BASMUROT

Miss America Alexandria Mills won as Miss World 2010

2010-10-31T07:09:00.001+08:00

Miss America Alexandria Mills took home the crown as Miss World 2010. The other candidates who made it to the top five are Miss China, Miss Botswana, Miss Ireland, and Miss Venezuela.

The two-hour competition in Hainan, China was shown live on TV and reportedly watched by about one billion viewers around the world.

The newly crowned Miss World 2010 Miss America, is an 18-year old and a new high school graduate.

Emma Wareus, representing Botswanna, won 1st runner-up, while Adriana Vasini from Venezuela, took home the 2nd runner-up.

Alexandria Mills, a Kentucky native, was crowned by outgoing Miss World 2009 Kaiane Aldorino of Gibraltar. The new Miss World 2010 was guided to a diamond-shaped throne that symbolizes the 60th anniversary of the prestigious beauty pageant.

The pageant judges were former Miss World pageant winners, which includes Miss World 1953 Denise Perrier Lanfranchi, Miss World 1964 Ann Sidney, Miss World 1977 Mary Stävin, Miss World 2001 Agbani Darego, and Miss World 2004 Maria Julia Mantilla.

Imortal Theme Song by Yeng Constantino and Ney Dimaculangan

2010-10-18T22:08:00.001+08:00

Have you heard the theme song of Imortal, ABS-CBN's new television blockbuster on primetime? Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz are the lead stars of Kapamilya Network's newest primetime offering, Imortal.

Imortal is reportedly an instant hit to televiewers. It has broken all records of previous television primetime shows. Imortal is a Filipino supernatural television series about vampires and werewolves in the mold of international movie Eclipse.

The theme song of Imortal will be sang by Pinoy Dream Academy big winner Yeng Constantino and Six Cyclemind frontman Ney Dimaculangan. "Walang Hanggan" is the theme song of Imortal. The song is a heavy rock, that is not common for a teleserye theme song.

PAGASA UPDATE on Typhoon Juan as of October 18, 2010 - 10 am

2010-10-18T11:31:00.000+08:00

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is now issuing an hourly update on Typhoon Juan (international codename: Megi). As of 10 am today October 18, 2010, Typhoon "JUAN" is spotted at 120 km East of Tuguegarao City, with maximum sustained winds of 225 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 260 kph. Typhoon "JUAN" is now moving West Southwest at 19 kph. Estimated central pressure: 922 hpa. The typhoon is expected to make a landfall in Northern Isabela approximately today, before Noon. Typhoon "JUAN" is believe to exit the Philippines through Ilocos Sur.

To get the latest weather updates, you may call PAGASA's 24-hour hotline at 433- ULAN (433-8526). You can also follow the latest updates at the Twitter account of PAGASA. To get updates through SMS, follow the instructions below:

To receive regular updates:
For the one-time registration, text ULANREGNAME/ADDRESS/AGE and send to 717-ULAN (7178526).

To subscribe, text ULANPUSH ON send to 717 ULAN.

To unsubscribe, text ULANPUSH OFF send to 717 ULAN.
OR
Text ULANINFOADVISORY for the daily weather
Text BAGYOINFOADVISORY for the tropical cyclone update
Text SIGNALINFOADVISORY for the public storm warning signals raised and send to 7008526

No Classes on October 18, 2010 due to Typhoon Juan | Classes are Suspended by DepEd

2010-10-17T20:43:00.000+08:00

The Department of Education (DepEd) has confirmed the suspension of classes in the northern part of Luzon due to the approaching super Typhoon Juan (international codename: Megi).

DepEd has suspended classes in all levels in Regions 1, 2, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) due to the threat brought about by Typhoon Juan. DepEd Undersecretary Alberto Muyot confirmed that there will be no classes in these areas on Monday, October 18, 2010. He reiterated that the cancellation of classes are based on existing guidelines of the DepEd regarding class suspensions.

