...the first win in 99 years!

Philippine Azkals seal historic win in Peace Cup

 

By Dennis Gasgonia,

ABS-CBNnews.com

09/29/2012

 

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals won its first international title in 99 years by crushing Chinese Taipei to take home the Philippine Football Peace Cup.

 

The Philippines brought down Chinese Taipei, 3 goals to 1, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on Saturday.

Filipino-German Denis Wolf drew first blood against the Taiwanese squad in the 10th minute.

Wolf picked up Carli de Murga's deflected shot and turned it into the Philippines' first goal against Chinese Taipei.

In the 34th minute, Caligdong intercepted the ball from the Taiwanese and mounted a counterattack via a long range shot to make it 2-nil for the Azkals.

The “Chief” ran near the stands and pulled up his shirt to show another shirt that says "Jesus loves us."

OJ Porteria, meanwhile, scored his first international goal for the Philippines by cutting a pass between Taiwanese players in the 43rd minute.

Porteria ran toward the goal box and eluded the keeper to push the Philippines further ahead, 3-0.

Porteria happily launched into a "Gangnam Style" dance following the score.

In the second half, it was Chinese Taipei’s turn to score.

Chang Han slid in the shot past Filipino keeper Eduard Sacapano in the 52nd minute to make it 3-1.

The game was halted for a few minutes in the 2nd half following a slight contact between a Taiwanese player and Demetrious Omphroy, which sparked a commotion at the Chinese Taipei bench.

The Chinese Taipei head of delegation berated a referee for the alleged questionable officiating. This prompted the game official to dismiss the individual from the game.

The head of delegation, however, refused to leave the pitch, causing several minutes of delay in the game.

He eventually went to the stands after he was convinced by the match officials.

Chinese Taipei seemed to gain steam after the incident as they gained a free kick and chances in the72nd and the 82nd minutes, respectively.

The Taiwanese squad nearly scored another goal against the Azkals via a penalty kick off a foul by Jason de Jong.

Fortunately, Sacapano did what was perhaps the most spectacular save in the tournament by successfully clearing Yang Chao Hsun’s penalty kick.

With the win, the Azkals maintained its unbeaten status in the Philippine Football Peace Cup.

Prior to their victory over Chinese Taipei, the Filipinos first defeated Guam, then followed it up with another win over Macau.

The tournament win is also a historical feat for the Philippines, which last won an international football competition in the 1913 Far East Games.

...the International Literacy awardee

Filipina educator wins International Literacy Award

By Lloyd D. Solis
PINOY News

 Saturday, September 29th, 2012

AP photo

WASHINGTON—Yvette Tan, a Filipino educator and researcher of the Education Development Center, Inc. was one of the top six awardees during the International Literacy Day held in Washington DC on September 7.

She was actively involved in multi-media technology on education data gathering covering the southern Philippines provinces including Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Tan’s innovative technique on “The improved collection and use of student reading performance data in the southern Philippines” made her work an outstanding project that bested more than 450 submissions from 25 countries.

The study delved on the use of affordable technology such as the cellular phones through SMS messages (texting), which is very popular in the Philippines.

This enabled classroom teachers to submit on-the-spot reading performance tests from their classrooms directly to the Department of Education (DepED) administered database. Each teacher was asked to submit his/her own students reading tests results directly into the database of the DepEd head office in Manila, notwithstanding the fact that these provinces are in the southern tip of the country.

Research shows that timely feedback taken immediately after a student is assessed can greatly influence the active learning process even in these areas far from the national capital.

This enabled the many teachers on instructional innovation such as what would and would not work, and what to do next, thereby improving the reading performance of the students. Such technology is cheap, affordable and very accessible to the teachers.

After confirming that close to 90 percent of the public school teachers in the Philippines are active cell-phone users, the Education Development Center, Inc. based in Newton, Massachusetts developed this plan.

