...the cocolife

Coconut industry eyed as next major source of employment

April 16, 2011

Manila Bulletin

 

 

MANILA, Philippines – The government identified the coconut industry as the next priority focus in jobs generation, which can widen its reach to the barangays and involve unskilled labor, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said during the 1st National Coco Coir Summit held recently in Davao City.

The coconut industry, Domingo said is a priority industry as it can generate more jobs both in the barangays and cities along the value chain from production, processing, trading and exporting.

The coco coir sub-sector in particular, has tremendous potentials in the export market. What is needed is to match the required raw material supply which is abundant nationwide, especially in Mindanao based on the production statistics, Secretary Domingo said. “The coco coir industry can provide more job opportunities in the country-side, what is needed to maximize the potentials of the industry and address the gaps.” He said.

Among the various new industrial products that are expected to boost the demand for coir are: (1) Binderless boards - high density, high performance boards made from pure coconut husk with the lignin component as natural binder; (2) Cement-bonded boards - coir as main component of medium density cement bonded boards for housing and packaging materials; (3) Concrete rooftile - being rust-free makes it suitable for houses along coastal areas; (4) Resin-bonded boards - made by impregnating a coir mat with phenol formaldehyde resin and curing it under heat and pressure; (5) Insulator pads for exports of fire retardant rubberized coir padding from the Philippines.

The Summit endorsed the Philippine Coco Coir Industry Development Plan following the value chain approach, with a vision of a “ten-fold” growth for the industry translated in terms of 400% exports increase by 2016 or US$6.5M and expanded local market base.

Global demand of coco coir (fiber and peat) is enormous. Baled fiber, which remains to be leading export products has China as the biggest market accounting for 51% of the total world absorption in 2008.

Sri Lanka and India are the major producers and exporters. Sri Lanka exported 151,061 MT composed of coir (mattress fiber), bristle, twisted fiber, yarn and twine. India whose coco coir production reached 430,000 MT in 2007 exported a composite volume of 83,094 MT.

The Philippines, on the other hand, has an estimated potential production supply of 15,124 B nuts or 6,033M MT. Mindanao accounts for 59% or 3,587,386 MT of husks. The estimated husk supply available for coir production is 2.4MT or 40%.

In terms of coco husk processing, Philippine Coconut Authority has registered a limited number of registered coco coir producer/ processors, with combined installed capacity of 21,300 MT/year.

Undersecretary for Regional Operations Merly Cruz also emphasized the potential tenfold growth of the Philippine coco coir industry given the country’s vast areas planted with coconut and the nut production performance which is second only only to Indonesia.

...the tricycle goes hitech

PNoy pushes for electric tricycles

Agence France-Presse

04/15/2011

MANILA - The Philippines wants to replace millions of petrol-powered tricycles with electric ones as part of efforts to clean up the nation's polluting mass transport system, President Benigno Aquino said Friday.

The government will initially replace 20,000 tricycles that ply minor streets across the capital Manila and eventually expand the project throughout the country, Aquino said in a speech to government employees.
It is hoped the scheme will save the impoverished country tens of millions of dollars annually.

"The (project) is an ambitious multi-year plan to wean public utility vehicles from the use of gasoline and diesel and to encourage them to shift to alternatives like natural gas, electricity and hybrid engines," he said.

"I would like to see the day when nearly all public utility vehicles... run on alternative fuel, freeing the public transport sector and commuters from the threat of unreasonably high oil prices and unhealthy levels of air pollution."

Aquino did not give a definite timetable of the programme, which was launched this week when 20 so-called "e-tricycles" hit the streets of a Manila suburb.


Manila-based Asian Development Bank, which is funding the initial stage of the project, said transport sector emissions accounted for 30 percent of all pollution in the Philippines.

In Manila, vehicle emissions account for 80 percent of all pollution, it said.

"A sizeable proportion of vehicle emissions are attributable to inefficient public transport, particularly from tricycles, jeepneys and buses," it added.

Jeepneys are colourful small buses that make up the backbone of the country's chaotic mass transport system, locally assembled using second-hand truck engines and transmission systems imported from Japan.

Sohail Hasnie, an energy specialist at Manila-based ADB, said more than 3.5 million tricycles operated in the Philippines.

These emitted more than 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide and burned nearly five billion dollars of fuel yearly.

"Every 20,000 e-trikes that are introduced to Manila's streets will save the Philippines 100,000 litres of foreign fuel imports each day, saving the country about 35 million dollars annually," Hasnie said.

Though the electronic tricycles, which use rechargeable lithium ion batteries, are costlier, older petrol tricycles are more than twice as expensive to operate in the long run, Hasnie added.

The carbon footprints of the e-trikes, which are locally produced, would be less than a quarter of conventional tricycles, the ADB said.

ADB officials said the Manila-based lender was now in talks with the Philippine government on supporting the expansion of the project.

...the German's ecoprogram

Germany grants P68M to Negros Occidental's forestry program

04/16/2011

GMAews.tv

The German government has granted P68 million to some local government units in Negros Occidental to develop a forestry management program.

A Visayan Daily Star report on Saturday said the recipients of the funds are the municipalities of Ilog, Candoni, Kabankalan, with the program set to start within this year.

The report also said Germany has allocated another P20.6 million for other projects in the province.

The Gesellschaft für Internaionale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) said it also plans to focus on the management of integrated coastal resources, solid wastes, and climate change.

Also, the GIZ has programs in the province that focus on good governance and decentralization.

Moreover, the GIZ said its P68-million grant for the development of a forestry management program in some parts of Negros Occidental will run until 2015.

Also ongoing is a P16.6-million grant for natural resources management in the towns of Ilog, Candoni, and Cauayan, according to the GIZ. The grant will end in 2012.

The GIZ also said P2 million has been allocated for a decentralization program and a comprehensive land use planning in some areas of the province. The grant started last year and will end in 2011.

Another P2 million has also been earmarked for the management and development of some coastal fisheries resources in Negros Occidental. — JE/LBG, GMA News

..the green Pinoy fashion

Pinoy high fashion goes green

By Michelle Ong, ANC

04/15/2011 

MANILA, Philippines - What happens when high fashion takes the high road?

Green couture.

The next time you think “green” and “couture” don’t go well together, think again.

In fact, no less than the country’s renowned fashion designers will prove you wrong.