For college level however, the suspension of classes is under the discretion of the colleges and universities concerned, and also upon orders of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), Muyot clarified.

No Classes on Monday May Be Announced by DepEd Due to Typhoon Juan

2010-10-17T14:29:00.001+08:00

As of 11 a.m. today October 17, 2010, Typhoon Juan (international codename: Megi) according to PAGASA's latest bulletin, has intensified its strength and threatens to bring about heavy rains and damage in the Northern part of Luzon. With this scenario, it has become imminent that the Department of Education (DepEd) may declare no classes on Monday, October 18, 2010.The DepEd is expected to make its announcement this afternoon.

Based on the PAGASA-DOST bulletin, Typhoon Juan (Megi) is now located about 520 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan, with maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kph. Typhoon Juan is moving west at 22 kilometers per hour, and is expected to make landfall over Cagayan by Monday morning. Public storm signals was also provided by PAGASA-DOST.

Signal # 3

Cagayan
Calayan Group of Islands
Babuyan Group of Islands
Isabela

Signal # 2

Batanes group of Islands
Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Sur
Apayao
Abra
Kalinga
Mountain Province
Ifugao
Nueva Vizcaya
Quirino
Northern Aurora

Signal # 1

La Union
Benguet
Pangasinan
Nueva Ecija
Rest of Aurora

Typhoon "Juan" (Megi)-PAGASA Update as of 5am October 17, 2010

2010-10-17T08:22:00.000+08:00

Do you want to know the latest update on Typhoon Juan (International codename: Megi) from PAGASA?

Philippine Atmosheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration-Department Of Science and Technology (PAGASA-DOST) has issued a bulletin today, October 17, 2010 at 5:00 a.m. According to the PAGASA-DOST bulletin, Typhoon “JUAN” is now approximately at 630 km East of Aparri, Cagayan. (18.7°N, 128.2°E) with maximum sustained winds of 160 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 195 kph. Moving West at 24 kph. Estimated central pressure: 958 hpa.. Typhoon “JUAN” , based on its current path and behavior, is expected to be at Aparri, Cagayan by Monday morning, 220 km West Southwest of Laoag City on Tuesday day and 770 km West of Laoag City by Wednesday.

PAGASA-DOST has issued Public Storm Signal Number One in the following areas:

Batanes group of Islands
Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Sur
Apayao
Abra
Kalinga
Mountain Province
La Union
Benguet
Ifugao
Nueva Vizcaya
Quirino
Aurora
Northern Nueva Ecija
Pangasinan

Public Storm Signal Number Two is now in effect in the following places:

Cagayan
Calayan Group of Islands
Babuyan Group of Islands
Isabela

These storm signals are warnings given to people who are living in low lying and mountainous areas to be on guard for possible flashfloods and landslides, and those living in coastal areas are being alerted for possible storm surges and big waves.

More updates on Typhoon "Juan". PAGASA-DOST will be posted in this site. The next Severe Weather Bulletin on Tropical Cyclone Typhoon “JUAN” (MEGI) will be issued by PAGASA-DOST at 11:00 a.m. today October, 17, 2010. For more information about Typhoon “Juan" , you may visit the PAGASA-DOST Website.

Barbie Palagos is one of PNoy's Mystery Girls?

2010-10-13T10:53:00.002+08:00

A report by the Manila Standard revealed that Barbie Palagos (middle photo) was President Benigno Aquino III's date in Nuvo Restaurant and Wine Bar in Greenbelt 2. The manager of the restaurant however, belied the report, saying that the lady looks different.

PNoy is currently being linked to several women, after his reported break-up with Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad.

According to Manila Standard, its source described Barbie Palagos as a 'sweet' lady. The source said:

"But the Barbie Palagos seen with the President that night was not the same woman in Facebook, according to the restaurant’s manager. The Barbie in Facebook was younger than the one who dated Mr. Aquino, and she was 25 to 27 years old."