According to Dr. William Potter of the EDC, “that the Philippines’ Department of Education, still uses a paper and pencil data collection system that produces results in a year and a half or even more considering the archipelagic geography of the country, takes too long for the data to be used effectively to improve instructional system at the school and district level.”

With this simple ingenuity based on grassroots level, this had impacted more than 35,000 school children, who improved their reading skills.

The EDC spearheaded the project in coordination with Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS) based in Makati City and organized the “Whole School Reading” program with focus on Reading Skills and Comprehension of both the teachers and students alike.

The EQuALLS projects aims at increasing access to quality education for elementary school children and to relevant learning and livelihood skills for those out-of-school children in Regions 9 and 12, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

...the fate of Busong at NatGeo Film Festival

‘Busong’ Wins At Nat Geo Film Fest

 

 

By JULIEN MERCED C. MATABUENA

September 28, 2012

 

 

'Busong' starring Alessandra de Rossi premiered at the Cannes Film Festival's Director's Fortnight last year (Film still courtesy of the film's official Facebook page)

MANILA, Philippines – Auraeus Solito’s award-winning film “Busong (‘Palawan Fate’)” has bagged the Merata Mita Award at the National Geographic’s 8th All Roads Film Festival in Washington, D.C.

Interaksyon.com reported on Friday a part of the announcement that's said to have been made by the director on his Facebook page this morning, “Salamat Ampuh! Salamat mga Ninuno! Salamat sa Indu ku.”

The Merata Mita Award, said to be the festival’s grand prize, is “named after the late New Zealand filmmaker who championed the Maori film industry.”

The recent success of “Busong” was likewise publicized on the festival’s official Facebook page also on Friday, although it did not identify the specific award it received and only congratulated the three winners. The other two are Eriberto Gualinga’s “Los Decendientes del Jaguar” and Odin Salazar Flores’ “Burros.”

More, a post on the official Facebook page of “Busong” announced the same day, “’Busong’ won the Best of All Stories award at the National Geographic's All Roads Film Festival!”

“Busong” is among the 24 films and documentaries from the US, Mexico, UK, Bangladesh, India, Canada, Israel, China, Tibet, Iran, Russia, Italy, and Lebanon being screened at the festival, which kicked off on Sept. 27 and will run until this Sunday. According to a post on the National Geographic’s official website, the All Roads Film Festival showcases “compelling stories from indigenous and minority cultures around the world.”

After this, “Busong” will make its way to the Atlanta Asian Film Festival (Oct. 5-20) in Georgia; and the International Festival of Films on Tribal Art and Culture in Bhopal, India (Oct. 10-14).

...the "World Living Museum"

Vigan vies for New 7 Wonders of the World

 

Text and photos by DANNY PATA

September 29, 2012

 

 

A toast of indulgence. A taste of the past. Scholarly leisure.

Situated 400 kilometers from Manila, on the western coast of the largest island of the country, Vigan never fails to attract history aficionados, tourists or even plain travelers.

Vigan, the famous historic city in the north of Luzon, offers a brief respite from busy urban life, with its rows of Spanish ancestral houses line cobblestone streets, where kalesas frequently pass by. A church features unique baroque architecture from over two centuries ago, and a plaza houses a 17th century monument. Vigan has everything to quench one's sentimental yearning for the grandeur of the past.

Street dance performance in front of the more than two-century-old St. Paul Cathedral highlights the celebration of Longganisa Festival in Vigan.

Being one of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines, Vigan is greatly adored for its vast effort in preserving their centuries-old historical edifices, which have survived the ravages of natural calamities and even the horrors of war.

The heritage city, formerly called Villa Fernandina during the Spanish Occupation, gained recognition both in local and international communities.

In December 1999, UNESCO included Vigan in its World Heritage List. The city also takes pride in being a Hall of Famer as the Cleanest, Greenest and Safest City in Region 1, having been conferred with the recognition for three consecutive years from 2006 to 2008. Just last year, the city bagged another hall of fame award after being proclaimed the “Most Child-Friendly City” for three years in a row.

