Saturday, September 10, 2011

...the PH bet

Shamcey Supsup leads Telemundo's online poll

09/10/2011
 
 
The top 3 Miss Universe bets according to Telemundo's online fan voting site. Screen grab from msnlatino.telemundo.com


MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines' representative to the 2011 Miss Universe pageant, Shamcey Supsup, continues to lead the online fan voting site of the second-largest Spanish language television network in the US, Telemundo.

As of press time, Supsup already garnered a total of 1,944,769 votes in Telemundo’s website, which landed her the number one spot in the poll for the top bets in the pageant.

Venezuela's representative ranked a close second with a total of 1,879,177 votes, while Mexico's bet fell to number three with 1,398,749.

Joining the top three candidates in the unofficial top 15 rankings were Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, United States, Thailand, Colombia, Haiti, Peru, Panama, Brazil and Korea.

Meanwhile, an official voting site has been dedicated to identify who among the Miss Universe candidates is the people’s choice.

The overall winner from this online poll will be securing a spot in the pageant’s semi-finals round.

The 2011 Miss Universe people’s choice online poll will be open until September 11, and anyone can cast a vote, 10 times a day per e-mail address.

...the PH credit upgrade

PHL credit upgrade possible in Q1 2012, investment report says

The Aquino administration’s efforts to keep spending subdued and stay below its 2011 deficit cap may be rewarded with another international credit rating upgrade as early as the first quarter of 2012, First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC) and the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) said Friday.

“Should the full year deficit end up around or below our estimated deficit, we may expect the country’s public debt-to-GDP ratio by end-2011 to fall to some 49%, the lowest debt ratio since 1983. This would likely enable the country to earn its much-awaited credit rating upgrade in Q1 2012," FMIC and UA&P said in their August 2011 The Market Call.

Last June, Moody's gave the Philippines a rating upgrade to "Ba2", followed by Fitch which stamped a "BB+" on the country's long-term currency debt.

Shortly after the Fitch upgrade, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said “We hope to hit investment grade within the first half of the Aquino administration." Fitch Ratings’ upgrade was the Philippines' first in eight years.

Low spending, positive tax haul

FMIC and UA&P showed how national government spending plummeted to P698.9 billion and the budget deficit settled to a “miniscule" P17.2 billion. They also noted that the Aquino administration saved P12.2 billion on interest payments and cut expenditures and allotment to local government units by 12.1 percent.

“Because of the low budget deficit record even after H1 and the recent report of Bureau of Internal Revenue that it is still possible to meet its P940-billion tax collection target by the end of the year, we believe that the NG [national government] can boost its spending in the coming months to spur economic activity and still not exceed our expected P250-billion budget deficit for the whole year," the August 2011 investment report said.

But unlike the analysis of other experts, FMIC and UA&P downplayed the importance of boosting government spending because they “do not see any need for accelerating spending to stimulate the economy, as the lower debt ratio will translate into less interest payments and the savings channeled to more infrastructure and basic services spending."

FMIC and UA&P noted the 12.7 percent growth in the BIR’s tax take from 11.5 percent in May. They also said the appreciation of the peso has eroded the Bureau of Custom’s collections, which “remained negative at -6.8 percent, though marginally better than the previous month’s -9.5 percent."

“Tax revenues reached P593.4-billion representing a 9.8 percent uptick. While the BIR collections had double-digit 13.5% growth for H1, the BoC slumped by -1.7 percent from the same period last year," the investment report also said.

“In fact, BIR has reported that its tax collections rose by an impressive 15.6 percent in July, bringing the January- July total to P531.8 billion, only P3.1 billion lower than the projected P534.9 billion," the report added.— ELR/MRT/VS, GMA News

...the Pinay IT exec

Friday, September 9, 2011

...the 10 notches upgrade

Competitive upgrade for Philippines elates Palace


Philippine Daily Inquirer
Friday, September 9th, 2011


Malacañang expressed elation over the findings of the World Economic Forum whose Global Competitiveness Report for 2011-2012 saw the Philippines rising 10 spots from 85th last year to 75th this year.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the report cited the country for its improved national savings, managed inflation, low-interest rate environment, lower debt-to-GDP ratio, and “most prominently,” four credit-ratings upgrade in just one year.

