◘ PILIPINAS CENTRAL ◘

No Rice Shortage, D.A. concluded!

2009-10-05T04:59:00.001-07:00

There will be no rice shortage this year despite the massive damage caused by tropical storm "Ondoy" and typhoon "Pepeng" to rice crops in the country, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Monday.

According to the DA, Ondoy alone damaged P5 billion worth of rice crops. Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said the loss will most likely bring down this year's rice production growth target from nearly 4 percent to only 1 percent to 2 percent.

But Yap assured that there will be no rice shortage within the year. "The supplies are okay," he said in an interview with reporters during the House hearing on the DA's 2010 budget.

The DA is also prepared to import rice from other countries if necessary, said Yap, although he refused to disclose the volume of rice they may purchase from abroad.

"We will leave that to the NFA (National Food Authority) because we can't announce the volume we are going to buy," Yap said. "We can't announce when we are going to buy because it will affect prices. if it affects prices, the government will have to spend more."

This page requires a higher version browser

DA data showed that Ondoy, which carried record rainfall in Luzon last September 26, caused P5.5 billion worth of damage to various crops and P821 million to agricultural facilities.

The P821-million damage to infrastructure consisted of P817 million to irrigation facilities, P2.7 million to the fisheries sector, and P1.3 million to the livestock sector.

Typhoon Pepeng, which wreaked havoc in Northern Luzon last Saturday, caused about P550 million in damages to agriculture, Yap said.

The Agriculture chief, however, said the loss figures could still go up because the department will still assess the total damage once the floods have subsided.

Yap said a "typhoon mitigation fund" must be included in the yearly budget of the department to enable it to swiftly address production losses should natural disasters strike. Aside from relief, the DA plans to immediately provide seeds to farmers affected by the cyclones, he said

2009-10-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

Get your Brain Freezed by 7-ELEVEN' s Slurpee Madness.
There are lot of flavor to choose from:
Fuji Frost, Battle Berry, OrangeCreme, Hawaiian Punch, Mutant Berry, Melon Berry Blast, Mountain Dew freeze, Fanta Banana, Coca Cola Freeze, Transformers Limited Edition, Pepsi Freeze & a lot more.

Spoil Your taste buds now with SLURPEE.
Available at any 7-ELEVEN Branches near you.

* To make your own Brainfreeze Madness, Go to www.slurpee.com *

Mountain dew freeze is the official infusion of Opinion Central.

Create our Own Brainfreeze!

Hottie Of the Month,

2009-10-03T01:39:00.000-07:00

Name: Angelo Roy Victoria

Age: 19 Years Old

School: Philippine Christian University - Manila,

Occupation: Student, Choreographer, Member of PCU Dance Crew, Lead Dancer of FNC Dance Crew

Location: Bangkal, Makati City

Hobbies: Dancing, Texting & Bar Hopping

For More Information About Angelo Roy,
Simply Drop your comments Below.

Ofw's Help is on it's way!

2009-10-02T00:52:00.001-07:00

Filipinos in San Francisco, California, have contributed $5,000 in financial assistance for victims of tropical storm “Ondoy,” according to the Philippine Consul General in San Francisco.

Philippine Consul General to San Francisco Marciano Paynor Jr. said the amount came from individual contributions by consulate officers and staff.

“This donation is our small contribution to the ongoing relief effort for the flood victims. It is a voluntary gesture that was agreed upon by all consulate personnel in response to the devastation brought by the heavy rains and floods that hit Metro Manila and other parts of the Philippines during the weekend,” Paynor said in a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Paynor said he met with leaders of the Filipino-American community in Bay Area to discuss relief efforts for the victims. In the meeting, he pushed for the establishment of an organization “that will coordinate relief efforts during times of crisis and natural disasters.”

“Since such calamities have been recurring in the Philippines, it is necessary for our community in San Francisco and the Bay Area to create an organization that will coordinate relief efforts during times of crisis and natural disasters,” he said.

Paynor, for his part, offered to serve as the organization’s secretariat, adding that he has already reserved several rooms at the Philippine Center where members can meet on a regular basis.

“The personnel of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco are ready to help our community in coordinating efforts for the relief drive. We will utilize several rooms at the Philippine Center to serve as drop off points for the collection, packing, and sending of donated items for the benefit of the flood victims,” the official said.

Eagles Draw First Blood.

2009-10-02T00:49:00.001-07:00

Ateneo moved an inch closer to scoring back-to-back titles as it trashed a dangerous University of the East squad, 78-71, to clinch Game One of the best-of-three finals of the 72nd UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City today (Oct. 1).

The Eagles threatened to blow the game apart as early as the first quarter, uncorking a 13-point barrage to gain a comfortable margin.

But the Warriors proved to be a tough nut to crack, responding with a 19-1 run to end the first half with the lead, 35-34.

However, it was Ateneo's deadly outside sniping that spelled the difference, with Jai Reyes unleashing at least four triples to steer his squad ahead.

Rabeh Al-Hussaini, the 2008 Most Valuable Player, churned out a virtuoso performance with 28 points and 14 boards to lead the Katipunan-based cagers.

Super Typhoon " Pepeng" in the Philippines

2009-10-02T00:48:00.000-07:00

'Pepeng' moves closer to Aurora-Isabela area

MANILA - Typhoon Pepeng (international code name Parma) remained strong Friday morning as it moved towards the area of Aurora and Isabela provinces in northern Luzon.
Weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) hoisted Signal No. 2 over Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, northern Quezon, Aurora and Polillo Islands.
Signal No. 1 was placed over 27 areas in Luzon and Visayas, including Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Benguet, La Union, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, southern Quezon, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Burias Island, and Northern Samar.
PAGASA said Pepeng was located 270 kilometers east of Virac town, Catanduanes province. It was moving west northwest at 19 kph, packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 230 kph.
The typhoon was expected to make landfall in the Aurora-Isabela area by Saturday noon and exit through Laoag City by Sunday morning.
The regional disaster coordinating council in Central Luzon has ordered units in Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Bataan, Zambales, Pampanga and Bulacan to closely monitor the storm and prepare for preemptive evacuations.
The Bicol regional disaster coordinating council has also convened and plot areas that can be used as evacuation sites in case Pepeng turns into a supertyphoon.
The Philippine Coast Guard has banned small seacrafts from sailing, particularly in Bicol and other areas affected by the typhoon.
Officials in Bicol said a total of 1,071 stranded passengers have been stranded in ports.
Classes at all levels in Albay province has also been suspended in anticipation of the typhoon.