The recent “Green Couture” event featured gowns and designs from 11 of the country’s top designers. Aside from spreading eco-awareness, the event also raised funds for the Manila Waldorf School’s faculty training and development program.

The challenge was simple—to create masterpieces from recycled materials such as bubble wraps, plastic bags, straws, sacks and bottle caps. All of these were personally collected by the parents and students of the Manila Waldorf School.

In an interview with "Mornings@ANC"’s Going Green segment, event organizer Candy Dizon shared some of the fascinating designs on the runway.

Shredded dress

An estimated 25 sacks of rice were used in creating this yellow and white masterpiece by Tippi Ocampo.

All sacks were shredded to a million tiny strips and sewn into this dress and vest number.

The big pink dress

Karen Mijares recycled used burlap sacks for this pretty-in-pink number. With the help of an old tool and used organza, Mijares dyed all materials and put them together to create this amazing dress.


Another design from Mijares is a green creation from old tablecloths. From the lining to the actual textile, a green patterned tablecloth was used. The tablecloth offers a plastic finish to it.

Mijares’ third design was the greenest of all green.


This eco-bag gown was created from recycled eco-shopping bags, which were previously created using recycled textile. Now that’s “recycled” to the second level!

Wrapped up in a bubble

James Reyes was also a big hit with his bubble dresses made from used and printed shower curtains, and overlaid with everybody’s favorite--the bubble wrap.

To add gloss, a giant necklace made entirely of used plastic is worn on top.

Golden black

Ivarluski Aseron’s creation was also a crowd favorite.

This black and gold piece is made from over 100 plastic garbage bags and tons of flattened bottle caps (tansan) spray-painted gold for that classic look.

Flour sack gown

Dennis Lustico created a wonderful number from flour sacks, which are essentially cloths already. Lustico also made use of the sacks’ print (of brand name) to accentuate the gown.

Dizon is proud to say the event not only showcased the Filipino’s love for the environment, but the Filipino’s creativity and resourcefulness as well.

“Just shows off the Filipino talent as well, to work with something like this, using garbage (for the masterpieces),” she said.

Other designers who participated in the “Green Couture” event are Jojie Lloren, Kate Torralba, Michi Calica-Sotto, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Puey Quiñones, and Rajo Laurel.

Now we know what happens when garbage falls into the hands of Philippine fashion’s best—magic on the runway.

"Going Green” is the weekly eco segment of "Mornings@ANC". Hosted by Paolo Abrera, the segment features green-ventions and eco-projects. It airs every

...the helpful seafarers

Filipino seafarers help rescue New York man in Atlantic Ocean

Philippine Daily Inquirer
04/14/2011

 

Victor Mooney of Forest Hills, New York third attempt to row across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to New York ended in a rescue. On his second day on the life raft, Mooney was turned away from a ship while he was in distress. Twelve days later, he was rescued by Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE: DSX), a bulk carrier based in Athens, Greece that was heading to Brasil.

After MV Norfolf received a distress signal from the US Coast Guard, their course was diverted.

"The crew, nearly all Philippine nationals worked courageously during the five hour night time rescue," Mooney said. "It was two crew members who spotted me in the choppy waters and alerted the Master."

Mooney was attempting to raise money for AIDS medicines and bring awareness of voluntary HIV testing. The rower has lost one brother to AIDS and another is HIV positive. In the near future, Mooney plans to visit Manila and thank the families of the crew for their love ones selfless act on the high seas.

...the talented Pinoys

More Pinoys earn raves abroad

By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ

April 15, 2011

Manila Bulletin

New sources of Pinoy Pride: Nina Sophia Mijares, Arisxandra Libantino, and Mikey Bustos (Nina’s photo from her Facebook page; Arisxandra’s from ITV/Daily Mail Online; Mikey’s from his official website)

MANILA, Philippines –  A new batch of young, talented Filipinos are making headlines on foreign shores. Meet Nina Sophia Mojares, Arisxandra Libantino, and Mikey Bustos.

As reported on abs-cbnNEWS.com, 12-year-old Nina, a semi-finalist on “America’s Got Talent” last year, impressed none other than popular comedienne and talk show host Rosie O’Donnell when she performed for her during their chance encounter at the hallway of XM Radio, where Nina had an interview with Nicole Biggins.

A video of the momentous meeting was posted on YouTube through Nina’s very own account last April 7. The young singer from New York sang the Duffy hit “Mercy” for Rosie.
“You’re on ‘America’s Got Talent’ and you didn’t win?” asked Rosie, sounding upset about Nina’s fate on the show.

Rosie then took out her phone and asked Nina to sing once more. The girl gamely obliged, belting out Christina Aguilera’s “Hurt,” while Rosie recorded her impromptu performance.

She later on posted Nina’s song number on her Twitter on April 8 via the Yfrog application. As of this writing, the clip has already garnered more than 7,000 views.

Nina is thrilled and grateful to have met the popular US personality.

“Thank you Rosie for making my day! You are totally cool!” she wrote on her YouTube page.
At such a young age, Nina already has a long CV, which includes her appearances on NBC’s “Today Show” and “Maury Povich Show,” as well as in other big sporting events like the 2010 US Open Tennis Championship Games. She has also performed at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York five times.

On the other side of the globe, nine-year-old Arisxandra reportedly brought Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre down during her audition for “Britain’s Got Talent.”

It seems that no one expected that Arisxandra, formerly from Llanera, Nueva Ecija, had pipes “beyond her years,” due to her shy persona. According to the Daily Mail, Arisxandra even had to be “coaxed out on the stage” by her Filipino parents, Aristotle and Elma Libantino.

“But as soon as nine-year-old Arisxandra Libantino was told to sing – she could have rivalled Whitney Houston or Diana Ross,” The Daily Mail wrote.

The show’s judges David Hasselhoff, Amanda Holden and Michael McIntyre all “looked visibly shocked” with her performance of Jennifer Hudson's "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going," the Daily Mail reported.

The audience, meanwhile, applauded her “note-perfect rendition” of the hit "Dreamgirls" track. The judges and the audience gave Arisxandra a standing ovation after her performance.

David, who could not believe that Arisxandra was only nine, declared her as “the best singer we have had on the show.”

Holden, meanwhile, remarked that she is “a little diva in the making.”

“It is like you channelled some [other] voice from somewhere. You have the biggest set of lungs ever for someone so small. I can’t believe it. I thought you were going to sing ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’,” the Daily Mail quoted her as saying.