“This is thus far our highest ever improvement, and one of the highest ranking improvements by any country in the world in the past year,” Lacierda said at a news briefing in Malacañang.

Lacierda said that since June last year, the Aquino administration had been very active in showing the world that the Philippines was open for business.

“Thus, it is good to see that our efforts have manifested themselves in these rankings, particularly in the area of macroeconomic environment in which we jumped 14 places to 54th in the world,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda said the country’s rankings also improved in areas like competitive trade tariffs, number of days to start a business, public trust in politicians and transparency in policy making.

Challenges remain

“We are aware that the work does not end here. The report acknowledges that there remain challenges for us to hurdle and we agree. We assure the Filipino people that while substantial progress has been made, the Aquino administration continues its work to further improve the lives of its people,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda called on all stakeholders—both in government and in the private sector—“to continue fulfilling their part in our collective responsibilities so that we can give our people the quality of life they rightfully deserve.”

The administration, however, has been criticized for putting off the spending of billions of pesos in the national budget and for not implementing projects that could help stimulate the economy.

Amid the criticism, President Aquino underscored the importance of the need to scrutinize first government projects for the benefit of the greater good.

Speaking before supporters and volunteers of his 2010 presidential campaign in Dumaguete City on Wednesday, the President said the projects must be examined to avoid double payments.

Scrutinizing projects

Aquino said Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson had found out that about 70 percent of allocated funds were for projects that had been finished.

“So (Singson) thought it best to study these projects because we may have payments there twice,” Aquino said.

Aquino noted that his administration’s scrutiny of the projects was easily hit by critics as an example of government underspending and thus, would not help the economy.

“But really, if there is corruption, if the people’s money has been pocketed … I think it’s better to delay projects, study them to ensure that this will really benefit the country,” Aquino said.

Early this week, some senators chided administration officials for planning to raise fares at the Light Rail Transit and Metro Trail Transit when the administration was not spending enough.

Senator Ralph Recto said at a Senate hearing on the proposed P1.8-trillion budget for 2012 that there was no compelling reason to increase fares because the government was not even spending the present budget.

What is it?

The Global Competitiveness Report is an annual index published by the World Economic Forum. The report aims to mirror the business environment of economies worldwide.

The report is based on 12 “pillars,” or major categories, which are divided into three major areas: basic requirements, efficiency enhancers and innovation, and sophistication factors.

The first area covers institutions, infrastructure, macroeconomic stability, health and primary education.

The second area covers higher education and training, goods-market efficiency, labor-market efficiency, financial-market sophistication, technological readiness, and market size.

The third area covers business sophistication and innovation.

Highest since 1994

In its latest report, the World Economic Forum said the Philippines posted “one of the largest improvements in this year’s rankings” among the 142 economies surveyed from March to April.

The country has climbed 10 spots to No. 75 in the 2011-2012 report due to significant gains in macroeconomic environment, technological readiness and goods-market efficiency. The Philippines ranked 85th among 139 countries covered in 2010.

The jump was the highest for the Philippines since it entered the survey in 1994.—Reports from Norman Bordadora and Christine O. Avendaño and Inquirer Research

Thursday, September 8, 2011

...the Cebu designers in Macau

Cebu designers take center stage at Macau fashion show

Two Cebu-based fashion designers earned accolades as they made their international debut last weekend at a fashion show in Macau.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) modeled the creations of designers Dino Lloren and Noreen Tseng at the show dubbed "A Night to Remember" last September 2 and 3 at the Star World Hotel in Macau.




"The Philippine Consulate General in Macau reported that the main attractions for the night were the fashion accessories designed by Noreen Tseng from Cebu, who has her own line of accessories under the name Tseng," the DFA said in a news release.

Star World Hotel Resident Manager Luis Lobo said the show was an "all-Filipino production" with the hotel's Filipino staff involved in every aspect of the show, the DFA said.

Lloren made a name for himself as part of Cebu's fashion house "En Sepia" where he has been serving as a Senior Design Consultant since 1996. He specializes in bridal wear, evening wear, and corporate attire.

