Pogoy shoots the lights out anew as TNT goes 4-0
By JONAS TERRADO RR Pogoy went on another scoring spree despite nursing a sprained left ankle as TNT came back to beat Phoenix Super, 110-91, in Monday’s battle between two undefeated teams in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center. A […].....»»
Maskne: The Truth Behind the Phenomenon
Breakouts can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, no matter your age. Though acne tends to resolve with age, between 40 and 55 percent of the adult population experience persistent acne. Acne is often triggered by hormones and excess oil production in the skin but can also increase in times of stress. The uncertainty of a global […].....»»
OVP sets up more learning hubs in areas with internet access concerns
With the ongoing distance learning classes, Vice President Leni Robredo’s office continues to set up more learning hubs in communities nationwide to address internet access concerns. (OVP / MANILA BULLETIN) Robredo announced the opening of 55 additional learning hubs soon in areas where they are needed on top of the 13 pilot sites. She gave the public a first glimpse of the learning hub during a tour on Monday in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City. Joining her was Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto. “We are excited because we have opened 13 of these hubs during the first month. I will also visit the others,” Robredo, who went live on her Facebook account, said in Filipino. “Hopefully, this week and next week. We will then open 55 other sites,” she added. For the pilot run of the learning hub in Pasig City, Robredo’s office partnered with JCI Manila and Catholic group “Ligaya ng Panginoon (Joy of the Lord).” Six students can only be accommodated per schedule in the learning center, where health and safety protocols are strictly being observed. The walk-ins are not allowed so students who wish to use the hub should pre-register for their assigned schedules. The Office of the Vice President initiated the establishment of the community learning hubs as part of its Bayanihan E-skwela program to help students who don’t have the capacity to study at home. Two batches of tutors have already been trained to run these learning hubs. Among which are located in Taytay, Rizal; Himamaylan, Negros Occidental; Tabaco City, Albay; Lucena City, Quezon province; and Caloocan City......»»
BI to provide free Covid-19 RT-PCR tests for employees with possible symptoms
Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente announced that they will be providing free Covid-19 RT-PCR tests for employees exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms. (PIA / MANILA BULLETIN) “Being frontliners, BI personnel are one of the most at risk as we are in close contact with numerous people every day in the performance of our duties. This effort is to ensure the health and safety of everyone,” he said. BI Deputy Commissioner Aldwin Alegre, who chairs the BI Covid Task Force, said that the swab testing will be conducted through the help of partner agencies. Alegre said they have received allocation for swab kits from the Philippine Coast Guard and Manila City Hall, adding “we are very thankful for their support, and this will go a long way in our fight against Covid.” He said top priority will be given to symptomatic employees, as well as those who came in close contact with confirmed Covid-19 patients. Testing for BI employees will be conducted at the Palacio de Maynila, Manila Health Office, and Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros......»»
DILG urges LGUs to support the operation of 12 FMAs
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged the local government units (LGUs) on Monday to support the operation of the 12 Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs) in the country. (MANILA BULLETIN) DILG Secretary Eduardo Año issued the call specifically to the localities lying near the coastal areas. He explained that the FMA is a spatial delineation of Philippine waters as a means to manage fisheries at an appropriate scale. Año noted that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has established 12 FMAs composed of contiguous regions which share the same coasts. The DILG chief also emphasized that the preservation and management of aquatic resources, including coastal and fisheries, like other functions of the government, must not cease despite the COVID-19 crisis. Año said the LGUs should lead in the management of shared coasts and ocean for the benefit of all. “The establishment of FMAs is provided by law and it is the enshrined mandate of LGUs to protect and preserve our natural resources, including all coastal areas,” Año said. The Department of Agriculture had earlier issued Fisheries Administrative Order (DA FAO) No. 263, s. 2019 which pushes for the creation of FMAs that are fully functional and supervised by a governing body. In support of the DA directive, Año issued DILG Memorandum Circular 2020-121 directing LGUs to be part of the multi-sectoral Management Board and to work with other sectors in ensuring that the shared resources and fish stocks within the FMAs are properly managed. Año said that “one or more local chief executive (LCE) of LGUs shall co-chair the said management board, together with the BFAR Regional Fisheries Office.’’ “Aquatic and fisheries resources are aspects of local governance that demand LGUs’ attention and with a representative from the LGUs in the FMA Management Board,’’ he added. “Regional composition of the 12 FMAs are as follows: Regions 2, 3, 4A, and 5 for FMA 1; Regions 8, 13 and 11 for FMA 2; Regions 12, 9 and BARMM for FMA 3; Regions 6, 7, 9, and BARMM for FMA 4; Regions 4B and 6 for FMA 5; Regions 1, 3, 4A, 4B and NCR for FMA 6; Regions 4A, 5, and 8 for FMA 7; Regions 8 and 13 for FMA 8; Regions 7, 8, 9, 10, and 13 for FMA 9; Regions 7, and 8 for FMA 10; Regions 5, 6, 7, and 8 for FMA 11; and, Regions 4A, 4B, 5, and 6 for FMA 12,’’ the DILG said. Año also urged LGUs to participate in the development of the FMA Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) Plan or EAFM Framework. He said that this will lay down the policies and strategic actions of the FMA to be implemented by the LGUs and BFAR field offices within the FMA......»»