A kalesa on Calle Crisologo, Vigan City.

But despite the colorful accolades, Vigan chooses not to rest on its laurels.

The city, also known as the “World Living Museum,” embarks on a new journey as it joins the race for the New 7 Wonders — Cities of the World. The city has managed to pass the nomination phase along with six other cities in the country. Now in its qualifying phase, Vigan is on the top spot of the campaign in South East Asia and Oceana.

"We are so proud to have been included in the list," Vigan Mayor Eva Medina said.

To reap yet another international victory, Vigan is not just banking on its rich heritage, but on the collective effort of its people whose cooperation is behind the city's vast achievement.

"We are calling on the Filipinos all over the world to please join us in our quest by voting for Vigan as one of the New 7 Wonders — Cities of the World," Medina appealed. Votes may be cast online at the New Seven Wonders site.

Carabao painting.

After pushing for the inclusion of the now world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River in the New 7 Wonders of Nature, there's no reason Filipinos can't rally behind Vigan.

The qualifying phase in the competition is from March 7, 2012 to March 7, 2013. This will be followed by the shortlisting process, which runs until March 21, 2013. Cities that will make it to the finals will compete from March 21, 2013 to July 7, 2014. The announcement of the New Seven Wonders — Cities of the World will be on July 7, 2014. — CGL/KG, GMA News

...the Starwood's sight

Big global hotel operator eyes Philippines

 

 

By Daxim L. Lucas in Manila/Philippine Daily Inquirer

Asia News Network

29 September 2012

 

 

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc., the world's biggest operator of high-end business and leisure accommodations, has taken the first step to re-enter the booming Philippine market, signing a preliminary agreement with Resorts World Manila on a five-star hotel project at the latter's Pasay City development.

 

In an interview with the Inquirer, Starwood president and CEO Frits van Paasschen said his group signed on Thursday a letter of intent with Resorts World to explore the possibility of building a hotel under the Sheraton brand at Newport City, adjacent to the existing casino-hotel-mall complex and across from Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

"The Philippine market is very attractive to us. Businesses are booming and the government is fiscally strong," he said. "This will also mark the re-entry of Sheraton in the Philippines after an absence of many years."

Van Paasschen declined to disclose specific investment figures for the proposed project but said that, on the average, hotel rooms of the Starwood group cost anywhere between US$350,000 and $500,000 to build.

Matthew Fry, Starwood Hotels Asia-Pacific senior vice president for acquisitions and development, added that the group would enter a particular market with an initial operation of between 300 and 350 rooms per hotel. At this level, a Starwood-Resorts World partnership for the new high-end Sheraton Hotel would be worth between $105 million and $175 million.

Starwood operates more than 1,000 properties in 100 countries. Its nine brands are St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W Hotels, Westin, Le M?ridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft and Element. In addition to hotels, Starwood operates premier time-share ownership resorts.

According to Van Paasschen, his group has noted the growing demand from their existing clientele for accommodations in the Philippines, both from business travellers and tourists.

In particular, he said he admired the country's track record in the booming business process outsourcing business, the manufacturing sector, the growing level of raw materials and agricultural exports, and even the increasing affluence because of remittances from overseas workers.

"This is a time when the economic environment appears to be [favouring] the Philippines for sustained growth," the Starwood chief explained. "And the fiscal situation, the government debt-the perception we have, at least-the relationship between business and government today suggests to us that this is a very optimum time."

Fry said the group was also looking at new hotel operations in Cebu and Boracay to meet the demand for resort hotels from their clients.

According to Starwood, it was experiencing "unprecedented growth," having emerged from the global economic crisis with a lean cost structure and a strong balance sheet.

In addition to gaining market share, it opened a record 250 hotels in the past three years and an additional 300 are under construction.

Both W and St. Regis have doubled their footprint and Aloft became the fastest and first global launch of any new hotel brand.

Starwood's biggest brand, Sheraton, also underwent a $6-billion revitalisation programme and was now seeing the best performance in its 75-year history.

