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Logitech Announces Solar Keyboard

2010-11-01T16:05:00.000+08:00

Today, Logitech announces their first solar keyboard. The solar powered keyboard is said to last up to 3 months of use on a full charge. Retails for about $80.

Full story at Gizmanila

Abu Sayaff Leader Parad, 5 Others Killed in Sulu Encounter

2010-02-22T16:44:00.001+08:00

AFP Western Mindanao Comman Chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino confirmed that Abu Sayyaf Group leaders Albader Parad and Gumbahali Abu Jumdail alias Abu Pula were among those killed in an encounter with the military Sunday February 21 early morning. The notorious group, said to be linked with Al-Qaeda was the target of this operation.

The encounter happened in Sitio Kadang Tukay, in Barangay Karawan, Sulu. Parad was involved in the abduction of three Red Cross workers Mary jean Lacaba, Andreas Notter and Eugenio Vagni last year. The Joint Task Force Comet of the military responsible for this mission was composed of Marines from 2^nd and 3^rd Marine Brigades in Sulu.

Shaina Magdayao Slapped with Tax Case

2010-02-22T16:37:00.000+08:00

Young actress Shaina Magdayao, sister of actress Vina Morales, is in hot water right now after the Bureau of Internal Revenue thru Geraldine Llaguno and Oliver Correa of BIR Legal Division filed a complaint before Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office for violation of Tax Code. Magdayao allegedly failed to produce books of accounts and income record for the year 2007.

Magdayao has been served with a tax verification notice in April 2009. According to the submitted affidavit of BIR “Notwithstanding several personal follow ups and telephone calls to the subject taxpayer to present its books of accounts and other accounting records specifically stated in the tax verification notice, said taxpayer refused to comply with the said request.” A subpoena was issued to Magdayao last October 2009 but to no avail hence the Bureau decided to file a case last February 16.

Kris Aquino is OK but Still Confined in the Hospital

2010-02-21T23:03:00.000+08:00

Actress and TV Host Kris Aquino who has been confined at Makati Medical Center is awaiting her discharge order from doctors should her tests show positive results. Aquino had a bad fall while taking a shower early Friday morning and suffered cerebral and labyrinthine concussion and high blood pressure. Kris even managed to run some errands on friday until her doctors ordered her to go to the hospital after she complained of dizziness.

According a friend, Aquino still feels dizzy and as per doctors' orders, she had to be confined until monday after having to undergo tests. Kris said in a phone patch interview on "The Buzz" that "it was an accident". Her brother, Presidential candidate Noynoy Aquino said in an interview that he visited Kris in the hospital and that she even made some suggestions on improving Noynoy's campaign.

Indelible Ink to be Replaced by Comelec

2010-02-21T22:42:00.000+08:00

The Commission on Elections plans to replace the existing indelible ink with another one of different chemical composition to deter flying voters in the upcoming May 2010 elections. This is due to the numerous complaint received by the commission that said ink can easily be erased by alcohol, acetone and soap.

Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer told media that a technical team is looking into the composition of the replacement ink. A public bidding for the acquisition of supplies will be conducted once a final specification for the new indelible ink has been set.

Dumagat Tribe accuses Villar of Land Grabbing

2010-02-21T22:36:00.000+08:00

A group of farmers who identified themselves to belong to the Dumagat indigenous group bared that Nacionalista Party’s presidential bet Manny Villar allegedly took around 300 hectares of land in Norzagaray, Bulacan from their tribe. The indigenous group through their spokesperson Mrs. Nieves Tecson, said that Villar and his wife Cynthia used their influence to mortgage the property for Php 2Billion.

The loan was secured by Capitol Development Bank and Manila Brickworks, Inc. (both companies are identified with the Villars) from the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) which later on was foreclosed. A plunder case was filed against Villar in September 2008 which up to now is still pending in the Office of the Ombudsman. Subsequently, another criminal case for other forms of swindling has been filed in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan which also remains pending as of today.