Kim Bum Goes to Philippines.

2009-10-02T00:46:00.000-07:00

It was reported by ABS-CBN that Kim Bum had already arrived in Manila, Philippines on 30th September for a CF filming. The CF filming is reportedly to be for RC Cola (Royal Crown Cola), where Kim Bum will work with one of the country's prime young actress, Maja Salvador (current model for RC Cola).

In addition as said before, besides filming for the CF, Kim Bum will also be doing some voluntary charity work, which will go towards helping needy orphans in the Philippines.

And just to point out something for trivia purposes, Kim Joon is once again the odd one out among the Korean F4, as Lee Minho endorses Pepsi, Kim Hyun Joong does Dynamic Kin (Coca-Cola) while Kim Bum will be doing RC Cola.

With the Philippines still feeling the effects from Typhoon Ketsana a few days ago, Kim Bum's visit will bring some joy to his fans in the country.

Microsoft Corporation's New Anti-Virus

2009-09-30T06:18:00.000-07:00

Microsoft Corp. says its new computer security program can be downloaded starting on Tuesday.

Microsoft Security Essentials, as the free antivirus software is called, has been available in a beta test version since June.

The software updates daily to stay current with the latest malicious programs, which can steal passwords or turn PCs into spam servers. Microsoft says it won't make computers run slower.

Microsoft has said it isn't out to steal business from companies like McAfee Inc. and Symantec Corp., which make popular antivirus programs with more features. Microsoft says it hopes the free program will appeal to people who don't already run antivirus software.

Massive Tsunami hits South Africa

2009-09-30T06:12:00.000-07:00

APIA, Samoa – A massive tsunami hurled by a powerful earthquake flattened Samoan villages and swept cars and people out to sea, killing at least 99 and leaving dozens missing Wednesday. The toll was expected to rise.

Survivors fled the fast-churning water for higher ground on the South Pacific islands and remained huddled there hours after the quake, with a magnitude between 8.0 and 8.3, struck around dawn Tuesday.

The quake was centered about 125 miles (200 kilometers) from Samoa, an island nation of 180,000 people located about halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. It was about 120 miles (190 kilometers) from neighboring American Samoa, a U.S. territory that is home to 65,000 people.

Four tsunami waves 15 to 20 feet (4 to 6 meters) high roared ashore on American Samoa, reaching up to a mile (1.5 kilometers) inland, Mike Reynolds, superintendent of the National Park of American Samoa, was quoted as saying by a parks service spokeswoman.

The same day, western Indonesia was rocked by a strong underwater quake, briefly triggering a tsunami alert for countries along the Indian Ocean and sending panicked residents out of their houses. The alert was later canceled.

The Samoan capital, Apia, was virtually deserted by afternoon, with schools and businesses closed. Hours after the waves struck, fresh sirens rang out with another tsunami alert and panicked residents headed for higher ground again, although there was no indication of a new quake.

In American Samoa's capital of Pago Pago, the streets and fields were filled with ocean debris, mud, overturned cars and several boats as a massive cleanup effort continued into the night. Several buildings in the city — just a few feet above sea level — were flattened. Several areas were expected to be without electricity for up to a month.

In Washington, President Obama has declared a major disaster for American Samoa.

In a statement issued early Wednesday, Obama said he and his wife, Michelle, "will keep those who have lost so much in our thoughts and prayers."

Hampered by power and communications outages, officials in the South Pacific islands struggled to determine damage and casualties.

Samoan police commissioner Lilo Maiava told The Associated Press that police there had confirmed 63 deaths but that officials were still searching the devastated areas, so the number of deaths might rise soon.

At least 30 people were killed on American Samoa, Gov. Togiola Tulafono said, adding that the toll was expected to rise as emergency crews were recovering bodies overnight.

"I don't think anybody is going to be spared in this disaster," said Tulafono, who was in Hawaii for a conference. He added that a member of his extended family was among the dead in the disaster.

Authorities in Tonga confirmed at least six additional people dead in the island nation west of the Samoas, New Zealand's acting Prime Minister Bill English said. He said Tongan officials told him that four people were missing after the tsunami swept ashore on the northern island of Niua.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told Seven Network in Australia that two Australians had died, including a 6-year-old girl. The British Foreign Office said one Briton was missing and presumed dead.

Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi looked shaken Wednesday on board a flight from Auckland, New Zealand, to the Samoan capital of Apia.

"So much has gone. So many people are gone," he told reporters on board. "I'm so shocked, so saddened by all the loss."

Malielegaoi said his own village of Lepa was destroyed.

"Thankfully, the alarm sounded on the radio and gave people time to climb to higher ground," he said. "But not everyone escaped."

Gov. Tulafono said that because the closeness of the community, "each and every family is going to be affected by someone who's lost their life." He spoke to reporters before boarding a Coast Guard C-130 plane in Hawaii to return home. The plane, which also carried officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and aid, was scheduled to arrive at about 7 a.m. local time (2 p.m. EDT; 1800 GMT). The U.S. disaster agency said it was also preparing supplies stored in Hawaii for transport to the island chain.

A New Zealand P3 Orion maritime surveillance airplane had reached the region Wednesday afternoon and had searched for survivors off the coast, he said. It was expected to resume searching at first light.

The Samoa Red Cross estimated that about 15,000 people were affected by the tsunami.

New Zealander Graeme Ansell said the Samoan beach village of Sau Sau Beach Fale was leveled.

"It was very quick. The whole village has been wiped out," Ansell told New Zealand's National Radio from a hill near Samoa's capital, Apia. "There's not a building standing. We've all clambered up hills, and one of our party has a broken leg. There will be people in a great lot of need 'round here."

Residents in both Samoa and American Samoa reported being shaken awake by the quake early Tuesday, which lasted two to three minutes and was centered about 20 miles (30 kilometers) below the ocean floor. It was followed by at least three large aftershocks of at least 5.6 magnitude.

The quake came Tuesday morning for the Samoas, which lie just east of the international dateline. For Asia-Pacific countries on the other side of the line, it was already Wednesday.

The dominant industry in American Samoa — tuna canneries — was also affected. Chicken of the Sea's tuna packing plant in American Samoa was forced to close although the facility wasn't damaged, the San Diego-based company said.

The effects of the tsunami could be felt nearly 5,000 miles away (7,500 kilometers) on a Japanese island, though there were no reports of damage or injuries there.