The episode featuring Arisxandra’s audition is yet to be aired.

After 10-year-old Fil-Canadian sensation Maria Aragon shook YouTube and caught the attention of pop singer Lady Gaga with her toned-down rendition of Gaga’s hit “Born This Way,” another Fil-Canadian is also making waves online.

Born and raised in Canada but apparently still a Filipino at heart, Mikey has gained a following with his wacky online tutorials on Filipino culture, which range from accent, to etiquette, and even courtship.

“Recording video was something that my parents instilled in me... As an outsider I was able to pick up small details that most Filipinos who are from the Philippines might not notice,” said Mikey, a finalist on “Canadian Idol” in 2003, in an interview aired on “TV Patrol” last April 13.


So far, his most-watched video, “Filipino Accent Tutorial by Mikey Bustos,” already has registered more than 600,000 hits on YouTube.

“My personal audience as an artist has grown so much because of the tutorial video. Thank you guys so much. Maraming salamat,” said Mikey.

...the ANTM judges

Two 'America's Next Top Model' judges in Manila

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 04/14/2011

 

MANILA, Philippines – Two judges of the hit fashion reality program “America’s Next Top Model” (ANTM) are in the country for a series of mall tours.

Runway expert Jay “Miss J" Alexander and fashion photographer Nigel Barker flew from the US to host the “Concept of Beauty Equation,” a meet-and-greet event for Barker's book "Beauty Equation."

The series kicked off Thursday and will wrap up on Saturday.

Alexander, who is in the Philippines for the first time, said he heard positive comments regarding the country.
“More than work I really want to see what this beautiful country has to offer, because I’ve heard great things,” he said.

Barker, on the other hand, said he is charmed by the country’s hospitality.

“I have a chapter in my book on charm that should be dedicated to Filipino people, it's about charm,” the former model, who is in the country for the third time, said.

Barker also shared that he was influenced by a Filipina: his nanny.

"Her words of wisdom and gentle way of delivering something that's difficult to say," he shared about his nanny.

Filipino designer featured in ANTM

Barker is also impressed with Filipino designers, specifically Michael Cinco.

Cinco’s designs were once featured in ANTM. Barker said the photo shoot wherein the contestants had worn Cinco’s creations is one of his favorites.

"It was luxury. It was fantasy. It was a dream and it was recycling," he said.

Dubai-based Cinco, meanwhile, is honored to represent the Philippines in the international fashion scene.
"I'm proud to be pure Waray and I'm proud to be Filipino. It's so heartwarming when people appreciate your work," the Cabatlogan, Samar native said.
   
Cinco is scheduled to return to the country this May. – Report from Ginger Conejero, ABS-CBN News

...the armless pilot

Pinay armless pilot offers medal to Pope

abs-cbnNEWS.com

04/14/2011

ARIZONA – A Filipino-American armless pilot offered her Guinness World Records medal to Pope Benedict the XVI during her trip to Rome, Italy.

Jessica Cox went to Rome last month where she personally offered her recent achievement to the Pope.

“He embraced my face. It was unexpected. And I told him ‘I like you to have this medal--Guinness World Record medal’--and he did not response. And then I said, ‘Please pray for my mother who is sick and my brother who will become a priest’. And he said, ‘I will. I will’.”

Cox was born without arms but she was raised to believe that she can do anything.

Despite her disability, Cox engaged in gymnastics, taekwondo and swimming.

“Ang pinaka-masaya noong makakain siya sa paa, naglalaro siya sa paa, panatag na ang loob ko na ito’y magagamit na yong paa niya na parang kamay. At saka magiging independent na siya, kasi iyon ang inaalala ko noon, paano siya makakaano sa buhay,” said her mother Inez Cox.

In 2008, Cox decided to become a pilot. When she earned her pilot’s license, the Guinness World Record honored her as the first female pilot to fly a plane using only her feet.

“They found out about me thru YouTube and some videos and they emailed me and said, ‘We'd love to have you on Guinness World Record Show’. And I said ‘I'd love to go to Italy because I haven't been to Italy’.” Cox said.

According to Cox, her medal symbolizes the importance of life—with or without disability.

“This medal, I could not receive just by mere human ability. It’s really from above,” she said.

At the age of 28, Cox said she learned a very important lesson in life which she plans to continue sharing with the Filipino people.

“My message to all Filipinos watching: nothing is impossible,” she said. Nadia Trinidad, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau Chief

..the beautiful boy

American producers, musicians pay tribute to Jose Mari Chan

By ANNIE S. ALEJO

April 14, 2011

Manila Bulletin

Jose Mari Chan is the first Filipino artist to be given a tribute album by an all-American production

MANILA, Philippines – Highly respected veteran singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan once again makes local music history by becoming the first Filipino artist to be honored by an all-American production with a tribute album, “The Manhattan Collection: The Songs of Jose Mari Chan.”

At the press launch of his album held on April 12, Chan recalled at length how the project came to be. It all started about four years ago when Renen de Guia, head of Ovation Productions, introduced Chan to the multi-Grammy winning jazz band Manhattan Transfer member, Janis Siegel.

“In the course of our conversation, she [Siegel] found out that I was a singer-songwriter. She was curious to hear my songs so I said, ‘Okay Janis. I’m going to send you back to the States a stack of my CDs'," Chan shared.

Soon enough, he thought of asking Siegel to rearrange one of his songs to give it "a fresh approach." He apparently gave Siegel songs from his albums “Golden Collection,” “Constant Change,” “Christmas in our Hearts,” “Thank You Love,” “Heart’s Journey,” and his collection of jingles, "Strictly Commercial."

A month later, Chan received an email from Siegel in the United States informing him that three of his songs caught her interest.

“She didn’t tell me which titles were these, and she said, ‘I want to arrange these,’ maybe [get] a local singer in New York to sing it. That’s an exciting prospect,” he said. The process went on until there was enough material for an album, thus giving birth to “The Manhattan Connection: The Songs of Jose Mari Chan.”

Looking at the album’s track list, one will be quick to notice that his more familiar hits didn’t make it to the cut—save for “Constant Change.”

Chan explained, “I completely gave her [Siegel] blanket authority, so she personally handpicked these songs," adding that their choices were "a matter of taste."

Reiterating numerous times that he did not have any say with the production, he revealed,  “In the process of recording these songs, I never knew who the singers were [mostly either Grammy-winners or nominees] and I certainly did not hear the songs until they were finished."

