de Belen said he does not want to live in the shadows of his famous parents. Thus he is trying to make a name for himself in a different industry.

Luigi Muhlach said he is now into cooking, which is his true passion.

“Buong pamilya ko lahat sila artista.

Ako I wanted to do something for myself naman na iba naman. Since hilig ko naman ang pagluluto din, ito na ang pinasok ko,” he said.

Luigi said he got his passion for cooking from his mom and are even planning to put up a catering business in the near future.

“Plano naming soon magpa-partner kami ng mom ko. We’re going to put up a catering business. Right now I’m having fun. Passion ko kumain,” he said.

Luigi is currently the featured chef of a popular hotel chain in Metro Manila.

Aga’s loss in CamSur Meanwhile, Luigi said he does not feel bad anymore that his father lost in his congressional bid in the 4th district of Camarines Sur. Luigi said what’s important is no one from their family was harmed during

the campaign and the election period.

“For us, okay lang. Thy will be done.

Whatever happens, okay lang kami.

Masaya kami, okay kami na walang nasaktan sa amin, walang gulong nangyari.

Kung talo man ang tatay ko or panalo, susuportahan ko naman siya kung ano man ang mangyari. Marami pa namang panahon,” he said.

Aksed if his father still has plans to vie for a public post in the future, Luigi said: “I don’t know about that. Hindi ko alam kung may plano pa siya tumakbo.”

“Ngayon wala pang ibang plano. Just go with the flow kung ano man ang mangyari. Ang importante okay kami,” he added.

Luigi Muhlach

KAPAMILYA actress Maricar Reyes and crooner Richard Poon tied the knot Sunday.

In a private Christian ceremony held at The Bellevue in Alabang, the couple of one-year exchanged their wedding vows in front of family and close friends from in and out of show business.

Cornerstone Talent Management Center, the agency handling Maricar’s career,

Maricar Reyes and Richard Poon

and ABS-CBN talent arm Star Magic posted photos of the nuptial in their respective Facebook and Instagram accounts.

The private event was attended by Star Magic executives Mariol Alberto and Johnny Manahan, as well as Kapamilya network big bosses Linggit Tan, Cory Vidanes and President/CEO Charo Santos-Concio.

Among the close showbiz friends of the couple who performed during the reception were Sitti, Nikki Gil, Jed Madela, Christian Bautista and Jose Marie Chan.

It was only last April 29 when Richard confirmed his engagement to Maricar. He said they are both very happy and their respective families are supportive of their relationship.

Richard said during that interview that he’s ready to marry Maricar anytime but begged off to give details about their wedding plans.

The couple confirmed their relationship August 2012.

‘Maria Mercedes’ remake to air on ABS-CBN Actor Jason Abalos has confirmed that ABS-CBN is indeed doing a remake of the hit “telenovela” “Maria Mercedes.”

In an interview during his contract signing with Star Magic, Abalos said he and the other cast members of the series remake have already started taping for the show.

“Kasama ko sila Jessy Mendiola and Jake Cuenca. Tapos na ang workshop.

Nag-start na kami ng taping, ginagawa na namin ngayon yung pilot,” he revealed.

Abalos said he will take on the role of Clavio, who is the childhood friend of Maria Mercedes (Mendiola) and will eventually fall in love with her.

“Maria Mercedes” was first popularized

by Mexican superstar Thalia in the title role when it was first aired locally by the Kapamilya network in 1996.

It tells the story of a street urchin whose life takes a turn when she agrees to marry an immensely rich man who is terminally ill.

Asked if there will be modifications from the original story of “Maria Mercedes,” Abalos said: “Yung dati, based sa Mexico. Ganun pa rin ang tema pero tayo naka-base sa totoong nangyayari sa Pilipinas.”

Meanwhile, Abalos is not closing his mind on the idea of possibly falling in love with Mendiola in real life.

“Hindi imposible ‘yan dahil sa kwento talagang dapat ma-in love ako kay Maria Mercedes. Mas okay ‘yan kung mas totoo kong mararamdaman,” he said.

It won’t be the first time ABS-CBN has tapped a Kapamilya actress to reprise a role popularized by Thalia.

In 2011, a remake of the TV drama “Maria la del Barrio” had ABS-CBN talent Erich Gonzales in the title role, also originally played by Thalia.

Erich Gonzales

Daiana Menezes agrees to televise breast surgery Tired of being a “walking Photoshop,” Brazilian model Daiana Menezes had her breast enhanced last month.

“No regrets, “ said Menezes about the procedure which she claimed also enhanced her physical sensitivity.

The host-model showed off her new figure at a pictorial for cosmetic surgeon Dr. Vicki Belo.

She also agreed to videotape the breast operation where silicon implants where placed under her breast muscles. It will be one of the highlights of Belo’s upcoming

show for The Filipino Channel (TFC).

Amid health issues, Menezes said she is not actively promoting the procedure but maintained that this is a medical choice and part of fulfilling her rights as a woman.

At the pictorial, media also quizzed Menezes about her dazzling diamond engagement ring given by outgoing Cagayan de Oro Congressman Jose Benjamin Benaldo. How many carats? “Four,” she sheepishly responded. The couple is expected to tie the knot this year.

