US Asian Post March 11, 2016

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SC allows Sen. Poe to run for president MANILA, Mar 8 (Mabuhay) – The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled in favor of Senator Grace Poe, saying she can run for president in the May 9, 2016 elections.

The high court voted 9-6 in favor of Poe who challenged her disqualification by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) over citizenship and residency issues.

Poe, running as an independent candidate, was disqualified by two divisions of the poll body in December last year for failing to meet the citizenship and 10-year residency requirements for presidential candidates.

The second division, which tackled the disqualification case filed by lawyer Estrella Elamparo, ruled that there was deliberate attempt on the part of Poe to “mislead, misinform or hide a fact” from the electorate when she stated in her

certificate of candidacy (COC) that she is a resident of the Philippines for 10 years and 11 months up to the day before the May 9, 2016 polls.

The first division, which tackled the consolidated petitions of former

See POE TO RUN, page 12

Colombia reports more than 47,700 Zika cases

and the MILF, that would have granted autonomy to the region.

“Now, after the non-passage of the (bill), we are quite concerned that they (the IS) can capitalise on this, because the sentiment of the people in the area is now very strong. The frustrations after the non-passage of the law – they can capitalize on that,” Murad told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

Gunmen pledging allegiance to the jihadists controlling vast swathes of Iraq and Syria have instigated a series of deadly battles with the army in the volatile southern Philippines since parliament blocked the peace push.

Murad said the MILF was

MANILA, Mar 5 (Mabuhay) – Malacanang said it is standing by the statement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that there is no presence of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Mindanao despite the recent flare up of violence in the region in previous weeks.

There were reports quoting security analysts mentioning about growing ISIS’ presence in the country.

Countering those reports, Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III on Saturday said in a radio interview: “Ayon kay General (Restituto) Padilla, there are no verified reports that local terrorists groups are getting support from the Islamic State.”

See MUSLIM, page 12

See ISIS IN PHL, page 12

Colombia has seen more than 47,700 cases of Zika, including thousands of pregnant women infected with the mosquito-borne virus, the country’s National Health Institute reported Saturday.

A total of 8,890 pregnant women have come down with the disease, which has been tentatively linked to a serious birth defect known as microcephaly affecting babies born to women who became infected while pregnant.

Of the 47,771 cases now reported, 5,065 were registered in the last week alone. Among those, 1,237 cases were pregnant women.

Although the disease’s symptoms are generally mild and include low fever, headaches and joint pain, Zika’s rapid spread has

Osmena blasts ‘cover-up’ in money LP spokesman: laundering through casinos Binay’s guilt ‘obvious’ MANILA, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) – do not give receipts when people in delaying That’s a cover-up. This is how Sen- buy chips from casinos. There are ator Sergio Osmena III described also no questions asked about the release of COA report a statement by the PAGCOR chief source of the funds. that investigators should “look elsewhere” regarding an alleged $100 million money laundering operation done through Philippine casinos.

Osmena, author of the Anti-Money Laundering Law, took exception to the statement of PAGCOR chairman Cristino “Bong” Naguiat that casinos are the riskiest place to launder money and that investigators must look elsewhere.

“I don’t know why he is saying that because that’s a cover-up. It is very easy to go into a casino and buy chips. Everybody who goes into a casino knows that,” the senator said.

The senator noted that casinos

Team Galing at Puso presidential bet Sen. Grace Poe poses for photos as she is welcomed by well-wishers upon her arrival at a women’s empowerment exposition at the World Trade Center in Pasay, Thursday. Sen. Poe encouraged women to strive for financial independence.(MNS photo)

Palace affirms military assessment on presence of ISIS in PHL

Muslim rebels warn IS seeks foothold in south Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | AFP | Monday 3/7/2016 – The Islamic State group is trying to establish a stronghold in the violence-wracked southern Philippines, the head of the nation’s biggest Muslim rebel organization warned Monday.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Murad Ebrahim said the extremist IS seeks to capitalize on growing frustration over the breakdown of efforts to end a decades-long Muslim separatist rebellion in the southern Mindanao region.

The peace process has been frozen since the Philippine congress failed last month to pass a bill, agreed between the government

Senator Francisco “Kit” Tatad, former UE Law Dean Amado Valdez, and De La Salle University Professor Antonio Contreras, likewise issued a similar ruling.

It said Poe cannot claim to

“Wala ngang resibo. Dapat meron so there is traceability,” he said.

He added: “Very non-discriminating ang casinos. They don’t care where the money comes from. Just lose it in the casinos.”

Naguiat explained that there are two kinds of chips - the noncash negotiable and the cash negotiable.

He said the nonnegotiable chips refer to money remitted through the bank accounts of casinos for a specific player.

The Pagcor chief said any amount that lands in casino bank accounts is presumed good money because it had gone through the banking system. He also said only a player’s winnings can be convert

MANILA, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) – An official of the administration party rapped Vice President Jejomar Binay for supposedly delaying the release of the audit report of the Commission on Audit (COA) on the alleged overpricing of the Makati City Hall Building 2 until after the upcoming May 9 presidential elections.

Liberal Party spokesperson Ibarra “Barry” Gutierrez III said that Binay’s act is a “clear indication of guilt.”

“VP Binay’s guilt seems pretty obvious. Catching a mere whiff of the possible transmittal of the COA report to the Ombudsman regarding the Makati parking build

See OSMENA, page 12

See BINAY’S GUILT, page 12

Colombia has seen more than 47,700 cases of Zika, including thousands of pregnant women infected with the mosquito-borne virus, the country’s National Health Institute reported Saturday.© RolfAasa/istock.com

raised alarm in Latin America due to its association with several more serious health conditions.

See COLOMBIA, page 12

N. Korea threatens nuclear strikes over South-US military drills

By Hwang Sung-Hee

Seoul, South Korea | AFP | Monday 3/7/2016 – North Korea threatened pre-emptive and “indiscriminate” nuclear strikes against South Korea and the United States on Monday, as the two allies kicked off their annual, large-scale military exercises.

The drills always raise tensions on the divided Korean peninsula and the situation is particularly volatile this year, given the North’s recent nuclear test and long-range rocket launch and its fury over tough UN sanctions imposed in response.

Participation in the joint exercises – known as Key Resolve and Foal Eagle – has been bumped up this year to involve 300,000 South Korean and around 17,000 US troops, as well as strategic US naval vessels and air force assets.

In a statement issued hours before the drills began, North Korea’s powerful National Defence Commission said it was prepared for an “all-out” military counter-offensive.

Describing the exercises as “nuclear war drills” aimed at undermining North Korea’s sovereignty, the statement said the Supreme Command of the Korean People’s Army was ready to launch a “pre-emptive and offensive nuclear strike” in response.

Weapons on ‘standby’ The threat came just days after leader Kim Jong-Un ordered the See N. KOREA, page 12

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Lacson: WPP should explain Mercado’s presence at casino CLARK, Pampanga, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) – The Witness Protection Program has a lot of explaining to do in connection with the presence of former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado in a casino here, senatorial candidate Panfilo Lacson said Monday.

“Yung WPP has a lot of explaining to do. Dapat, kung high security risk at dapat talaga sine-secure, I don’t see any business for him to be in a casino, much less sa malayong lugar,” Lacson told reporters in a chance interview here.

“I think WPP should really explain bakit ganoon ang manner nila ng pagse-secure ng kanilang witness.

Sa alam ko sa witness under WPP, sa safehouse na

binabayaran ng national government, ng taxes natin,” he added.

Lacson said a whistleblower like Mercado— considered as a key witness in the corruption allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay—could only get out of the safehouse if he is to attend an activity connected to his duty as a witness. “Puwede lang siya lalabas kung may connection, may relation sa kanyang pagwi-witness. So talagang dapat mag-explain ang WPP,” he said.

Asked who has violation on the case of Mercado, Lacson said, “First and foremost, WPP.” “Sila ang responsible, sila ang may mandate to protect

a witness. And since he’s under the WPP, he should really be confined in a safehouse. And he can only move around kung kunektado sa pagiging witness niya. Malinaw yan. I won’t mince a word,” he said.

The former senator and Yolanda rehabilitation czar, however, sees nothing wrong with Mercado’s presence in an event of Liberal Party in Makati.

“I don’t think so. When you are a government witness, you should be a government witness,” he said.

But he reiterated that a WPP should protect the witness “in the spirit of protection.” “So how can you protect a witness na nasa casino? Something doesn’t

add up,” he said.

Lacson is in Pampanga for his advocacy on budget.

He just came from Angeles City Hall and having lunch with Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan when the reporters spotted him at Royce Hotel and Casino.

Senator Nancy Binay, who was staying in the hotel, also greeted him. She said Lacson is a guest candidate of the United Nationalist Alliance, her father’s political party.

In a separate interview, Senator Binay said Mercado attended the Liberal Party event at Makati Coliseum to “replenish funds.”

“Kaya baka nasa Makati Coliseum ay kailangan na niya magpa-replenish.

Drilon: Aquino TV ad to boost Mar’s numbers

Members of women’s group Gabriela and relatives pay tribute to women victims of martial law in commemoration of International Women’s Day at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani on Sunday. The group called for justice for those who suffered and were killed during the Marcos dictatorship. (MNS photo)

MANILA, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) – Senate President Franklin Drilon is optimistic that the recent television advertisement of President Aquino endorsing Liberal Party bet Mar Roxas will add “at least 10%” in the survey ratings of the administration bet. “Alam mo si President Noy, at this stage of his presidency, he has the highest trust rating. We are confident that his endorsement will bring at least 10 points,” Drilon said.

In his television advertisement, President Aquino described Roxas and his running mate, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, as the only tandem who “loves” the Filipinos.

Senator Francis Escudero, a leading vice-presidential candidate, lamented Aquino’s decision to come up with a TV endorsement for the LP bets, saying this goes against the values of fair play supposedly being espoused by the “Daang Matuwid” governance.

Meanwhile, Drilon also said that he is hoping that the Supreme Court, which is “duty-bound” to decide on Senator Grace Poe’s cases, will decide on the matter tomorrow as it holds an en banc session.