Noynoy Advances Over Villar in Latest Survey

2010-02-19T12:07:00.000+08:00

A leak in a latest presidential survey revealed that Liberal Party’s standard bearer, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has once again overtaken Nacionalista Party Presidential Candidate Manny Villar Jr. by a margin of 11%. The survey was conducted last January 28 to February 3 by TNS Trends, the same company being contracted ABS-CBN and Pulse Asia.

In the survey of 3,000 respondents, Aquino has garnered 41.54%, followed by Villar with 30.63%, behind them are President Joseph Estrada (11.66%), Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro (5.21%), Bro. Eddie Villanueva (2%), Richard Gordon (1.7%) and on the last Sen. Jamby Madrigal (.22%). From the last survey, the gap between Aquino and Villar was a measly 2% making it a statistical tie but this time the difference of 11% is significant according to a TNS source.

Richard Gomez Disqualified to Run in Ormoc

2010-02-19T09:55:00.000+08:00

The Comelec First Division promulgated Wednesday the disqualification of TV host/actor Richard Gomez to run for 4^th district representative in Leyte due to lack of residency. In a petition submitted by Buenaventura Juntilla, a former barangay chairman of Barangay Libertad, Gomez has allegedly failed to establish his residency for one year that is being required by law.

Juntilla maintains that Gomez resides in East Greenhills, San Juan and not in Can Adien, Ormoc City as stated in his Certificate of Candidacy (CoC). Comelec stated in its ruling that Gomez failed to present sufficient proof to show substantial ties to Ormoc City which defeats the spirit of representation. Gomez’ lawyer, Atty. Raymund Cajucom told reporters that they will file a motion for reconsideration within the five-day appeal period.

Angel Locsin Nominated for Twitter’s Shorty Awards

2010-02-18T11:06:00.000+08:00

Two Filipinos have made it to be considered finalists for Shorty Awards, actress Angel Locsin for Best Twitter Celebrity and Daniel Razon for Best Journalist. The awarding ceremony is scheduled on March 3 in New York’s Times Center.

There are six finalists for the 26 official categories to compete on real-time, short-form content that Twitter is known for. The Shorty is a unique award dedicated exclusively for the Twitter community, by the Twitter community.

Limay Plant Saves Luzon from Brownouts

2010-02-18T11:03:00.000+08:00

With the Limay plant in Bataan starting its operations this Wednesday, Luzon has been spared from the scheduled rotating brownouts. National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ VP for operations Carlito Claudio said that within the week, Limay’s 540MW capacity would be fully operational.

Alsom, the French operator of Limay has agreed with San Miguel Energy Corp. to provide the needed power supply in Luzon. Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes assured Luzon consumers that the power situation is already stable and that there will be no brownouts up to June.

Lawyers Launches Election Watchdog

2010-02-18T10:32:00.000+08:00

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) launched on Tuesday LENTE – Legal Network for Truthful Elections to guard the first ever automated elections this May 2010. Said election watchdog aims to secure a clean and honest electoral conduct.

This nationwide non-partisan organization is composed of volunteers from the legal community such as lawyers, law students and paralegals who have undergone trainings to monitor the legal aspect of the forthcoming elections. IBP OIC Justice Santiago Kapunan stressed the importance of LENTE’s presence since this is the first time the country will engage in an automated poll.

Buses with Political Ads Illegal – COMELEC

2010-02-18T10:16:00.000+08:00

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is now looking into the legality of political ads being posted on public transport busses and jeepneys plying within Metro Manila and nearby Provinces. According to Comelec spokesman James Jimenez, this political strategy being used by candidates constitutes violation of election laws mainly because the ads are “oversized”.

Jimenez clarified that they cannot go after the bus owners since the law does not cover private properties as long as the owners have given their consent to place the campaign materials on the vehicle. However, the commission can hold the candidates responsible or anybody who has paid for such ads in case of sponsorships. The campaign materials should not exceed the maximum size of 3x8 feet for streamers and 2x3 feet for posters.

No classes on February 22

2010-02-18T10:12:00.000+08:00

February 22 was declared as special holiday for schools which means that there will be no classes in all public and private schools to commemorate the 24^th anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolution. It will be a regular working day for government and private offices.