On the other hand, Tseng made a name for herself when she won the 2008 Cebu Fashion Accessory Design Competition (CFADC) and the Zee magazine's Editor's Choice Award in the Professional Designers category.

Tseng described her pieces as sophisticated and modern, and best worn with simple clothes for a chic, effortless look.

For the fashion show, she prepared a lineup of accessories made from various materials such as glass, metal, and resin, the DFA said.

"Macau has become an attractive market place for signature products, modern fashion and accessories of high quality and elegance," the DFA noted. - VVP, GMA News

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

...the Miss Universe judge

Miss Universe Announces Judges & Musical Performances
 Miss Lea Salonga, one of the judges   
Thursday, 08 September 2011
alt

New York, NY - September 7, 2011—NBC, Donald J. Trump and Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, announced today the celebrities and experts who will judge at the 60th Annual “Miss Universe® Pageant,” which will be broadcast live from Credicard Hall in São Paulo, Brazil on Monday, September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. A live Spanish simulcast will air on Telemundo.

The list of judges includes:

  • Helios Castroneves, three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500
  • Connie Chung, U.S. broadcast legend
  • Isabeli Fontana, Brazilian supermodel
  • Vivica Fox, actress & television producer
  • Adrienne Maloof, from Bravo’s hit series “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”
  • Lea Salonga, Tony Award winner and actress
  • Amelia Vega, Miss Universe 2003.


Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Bebel Gilberto, daughter of Brazilian legend Joao Gilberto, will perform her electronic bossa nova single “Close Your Eyes” during the evening gown portion of the competition. Meanwhile, Brazilian native pop singer Claudia Leitte will turn the heat up when she performs her new single “Locomotion” during the swimsuit competition.

As previously announced, Andy Cohen, host of Bravo’s “Watch What Happens: Live,” and Natalie Morales, news anchor of NBC’s “Today” will host the “2011 Miss Universe® Pageant.” Joining them will be host of Style Network’s “How Do I Look” Jeannie Mai and Shandi Finnessy, Miss USA 2004, who will provide skybox fashion commentary throughout the LIVE telecast.

For the first time ever, fans in represented countries have been able to vote for their favorite contestant for an automatic spot into the semifinals at the 2011 Miss Universe® Competition. Fans can vote online at www.missuniverse.com or www.nbc.com. Online voting is taking place now through September 11 (9 pm ET).

The 2011 MISS UNIVERSE® Pageant kicks off a series of worldwide events hosted by Brazil. In addition to this global beauty event, Brazil is host to the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. With the city of São Paulo at center stage, the pageant will take place at Credicard Hall, a prominent music theater for the city.

The two-hour television event, comprised of contestants representing approximately 90 countries around the world, will compete in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. In past years, worldwide distribution of the competition has topped nearly 190 countries and territories.

..the Math wizzards at Naga

Pinoy students win 56 medals in science, math olympiad

09/07/2011
Filipino students show their medals and trophies at the awarding ceremony of the 8th International Mathematics and Science Olympiad in Naga City. Photo courtesy of MTG

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino students representing the country bagged a total of 56 medals in the recently concluded 8th International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO) for Primary Schools in Naga City, Camarines Sur.

Dr. Simon Chua, IMSO chief organizer and president of the Mathematics Trainers Guild-Philippines (MTG), said this is the "best showing of the Philippines" since the country participated in the event.

The Philippine team won 6 gold medals, 12 silvers and 38 bronzes in the contest, which was held from September 2 to 6.

Farrell Wu of MGC New Life Christian Academy in Taguig won as Champion in Theory in Math while Raphael Villaluz of San Beda College-Alabang emerged as Experiment Champion in Science.

Two students from Singapore won as overall champions in math and science. The Southeast Asian city-state won 6 gold and 6 silver medals.

Other big winners include Thailand (6 golds, 13 silvers and 4 bronzes), Indonesia (3 golds, 4 silvers and 7 bronzes) and China (3 golds, 4 silvers and 3 bronzes).

A total of 268 contestants joined this year's IMSO. Other participating countries include South Korea, Iran, Malaysia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, India and Taiwan.