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PRAYERS PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me.

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Bookkeeping By Ruth 213-598-0704

great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved

once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how difficult it may be. Promise to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks - TDC

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, June 12-18, 2013

Visit www.usasianpost.com

7

KITCHENOMICS

Fundido Fiesta Flats

FAMILY FEATURES

If desired, top servings with sour cream and diced green onion.

Mexican Lasagna

Fundido Fiesta Flats

Chicken Taco Casserole

Servings: 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes 1 pound ground beef 1 1.25-ounce package Ortega Taco Seasoning Mix or 40% Less Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix 1/2 cup water 6 ounces American cheese, cubed 1 16-ounce jar Ortega Salsa, any variety 12 Ortega Fiesta Flats Taco Shells Chopped fresh cilantro Brown beef in large skillet over medium-high heat; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water.

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened.

Meanwhile, combine cheese and one cup salsa in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook on high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 20 seconds, until smooth.

Evenly spoon meat mixture into Fiesta Flats and top with cheese mixture. Top with additional salsa and sprinkle with cilantro. If desired, also top with Ortega Taco Sauce and Diced Green Chiles.

Servings: 6 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes 12 Ortega yellow corn or white corn taco shells 3 cups shredded cooked chicken 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese 2 cups chicken stock 1 1.25-ounce package Ortega 40% Less Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix 1 16 ounce container sour cream 1 16 ounce jar Ortega Salsa, any variety Juice of 1 lime Preheat oven to 350°F. Break taco shells into large chips. Combine taco chips, chicken, cheese, stock and taco seasoning in large mixing bowl.

Spread mixture in 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish. Top with 1 1/2 cups sour cream; pour salsa over sour cream. Bake for 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbling.

Meanwhile, stir lime juice into remaining sour cream. Remove casserole from oven, drizzle sour cream and lime mixture over top and serve at once.

Servings: 4 Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes 4 Ortega Taco Shells, any variety 1/2 pound ground pork 1/2 1.25-ounce package Ortega Taco Seasoning Mix or 40% Less Sodium Taco Seasoning Mix 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 10-ounce can Ortega Mild Red Enchilada Sauce 1/4 cup water 2 ripe avocados 1 1-ounce package Ortega Guacamole Seasoning Mix 12 Ortega Fiesta Flats Taco Shells Shredded lettuce Place taco shells in food processor and pulse until coarse crumbs form. (Or place in resealable plastic bag and crush.) Combine crumbs, pork and taco seasoning in mixing bowl.

Form mixture into small meatballs, about 1/2 inch in diameter.

Heat oil in large skillet and brown meatballs lightly, in batches if necessary, about 5 minutes per batch, turning frequently. Return meatballs to skillet and add enchilada sauce and water. Bring to boil over high heat; reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until meatballs are thoroughly cooked.

Meanwhile, mash avocados and stir in guacamole seasoning mix. Let rest in the refrigerator according to package instructions.

To serve, spoon meatballs and sauce into Fiesta Flats. Top each with shredded lettuce and guacamole. If desired, also top with Ortega Taco Sauce and Diced Green Chiles.

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Chicken Taco Casserole

Mini-Meatball Fiesta Flats

Chef AarĂłn SĂĄnchez

Servings: 8 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 35 minutes 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef 1 1.25-ounce package Ortega Taco Seasoning Mix 1/2 cup water, divided 1 16-ounce can Ortega Refried Beans 9 Ortega Flour Soft Tortillas 2 10-ounce cans Ortega Mild Red Enchilada Sauce 1 16-ounce jar Ortega Thick and Chunky Salsa 8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat vegetable oil in large skillet over medium heat and cook onion and garlic for 4 minutes or until softened. Add ground beef and cook for 4 minutes or until browned. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Cook for 2 minutes or until sauce thickens.

Heat refried beans in microwave or small saucepan and stir in remaining 1/4 cup water to thin slightly.

Cut one tortilla in half and Âżt cut ends at either end of a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish. Arrange two tortillas, slightly overlapping, to cover the bottom. Layer 1/3 refried beans, 1/3 meat mixture and 1 can enchilada sauce. Repeat to make a second layer.

Repeat to make a third layer using salsa instead of enchilada sauce.

Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until lasagna is bubbling and cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.

F

lavors from south of the border are always a crowd favorite. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also a quick, easy way to get dinner on the table in a hurry. Celebrity chef AarĂłn SĂĄnchez shares his favorite weeknight recipes, which use easy, Ă&#x20AC;avorful ingredients to get families out of the kitchen and at the table in record time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a chef with a young family, I love creating delicious dishes that are quick and easy to prepare,â&#x20AC;? SĂĄnchez said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My new Ortega recipes bring that Ă&#x20AC;avor and simplicity together. Enjoy.â&#x20AC;?

To Âżnd more great recipes, visit www.ortega.com.

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8

Visit www.usasianpost.com

Wednesday - Tuesday, June 12-18, 2013

THE US ASIAN POST

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