Philippine Pride 101

Anne Curtis to have 'E! News Asia Special' Tonight!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 07:21:00 +0000

The 30-minute Anne Curtis E! News Asia special will premiere tonight Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. on SkyCable Channel 57, Cignal Channel 25 and Cablelink Channel 33.

The 28-year-old Anne is the first Filipina celebrity to have a special on E! which has showcased Nicki Minaj, Christina Aguilera and the British royal family.

Anne Curtis is set to light up the small screen across Asia with her very own E! News Asia Special: Anne Curtis. The global destination for pop culture and the leader in entertainment news is bestowing Anne the highest celebrity honor by dedicating an entire special to her.

Anne Curtis shared her excitement over being the first Filipino celebrity to be featured in a special episode of the entertainment show "E! News Asia."

"It's really an honor that 'E! News Asia' chose me. I'm speechless. I don't think I will ever run out of new things to experience. I'm nervous to see the finished outcome," she said.

According to Ramez Sheikh, VP for Network Development and Distribution of Universal Network International, “Anne Curtis has been one of your stars and we at E! are really privileged to be able to make her one of ours and bring her to a global audience.”

Why did they choose Anne? “She's incredible, the way her career is developing. I think she's the perfect fit for the E! brand. It was a no-brainer for us.”

Miss Philippines Megan Young is the new miss world 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 14:41:00 +0000

And the Miss World 2013 is...

Miss Philippines Megan Young!!!

Miss World 2013 has just concluded and Megan Young is the winner, beating 126 other delegates, including heavy favorites Miss Brazil who finished in the Top 5 and Miss France who placed 2nd.

In 3rd was Miss Ghana.

Megan Young wearing the Miss World 2013 crown

I was so nervous during the announcement of winners, especially after Ghana and France were called as the runners-up. I was already expecting a huge upset, especially that Miss Brazil, who was a heavy favorite along with Megan, wasn't called as a runner-up.

But thanks, Philippines was the one revealed as the Miss World 2013 winner. That was the most fantastic announcement I've ever heard this year haha.

It's indeed one historic win for the Philippines as this is the first time ever that the country won the Miss World crown.

Good job Megan! You make us all so proud! We initially wanted you to be the 3rd Miss Universe of the Philippines, but as luck would have it, you were fated to win Miss World Philippines 2013 and now, you become the 1st Miss World titleholder from the Philippines.

This is also the 2nd major beauty title that the Philippines won in a month. Earlier this September, Mutya Datul won the Miss Supranational 2013 title, also a first of the Philippines.

And in less than a year, we have been winning so many pageant titles. In November 2012, June Macasaet won Manhunt International and Kevin Balot as Miss International Queen, and last January, the Miss Tourism International crown brought home by Rizzini Alexis Gomez.

At the end of the show, she did not forget to thank the Filipinos using Tagalog! I will say no more.. it's exciting to watch the airing of the show later.. :)

Well, all I can say is CONGRATULATIONS Megan Young! :)

Philippines made a big leap in theFIBA world, moving up 11 spots in world rankings

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 04:58:00 +0000

The Philippines made a big jump in the FIBA world rankings, moving up 11 rungs higher to the 34th spot with an accumulated 22.8 points.

August 11, 2013 at the Mall of Asia Arena Gilas Pilipinas at the awarding

ceremonies of the 27th FIBA Asia Championship

The Nationals, as hosts, finished fighting runners-up to powerhouse Iran in the Manila cage joust and that proved enough to earn the points to leapfrog the likes of continental rivals Japan (35th with 22.6 points), Qatar (42nd with 17.3) and Chinese Taipei (44th with 15.9).

Collectively known as Gilas Pilipinas, the Nationals also emerged as one of the most improved squads in the world rankings and is now ranked sixth-best overall in Asia behind China (12th with 188.9 points), Iran (20th with 94.2), Lebanon (29th with 35.4), Jordan (30th with 33.8), and South Korea (31st with 30.6).

More than elation, national team coach Chot Reyes admitted Friday that the Nationals’ latest feat also serve as an added motivation as they gear up for future international tournaments, including next year’s FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

The United States, the reigning Olympic champion, kept its firm hold on the top spot with 940 points followed by European titan Spain with 885. Argentina was a distant third with 490 while Lithuania and Greece traded places in fourth and fifth spots with 432 and 376 points, respectively.

The rankings are based on the performance of each country in three major tournaments that includes the Olympics, the FIBA World Cup (then known as the FIBA World Championship) and the continental championships. FIBA then makes calculations from those tourneys inside two Olympic cycles.

De La Salle Green Archers books first trip to finals after five long years

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 12:27:00 +0000

After five years De La Salle Green Archers is back in UAAP men's basketball finals after beating the FEU Tamaraws, 71-68, in their Final Four match to advance to the UAAP Season 76 Finals.

The Green Archers banked on a big second half explosion to overcome fast-starting Far Eastern U Tamaraws Wednesday night with a thrilling 71-68 victory that enabled them to advance to the finals of the Season 76 men’s tournament at the MOA Arena.