U.S. officials said strong currents and dangerous waves were forecast from California to Washington state. No major flooding was expected, however. In Los Angeles, lifeguards said they would clear beaches at about 8 p.m.

While the earthquake and tsunami were big, they were not on the same scale of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, said Brian Atwater of the U.S. Geological Survey in Seattle. That tsunami killed more than 230,000 in a dozen countries across Asia.

Classes Suspended!

2009-09-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

The Department of Education (DepEd) has declared a week-long suspension of classes in elementary and highschool levels in Metro Manila.

DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus said elementary and highschool classes in Metro Manila will remain suspended until Friday (October 2).

Lapus announced that classes in the primary and secondary levels have also been suspended in Cainta, Rizal; Marikina City, Cavite province and the cities of Sta. Rosa and Calamba and the towns of Famy and Mabitac in Laguna province.

He said the suspension was due to the devastating effects of tropical storm Ondoy on elementary and secondary schools around Metro Manila and its outskirts, particularly in Rizal province.

The education secretary said at least 74 schools were destroyed by floods caused by the storm and 170 more schools under the Department of Education's supervision in the metro are housing more than 10,000 families.

Lapus also asked for volunteers for the total clean-up of schools hit by the storm. He said schools need to be prepared and renovated before classes resume next week.

Lapus, meanwhile, said the government is giving local government and school officials the discretion of suspending classes.

"Depending on local conditions in other areas, local government and school authorities may exercise judgment to suspend classes," Lapus said.

Typhoon Ondoy Strikes Philippines!

2009-09-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

Rescuers pulled more bodies from swollen rivers Monday as residents started to dig out their homes from under carpets of mud after flooding left 240 people dead in the Philippine capital and surrounding towns.

Overwhelmed officials called for international help, warning they may not have sufficient resources to withstand another storm that forecasters said was brewing east of the island nation and could hit as early as Friday.

Authorities expected the death toll from Tropical Storm Ketsana, which scythed across the northern Philippines on Saturday, to rise as rescuers penetrate villages blocked off by floating cars and other debris. The storm dumped more than a month's worth of rain in just 12 hours, fueling the worst flooding to hit the country in more than 40 years. At least 240 people died, and 37 are missing.

Troops, police and volunteers have already rescued more than 7,900 people, but unconfirmed reports of more deaths abound, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said.

He told a news conference that help from foreign governments will ensure that the Philippine government can continue its relief work.

"We are trying our level best to provide basic necessities, but the potential for a more serious situation is there," Teodoro told a news conference. "We cannot wait for that to happen."

The extent of devastation became clearer Monday as TV networks broadcast images of mud-covered communities, cars upended on city streets and reported huge numbers of villagers without drinking water, food and power.

n Manila's suburban Marikina city, a sofa hung from electric wires.

Since the storm struck, the government has declared a "state of calamity" in metropolitan Manila and 25 storm-hit provinces, allowing officials to use emergency funds for relief and rescue.

The homes of nearly half a million people were inundated. Some 115,000 of them were brought to about 200 schools, churches and other evacuation shelters, officials said.

Resident Jeff Aquino said floodwaters rose to his home's third floor at the height of the storm.

Aquino, his wife, three young children and two nephews spent that night on their roof without food and water, mixing infant formula for his 2-year-old twins with the falling rain.

"We thought it was the end for us," Aquino said.

Among those stranded by the floodwaters was young actress Christine Reyes, who was rescued by movie and TV heartthrob Richard Gutierrez from the rooftop of her home near Manila after she made a frantic call for help to a local TV network with her mobile phone.

"If the rains do not stop, the water will reach the roof. We do not know what to do. My mother doesn't know how to swim," she said, weeping.

Gutierrez, a close friend and Reyes' co-star in an upcoming movie, heard of her plight, borrowed an army speedboat and ferried Reyes, her mother and two young children to safety.

"I thought it was our ending but I did not lose hope," Reyes said, thanking Gutierrez. "Let us help those who have not yet been rescued."

Rescuers pulled a mud-splattered body of a woman from the swollen Marikina river Monday. About eight hours later, police found three more bodies from the brownish waters.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has said Ketsana and the flooding were "an extreme event" that "strained our response capabilities to the limit but ultimately did not break us."

The United States has donated $100,000 and deployed a military helicopter and five rubber boats manned by about 20 American soldiers from the country's south, where they have been providing counterterrorism training. The United Nations Children's Fund and the World Food Program have also provided food and other aid.

Activists, meanwhile, pointed to the deadly flooding as an example of the dangers of global warming at U.N. climate negotiations in Bangkok.

"The Philippine floods should remind politicians and delegates negotiating the climate treaty that they are not just talking about paragraphs, amendments and dollars but about the lives of millions of people and the future of this planet," said Kim Carstensen, Leader of the WWF Global Climate Initiative.

Noynoy's new Tandem!

2009-09-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

Liberal Party president Sen. Mar Roxas is expected to formally announce tomorrow (Sept. 21) his acceptance to be the vice presidential candidate of LP.

An advisory from Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's camp said the Noynoy-Mar tandem will be presented at Club Filipino, Greenhills, San Juan City at around 10 a.m.

For his part, party member Sen. Francis Pangilinan said he will support who Aquino wants to be his runningmate in the 2010 polls.

"Handa nating isantabi ang ating plano para sa tunay na pagbabago," said Pangilinan, who is willing to give way to Roxas to be the party's vice presidential bet next year.

Pangilinan had previously expressed his intention of running as a vice presidential candidate but changed his mind after Aquino accepted the offer of Roxas to be LP's standard bearer.

Erich Gonzales on Katorse's Ratings

2009-09-19T00:03:00.000-07:00

Young actress Erich Gonzales is riding high on the ratings success of her latest TV series, "Katorse."

Last, Thursday, September 14, "Kotorse" got 31.1% percent and ranked 4th in he overall primetime programs.

Gonzales said she is happy that people are tuning in to the show, but that her primary concern is not ratings - but doing justice to her role as Nene, a provinciana who gets pregnant in her early teens.

"Hindi ko iniisip ang ratings-ratings. Basta more on 'Ano ako?' Na mabigyan ng justice ang role ni Nene, na katorse (14), na mapanindigan talaga 'yong role niya. Si Nene na na-inlove ganyan, tapos palaban," Gonzales told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

"Ako, sobrang pagpapasalamat lang talaga sa lahat. Kasi never ko pong in-expect na darating ang ganito. Sobrang thankful talaga," she added.