Cone rewards Japeth with more minutes ‘to get him in shape’
Japeth Aguilar topscored Barangay Ginebra with 20 points against Meralco. (PBA Images) Some were probably wondering why coach Tim Cone kept Japeth Aguilar on the floor even though Barangay Ginebra San Miguel already had the game won against Meralco Sunday night. “I left him out there the whole time, just so to get him in shape,” Cone said after Ginebra’s 105-91 victory at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center. Aguilar finished with a game-high 20 points, scoring nine during a nine-minute appearance in the fourth quarter, something Cone said is something he rarely does. But Cone explained that having such exposure even in a blowout contest could bode well for Aguilar in the long run since the Finals Most Valuable Player of last season’s Governors’ Cup entered the bubble only days before the restart. And it has resulted in averages of 9.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in wins over NLEX and Blackwater. “We really don’t have time to get him in shape by working out because the games come so fast,” said Cone. “Though we have a big margin, I wasn’t taking Japeth out. That’s unusual for me, but I saw it as a purpose and to stay on the floor and keep working. Hopefully that will make him better into our next game.” Ginebra is hoping that would be the case as it enters a stretch of difficult games against tough opponents. The Kings return to action on Wednesday against the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, who opened the conference with two straight wins. Next is Ginebra’s “Bubble Clasico” showdown with Magnolia on Sunday followed by a clash with another sister team in defending five-time champion San Miguel Beer on Oct. 30......»»
Mayor Isko: Avoid religious processions in the meantime
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday asked Catholics to avoid holding religious processions in the city while the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is still a threat. A devotee himself, Domagoso said he is “saddened” that the Filipino tradition will be set aside because of the pandemic, however, “we need understanding.” “For the meantime, nakikisuyo po ako, wala pong mga para-parada, wala pong prusi-prusisyon, dahil mahirap pigilan ang tao. At ang tao naman mapapahamak, malalagay sa alanganin (For the meantime, I’m asking you not to hold processions because it’s hard to control the people. And they might be at risk),” he said in an interview with reporters. Domagoso hinted there might be no Traslacion or the traditional procession of the Black Nazarene in January if “this situation will remain the same.” “Pero halimbawa… maganda, medyo kayang i-tolerate yung numbers of infection or talagang halos kontrolado na natin yung infection, baka mag-isip kami ng bago (In case the situation improves or the number of infection is already under control, we might change our minds),” he added. Domagoso said, there is a need to issue restrictions on religious processions as he fears a rise in COVID-19 cases in the country. “Everybody is going to Quiapo… para magsampalataya (for their faith). So in the hundreds thousands of people merging, I just give you conservative number, just one na maimpeksyon, na magdikit dikit, pawis, laway, so baka maulit tayo (only one infected devotee who will join the gathering, with all the sweat, saliva droplets and we might end up with huge cases again),” he cautioned......»»
Rice farmers seek bigger financial aid
The one-time financial assistance that the Senate directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to provide to rice farmers amid the declining prices of palay would not be enough, a group of rice farmers said. (MB file, Keith Bacongco) Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) National Manager Raul Montemayor said rice farmers have lost an average of P10,000 per hectare in the ongoing cropping season due to severely depressed palay prices. This was his response to the joint resolution recently passed by the Senate Committees on Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, which ordered the DA to appropriate some P3 billion in tariffs from rice imports through the 2021 national budget for cash aid to rice farmers. Under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), which allowed unlimited rice importation in the Philippines, tariff collections in excess of P10 billion per year can be used for additional support to farmers, including cash transfers. FFF, however, noted that the proposed appropriation would only provide P5,000 per farmer if distributed to some 600,000 farmers tilling one hectare or less. If the actual number of qualified farmers is raised to 1.1 million, the subsidy would only amount to about P2,700 per farmer. Either proposal will be unfair to equally affected rice farmers tilling larger areas, the farmers’ group said. Instead, Montemayor said the government could keep palay prices stable by temporarily imposing safeguard duties or additional tariffs on imported rice. “The government allowed unlimited rice imports, resulting in low palay prices. Now, it will spend P3 billion to partially offset farmers’ losses. If it had instead imposed additional duties on imports, palay prices would not have dropped too much, there would have been no need for cash aid to farmers, and the government might have even earned extra revenues from the safeguard duties,” said Montemayor. Under the Section 10 of RTL or Republic Act (RA) 11203, in order to protect the Philippine rice industry from sudden or extreme price fluctuations, a special safeguard duty on rice shall be imposed in accordance with Safeguard Measures Act. R.A. 8800 or the Safeguard Measures Act, on the other hand, allows additional safeguard duties on top of regular tariffs in case an import surge is shown to be harmful to local farmers. “Safeguard duties will not be inflationary as claimed by the DA, because they will be applied only when there is already a proven oversupply in the market. They can be removed once the situation stabilizes,” said Montemayor. Agriculture Secretary William Dar is not keen on slapping additional tariff on rice imports, and has repeatedly appealed for public understanding about the “short-term” effects of RTL to palay prices. However, he promised to look for other solutions to the plea of the farmers like asking the National Food Authority (NFA), which buys palay at P19 per kilogram (/kg) to boost the government’s buffer