Three players–LA Revilla, Jeron Teng and Norbert Torres–tallied at least 15 points while taking turns in the team’s big wind-up as the second-seed La Salle gained a fitting follow-up to an impressive 74-69 victory last Saturday and booked its trip to the finals for the first time since 2008.

It was also the ninth straight win for La Salle, which will now have to wait for the winner of the other semis duel between top-seed National U and fourth-ranked University of Santo Tomas.

Carl Cruz tallied a game-high 16 points but top guards Terrence Romeo, the season MVP, RR Garcia and Mike Tolomia only combined for 27 markers on 10-of-35 shooting from the field, as the Tamaraws' campaign ended in disappointment after a hot 7-0 start.
The Main Man: For the nth time this season, Jeron Teng pulled off another heroic act for La Salle.

The 6-foot-2 Teng churned in a double-double outing of 15 points and 10 rebounds on top of six assists while clustering four clutch points that enabled the Archers to gain control for good, 69-66, inside the final two minutes.

Honorable Mentions: Fresh from a 20-point explosion, LA Revilla waxed hot anew with 15 points, 10 coming in the second half while hauling down eight big rebounds.

Also giving the Archers a big lift was power forward Norbert Torres, who also had 15 points on top of seven rebounds. More importantly, the 6-foot-6 slotman also imposed his will in the paint and pounded the relatively smaller Tams in the crunch.

Game Turning Point: Falling behind by as many as 11, the last at 38-49 in the third canto, the Archers willed their way back and went ahead at 65-63 off a Norbert Torres floater.

A triple by Roger Pogoy gave the lead back to FEU with less than four minutes to play but Teng came up big anew, hitting four key freebies that put La Salle in control anew.

After several misses, Terrence Romeo kept FEU’s hopes alive with a lay-up before Jason Perkins, fouled by Mac Belo, restored La Salle’s lead to three with 4.4 ticks left.

With no more timeouts, Romeo tried his best but his potentially game-tying trey went wide as time expired.

They Said It:
La Salle coach Juno Sauler: “Hats off to the players. They played their hearts out that’s why we were able to pull this one. Both teams are tough. We just have to prepare whoever we will be facing in the finals. Ayoko munang i-describe ‘yung season, hindi pa kami tapos.

La Salle LA Revilla: “Our team adjusted. I also have to give credit to my teammates because we are trusting each other. It’s a matter of putting my mind to the game. I know how important this game is and I don’t want to take it for granted,”

Fanny Serrano transforms Kiray Celis into a 'diyosa'

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 13:48:00 +0000

Hairstylist and makeup artist Fanny Serrano felt for young actress Kiray Celis when many netizens criticized her look at the recently concluded Star Magic Ball.

In a post in his Facebook account on Sunday, Serrano said this made him decide to contact the former child star and make her his new muse.

When I saw her fotos at the Star Magic Ball at nabasa ang mga panglalait sa image nya on that event as one of the worst dressed stars, i got hurt, kahit hindi kami magkakilala ng personal and i told myself that sobra namang mamintas ang mga tao…personalan na talaga”AA

“So what i did the next day, i called my kumareng Gina Marissa Tagasa to ask contact numbers of Kiray Celis at dumating naman sa akin ang kanyang personal #. And i texted her kung pwede ko syang tawagan. Nagkausap kami and i felt her unbelievable voice at sobrang excitement when i told that i needed her for a glamorous fashion shoot in one full day”

THE ICONIC PHOTOSHOOT OF THE LADY KIRAY

Below are some of netizens’ comments:

Cecille Sandoval-Rementilla: Such an amazing transformation! I can't believed that with your talent and expertise, you can actually change someone's outlook in life! I'm sure this really helps Kiray to overcome those bullying on her!

Jeannie R. Javier-Malinao: This is what make-up is all about!!! To make one look beautiful if not better, not make one look like a clown. Hats off to Fanny Serrano! So what does the bashers of Kiray have to say now? Ganda!

Gina Marissa Tagasa: She looks like the young Paula Abdul ! Promise!

Fe Carol Sarmiento: Wow! It's so amazing what make-up can do & of course with Fanny's Magic touch, God bless your kind heart!

Jon Mosuela: bravo... truly the work of a gifted artist... kudos to you and to mj for an excellent job...

Jennifer Cortes: What a touching story Fanny! Way to use your gift to uplift someone. Great job to you and your team. Another amazing work!!! God bless you all more.

Megan Young earned a spot in Top Model Top 10 Finalist

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Our very own Megan Young earned a spot in Miss World Top Model Top 10 Finalist. Young is the only Asian among the finalist.

The Miss World 2013 Top Model winner will be announced during the finals of the pageant on September 28.

Here is the complete list of the finalist.

