...the PH Azkal's new rank

Philippines reaches new high in FIFA ranking

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

Posted at 12/19/2013

 

 

MANILA – The Philippine Azkals recorded another milestone by reaching its highest ranking ever in the FIFA world men’s list.

Previously ranked number 133 in the world, the Philippines jumped six places higher at number 127.

The Azkals are now a notch above Kazakhstan and one place below Cyprus.

The Philippines also improved its ranking in the Asian level, climbing to 17th place from its previous ranking of 19th.

Spain remained on top of the world’s list, followed by Germany and Argentina.

In their most recent outing last November, the Filipino booters held India to a 1-1 draw.

The Azkals are set to compete in the AFC Challenge Cup main draw, which kicks off in Maldives in May 2014.

...the world's fastest economies

Phl still among world’s fastest growing economies

            

By Kathleen A. Martin

The Philippine Star

December 18, 2013

 

 

“The Philippines continues to outperform and will remain one of the world’s fastest growing economies in 2014,”  - Glenn Levine, Moody's Analytics senior economist

 

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine economy is expected to sustain its strong growth next year and remain as one of the world’s fastest growing economies, Moody’s Analytics said yesterday.

“The Philippines continues to outperform and will remain one of the world’s fastest growing economies in 2014,” senior economist Glenn Levine said in a report titled Asia Pacific Outlook 2014: Realizing Potential.

“Confidence is high, and investment, both public and private, is driving the economy forward.
Demand should rebound quickly after Typhoon Haiyan,” he continued.

The Philippine economy expanded by 7.4 percent in the first nine months of the year, faster than the government’s six to seven percent target for the year.

The growth was attributed to strong consumer demand that continues to make up the bulk of the country’s gross domestic product (gdp), government spending, and rising investments.

Although the government and economists forecast a dip in economic output in the fourth quarter following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda and other recent calamities, rebuilding efforts in early 2014 are expected to prop up the economy.

Thus, growth is expected to remain within the government’s target of a 6.5 to 7.5 percent range next year.

 

Levine said the Philippine economy’s performance will be in line with the region’s performance as global demand picks up.

“The Asia Pacific region enters 2014 growing solidly with a mild tailwind from growing global demand. The global and regional economies are on a slow cyclical upturn and downside risks are receding,” Levine said.

“Next year should be better than 2013, with most national economies growing near or at potential rates by year’s end,” he continued.

“Yet there are reasons to believe 2014 will be better. The OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) leading indicator of economic activity is accelerating, suggesting that developed world GDP will improve in the coming quarters,” Levine said.

 

...the Miss International 2013

Miss Philippines wins Miss International 2013

by Rappler.com
12/17/2013

 

 

MANILA, Philippines – Miss Philippines Bea Rose Santiago was crowned Miss International 2013 on Tuesday, December 17, at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall in Tokyo.

This is the 5th Miss International title for the Philippines and the 3rd major crown by a Filipina this year, following wins by Megan Young at Miss World and Mutya Datul at Miss Supranational.

Minutes before her crowning, Santiago delivered her final statement using the opportunity to thank the world for standing with the Philippines during the onslaught of Typhoon Haiyan. Calling for unity among nations, she said, "If I win the crown, I will help promote camaraderie among countries."

Santiago dedicated her win to her countrymen. "This is for the Philippines. I love you, Philippines.”
Miss Netherlands was crowned first runner up and Miss New Zealand was second runner up. Other members of the Top 5 were Colombia and Hungary.

The Top 15 were Gibraltar, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Hungary, Netherlands, United States, Philippines, New Zealand, Lithuania, Iceland, Colombia, Russia, Thailand, and Spain.



Special Awards:
Miss National Costume: Miss Aruba Erialda Croes
Miss Friendship: Miss New Zealand Casey Radley
Miss Internet: Miss Macau Adela Ka-Wai Sou
Miss Photogenic: Miss Lithuania Elma Segzdaviciute



Over 60 candidates from all over the world competed in the pageant held to "promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges as international contributions."

Since 1960, the pageant has been strengthening ties among nations through international exchanges and social programs geared toward "world peace and mutual understanding."

The Philippines has a rich history in the Miss International pageant beginning with Gemma Teresa Cruz (Araneta) who was the first Filipino and first Asian to win the pageant in 1964. Other winners include Aurora Pijuan in 1970, Melanie Marquez in 1979, and Precious Lara Quigaman in 2005. – Rappler.com

 

...the Miss Intercontinental 2013 runner-up

Philippines is Miss Intercontinental 2013 3rd runner-up


SunStar
Sunday, December 15, 2013

MANILA -- Philippines pride Koreen Medina landed third runner-up in Saturday's Miss Intercontinental 2013 held in Maritim Hotel Magdeburg, Germany.

Miss Russia Ekaterina Plekhova bested the other contestants as she bagged the top crown, followed by Miss Puerto Rico Aleyda E. Ortiz Rodriguez, 1st runner-up; Miss Colombia Margarita Maria Peralta Tovar, 2nd runner-up; and Miss South Africa Kayla Nel; 4th runner-up.

Photo courtesy: Koreen Medina's official Facebook fan page

Other intercontinental beauties who also took home special awards were Miss Portugal, Miss Photogenic; Miss Turkey, Miss Press; Miss Germany, Miss Congeniality; Miss Argentina, Best in Evening Gown; Miss Puerto rico, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Smile; and Miss Panama, Best in National Costume.

Medina represented the country after winning Mutya ng Pilipinas - Asia Pacific International 2013.

She also won several beauty and talent search competitions like ABS-CBN's My Girl 2012 and Coca Cola Music 2011. (NMP/Sunnex)