Is Barbie Palagos the girl in the blurred photo below?

Image credit: ABS-CBN News

PNoy Mystery Date Photo

2010-10-12T22:11:00.000+08:00

A blurred photo of President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III has been in circulation over the internet. The photo is being linked to a mystery date between PNoy and an unidentified lady.

The mystery date involving President Noynoy Aquino reportedly happened last Saturday evening, October 9, 2010 at Nuvo in Greenbelt 2.

The big question right now is who is the Presidents mystery date? Any idea? For your comments and suggestions, you may fill up the comments section below this article. - Pinoy Gossip Boy

Jovit Baldivino's First Major Concert in Aliw Theater

2010-10-12T21:33:00.001+08:00

Jovit Baldivino is now busy preparing for his first major concert which will be held at the Aliw Theater on November 13, 2010. The grand winner of the first 'Pilipinas Got Talent' was so happy and excited with his first major concert entitled, 'Jovit Baldivino, Faithfully.'

The special guests in Baldivino's first major concert are: Yeng Constantino, Melai Cantiveros, Jason Francisco, Kim Chiu and Sam Milby.

"Sobrang saya. Hindi ko ma-explain ang kasiyahan ko sa ganito kong edad, 17 years old. Hindi ako makapaniwala na magkaka-concert na ako," Baldivino expressed. "Mayroon po akong isang production na talagang aabangan po ng mga tao. Mayroon po ako doong sayaw. Abangan po nila akong sumayaw at mage-enjoy po sila, sobrang mage-enjoy," Baldivino added.

Baldivino was recently awarded a platinum record award for his first solo album "Faithfully." With the success of this first album, this boy from Batangas, is now working on his second album. He also appears in the daily television series "Idol," led by Sarah Geronimo. - ABS-CBN News

Richest Women in the World are Chinese

2010-10-12T17:19:00.001+08:00

Based on the Hurun Report, 11 of the Top 20 richest women in the World are Chinese.

Zhang Yin, founder of Nine Dragon Paper Holdings Limited, is listed by Hurun as the world's richest woman with an estimated personal fortune of $5.6bn.

The other Chinese women who made it to the top three are:

Wu Yajun, 46, of Longfor Property, ranks second with $4.1bn in fortune
Chen Lihua, 69, of Fuhua International, a Hong Kong conglomerate, ranks third with $4bn in fortune

Spaniard Rosalia Mera of Zara, the fashion house, with $3.5bn in fortune is the richest non-Chinese woman.

Other notable women who made it to the Top 20 List of Richest Women in the World are:

Doris Fisher for Gap is eighth
Giuliana Benetton of Benetton is 11th.
Oprah Winfrey, US television show host, ninth with $2.3bn.
Nandani Lynton, of the China Europe International Business School in Shanghai,

Hurun is a company that compiles information on the richest Chinese.
Video and image credit: CNN

Maria Ressa resigns from ABS-CBN

2010-10-12T00:33:00.000+08:00

ABS-CBN News has confirmed earlier reports that top journalist Maria Ressa has resigned. Maria Ressa will leave as ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Division (NCAD) chief effective January 2011.

Regina 'Ging' Reyes, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau chief, will replace Ressa at the helm of NCAD.

Reyes and Ressa will begin their transition on October 18,2010, when Reyes arrives in Manila.

Ressa, whose contract will expire on January 3, 2011 refused to renew her contract. She will leave the network on November 15, 2010 and will use her leave credits for the remainder of her contract. Before joining ABS-CBN, Ressa is CNN's Jakarta Bureau chief.

Here is the internal e-mail of Maria Ressa to the ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs team and officially released by ABS-CBN Corporate communications:

Dear Team,

There is a time and place for everything in our lives. My time and place as head of ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs is nearing its end.

My contract ends on Jan. 3, 2011, and I will not be renewing. I have nearly six months of accumulated leaves so I will go on terminal leave beginning Nov. 15.