Drilon also said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) decision allowing on-screen verification of votes instead of giving the voters a printed receipt is a “good compromise”.

(MNS)

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Escudero: Aquino should have focused on fair polls instead of campaign SAMBOAN, Cebu, Mar 5 (Mabuhay) – Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Saturday said President Aquino should not have endorsed any candidate in the May elections to show that the polls will indeed be fair.

“Nalungkot ako ng bahagya nung nagpasya si Pangulong Aquino na mag-endorso ng kandidato (I was slightly saddened by the decision of President Aquino to endorse a candidate),” he told a news conference at the rest house of Mayor Raymond Calderon of Samboan town, located at the southern tip of Cebu.

“Mas maganda sana kung wala, hindi dahil si Sen. Grace and inendorso niya or ako pero mas maganda sana kung pinangasiwaan na lang ng Pangulo, sinupervise at inoversee niya ang isang malinis at patas na halalan (It would have been better if he hadn’t, not because he did not endorse Senator Grace or me.It

would have been better if the President just supervised and oversaw the conduct of clean and fair elections),” he added.

Escudero said the government’s program–Daang Matuwid (straight path)– would have best exemplified the ideals of fair play had the President not been involved in the campaign.

Sen. Grace Poe, who is running for president, and her running mate, Escudero, were in Cebu on Saturday, a day after the two-day sortie of administration standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and running mate, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo in this voterich province.

From Samboan, they were expected to fly to Bantayan Island, in northern tip of Cebu. Poe said it was also important to have the support of different groups from well-meaning families like the Calderons in Samboan.

Top MNLF exec says Misuari’s endorsement of Duterte not linked to peace process KIDAPAWAN CITY, Mar 7 (Mabuhay) -– A top official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) clarified that the recent pronouncements of their chairman, Professor Nur Misuari, is not, in anyway, connected to the ongoing peace process between their group and the Philippine government.

In an interview, lawyer Randolph Parcasio, also chief MNLF negotiator for the MNLF-GRP peace talks, said that he respects Misuari’s position. “Each one of us has his own position as to whom to vote,” said Parcasio. On Sunday, Misuari spoke to MNLF sympathizers and leaders who gathered in Kidapawan City where he asked them to support Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s presidential bid.

Misuari spoke through a mobile phone patched

to a microphone and was heard by hundreds of his supporters during their general assembly held at the JC Complex in the city.

When asked if he was surprised to hear Misuari endorsed, for the first time, a presidential candidate, the lawyer said, “For the first time, Mindanao people was offered an opportunity of having a President that comes from Mindanao.”

For Parcasio, Duterte’s heart is for Mindanao, adding, “His finding solution to problems faced by the Moro and the indigenous peoples is proof of his sincerity in public service.”

Duterte is offering federalism not only to the people of Mindanao but the country, as wel. The MNLF believes this “is a better solution to Moro’s quest for their right to self determination.”(MNS)

UNA exec claims Ombudsman pressed COA to release ‘incomplete’ audit report on Makati city hall anomaly MANILA, Mar 5 (Mabuhay) – A leader of the opposition on Saturday claimed that Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales allegedly called up a Commission on Audit (COA) official to convince them to release and transmit to her office an “incomplete” special audit report on the alleged overpriced construction of the Makati City Hall Building 2.

Citing COA insiders, United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) president and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco said Morales allegedly demanded in a call prior to her overseas trip that the audit report be released immediately even if the document does not include the side of Makati City Hall officials.

“In so doing, the Ombudsman wants COA to effectively discard the findings of 11 audits, including one conducted by technical specialists, which concluded there was no overpricing and that the said project complied with COA regulations,” he added.

Tiangco said the COA would violate its own policy passed in September 2015 that no special audits should be done against can-

didates running for the May 9 elections.

Binay is seeking the presidency.

The UNA official said Morales’ supposed action only shows that she is not fair when handling complaints involving the Vice President and members of his family.

He is also not surprised that the Ombudsman is intent on releasing the “incomplete” report, which can be used to file plunder charges against the Vice President after his term and son, dismissed Makati mayor Junjun Binay.

The younger Binay is already facing graft and falsification of public documents cases before the Sandiganbayan because of the anomaly.

“In stark contrast, the COA and Ombudsman are pussyfooting on its reports on the PDAF [Priority Development Assistance Fund] and DAP [Disbursement Acceleration Program]. Until now, COA has yet to release its complete PDAF audit covering the Aquino administration,” Tiangco said. “The Ombudsman, on the other hand, is sitting on its hand

and has failed to even consider taking action against those involved in the DAP scandal which has been declared unlawful and unconstitutional by the Supreme Court,” he further said.

Thirty-eight members of the Liberal Party were implicated in the PDAF scam, which has caused the filing of cases and imprisonment of opposition figures like Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile and Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. “Ang report sa PDAF hanggang ngayon hindi pa tinatapos ng COA dahil maraming miyembro ng LP at kaalyado ng administrasyon ang mahahagip.

In the case of DAP, where the Supreme Court already made a ruling of bad faith on the part of Secretary Abad, there is no COA referral to the Ombudsman,” Tiangco said.

“Hindi na nakakagulat ang ganitong galaw ng Ombudsman. Halatang-halata na sangkot sila sa mga naninira kay Vice President Binay upang pigilan siya na ipatupad ang mga maka-mahirap na programa na nagawa na nya at gagawin pa,” he added.

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Thunderstorm knocks out power at LAX Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Monday 3/7/2016 – A thunderstorm knocked out power across Los Angeles International Airport on Monday, delaying more than 100 flights.

LAX spokeswoman Nancy Castles said back-up generators were started as the storm hit shortly after 6:00 am (1400 GMT) and power was restored in all terminals within an hour.

“Arriving flights to LAX have been slowed down and during the storm cell two flights (were) diverted to Ontario International Airport,” she said, later updating the figure to four.

Among arrivals there were 64 delays and two cancellations by 1:00 pm, while departures were hit with 64 delays and four cancellations, Castles said.

She said strong winds of 56 kilometers (35 miles) per hour were buffeting the airport but were not expected

to further delay flights as they were coming from the west.

“However, all airport tenants have been notified to secure all equipment for safety reasons,” she added.

“Passengers are advised to check with their airlines on flight status before coming to the airport.”

The storm rumbling across California dumped almost three feet (one meter) of snow in parts of the Sierra Nevada mountain range overnight.

In Los Angeles, bewildered residents took to Twitter to report high winds and pea-sized hailstones, many using the #elnino hashtag to refer to the climate phenomenon that has helped push global temperatures to record levels and caused extreme weather.

“I thought it was an earthquake...Then thunder & lightning & hail happened.

Court awards sportscaster Erin Andres $55-M over nude video Washington, United States | AFP | Tuesday 3/8/2016 – A US jury awarded $55 million in damages Monday to a prominent sports broadcaster after a stalker secretly filmed her nude in a hotel, media reports said.

Fox Sports reporter Erin Andrews had brought a $75 million lawsuit against stalker Michael Barrett and the owner and operator of the Nashville Marriott, where the nearly five-minute video was filmed in 2008.

During her testimony in the high-profile case, Andrews, who worked for ESPN at the time of the incident, said that she had been left deeply traumatized and now checks out hotel rooms she stays in to avoid become victim again

to a Peeping Tom. Barrett, who posted the footage of Andrews online, had previously pleaded guilty to stalking and was sentenced to prison time.

Thanking the court and the jury, Andrews, who also co-hosts “Dancing with the Stars,” tweeted: “The support I’ve received from the people of Nashville has been overwhelming. I would also like to thank my family, friends and legal team.

“I’ve been honored by all the support from victims around the world.”

Andrews’ lawyers had argued that the hotel should not have told Barrett which room she was staying in, and should have prevented him from booking a room next to hers.

Elderly pair held after 3,000 French church objects found Naterre, France | AFP | Monday 3/7/2016 – An octogenarian with anti-clerical views and his recently baptised neighbour have been arrested in a Paris suburb after thousands of stolen church artefacts were found in their homes, police and a priest said Monday.

The pair were picked up after the detective work of one cleric who correctly predicted when they would return to his church for more plunder.

In all more than 3,000 religious objects—including crosses, statues, candles and rosary beads—were recovered from the homes of the elderly man and the neighbour, a woman in her sixties, in the southern suburb of Bagneux during a search late last week.

“At the home of the octogenarian, the toilets were absolutely full of crucifixes, there wasn’t so much as a square centimetre of space,” said Ludovic Serre, a priest whose parish to the west of Paris was among those targeted. He has now managed to recover some of the lost items. Serre spoke of the frequent disappearance of objects from his Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes church in Chaville since last November.

“As soon as I put a cross out on the altar of confession, it would disappear,” he said, adding that when the crib was taken from the Christmas nativity display in December “it was too much and I filed a complaint”.

Police said that other religious buildings had been targeted by the same criminals over several weeks, with everything from cheap candles to old Russian icons disappearing, with the total worth of the ill-gotten gains put at around 10,000 euros ($11,000).

Serre, whose church is now protected by a video surveillance system, said the robbers appeared to have a quite precise method of operating, arriving “every four or five weeks, on Sundays between 4-4:30 pm.”

“I told the police that, according to my calculations, they should return on February 21. And they did! Although half an hour early,” he added.

The investigators then followed the two suspects to their homes where they were quickly arrested.

The police had expected that the church thieves would be youngsters, the priest said. “In fact they found an 80-year-old... a revolutionary who believes that church property should be taken away” and a woman in her sixties who “had recently been baptised.”

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Warehouse personnel unload 2016 automated election ballots from a truck to a rented warehouse in Marcos Highway, Marikina City on Friday.

The printing of 55.7 million ballots is still underway, but the Commission on Elections assured that the ballots will be ready for the May 9 national and local elections. (MNS photo)

Pilot shortage hits US regional airlines

By Luc Olinga

New York, United States | AFP | Monday 3/7/2016 – Mid-sized and regional airlines in the US are suffering from a pilot shortage that could threaten the health of the broader US aviation industry.