Philippines – Megan Young

Cyprus – Kristy Marie Agapioy

Brazil – Sancler Frantz

Cameroon – Denise Valerie Ayena

South Sudan – Modong Mannela Mogga

England – Kirsty Heslewood

France – Marine Corphelin

Italy – Sarah Baderna

United State – Olivia Jordan

Ukraine – Anna Zaiachkivska

Megan Young's entry to Miss World “Beauty with a Purpose”

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 08:14:00 +0000

Megan Young is hoping to bag the “Beauty with a Purpose” special award, which will secure her spot in the semifinals of this year’s Miss World pageant scheduled on September 28. The Beauty with a Purpose challenge awards one Miss World contestant who is shown to have made a big difference in her homeland through charitable work. Entries showing the pageant candidates in outreach programs have been uploaded by organizers of Miss World on YouTube. A clip posted on the video-sharing website on Monday shows Young helping flood victims in Hagonoy, Bulacan. She was accompanied by Cory Quirino, licensee of Miss World Philippines.

“My coronation night last August 18 was probably one of the best moments in my life… Now I want to share that glory with the (flood victims). I want to see that smile I had on my face on their faces as well,” Young said in the two-minute video.

Showing what she referred to as a “bag of hope,” which contained rice, noodles and other relief goods, Young said: “As a Filipina, I want to see them (flood victims) with hope in their eyes. And I want to see them strive and look at tomorrow as a brighter day.”

“This is what is going to touch their hearts, what’s going to put that twinkle in their eye and make them think that tomorrow is going to be a better day,” she added.

Young recently added another feather to her cap as she was chosen as one of the few contestants who will perform a dance from their respective countries at the Miss world coronation night.

The television host and actress is also one of the 11 finalists in the pageant’s Beach Fashion competition.

Filipino YouTube sensation Aldrich Lloyd Talonding, appear on U.S. talk show ‘Ellen’

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 06:12:00 +0000

Ellen DeGeneres

Aldrich Lloyd Talonding is another pinoy online sensation appeared on the “The Ellen Degeneres Show” months after they caught the talk show host’s attention via his Youtube video “Dance with my Father.” with cousin James Walter. The video of Talonding singing the R&B hit, with Bucong accompanying him on guitar, was uploaded last April, has garnered over three million views on the video sharing website.

Aldrich, together with cousin James Walter Bucong were invited by Ellen to appear on her show during its May 1 episode.

Talonding said. “When the video went viral, people started recognizing us along the streets or in the malls. They even recognized us in the restrooms,” “That’s weird,”

“Honestly, many people do recognize me, especially girls,” Bucong said. “So it feels awkward when they say that they love me.”

“We’re honored to watch you sing this,” Ellen said, before the two performed “Dance with my Father” on her show.

“That was so beautiful. I am so glad we found you,” the talk show host-comedienne said after Talonding and Bucong’s performance.

Ellen also gave the two Filipinos a guitar, a keyboard, and a check for $10,000.

Talonding and Bucong’s appearance on “The Ellen Degeneres Show” follows a number of other Pinoys performing for the hit U.S. talk show. Recently, another Youtube sensation, Zendee Rose Tenerefe, also appeared on “Ellen.”

Video uploaded by NoypiStuffVideos

Lumabas ang magpinsan sa September 12 episode ng 'Ellen' show at inaasahang mapapanood ito sa Pilipinas sa Biyerner, Sept 13.

BRUNO MARS TO PERFORM DURING PEPSI SUPER BOWL XLVIII HALFTIME SHOW

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 07:33:00 +0000

Grammy-award winner BRUNO MARS will perform at the PEPSI SUPER BOWL XLVIII HALFTIME SHOW on FOX in MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Sunday, February 2, 2014, it was announced today.

Bruno Mars is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer and musician. The 14-time Grammy Award nominee and Grammy winner has sold over 115 million singles worldwide. His current album Unorthodox Jukebox and his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans have a combined certification total of 60x platinum worldwide. According to Billboard, Mars scored his first five “Hot 100” No. 1s faster than any male since Elvis Presley. As a singer, songwriter and producer, Mars has an impressive catalog of 22 “Hot 100” hits. Currently, Bruno Mars and his eight-piece band The Hooligans are on a sold-out, 91-city world arena tour.

Bruno Mars joined FOX NFL SUNDAY co-hosts Curt Menefee and Terry Bradshaw, along with analysts Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson, Michael Strahan and Jay Glazer in New York City’s Times Square to make the live nationally-televised announcement just before kickoff of the Sunday afternoon games. Bradshaw (4), Long (1), Johnson (2) and Strahan (1) have a combined eight Super Bowl championships as a player or coach.

This unprecedented announcement is just the beginning. Fans are encouraged to tune into FOX Sports throughout the season to see what surprises Bruno Mars has in store for this historic Halftime Show.

The Pepsi Super Bowl halftime show is the most-watched musical event of the year. More than 110.5 million viewers in the U.S. watched last year’s show. The Super Bowl and halftime show will be broadcast worldwide.

Bruno Mars joins an esteemed list of recent halftime acts that includes Beyoncé, Madonna, The Who, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Prince, the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and U2. Read more >>

Happenings in Star Magic Ball 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 02:30:00 +0000

The night of September 7 is a memorable one as Star Magic Ball 2013 happened on the luxurious Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. The Star Magic Ball is where the biggest and brightest stars from Star Magic gather for a night of get-together. Gracing the event are not only the Kapamilya artists but also ABS-CBN’s bigwigs and several top fashion designers.