Below are the Filipino students who won medals in the 8th IMSO:

MATH CATEGORY
Gold medalists
  1. Farrell Eldrian Wu
  2. Sedrick Scott Keh
  3. Clyde Wesley Ang
  4. Errol John Suarez
Silver medalists
  1. Andrea Jaba
  2. Alberto John Patupat
  3. Elijamin Wolfgang Claveria
  4. Mark Christopher Uy
  5. John Aries Ceazar Hingan
  6. Patrick Allen Tanada
  7. Miguel Lorenzo Ildesa
 Bronze medalists
  1. Shaquille Wyan Que
  2. Terence Brian Tsai
  3. Kyle Aiden Gattud
  4. Frederick Matthew Corpuz
  5. Vicente Raphael Chan
  6. Luke Matthews Bernardo
  7. Mark Ebson Susana
  8. Samantha Louise Wong
  9. Justine Marcus Opulencia
  10. Jilian Therese Robredo
  11. Jose Ignacio Locsin
  12. Emmanuel Paolo Santos
  13. Rugilyn Briones
  14. Angela Claire Panes
  15. Viq Ashley Alentajan
  16. Christopher John Borja
  17. Cheska Marina Hufano
SCIENCE CATEGORY
Gold medalists
  1. Raphael Villaluz
  2. Christian Philip Gelera
Silver medalists
  1. Aroanna Sofia Ramos
  2. Mikaela San Ramon
  3. Xavier Jefferson Ray Go
  4. Yna Mari Ojeda
  5. Hazel France Doblon
Bronze medalists
  1. Miko Johnson Co
  2. Justin Brian Razon
  3. Christian Joseph Naldoza
  4. Lorenz Matthew Tech
  5. Azriel Cais Baluyut
  6. Matthew Johann Uy
  7. Frances Marie Lyle Coralde
  8. Guinevere Soria
  9. Ina Francesca Caramoan
  10. Franchell Eda Javier
  11. Luis Alfonso Montales
  12. Q-Shane Lilian Fortuna
  13. Miguel Angelo Bondad
  14. Reyshell Marie Lat
  15. Paolo Carmelo Notorio,
  16. Lorenzo Thomas Lazaro
  17. Jehiel Angelica Mari Cea
  18. Kristine Mae Alo
  19. Christopher James Balayan
  20. Norking Ace Sagle
  21. Mary Katherine Balane

...the Memphis festival

PHL to be honored in Memphis festival in 2012

Philippine officials in the United States have started preparing for the "Memphis in May International Festival" (MIMIF) 2012, where the Philippines will be the honored country.

The MIMIF is a series of events and programs focusing on an honored country.

It has been held annually for the past 35 years and has honored at least 30 countries, the Philippine Embassy noted.

“In preparation for the festival that attracts at least 300,000 people from all over the US and other countries, officers of the Embassy of the Philippines went to Memphis, met with festival officials and visited festival sites last August 25-26," the Philippine Embassy said in a news release.

"The major industrial sites of Memphis were also visited such as the Memphis Port Authority, Pigeon Industrial Park and Agricenter International and Memphis Bioworks to explore possible business matching between Memphis and Philippine companies. FedEx is headquartered in Memphis," the embassy added.

Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr. is leading Embassy efforts to advise MIMIF in planning its 2012 program, the Philippine Embassy said Wednesday.

“The Filipino community, leaders of which were invited during the public announcement of MIMIF to honor the Philippines, will work with the organizers through the various volunteer committees," the embassy said.

Tourist, education programs

As part of honoring the Philippines in 2012, the MIMIF will lead a tourist delegation to the Philippines and host exhibits about the Philippines in several museums in Memphis City.

It will also showcase Filipino performers in different venues including the renowned Orpheum Theater.

The MMIF will also administer student exchange program between the Philippines and Memphis. - VVP, GMA News

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

...the UK's all natural food company

Filipina’s firm in the running for No. 1 small business in UK

INQUIRER.net


LONDON—Righteous Living is an all natural food company voted as one of the Top 100 small businesses in the UK. It was started by a 32-year-old Filipina, Gem Misa, two years ago when she decided to leave her corporate job to follow her dream of setting up her own business.