Some regional carriers have trimmed about five percent of their flights, cuts that have hit smaller airports, such as in Redding, California, or Erie, Pennsylvania.

The staffing crunch could also constrain traffic for larger companies like United Airlines and Delta Air Lines that depend on the mid-sized companies to serve rural consumers and feed customers into their networks.

“It’s becoming a crisis at some carriers, resulting in the cancellation of flights and other serious disruptions,” said Patrick Smith, a pilot who runs “Ask the Pilot,” an aviation blog.

Republic Airways, which operates flights for Delta, United and American Airlines, filed for bankruptcy protection last month, citing the labor crunch.

New York announces record 4.29 million jobs New York, United States | AFP | Monday 3/7/2016 – New York announced Monday that the city’s employment figures had risen to a record 4.29 million jobs with 249,000 jobs added since progressive Democrat Bill de Blasio became mayor two years ago.

The city’s unemployment rate has fallen nearly three percent since de Blasio took office in January 2014, confounding initial fears in the business community that the left-leaning mayor would be bad for business.

In the 12 months to January, New York gained 107,000 jobs, an increase of three percent, up from the national growth rate of 2.2 percent. The strongest employment gains have been in health care, social assistance, scientific and technical services, the city said. “These numbers reflect what we’re seeing on the ground. More businesses launching and growing here in New York City. More New Yorkers finding good jobs,” said New York City’s Economic Development Corporation President Maria Torres-Springer.

“We’ve attempted to restructure the obligations on our out-of-favor aircraft— made so by a nationwide pilot shortage – and to increase our revenues,” said Bryan Bedford, chief executive officer of Republic Airways.

“It’s become clear that this process has reached an impasse and that any further delay would unnecessarily waste valuable resources of the enterprise.”

Things at Republic came to a head last July, when the airline acknowledged cutting four percent of its flights due to a dearth of pilots. Delta subsequently filed suit against Republic, alleging breach of contract.

Mesa Airlines and Silver Airways, two regional carriers that have been associated with the problem, said Monday their canceled flights were due to bad weather, not a labor shortage.

Pay gap Aviation industry insiders cite a number of factors for the drop-off in pilots: longer working hours, contentious relations with management,

fewer job protections and industry turnover with the expected retirement of some 18,000 pilots through 2022.

But the biggest factor is compensation.

Regional carriers pay pilots an annual average of $27,350, according to Paul Ryder, ALPA Resource Coordinator. That compares with an annual salary of $103,390 at large airlines, according to US Labor Department data.

Aspiring pilots must pay between $150,000 to $200,00 to obtain their license, Ryder said.

Three years ago, US regulators stiffened the requirements on pilots following a 2009 Colgan Air crash near Buffalo, New York, that killed 49 people.

Commercial pilots must now have 1,500 hours of flight time before qualifying for their pilot’s license, compared with just 250 prior to the rule shift.

Adding to that burden is a shift in the broader aviation industry as regional flying has grown. Up-and-coming pilots once viewed the

regional carriers as a stepping-stone to a job with a bigger company, said Smith.

“Today, the regional sector accounts for half or more of all flying, and pilots are realizing that a job with a regional often means an entire... career with a regional,” Smith said.

“Fewer pilots are willing to commit hundreds of thousands of dollars into their training and education for a career with such a limited return on investment, in what has historically been a very unstable industry.”

Steps taken by some regional carriers include boosting compensation, such as offering a bonus to qualified pilots of $80,000 spread out over four years, said industry consultant Kit Darby.

Companies are also granting bonuses of $500, $1,000 or $1,500 for pilot referrals, Darby said. “An airline that wants to be able to recruit new pilots and to retain its current pilots needs to offer reasonable compensation, fair worklife balance and some career path with stability,” said pilot Ryder.

New York gives transgenders free use of toilets New York, United States | AFP | Monday 3/7/2016 – New York shored up its reputation Monday as a bastion of liberalism by insisting that transgenders be granted free access to the toilets of their choice.

The order, signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio and effective immediately, means that city employees and members of the public can access whichever single-sex toilet they prefer without having to show ID or any form of gender proof.

“Access to bathrooms and other single-sex facilities is a fundamental human right that should not be restricted or denied to anyone,” said de Blasio.

“New York City is the birthplace of the fight for LGBT rights, and we continue to lead in that fight so every New Yorker can live with dignity,” he added. Under New York law, employers and housing providers can be prosecuted for denying access to single-sex facilities based on gender identity. There are an estimated 25,000 transgender people living in New York.

The new order applies to city-owned buildings, public parks, pools, playgrounds, some museums and recreation centers. According to a 2011 US survey of more than 6,400 people, 22 percent of respondents reported being denied access to appropri-

ate bathrooms at work and 26 percent to being denied access to bathrooms in an educational setting.

Charlotte, North Carolina recently passed similar legislation to New York and the Republican governor of South Dakota vetoed legislation last week that would have prevented public school students from accessing the bathroom and locker rooms of their choice.

But in November, Houston, the country’s fourth largest city, rejected legislation that would have enshrined transgender bathroom rights after campaigners argued it could have been exploited by sexual predators dressed as women.

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US ‘takes seriously’ North Korea nuclear threat Washington, United States | AFP | Monday 3/7/2016 – The United States said Monday it takes North Korea’s threat of a pre-emptive nuclear strike seriously but will not scale back planned military exercises that have outraged Pyongyang.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said the North’s recent behavior – conducting tests of a nuclear device and a long-range rocket – had already led to new UN sanctions against Kim Jong-Un’s regime.

“Kim Jong-Un has a choice he can make, which he clearly seems unwilling to make, which is to ratchet down the tension on the peninsula, to focus his resources and energy on the people of North Korea and on peace and security there in the region, rather than trying to up the ante with these kinds of comments,” he said.

Earlier Monday, Pyongyang had warned of pre-emptive and “indiscriminate” nuclear strikes against South Korea and the United States as the two allies started the military exercises.

But the US military has downplayed the risk from the impoverished and isolated authoritarian regime’s nuclear arsenal and is going ahead with a joint annual exercise with Seoul involving 300,000 South Korean and around 17,000 US troops.

Kirby said Washington’s commitment to South Korea’s security was “100 percent” and that North Korea’s posturing only made the exercises, a regular event for decades, all the more important.

“There would not be as compelling a reason to improve alliance capabilities if Pyongyang wasn’t so intent on raising the stakes on the peninsula and decreasing any sense of security or stability there,” Kirby said.

“We do take those threats seriously and again call on Pyongyang to cease with the provocative rhetoric, cease with the threats and, quite frankly more critically, cease the provocative behavior.”

Both Kirby and Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis said Washington and Seoul continue to move toward deployment of a sophisticated US missile defense system to South Korea—another point of tension.

Davis said that the two countries signed “terms of reference” for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (THAAD) deployment last week.

Roxas’ steady rise on surveys will lead to victory, says Palace official MANILA, Mar 5 (Mabuhay) – The administration is hoping that Mar Roxas, its presidential bet, would continue gaining momentum in the campaign and eventually win the May presidential election, a Palace official said.

Commenting on the latest Pulse Asia survey released on Friday, Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office said the recent survey result is actually a statistical tie between the Vice President Binay, Roxas, and PDP-Laban bet Rodrigo Duterte.

“So what this tell us is that the race has tightened. Dikit dikit po lahat. In fact… No one can really be said in a major lead because dikit nga ang diperensya nung iba’t ibang mga kandidato,” Quezon told dzRB Radyo Ng Bayan in an interview.

“So this tells us that people are really thinking hard about their choices. And as Secretary Lacierda pointed out yesterday, this shows us that what may have been easier for some candidates in terms of coasting along on rhetoric has been cut down.”

He said that as people think harder and discern more, they become less susceptible.

“This is also tells us... we anticipate a breakthrough for the Daang Matuwid candidates.”

Asked whether the public now realized the need to understand the platform of governments of different candidates, Quezon said the good thing about the Roxas candidacy is his steady rise in terms of survey numbers.

“In this case, doon mo makikita yung pattern ng kanilang kandidatura. So as the campaign goes on, ang siguro dito malaki ang epekto ng mga debate, dahil nakikita sa debate sino ang may masustansyang sagot,” he said.

This shows that the voters are thinking and deciding based on the answers of candidates during debates, he noted.

Roxas got a 21 percent voter preference in a Pulse Asia survey released on Friday. Senator Grace Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay shared the top spot in the presidential preference poll, with 26 percent and 25 percent. (MNS)

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OPINION

Face it, unabated criminality remains a problem: Binay MANILA, Mar 5 (Mabuhay) –Vice President Jejomar Binay on Saturday said that it’s high time to accept that unabated criminality is a problem that Filipinos face.

Speaking to reporters after campaigning before market vendors at Mega Q-Mart in Quezon City, the opposition standard bearer highlighted the recent shooting in Zamboanga City of Saudi cleric Dr. Aaidh Ibn Abdullah Al-Qarni and Saudi diplomat Sheikh Turki Assaegh.

“Dalawa ‘yon, ‘yong cleric at saka [Saudi diplomat]. ‘Yon ay itinatago sa atin ng pamahalaan,” Binay said.

Al-Qarni and Assaegh were shot by a student in Western Mindanao State University where the prominent cleric spoke in a forum.

After undergoing surgery, the two were declared

out of danger.

The gunman, Rugasan Misuari III, was however killed by Al-Qarni’s security escort, while two other suspects were arrested and charged with frustrated murder and attempted murder.

“Laging sinasabi maganda ang peace and order.

It’s high time already to accept that it is a problem.

‘Yong crime incidence, peace and order problems, drugs, ‘di ba?” he said.

“Paulit-ulit na, that means it is very alarming.

It is already 12 o’clock so kailangan nating harapin ‘yong problemang ‘yon,” he added.

Binay also reiterated his intention to appoint his running mate, Sen. Gringo Honasan, as the anti-crime czar if he wins in the May elections.

Honasan is a cashiered Army colonel before joining politics.