But the result, he said, made him very happy and called it “a marvelous surprise.”

“It is like telling you that 10 of my children, [because] my songs are like my children, have now attained their master’s degree… That’s how it feels about my songs na hindi naging popular,” Chan shared.

Apart from “Constant Change” (performed by Nic Bearde) the 12-track album includes “Like Night & Day” (Roger Treece and Lauren Kinhan), “Thank You, Love” (Julie Hardy), “I Have Found My World in You” (Kellylee Evans), “A Heart’s Journey” (Leo Sidran), “Stay, My Love” (Nic Bearde,) “Easier Said Than Done” (Kellylee Evans), “Love Lost” (Lisa Fischer), “Walking in the Moonlight” (Theo Bleckmann), “So I’ll Go” (Larel Masse, Janis Siegel and Lauren Kinham), “Spellbound” (Miles Griffith) and a reprise of “Constant Change.”

Chan, who celebrates his 44th year in the recording industry this year, strikes another first as “The Manhattan Connection: The Songs of Jose Mari Chan” becomes the first album by a local artist to be marketed in Starbucks stores nationwide—which meant having the songs and the album approved by the coffee franchise’s head office in Seattle.

But Starbucks Philippines’ Chairman and President Eduardo Lopez Jr., said that the release of Chan’s album in their stores was made possible upon their “strong recommendation.”

“This is the first time we are doing this, only because we have the caliber of Mr. Chan,” he added.

Chan described tribute album as “a good shot in the arm for OPM” and a sort of wake-up call to local songwriters to produce world-class Filipino music.

Describing the local recording industry to be “in trouble” owing largely to piracy as “technology has overtaken itself,” Chan lamented that aside from the artists, the songwriters are among those suffering as well. As such, they aren't encouraged to write new songs anymore, unlike the days of prolific songwriters Ray Valera or the APO.

Chan also gave his opinion on current matters concerning the music industry, beginning with lowering the sales target for Gold, Platinum or Diamond status.

The veteran artist, whose “Constant Change” album was awarded Diamond (for 400,000 units sold) and "Christmas in Our Hearts” getting double Diamond honors, said that the lowering of standards happened “partly because the reality confronted us,” which, again, is piracy.

“I feel lang that it’s a little bit unfair to some of those artists in the past. For example, there’s a company that gets a Gold now for selling only 10,000 copies. In the past, there were artists that sold 400,000 copies.

That’s considered a Diamond. But now, somebody would only get 200,000 and Diamond na siya."

“So it’s a little bit unfair to those people in the past kasi, why don’t you give them na lang [the award]? But no, they won’t do that because it doesn’t serve the purpose,” he said, adding that these awards “is a marketing tool to encourage music lovers” to buy records.

On the issue of suggested regulation for concerts of foreign acts, he opined, “You know, this is a free country. The Filipinos love music and there’s freedom to go to any show that they wanna watch… so we welcome these foreign artists.

“When these artists come, we get ideas from them. They challenge our creativity. I welcome these foreign artists coming to our shores. I do… But I also hope, sana, that our people will also support the local artists,” said he.

Aside from suggesting that local acts be employed to back foreign acts holding their concerts here as a show of support to local music industry, Chan brought up, “We have to export our songs.” He cited instances where our exports made waves abroad, such as when Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak,” the music of Victor Wood and Chan’s very own “Beautiful Girl” made it big in foreign shores many years ago.

“Recently, Christian Bautista revived the song and again became a hit. They’re gonna make it into a movie, so I’m waiting for my royalties,” he added, eliciting laughter from the press.

On contemporary music, which unfortunately “lost its sense of melody,” Chan commented that our local songwriters “patterned [them] after the hits that come from the US.”

“If you say that the songs are devoid of melody, blame it on the Americans,” he joked.

Prior to this, Chan shared, “I think kasi that a song is a personal message or a story. It may not be my story. It should be coherent, the words not only should rhyme, but it should deliver a message.”

On cover/revivals, Chan noted that “when [local artists] do cover versions of the songs, usually you follow the same arrangements… we call them clones.”

But he was quick to point out that he’s not demeaning cover versions in any way, “Because, I guess, they want to find the audience that… ‘this is the same song that you liked 20 years ago'.”

The successful hit maker said that he was simply “at the right place at the right time” when he began making a name for himself in the industry.

He added, “Siguro if ‘Beautiful Girl’ was released today, baka it would flop. Who knows?”

He also said that he, as a songwriter, was “constantly evolving” and that he’s “influenced by the music of the day.”

“But I’ve evolved in the sense that my lyrics are no longer of the genre… that, ‘Deep in my heart I love you/Deep in my heart I know that I know that we know’… I graduated from that,” he said, laughing.

Meanwhile, Chan declined to give his opinion on the latest Willie Revillame controversy to rock the entertainment industry, saying that he did not watch the particular episode with the “macho dancing” six-year old kid.

“You know, Willie have just been trying his very best… all I know is that Willie is a good showman and he tries his best, he works very hard at his craft. I think we need to have an open mind and look at the facts,” he stated.

As, it turned out, Chan is also thespian Lea Salonga’s godfather through marriage. Salonga got embroiled in the Revillame issue when she posted her thoughts on the incident on Twitter, which caught the ire of the TV host. Chan, however, opted to distance himself from it.

"This is not politics. The three of us are artists, and so we’ll talk about our art, our music. We don’t have to get involved in a bigger fight,” said he.

For now, there are no plans yet of releasing "The Manhattan Connection: The Songs of Jose Mari Chan” in the US; however, Chan is hoping for this possibility. He did disclose, however, his plans of releasing a new album before 2011 ends.

...the alternative energy study

The Philippines leads in alternate energy sources

A Global View

By Dr. Beth Day Romulo

April 13, 2011

Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Fortunately for the Philippines, investment in alternate sources of energy began years ago. The Mak-Ban geothermal plant, which helps supply Manila’s energy needs, was constructed in 1979.

Today, the Philippines get 17% of its power from alternate sources of energy such as geothermal, which makes it the leading developer of alternate energy in Asia, second only to the United States in the world in the development of geothermal energy sites.

Basic Energy Corp. recently announced plans to develop a 20-megawatt geothermal energy project in Batangas. Feasibility studies are under way to determine the best drilling locations; 60 prospective geothermal sites have already been identified. In addition to the actual production sites, feasibility studies must also include proximity to adequate infrastructure, transmission lines, and regional power demand.