stock, to intensify its palay procurement. Instead of cash aid, the FFF proposed that existing funds from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and extra tariff collections be re-focused to address current problems of farmers. It noted that half of farmers receiving free seeds under the RCEF had already been using certified seeds in the past, and that many were seeking other types of support that were not available under RCEF. Numerous farmers have also questioned the DA’s promotion of seed varieties like NSIC Rc222, which is of poor quality and are being shunned by traders. “Also, the P5 billion annual fund for mechanization is not moving well, and it might be more practical at this time to preserve job opportunities for farm laborers instead of displacing them with machines,” Montemayor said. “Moreover, the P1 billion budget for extension and training could be realigned, considering that farmers cannot attend training activities due to COVID-related restrictions. The P1 billion for credit could be better used for interest rate subsidies or loan guarantee programs, instead of direct loans which will benefit only 20,000 farmers,” he added......»»
DOLE: Distressed businesses may avail of bank loans for 13th month pay
The Department of Labor and Employment told distressed businesses which can’t afford to pay for their employees’ 13th-month pay to avail of loans from banks. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III (ROBINSON NIÑAL JR. / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the Bankers Association of the Philippines had earlier said it is open to offering loans for businesses heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Siguro pwedeng umutang muna para may pambayad sila (Maybe they could borrow from banks so they could pay their employees’ 13th month),” Bello told DZMM Teleradyo in an interview. Aside from borrowing from banks, Bello said the labor department is also eyeing to subsidize the 13th-month pay of employees from micro and small enterprises (MSE). Malacanang said it will discuss the matter with the Departments of Budget and Management (DBM) and Finance (DOF) to see if the government can shoulder the 13th month P13.7 billion needed to subsidize the 13th-month pay of MSE workers. Bello reiterated that there should be no deferment in the giving of 13th-month pay to employees. The labor secretary said it should be given on or before December 24, with no extensions. Employees entitled to a 13th-month pay include those who have been working at a business or company not less than a month regardless of their employment status......»»
Laos, Afghanistan lift inbound restrictions for Pinoys travellers
Two countries in Asia and the Pacific – Laos and Afghanistan – have lifted inbound restrictions on Filipino travelers, subject to flight availability and medical protocols amid the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a report on Monday. (ALI VICOY / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) On the other hand, Malaysia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Tajikistan, and Hong Kong have imposed stricter medical protocols and visa regulations for those who are exempt from entry restrictions. Mongolia’s borders, meanwhile, remain open but inbound travelers in the country are now required to present negative COVID-19 test results and must have all applicable documents to support their visa status. In Tokyo, the Japanese government has gradually opened up inbound entry for students, dependents, and technical interns but still prohibit entry of short-stay travelers, including tourists. Back here at home, beginning October 21, Filipinos may resume their overseas plans after Malacañang announced the lifting of restrictions for non-essential outbound travelers, including tourists. Outbound Filipino tourists may be allowed to leave the country after submitting confirmed roundtrip tickets and adequate travel and health insurance. With the still evolving changes in travel restrictions worldwide due to the pandemic, the DFA advises Filipino travelers to always check ahead of their travel dates with airlines, as well as with relevant Embassies or Consulates before booking a ticket and before departure. .....»»
Mandatory appointment of PENRO pushed
Recognizing that illegal logging activities remain rampant in some provinces, Siquijor Rep. Jake Vincent Villa has filed a bill seeking the mandatory appointment of Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO). He filed House Bill No. 7382 to amend the Local Government Code by making mandatory instead of optional the appointment of PENRO. Villa sought to specifically amend Section 463 under Chapter 2, Title 4, Book 3 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, to ensure that there will be an official tasked to safeguard and promote environmental protection in the provinces. “As time passes, changes to the environment in all provinces become readily apparent. From once a land of flora and fauna turned concrete jungle of buildings and infrastructures. As changes occur, in particular, climate change transformation of some of our forests lands into virtual savannas aggravated by illegal logging activities have scalped off the precious cover that in the past has served as protection against rampaging rain water during the typhoon season,” Villa said. “The government should be enjoined to protect and preserve our precious forest reserves to avoid destructive flooding,” Villa said. “It is also for the same reasons that the government should designate an official who should be responsible for ensuring that the lands in every province are protected from wanton and illegal cutting of logs and that in areas where reforestation is needed, the same shall be undertaken to avoid destructive flooding in the future,” he added. HB 7382 also seeks to amend Article 115 (b) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA No. 7160 by including PENRO in the list of appointive provincial officials. At present, there are only 13 mandatory appointive provincial officials – Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, provincial treasurer, provincial accountant, provincial budget officer, provincial planning and development coordinator, provincial engineer, provincial health officer, provincial administrator, provincial legal officer, provincial agriculturist; provincial social welfare and development officer, provincial veterinarian, and provincial general services officer......»»