Kapamilya celebrities showcased their fab suits and gowns, made by Philippine’s top fashion designers, in the all-white, black and champagne theme. Now on its seventh year, the Star Magic Ball also marks the 21st year of the most successful star-building agency–Star Magic.

Kapamilya couple Kim Chiu and Xian Lim were awarded with the Moet and Chandon Fabulous Pair award. O+, who co-sponsored the event, proclaims Joseph Marco and Empress as the Stars of the Night. Real-life couple Gerald Anderson and Maja Salvador were the night’s Best Dressed. And for the KathNiel fans, the “Got to Believe” stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla were Star Magic Ball Coupe of the Night.

Several photos were posted online via the Star Magic Facebook and on Twitter via the hashtag #StarMagicBall2013. Here are some of the photos you’ll want to check out:

Mutya Johanna Datul Is Miss Supranational 2013 Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 00:30:00 +0000

Filipina Mutya Johanna Datul emerged as winner of the 2013 Miss Supranational beauty pageant held in Minsk, Belarus on Friday night, September 6.

The 21-year-old information technology student from Isabela bested 82 other lovely candidates from around the globe to take home the coveted crown. She also received the Miss Personality award.

Datul is the first Philippine representative and the first Asian to win the competition, which was f

irst held in 2009 and has no question and answer portion.

Miss Mexico Jaqueline Morales is this year's first runner-up, while Turkish beauty Leyla Kose is second runner-up.

Completing the Top 5 are Indonesia's Cok Istri Krisnanda Widani (third runner-up) and U.S. Virgin Island's Esonica Veira (fourth runner-up).

The Top 20 also included the contestants from Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Australia, Poland, Gabon, Canada, Thailand, Luxembourg, India, Myanmar, Belarus, Russia, Latvia, Brazil, and Ukraine.

Filipino Baked Lumpia Rolls

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 08:00:00 +0000

"This is a traditional Filipino dish. It is the Filipino version of the egg rolls. It can be served as a side dish or as an appetizer."

Ingredients:

1 lb ground lean pork

1 medium carrot, chopped fine

1 medium onion, chopped fine

1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped fine

1 (8 ounce) can bamboo shoots, drained and chopped fine

8 garlic cloves

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

2 teaspoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon black pepper

wonton wrapper, 1 package

1 large egg

Dipping Sauce

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup distilled white vinegar

1 teaspoon soy sauce

2 teaspoons water

1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with the water

2 -3 teaspoons freshly grated ginger

Directions:

In a large bowl combine the pork, carrot, onion, water chestnut, bamboo shoots, garlic, ginger, soy sauce and pepper.
Stir mixture until thoroughly combined-at this point you can cover and stick in the fridge over night.
I lay out about 10 wrappers at a time, roll the meat mixture into cigar shapes about finger thickness-be reasonable-and the length of the wrapper.
Roll, brush ends with beaten egg and finish the roll to seal.
Place seam side down on a cookie sheet and repeat until done.
Bake in a preheated 450 degree oven, turning once for around 20 minutes.
They should be cooked through and the wrappers are golden brown.
Serve hot.
You can make these ahead of time and keep cooked lumpia in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen up to 4 weeks.
To reheat (thaw if frozen) bake on baking sheet in a 450 oven for 10 minutes-turn rolls once.
Dipping sauce----------------.
In a 3 quart saucepan mix together the brown sugar, vinegar and soy sauce.
Stir over high heat until sugar dissolves.
Mix the cornstarch/water and add to the sugar mixture and stir until mixture boils.
Remove from heat and stir in ginger.
Makes 2/3 cup and you can double.

"CAPTIVATING" AND "ENCHANTING" EL NIDO PALAWAN

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 31 Aug 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Located in the northern most part of mainland Palawan covering a total of approximately 50,000 hectares of land, El Nido is one of the jewels of Palawan. Its unrivaled beauty rests on its massive limestone islands, bordered by powder-fine beaches, with cliffs jutting from translucent waters. El Nido is a unique travel destination well-suited for those who want to commune with nature. It was first declared a marine reserve and later a protected area by the Philippine government.

There are at least six lagoons in EL NIDO, the most famous and easily accessible are the BIG and SMALL Lagoons at Miniloc Island. Believed to be cave whose roofs collapsed millions of years ago, the Big and Small Lagoons are best explored on a kayak or while snorkeling.

Other attractions are Marble Cliffs, Makinit Hot Springs, Cudugnon and Ille Caves located in Bigan, Island in Bacuit Bay, Gintungawan Island, Turtle Island, Bulalakaw Falls, Ipil Beach, Commando Beach, Shimizu Reef and Daracuton Reef.

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts announces that it is to manage Huma Island resort – a private island in the heart of the stunning archipelago of Palawan Province in the Philippines.

The island is world famous among divers who visit to experience the area’s exceptional corals and abundant marine life as well as to explore 12 of the most iconic shipwrecks of the mid-20th century.

Huma Island itself is also steeped in mystical magic from the tip of its rainforest-covered mountains to the bottom of its primeval caves.