While EDSA Revolution is usually celebrated on February 25, this year as Pres. Arroyo issued Proclamation 1841 last July 2009, all regular and special holidays are moved to the nearest Monday.

Arroyo Signs Senior Citizens Act

2010-02-17T16:12:00.000+08:00

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed into law yesterday the controversial Repblic Act 9994 known as Expanded Senior Citizens Act (ESCA) of 2010. According to presidential spokesman Gary Olivar The law grants Filipino elderly aged 60 and above, full exemption from the Value Added Tax (VAT).

Around five million Senior Citizens are expected to benefit from the discounts and privileges granted by ESCA. Said law is an amendment to the Senior Citizens Act of 1992 or Republic Act No. 7432 and was the brainchild of Senator Pia Cayetano.

Skater from Mindoro Wows Olympics Fans

2010-02-17T12:39:00.000+08:00

Amanda Evora , the Fil-Am who represented the United States in the figure skating competition has gained admiration from spectators and judges of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Considered to be the first athlete of full Filipino ancestry to join the Winter Olympics, Amanda traces her roots from her father, Vic Evora of Calapan, Oriental Mindor and her mother, Mary Anne of Ilagan, Isabela.

The judges have given Evora and her eight-year partner, Mark Ladwig's overall quality of skating with a personal best for the free skate. In one emotional moment, Evora mouthed ``thank you'' to the applauding crowd. The pair recorded their personal bests in both phases of the competition according to the examiner.

Christians Observe Ash Wednesday Today

2010-02-17T09:50:00.000+08:00

Today marks the beginning of Lent as Christians celebrate Ash Wednesday, which is considered the start of forty days of preparation prior to Easter. The ashes comes from burned palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday which are used to mark a cross on the foreheads of the faithful while the priest utters “Repent and believe in the Gospel”.

In observance of the season, those who are 16 years old and above begins to practice abstinence or avoidance to eat meat. Aside from abstinence, Catholics can perform personal sacrifices by fasting, doing charitable works, do acts of repentance and spiritual discipline.

HIV Testing for Job Seekers

2010-02-17T09:46:00.000+08:00

Labor Secretary Marianito Roque told media that Republic Act 8504 prohibits AIDS and HIV tests as they constitute discrimination if they are to be included as requirements for employment. This has stemmed from recent reports that there is a growing number of AIDS and HIV incidences in call center workers.

The Labor Department is utilizing the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) in educating and informing workers on the risks involving sexual behaviors which may lead to infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. The law requires all government and private companies to conduct HIV/AIDS education programs.

Saluyot for Fashion

2010-02-17T09:41:00.000+08:00

Jute or commonly known as “Saluyot”, a leafy vegetable that is highly identified with Ilokano cuisine is now a fashion statement. Recognized by international fabric producers, saluyot has been found to be earth-friendly and premium source for fibers in making fabrics.

When weaved with cotton, Saluyot becomes an ideal material for making beddings, linens, curtains and table cloth. The Department of Science and Technology’s research and development has already established procedures and processing techniques to cope with the decline in textile industry due to stiff competition with China. DOST see this as a great opportunity for the Philippines to provide new natural textiles to the world market.

2 Filipinos get AIDS everyday

2010-02-15T12:32:00.000+08:00

The Philippine National Aids Council (PNAC) is alarmed with the rising number of Filipinos getting infected by Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). According to Dr. Chito Avelino, executive director of PNAC, as of 2009, two Filipinos are getting infected by the dreaded disease everyday as compared to one Filipino a day in 2007 and one Filipino every three days in 2000.

The increasing trend could lead to the prevalence of the disease that means the Health Department is facing a difficult challenge in the days to come. As of today, there is an estimated number of 7,000 Filipinos affected by AIDS.

Donaire wins by TKO

2010-02-15T12:09:00.000+08:00

Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. defeated his Mexican challenger Manuel “Chango” Vargas via third-round TKO to win the WBA World Boxing Association interim super flyweight title in Las Vegas Hilton February 13. The 27 year-old Donaire has now a record of 22-1-0 (win-loss-draw) including 15 knockouts.