Metro Manila mayors recommend extended GCQ in NCR until end of 2020
The Metro Manila Council (MMC) has recommended to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) the extension of the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR) until the end of the year. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP / MANILA BULLETIN) The MMC, the policy-making body of the MMDA is composed of 17 mayors in the NCR. “All our mayors agreed to recommend to the IATF to extend GCQ until December 31. It is easy to adjust gradually while under GCQ,” Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Jose Arturo Garcia disclosed during a virtual press conference Monday, October 19. “Mas mahirap na i-Modified General Community Quarantine or MGCQ na 100 percent tsaka mo babawasan, magkakaroon ng resistance iyan, mahirap i-control. Unlike GCQ tayo tapos gradually tayo nag-a-adjust ng mga capacity. This is the better move para tumakbo ang ekonomiya natin (It is hard to place NCR 100 percent under MGCQ. Then if you decrease the quarantine level, there will be resistance. That’s hard to control. Unlike when we are still under GCQ and we gradually adjust the capacity. This move is better to help our economy),” Garcia explained. NCR is currently under GCQ until the end of October. The MMC also suggested that curfew in Metro Manila be shortened from the current 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. Garcia said this is also the recommendation of the economic team in order to boost the economy which was badly affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. “This is for our economy, for our establishments to earn more. More people are expected to dine at restaurants due to the change in the curfew hours,” he said. “All the mayors agreed to this. Of course, health protocols must be strictly observed at such establishments,” Garcia added. The mayors likewise agreed to allow persons aged 18 to 65 outside their homes.. “Our mayors pointed out that individuals aged 18 are the ones who are allowed to work, therefore, they are not out of their houses for leisure. Those below the said age are more prone to go out their houses just for leisure,” Garcia explained. Garcia said there is still nothing definite about the traditional “Simbang Gabi.” “There are recommendations to adjust the curfew during the start of ‘Simbang Gabi’ to 12 a.m. to 3 a.m. But, this is not yet final. It is too early to talk about this. We will release a guideline by the end of November,” he said. .....»»
Año orders probe of alleged BJMP violations during Nasino’s furlough
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said on Monday, Oct. 19, he has ordered an investigation over allegations that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) committed violations in escorting political prisoner Reina Mae Nasino to the wake and burial of her dead baby River. (JANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULLETIN) “Pinatitingnan ko rin kung meron silang violations diyan sa behavior nila para we will also apply appropriate sanctions (I have ordered a look into their behavior so we can apply the appropriate sanctions),” he said during an interview over CNN Philippines. “I already instructed the chief BJMP Director Allan Iral to look into the matter and to see if there (were) lapses committed by the BJMP officers,” added Año. On the other hand, Año expressed support to the personal statement made by Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) spokesperson Assistant Secretary Celine Pialago who said that the alleged cruelty committed against Nasino during her visit to the wake and burial should not be sensationalized anymore considering that not all persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) are granted furlough. “Tama yun. Hindi lahat pinapayagan (She’s right. Not all PDLs are granted furlough),” Ano said. “So that’s one big privilege talaga sa PDL, hindi lahat napagbibigyan ng ganyan (Furlough is one big privilege to PDL, not all PDLs are granted that),” he pointed out. The secretary explained that being a PDL “hanggang hindi natatapos ang kaso mo deprived of liberty ka kasama na ang ibang karapatan mo diyan sapagkat nahaharap ka sa kaso (until all you cases are done, you are deprived of liberty as well as you other rights because you are facing charges). He said that Nasino has been ordered detained by a Manila court due to non-bailable charges of illegal possession of explosives and firearms. With this, Año believes that BJMP officers and personnel who escorted Nasino to wake and burial of her baby were just doing their job. “Just the same we regret what happened but I will stand by my people, the BJMP. They are professional people. They don’t have personal or vested interests. They are just doing their job professionally,” he stated. He reminded that the BJMP was only ensuring that the court’s order was being followed, which included not allowing the PDL to escape, that she will not be harmed, and she is safely returned to detention. Año defended the decision of the BJMP to keep Nasino surrounded with security personnel and keep her handcuffed during the wake and burial. “Yan talaga kasi yung standard (That’s the standard),” he stressed. If Nasino had managed to escape because the security detail assigned to her did not follow regulations, Año said these BJMP officers would face sanctions. “It was supposed to be a solemn occasion and you know we also sympathize and condole with the family of Nasino. Pero hindi siya naging solemn kasi dinumog ng tao, dinumog ng media (But it did not become solemn because of the crowds and media),” lamented Año who noted that the BJMP officers were outnumbered by the number of people at the wake and burial. Año observed that the BJMP officers “assigned to escort Nasino were insulted, harassed and verbally abused by these leftist groups aligned with Ms. Nasino.” The secretary explained that BJMP officers were also doing their job in preventing Nasino from being interviewed by the media since this is part of the regulations. “Yung interview hindi siya pwede sa mga PDL (PDL interviews are not allowed). It’s a big, big violation of the regulations,” he stressed......»»