It’s time for me to move on, but it’s important we transition properly and prepare our organization – and its new leader – for the challenges ahead.

Ging Reyes will be taking over as news head. She will be arriving in Manila on Oct. 18 to begin our transition. Home-grown ABS-CBN, she has more than twenty years experience as a journalist, the last eight years as North America bureau chief. Please give her your full support as she takes the helm of our multi-platform operations.

I want to thank you for six amazing, incredible years where we took risks together to help define the future of journalism and our nation. We decided to take a stand and say no to corruption; to embrace the growth of social media; and to join hands with citizen journalists to patrol our votes and our nation . Thank you for your trust and support, for following me even when I tilt at windmills.

Journalism faces challenging days ahead. Value and protect your editorial independence. I wish you clarity of thought, stamina, and courage to fight for what is right and avoid the compromise of mediocrity.

You have taught me so much about what it means to be a Filipino. While my time with this company is ending, one of the most precious things it has given me are our friendships, which I hope will continue to grow even when

I’m no longer with ABS-CBN.

My very best,

Maria

Complete Statement of President Aquino on IIRC Report

2010-10-11T16:58:00.001+08:00

President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III has made an official statement after a review has been made on the Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC) report. PNoy has given his statement on the recommended actions to be taken after reviewing the IIRC report.

Here is the complete Statement of President Aquino on the recommended actions after reviewing the IIRC report on the Quirino hostage taking:

STATEMENT
of
His Excellency BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President of the Philippines
On the recommended actions to be taken after reviewing the report of the Incident Investigation and Review Committee on the August 23^rd Quirino Grandstand hostage-taking incident

[October 11, 2010]
The Executive Secretary (ES) and the Chief Presidential Legal Council (CPLC) have completed their review of the recommendations of the Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC).

The review was undertaken within three basic parameters:

First, the facts enumerated in the IIRC report; second, the possible criminal, and administrative sanctions that could be imposed under the law; third, whether the cases to be filed will prosper.

The Review also defines concepts such as reckless imprudence, simple imprudence, criminal negligence, neglect of duty, simple neglect of duty, gross incompetence, mistake in judgment, that are offenses under the law and punishable, if proven.

This having been done, I am ordering that the following actions be taken:
Refer to the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) the filing of appropriate charges against P/Supt. Rodolfo Magtibay for gross incompetence and serious neglect of duty (under Sec. 2, Rule 21 of the PNP Uniform Rules);

Refer to the NAPOLCOM the filing of appropriate charges against Police Director Leocadio Santiago Jr. for less grave neglect of duty (under Sec. 2, Rule 21 of the PNP Uniform Rules);

Refer to the NAPOLCOM the filing of appropriate charges against P/Supt. Orlando Yebra for neglect of duty (under Sec. 2, Rule 21 of the PNP Uniform Rules);

Refer to the NAPOLCOM the filing of appropriate charges against Police Chief Inspector Santiago Pascual III for gross incompetence (under Sec. 2, Rule 21 of the PNP Uniform Rules);

The initiation of administrative proceedings against Manila Mayor Alfreo Lim for misconduct in office and simple neglect (under Sec. 60 of the Local Government Code). His case will be referred to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for appropriate proceedings;

The initiation of administrative proceedings and investigation of Deputy Ombudsman Emilio Gonzales III by the Office of the President for neglect of duty and/or inefficiency in the performance of official duty (under Rule XIV, Sec. 22 of the Omnibus Rules Implementing Book V of E.O. 292 and other pertinent civil service laws, rules and regulations) and gross misconduct (under Sec. 3 of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act);

Refer the IIRC Report to the House of Representatives for appropriate action in the case of Ombudsman Merceditas Guttierez;

Instruct the Department of Justice to expedite the resolution of the serious disobedience and conspiracy in illegal detention cases currently lodged against SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza and to instruct the Manila Police District to file appropriate complaints for illegal possession of firearms and serious illegal detention as an accomplice of his brother Rolando Mendoza;