Trump or Cruz? Republicans face up to growing dilemma

By Ivan Couronne

Washington, United States | AFP | Monday 3/7/2016 – ith Donald Trump steaming ahead in the race for the Republican presidential nomination and Ted Cruz consolidating his second-place status, the party establishment is facing up to the real possibility of having to embrace what some consider the lesser of two evils.

That could mean backing Cruz – the ultra-conservative Texas senator once reviled by fellow Republicans as a “wacko bird” eager to shut down the US government – at the expense of Marco Rubio, the establishment hopeful who is lagging in third place and facing calls to give up.

Senator Lindsey Graham summed up the growing Republican dilemma in this most unpredictable of nomination contests on Sunday when he told NBC’s Meet the Press that there was “some hope with Ted, no hope with Donald” in a general election.

“If Ted’s the alternative to Trump, he’s at least a Republican conservative,” said Graham.

“If Donald Trump’s the nominee, the Republican party will get killed, will get creamed, we’ll deserve it,” warned Graham, a hawkish Republican who shelved his presidential campaign in December after failing to gain traction.

Trump, a billionaire real estate mogul who has never held elected office, kept a firm grip on his lead in the Republican race for the White House on Sunday and Cruz emerged as his strongest challenger in weekend primaries.

It capped a stormy week in which panicked Republican grandees trained their big guns on Trump, who has galvanized disaffected voters with an anti-immigrant, anti-free trade campaign filled with insults, attacks on minorities and mockery of the political establishment.

Trump now has 384 delegates to 300 for Cruz and 151 for Rubio. John Kasich has 37 delegates.

What has been an at times ill-tempered and deeply personal contest could yet plunge into deeper acrimony: there is a chance that no candidate will rack up the 1,237 delegates needed to secure the nomination before the Republican convention in July.

That would mean a contested or “brokered” con-

vention, a scenario that could turn chaotic, especially if establishment figures seek to prevent delegates from coalescing around Trump.

‘Not the real deal’ When a candidate emerges from the Republican primaries with a majority, convention delegates do little more than rubber-stamp the voters’ choice. But when no candidate secures an outright majority, delegates have the final word on the choice of nominee.

In three-quarters of US states, the delegates who travel to the Republican convention to represent, say, Trump are picked among party activists without input from the candidate.

Delegates are told how to vote on the first nominating ballot. But after that, if voting goes to a second round and beyond, most are free to make their own choice—and potentially reshuffle the deck.

That is how – in a scenario party leaders still say is unlikely—Trump could head to the convention with a lead in the delegate count and still lose the nomination.

The 2012 Republican White House nominee Mitt Romney let loose on Trump last week, branding him “a phony, a fraud,” signaling what promises to be the opening salvo in a sustained party campaign against Trump.

Romney has yet to throw his weight behind any candidate, but should do so after March 15, the next major round of voting in the primary race.

Cruz, Kasich and Rubio were all “true Republicans,” he told NBC on Sunday.

“They’ve demonstrated over time that they share conservative values. There’s some differences on policy or on tactics to implement policy, but I’d be very proud having any one of them at the top of the ticket.

“Donald Trump on the other hand is someone who represents something entirely different. And in my view is not at all the real deal.

“This is a guy who pretends to be one thing and is something else entirely.”

The next date on the electoral calendar is Tuesday, when Michigan and Mississippi have Democratic and Republican primaries.

Republican-only nominating contests also are being held that day in Idaho and Hawaii.

Biden says US will ‘wipe out’ evil of IS jihadists Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | AFP | Monday 3/7/2016 – US Vice President Joe Biden said on Monday Washington was going to have to “squeeze the heart of” the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq to wipe it out.

“We have to squeeze the heart of Daesh in Iraq and Syria so they can’t continue to pump the poison in the region and the rest of the world,” he said, using an Arab acronym for IS. Biden was speaking to hundreds of American and allied forces inside a hangar at a military base in the United Arab Emirates.

“This fight is going to take time, but we are committed to seeing it through until we wipe out this evil—and we will wipe out this evil,” Biden said.

Earlier, he ruled out a military solution to end Syria’s conflict, and called for a political transition.

“That should be clear to everyone,” Biden told Abu Dhabi newspaper The National at the start of his visit to the UAE ahead of travelling to Israel, the West Bank and Jordan.

“So as hard as it is, we have to keep trying to reach a political settlement,” he said.

Saudi Arabia, which backs the Syrian opposition, and ally the UAE have said they are willing to send ground troops to Syria under US command to battle IS. Biden’s comments come as President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and its opponents are due this week to resume UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva as a fragile ceasefire holds in Syria.

The talks are aimed at ending the five-year Syria war that has killed more than 270,000 people, displaced millions and devastated the country.

Sticking point: Assad’s fate The fate of Assad, who is refusing to step down, has been one of the main sticking points in talks.

“A political solution between the parties is the only way to end the violence and give the Syrian people the chance they deserve to rebuild their country. To create a credible, inclusive, and non-sec-

tarian system, a new constitution and free and fair elections,” Biden said.

He said the truce that went into effect in Syria on February 27 “seems to be holding” but was “not perfect”.

But he also noted that “levels of violence have dropped significantly across the country”, and said this opened the way for the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid.

Biden also praised US relations with the UAE and its partners in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which also includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

He acknowledged the “challenges” posed by the historic nuclear deal struck last year between Iran and world powers and also the concerns it raised in GCC countries which are wary of Tehran.

“That’s why we worked so hard to achieve a nuclear agreement with Iran, because as dangerous as Iran’s actions are, they would be exponentially greater if Iran possessed a nuclear weapon.”

He said steps were being taken to bolster the security of the GCC monarchies to be able to “deal with Iran diplomatically from a position of strength”.

Biden was to hold talks later Monday with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and on Tuesday with Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum.

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INMENT

In the kitchen with Cherry Pie Food, just like love, speaks in universal tongue.

At some point, it even helps bridge cultures – just like in the Cherry Pie Picache-starrer “American Adobo.”

In the film, Cherry Pie’s character, US immigrant Tere Sanchez, tried to bring her small Filipino clique together through her cooking, bringing life in a foreign land closer to home.

Cherry Pie is now translating the endeavor to real life via Alab. Recognized as the Best Filipino Cuisine Specialty Restaurant by the Golden Globe Annual Awards for Business Excellence 2016, Alab serves authentic dishes found all over the Philippines, in-

cluding, of course, the classic adobo.

“We envisioned it as a restaurant where anyone who visits can have a taste of the best food across regions without having to set foot on a plane,” said Cherry Pie who serves a dual role in the venture; as co-owner and marketing director. The actress is planning to invite, on a per quarter basis, cooks from all over the country to share their expertise with Alab habitues. “It’s our present vision for Alab Restaurant to feature the best recipes from unknown chefs across the country and put it on your table,” she said. Another aim is to highlight

classic Filipino food ingredients particularly those mentioned in the folk song “Bahay Kubo.”

“There are still far flung barrios that cultivate the vegetables pero they’re not being used so much anymore, so, we want to bring it back,” she said.

Alab recently opened its newest branch at the UP Town Center in Katipunan.

Another branch will open in April at the Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill, Taguig.

The resto’s interior, designed by Lisa Crespo, is all-Filipino with ornaments such as a large, wood-carved spoon and fork. There are also several art works made

by UP students.

Note that Alab is Cherry Pie’s second stab at a food business after her coffee shop closed a few years ago.

“Ako kasi talaga lahat ’dun eh, tutok dapat. Eh, ang dami ko din trabaho at the time so, nagsara. I’m just very grateful na dito sa bagong restaurant malinaw ang designations namin (ng mga partners ko),” she said.

Cherry Pie’s passion for food is something she believes she had acquired from her late mother, Zenaida Sison.

“My mom was a very good cook, so lahat ng recipes niya and the family recipes that have been handed from generations to generations, sa kanya ko lahat

Cherry Pie Picache

natutunan,” she shared.

Her love for cooking was further enlivened when she enrolled at Moderne Culinaire Academy. Cherry Pie is planning to put up an-

other restaurant featuring her specialties chicken relleno and chicken galantina.

Though nothing is definite yet, she already has a name for it: Pie’s Corner. (MNS)

China’s Supermodel/Actress Candice Zhao Making It Big in the US

By Angel C. Tahimik

While some may know her as the ‘woman in the elevator’ from the Hollywood blockbuster, Transformers 4: Age of Extinction, the fashion scene is staging a load of appearances by Chinese celebrity model and actress, Candice Zhao.

At the 2016 Fall/Winter New York Fashion Week held last month, Candice modeled for over 21 top fashion designers. She opened and closed for several designers, one of whom was Philippines’ top Avant Garde fashion designer, Rocky Gathercole.

“I enjoy working with designers from all over the

world, including Filipino designers. I think Filipinos are very creative. I had a very good experience working with Rocky Gathercole.

He is not only a talented Filipino designer; he is very down to earth with a very good heart and a warm personality,” says Candice, who’s also a commercial model for big companies in Hong Kong and China.

Candice likewise modeled for several of Sue Wong’s fashion shows; the most recent was a documentary of Wong’s life story where the latter was interviewed by Fox News newscaster, Christine Devine.

The show is set to air this

month. Candice was also invited by Fashion Designer Francis Wright at the 2016 Sacramento Fashion Week.

Now, she is currently in LA for the LA Fall/Winter Fashion Week.

Aside from her runway stints, Candice is impressively making a name in the big screen. Her latest movie, “Papa” (which was shot in Los Angeles) co-starring Xia Yu, Yang Zi, and David Wu, will premiere in China on March 18th. In the movie, Candice played the role of a sexy and sweet secretary named Xiaoli.

The part was offered to her after being recognized for her performance in the

Kim Chiu to mark 10th year in showbiz with concert Kim Chiu is celebrating her 10th anniversary in show business with a major concert. Chiu announced on Instagram that she will be having a concert on April 9 at the KIA Theater in Cubao entitled “Chinita Princess: The Funtasy Concert.”