Food and beverage giant San Miguel, which has expanded into power generation, is bidding for five geothermal and hydro power plants in Leyte which are being privatized by the government.

In Mindanao, the Energy Development Corp., in partnership with the Worldwide Fund for Nature, announced three new geothermal projects.

And the Delgado Group of companies’ energy arm, Energy Logics, is looking into the feasibility of both solar and wind projects in Ilocos Norte.

Bangui Windfarm, Ilocos Norte (photo grabs: cherub-rocks.blogspot.com)

Studies of the Ilocos Norte area revealed that the site selected for four projected wind farms could also support solar power facilities. The distances between the wind turbines is so great, and the sunshine in that region is so reliable that solar facilities can be constructed on the same property along with the wind farms.
Power generation is expected to come on line within two years.

...the Dutch touch

The Netherlands to aid remote Agusan areas

By MIKE U. CRISMUNDO

April 13, 2011

Manila Bulletin

LA PAZ, Agusan del Sur, Philippines – The Netherlands strengthened ties with the Philippine government by looking for possible assistance it can offer in the countryside, particularly in far-flung communities.

To help the Aquino administration, The Netherlands officials visited far-flung villages in Mindanao on Wednesday to see how their country could extend help to people in the remote communities.

 
The Netherlands officials led by Ambassador Robert Brinks visited remote communities here and found the education and literacy condition of the villagers.

The Netherlands government is interested in the education and literacy condition of remote villagers after learning that the literacy program in the countryside, particularly in Barangay Mambagongon here, and other remote areas were not sustained.

In their visit here on Wednesday, Ambassador Brinks and his party pledged to extend scholarship grant to indigenous people, and set up and revive the literacy structures that need rehabilitation and improvement.
Ambassador Brinks became interested in the program through the “United Nations Ambassador of Goodwill Gion Gourment.”
 
The Netherlands government will pursue the program, in partnership with the provincial and municipal governments here, and the Seventh Day Adventist Church, through the latter’s socio upliftment and anthropological services or SOLAPS.

“We are here to help,” said Ambassador Brinks.

The Netherlands' planned assistance is very much welcomed by the provincial and municipal officials in the province led by Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward “Eddie Bong” G. Plaza.

...the girl that impressed Ms. Rosie

12-year-old Filipina wows Rosie O’Donnell

By Don Tagala,

North American News Bureau

04/13/2011

New York – A chance meeting with Rosie O’Donnell made young Nina Sophia Mojares’ day. It also turned her into an instant YouTube sensation.


The 12-year-old Filipino singer from New York was interviewed on the Sirius XM radio show with Nicole Biggins. She later bumped into comedian and talk show host O’Donnell in the hallway of the radio station.

After hearing Mojares belt out a song, O’Donnell said she could not believe the teener did not make it in “America’s Got Talent.”

O’Donnell took out her iPhone and asked Mojares to sing again.

The video she recorded was later posted on her Twitter account.

In less than 24 hours, Mojares’ video has received more than 6000 hits.

...the world class networks

GMA-7 bags three awards while ABS-CBN wins two trophies in 54th New York Festivals

PEP 

13April 2011

Out of the 12 entries fielded by the Philippines to the 54th New York Festivals International TV & Films Awards, five were honored with trophies during the awarding ceremony held recently in Las Vegas.

Three of the awards were given to entries of GMA-7 while the remaining two were handed to entries from ABS-CBN.


GMA-7 AWARDS. The star-studded cinematic version of the "Lupang Hinirang" (The Philippine National Anthem) won a Bronze award in the Music Video category. This particular work features Kapuso stars who brought life to national heroes in reenactments of historical events, such as the Battle of Mactan in 1521, the Philippine Revolution of 1896 to the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.


Another Bronze award was given to GMA-7's I-Witness: "Paraisong Uhaw" (A Parched Land) for Social Issues/Current Events category under the Documentary/Information Program heading.


The third award of the Kapuso Network is a Silver trophy for Biyaheng Totoo (Real Journey) won a Silver award in the Special Report in News: Reports/Features category.


Meanwhile, Born To Be Wild: The Born Expeditions Finale earned a finalist certificate for the Nature & Wildlife category.


ABS-CBN AWARDS. Storyline, the weekly documentary of ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) bagged a silver medal for the biography-profiles category and a bronze medal for the community portraits category.
The winning entries of Storyline are titled "Alexis and Nika," "Orphan" and "Stolen."


Finalist certificates were given to the six other entries of ABS-CBN namely Altar (Copywriting: Promotion Spot), I Survived (Docudrama), Storyline (Social Issues/Current Events), Dahil May Isang Ikaw (Telenovelas), Magkaribal (Telenovelas), and TV Patrol's Bloodbath in Manila (Coverage of Breaking News).


The annual New York Festivals International TV & Films Awards aims to honor the "World's Best Work" in news, sports, documentary, information and entertainment program as well as in music videos, infomercials, promotion spots, openings and IDs.

...the world's no.1

On top of the world: Lining now No 1 player

 

REY JOBLE, GMA News

04/12/2011 |

Antonio Lining of the Philippines is now the world’s No.1 player.

The grizzled veteran attained this status following his solid showing in the just-concluded Philippine Open Pool Championship at the SM Megamall.

Lining’s ascension to No.1 was confirmed by no less than Ian Anderson, the president of the World Pool-Billiard Association.

“For making it to the semifinal round, Lining is expected to overtake Francisco 'Django' Bustamante as the world’s No.1 player," Anderson told sportswriters during the last day of the event.

According to Anderson, the champion of the Philippine Open will get 500 ranking points. The second placer will get 400, while the semifinalists are likely to get around 320 to 300.

Lining, part of the Philippine men’s doubles team that won the gold medal in the 2002 Busan Asian Games along with Bustamante, is expected to gain at least 300 points.

Prior to this latest campaign, Lining had a total of 1210 points, only 82 points behind Bustamanate, who didn’t play in the WPA event.

Lining’s climb to the top spot came even after he lost badly to eventual runner-up Ralf Souquet of Germany, 9-0, in their crossover semifinals match.

“First time ko yung maging No.1. Sayang nga lang medyo hindi tayo pinalad sa Philippine Open. Nangyayari talaga yung ganung klaseng talo," said Lining, referring to the wipe-out he suffered against Souquet.