Now, the public is voting on who among the 100 businesses is worthy of the No.1 spot. Current votes from fans of the business and Filipinos all over the world have put Righteous at an impressive 3rd place.



“I am absolutely overwhelmed by the amount of support I have been getting from the Filipino community,” said Misa.

“Even if we are all scattered around different parts of the world, it just shows how Filipinos can still come together to support and see each other succeed. Salamat po,” she said.

Righteous Living has achieved the holy grail for a start-up business: a listing in two of the United Kingdom’s top supermarkets, Tesco and Waitrose, within its second year trading. So far, the Righteous Living range consists of three all-natural salad dressings and a healthy cooking oil with less than half the fat of standard oils.

Misa has designed the Righteous range to be completely free of preservatives, extenders and artificial flavorings—yet they still have an eight month shelf life through some smart work with a food technician.

John Torode and Gregg Wallace of UK Masterchef fame gave the dressings a hat tip in their Daily Mail food column and Righteous Living has even been featured on the BBC website as a ‘best new product’.”

“We have until September 20 before voting closes,” said Misa.

...the teen Broadway artist

Fil-Am 'Billy Elliot' makes waves in Broadway

09/06/2011

HALF MOON BAY, California - John Peter “JP” Viernes may only be 15 years old but his career as a dancer is soaring high. 


Myles Erlick, J.P. Viernes, Cesar Corrales and Marcus Pei (Toronto's Billys)

It all began when he fell in love with dancing at the tender age of 7. This was when JP saw his older sister Lexi perform at the dance studio.

“I thought it looked fun. So I tried it out once and it felt right for me and so I just kept on going,” he said.

His sister’s teacher Shely Pack-Manning also started teaching JP some moves. She said she knew he had great potential even at a young age.

After 8 years of training, his hard work has paid off. Manning believes JP will have a long career in Broadway.

“He has a bright future ahead of him,” she said.

His passion for dance and his natural abilities as a performer helped land JP the lead role of “Billy” in the “Billy Elliot Musical” in 2009.

He became the first and only Filipino to win the lead role. Only 17 lead performers were chosen out of all the thousands that auditioned for Billy.

“When I heard that I was chosen, at first, It didn’t really register. Later on, I was like, ‘wow!’ I’m actually in the show now,” he said.

JP performed as Billy for two years, headlining in Toronto, Chicago, Dallas and San Francisco.

JP and his family sacrificed a lot for this opportunity.

For other young Filipino American dancers, JP has this to say, "Even though it’s hard and there are a lot of things going against you, you have to keep going forward and keep your eye on the goal and don’t give up,” he said.

...the largest captured crocs

Philippines catches 'largest crocodile on record'

09/06/2011 3:49 PM
 
MANILA, Philippines - A giant saltwater crocodile weighing more than a ton has been caught in a remote Philippine town after a spate of attacks on humans and livestock, officials said Tuesday.
 
The 21-foot (6.4-meter), 1,075-kilogram (2,370-pound) reptile may have eaten a farmer who went missing in July, along with several water buffaloes in the southern town of Bunawan, crocodile hunter Rollie Sumiller said.




A crocodile also bit off the head of a 12-year-old girl in Bunawan in 2009, according to the environment ministry.

Josefina de Leon, wildlife division chief at the environment ministry, said that the beast was likely the biggest crocodile ever captured.

"Based on existing records the largest that had been captured previously was 5.48 meters long," she told AFP.
Sumiller said he thought the male crocodile was more than 50 years old.

"This is the biggest animal that I've handled in 20 years of trapping," he said.

The Philippine specimen would easily dwarf the largest captive saltwater crocodile on record, which the Guinness World Records website says is Cassius, a 5.48-meter (about 18-foot) male.

The Australian "salty" has lived in Marineland Melanesia, an Australian nature park near Cairns for 24 years, it said.

Published press reports have also cited a 20.3-foot (6.2-meter) adult male killed on the Fly River in Papua New Guinea in 1982 that was measured after it was skinned.

"The community was relieved," Sumiller told AFP, but added: "We're not really sure if this is the man-eater, because there have been other sightings of other crocodiles in the area."