Gasoline prices on rollback by P0.25/liter; diesel up by P0.25/liter
Filipino motorists filling up their vehicles with gasoline products will generate savings this week as the price of this commodity will be down by P0.25 per liter this week. Conversely, the price of diesel products at domestic pumps will increase by P0.25 per liter; and it is the same case for kerosene products, of which costs will be higher by P0.20 per liter in this round of adjustment. As of this writing, the oil companies that already sent notices on their cost movements effective Tuesday (October 20) had been Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, Seaoil and PetroGazz while the rest of the industry players are anticipated to follow. In the past several weeks, price swings at Philippine retail pumps treaded on slight adjustments because prices in the world market had been relatively steady. Nevertheless, there are apprehensions that oil demand may crash again because of the worsening second wave of coronavirus infections, primarily in Europe. When that happens, according to experts, petroleum prices may plummet again in the coming months; although this is not seen reaching rock bottom or at least not the US$20 per barrel level that oil prices had plunged at when the lockdowns happened in most parts of the world in April.The oil industry is among the sectors heavily hit by the pandemic, and this has been prompting global oil producers – chiefly the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) — to strategize on how to lift sagging prices......»»
The 51st GMMSF-BOEA: List of winners for movies and TV categories
The 51st Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation Box-Office Entertainment Awards announced on Sunday, Oct. 18, the winners for this year’s annual show simulcast on YouTube and TV 5. The prestigious award-giving body honors Filipino actors, actresses and commercial success. Here are the winners: FILM Phenomenal Box Office Star – Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards (Hello, Love, Goodbye)Box Office King – Aga Muhlach (Miracle in Cell No. 7)Box Office Queen – Xia Vigor (Miracle in Cell No. 7)Film Actor of the Year – Alden Richards, Aga Muhlach (Hello, Love, Goodbye)Film Actress of the Year – Kathryn Bernardo (Hello, Love, Goodbye)Prince of Philippine Movies and Television – Enrique Gil (Alone / Together)Princess of Philippine Movies and Television – Liza Soberano (Alone / Together)Movie Supporting Actor of the Year – Joel Torre (Miracle in Cell No. 7)Movie Supporting Actress of the Year – Bella Padilla (Miracle in Cell No. 7)Most Popular Loveteam of Movies – Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano (Alone / Together)Most Promising Actor – JC Santos (Open Film, 2019)Most Promising Actress – Kim Molina (Jowable)Most Popular Film Producers – Olivia Lamasan and Carlo Katigbak (Star Cinema (ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc.)Most Popular Film Screenwriter – Carmi Raymundo /Rona Go/Cathy Garcia-Molina (Hello, Love, Goodbye)Most Popular Film Director – Cathy Garcia-Molina (Hello, Love, Goodbye)Comedy Actor of the Year – Paolo Ballesteros (The Panti Sisters)Best Acting Ensemble in a Movie – Miracle in Cell No. 7 (VIVA Films) TELEVISION TV Actor of the Year for Primetime – Coco Martin (Ang Probinsyano)TV Actor of the Year for Daytime – JM De Guzman (Pamilya Ko)TV Actress of the Year for Primetime – Angel Locsin (The General’s Daughter)TV Actress of the Year for Daytime TV – Dimples Romana (Kadenang Ginto)Prince of Philippine Television – Joshua Garcia (The Killer Bride)Princess of Philippine Television – Janella Salvadaor (The Killer Bride)TV Supporting Actor of the Year – Tirso Cruz III (The General’s Daughter)TV Supporting Actress of the Year – Yassi Pressman (Ang Probinsyano)Most Popular Male Child Performer – Kenken Nuyad (Parasite Island)Most Popular Female Child Performer – Sophia Reola (Nang Ngumiti ang Langit)Most Popular Loveteam for Television – Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali (Sahaya)Most Promising Loveteam for Television – Andrea Brillantes & Seth Fedelin (Kadenang Ginto)Most Promising Male Star for Television – Kyle Echarri (Kadenang Ginto)Most Promising Female Star for Television – Francine Diaz (Kadenang Ginto)Most Popular TV Program for News & Public Affairs – 24 ORAS (GMA Network)Most Popular TV Program for Primetime Drama – Ang Probinsyano (ABS-CBN)Most Popular TV Program for Daytime Drama – Kadenang Ginto (ABS-CBN)Most Popular TV Program for Talent Search, Reality, Talk and Game Show – Magandang Buhay (ABS-CBN)Most Popular TV Program for Musical-Variety – ASAP Natin ‘To (ABS-CBN)Male TV Host of the Year – Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros (Eat Bulaga!)Female TV Host of the Year – Toni Gonzaga (Pinoy Big Brother Otso, The Voice Kids)Best Ensemble Performance – The General’s Daughter (ABS-CBN).....»»