Come and enjoy the crystal clear water and white sand beaches in EL NIDO. =)

Hinatuan Enchanted River

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Seeing something majestic almost always leaves people speechless, even breathless! That is exactly how you feel the instant you lay your sights in Enchanted River. The experience is utterly difficult to translate into words when one of it ever suffice to describe its beauty and splendor.

Enchanted River in HInatuan, Surigao del Sur continues to be most popular must-see attraction of Surigao del Sur. Hidden in Brgy. Talisay, the awesome deep river insude a thick forest with color like pepsi blue... very cool.. very clear.. and very mystical, is estimated to be around 24 meters (80 feet). Vast wealth fishes on different varieties and colors readily greet the visitors which add to its mysterious attraction.

Stopping by Enchanted River is a chance ti good to pass by. For everything that this river is, it's worth the journey as spectacular scenery awaits. The water of Enchanted River baffles anyone that sees it.

You really can't avoid the temptation to take plunge and feel the invigorating water. Stress relief guaranteed.

PARTICULARS:

- Signage are available on the road side designed for guiding the visitors going to destination. Trippers wil enjoy the moment of the cool breeze air and scenery along the road to river.

-Before getting inside the Enchanted River premises, one must have to log in his name, place of origin and signature on the visitor's logbook. Entrance fee is 30php per adult.

-Huts, tents, tables and chairs are available for picnic. Clean toiltes and dressing rooms are also in place

-Row of stalls right across the entrance offers a wide array of foo and drinks and give visitors variety of fresh and alive seafoods to choose from. cooking service charge is 20php/kilo.

-Life savers are on duty and visible within the swimming area up to closing time at 5:00pm.

-Around 12 noon to 1 pm., the belll rings requesting the people to clear the river for fish feeding time. Spectacular schools of fish gather and catch food thrown to the river. Fish feeding is done daily. Special feeding maybe requested from the Enchanted river Management Office at 100php.

-there are life jackets for rent within the area @ 15php /hour.

-River cruising is available where tourists and guests will be able to enjoy the scenery going to the neighboring islands @ 160/hour max. of 5 persons.

-The lighter shade of color blue to green represent the shallow area for non-swimmers at the mouth of the river.

-Before leaving, the visitors can buy souvenirs at the Souvenir Shop which also serves as a tourist's Information Office and E-river Management Office.

-No Smoking policy is strictly implemented at the Enchanted river premises.

-More beautification/improvement has been continuously emphasized in the area to accommodate and make visitors more comfortable.

Marlon Stockinger

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 11:14:00 +0000

Filipino driver Marlon Stockinger has put the Philippine flag back on the global motorsports map by finishing second in the opening race of the 2012 GP3 Series this weekend at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain. The two 16-lap GP3 races on Saturday and Sunday served as support events to the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Stockinger, driving Car No. 14 for Status Grand Prix, qualified fifth for the first race. He made the most of the opportunity by finishing just 2.6 seconds behind winner Mitch Evans (New Zealand) of MW Arden. Stockinger scored 18 points for the effort, seven points off Evans.

For the second race the following day, however, Stockinger failed to score a single point as he wound up in 19th place. The GP3 Series has a different format compared to Formula 1 in that the second race of every two-race round follows a reverse grid order for the top eight finishers of the first race. Which meant Stockinger had to start the second race in seventh. US driver Conor Daly, who finished sixth in the first race, won the second race after starting third on the grid. First-race winner Evans likewise failed to score a point in the second race.

"Coming from Asia, it's a lot more diffirent than coming from Europe to settle into everything," Stockinger said during the press conference. "I think I am with a better team now, and I think when all these cards come into play, the results improve. I think winter testing went well and we were very consistent."

Stockinger is now sixth in the overall championship standings, with the second round scheduled for May 25-26 in Monaco.

The 21-year-old Marlon Stockinger placed 28th overall in the GP3 Series last year. In 2010, he finished eighth overall in Formula Renault UK, improving upon his 25th-position showing in the same series the previous year. In 2008, he was also eighth overall in Formula BMW Pacific while also racing in Formula BMW Europe.

Do you think this signals the start of another wave of world-class Filipino racing drivers?

Early life

Stöckinger was born in Manila, Philippines. He is the son of a Swiss businessman and racing enthusiast, Tom Stöckinger, and a Filipina woman, Egin San Pedro; he grew up in the Philippines until he was 17, and then went to Europe to pursue a racing career.

Early career

Prior to joining the Formula Renault series, Stöckinger won titles and honors from international derbies such as the Formula BMW Pacific 2008 Championships, the Senior Rotax Max World Finals 2007, the Asian Karting Championship 2006, the Junior Rotax Max-World Finals 2005 and the Philippine Shell Super Karting Series 2002. He participated at the 2008 Formula BMW Europe season - the championship's maiden season after the merger of the British and German series - as a guest driver, racing at the Hungaroring (21st and 23rd place), Valencia Street Circuit (15th and 23rd place) and at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps (20th and 21st).

Jollibee Foods Corporation (Jollibee)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 17:58:00 +0000

Jollibee Foods Corporation abbreviated as JFC and popularly known as Jollibee (PSE: JFC) is a Filipino multinational chain of fast food restaurants headquartered in Pasig City, Philippines.