Aside from Donaire, featherweight Bernabe Concepcion and welterweight Mark Jason Melligen won their respective matches while former two-time world champion Gerry Penalosa and Ciso “Kid Terrible” Morales lost to their opponents.

Rotating Brownout in Luzon

2010-02-15T10:46:00.000+08:00

Luzon residents will be experiencing rotating brownouts for two to three hours twice a day starting this week due to power supply shortage, this was corroborated by both National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and Manila Electric Company (Meralco). Luzon grid is expected to fall short of its supply by February 16 due to lack of fuel inventory by MW Malaya plant operated by Korea Electric and Power Corp. after said plant was compelled to run last January when both Sual and Limay plants shutdown.

Malaya would have been the back-up provider when MW Malampaya power facility will undergo preventive maintenance this week. Likewise, the 620-Mega Watts Limay plant undergoes preventive maintenance and will only be able to resume by the end of the month. Because of this, the Luzon Grid is on “yellow alert” which means that power reserve is already below the 1,200 MW requirements and will not be able to meet the power demand.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

2010-02-13T21:32:00.000+08:00

The Spring Festival or more familiar as Chinese New Year marks the beginning of a new lunar year in the 12-year cycle based on Chinese calendar. The year of the Metal Tiger officially begins on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 10:51 a.m, the first lunar day of the first lunar month.

Filipino-Chinese are known to prepare a lavish welcome to usher the New Year like parades, dragon dance and fireworks to show a festive air. For those who believe in Feng Shui and predictions, the Year of the Tiger has been forecasted to be a challenging year since the tiger is an aggressive animal. Feng Shui experts suggest people to be more optimistic and pray for God’s guidance to cure all uncertainties. Sharing blessings and having positive attitude will help in overcoming challenges.

Happy New Year everyone!

Free Condoms on Valentines

2010-02-13T09:26:00.000+08:00

Health Department is giving away free condoms today in anticipation for Valentine’s Day celebration. Said move was not meant to promote artificial birth control and that the project is for prevention of HIV.AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. “This is not for family planning. This is for the prevention of HIV/AIDS which is now on the rise,” Dr. Ed Janairo, the DOH’s National Center for Disease Prevention and Control Director.

Tagged as “Ingat Lagi, My Valentine”, DOH will officially launch the program today in collaboration with Global Fund Round 6-HIV/AIDS Component and the Philippine National AIDS Council. Information/Distribution booths will be set-up along Dos Castillas and Maria Clara Streets in Dimasalang, Manila where a lot of people troop to buy fresh flowers for Valentines. The ondoms were provided free by DKT and Durex.

Lacson Spotted in China

2010-02-13T08:50:00.000+08:00

An official of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said that Lacson was seen in China last January 18 while riding on a car. After verification with the authorities, it was confirmed that Lacson has left Zhuhai City in Guandong Province, China and went to Macau on the same day he was seen. The senator, who who holds a Philippine Passport with ID number DP0001469 was still not under the Interpol "Red Notice" and has not been issued an arrest warrant when he was spotted.

It was only last Thursday, February 18 when Lacson was included in the Interpol's "Red Notice". NBI has not yet confirmed if Lacson is still in Macau. Interpol has already posted in its official website Lacson as included in the Wanted persons.

Campaigning Celebrities to Take a Break - Comelec

2010-02-12T17:00:00.001+08:00

Comelec’s recent ruling on Fair Election Act or Republic Act No. 9006 has created a stir when the commission’s Law Department Chief Atty. Ferdinand Rafanan announce the enforcement of said rule beginning February 13 which orders celebrity endorsers to take a leave of absence from work during the campaign period. Anybody proven to have violated said rule shall be arrested and imprisoned up to six years.

The prohibition likewise covers television and radio stations who are at risk to be penalized with cancellation of franchise should they allow their contract artists to continue promoting candidates while working during the campaign period. According to Comelec, columnists, commentators, announcers, reporters, on-air correspondents or personality and campaign volunteers are also included in the list. Several artists have appealed to Comelec to reconsider the rules as most of them are campaigning pro bono and not as paid endorsers by the candidates.