In the case of media, we view media as an effective partner in providing checks and balances, and to this end, allies in our goal of good governance. We will continue to champion freedom of the press as guaranteed in our Constitution. However, in this case, freedom was not tempered with appropriate responsibility in the behavior of Michael Rogas and Erwin Tulfo of RMN. Rogas interfered in the negotiations and effectively aided and supported the hostage taker by giving him a platform to air his demands. Tulfo, by his own admission, violated police instructions. Their behavior was irresponsible bordering on the criminal.

We understand that the major networks have taken action to discipline errant reporters and are reviewing and revising guidelines for coverage in emergency situations. These are encouraging signs that media is taking responsibility for its actions.

We expect this kind of unprofessional behavior not to be repeated again, or we could be compelled to ask Congress for appropriate regulations to protect the safety of the public, our security forces and media itself.

I have also admonished Secretary Robredo and Undersecretary Puno for failing to uphold the high standards of performance that I demand from them. I sat them down last night. The outcome was a commitment for more professionalism, starting with their acting as one.

I pledged from the very start that there would be accountability. The purpose of the Review was to find the viable legal actions which can be taken against the concerned parties.

In addition, as you know, we are taking steps to enhance our ability to respond to future crises.
We are redrafting the ten-year old Malacañang crisis manual written in the year 2000 to make it more responsive to not only hostage situations but other crises we may face in the future. We have also established a presidential situation room so that actions by the government in crisis situations can be more coordinated and swift. We’re also in the process of reviewing the capabilities of our security forces to see what may be done with regard to training and procurement of equipment.

I have also instructed that the recommendations of the IIRC and the review by the ES and CPLC be posted on the Official Gazette website, as promised.

Source: Official Gazette of the Philippine Government

Book thrown at Barack Obama in Philadelphia rally

2010-10-11T14:28:00.003+08:00

The Daily Mail UK has reported, a book throwing incident that happened during a congressional campaign rally in Philadelphia. Who's the target? The book thrown was reportedly aimed at US President Barrack Obama.

As of posting, the person who threw the book, is not yet identified, and the motive why the book was thrown has not been established. The book throwing incident might have revealed some lapses on the President's Secret Service security as the book almost hit President Obama.

The book throwing happened while President Obama was delivering a speech to get the support for his Democrat Party members. President Obama is campaigning hard to win seats for his Democrat Party in the upcoming US congressional elections on November 2.

The US media later have bombarded President Obama's Secret Service with questions about the incident.

In 2008, an Iraqi journalist threw a shoe at former US President George Bush during a press conference held in Baghdad.

Here is the video of the ‘Obama book throwing’ incident.

Shalani Soledad and Sherwin Gatchalian Issue

2010-10-11T09:19:00.000+08:00

Is there a truth to the rumor that Valenzuela City councilor Shalani Soledad and Valenzuela City mayor Sherwin Gatchalian are now dating? If this is true, a Shalani Soledad and Sherwin Gatchalian Scandal will soon be a PNoygate scandal.

However, Shalani and Sherwin have denied the issue being circulated that they are going out for a date. Through their Twitter accounts, the two local officials have shot down the rumors circulating about their actions. Shalani is currently rumored to have broke-up with President Benigno Aquino III.

“Not true,” is the tweet on Soledad's Twitter account in response to allegations that she and Gatchalian were holding each others hands while walking inside a mall.

“It’s not true.” is the tweet on Sherwin Gatchalian's Twitter account.

Since the latest rumored break-up with PNoy, Shalani has kept silent about her true relationship with the President.

Reports have circulated that PNoy and Shalani broke up 2 weeks ago at Alfredo's Restaurant, the place where they had their first date. Alfredo's Restaurant is located along Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City.