As Nene in the series, Gonzales said she is happy to be able to give valuable lessons to teenagers about love issues. The actress said she sympathizes with Nene's character, especially because they have similar attitudes towards getting through life's struggles.

"Opo may similitary po kasi si Nene never siyang sumuko sa hamon ng buhay. Nalalampasan niya ang pinaglalaban niya. Kung ano ang sa tingin niya ang tama. Napaka-strong niya. At 'yon nga, kahit ano pa ang dumating na bagyo, knowing na nandiyan ang family niya at mga taong sumusuporta sa kanya, ay okay lang talaga," Gonzales said.

The actress had to take rigid acting workshops with the help of seasoned actress Gina Alajar prior to taking on the role of Nene.

"Nakatulong talaga ang sensuality workshop (with Ms. Gina Alajar) namin para mawala ang inhibitions ko. Kung anuman ang ano ko sa sarili ko, kaya noong nag-start kami ng taping. Ready po talaga kami," she said.

Gonzales, a member of Star Magic, considers "Katorse" as her biggest acting break. The series is a TV remake of Joey Giosiengfiao's 1980's film of the same title, that launched then newbie actress Dina Bonnevie's career.

Mar-Korina wedding, Postponed.

2009-09-18T23:43:00.000-07:00

The much-anticipated wedding of Sen. Manuel "Mar" Roxas and ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez will no longer push through on October 23.

Sanchez told ABS-CBN's Mario Dumaual that the wedding was moved to Tuesday, October 27, 2009 to accommodate important guests who can't make it on October 23.

She will still exchange "I do's" with Roxas at the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City, while the reception will be held at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

She said the Araneta Coliseum is the perfect place to celebrate after the wedding ceremony since it can accommodate all their guests and other people who wish to visit the newly-married couple.

"We're going to have the reception at the Araneta Coliseum para kasama iyong mga gustong manood. Makakakain din sila, and then iyong mga guests magkakasama na rin. Kasi di [sila] mapagkasya sa iisang venue eh. Like iyong bahay, masyadong masikip. So para masaya, may kaunting show, tapos iyong taong bayan andoon din, and then the guests, all in one place," Sanchez said.

Aside from the church and the reception venue, Sanchez has already hand-picked her wedding shoes. She was spotted in a fashion show in Makati City as she selects the pair of sandals she'll be wearing while walking down the aisle.

Made by local designer Cesar Gaupo, the 5-inch heeled strappy sandals will be customized to fit Sanchez' Filipiniana-themed wedding.

"It's going to be this one. Pero tatanggalin namin lahat ng rhinestones. Gagawin naming parang tambourine na Filipiniana," she said, adding that it will be in a very light pina color to match her wedding gown, to be designed by Pepito Alba.

Meanwhile, Sanchez said she is having the time of her life as she gets to rest well and focus on the wedding preparations.

"Ang sarap ng hindi nagtratrabaho, pero ayoko namang masyadong permanente yan (laughs). Nakaka-eight hours of sleep ako kaya medyo pahinga. At saka iba rin siguro talaga kapag iba iyong project mo, hindi iyong balita lang parati. Iyong naiba talaga iyong buhay mo. So it's really a happy change in my life," she said.

When asked about her detractors, she said: "Masyado akong masaya para mabuwisit (laughs), so I think of all happy thoughts. It's a happy time in my life. Iyon lang naman ang importante doon."

"Mamimili ka lang naman. Hindi naman lahat mapapasaya mo eh. Sanay na rin naman ako na hindi makinig sa may motibo na hindi maganda. Amidst all that, I think you should know who you are, and what you stand for," she added.

Sanchez took a leave of absence from ABS-CBN after she got engaged to the senator. She used to co-host "Tambalan Failon at Sanchez" on dzMM and was an anchor of ABS-CBN's late night news program, "Bandila."

Cosmo Bachelor Bash 2009

2009-09-12T04:41:00.000-07:00

Watch out for the Video Of the Actual Ramp.

....So come back Again if you Want to see more....

#23 lyndon
@ bryanboysucks hahah lol oo nga noh gnun pla xa mghihihiyaw

Saturday, September 12, 2009 13:15
#22 chit
gerald pag bigyan mo naman ako…kahit isang gabi lang hmmm…sarap mow graveeeee….

Saturday, September 12, 2009 12:09
#21 benz
i like it…. its so hot
Beautiful Men

Saturday, September 12, 2009 11:16
#20 bryanboysucks
si rajo laurel ba yung kinikilig at tumitili sa background ng pic ni gerald????????

Saturday, September 12, 2009 10:45
#19 bryanboysucks
not too thrilled with the kapamilya guys… xian, gerald and ejay kinda boring… pero kapamilya pa din ako ha… pero mag nakaka L si aljur at jc tiuseco… hehehehehehehe

Saturday, September 12, 2009 10:44
#18 bryanboysucks
ang sarap ni aljur.. he is the type na kahit kakatapos mag basket ball at pawis pwais.. id lick his armpits… hahahahahahaha…

Saturday, September 12, 2009 10:43
#17 joyce
Gerald has the sexiest body ever but Phil Younghusband has the most beautiful complexion. Aljur has that rough sexiness.

Saturday, September 12, 2009 08:32
#16 aki's_lover
nice! but,where is my akihiro??! lol.. (ah siguro kumakanta pa sa celebrity duets).. hehehe..

Saturday, September 12, 2009 01:54
#15 spunky
is that rajo in the crowd behind gerald?haha i swear he looks like he’s screaming!

Saturday, September 12, 2009 01:33
#14 ben
guy #3 – is that a cannula scar from liposuction? it’s definitely not an appendectomy scar.

Saturday, September 12, 2009 00:57
#13 Herbs
its like…heaven. only better

Saturday, September 12, 2009 00:14
#12 dave_davao
si ej parang mukhang may sakit.jejejej…peace

Friday, September 11, 2009 23:50
#11 francis
hawt!

Friday, September 11, 2009 21:21
#10 Roy
ggggrrrrr! saaaraaap!!!

Friday, September 11, 2009 21:20
#9 mikan
…….xian lim is hot

Friday, September 11, 2009 20:05
#8 joey
Aljur is the answer to my prayers!

Friday, September 11, 2009 20:04
#7 Tristan Tan
Is this heaven?

Friday, September 11, 2009 19:08
#6 efrenefren
ang sarap!

Friday, September 11, 2009 16:01
#5 jAx
todo na toh!!!

Friday, September 11, 2009 14:07
#4 Ernie
I’m there lol

Friday, September 11, 2009 13:53
#3 josa
is that rajo laurel in the front?