...the Malaysia's Order of Valor awardees

Malaysian monarch confers highest honors on Filipino generals

 

September 26, 2012

GMA News

 

 

Malaysia's head of state, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah of Kedah, has conferred the Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera, or the Malaysian Armed Forces Order for Valor (first degree), on Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa and former Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz.

The monarch bestowed the honorary awards on the generals during the Malaysian Armed Forces’ 79th foundation anniversary celebration on Monday for their role in enhancing the military relations of both countries, said AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos.

“This award is given only to highest ranking officers of the Malaysian Army, chiefs of Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force and to foreign generals and admirals,” said Burgos.

The Sultan also conferred on AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence Maj. Gen. Franciso Cruz the Panglima Setia Angkatan Tentera or the Malaysian Armed Forces’ Order for Valor (second degree), which is awarded to major generals.

“The awards were given [to the three] in recognition of their leadership and strong commitment in strengthening bilateral relations and mutual cooperation between the two Armed Forces. They were also seen to further enhance the long-standing defense relationship of the Malaysian and Philippine governments,” said Burgos.

Ortiz, a recipient of the Medal of Valor for bravery and gallantry in action against communist rebels in his junior officer days, bowed out of the service in November last year upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

A letter issued by Malaysian Gen. Tan Sri Dato' Sri Zulkifeli bin Mohd Zin says: “The relationship between our two Armed Forces has flourished from leaps to bounds and this, by no small measure, is due to your able leadership and strong commitment.”

Burgos said military relations between Philippines and Malaysia began when the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation in 1984.

While expressing his gratitude for the award, Dellosa assured his Malaysian counterparts of the Philippine military’s “continuous commitment in its bilateral relations with the Malaysian Armed Forces geared towards healthy regional defense cooperation.”

“We are optimistic that our efforts to further strengthen the ties between our two Armed Forces will result to more security cooperation activities and peace and development programs that will contribute to the general security in our region,” he said. — BM, GMA News

...the internet's 6th most free country

Internet use in PH among world's most free

 

By Kim Arveen Patria

Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

26 September 2012

Internet use in the Philippines is among the most free in the world, a report said Wednesday, amid Pinoys' worry over of a newly approved law that critics say threaten online rights.

"People in the Philippines enjoy nearly unrestricted access to the Internet and other ICTs," independent watchdog Freedom House said in a report dubbed "Freedom on the Net 2012."

The Philippines was rated "free," scoring 23 points in the report where a score of zero means "most free" and 100 "least free".

This placed the country 6th out of 47 in the list, a spot it shared with Australia.

Performing better were Estonia, with a score of 10 points; U.S., 12 points; Germany, 15 points; Australia, 18 points; Hungary, 19 points; and Italy.

In Asia, the Philippines is the only country deemed "free."

South Korea was a far second with a score of 34 points. It was followed by India, 39 points; Indonesia, 42 points; and Malaysia, 43 points.

"To date, the [Philippine] government has steered clear of blocking access to any type of online content," said the report, which covered the January 2011-May 2012 period.

During the survey period, however, the report noted eight proposed measures on the "regulation of online content."

Such proposals have raised concerns the government is seeking to institute a "filtering infrastructure" which "could be potentially used for political and social censorship," Freedom House said.

Cry vs. cybercrime

"The law can be invoked to restrict access to and use of the Internet," Kabataan (youth) party-list Rep. Mong Palatino said in a phone interview.

Although the intention of the measure is to "protect rights," it may be misconstrued to support censorship, he added.

"The law will also definitely have a 'chilling effect' on press and Internet freedom," Palatino told Yahoo! Southeast Asia.

Although written before the enactment of the anti-cybercrime law, the report seems to echo Palatino's fear, as it cited the tendency of self-censorship in the Philippines.

"[G]iven that many news websites are online versions of traditional media—-many of whom self-censor due to the high levels of violence against journalists in the country—-it is fair to surmise that self-censorship is reflected in the content of online outlets as well," the report said.