Grace Poe Llamanzares is new MTRCB Chairman

2010-10-10T22:14:00.002+08:00

Grace Poe Llamanzares, daughter of the late Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ), will replace Consoliza Laguardia as Chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

The appointment of Llamanzares was revealed by Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte. Emmanuel Borlaza, a movie director, is the newly appointed as MTRCB Vice-Chairman.

Here is Valte's statement in an interview in dzRB, a government-owned radio statio:

"Si Llamanzares ay dumaan sa screening natin.... may tiwala ang Pangulo ma-di-discharge niya ang function. Si direk Maning galing sa field na yan, so we trust na magiging… [good] additions [sila] sa MTRCB."

"Hindi naman po kailangan na taga-showbiz o naging isa kang artista para masabi na may kwalipikasyon. But from my personal recollection, Llmanzares is always involved sa [pag-archive] ng mga pelikula ng namayapa niyang ama... hindi po masasabi [na] dahil hindi siya artista, wala siyang karanasan sa magiging trabaho sa MTRCB."

The appointment of Llamanzares confirmed earlier reports that she was really President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III's choice for the MTRCB post.

F1 Japanese Grand Prix Update: Hamilton penalized

2010-10-10T09:49:00.001+08:00

The 2010 F1 Japanese Grand Prix took another twist, as McLaren's Lewis Hamilton was penalized with a five-place drop on the grid as team McLaren was forced to change the gearbox on their F1 car due oil pressure problem.

Hamilton, 25-year-old 2008 F1 World Champion, had encountered several problems in Suzuka. He crashed his car during practice last Friday. He was idled for the majority of Saturday's session as the team McLaren tried heavily to fix his damaged MP4-25 machine.

The McLaren driver is among the 22 drivers who was not able to set a timed lap during Saturday's practice session. Qualifying session was postponed to Sunday due to bad weather. The 5.8km Suzuka circuit is one of the most difficult place for F1 drivers.

Hamilton is currently in third place in the championship standings with four races left. The 2008 F1 World champion is 20 points behind Red Bull's Mark Webber. Three of the last four races were a disappointment for Hamilton, as he was forced to retire due to accident damage in Italy and Singapore.

Roach to give $1,000 reward to knockout Pacquiao

2010-10-10T08:57:00.001+08:00

Everyone can feel that the “Fighter of the Decade” has been really gearing up for his upcoming bout. The training of Manny Pacquiao versus Antonio Margarito will be more exciting in the next few days. Freddie Roach has offered a US$1,000 pot to all sparring partners of Pacquiao, who will be able to KO the Filipino boxing hero. The reward will definitely motivate Pacquiao's sparring partners in giving their best effort. Roach is trying to raise up the level of Pacquiao's training for his bout with Margarito. The Pacquiao-Margarito bout will be on November 13, 2010 (Sunday in Manila) at the Cowboy Stadium, Arlington Texas, USA.

Undefeated super welterweight challenger Vanes Martirosyan, one of Pacquiao's sparring partners, vowed to be the first to bring down Pacquiao. He will arrive in the Philippines in the next few days to help in the preparations of Pacquiao against the Mexican Margarito. Other sparring partners of Pacquiao includes:

Amir Khan of Britain (WBA) light welterweight champion,
Glen Tapia of the US, and
Michael Medina of Mexico.

Roach has made the same offer to Pacquiao's sparring partners during his preparation against Oscar de la Hoya in 2008.

Manny Pacquiao, the 7-division-world champion, is currently training in Shape Up Gym in Cooyeesan, Baguio City under the close supervision of Freddie Roach and Team Pacquiao.

October 10, 2010 is 10-10-10, 10:10:10, 10/10/10, 10.10.10, or 10/10/2010

2010-10-09T11:48:00.000+08:00

Do you have any interpretation of this three ten's combination? You may share them below this post by filling up the comments section.