Lining has been a consistent performer the past few years. He also made it as far as the semifinal round of the World Ten Ball Championship in 2009 in Manila and the World 9-Ball Championship in Qatar last year, apart from finishing in the top five of the 2010 China Open and World 8-Ball this year.

Orcullo, the newly-crowned World 8-Ball champion, made it as far as the quarterfinal round, and is thus also expected to surpass Bustamante and end up as No. 2.

The former World No.1 player who's considered as one of the best money-game players in the pool circuit had 1080 points, 212 points behind Bustamante.

Meanwhile, Anderson announced that the WPA is going to hold a three-day tournament in the Philippines before the start of the World Ten Ball Championship.

“We have no name for the tournament at this time, but we simply call it as a gap tournament," said Anderson. “It will be held at the Star Billiards Center in Quezon City."

The Star Billiards Center is home to the qualifying events for the Philippine Open and the World Ten Ball Championship.

The “gap tournament" will be held after the Beijing Open, another ranking tour event which will see the participation of the world’s best players.

“This will be good because after Beijing, they will be back in Manila, so we are preparing for some sort of a short tournament that can be a fitting preparation for the World Ten Ball Championship," added Anderson.

The World Ten Ball Championship is slated May 9-15 at the World Trade Center in Manila. The qualifying stage matches will be on May 3-7 at the Star Billiards. - KY, GMA News

...the investment

BSP: FDIs grow 22% to $207M in January 2011

 

 

04/12/2011

GMANews.tv

Foreign direct investments grew 21.8 percent in January, a reflection of buoyant prospects for the global economy this year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Tuesday.

Total investments, known as FDIs, reached $207 million in January or $37 million more than the $170 million in the same month last year, according to BSP data, which showed a net flow of equity capital from a negative position in the same comparable period.

"The strong economic performance in 2010, combined with a cautiously optimistic outlook in 2011, also helped FDI in flows into the country," BSP officer-in-charge Nestor Espenilla Jr. said in a statement.

The Philippines last year posted its fastest economic growth in 34 years, as its gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 7.3 percent to P8.5 trillion, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Inlcuding remittances, largely from overseas Filipino works, and other foreign transactions, the gross national product totaled P9.5 trillion, NEDA director-general Cayetano Paderanga Jr. in a briefing on the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 late Monday.

Last year’s output also exceeded the 6-percent growth target set by the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee, which was revised from 5 percent.

With the full impact of global depression, the Philippines managed to churn out 1.1 percent in GDP in 2009 from 3.8 percent in 2008.

Under the six-year plan, Philippine economic managers expect the GDP to accelerate between 7 percent and 8 percent a year

Equity placements surged 192.6 percent to $31 million from $17 million while withdrawals plunged 86.4 percent to $6 million from $44 million, Espenilla said, which helped reverse the position to a net inflow of $25 million from a net outflow of $27 million.

The placements were made largely in real estate, mining, manufacturing — particularly chemical products, iron and steel casting — as well as in administrative and support services (business process outsourcing, especially call centers, the deputy governor said.

The bulk of the equity flows came from the US, Japan , Singapore, and Hong Kong, he added. — VS, GMA News

...the resort haven

PHL tops Q1 Google searches for 'resorts'

 PATERNO ESMAQUEL II, GMA News

04/11/2011

The Philippines bested other countries in the world in Google searches related to the keyword “resort," according to the summer-time results of the search engine’s Zeitgeist measurement tool.

The Southeast Asian nation also ranks among the Top 10 countries around the globe in searches related to the keywords “vacation," “summer," and “beach," Google said in a statement released Monday by search engine’s Manila-based publicist, Team Asia.

Zeitgeist measures the most-searched terms on Google.com. The German word means “spirit of the times."

The search engine said the Philippines’ rankings came as no surprise “in our tropical country where vacations in beaches or resorts can be pursued all-year round and weekend trips to nearby pools or beaches is the local norm."

In searches related to resorts, the Philippines is followed by Fiji, South Africa, India, Singapore, United States, Trinidad and Tobago, Iraq, Canada, and Namibia.


The Philippines meanwhile placed sixth on the list of searches related to the keyword “summer," ninth in relation to “vacation," and fifth in relation to “beach."

In all categories, the Philippines topped other Asian countries.

The Department of Tourism earlier said it wants to “go beyond" the Philippines’ reputation as the go-to place for beaches and resorts. “We want to highlight our cultural and heritage sites as well as health and wellness destinations," Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said in an interview in January.

Coron gains momentum

In terms of specific areas in the Philippines, the Google results show that Coron, Palawan takes the top spot as the fastest-growing local destination searched on Google.

Featuring pristine white-sand beaches while remaining largely undeveloped compared to Boracay, Coron “is popular for being a great shipwreck dive spot as well as… its therapeutic Maquinit Health Springs."

About 275 kilometers north of Manila, the town of Sagada in the Mountain Province follows Coron. The list of fastest-rising local destinations also includes Laguna, Pagudpud, Boracay, Bohol, Puerto Princesa, Tagaytay, Camarines Sur and Baguio.

“Compared with the 2010 Summer Zeitgeist, which was dominated by beaches, this year’s list shows Filipinos seeking destinations other than sand and sea," according to the Google statement.

Fewer ‘beach,’ ‘resorts’ searches

Google however noted a drop in the searches for the keywords “beach" and “resorts" in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same 2011 period.

The search engine noted that the Philippines experienced an “unusually hot" summer in 2010, with temperatures hitting 39 degrees Celsius, “prompting Pinoys to seek the water in unusually high numbers."

The government targets doubling the number of tourists to the Philippines from over three million in 2010 to six million by 2016.

...the designer for America's Next Top Model

Pinoy designer Michael Cinco to be featured in America's Next Top Model

SPOT – Mon, Apr 11, 2011

See a sneak peek of the ANTM episode that will feature Michael Cinco's designs

(SPOT.ph) Filipino designer Michael Cinco's eco-friendly couture creations will be featured in America's Next Top Model (ANTM), according to the hit reality show's website.

Manila Bulletin reports that the show contenders will wear the Dubai-based designer's pieces at a photo shoot in a landfill, which will be aired in the US on April 13. The models will be photographed by ANTM judge Nigel Barker, who will be in Manila with ANTM runway coach Miss J. Alexander this month to talk about beauty equation.