Friday, September 11, 2009 13:48
#2 sneakerboi
HAIL TO Gerald Anderson, Joem Bascon, Akihiro Sato, Ejay Falcon & Aljur Abrenica! 1 night w/ all of ‘em will make any gay guy feel like being sent to heaven…AMEN!

Friday, September 11, 2009 13:34
#1 wafu
it’s raining men!!!

Friday, September 11, 2009 13:33

Dennis Trillo's Accident in Boracay

2009-09-09T04:54:00.001-07:00

A friend of Kapuso star Dennis Trillo was killed in a freak accident in Boracay Wednesday afternoon, according to radio reports.

Based on the initial report of a dzBB radio correspondent in Iloilo, Trillo’s companion, who was identified as Jollibee Bordajo, was crossing a hanging bridge in Brgy. Balabag in Boracay island when he fell into the water and drowned.

A separate report from dzRH radio said Trillo and another companion, Maxene Eigenmann, were also injured when they tried to rescue Bordajo.

Trillo and Eigenmann, along with Bordajo and an unidentified companion, were brought to the Metropolitan Doctors Medical Clinic for treatment, according to the dzRH report. The two were allowed to leave the hospital at 4:30 p.m. A white van fetched the two celebrities, who covered their heads with a white blanket to avoid getting mobbed by curious onlookers, the report said.

The dzBB radio report, however, said Trillo and Eigenmann were not hurt and were just in “shock" because of what happened to Bordajo.

NoyNoy Aquino will run for Presidency

2009-09-09T04:39:00.000-07:00

Forty days after former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino died, her only son, Sen. Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III, vowed to resurrect the kind of leadership and governance she has left if the Filipino nation will elect him as President in 2010.

Although Cory would have wanted her son to finish his term as a senator, Noynoy said it was the public's clamor that strongly convinced him to finally represent the Liberal Party as its standard-bearer in next year's presidential election.

"Tinatanggap ko ang hiling ng sambayanan. Tinatanggap ko ang habilin ng aking mga magulang. Tinatanggap ko ang responsibilidad na ituloy ang laban para sa bayan. Tinatanggap ko ang hamong mamuno sa labang ito. Bayang Pilipinas, tatakbo po ako sa pagka-pangulo sa eleksyon sa 2010," Aquino affirmed his presidential plans in an early morning press conference at the Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino in San Juan City, the same venue where his mother had her historic oath-taking in 1986.

In the same press conference, Noynoy announced that he has asked his best friend, Sen. Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, to be his running mate, but said that the Liberal Party president preferred to respond to his invitation on another date.

"I asked Mar to be my running mate [dahil] iba siya. Mas inuna niya ang nakararami bago ang kanyang sarili," Noynoy said, referring to Mar's earlier decision to sacrifice his presidential bid in favor of Aquino.

Although Noynoy declined to discuss at length his platform of governance, he claimed with confidence that he will be "the kind of president who will be missed the time he steps down."

Noynoy's statement was lauded by his partymates and welcomed by his initially reluctant sisters, who were all present during his press conference to show full support to their brother's candidacy.

Clad in black dresses with yellow ribbons in remembrance of their late mother, Ma. Elena "Ballsy" Cruz came with husband Eldon, Aurora Corazon "Pinky" Abellada came with husband Manolo, Victoria Eliza "Viel" Dee came with husband Dodo and son Kiko, and Kris Bernadette "Kris" Yap came with husband James and son James, Jr.

Manila Bulletin sources said Wednesday the Aquino and Cojuangco families will meet this week to discuss plans on how to help Noynoy's presidential campaign.

Of the Aquino sisters, it was Ballsy who said they consented to their brother's decision to run and to make the historic announcement during the same day that the nation remembers the death of Cory, the democracy icon, who succumbed to complications of colon cancer last August 1.

"Kami rin pong magkakapatid, nararamdaman din namin na maraming may gusto na ipagpatuloy ni Noynoy anuman ang naiwan ng aming mga magulang. Nakita po namin ito sa mga simpleng gawain ng mga taong dumadalaw sa sementeryo--sa kanilang pag-iiwan ng mga bulaklak at mga sulat. Kaya po bakit patatagalin pa?" she said, reffering to Noynoy's announcement.

While Noynoy's sisters sat at the stage behind him and his partymates settled at the first row of the audience, his girlfriend, Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani "Lani" Soledad, was spotted sitting among the nameless crowd apparently trying to evade the limelight.

Lani proved to be the media-shy girlfriend that Noynoy described her to be as she refused to comment on the senator's announcement despite the media's insistence.

Aside from Roxas, Senators Rodolfo Biazon, Francis Pangilinan, and Panfilo Lacson were present at the press conference together with former Senate President Franklin Drilon, Rep. Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel, Quezon Governor Raffy Nantes, Neri Acosta, and other Liberal Party stalwarts and members.

Biazon, who promised Noynoy of the same support and service he rendered during Cory's administration, even dramatized his loyalty to the Aquino Family by donating a P100 bill at a transparent coin-bank named "Piso-piso para kay Noynoy" being circulated in the room.

AFP, PNP respond to victims of Superferry 9

2009-09-09T04:34:00.000-07:00

Zamboanga City (8 September) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police together with the different line agencies like the local government units and the Philippine Coast Guard immediately responded to the victims of MV Superferry 9 that sunk near Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte, 50 nautical miles of Zamboanga City last Sunday September 6, 2009 while it was on its way from General Santos to Iloilo City killing at least five people out of more than 900 passengers and crews aboard.

Lieutenant Colonel Gamal S Hayudini PAF, Group Commander of the 4th Civil Relations Group, Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines disclosed that the government forces and the other local government units worked as one in providing and extending assistance to the needs of the victims of the disaster.

"It is in incidence like this when people can see that the military are at all times ready to perform its mandate to serve and protect the people not only from threats of terrorism but also at times of calamities," Hayudini said.

Helicopters and OV 10 spotter air crafts of the Philippine Air Force were immediately dispatched to assist in the search and rescue while other government agencies provided for food and transportation of the rescued passengers.

On the other hand, the Philippine Navy dispatched patrol boats together with the Philippine coastguard and other civilian vessels were immediately made available to transport the victims from the sinking vessel to the port of Zamboanga City.

Moreover, the inter-agency coordination of the local government units and other government institutions, like the AFP and the PNP, is truly laudable as they have always been unselfish in giving quality services to the constituents especially at times where they are needed most.