October 10, 2010 is a date that can be written in a set of interesting combination of numbers, 10-10-10. A lot has been said about this set of numbers. The three 10 combination has been linked to myths, superstition and luck. There are those who setup activities on this date, to be able to have a good and memorable promotion of an event. The binary number 101010 is 42 in Decimal, 52 in Octal, and 2A in Hexadecimal.

Here are other matters and events I stumbled over the web that are related to 10-10-10 or October 10,2010:

10.10.10 Run for Pasig River
10-10-10 Fun Run in Baguio City
10!10!10! Fun Run that will start and end in Malaysia's Bukit Bintang Lot 10
10:10:10 is day of doing for 10:10Global campaign to cut carbon emission by 10% every year
10-10-10 is a new book authored by Suzy Welch
10/10/10 is preferred by couples for their weddings as they believed to bring good luck
101010 is considered a binary day
10:10:10=Tck Tck Tck

NBA 2010 Preseason: Miami Heat versus Oklahoma City Thunder Live

2010-10-09T09:00:00.000+08:00

Do you want to watch the live streaming of the preseason game between the Miami Heat versus Oklahoma City Thunder? Do you want to see the head-to-head duel of LeBron James in Miami Heat uniform against the Thunders' Kevin Durant?

The match up between James and Durant will surely spice up the heating debate for the NBA's MVP this coming season. The opening tip-off of the 2010 NBA regular season will be on October 26,2010. LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant are the leading top picks for the MVP plum. James is the reigning MVP for two consecutive NBA seasons while Durant was last season's scoring champion.

Watch the match-up between James and Durant as the Miami Heat go up against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 8:30 PM E.T. You can watch the free live streaming of the game at ATDHE.Net or by using TVneto. - Image credit: NBA.com

Draft Review of IIRC Report leaked to media

2010-10-09T02:57:00.000+08:00

President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III has instructed the investigation into an alleged leaked copy of a draft review report on the Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC) report.

Copies of the said draft review of the IIRC report were shown to ABS-CBN, The STAR and other mediamen. According to Malacanang officials, the Official Review of the IIRC Report will be released next week.

The leaked copy reportedly showed that DILG Usec. Rico Puno and Manila Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno are being spared from any accountability in the Manila hostage taking incident.

Those who are being recommended to be charged in the draft review are:

SPO 2 Gregorio Mendoza, brother of
Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez
Deputy Ombudsman Emilio Gonzalez
Erwin Tulfo
Michael Rogas
Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim
Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay former Manila Police District director and ground commander of all security forces during the crisis,
National Capital Region Police Office Director Leocadio Santiago
Chief hostage negotiator Superintendent Orlando Yebra
Commander of the police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team Chief Inspector Santiago Pascual III
Deputy Ombudsman Emilio Gonzales III

Malacanang did not confirm the contents of the draft report. Here is the statement made by Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.

"We have no basis for knowing where the draft came from. I can assure you that the Presidential Communications Group does not have a copy of that report. I don't know where the enterprising Mr. Willard Cheng of ABS-CBN secured his draft."

Trish Roque of TV5 reason for PNoy and Shalani Break-up?

2010-10-08T14:55:00.001+08:00

Is it true that President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III and Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad has broken up? Is Trish Roque of TV5 the third party behind the break-up of PNoy and Shalani?

One of the most talked about and carefully followed love affair between Philippine President Noynoy Aquino III and Councilor Shalani Soledad is reportedly on the rocks. It was reported that PNoy did not categorically admitted or denied his break-up with Shalani.

When ABS-CBN News texted the President about his break up with Shalani, he replied: “Rg let me preserve what little I have of my private life.”

When the President was asked about the involvement of TV5 Reporter Trish Roque in the break up issue, PNoy replied, “not even sure I have met the individual.”

If you have any comment about this issue, please fill up the comments section below this article.

Kris and two sons with hand and foot and mouth disease (HFMD)

2010-10-08T12:28:00.001+08:00

Presidential sister and actress Kris Aquino-Yap and her two sons, Joshua and James "Bimby" Yap Jr have been diagnosed by doctors with hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD).