Last month, PhilStar.com quoted Filipino ANTM producer Michael Carandang who described Cinco without identifying him: "Everyone in ANTM was so impressed—the crew, the talents, the producers and, of course, Tyra (Banks, the show host and creator)! It was all worth it. The clothes were impeccable like (works of art)."

In ANTM's sixth episode that was aired March 30, Filipino actress G. Tongi, who is now based in Los Angeles, talked to the models about dealing with different kinds of fans, according to Manila Bulletin.

...the beauty behind the brain

PEP: Shamcey Supsup wins Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2011

 

04/11/2011
GMANews.tv

 

Shamcey Supsup was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe at the Binibining Pilipinas 2011 pageant held last night, April 10, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Shamcey, who was Binibini No. 26, bested 39 other contestants who competed in this year's pageant.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of the Philippines College of Architecture. She also topped the Architecture board exam in July 2010.

Shamcey will represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 12, 2011.

Newly crowned 2011 Bb. Pilipinas Universe Shamcey Supsup (center), Bb. Pilipinas International Dianne Necio (second from right), Bb. Pilipinas Tourism Isabela Manjon (second from left), and runners-up Mary Jean Lastimoso (left) and Janine Tugunon (right) grace the stage at the coronation night at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday. GMA News

Aside from winning Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, Shamcey also collected three special awards: Best in Talent, Miss PAL, and Miss Cream Silk.

Shamcey, 24, was not the only title holder at last night's pageant.

Last year's 1st runner-up, Dianne Necio (No. 33), returned this year and won the Bb. Pilipinas-International title; while Isabella Manjon (No. 25) was adjudged Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism (a replacement to the Bb. Pilipinas-World title, which has its own franchise).

Janine Tugonon (No. 27) finished 1st runner-up and Mary Jean Lastimosa (No. 34) was 2nd runner-up.

The other candidates who made it in the Top 15 are: No. 6 Patricia Tumulak; No. 8 Ma. Kristina Marasigan; No. 11 Diana Arevalo; No. 13 Queenierich Rehman; No. 16 Sabrine Al-Tawil; No. 19 Wendy Lucas; No. 23 Luzelle Felipe; No. 30 Kathleen Subijano; No. 32 Jenn Roe Gubat; and No. 37 Sarah Nicole Clenci.

The Best in Swimsuit was Binibini No. 13 Queenierich Rehman; Best in Long Gown was Binibini No. 23 Luzelle Felipe; and Face of Bb. Pilipinas 2011 was Binibini No. 7 Angela Ong.

Binibining Pilipinas 2011 was hosted by Derek Ramsay and KC Concepcion together with past winners Miriam Quiambao (1999 Miss Universe 1st runner-up and Bb. Pilipinas-Universe) and Precious Lara Quigaman (2005 Miss International and Bb. Pilipinas-International).

Sam Milby and Matteo Guidicelli serenaded last year's winners: Maria Venus Raj (Miss Universe 4th runner-up and Bb. Pilipinas-Universe), Krista Kleiner (Bb. Pilipinas-International), and Czarina Gatbonton (Bb. Pilipinas-World).

Karylle, Sitti, Princess Velasco, and Marie Digby also performed. — Erwin Santiago, PEP

...the world class breeder

World-class artists bred in this school

Philippine Daily Inquirer
04/11/2011

MOUNT MAKILING, Laguna—Tucked in the mist-covered slopes of Mount Makiling, the country’s premier public school for the arts is busy molding the country’s future cultural ambassadors.

The gifted scholars embark on a rigorous, 12-hour daily routine of academic study, music, dance, theater, visual arts and creative writing at the state-funded Philippine High School for the Arts.

Surrounded by green woods, the atmosphere at the 13-hectare campus is far removed from chaotic urban sprawl.

A picturesque view of the Laguna de Bay below provides a calming scene from the cottages on the campus, about a two-hour drive south of Manila.

“Our dream and goal is to ennoble the Filipino spirit—that we are good, that we can excel,” the school’s executive director and Jesuit priest, Carmelo Caluag, told Agence France-Presse.

“We are doing this because art and culture are the windows to the soul of the people, they nurture our spirit.”
The school began as a more informal haven for young artists in the 1970s.

It was established by then first lady Imelda Marcos, who lavished time and money on the arts during her dictator-husband’s 20-year rule.

Guarded by 2 deities
Marcos chose the slopes of 1,090-meter Mount Makiling as the site, which was named after the enchanting daughter of two deities who protected nature in local folklore.

It was, however, only in 1989 that then President Corazon Aquino signed an executive order establishing it as an official public high school for gifted children, a third-world replica of New York’s famous Juilliard.

The students at Makiling are now carefully chosen from thousands of applicants who audition for just over 30 slots a year.

The rewards of acceptance can be huge—past graduates have become famous musicians or artists or gone on to study abroad.

The 145 students get free board and lodging, and the school appoints a special tutor or master for whatever discipline each of them wants to pursue.

Rich culture
So deep is the government’s commitment to the school that despite the nation’s coffers being nearly bare, it spends an average of P300,000 a year on each student.

This is about 30 times the amount allocated for students at a regular public school.

While the Makiling students are afforded every chance at success, the school’s only hope is that they will pursue a career in the arts to preserve and champion the Philippines’ rich culture.

“There is no real contract between us and the scholars for them to repay us in kind,” said Caluag, 52.

Real world

Teachers also tried to prepare the students for the real world, he said, noting that a career in the arts could be financially frustrating at times—one reason some opted to go in another direction once reaching university.

“There is no clear distinct career after this experience,” Caluag said, but he stressed those who were really passionate about their chosen craft often enjoyed success after graduating.

Among the stand-outs is Candice Adea, now the principal dancer of Ballet Philippines.

Adea, 24, and her partner last year won the silver medal at the USA Ballet International Competition, considered the Olympics of dance, and she credits her success to the work ethic she developed at the mountain school.

Pursuing the dream

Adea said she was sent abroad twice to compete when she was a student at Makiling, valuable training that helped hone her technique and helped her realize that dance was what she wanted to pursue in life.

“They gave me the opportunity to see the real world of ballet. From that opportunity, I realized what I wanted to do with my career,” Adea said during breaks in practice at Manila’s Cultural Center of the Philippines.

“These experiences fed our minds. We got to go to different places and perform. Experiences that you would never have in other schools.”