“I may not be the best

singer, I may not be the best dancer, but I promise to be the best that I can be. Sana po samahan niyo ako sa isang espesyal na gabi ng buhay ko as I celebrate my 10 years in the industry. Isang gabing puno ng SAYA at PASASALAMAT,” Chiu wrote in the caption.

Chiu started her career in 2006 when she joined the very first teen edition of “Pinoy Big Brother.”

She is set to star in the upcoming series “The Story of Us” with Xian Lim. Apart from acting, she has also released two albums—“Gwa Ai Di” in 2007 and “Chinita Princess” in 2015. (MNS)

Edgar Allan aims to fulfill dreams

His career may be on the upswing, thanks in part to his successful stint on “Your Face Sounds Familiar (YFSF)” last year, but Edgar Allan Guzman isn’t about to just take it easy.

“Kung magkakaroon ng opportunity na ipagpatuloy ko ang pag-aaral ko, why not? Marami kasi akong nakikita na mga bata na nag-a-aral eh, alam mo ’yun nakaka-miss ’yung ambiance sa school,” he shared.

The actor was able to complete high school prior to winning on “Eat Bulaga’s!” Mr. Pogi contest in 2006. He now wants to take up a culinary arts course under the program of former TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva who was there during the interview.

“Para malayo naman ako ng konti sa kung ano ginagawa ko, magluluto ako. Although marunong naman na akong magluto pero mas maganda ’yung may pormal na kaalaman talaga,” he said.

A lot of opportunities opened up for Edgar Allan after he joined and finished fourth on “YFSF.” He appeared as guest on Daniel Padilla’s concert last June 13 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. He

Edgar Allan Guzman

was also able to join his “YSYF” co-contestant Jay R as front act for international R&B superstar Chris Brown’s concert last July 21 at SM Mall of Asia Arena.

More, he was able to stage his first major concert last Jan. 16 at the Music Museum.

Now, the Kapamilya actor is excited for his upcoming album under Star Music.

He is also slated to star in the romantic-comedy film “I’ll Get Over You,” set for release this year.

The film, helmed by the award-winning Enrico Santos, marks Edgar Allan’s first big screen teamup with Alex Gonzaga.

Production got stalled a bit to make way for revisions in the script. “Pero

okay na siya,” he related.

“Resume shooting na kami.

We are all excited for the film.”

Edgar Allan is concentrating on his showbiz career for now, putting other matters – including finding that special someone – on the backburner.

“Trabaho muna kasi sayang naman ’yung opportunity na binibigay ng ABS-CBN sa akin. Okay na ’yung busy ako kasi bread winner din ako,” he said.

A dutiful son, his greatest dream is to build a house for his mom.

“Matagal na kasi dream ng family ko na bumili ng bahay. Buhay pa ang daddy ko nu’n. Tapos nu’ng nag-showbiz ako, sabi ko sa kanila na magti-tiyaga ako para mabigay ’yung bahay,” he said. (MNS)

movies, Transformers 4: Age of Extinction and Monster Trucks, which will be released in January 2017.

Candice’s acting debut began after winning the role of Sexy Goddess in the Transformers 4 Chinese Talent Search Reality Show in 2013, where she stood out among 80,000 aspiring actors.

When asked about her secret to success, Candice answered: “Aside from being really disciplined, my parents always remind me to do my best in whatever I do without stepping on anyone. It matters that [I] am always humble and a good person.”

Candice Zhao modeled for Filipino top Avant Garde fashion designer, Rocky Gathercole. Photo: Yetbo/Loverita

Without a doubt, with her amazing talent and down-to-earth personality,

Candice is on her way being Hollywood’s ‘New Star’ to look out for.

6

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Daniel Matsunaga saving up for future with Erich

Dawn Chang

Dawn Chang calls it quits with Australian BF Former “Pinoy Big Brother 737” housemate Dawn Chang has decided to call it quits with her non-showbiz Australian boyfriend.

Chang, who has been in a relationship with Cameron for more than two years, explained that her decision was due to her boyfriend’s frustration about their lack of time for each other.

“Bilang ang laking change, na-overwhelm siya,” she said. “Tapos dumating din sa point na naapektuhan siya sa bashers na fans ...na wini-wish na maghiwalay kami. Siyempre hindi niya naintindihan.” “How could people wish [who are] in love na maghiwalay? So hindi niya

naiintindihan yun. Hindi niya in-expect na magkakaroon ako ng projects tapos nabigyan ako ng break. So hindi niya naiintindihan ‘yung wala nang privacy, nanibago siya,” she added.

Chang also admitted that she tried to save the relationship, even inviting her boyfriend to spend some time with her in the Philippines to better understand her work.

“Hindi niya masyadong gusto ‘yung lifestyle kasi pag lumalabas kami maraming papa-picture, nakakapansin. Although in-explain ko na ngayon lang to kasi nasa hype pa kasi kakatapos ng show, mag da-die down din eh

hindi niya na naintindihan talaga. Hanggang dumating sa point na pinapili niya ako, either siya or career,” she explained.

Aside from various side roles in television, Chang is also part of the new girl group on “It’s Showtime” called “GirlTrends.”

But Chang maintained that she remains good friends with Cameron.

“Okay kami, nag-uusap kami kasi may aso kami pareho. Pagbalik ko [sa Australia] magkikita kami kasi bibisitahin ko ‘yung aso ko tapos mag-uusap kami kasi may bahay kami pareho, anong plan sa bahay, sa gamit,” she shared.

(MNS)

Daniel Matsunaga is excited to become a first-time uncle now that her sister, Vanessa, is due to give birth to their first baby in the family anytime soon.

But he also wants to have his own children someday with girlfriend Eirch Gonzales.

Matsunaga said: “Mag-asawa, siyempre gusto ko. May plans ako with Erich especially. Pero siyempre trabaho muna. Ipon muna, and plan things first before you do anything in life. In God’s timing.”

For now, Matsunaga said he and Gonzales are focused on their daytime soap “Be My Lady.” “Kaunti lang ang tulog, parating puyat pero sobrang saya and sobrang blessed. Actually this is the first time I’m really doing extra effort talaga kasi mahal ko ‘yung show. ‘Yung role ko doon, it really affects me.

It’s super nice,” he said.

Matsunaga said he and the rest of the cast are also

Daniel Matsunaga

happy about how the show is doing in terms of ratings.

“I’m really enjoying this acting stint. Kahit mainit, kahit always under the sun, super enjoy ko ‘yung show.

Maganda ‘yung story and very positive ‘yung feedback. Everything is going well and this is just the third week,” he said.

According to data from Kantar Media, “Be My

Lady” debuted strongly in January, earning a remarkable 18.3% rating, almost 10 percentage points higher than its rival show.

Directed by Ted Boborol, “Be My Lady” also stars Priscilla Meirelles, Janice de Belen, Al Tantay, Yayo Aguila, Yves Flores, Devon Seron and Karen Reyes. It airs weekdays before “It’s Showtime.” (MNS)

Rica Peralejo suffers miscarriage Just days after announcing her pregnancy, actress Rica Peralejo shared some devastating news on her blog on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old Peralejo revealed that she lost her baby two months into her pregnancy. “One of my biggest fears has been realized…I lost the baby in my womb,” she wrote on a blog post titled “Pain and Peace.”

“For those who don’t know, I found out I was pregnant sometime in January, announced it last Sunday to the public, and on Tuesday found out that my baby no longer has a heartbeat,” she added.

According to Peralejo, the cause was “most probably” a developmental problem, and that her wouldbe-second child had an abnormality that did not allow the baby to progress any further.

“My doctor said that nothing could have altered this, even if I rested, stayed home, etc. My first ultrasound showed heartbeat and my second didn’t anymore. The size of the baby also remained the same despite the 6-week-gap,” she said.

But despite the heartbreaking experience, Peralejo chose to remain positive. “I believe that there is nothing I could have done

Rica Peralejo

to keep the baby, or to lose the baby, if it isn’t aligned with God’s good, pleasing and perfect will.

“So many stories attest to this, like some moms who don’t want their babies and do everything to rid of them, still get to keep them no matter what. On the other hand, many fit women out there happen to miscarry or lose babies for unknown reasons.”

“I actually know three women who have miscarried and lost a number of babies in their womb, all who are very dear to me, and they serve as inspiration and hope for me at this time.”

“We’ll never understand it all, why this happened to

them, to me, and not to others, but one thing enters my mind right now: God knows what he is doing.”

Peralejo, however, admitted to feeling “great emotional pain.”

“I think I have a long way to go to heal. Right now I can already feel fear seeping into my bones, traumatized by silent dopplers and all. That is something I know I’d have to deal with in the days to come,” she wrote.

Last Sunday, Peralejo and sister, former actress Paula, announced their pregnancy. Peralejo said that her sister is “in great shape” and that “she and her baby are doing just fine, praise God.” (MNS)

Jessy open to audition for Darna role

Jessy Mendiola

Jessy Mendiola admitted that she is willing to audition for the role of Darna in the planned superhero film adaptation.

Earlier, director Erik Matti admitted that Star Cinema has yet to find an actress who will replace Angel Locsin as Darna.

Matti said he suggested

to the ABS-CBN film outfit to hold auditions for the role since it would require a lot of action scenes.

Mendiola said it would be an honor for her to portray Darna in the upcoming film.

“Bakit naman hindi?

[Audition] naman talaga ang dapat,” she said. “I am really happy and flattered

that people want the role for me. I do want the role also. But kung kanino man mapupunta yon, I’m sure naman napag-isipan ‘yan mabuti ng mga kataas-taasan.” Asked how she would prepare for her audition should it push through, Mendiola said: “Proper training, proper workshop, proper guidance.”

“Ako kasi, ang tingin ko sa isang heroine, hindi lang yung physical or look yung pagiging hero. Kailangan yung personality niya, yung pinagdaanan niya, yung aura niya, kung gaano siya kalakas, kung paano niya tine-take ang mahihirap na bagay sa buhay, ‘yun ang superhero para sa akin,” she added.