This, even as it noted that "the Filipino blogosphere is rich and thriving."

"In 2010, the Philippines together with Indonesia led blog growth in Southeast Asia with an 18 percent increase from
the previous year," Freedom House said.

"Both state and non-state actors actively use the internet as a platform to discuss politics, especially during elections," it added.

Palatino, for his part, urged Filipinos to further heighten online engagement on policy issues, particularly the Cybercrime Prevention Law.

"If netizens will oppose the absolute implementation of the law, then the measure may actually serve its intention," Palatino said.

Palatino added that instead of moving to regulate the Internet in the Philippines, the government should strive for a policy environment that will spur its growth, he added.

"One possible step is the implementation of an Internet Bill of Rights," Palatino said.

Stifling Internet growth in the Philippines are "mergers and acquisitions amid the country's market liberalization initiatives during the 1980s and the absence of anti-trust laws," Freedom House said.

It particularly cited the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) whose recent acquisition of Sun Cellular operator Digital Telecommunications Philippines, Inc. gave it 70 percent of the country's telco market.

"The slow growth of the broadband industry is mainly due to the dominance of the privately-owned PLDT that has maintained a stronghold since the late 1920s," the report said.

...the jeepney makeover

Jeepneys get a facelift, eyed to boost tourism

 

 

By Kim Arveen Patria

Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

26 September 2012

Filipinos should pay homage to the King of the Road, a group said, as it launched a campaign to revive the famous Philippine jeepney.

At least 50 jeepneys were recently parked at the SM Mall of Asia for the Jeepney Tours' Jeepney Arts Festival, which engaged over 150 volunteer artists to repaint the iconic vehicle.



Artists put finishing touches on a vehicle during the Jeepney painting competition at a mall in Manila September 21, 2012. The Jeepney Arts Festival pays homage to the country's most popular mode of transport, transforming ageing vehicles into icons instead of traffic nuisances. (Photo by Romeo Ranoco, REUTERS)

"This is our way of honoring the 'King of the Road'," Jeepney Arts Festival managing director Clang Garcia said.

Noting that jeepneys originally started as refurbished World War II vehicles, Garcia called the popular public utility vehicle "a symbol of Filipino ingenuity."

The festival meanwhile urged artists to use local tourist destinations as their design theme.

Riding on the government's tourism campaign theme "It's More Fun in the Philippines," Garcia said the newly painted jeepneys will hopefully be "roving tourist destinations."

"Some of the artists from Angono, Rizal said they will paint the Higantes Festival. Others said they will paint Bohol's famous tarsier, Quiapo or Divisoria," Garcia said.

Aside from aesthetically overhauling jeepneys, the campaign also aims to "improve the jeepney culture," Garcia said.

This, as she noted that the jeepney's image has recently been marred by unethical practices among drivers and operators.

"The Jeepney Arts Festival is a complete rehabilitation, culturally and artistically," Garcia said.

Jeepneys chosen for the campaign had to be in good working condition and pass smoke emission tests.

Drivers of jeepneys being overhauled also have to undergo a training program including sessions on Filipino history and values, ethical driving and passenger handling.

...the investment grade

'Phl to get investment grade by 2013' By Prinz Magtulis (The Philippine Star) September 26, 2012

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is well on its way to achieving investment grade by next year, an investment bank said in a new report on Wednesday.

In its Daily Breakfast Spread, Singapore-based DBS Bank Ltd. noted the government’s “impressive” debt management that allowed it to secure eight positive credit rating actions during the first two years of the Aquino administration.

It said national government debt as a proportion of gross domestic product (GDP) has declined from as high as 74.4 percent in 2004 to a 13-year low of 50.9 percent by end last year.

GDP is the sum of all products and services created in an economy. A lower debt-to-GDP ratio indicates that the country has more resources to settle its obligations. Latest data showed the debt-to-GDP ratio further dipped to 50.5 percent as of the first semester.