Jollibee is the largest fast food chain in the Philippines, operating a nationwide network of over 750 stores. A dominant market leader in the Philippines, Jollibee enjoys the lion’s share of the local market that is more than all the other multinational brands combined. The company has also embarked on an aggressive international expansion plan in the USA, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Brunei, firmly establishing itself as a growing international QSR player.

Among its licensed brands are Chowking, Greenwich Pizza, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal and Burger King Philippines.

Jollibee was founded by Tony Tan and his family with its humble beginnings as an Ice Cream Parlor which later grew into an emerging global brand. At the heart of its success is a family-oriented approach to personnel management, making Jollibee one of the most admired employers in the region with an Employer of the Year Award from the Personnel Management Association of the Philippines, Best Employer in the Philippines Award from Hewitt Associated and a Top 20 Employer in Asia citation from the Asian Wall Street Journal. It has consistently been mentioned as one of the Philippines' and Asia's most admired companies in surveys conducted by publications such as Asian Business Magazine and The Asian Wall Street Journal and has received other plaudits from Euromoney and Asia Money. In 2008, it was also the recipient of the FMCG and F & B Asia Pacific Supply Chain Excellence Award at the SCM Logistics Excellence Awards.

Aside from promoting a family oriented work environment, the brand’s values also reflect on their advertising and marketing. Jollibee knows their target audience very well: the traditional family and all communication materials focus on the importance of family values, making Jollibee the number one family fast food chain in the Philippines and a growing international QSR player.

As of end-September 2012, Jollibee was operating 2,040 stores in the Philippines for all of its brands: 765 for Jollibee, 383 for Chowking, 201 for Greenwich, 209 for Red Ribbon, 457 for Mang Inasal and 25 for Burger King.

Boracay Island

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 18:26:00 +0000

Out of all the islands in the world, Travel+Leisure Magazine chose to name Boracay as its Best Overall Island of 2012.

Located in Malay, Aklan, Western Visayas, Boracay is just seven kilometers long, and less than a kilometer wide at its narrowest point – a postcard-sized tropical paradise.

Leisure activities

The White Beach in Boracay
Leisure activities available on or near Boracay include scuba diving, helmet diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, cliff diving, and beach relaxation.

Boracay is the site of a 18-hole par 72 golf course designed by Graham Marsh.In addition, as of 2010, Boracay has in excess of 350 beach resorts offering more than 2,000 rooms ranging in quality from five-star to budget accommodation. In addition, Boracay offers a wide range of restaurants, bars, pubs, and nightclubs.

White Beach is composed of three sections.

The northernmost section – Station 1 – has the widest beachfront. This has the best (and most expensive) resorts and hotels.

The center of White Beach is Station 2. People come here to eat, shop, and party.

If you’re looking for a quieter area, then Station 3, the southernmost section, is for you.

Because the waters off White Beach are calm during Amihan season (November to May), tourism is at its peak during these months when the northeastern winds blow. Conditions reverse during the rainy season, when the Habagat or monsoon winds blow.

Billy Joe Crawford

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 06:10:00 +0000

William Ledesma Crawford was born in Manila, Philippines, to a Filipina mother named Mayette Ledesma and an American father named Jack Crawford. He has two half-brothers. Crawford was discovered at an early age of 3 years, singing at a bowling alley that his mother visited often, he then become part of an afternoon show called "That's Entertainment" in the Philippines. He then had the name of Billy Joe but he changed it recently to Billy Crawford.

He acted in a few movies before he moved back to United States during his teenage years and started a career in music, performing mostly in the United Kingdom and France, as well as in Asia. His pre-career started in Dallas, Texas, USA, where he lived and performed his singing and then moved to New York City.

He first went to Professional Children's School and then to Professional Performing Arts School in New York City with many other famous professional children, such as Lee Thompson Young, Mandy Moore and Nina Sky. In 1996, he danced with Michael Jackson onstage when he was 14 years old as one of Michael's back-up dancers at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards.

In 2008, he went to Manila to host Pinoy Dream Academy's uberture. He was also the host of Miss Earth 2008.

After a string of unsuccessful singles and album releases, he restarted his career in the Philippines.

He is now a talent of ABS-CBN, a Philippine television network, and was seen in Its showtime (formerly Showtime) and Pilipinas Got Talent as one of the two main hosts together with Luis Manzano.

Awards

2002: NRJ Music Awards - Best Newcomer of the Year

Billy was awarded for 2002 NRJ Music Awards for "Best Newcomer of the Year" at France.

2003: NRJ Music Awards - International Male Artist of the Year

Billy Crawford was given "International Male Artist of the Year" at the NRJ Music Awards 2003 in Cannes, France, on January 18, 2003. He beat Robbie Williams to win the award.

2007: Eastwood Walk of Fame - Billy Crawford

On January 15, 2007 he was given a star plaque at the Eastwood Walk of Fame in Philippines and was the first inductee that year.

Nov. 25, 2007: Famas (Philippines)

March 26, 2008 : 3rd MYX Music Awards (Philippines)

November 13, 2010: 24th PMPC Star Awards for TV Philippines - Best Talent Program Host Winner (with Luis Manzano) for Pilipinas Got Talent.