The team, employed by a government-run crocodile breeding farm, began laying bait using chicken, pork and dog meat on August 15.

But the reptile, which measured three feet (0.91 meters) across its back, simply bit off both the meat and the line it was skewered on.

An eight millimeter (0.31-inch) metal cable finally proved beyond the power of its jaws, and the beast was subdued in a relatively fast 15 minutes at a creek late Saturday with the help of about 30 local men.

Bunawan Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde said the local government had decided against putting down the reptile and will instead build a nature park for it.

"It will be the biggest star of the park," Elorde told reporters.

Sumiller said the plan was the best option available for the reptile in Bunawan, a marshy town of about 30,000 people on the upper reaches of the massive Agusan river basin of Mindanao island.

"He's a problem crocodile that needs to be taken from the wild... [and] used for eco-tourism," Sumiller said.

He said the giant reptile needed a 150-square-meter (1,614-square-foot) temporary enclosure, nearly three times the normal size alloted for captive crocodiles.

Crocodylus porosus, or the estuarine crocodile, is the world's largest reptile. It usually grows to five or six meters in length and can live up to 100 years.

While not considered an endangered species globally, it is "critically endangered" in the Philippines, where it is hunted for its hide which is used in the fashion industry, de Leon said.

"There have been very few sightings of porosus in the wild in the Philippines in recent years," she added.

In July, a smaller saltwater crocodile, measuring almost 14 feet (4.2 meters) was caught on the western Philippine island of Palawan after it killed a man.

Monday, September 5, 2011

...the haven for endangered specie

Philippines creates haven for endangered duck

09/06/2011
 
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines has created a protected area to save a species of endangered wild duck, with just 5,000 of the birds remaining, government documents released on Monday said.
 
The 27-hectare (67 acre) "wetland critical habitat" was set up for the Philippine duck, a species found only in the Philippines whose numbers have been falling due to hunting and habitat destruction, the documents said.

The environment department order created the protected area in the largely-agricultural Cabusao district in Camarines Sur.

"Ensure that existing ecosystems in the critical habitat are preserved and are kept in a condition that will support the perpetual existence of the Philippine duck," the department order instructed local authorities.

The Philippine duck, whose scientific name is "Anas luzonica," is rated as "vulnerable" by the conservation group BirdLife International, which estimated in 2005 that as few as 5,000 of them may be left.

On its website, BirdLife said the main threats to the species were excessive hunting and the use of its habitats for drainage and aquaculture -- the farming of aquatic organisms -- and excessive use of pesticides in rice farms.

The duck is described as having a blue-grey bill, a "rusty cinnamon" head and neck, and brown and grey feathers. It feeds on fish, shrimps, insects, rice and other plants.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

...the Asian design hub

Philippines can be Asia design hub, expert says

By: Amy R. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
 
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines has great potential to become Asia’s auto design hub, as the country has the competencies for design, car development and project management, according to local vehicle prototyper Michel Motorsport.

Michel Motorsport president Jan Kierulf said that given the right government support, the Philippines could become the auto design capital of Asia, the same way the country has been touted as the “Milan of Asia” in the furniture industry.

“All the competencies that we need to make a car are here, we just don’t know it. Creating a car all starts with a good idea. If you have a good idea of what you want to do, you have to confirm it with a good marketing study. After the study, we do the prototyping. Filipino programmers can do the conceptual prototyping then Filipino craftsmen then make the actual prototype,” Kierulf said in a statement.

Michel Motorsport, he said, is completing a sport GT design for a performance electric car that will soon roam the streets of Europe, using local talent.

Tapped by a British investor to create the prototype, Michel Motorsport is using local design talent and craftsmanship to create a car that will go head to head with the likes of Porsche Carrera in the European market.

The prototype will be shipped to Las Vegas in mid-September to prepare it for exhibition at the 2011 Sema Show, a trade show in November that will feature more than 1,500 customized and accessorized four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles from all over the world.

For the country to move forward in the field of car design and assembly, however, Kierulf said industry players would have to work closely together. The government also has to step up and make the business environment more conducive to pursuing such ventures.