“Therefore, it is not surprising that it won multiple upgrades from credit rating agencies over the past two years,” DBS said in its report released today.

“An investment grade rating is definitely a possibility in 2013,” it added.

The Aquino administration has been batting for an investment grade, which, if granted, is expected to lower our borrowing costs and boost foreign investments in the country.

So far, the highest credit rating of the country came from Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, which rank us one notch below investment grade with stable outlooks. The other major debt watcher, Moody’s Investors Service, put us two notches below but with a positive forecast.

A positive forecast means the country could be upgraded in the next 12 to 18 months.

Aside from declining government debt ratios, DBS said the country has also enjoyed dwindling foreign liabilities “in part due to the strength of the peso.” It said foreign debt just accounted to 35.8 percent of total outstanding debt as of July, from 39 percent in early 2011.

The national government has also been a prudent budget manager, it said, with the deficit expected to fall to just 2.4 percent and two percent of GDP this year and the next, respectively. Last year, deficit-to-GDP ratio hit 2 percent of economic output.

“Moreover, foreign reserves actually rose over the course of this year despite the slowing of inflows into Asia that resulted in many countries actually seeing foreign reserves stagnate or even decline,” the report said. Reserves amounted to a record-high of $80.8 billion as of August, data showed.

“A solid (first half) economic growth figure and strong external finances are key reasons for attracting continued inflows,” it added.

The local economy grew by 6.1 percent as of June, slightly above the government’s five- to six-percent target for the year.

...the growth projection 2012 (S&P)

S&P raises growth forecast for Philippines

Projections for China, Japan, other countries slashed

By Michelle V. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Wednesday, September 26th, 2012

 

 

An overview of cranes loading ships with containers at the Manila South Harbor port taken in 2009. Standard & Poor’s raised its growth forecast for the Philippines for 2012, as it said the growth performance of the country was less affected by unfavorable global developments than those of other emerging Asia-Pacific economies partly because it relied less on exports to fuel economic growth. AFP PHOTO/TED ALJIBE

International credit watcher Standard & Poor’s raised its growth forecast for the Philippines for 2012, even as it downgraded its outlook for other economies in Asia and the Pacific, saying the country has the capability to withstand unfavorable developments in the global economy.

In its latest report titled “Asia Pacific Feels the Pressure of Ongoing Global Economic Uncertainty,” S&P said it now expected the Philippine economy to expand by 4.9 percent, instead of the earlier projection of 4.3 percent, this year.

On the contrary, the credit-rating firm lowered its growth projections for several economies and kept its previous forecasts for a few others in the region to take into account the impact of the prolonged debt crisis in the eurozone, the still lackluster growth of the United States and the slowdown of China and India.

S&P said the unfavorable developments in the world’s biggest economies were expected to dampen growth of many Asia-Pacific countries, except for the Philippines.

The growth forecasts have been reduced by one percentage point for Hong Kong and India, which S&P now sees growing by just 1.8 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively.

The projections have been cut by about half a percentage point for China to 7.5 percent; Japan, 2 percent; South Korea, 2.5 percent; Singapore, 2.1 percent; and Taiwan, 1.9 percent. For Australia, the growth forecast was cut to 3 percent from 3.2 percent.

“The forecasts for other Asian economies remain unchanged except for the Philippines, which went to 4.9 percent from 4.3 percent, reflecting the ongoing strength of that domestic economy,” S&P said in the report.

The outlook of S&P for the Philippines, however, was still below the government’s official target of between 5 and 6 percent.

The government’s economic officials believed that the official target would be achieved, citing the above-target growth in the first semester of 6.1 percent. This was one of the fastest growth rates in the region.

The growth performance of the country was less affected by unfavorable global developments than those of other emerging Asia-Pacific economies partly because it relied less on exports to fuel economic growth. Export earnings account for about 30 percent of the Philippines’ gross domestic product. In some neighboring countries, exports account for more than half of GDP.