‘Time to give back’

Fifteen-year-old Suzy Rellon is just embarking on what she hopes will be a similar journey.

Rellon left behind her parents and three siblings in the southern Philippines, which has been plagued by a deadly insurgency for decades, to begin her dream of one day travelling the world as a performing artist.

“Dance is my life. There is nothing else for me,” Rellon said, adding that she hoped to one day show the world the beauty of ethnic folk dance fused with contemporary music.

Anne Mimille Guzman, who graduated this year, has launched her first children’s book in Manila and proceeds of the sales will go to funding an arts workshop for public school children.

“I believe the mastery of the written word is a gift I can share to everyone,” the 17-year-old said. “We spent four years of our lives here. It is time to give back.” AFP

...the singer

Bruno Mars: Filipino and proud of it

By Pocholo Concepcion
Philippine Daily Inquirer
04/09/2011

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) Bruno Mars drove more than 10,000 people crazy with a spellbinding performance Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

 He made it more special by stirring national pride among the mostly local audience. “I am Filipino!” he proclaimed near the end of the sold-out concert.

Born Peter Gene Hernandez in Hawaii to a Puerto Rican father and Filipino mother, the recent Grammy winner and hotshot singer-songwriter pointed out that his Filipino clan was watching with the crowd, including his grandparents and his mother, Bernadette.

On Thursday night his relatives also joined him at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel where he held his first of two concerts, bankrolled by actor-restaurateur Marvin Agustin with a couple of celebrity folks as partners.

At the Big Dome, where SRO tickets had to be sold to accommodate a huge demand from fans, the 25-year-old Mars presented a show that revealed his deep love for classic rock ’n’ roll. Even before the gig started, the house music primed the audience with a selection of hits by Elvis Presley, The Temptations, among others.

Striding onstage and momentarily banging on the drums as a warm-up, Mars settled down with an electric guitar, accompanied by a five-piece band composed of Afro-Americans and Asians. But his opening number, “The Other Side,” a track from his debut album “Doo-Wops and Hooligans,” burned with vocal passion and musical ferocity.

Throughout the show he laid bare his R&B, soul and reggae influences. On the third song, he launched into a raging version of Barrett Strong’s 1959 hit “Money (That’s What I Want)” – famously covered by The Beatles – as an intro to “Billionaire,” the worldwide hit by Travie McCoy which Mars co-wrote and produced.

“Can we slow down?” he asked the crowd before playing his own tune, “Our First Time,” channeling Michael Jackson but more erotic in tone – the song’s raging-hormones theme tempered only by a cool reggae beat.

Mars followed it with an all-out homage to Jackson: a faster version of “Billie Jean” with clanging guitars reminiscent of The Troggs’ 1965 hit “Wild Thing,” and “I Want You Back,” the Jackson 5’s 1969 first single on the Motown label.

The crowd went nuts upon hearing the next song, “Marry You,” an original track off “Doo-Wops and Hooligans,” distinctly memorable for its driving rhythms and happy wedding bells background.

But not everything was bright and sunshiny in Mars’ songs. “Liquor Store Blues,” though arranged in engaging dancehall-reggae style, was in fact dark and gloomy, the lyrics howling with drunkenness and desolation: “One shot for my pain…”

There was pandemonium when Mars proceeded with “Nothin’ on You,” another worldwide hit (No. 1 in the United States, United Kingdom and the Netherlands) which he co-wrote and produced with hip hop artist B.o.B.

But apparently Mars preferred the audience to likewise appreciate the next tune, “Grenade,” which he said was his personal favorite. Like “Liquor Store Blues,” it was not a happy song, its sentiments dripping with frustration: “I would die for you, but you won’t do the same.”

Hysteria accompanied his own No. 1 hit, “Just the Way You Are,” the audience taking over the song’s chorus.

There was one more impressive showcase via the encore, “Runaway Baby,” in which Mars lent credence to his album and tour title “Doo-Wops” by doing a James Brown act, complete with a backup vocal trio. His footwork elicited applause, even if he couldn’t execute a full leg split.

The gig, which lasted for an hour-and-a-half, also displayed Mars’ guitar-playing skills. On “Grenade” his axe wailed with blasts of hard rock. But on “Count on Me” he switched to a ukulele, evoking laid-back beach scenes not unlike those in Hawaii where he grew up.

He said it was his first time to come to the Philippines where his mother was born. He vowed to be back, overwhelmed by the crowd’s lusty cheers: “I want to see the same faces when I return, okay?”

...the Pinoy Pride

Nietes smashes Mexican foe in 1 round

abs-cbnNEWS.com

04/09/2011

3 more Pinoys dominate event

---

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Filipino champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes made a smashing debut as a junior flyweight by knocking out Mexico’s Armando Vazquez in just 1 round at the La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City on Saturday.

Nietes tagged Vazquez with a crushing right hook, knocking down the Mexican during the main event of Pinoy Pride 5, according to a Philboxing.com report.

Vasquez failed to make the count, prompting referee Bruce McTavish to award Nietes the knockout victory 2:26 into the opening round.

Before landing that knockout punch, Nietes had to survive a stunning left hand he received from Vazquez.
With the feat, Nietes improved his record at 28-1-3 scoring 16 KOs. Vasquez, on the other hand, settled at 18-6.

Meanwhile, reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight champ Nietes is poised to face the winner of the WBO interim junior flyweight title bout between Jesus Geles and Ramon Garcia Hirales for his next fight.

Other Pinoys prevail

Other Filipino pugs also bannered the country's flag after surviving their respective undercard matches.
Jason Pagara, a Cagayan de Oro native, reaped the WBO Asia Pacific Youth lightweight crown after knocking out Tanzanian Deo Njiku in the 2nd round.

In the 1st round, Pagara had already sought dominance by sending Njiku down the canvas twice. The Tanzanian then used his powerful rights to make the fight even.

Pagara, however, used a counter left hook to end the fight in the succeeding round.

The Filipino now keeps a 26-1-0; while foe Njiku drops at an 11-5 slate.

Meanwhile, North Cotabato's Lorenzo Villanueva successfully defended his WBO Oriental featherweight crown against Indonesia's James Mokoginta via technical knockout (TKO) stoppage.

Cebu's Roli Gasca also prevailed against Thailand's Ngaotawan Sithsaithong via TKO. – With reports from Nico Delfin, ABS-CBN News Negros and Philboxing.com