The government, for example, could tie up with local parts manufacturers for a National Car Program, with a common goal to produce a local car.

Instead of developing an engine locally, Kierulf said the program could push those in the industry to just buy existing technologies from global car makers, the same way China developed its own vehicle industry.

“The best way to move forward is to buy the technology outright. We don’t have to build something from scratch. We can follow what the developed countries did in the past—seek help from our neighbors,” he said.

Kierulf clarified that the strategy of buying foreign technologies to run the car would not undermine the Filipino nature of the vehicle to be developed. Instead, it would just give the local auto industry enough of a boost to get on the path of vehicle design.

...the Pinoy MMA Fighter

Pinoy MMA fighter wins in ONE FC debut

abs-cbnnews.com
04September 2011

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino fighter Eduard Folayang was triumphant in the promotional debut of ONE Fighting Championship, touted as Asia's largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts event.





Folayang defeated A Sol Kwon in a lightweight match held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Saturday, September 3.

He won via unanimous decision despite suffering a broken nose and a cut over his right eye, according to MMA Mania.

Folayang and Kwon each received $5,000 after their match was deemed "Fight of the Night."

...the co-director of Pixar

Cavite-born UST alum co-directs Pixar film

By: Ruben V. Nepales
Philippine Daily Inquirer
04 September 2011

FILIPINO animator Ronnie del Carmen (below) served as story supervisor of “UP,” a computer-animated comedy-adventure film produced by Pixar.


LOS ANGELES – Folks, pop open the champagne: Cavite-born, University of Santo Tomas-educated Ronnie del Carmen is codirecting a film at Pixar. It’s one of the biggest and most important breaks ever given to a Filipino-American in the US movie industry.

Ronnie, one of the talented “Pixnoys” in the acclaimed animation studio, is collaborating with director Pete Docter and producer Jonas Rivera in the project with the working title, “The Untitled Pixar Movie That Takes You Inside The Mind.”

A statement from the studio reads, “Pixar takes audiences on incredible journeys into extraordinary worlds – from the darkest depths of the ocean to the top of the tepui mountains in South America; from the fictional metropolis of Monstropolis to a futuristic fantasy of outer space… The inventive new film will take you to a place that everyone knows, but no one has ever seen: the world inside the human mind.

The film reunites Ronnie, Pete and Jonas, who worked as story supervisor, director and producer, respectively, of “UP,” the first animated movie to ever open the Cannes Film Festival. “UP” swept the best animated feature honors, including the Academy and Golden Globe Awards, in 2009.

There’s buzz that the movie’s script is being written by Michael Arndt, whose credits include “Toy Story 3” and “Little Miss Sunshine,” which won him a best original screenplay Oscar. Reports suggested that the film’s story is “specifically about the formation of ideas.” The exciting premise promises a highly original movie that would inspire Pixar’s geniuses to further push the possibilities of animation artistry and technology.

Disney announced this film project, including Ronnie as a codirector, and another new film, “Monsters University,” at the recent D23 Expo, an annual event.

Lectures back Home



del carmen(photo: PIXAR WIKI)



Ronnie, who majored in advertising at UST’s College of Fine Arts and Design, worked in Makati’s top ad agencies. After moving to the United States, he began in television animation, working on such shows as “Freakazoid!,” “Where’s Waldo?,” “Widget, the World Watcher” and the “Batman” animated series. He worked at DreamWorks and Warner Bros. before settling at Pixar, where his credits include being the story supervisor on “Finding Nemo” and handling the story duties on “Wall-E” and “Ratatouille.”

He directed the short film, “Dug’s New Mission,” which came with the “UP” DVD-Blu-ray. Ronnie has won several awards, including an Annie (which honors the best in animation) for storyboarding in an animated feature (DreamWorks’ “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron”) and a Daytime Emmy for best special class animated program (as director of “Freakazoid!”).

On his trips back home, Ronnie finds time to give lectures and encourage aspiring animation talents. He has shared his talents with DC and Dark Horse comic readers and publishes his comic book series, Paper Biscuit.

Ronnie’s brothers, Louie and Rick, who are also UST alums, are enjoying burgeoning careers as animators in rival studios.