Casio plays hero as Alaska breaks bubble curse
Jvee Casio was excellent in crucial moments. (PBA Images) Alaska bounced back from two losses to open the bubble campaign by grinding out an 87-81 victory over Magnolia Saturday night in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center. Jvee Casio produced some of the keys in the final minutes as the Aces defeated one of the PBA’s top contenders to barge into the win column after falling short against the TNT Tropang Giga and Meralco Bolts. Casio finished with 17 points, including a three-pointer that put Alaska ahead 79-75 with 2:40 remaining in the fourth. He also blocked a rainbow attempt by Jackson Corpuz while the Aces were protecting an 85-81 lead. Jeron Teng scored eight of his team-high 19 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Aces take the lead for good while Mike DiGregorio and Abu Tratter added 10 points apiece. The Aces won in the first game since announcing that forward Kevin Racal will miss the rest of the conference due to an ACL injury he suffered in their 100-95 loss to the Tropang Giga last Oct. 11. That game certainly was still in the mind of coach Jeffrey Cariaso, who told his team to carry a mentality as if the Aces had a 1-1 record. “When you approach that game than being 0-2, I think their mindset’s different,” he said. “We came to this game facing a well-coached and very tough Magnolia team. They have superstars that we really have to worry about and to be able to step up and be better defensively is my biggest take on this game.” Alaska bucked a 39-28 second quarter deficit to inch its way back into the game, cooling Magnolia’s offense after making 63-percent of its shots in the first quarter. Mark Barroca was one of the few bright spots for the Hotshots with 16 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals. Rookie big man Aris Dionisio scored 10 points in 17 minutes. But Magnolia saw Paul Lee being held to a 4-of-16 shooting despite 14 points, thus falling to a 1-2 record this conference. The scores: ALASKA 87 — Teng 19, Casio 17, Tratter 10, DiGregorio 10, Manuel 9, Herndon 7, Galliguez 6, Ebona 5, Brondial 4, Ayaay 0, Marcelino 0, Publico 0. MAGNOLIA 81 — Barroca 16, Lee 14, Banchero 13, Jalalon 11, Dionisio 10, Sangalang 8, De la Rosa 7, Corpuz 2, Reavis 0, Melton 0, Abundo 0. Quarters: 21-29, 43-45, 62-64, 87-81......»»
Bren coach to NXP: Where’s the ‘new meta’?
Photo from Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Facebook page Bren Esports has already started the word war way before its playoff match against crowd favorite Nexplay Solid in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Pro League-Philippines (MPL-PH). Bren coach Francis “Duckey” Glindro said that the Group B top seed will sweep the Group A fourth-placer NXP in their best-of-five quarterfinal tussle in the MPL-PH playoffs on October 23. “Gusto n’yo ba real talk? 3-0 definitely for Bren Esports,” said Duckey in the recent Asus ROG Podcast hosted by Dan “Leo” Cubangay on Thursday night. The M1 world champion coach emphasized two reasons why AkosiDogie’s NXP Solid would not make it past Bren. “First one, they don’t have their own identity. ‘Monkey see, monkey do.’ What they see, they do it without realizing (that) the dynamics of their team is different,” said Duckey. “Second point is that majority of their players already reached their mechanic caps. That’s the best that they can perform,” he added. “Ito na ‘yung Taguro isandaang porsyento.” Photo from Nexplay Facebook page Duckey, however, saved Renejay “RENEJAY” Barcarse and Tristan “YAWI” Cabrera from his second point. Meaning to say, he was referring to captain Chester “Chester” Gonzales, Bien “Mb” Esquillo and John Paul “H2wo” Salonga, who had one of the highest KDAs in the regular season. The former EVOS Legends Indonesia mentor even threw some loaded words to Dogie. “Honestly, I don’t really care how much pronouncements Dogie says like, ‘Babaliin namin yung meta.’ I don’t really care man.” “The only thing that matters to me is if you do it. I haven’t seen them do it. And that’s some real talk Dogie.” Bren and NXP already engaged in online banters even before their group stage match, which the black and gold squad easily won. .....»»