Georgina Wilson : Filipina-British endorser, VJ, and commercial model

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 15:08:00 +0000

Georgina Wilson (real name: Georgina Ashley Diaz Wilson) is a Filipino - British endorser, VJ, and commercial model. She was born on 12 February 1986, in Texas, USA. Georgina's mother is a Filipina while her dad is British. She is the niece of former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, and the cousin of model and TV host Isabelle Daza who is the daughter of Gloria Diaz. When Georgina was six months old, her family moved to Yorkshire, England where she spent her childhood in the English countryside. When Georgina was eleven years old, her family moved to the Philippines. She attended High School at Assumption College, in Makati, Philippines before starting an Economics degree at Ateneo de Manila University. After two years, she transferred to the University of Sydney, Australia and graduated a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce.

Sarah Geronimo Success Story

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 06:55:00 +0000

Sarah Geronimo is a Filipino recording artist, songwriter, producer and actress. She's a certified pop artist whose name has been an inspiration to a lot of young dreamers. Born on July 25, 1988 in Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines, to Delfin Geronimo, a retired Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) employee, and Divina Geronimo, who ran a beauty parlor from the family home and raised in Sampaloc, Manila.

At the age of four, she made her first appearance on national television and was a member of the children's television show Pen-Pen de Sarapen for two years. At age six, she performed at a short concert at Isetann Cinerama on Recto Avenue in Manila.She sang for Pope John Paul II during his visit to the Philippines in 1995, when she was six. At the age of eight, her father enrolled Geronimo at the Center for Pop Music Philippines, where she received her first formal music and voice lessons.

She rose to fame after winning the Star for a Night singing competition Her winning piece, To Love You More, has been and still a staple among the lists in videoke, with young girls imitating the style of then 14-year-old Sarah Geronimo.

She has drawn crowds who instantly turned fanatics of Sarah and her music. Her debut album, Popstar: A Dream Come True, reached quintuple platinum status and made her, at age 16, the youngest multi-platinum recording artist. Following the success of her debut album, she had her first major-solo concert at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum at the age of 17, making her the youngest solo performer to have filled the Big Dome.

She has given justice to the ever-enduring appeal of pop music through her songs Filipinos have come to love—Forever Is Not Enough, Ho Could You Say You Love Me, If Only, Sa Iyo, Broken Vow, Can This Be Love, I Want To Know What Love Is, Lumingon Ka Lang, and the current chart topper, Love Can't Lie.

She has played significant parts in silver screen's Lastikman (co-starring Mark Bautista) and Filipinas (with Marical Soriano and Richard Gomez). She is also one of the country's most effective product endorsers.

How else can a singer prove her total artistry and bankability but do it via a mojor concert in which Sarah has showcased high-caliber performances.

In 2012, she was the first Filipino to win the Mnet Asian Music Awards as Best Asian Artist. The year after, she snagged three nominations at the World Music Awards. In 2013, her movie It Takes a Man and a Woman broke box office records and became the highest grossing Filipino film of all time.

Sarah has a lot to be thankful for and she is just as grateful… “I thank God for my family. Iba ang suportang ibinibigay nila sa akin, nandiyan sila kahit na anong mangyari. Nagpapasalamat din ako sa Diyos dahil natupad ko ang pangarap ko na maging isang singer. At siyempre malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa mga fans dahil kung hindi dahil sa kanila, wala kami dito.”

Philippines economic growth to continue

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 05:36:00 +0000

The Philippines economic growth should continue this year and next.

"In 2013, growth is expected to remain strong at 6 3/4 percent, easing to about 6.0 percent in 2014, which is still somewhat faster than potential output,"

Both figures would be below the 6.8 percent gross domestic product (GDP) expansion in 2012, and the 7.6 percent advance in the first half of 2013, the latter underpinned by robust consumption and investment amid subdued export markets.

With the healthy first-half data, the government now expects full-year growth to exceed its 6-7 percent target.

The fiscal deficit should come in within the 2.0 percent of GDP budget target this year as higher spending is offset by an increase in revenues.

Bayanihan spirit : Communal unity during Typhoon MARING

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 18:11:00 +0000

Scenarios during Typhoon Maring, devastating Situation, innumerable casualties, millions of properties were damaged, so on and so forth. In addition to that, floods in metro, not just an ordinary flood, but a flood that will totally ruin the Filipinos’ hope.

Bayanihan spirit - Bayanihan Pronounced like "buy-uh-nee-hun," is a Filipino term taken from the word bayan, referring to a nation, country, town or community in general. The whole term bayanihan refers to a spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective. In time of crisis like typhoon, the spirit if bayanihan arises and that’s the reason that we are proud as a Filipino. Being a selfless is innate from within and we tend to help others without expecting in returns.

Philippines is surrounded by many oceans, basically it is facing in Pacific Ocean wherein Typhoon are usually started. Therefore, Philippines is a country that can be easily hit. It is given, so Filipinos are expecting that phenomenon annually.