Kris confirmed in her Twitter account that she and her children got infected by the HFMD. She further explained that she suffered a very high fever with the HFMD.

HFMD is a disease that usually cause sores in the mouth and rashes on hands and feet. The disease is usually caused by a coxsackie virus.

Kris is married to PBA basketball star James Yap. However, the couple is currently in a legal tussle to have their 5-year marriage annulled. Yap is the father of Bimby or BabyJames, the youngest son of Kris. While Philip Salvador is Joshua's father.

Dancing Flight Attendants of Cebu Pacific to continue | New Video

2010-10-08T07:31:00.001+08:00

Cebu Pacific Airlines said they will continue their way of demonstrating safety information to airline passengers through their Dancing Flight Attendants.The video of the Dancing Flight Attendants has gone viral over the internet through blogs and social networking sites.

According to Cebu Pacific Airlines, a budget airline in the Philippines, they want to make the safety demonstrations "fun and exciting" to get passengers so that they will pay attention.This is to get rid of the usual boring demonstration by flight attendants of buckling seatbelts. Now, the flight attendants dance their way to Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" and Katy Perry's "California Girls," as they show how to use lifejackets they jumped up and down, arms moving in rhythm, to indicate the emergency exits.

The Dancing Flight Attendants Video in the internet has now reached more than 6 million hits in less than a week.This seems to be a cheap and very rewarding promotion for Cebu Pacific.

However, the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP) is not happy about this way of promoting safety because according to them dancing flight attendants in front of passengers is "demeaning and undignified...(they) are not entertainers."

Gabriela, a women right's group, also disliked the Cebu Pacific promotion. The group said in a statement that "portraying women in a sexy manner to make business brisk is not only a cheap promotional gimmick but also makes corporations such as Cebu Pacific a purveyor of sexism and machismo that reverses the hard-won recognition that Filipino women have achieved."

October 25, 2010 is a Special Non-Working Holiday - Proclamation No 48

2010-10-07T22:17:00.000+08:00

Malacanang has declared October 25, 2010, a Monday as a Special Non-working holiday, through Proclamation No. 48 signed by President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III. This is to give way to the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections which will be held nationwide on that day.

There are about 672,400 elective posts in over 42,000 barangays that will be contested in the local polls. A gun ban is currently in effect in connection to the upcoming local elections.

The complete copy of the Proclamation No. 48 can be found below, taken from the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines.

MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

PROCLAMATION NO. 48

DECLARING MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2010 AS A SPECIAL (NON-WORKING) HOLIDAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY

WHEREAS, the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections will be held on Monday, October 25, 2010;
WHEREAS, it is imperative that the people be given the fullest opportunity to participate in the said elections and exercise their right to vote;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare October 25, 2010, Monday, as a special (non-working) holiday throughout the country.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.
DONE in the City of Manila, this 6^th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Ten.
(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
By the President:

(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.
Executive Secretary

Commonwealth Games 2010 Day 5: Medal Tally, Results and Updates

2010-10-07T21:51:00.000+08:00

If you are in search of the latest update on the XIX Commonwealth Games, you are in the right site. In this site, you will find the latest Medal Tally and Game results of the Commonwealth Games of 2010.

Today is Day 5 of the Commonwealth Games 2010 and as of posting, Australia is still way ahead of the pack, with a total of 63 medals(28-Golds, 18-Silvers, 17-Bronzes). Half-way behind Australia is host India with a total of 34 medals(14-Golds, 11-Silvers, 9-Bronzes). Rounding up the top ten countries are: England, Canada, South Africa, Malaysia, Nigeria, Singapore, Scotland, and Kenya. Below is the complete medal tally as of posting.

For the latest and updated official results and medal tally of the Commonwealth Games 2010, you may visit the its Official Website.