Where have you Christians been?
WORD ALIVE FR. BEL SAN LUIS, SVD It happened in China a few years before the Communists expelled the missionaries. A foreign Catholic missionary came upon an old woman by the wayside, deserted, cold, and hungry. “Why do you bother about me?” the old lady whispered feebly when the priest tried to help her as best as he could. “Nobody else cares. Why should you?” * * * “God said to go out over the world and help everyone who is in need,” the priest said. Pondering over the words of the priest, she said, “What a beautiful religion. Where did it come from? ” * * * Whereupon the priest started to tell her about God who loves us and sent his own Son Jesus Christ to save us. “Your Christ,” the old woman went on, “Where is He?” When the priest said He died two thousand years ago, she was amazed. “Do you mean to say that it has been two thousand years since Christ commanded his followers to spread his teachings? Why, where have you Christians been all this time?” * * * This might well be the pointed question addressed to us as we celebrate World Mission Sunday today. Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commanded his apostles: “Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Good News to every nation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16,15). * * * Pope Francis gave the Church his first apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel). In it he proposed a profound missionary renewal of the entire Church. He asserted that we need an “evangelizing Church that comes out of herself…All renewal in the Church must have mission as its goal; otherwise, it falls prey to a kind of ‘ecclesial introversion.’” * * * How can we be an “evangelizing Church”? Obviously, not all can go out of their country to reach out to peoples who have not known Christ. If some heroic Christians can do it as missionaries, great. But for most of us, all that we can do is be missionaries at home. * * * Remember St. Therese of the Child Jesus? She is the universal patroness of Catholic missions yet, ironically, she never stepped out of the four walls of her Carmelite cloister! She merited the title because of her burning obsession to save souls by offering every little act, every bodily pain for the conversion of immortal souls. * * * When I was ordained priest in our missionary congregation, Society of the Divine Word (SVD), I applied to work in Mexico, Central America. Unfortunately I never got my wish. The farthest I’ve gone to is Mexico… Pampanga! * * * That doesn’t mean, however, that I am not a genuine missionary. By my work in the media or supporting seminarians under the “Adopt A Seminarian” scholarship program, I am a missionary. What counts is not geography, but the missionary spirit or attitude. In this connection, let’s not be missionaries only on Mission Sunday. As a good Christian, the mission spirit should be an all-time continuing attitude and action. * * * Further, you can be missionaries by means of extending financial assistance. Be generous and share your resources for the support of missionaries. Money is a necessity in the work of evangelization. Churches, schools, convents, clinics, social centers are needed, especially in the “bush” mission. * * * Every Christian is a missionary. Are you doing your share? * * * LAUGH WITH GOD. A parish priest was making an impassioned appeal to the parish council for the annual mission collection. Great was everybody’s surprise when the wealthiest but tight-fisted member of the council rose and offered to start the collection rolling with a contribution of P500. * * * As he stood up to hand in the amount, a mild earthquake took place and some plaster from the ceiling fell and hit him on the head. A bit shaken, he withdrew the amount and said, “I guess I’d better make that P5,000.” A small voice from the back was heard, “Hit him again, Lord.” (It’s not known if he gave some more!). * * * HELPING MISSIONARY SEMINARIANS. We Filipinos are blessed because there are still a good number of young men who wish to become priests and missionaries. But they have difficulty in pursuing their priestly vocation due to financial constraints, especially this time of the COVID-19 crisis. * * * Chip in or sponsor a year’s scholarship of a seminarian. REMEMBER: Without seminarians, we cannot have priests and missionaries. For inquiry, e-mail me at belsvd@gmail.com. * * * FAMILY TV MASS – is aired on 5PLUS Channel 59, Cignal Cable Ch. 6, Free TV Ch. 41 at 6-7 a.m. Sunday and anytime at “MCFI SVD Media” Account on YouTube and Facebook Page. Priest presider: FR. LOUIE PUNZALAN, SVD......»»
What do you think?