The weakness of the economies of the United States and Europe and the slowdown of China and India are weighing down on the growth prospects of many emerging markets because these big economies are major export markets.

Meantime, Philippine government officials credited the boost in public spending, strong household consumption (supported by remittances) and a highly liquid banking sector for the domestic economy’s growth performance.

“S&P’s upward revision of the GDP growth forecast for the Philippines validates our view that home-grown sources of resilience can buffer the economy from the external headwind,” Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas told reporters.

...the Pinoy fashion designers

Pinoy Fashion Designers Conquer Emmys Red Carpet

By MAUREEN MARIE BELMONTE

September 25, 2012

Manila Bulletin

 

 

Maria Menounos (L) in Oliver Tolentino and Ginnifer Goodwin in Monique Lhuillier (Photo from Zimbio.com)

 

 

MANILA, Philippines – The creations of Filipino designers Monique Lhuillier and Oliver Tolentino continue to dazzle many people including Hollywood personalities. The two US-based designers were recently tapped by the stars to create their stunning outfits for the recently concluded 64th Primetime Emmy Awards night held at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles on Sept. 23 (US Time). The Cebu-born couturier Lhuillier created a vibrant yellow tube-top ball dress for Emmy's Best Supporting Actress Julie Bowen of the comedy series “Modern Family" while Lhuillier made a flattering orange strapless gown for “Top Chef” host Padma Lakshmi who was also present at the award's night.

For “Once Upon A Time” actress Ginnifer Goodwin, Lhuillier made a lace orange number that matched her fair skin. Tolentino, on the other hand, dressed up “Big Bang Theory” star Melissa Rauch with an emerald green couture Venus cut chiffon gown. For Hollywood TV show “Extra’s” host Maria Menounos, Tolentino added an exceptional Pinoy touch by designing an eco-blue gown made of Piña fiber.

“It’s very nice and it’s very organic,’” Tolentino quoted Menounos as saying in a “Balitanghali” report aired on Tuesday. He added that the American TV host was very pleased that “Isang fitting lang talaga eh nakuha ko na yung sukat niya.”

The piña gowns available in his Los Angeles shop were all made in the Philippines.

"Hindi lang naman exposure para sa akin. Ang hinahabol ko talaga dito is I want the whole world to know that us Filipinos can create beautiful clothes using our local fabric, which is the piña,” Tolentino said in a previous “Umagang Kay Ganda” report.

Hollywood stylists have been visiting his shop in Los Angeles to check his designs with "The Voice" coach Cee Lo green as one of his regular customers.

...the Legoland Malaysia

Pinoy attractions featured in newly-opened Legoland Malaysia

 

ANDREI MEDINA,

GMA News S

September 25, 2012

 

 

 

There’s a new attraction in Asia that will definitely get you ‘bricked!’

Legoland Malaysia, which opened on September 15, has a wonderful surprise for Filipino brick fanatics — its Miniland section which features a replica of Bolinao, Philippines, a thriving fishing town on the coast of Luzon.

 

 

 

Miniland showcases various models of unique Philippine icons such as a traditional boat, a jeepney, and a church.
 

In an email to GMA News Online, Legoland executives said Legoland Malaysia is a 76-acre theme park composed of more than 50 million Lego bricks. The park caters mainly to children aged two to 12.
 

The park has over 40 rides, shows, and attractions, ranging from roller coasters to race cars and family-oriented interactive shows.
 

Legoland is divided into six areas:

 

(1) Miniland

 

Miniland is the centerpiece of Legoland. Here, children turn into "giants" as they look at miniature towns and models featuring 12 different countries, including the Philippines.

(2) Imagination: Where Lego knows no limits
 

This area contains sections that pique the interests of the mind.

There is a Build and Test Center where you could form your own Lego creations.

Aside from this, the Lego Studios provide a unique 4D movie adventure especially for kids.

(3) Technic: High speed rides and high tech Lego
 

The highlight of this area is Project X, a roller coaster ride that has a steep switchback track taking you 18 meters up into the air.
 