Afternoon Classes, Suspended!

2009-09-09T04:28:00.000-07:00

Afternoon classes in the pre-school, elementary and high school levels in private and public schools in the National Capital Region are suspended because of heavy rains, an education official announced today (Sept. 9)

According to Teresita Domalanta, Department of Education-NCR director, all afternoon classes are suspended due to torrential rains brought by tropical depression “Maring.” She said said the suspension applies to the pre-school, elementary and high school levels.

"Ang afternoon session mula pre-school, elementary, hanggang high school ay suspended (Afternoon sessions of pre-school, elementary, and high school levels are suspended)," Domalanta said in a radio interview.

“Local DepEd officials and local government executives in other areas may decide to suspend classes in their areas depending on local situation, including flooding and landslides, which may endanger our students," she added.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) earlier said “Maring” will bring heavy rains today to some parts of Luzon.

"Luzon will experience occasional rains becoming frequent over the western sections which may trigger flashfloods and landslides," Pagasa said in an update.

Storm Signal No. 1 was raised over Ilocos Sur, La Union, western Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan and Lubang Islands.

Storm Signal No. 1 ng Bagyong Maring, nakataas sa 5 lalawigan sa Luzon at Lubang Island

2009-09-09T03:50:00.000-07:00

Napanatili pa rin ni Bagyong Maring ang lakas nito habang binabaybay ang direksyong hilaga-hilagang-kanluran.

Huling namataan ang Bagyong Maring sa layong 230 kilometro kanluran ng Dagupan City.

Taglay pa rin nito ang lakas ng hangin na umaabot sa 55 kilometro kada oras malapit sa gitna.

Nakataas pa rin ang Storm Signal No. 1 sa Ilocos Sur, Zambales, La Union, Kanlurang Pangasinan, Bataan at Lubang Island.

Dahil ditto, otomatikong suspendido ang pasok sa pre-school sa mga apektadong lugar.

Bukas ng umaga, si Maring ay inaasahang nasa layong 300 kilometro ng kanluran hilagang-kanluran ng Dagupan City.

Inaasahang pag-iibayuhin ng bagyo ang habagat at magdadala ng mga pag-ulan sa gitna at katimugang Luzon.

Paalala ng PAGASA sa publiko, mag-ingat sa posibleng pagragasa ng tubig-baha at pagguho ng lupa.

Is Willie Really leaving Wowowee??

2009-08-25T04:13:00.001-07:00

Is Willie really saying goodbye to ABS-CBN?

Could it be true that Willie Revillame has decided to leave ABS-CBN — that is, as soon as he is released from his contract?

Funfare’s Bohol Avenue DPA said that last Friday Willie sent a letter to the ABS-CBN management requesting that his contract, which is good until 2011, be rescinded.

Apparently, Willie was disappointed that the company didn’t even come to his defense, or at least issue an official statement, while he was caught in “a firestorm” generated by his on-the-air tantrum on Wowowee two weeks ago when clips of former Pres. Cory Aquino’s casket while being moved from La Salle to the Manila Cathedral was inserted on the show.

Linggit Tan, head of the ABS-CBN TV Entertainment, has remained intriguingly quiet when she is said to know the whole story that’s reportedly “self-incriminating” (whatever that means) — you know, who really was behind that controversial “insert” that made Willie blow his top on-cam?

It was only Johnny “Mr. M.” Manahan, head of the ABS-CBN Star Magic and Wowowee director, who has come to Willie’s defense, not really exonerating Willie of what the public perceived to be a “disrespectful” behavior but giving a logical explanation of what led to it.

ABS-CBN is usually fast on the draw when defending its contract stars, such as when Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby got involved in a “gender” issue, but in the case of Willie the company seems to be keeping a no-comment stance.

Funfare tried to call Willie to comment on whether he’s “resigning” from Wowowee or asking to be released from his contract but he ”cannot be reached.”

Willie has been “missing” from Wowowee for more than a week now and the show is simply not the same without him. I understand it was Willie himself who requested to go on leave...indefinitely?

Touched by an Angel

2009-08-25T03:33:00.001-07:00

“I believe that during these times, we should not forget that many sacrificed to regain our democracy.” Corazon Aquino

My legs dangling from the makeshift platform of the media truck. I couldn’t stand up because I don’t have balance after I broke my ankle 4 years ago.

President Cory Aquino is an extraordinary woman that I risked my limb just to take photos of the funeral procession. Never did I imagine that it would take 9 hours. Just the other day, covering the transfer from La Salle Greenhills to Manila Cathedral took 5 hours which I thought was already a long drive. Never, ever will I ride on an open truck for half a day under strong rains, soaking pants, hunger, thirst, huge cameras hitting on my head, and being shoved by media just to take photos of an event. Unless of course, a president as great as President Corazon Aquino will come along. Maybe not in my lifetime.

Hear the outpouring of love and sympathy from this video I took from Manila Cathedral to Manila Memorial Park

The people who lined the streets for hours were just in the same position as myself. Drenched by torrential rains brought by Typhoon “Kiko” and enduring hunger and thirst as they waited for hours for the Philippine flag draped casket of our beloved President Cory to pass by, I can see it as a small sacrifice for a woman who restored our democracy. Our sacrifice is nothing compared to what Cory and her family endured to save our nation from the tyranny of a Marcos dictatorship. It was a small sacrifice for me as well to sit for 9 hours on an open truck because my balance to stand up on the makeshift platform of a moving truck seemed unstable for me to take snapshots of the unfolding scene.

I know it’s cliche to say that there are no words to describe the incredible outpouring of public sympathy today. I also have another reason: I am dead tired but I will update this entry as soon as I get enough rest. You will see photos of people rich and poor who stayed for hours on the streets to bid farewell to a great woman until her final resting place. The scene is reminiscent of the burial of former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. who was assassinated in 1983.

Here are the Photos of the 9 hour ride from Manila Cathedral to Manila Memorial Park. Dressed in a raincoat, holding on to an umbrella and removing my shoes, here is my labor of love, my tribute to a woman I admire.

Manila Cathedral at 7:00 Am just before the mass started at 9:00 AM

The funeral convoy started from the Manila Cathedral at 11:30 a.m. Here are mourners along the Anda Circle as they waved “L” signs with their forefingers and thumbs to denote “Laban” (Fight) . I do hope we Filipinos continue with the fight.

Even a disabled man came to give his last respects.

At Luneta Park, dozens of men, women and children dressed in yellow shirts marched with the cortege.