Matti weighed in on the actresses who are supposedly being considered to play the Filipina superhero.

According to Matti, Mendiola could be a good fit for the role, but he added: “Maputi lang siya masyado.

Personal ko ito na comment ha, hindi ito comment ng ABS-CBN. Maputi lang masyado si Jessy. Pinay dapat.” (MNS)

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UTREACH World-class Filipino workforce lauded at PBIF in NY NEW YORK CITY – The Philippine Business and Investment Forum (PBIF), held on 3 March 2016 in New York City, apart from providing a platform for a wide-ranging discussion of the economic transformation of the Philippines and the issues relating to the sustainability of current growth, also highlighted the world-class Filipino workforce.

And it demonstrated that the Filipino people is the country’s greatest resource.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. set the stage in his opening remarks as he observed that “President Aquino himself has always said that the source of his bullishness on the Philippines even before it regained

economic prominence is the Filipino people.”

In his Keynote Address, former Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo emphasized the importance of the large, young Philippine population of 100 million with a median age of twenty-three (23). He characterized this as a vital demographic advantage that can be leveraged with proper investments in education and infrastructure.

In the panel discussion on manufacturing and the strengths of the Filipino workforce, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado emphasized the quality, scalability, and, most importantly, unique traits intrinsic to Filipino workers that underscore compassion and

stewardship in the work they do. The high-caliber of the Filipino worker was further validated by the narration of Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (IMI) President & CEO Arthur Tan on the lower average defects per million opportunities, for products produced, in the manufacture of semiconductors by workers at IMI’s Philippine manufacturing facilities.

Other speakers also spoke about the quality and reliability of the Filipino as worker and partner, and all the representatives of the participating investment promotion agencies, such as Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Clark Development Corporation, ranked the workforce high in their respective value propositions.

In his closing remarks at the end of the PBIF, Ambassador Jose Maisto, President of the US-Philippines Society, likewise referred to the Filipino workforce as being of “high quality; valued for their skills, adaptability, loyalty; and their sense of purpose is incredible.”

Even the welcome reception hosted by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board was a celebration of the Filipino. The gathering that took place on the eve of the PBIF, at the “48 Lounge” on the Avenue of the Americas, was well attended, and was truly a fiesta of fun, music, and color. The highlight of the event was the arrival of Pia Wurtzbach, the elegant and articulate Filipina who is also

the reigning Miss Universe.

Ms. Wurtzbach, who is most known for the phrase, “confidently beautiful with a heart,” graciously spoke of the beauty of the Philippines and the Filipino people as she invited the foreign guests to visit the country. She also gamely “put it out there” that it would be nice if she can pass the crown to the new Miss Universe next year in a pageant that would be held in the Philippines.

Guests were also treated to song numbers by Filipino-American rapper Apl. de.ap, and American Idol runner-up, Filipina-American singer Jessica Sanchez.

Ambassador Cuisia thus noted that “the talent, quality, commitment, and excellence of the Filipino were

at the forefront of the PBIF this week, whether in the performances at the welcome reception, in the narratives of the keynote speakers, or in the stories of the various panelists.”

“The choice of Its more fun in the Philippines, therefore, as the theme for the last panel of the Forum was very deliberate,” he added.

The last panel on tourism was composed of Tourism Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr.; Chairman Eliseo B. Santiago of the Clark Development Corporation; Rosanna Tuason Fores, President of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines; and Jeffrey Hentz of Finn Partners. It was moderated by Terry Dale, President of the US Tour Operators Association (USTOA).

Ultimate Heartthrobs Piolo & Sam with ‘Pokwang’ & Darren Live at Pechanga in March Two of the most sought after young Filipino actors, both on screen, cinema and singing sensation, Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby – along with comedian extraordinaire, ‘Pokwang’ and budding male actor Darren Espanto, in one of a kind performance ever will lead the pack of performers live at Pechanga Resort & Casino on March 26 at 8p.m. and March 27 at 5pm.

Pechanga Resort & Casino is well-known for hosting the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and performers such as international singer Gary Valenciano, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, the singer/actress and Tony Award winnerLea Salonga, popular comedian and actor Vice Ganda, winner of “Star Power Search 2011”Angeline Quintos, international actress and top endorser Anne Curtis, and Pop Star Princess Sarah Geronimo - who all gave wholesome entertainment to the delight of the crowd.

Dubbed as ‘ Heartthrobs Reloaded Live at Pechanga, ‘ Pascual, an award

winning actor and singer, was tagged as one and only ultimate heartthrob due to his peculiarity, smart looks and hot appeal. He’s being link to well-known famed celebrities and is notorious as every lady’s dream man.

Born Piolo Jose Nonato Pascual on January 12, 1977 to Amelia “Amy” Nonato and Philip (Herzig) Pascual. The youngest of six (four girls and 2 boys), Peejay (his nickname) was considered a “miracle baby”.Pascual was discovered by a family friend who picked him up and on their way home and stopped at the taping of the late German Moreno’s That’s Entertainment show.

It was there that a staff member saw a potential star in Piolo. He was asked to audition and later got a call back to be part of the show.He also became one of the country’s leading endorsers. Billboards lined up in highways with him endorsing brands such as Hammerhead, Max’s chicken, San Mig Coffee, Bench, Belo, Banco de Oro, etc.

Meanwhile, the Philippines’ ‘Rockcoustic Heart-

throb’, Sam Milby is an established actor and multi-awarded singer who is one of the few homegrown actors to venture into Hollywood while maintaining a successful career in the Philippines. From being just another Pinoy Big Brother housemate, the Filipino-American looker has eclipsed even his own popularity with sold-out concerts and Platinum albums, top-rating TV soaps. Born and raised in Troy, Ohio, Milby is the youngest son of Filipina Elsie Lacia who hails from Surigao Philippines and American entrepreneur, Lloyd Milby.

Commonly known as Pokwang – A comedienne, television host, and singer.

Born on August 27, 1960 as Marietta Subong. She is a well-known actress, who won the Clown in a Million contests in ABS-CBN’s comedy-gag show program.

Yes, Yes Show! (2004).

She is the ninth child in a family of twelve.

Darren Lyndon Gonzales Espanto (born May 24, 2001) is a Filipino singer.

Born in Calgary, Canada

Parents are grumpy about Disney’s price hikes at the happiest place on earth There’s a lot of grumbling about the happiest place on earth following news that Disney is hiking admission prices in an effort to ease traffic during peak season.

Introduced this week, Disney’s new tiered system for one-day tickets will make visits to the parks more expensive during peak periods like spring break, the winter holidays and weekends, compared to a random weekday in October.

Prices are split across three categories – value, regular and peak – and schedules will be made available online eight to 11 months in advance.

In a blog post, Disney said the move is aimed at easing congestion at the parks during peak season.

The new pricing is also in anticipation of upcoming attractions that are expected to draw huge crowds such as Avatar, Toy Story and Star Warsthemed lands.

In April, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will debut a new stage show entitled “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away,” that will play out iconic moments

from the film saga, as part of the ongoing rollout that will end with the opening of the dedicated Star Wars theme park.

But fans are expressing their displeasure at the new pricing scheme, pointing out that the parks are becoming increasingly unaffordable.

“Such a shame. It was already expensive. This just pushes it over the top. I can travel to Europe for less than a Disney vacation,” reads a comment in response to the Disney blog post. Over on Twitter, another disgruntled fan pointed out that the price hike comes following the closure of many long-standing attractions.

“I’m a massive #Disney fan, but @Disneyland & @WaltDisneyWorld how do you justify the price increase w/ so many attraction closures?”

Indeed, a total of 10 attractions face the chopping block at Disneyland in Anaheim alone, to make way for the Star Wars theme park, including Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland, Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue, Big Thunder Ranch petting zoo and Big Thunder

Ranch Jamboree.

Other attractions on the Rivers of America such as Fantasmic, the Mark Twain Riverboat, the Sailing Ship Columbia, the Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, the Disneyland Railroad and the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes will also close temporarily.

Disneyland Paris has already been selling tiered ticket prices, while Shanghai Disneyland will also be selling tiered tickets when the box office opens March 28.

Here’s a breakdown of new ticket pricing for Walt Disney World in Orlando: Value days for Magic Kingdom will cost $105 for adults, $99 for children between the ages of 3 to 9 Regular days will be $110 adults, $104 for children Peak days $124 adults, $118 for children D i s n e y l a n d i n C a l i f o r n i a Value days $95 for adults, $89 for children between 3 and 9 Regular days $105 for adults, $99 for children Peak days $119 for adults, $113 children At both parks, children under three are free

to Filipino parents, at 10 years old, he won the Masters Finals of the Pinoy Singing Sensation competition in Edmonton. He made his first television appearance at the age of ten when he joined YTV’s reality television The Next Star in 2012; he became the youngest finalist in the history of the show to be included in the Top 6.

Espanto rose to prominence after joining the first season of the The Voice Kids Philippines, the youngest artist who staged a major solo concert at the age of 13.Piolo, Sam, Pokwang, and Darren – are perfect combinations to thrill you come March by Temecula, California’s only pride – Pechanga Resort & Casino. Buy your tickets now (from $118, $98, $88 to $78) at the Pechanga Box Office, Wednesday-Sunday

from noon to 8p.m. or go online at www.Pechanga. com.

About Pechanga Resort & Casino Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/ casino experiences anywhere in the United States.

Voted the Number One Casino in America by read-

ers of USA TODAY and rated a Four Diamond property

by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway.

Offering more than 3,400 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and championship golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community.

Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free 1-888-PECHANGA or visit www.Pechanga.com.

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Denim hair is hot for Spring/Summer 2016

It is a well-known fact that a trusty pair of jeans is an absolute fashion staple, but denim is now sparking the latest beauty craze.

“Denim Hair” is the latest online beauty sensation to hit social media, specifically Instagram, and the look is as versatile as the humble jean itself.

The trend has seen fashionistas break out the dye to render their locks all sorts of grey and blue color variations honoring stonewash, acid wash, indigo, and 1970s cobalt blue, for a laid-back and colorful vibe. More often than not, the look incorporates painting the hair more than one shade of silver or

blue to give the final result a faded, lived-in effect.