Another exciting ride is the Technic Twister which takes 60 people in a dizzying whirlwind ride.
 

(4) Kingdoms: Where legends come to life in Lego

Having a medieval theme filled with knights, wizards and dragons, Kingdoms boasts its own roller coaster ride: The Dragon.

The Dragon takes brick fanatics into the deep parts of the castle chambers and gives them a real hot ride.
 

There is also a royal joust where up to 20 children can enjoy riding a Lego horse for the medieval contest.

(5) Land of Adventure: A daring journey into ancient Lego worlds

The highlight of this area is the Dino Island, a water ride where visitors ride a boat and get to see rocks, plants and a dinosaur lagoon.
 

The finale is a 12-meter waterfall that would definitely get you wet.

(6) Lego City: A Lego world where children really take control

Lego City has an airport, a shipyard and a driving school filled with life-size Lego vehicles.

The driving school offers children complete control of Lego cars which they can drive up to six kilometers per hour.

On her website, blogger Rebecca Saw posted pictures of the different attractions of Legoland before the theme park officially opened.
 

Her photo was also featured on the Facebook page of ASEAN Community. - VVP, GMA News

...the new darling of investors

Philippines new 'darling' of global investors

 

 

By Daxim L. Lucas in Manila/Philippine Daily Inquirer |

Asia News Network

Mon, Sep 24, 2012

 

 

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - The Philippines is one of the current "darlings" of global investors seeking better returns in emerging market economies and offers even bigger potential returns in the future, according to a ranking official of foreign investment firm Religare Capital Markets Ltd.

 

The company, which specialises in equities investments in India and the Asean region, has decided to set up operations in the country within the year to better take advantage of the nascent Philippine economic boom.

"The Philippines is a market where people want to put money into," Religare's global head of equity capital markets John Sturmey said in an interview with the Inquirer. "The story here is certainly better than how it was a few years ago. Everyone is saying good things about the Philippines."

Religare, which has the bulk of its operations in India, Singapore and Hong Kong, is hoping to tap into the growing demand from the local corporate market for investment banking and equity deals.

The appetite of local corporations for more capital on both the equity and debt sides jibes with the massive amount of liquidity found offshore as central banks in the United States and Europe try to revive their economies with cheap funds, leaving investors awash with cash and few options for better returns in their home markets.

"Investors are looking for places where they can make money," Sturmey said, pointing out that Philippine companies used to have initial public offerings worth only US$60 million. "Now we see $300-400 million deals," he said.

Religare's equities head also said that ongoing challenges being faced by China and Hong Kong-the twin darlings of foreign investors over the past decade-also bode well for alternative investment sites like the Philippines.

"Hong Kong and China are offering less opportunities," he said.

"They're 'over-banked' since there are a lot more financial institutions chasing after fewer and fewer deals." This has made it less attractive for firms like Religare, which would have to contend with thinning profit margins.

At the same time, the China and Hong Kong markets have ongoing difficulties with corporate governance issues, which are encouraging investors to look to other emerging market nations.

Previous to its announcement that it would set up shop locally, Religare has already participated in the initial public offering of Puregold Price Club Inc late last year as a junior partner of lead underwriter UBS (most of Religare's senior officials are former UBS bankers). More recently, Religare also initiated research coverage on local IT gaming firm Philweb Corp.

Sturmey said that Religare was particularly interested in the spate of "re-IPOs" being undertaken by local corporations as part of the Philippine Stock Exchange's thrust to increase the free float of listed companies.

"These re-IPOs present good opportunities to people like ourselves," he said. "The Philippines has great companies here but they're trading $10,000 a day [in total value turnover]."

The Religare official expressed confidence in the local market, saying the country was "in the best place it's been for decades, with a very strong macroeconomy and a solid political situation."

"It's always been overlooked for many years, even by the big banks," Sturmey said. "The bigger question is, whether it's sustainable."