Roxas Boulevard. The mourners were flashing a “Laban” (fight) sign and chanting “Cory! Cory!” Police efforts to push back the crowds so that the procession could move on proved futile. Volunteers surrounded the “Cory Truck” forming a human chain to prevent the crowd from blocking its path.

This crowd is nothing compared to what lay ahead of us. Some 100,000 lined up along Roxas Boulevard from Intramuros to Quirino Avenue, said Superintendent Rommel Miranda, metropolitan police spokesman.

The guy said “I’m an EDSA 1 kid”.

Some guy held a photo of Ninoy Aquino as he laid in his coffin.

It seemed like a fiesta atmosphere rather than a funeral procession where the people were joyful rather than sad. People cheered, clapped and sang under the rain, as if to celebrate life than death.

Another 30,000 gathered from Osmeña Highway to Buendia Avenue, 10,000 along the Sucat interchange, and 10,000 at the vicinity of the Manila Memorial Park as you will see in the next few photos.

+Strong rains poured as the cortege reached South Superhighway but the people stood their ground.

“Thank you Tita Cory. We love you”. Families came in droves so that their kids will be able to witness this historical event. I am sure their parents wanted to emphasize the importance of President Aquino in Philippine history.

The crowd was so thick in front of us that the funeral procession got delayed for hours.

More and more people near the skyway. It would have been faster to ride through the skyway but then people along the route would be disappointed if the cortege chose the skyway.

At the Magallanes Interchange

Finally, I have a view of Cory Aquino’s truck. Since I was seated on the side of the truck, most of my photos are taken on the side streets. Look at how the people are walking along the truck.

You can imagine the speed of our vehicle. It ranged between 5 to 10 kph.

You can see the flower bed is thinning out. I heard over the radio that some Pinoys think that Cory is a saint and got a flower for keepsakes.

Here I am so shallow, complaining about my 9 hour torturous ride but these honor guards deserve recognition for standing motionless and braved the rains for almost nine hours atop the flat-bed truck from Manila Cathedral to Manila Memorial Park. I later found out their names as Pfc. Antonio Cadiente, Airman 2nd Class Gener Laguindam, Petty Officer 3 Edgardo Rodriguez and Police Officer 1 Danilo Maalab. How they withstood it motionless for so long is their own way of sacrifice, selflessness and strength as tribute to the remains of a former president.

Up close with President Aquino’s casket. I have so much respect for President Cory Aquino that I gazed with sadness at her casket. At the height of criticisms against President Cory, my faith in her never faltered. After all, even a new-born democracy with its weakness is better than a brutal dictatorship. I appreciate everything she sacrificed just to work for the restoration of our democracy.

Kris Aquino in Bus no. 1 took time out to greet everyone. A lot of shrieking fans soon chased after their van near the toll gate of South Superhighway. James Yap, seated in front also greeted everyone and even shook hands with the people. Jiggy Cruz brought out a signage that said “Maraming Salamat”. It was at this point when the crowd became rowdy, hysterical and emotional that I wanted to get off from the media truck but I am not fast enough to get down a moving truck. I prayed hard that our moving truck would not bump on to anyone or push me down to the ground.

It is 6:00 PM and we were still far away from Manila Memorial Park. These kids risked their lives by climbing up to the roof just to get a good view of funeral procession.

Finally in Sucat at around 6:00 PM. A swelling crowd greeted us again.

A signage “May your death unite us as your life did”.

People from Paranaque waited for hours for Cory’s truck to pass by. This family came in full force holding up a sign “President Cory Aquino Isa Kang Bayani”

When I finally got down from the truck, I could barely stand up after sitting in one position for 9 hours.
Kris Aquino and James Yap walk over to position themselves for military honors for President Aquino

President Cory was given full military honors before the actual burial.

Farewell President Corazon Aquino. Through all the combined 15 hours of coverage during your funeral procession, this has got to be the greatest outpouring of love that I have witnessed in all 52 years of my life.

I will not forget the people who sacrificed their lives for democracy.

I will make sure that my readers are aware of the implications of the Constituent Assembly before the 2010 elections, and that we should oppose Charter Change perpetuating President Arroyo and her allies in power.

You can also get Email Updates of any new posts by adding your email address below:

Hayden kho's Latest video scandal

2009-07-31T20:27:00.000-07:00

.....This is Hayden kho's Latest sex video scandal with an unknown girl......

Myspace Comment Me Comments & Graphics

Former Pres. Cory Aquino Passed Away

2009-07-31T18:30:00.000-07:00

Former President Corazon Aquino, who swept away a dictator with a "people power" revolt and then sustained democracy by fighting off seven coup attempts in six years, died on Saturday, her son said. She was 76.

The uprising she led in 1986 ended the repressive 20-year regime of Ferdinand Marcos and inspired nonviolent protests across the globe, including those that ended Communist rule in eastern Europe.

But she struggled in office to meet high public expectations. Her land redistribution program fell short of ending economic domination by the landed elite, including her own family. Her leadership, especially in social and economic reform, was often indecisive, leaving many of her closest allies disillusioned by the end of her term.

Still, the bespectacled, smiling woman in her trademark yellow dress remained beloved in the Philippines, where she was affectionately referred to as "Tita (Auntie) Cory."

"She was headstrong and single-minded in one goal, and that was to remove all vestiges of an entrenched dictatorship," Raul C. Pangalangan, former dean of the Law School at the University of the Philippines, said earlier this month. "We all owe her in a big way."

Her son, Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, said she died at 3:18 a.m. Saturday (1918 GMT Friday).

Aquino was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer last year and confined to a Manila hospital for more than a month. Her son said the cancer had spread to other organs and she was too weak to continue her chemotherapy.

For the past month, supporters have been holding daily prayers for Aquino in churches in Manila and throughout the country. Requiem Masses were scheduled for later Saturday, and yellow ribbons were tied on trees around her neighborhood in Quezon city.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is on an official visit to the United States, remembered Aquino as a "national treasure" who helped lead "a revolution to restore democracy and the rule of law to our nation at a time of great peril.

"She picked up the standard from the fallen warrior Ninoy and helped lead our nation to a brighter day," Arroyo said, referring to Aquino' husband, opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., who was assassinated in 1983.

She said the Philippines will observe 10 days of national mourning. The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it would accord full military honors during Aquino's wake, including gun salutes and lowering flags to half-staff.

TV stations on Saturday ran footage of Aquino's years in power together with prayers while her former aides and supporters offered condolences.