If you’re thinking of testing out the trend, then starting with light hair will make the dye take more efficiently.

Vlogger Tasha Leelyn suggests making sure your hair is a light blonde or even white if you want to channel one of the lighter denim rinses.

Another (less permanent) option is to use the technique of clip-in hair extensions.

As BeautybyGabbie explains, applying dye directly to both sides of blonde extensions is a straightforward way of testing out the look without committing.

This option also makes

it easy to paint in a ‘highlighted’ effect as you will be coloring the hair on a flat surface.

It seems that multicolored tresses, which took off in 2015, are still hot for 2016, but while the new year saw the emergence of the wacky ‘glow in the dark’ trend, denim hair is slightly more subdued.

Previous colorful hair trends to emerge over the past few months include the celebrity-led ‘Rainbow hair’ look, ‘Macaron hair’, a combination of patisserie-like pastel hues woven together for a fairytale effect, and the auburn autumn-themed ‘Pumpkin Spice Hair.’

“Denim Hair” is the latest online beauty sensation to hit social media, specifically Instagram, and the look is as versatile as the humble jean itself.

A cup of tea a day could keep heart disease at bay

Tea drinkers could be 35% less likely to have a heart attack or another major cardiovascular event. © BlueSkyImage/shutterstock.com

An American study has found that tea drinkers enjoying a daily cuppa could be 35% less likely to suffer a heart attack or another major cardiovascular event over the course of their lives.

Doctor Elliott Miller and his team at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, USA, have found that drinking tea could protect the heart. Just one cup of tea a day – whether green or black – could be enough to prove beneficial.

The scientists followed 600 men and women in good health and with no previous history of heart disease for 15 years. During that time,

they noted which volunteers had a heart attack, a stroke, suffered chest pains or died from other types of heart disease. They also measured calcium deposits in the volunteers’ blood vessels over a five-year period, comparing them with previous levels.

The results showed that tea drinkers – consuming one to three cups per day – were 35% less likely to develop heart disease than the other volunteers. Tea drinkers also had lower levels of calcium deposits in their arteries.

While it’s too soon for the researchers to establish

a direct link between the consumption of tea and the absence of heart disease, they do recognize the natural protective properties of the drink. This could be due the flavonoids found in tea, a type of antioxidant that supports heart health.

Another theory is that tea drinkers could generally have healthier lifestyles, with factors such as diet and exercise playing a positive role in keeping heart disease at bay. All in all, a cup of tea may not be enough to protect the heart from disease, but a daily brew could well be beneficial.

More evidence that aspirin lowers risk of cancer: study People who take aspirin regularly have a significantly lower risk of cancer, particularly involving the colon and gastrointestinal tract, according to US research published on Thursday.

The findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Oncology suggest that aspirin use should complement – not replace – already established preventive screening measures such as colonoscopies. ”We now can recommend that many individuals consider taking aspirin to reduce their risk of colorectal cancer – particularly those with other reasons for regular use, such as heart disease prevention,” said senior author Andrew Chan of the Massachusetts General Hospital. ”Our findings imply that aspirin use would be expected to prevent a significant number of colorectal cancers above and beyond those that would be prevented by screening and may have even greater benefit in settings in which the resources to devote to cancer screening are lacking.”

Previous research has shown that regular as-

pirin use can help prevent colorectal cancer.

However, the wider effect of aspirin on all cancers was less clear.

So the researchers looked at 32 years worth of data from nearly 136,000 nurses and health professionals who answered health surveys.

People who took either a regular aspirin or a low-dose aspirin at least twice per week showed a three percent lower risk of any type of cancer than those who did not report regular aspirin use.

The protective benefit of aspirin “appeared after five years of continuous use at dosages ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 standard tablets a week or one low-dose tablet a day,” said the study.

Aspirin use reduced the risk of colorectal cancer by 19 percent and the risk of any gastrointestinal cancer by 15 percent.

Regular aspirin use “could prevent close to 30,000 gastrointestinal tract tumors in the US each year,” said the study.

The team also calculated that aspirin use could “prevent an additional 7,500 colorectal tumors among US adults over 50 who have endo-

scopic screening and 9,800 among the almost 30 million who are not screened.”

However, when researchers looked specifically at common cancers such as breast, lung and prostate cancer, they found no risk reduction from aspirin use.

The research was based on observational studies, so it is not as strong as a randomized controlled trial.

Aspirin also carries certain risks, such as bleeding and stroke, and cannot be tolerated by everyone.

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends aspirin to prevent colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease among many US adults.

According to Ernest Hawk of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the study “is important because it suggests that aspirin use may complement colorectal cancer screening,” he wrote in an accompanying editorial.

Aspirin also “may have an absolute benefit regardless” of whether patients have been screened by traditional methods, “a critical insight that few other studies have provided thus far,” added Hawk, who was not involved in the study.

Previous research has shown that regular aspirin use can help prevent colorectal cancer. © Mars Evis/shutterstock.com

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MOTORING

US February auto sales hit best performance since 2000 Automakers scored strong US sales in February, pulling away from Januaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s slowdown at the best pace since 2000.

Ford, Fiat Chrysler, Honda and Nissan had double-digit increases. Sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks again were hot sellers as cheap gasoline prices drove buyers to the fuel guzzlers.

Total sales climbed 6.9 percent from last February to 1.34 million vehicles, according to Autodata, in line with estimates. The pace of sales was an annual rate of 17.54 million, up

The Ford F-Series Š Ford

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Ford said its Ford brand sport-utility vehicle sales last month set a company record, totaling 65,016 SUVs, up 28 percent from a year ago. Overall SUV sales advanced 29.2 percent to 54,420 units.

F-series pickup truck sales were robust, too, rising 10 percent, the best performance in a decade.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;We saw a solid industry last month and a strong month for Ford, as customer demand for our newest vehiclesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;including new high-end series on Explorer and Edge â&#x20AC;&#x201C; helped Ford increase its average transaction prices at almost double the industry average,â&#x20AC;? said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president of US marketing, sales and service.

FCA US, the US arm of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, said US sales jumped 12 percent to 182,879 units, topping forecasts.

Jeep brand sales advanced 23 percent in February, with Jeep Cherokee, Wrangler, Patriot and Compass models racking up their best February ever.

Five other brands set records in the month, including the Ram pickup truck and van, and the Dodge Journey crossover.

GM, the largest US automaker, said sales fell 1.5 percent from a year ago to 227,825 units, dragged lower by a 39 percent drop in rental deliveries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our strategy is simple: grow profitable retail share while maintaining discipline with inventory levels and incentive spending, while reducing rental deliveries,â&#x20AC;? said Kurt McNeil, GMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s US vice president of sales operations, in a statement.

In the retail market, GM sales of cars and trucks rose 6.6 percent to 179,958 units. It said its Chevrolet brand remained the auto industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest-growing full-line brand in February, with sales up 13 percent.

Sales of luxury brand Cadillac rose 4.2 percent, but GMC sales dropped 8.3 percent and Buick fell 1.9 percent.

Promotions push Following Januaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bout of wintry weather, automakers rolled out promotions and rebate offers in February, particularly around the Presidents Day holiday on February 15. Holiday-linked rebates averaged $175 per vehicle, analysts said. Toyota, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest automaker, said US sales rose 4.1 percent to 187,954 vehicles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Toyota division had back-to-back, best-ever light truck monthly records, supported by another best-ever month in February for RAV4,â&#x20AC;? one of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crossover SUVs, said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager for the Japanese companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s US division.

Honda scored a 12.8 percent rise year-on-year, at 188,985 Honda and Acura vehicles. Civic sales revved up 31.7 percent.

Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s US sales climbed 11 percent over the prior year to 130,911 units, a February record.

Sales of Nissan crossovers, trucks and SUVs also set a February record, up 14 percent. Volkswagen, mired in an emissions cheating scandal that has spurred multiple probes and lawsuits in the United States, said US sales tumbled 13.2 percent to 22,321 units, though luxury brand Audi had a modest gain.

After 2015â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record-breaking sales, so far this year the US auto market seems to be setting up for another banner year, said Jeremy Acevedo of Edmunds.com.

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Germany’s BMW celebrates 100th anniversary German luxury carmaker BMW will throw a lavish 100th birthday party on Monday, looking back at its often troubled history and forward as it seeks to adapt to the age of “personal mobility”.

In its home city of Munich the iconic headquarters, a complex dubbed the “BMW four-cylinder”, towers as a source of pride while its vast plant, offices and museum are the southern city’s main private employer, with a total of 41,000 staff.

Since its World War I beginnings, the company has grown into a multinational giant with plants in 14 countries, more than 116,000 employees and 80 billion euros ($88 billion) in annual sales.

BMW today makes cars and motorcycles and its brands also include RollsRoyce and Mini.

Leading its rival Daimler-Benz in units sold, and with giant VW damaged by the emissions scandal, BMW

remains in pole position at the high end of the auto industry and is seen as a symbol of German engineering prowess.

“It’s a great product, it’s a joy to make it,” says Stefan Eichborn, wearing a blue overall and speaking in a Bavarian accent, as he supervises huge machines that press steel sheets into car body parts.

War-time past The auto giant started life in far more troubled times—on March 7, 1916, making aircraft engines as Germany’s “Bavarian Aircraft Factory”.

After WWI, when defeated Germany was forbidden from manufacturing aircraft, it renamed itself Bayerische Motoren Werke (“Bavarian Engine Factory”) in 1922.BMW adopted a propellor-shaped logo as a salute to its aerospace origins, in Bavaria’s traditional blue-and-white colours.

“The product for which

BMW is best known nowadays was actually the last product to be taken into its portfolio,” says Manfred Grunert, the company’s inhouse historian.

After producing its first motorcycle in 1923, BMW began making cars in 1928.

During the 1930s it started on its own designs, such as the 326 limousine and the 328 roadster.