THROUGH UNTRUE Fr. Rolando V. dela Rosa, O.P. Do you know that the constant flapping of a butterfly’s wings can cause a powerful typhoon elsewhere? According to chaos theory, seemingly insignificant and random happenings can have earthshaking effects. If the theory is correct, then even our most randomly stupid decisions may have caused all the maladies afflicting us and our country today. History has shown that the destiny of individuals and nations was sometimes determined, not by elaborate plans and decisions, but by little acts of stupidity, like Adam and Eve eating a forbidden fruit, Judas selling Christ for 30 pieces of silver, or Mary Antoinette telling her people to eat cake instead of bread. In an age where the Internet reigns supreme, stupidity has risen to the level of an epidemic because of our diminishing desire to think. Millions of people today use the computer to do the thinking for them. If they want to learn about something, they do not retreat into a quiet corner to speculate about it. They Google and, in milliseconds, harvest a bounty of information. But since the computer cannot teach us how to systematize, analyze, and synthesize these data into a meaningful whole, the result of this operation is not knowledge or understanding, but data overload. The pandemic has worsened this situation. Face-to-face teaching has been replaced by online lectures. A teacher transmits lessons from her gadget to that of her student. Ideally, such lessons should pass through the student’s brain before these are saved in the latter’s laptop. But what usually happens is, teachers tend to act like fax machines. They evaluate their students based on the latter’s ability to repeat, word-for-word, everything the teacher says. Instead of encouraging students to think, this system suppresses creativity and logical thought. Television also contributes greatly to the gradual demise of serious thinking. Do you know that less than 5 percent of the adult population read books? A great number derive their knowledge from the Internet, radio, and newspapers, but the rest rely heavily on television, an entertainment medium and a boredom-killing machine. Ask young people how they came to know a particular idea. Their predictable answer is: “I saw it on TV.” Many people believe that television can verify, falsify, justify, or nullify, any notion, rumor, or issue. We are often told: “Keep an open mind,” and we follow the advice literally. Every day we allow news programs to flood our mind with crimes, disasters, and human misery. Instead of helping us think, they push us to worry about problems that are too big for us to handle, generating needless anxiety and anger. The thinking individual is fast disappearing. The world is inhabited by two billion cabled, cellphoned, and earphoned couch potatoes who are mere statistics in the latest TV survey for higher ratings. What separates us from the brutes is our God-given ability to think. Through this human software, we come to know reality, understand its meaning, and arrange its varying aspects according to a well-established hierachy of values. The neglect of thinking leads to irrationality and social chaos. So, wake up, couch potatoes, computer slaves, and cell phone addicts! A truly free person is one who has the freedom to think, not the freedom FROM thinking......»»
COA questions ‘validity and propriety’ of Land Titling Computerization Project
The Commission on Audit has questioned the “validity and propriety” of the Land Titling Computerization Project (LTCP) of the Land Registration Authority (LRA)that lacked approval of the President and allegedly deprived the government an estimated P3.12 billion in possible income. COA has questioned the Build-Own-Operate Agreement (BOO) for the implementation of the LTCP that has so far earned for the private partner of the LRA some P21 billion in just 10 years. The audit agency’s observations are contained in the recently-released 2019 LRA annual audit report submitted to LRA Administrator Renato Bermejo by COA Director Michael Bacani. The LTCP introduced the automation of the functions and processes and standardization of the registration procedure for land registration in the country. COA said the BOO between the LRA and the Land Registration Systems Inc. (LARES) lacked the mandatory approval of the President as required under Republic Act 77198. “Other necessary documentary requirements were likewise not submitted to the Office of the Auditor, thus, validity and propriety of both the BOO and the corresponding IT service fees collected and released by LRA to Lares, Inc. amounting to more or less P20 billioin out of the P21 billion, as doubtful,” COA stated. The BOO was originally entered into by LRA with the Stradec FF Cruz and CONFAC (SUFC) Consortium, now LARES), in 2000 for the implementation of the agency’s Information Technology Network and Database Infrastructure Project. In a special audit on the contract that was conducted by COA from 2004 to 2005, the audit agency concluded that the LTCP “was not efficiently and effectively implemented and the interest of the government and the public was not adequately protected” due to the delay in its implementation. In the 2015 annual audit report, COA observed that various documents covering the BOO were not certified true copies, including the presidential approval of the agreement through then Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora. In 2019, COA sought confirmation of the presidential imprimatur of the agreement but Malacanang was not “able to provide positive confirmation on the authenticity of the presidential approval dated July 31, 2000” that was ostensibly signed by Zamora. Originally costing just P3.483 billion, the project was able to earn P21 billion, P20 billion of which was released to LARES. The LRA management took exception to COA’s doubts on the validity and propriety of the BOO agreement is”without factual and legal basis”. Officials of the agency also pointed out that all BOO Contracts are presented to the president through the National Economic Development Authority. “Since the President chairs the NEDA Board, NEDA Board approval already carries with it the president’s approval,” the LRA argued. In the same audit report, COA disclosed that the LRA has failed to incorporate amendments to the agreement with LARES for the provisions of reasonable rate of return (ROI) to ensure that “no unwarranted benefit is given to the LARES” at the expense of the public.” “Likewise the absence of a revenue sharing arrangement deprived Government of more or less P3.12 billion of possible income,” the state audit agency noted. Audit examiners stressed that LRA has continuously failed to assess the “extent of recoupment of the investment” relative to the total IT services fee imposed and collected. They said this is”detrimental to the paying public which the government ought to protect.” COA also assailed LRA for allowing the use of 12 “outdated” network switches, “causing security vulnerability and possible performance defect due to bugs.” Further, only two out of 10 software licenses were used for the project. Among the outdated software installed was the Kaspersky Security version 10.0.0.485......»»