"Today our country has lost a mother," said former President Joseph Estrada, calling Aquino "a woman of both strength and graciousness."

Even the exiled Communist Party founder Jose Maria Sison, whom Aquino freed from jail in 1986, paid tribute from the Netherlands.

Aquino's unlikely rise began in 1983 after her husband was gunned down on the tarmac of Manila's international airport as he returned from exile in the United States to challenge Marcos, his longtime adversary.

The killing enraged many Filipinos and unleashed a broad-based opposition movement that thrust Aquino into the role of national leader.

"I don't know anything about the presidency," she declared in 1985, a year before she agreed to run against Marcos, uniting the fractious opposition, the business community, and later the armed forces to drive the dictator out.

Maria Corazon Cojuangco was born on Jan. 25, 1933, into a wealthy, politically powerful family in Paniqui, about 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Manila.

She attended private school in Manila and earned a degree in French from the College of Mount St. Vincent in New York. In 1954 she married Ninoy Aquino, the fiercely ambitious scion of another political family. He rose from provincial governor to senator and finally opposition leader.

Marcos, elected president in 1965, declared martial law in 1972 to avoid term limits. He abolished the Congress and jailed Aquino's husband and thousands of opponents, journalists and activists without charges. Aquino became her husband's political stand-in, confidant, message carrier and spokeswoman.

A military tribunal sentenced her husband to death for alleged links to communist rebels but, under pressure from U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Marcos allowed him to leave in May 1980 for heart surgery in the U.S.

It was the start of a three-year exile. With her husband at Harvard University holding court with fellow exiles, academics, journalists and visitors from Manila, Aquino was the quiet homemaker, raising their five children and serving tea. Away from the hurly-burly of Philippine politics, she described the period as the best of their marriage.

The halcyon days ended when her husband decided to return to regroup the opposition. While she and the children remained in Boston, he flew to Manila, where he was shot as he descended the stairs from the plane.

The government blamed a suspected communist rebel, but subsequent investigations pointed to a soldier who was escorting him from the plane on Aug. 21, 1983.

Aquino heard of the assassination in a phone call from a Japanese journalist. She recalled gathering the children and, as a deeply religious woman, praying for strength.

"During Ninoy's incarceration and before my presidency, I used to ask why it had always to be us to make the sacrifice," she said in a 2007 interview with The Philippine Star newspaper. "And then, when Ninoy died, I would say, 'Why does it have to be me now?' It seemed like we were always the sacrificial lamb."

She returned to the Philippines three days later. One week after that, she led the largest funeral procession Manila had seen. Crowd estimates ranged as high as 2 million.

With public opposition mounting against Marcos, he stunned the nation in November 1985 by calling a snap election in a bid to shore up his mandate. The opposition, including then Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jaime L. Sin, urged Aquino to run.

After a fierce campaign, the vote was held on Feb. 7, 1986. The National Assembly declared Marcos the winner, but journalists, foreign observers and church leaders alleged massive fraud.

With the result in dispute, a group of military officers mutinied against Marcos on Feb. 22 and holed up with a small force in a military camp in Manila.

Over the following three days, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos responded to a call by the Roman Catholic Church to jam the broad highway in front of the camp to prevent an attack by Marcos forces.

On the third day, against the advice of her security detail, Aquino appeared at the rally alongside the mutineers, led by Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Lt. Gen. Fidel Ramos, the military vice chief of staff and Marcos' cousin.

From a makeshift platform, she declared: "For the first time in the history of the world, a civilian population has been called to defend the military."

The military chiefs pledged their loyalty to Aquino and charged that Marcos had won the election by fraud.

U.S. President Ronald Reagan, a longtime supporter of Marcos, called on him to resign. "Attempts to prolong the life of the present regime by violence are futile," the White House said. American officials offered to fly Marcos out of the Philippines.

On Feb. 25, Marcos and his family went to the U.S.-run Clark Air Base outside Manila and flew to Hawaii, where he died three years later.

The same day, Aquino was sworn in as the Philippines' first female leader.

Over time, the euphoria fizzled as the public became impatient and Aquino more defensive as she struggled to navigate treacherous political waters and build alliances to push her agenda.

"People used to compare me to the ideal president, but he doesn't exist and never existed. He has never lived," she said in the 2007 Philippine Star interview.

The right attacked her for making overtures to communist rebels and the left, for protecting the interests of wealthy landowners.

Aquino signed an agrarian reform bill that virtually exempted large plantations like her family's sugar plantation from being distributed to landless farmers.

When farmers protested outside the Malacanang Presidential Palace on Jan. 22, 1987, troops opened fire, killing 13 and wounding 100.

The bloodshed scuttled talks with communist rebels, who had galvanized opposition to Marcos but weren't satisfied with Aquino either.

As recently as 2004, at least seven workers were killed in clashes with police and soldiers at the family's plantation, Hacienda Luisita, over its refusal to distribute its land.

Aquino also attempted to negotiate with Muslim separatists in the southern Philippines, but made little progress.

Behind the public image of the frail, vulnerable widow, Aquino was an iron-willed woman who dismissed criticism as the carping of jealous rivals. She knew she had to act tough to earn respect in the Philippines' macho culture.

"When I am just with a few close friends, I tell them, 'OK, you don't like me? Look at the alternatives,' and that shuts them up," she told America's NBC television in a 1987 interview.

Her term was punctuated by repeated coup attempts — most staged by the same clique of officers who had risen up against Marcos and felt they had been denied their fair share of power. The most serious attempt came in December 1989 when only a flyover by U.S. jets prevented mutinous troops from toppling her.

Leery of damaging relations with the United States, Aquino tried in vain to block a historic Senate vote to force the U.S. out of its two major bases in the Philippines.

In the end, the U.S. Air Force pulled out of Clark Air Base in 1991 after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo forced its evacuation and left it heavily damaged. The last American vessel left Subic Bay Naval Base in November 1992.

After stepping down in 1992, Aquino remained active in social and political causes.

Until diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2008, she joined rallies calling for the resignation of President Arroyo over allegations of vote-rigging and corruption.

She kept her distance from another famous widow, flamboyant former first lady Imelda Marcos, who was allowed to return to the Philippines in 1991.

Marcos has called Aquino a usurper and dictator, though she later led prayers for Aquino in July 2009 when the latter was hospitalized. The two never made peace.

Myspace Comment Me Comments & Graphics

Joe Jonas dancing Single Ladies

2009-07-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

Myspace Comment Me Comments & Graphics