As the Nazis came to power, BMW again became involved in armament efforts, once more building aircraft engines.

From 1939 it used forced labour from concentration camps—one of BMW’s darkest chapters, which it only began to open up about in the 1980s.

At the end of World War II, with Germany in ruins, the company survived by making household utensils.

It resumed motorcycle production in 1948 and car production in 1952, but its success initially remained

German luxury carmaker BMW will throw a lavish 100th birthday party on Monday, looking back at its often troubled history and forward as it seeks to adapt to the age of “personal mobility”. © AFP PHOTO / SAUL LOEB

limited.

“During the 1950s, BMW had serious financial problems,” historian Grunert told AFP.“BMW did not participate in Germany’s post-war economic miracle.”

In 1959, the group was about to be taken over by its arch-rival Daimler-Benz, but a group of shareholders rebelled.

One of them, Herbert Quandt, son of a well-known

industrialist, came to BMW’s rescue, investing massively in the company.

“Without his involvement, BMW would today simply be a factory of Daimler,” said Grunert.

The Quandt family today remains BMW’s biggest shareholders with a stake of 47 percent.

Peter Fuss, automobile expert at consultants EY, said the presence of a “strong

shareholder” willing to take risks is a key factor behind the company’s success.

But the Quandt name is also associated with the darkest period of Germany’s history.

Herbert’s father, Guenther Quandt, was one of Germany’s leading industrialists during the Third Reich, enjoying the spoils of wealth confiscated from Jews.

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Nissan used its appearance at this year’s Geneva Motor Show to announce the launch of its first production cars with semi-autonomous technology and outline why it is partnering with world-renowned architects on its vision for the future of mobility.

Like all big car firms, Nissan offers a range of active safety features such as emergency autonomous braking in its current model lineup.

However, it wants to be the first mass-market brand to offer Piloted Drive technology, starting later this year in Japan and in Europe from 2017 when its refreshed Qashqai crossover launches.

“We are taking technology normally found in premium cars and making it accessible to millions of motorists,” said Paul Willcox, Chairman, Nissan Europe.

Piloted Drive keeps a safe speed and safe distance from the car in front and handles stop-start highway situations, but can’t yet move autonomously between lanes.

“The introduction of Piloted Drive technologies will be an evolution not a revolution,” said Willcox.

The technology will build year on year, up to 2020 with new capabilities until it can navigate city centers and highways.

“With the driver in control, we want to remove the pain-points of being behind the wheel, like navigating heavy traffic,” Willcox said.

Nissan also announced a partnership with architects Foster + Partners exploring how cars, communities and infrastructure can form greater reciprocal connections once battery and charging technologies have advanced, and when all vehicles are web enabled as well as autonomous.

“Technology holds many of the answers for the challenges we face in our cities today. However, the true power comes when those technologies are integrated with each other and the world around us,” said Willcox.

Nissan, like Ford, GM and Volkswagen, is looking beyond the simple act of building cars as a means of servicing consumers and their communities. One of Nissan’s ideas for its city of the future is that electric cars will be able to draw power from or give it back to the grid.

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Where Americans traveled to most in 2015 N. KOREA

Las Vegas was the most popular domestic vacation spot for US travelers last year, while London outranked Paris and Rome to be the most popular international destination.

That’s according to the latest Hotel Price Index from Hotels.com, which provides a sweeping look at where Americans traveled in 2015; the types of deals they got; and the types of deals to be had in 2016.

After looking at the number of bookings within its own database, analysts found that Las Vegas was the top choice among American staycationers, followed by New York, Orlando, San Diego and Los Angeles.

Canada was also a popular vacation destination for US travelers last year, who took advantage of the strength of the American dollar against the weakened loonie (Canadians’ terms for their dollar) to attend major international sporting events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Pan Am Games and World Junior Championship for ice hockey. The most popular destinations in Canada included

OSMENA From page 1

ed to cash.

Osmena earlier revealed senators and casino operators lobbied to exclude casinos from the list of institutions covered by the Anti-Money Laundering Act. The Senate has postponed to March 14 an investigation into the alleged money laundering of $100 million in stolen bank funds to Philippine casinos.

A Philippine Daily Inquirer Report said some $100 million were stolen by hackers from a bank overseas and then coursed

MUSLIM From page 1

seeking dialogue with IS-allied militants to dissuade them for further attacks.

Violence has plagued the southern Philippines for decades during a Muslim separatist insurgency that has claimed 120,000 lives.

The Philippines is predominant-

Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Niagara Falls.

Visitors to Toronto also saw a five percent decrease in hotel rates over the year previous.

Despite posting the highest hotel rates in Europe ($257 USD per night), Americans continue to be enamored with London, which was the top international destination.

Elsewhere in Europe, the strength of the US dollar helped drive down hotel rates in cities like Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin (where rates averaged $131 a night).

Perennial favorites Paris and Rome also reported double digit drops in 2015.

Istanbul offered the cheapest European vacation in 2015, with travelers paying an average of $125 a night.

And if data from last year is anything to go by, travelers looking for a budget-friendly holiday abroad this year may want to consider Bangkok, which posted average hotel rates of $91 last year, and Bogota, Colombia, where hotel rates dropped a steep 21 percent in 2015 compared to the year previous. to a RCBC-Makati City branch through a transaction handled by one of its branch managers with foreign exchange broker Philrem.

The funds were then converted to pesos, consolidated into a single corporate account of a Chinese-Filipino businessman and then used to either “buy chips” or “pay for casino losses” incurred at several casinos before being moved back to bank accounts overseas.

Osmena said those invited to the investigation are Naguiat, officials of the Anti-Money Laundering Council and casinos such as Midas Hotel, Solaire, City of Dreams and Resorts World.(MNS) ly Catholic.

The MILF signed a peace accord with President Benigno Aquino’s government in 2014 to end its struggle for independence, which began in the 1970s.

Aquino’s six-year term ends in June and the MILF has pledged to honour a ceasefire while it awaits Philippine elections at mid-year.

From page 1

country’s nuclear arsenal to be placed on standby, in response to the sanctions resolution adopted last week by the UN Security Council.

Pyongyang has issued similar, dire warnings of nuclear attack in the past, usually during periods of elevated military tensions.

While the North is known to have a small stockpile of nuclear warheads, experts are divided about its ability to mount them on a working missile delivery system.

The National Defense Commission said plans for what it called a “pre-emptive nuclear strike of justice” had been ratified by Kim Jong-Un. The plans would come into operation in the event of “even the slightest military action” by the North’s enemies, it said.

BINAY GUILT From page 1

ing sent him into overdrive trying to stop the move,” Gutierrez said in a statement on Monday.

Gutierrez said that Binay is “hell-bent” on delaying the release of the COA report to supposedly hide the truth “about the millions he pocketed in kickbacks.”

He said that if the vice president’s conscience is clear, Binay should not fear the release of the said report.

POE TO RUN From page 1

be a natural-born Filipino under the 1935 or the 1987 Constitution because she “could not definitively show her direct blood relationship with a Filipino parent since her biological parents are unknown.”

The senator subsequently filed motions for reconsideration before the Comelec en banc (full bench), but the en banc upheld the rulings of the first and second divisions cancelling Poe’s COC for president.

Poe still did not back down and sought relief from the SC, which issued temporary restraining orders (TROs) against the disqualifications handed down by the poll body.

THE US ASIAN POST

“The indiscriminate nuclear strike... will clearly show those keen on aggression and war, the military mettle of (North Korea),” said the statement carried by the North’s official KCNA news agency.

Targets would include operational American bases on the Korean peninsula and elsewhere in Asia, as well as the US mainland.

‘Flames and ashes’ “If we push the buttons to annihilate the enemies even right now, all bases of provocations will be reduced to seas in flames and ashes in a moment,” the statement added. Despite a pair of successful long-range rocket launches, most experts believe North Korea is years away from developing a genuine inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the US mainland.

In Seoul, the defense ministry cautioned the North against acting

out its bellicose rhetoric.

“If North Korea launches a provocation, our military will respond sternly and mercilessly,” ministry spokesman Moon Sang-Gyun told reporters.

Pyongyang has long condemned the Foal Eagle and Key Resolve exercises, which stretch over nearly two months, as provocative rehearsals for invasion, while Seoul and Washington insist they are purely defensive in nature.

The North’s threat of a nuclear response appeared to have been prompted, in part, by South Korean media reports that this year’s drills would role play surgical strikes against key North Korean nuclear and missile facilities.

The scale of the exercises was ramped up following the North’s fourth nuclear test on January 6 and February’s rocket launch, which was seen as a disguised ballistic missile test.

“If his conscience is clean, he will not be fazed no matter how many reports COA would release,” the Akbayan party-list representative said.

On Sunday, the Office of the Ombudsman lashed out against the Binay camp for saying that it was pressuring the audit body to release an incomplete audit report

to derail the presidential bid of the vice president.

Calling the Binay camp’s claim as “a lie,” Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales turned the tables against the vice president and said that it was Binay who was asking a COA official to delay the release of the report until after May 9.

“According to a very reliable

COLUMBIA From page 1

Apart from its links to micro cephaly, an irreversible condition in which babies are born with abnormally small heads and brains, it is also suspected of causing

Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neurological disorder.

The virus has infected people across 282 Colombian municipalities, 67 percent of them women.

The 25 to 29 age group was the most affected, comprising about 14 percent of cases.

ISIS IN PHL From page 1

“Sinabi nga ni General Padilla: ‘Based on information at hand, there’s no presence of Daesh.’

“This has not been established; and that he said there’s no direct relation between the group here and the bigger terror group in the Middle East,” he told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

The job of the Armed Forces is to determine these security matters that concern the safety of the Filipino public.

The Armed Forces has proven

its capacity in the past and the Palace believes that its assessment is correct, Quezon added.

The military reported this week that it has already taken control of the camp of the armed group Maute in Butig, Lanao del Sur after days of intense offensive.

The report said government troops overran the main camp of the armed group in Barangay Poktan, where the houses of Maute leaders, brothers Omar and Abdullah Maute, were located. (MNS)