Bayanihan spirit during Typhoon Maring

Angel Locsin (actress)

A boy carries his dog whilst wading in floodwaters brought by the monsoon rain

Bystanders push a car in floodwaters brought by the monsoon rain

Noynoy Aquino: PH President

A man carries a child as they wade through floodwaters caused by monsoon rains in Sucat, Paranaque south of Metro Manila

Philippine Red Cross team

Volunteers help repack goods at the DSWD National Resource Operation Center in Pasay City

30th death anniversary of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 10:23:00 +0000

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday urged Filipinos to be everyday heroes and to follow the example of his martyred father.

On the 30th death anniversary of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., the President asked the nation to “celebrate his courage and patriotism.”

“Let the heroes in each of us thrive in our everyday words and action, in service of the greater good,” Aquino, Ninoy's only son, said.

Hard-won freedom, Aquino said, should be used to “spark a revolution for positive change and cast our stake in forging our destiny as a nation.”

“Individual choice can change the course of our history,” Aquino said, citing his father’s decision to return to the country despite the perils.

Ninoy returned to the country August 21, 1983 after years of exile in the United States with his family during Martial Law.

“[H]e headed home, alone, heart burning with fervor, to fight for the democracy he dreamed of reclaiming for his country,” the President said.

“No exile could lull him into comfort amidst the pleas of his kababayans for a peaceful life; no distance could make him neglect the duties he swore to his motherland,” he added.

Upon his arrival, Ninoy was shot to death at the tarmac of what was then the Manila International Airport, which is now named after him.

His death spurred the famed People Poweer revolution, which ousted strongman Ferdinand Marcos from power in 1986.

“Time and again, we have proven that no challenge is too daunting and no task is too great for a united Filipino nation,” the President said.

He added: “Let us remain steadfast in our journey of renewal and bestow the legacy of an even more mature democracy upon coming generations.”

Mayon Volcano : The Perfect Cone

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 10:33:00 +0000

"CNN PRODUCER NOTE These stunning images of the Mayon volcano in the Philippines, considered the most active in the country, were sent in by iReporter Sunsetlady, who climbed the volcano along with several other iReporter friends in 2011. "It was not only a physical challenge, but it was also a mental challenge to climb," she says. "Having reached our destination was a big accomplishment, it was a feeling of relief and success."

~~ - sarahbrowngb, CNN iReport producer- ~~

Located in the province of Albay on the island of Luzon, Mayon volcano is renowned as the perfect cone. According to the record, Mayon volcano is the most active volcano in the Philippines. It had erupted 48 times in the past 400 years. The last time it had erupted was on May 7, 2013 that unfortunately killed 5 climbers.

Mayon Volcano is the main landmark of Albay Province, Philippines, rising 2,462 metres (8,077 ft) from the shores of the Gulf of Albay about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) away. The volcano is geographically shared by the eight cities and municipalities of Legazpi City, Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao City, Tabaco City, Malilipot, and Santo Domingo (clockwise from Legazpi), which divide the cone like slices of a pie when viewed from above.

Apart from climbing, you can go nature hiking and marvel at the many wonderful animals such as the parakeet, red jungle fowl, owl, fruit dove just to name a few. You can also do many activities such as hiking, camping, climbing, bird watching as well as photography.

The best time to visit the volcano is between the months of March and May. Do not visit the volcano during rainy season (Nov to Jan) because it is more dangerous. You can go there by land through the Quirino highway, which is about 553 kilometers away. The journey will take about 8 to 10 hours, and many buses depart every day from Manila to Legaspi.

Johanna Datul : Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 10:08:00 +0000

Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BCPI) presents Miss Supranational-Philippines 2013 Mutya Johanna Datul during the official send-off party held in Quezon City, northeast of Manila, on 13 August 2013. Present during the send-off were BCPI officials, reigning and past Binibining Pilipinas queens, sponsors, and media. This year's Miss Supranational 2013 pageant will be held on September 6 in Minsk, Belarus.

Johanna Datul was a former contender of the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2012 wherein she was placed at the Top 10 and earned the reputation as one of the most awarded contestant although she failed to make it to the Final 4.

The charming beauty has gone through communication, personality development, projection and language training in preparation for the international pageant. She also attended hair and make-up sessions care of Bb. Pilipinas.

“Overwhelmed ako sa suporta na nagpapatatag sa akin,” she told her audience, composed of Bb. Pilipinas Charities chair Stella Araneta, reigning and past beauty queens who gave her words of encouragement during her send-off at the Gateway Mall in Cubao.

The pageant, Mutya adds, is the fulfillment of a dream, and she promised not to let her countrymen down.

She even learned a few Russian words to connect with her audience in Belarus (the country is near Russia).

“I will bring with me three essentials,” she promised. “These are my strong faith in God and my supporters, prayers and sincerity.”

Her parents’ advice – to use her God-given talents to reach her dreams – will always stay at the back of her mind.

Mutya’s sights are not just focused on winning the international pageant. She also wants to join other beauty queens who have tried showbiz.

“I love watching actors and actress since I was seven. Sila ang nagbibigay saya sa maraming tao, especially ang mga komedyante. Inspirasyon ko sila.”

Then, she flashes a winning smile that says, “Don’t worry, I can do it!”