MikeLigalig.com

“It is better to lose your pride with someone you love rather than to lose that someone you love with your useless pride.” - anonymous

“You can close your eyes to the things you do not want to see, but you cannot close your heart to the things you do not want to feel.” - anonymous

“It takes a minute to have a crush on someone, an hour to like someone and a day to love someone - but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.” - anonymous

“Love is like an earthquake-unpredictable, a little scary, but when the hard part is over you realize how lucky you truly are.” - anonymous

“Trying to make someone fall in love with you is about as pointless as trying to control who you fall in love with.” - anonymous

“One of the hardest things in life is watching the person you love, love someone else.” - anonymous

“You can shed tears that she is gone,
or you can smile because she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her only that she is gone,
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what she'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

- by David Harkins

“I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.” - Valentine's Day Movie Quote

Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay awake just to watch you sleep... wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats, who holds your hand in front of his friends, who thinks you're just as pretty without makeup on. One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky his is to have you.... The one who turns to his friends and says, 'that's her.'”  - anonymous

Appliance Service Center in Makati City, Philippines

C-S Appliance Service Center
service, repair, maintenance, parts, installation of aircons and refs, sales
phone: 819-5660
address: 7024 Wilson Makati City, Philippines

Buy and Sell of Aircon and Scrap Metal in Makati City

ALV Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Services
Address: 172 Molave Makati City, Manila
Phone: 882-0082

Aircondition Specialist in Las Pinas
Sure Airconditioning Specialist
Address: Fatima Subdivision Las Pinas, NCR
Phone 873-1836

Amurao Airconditioning and Industrial Sales

-aircon sales/installation
-preventive maintenance
-aircon general cleaning
-parts
-compressor

Address: 175 Asuncion Street, Caloocan City
Phone: 443-7079

While the whole world is going crazy over the World Cup, the Filipinos don't really care much about it.

feel free to share your thoughts...

Can't Wait for Lakers to Beat Celtics Today. It's game 6. We are counting the hours to the final showdown.

Philippines at World Cup?
When will it happen? A century later?

Where do you watch World Cup Online?
If you have links, please share here...

The Philippines is a Lakers Country - many Filipinos don't like the arrogant players of Boston Celtics. Paul Pierce, are you listening?

On June 13, 1896, Casimiro V. del Rosario, recognized in 1984 as National Scientist in physics, astronomy and meteorology, was born in Bantayan, Cebu.

Dr. Del Rosario is known for his researches on ultraviolet light of different wavelengths, effect of radioactive radiation on Euglena, high voltage electrical discharges in a vacuum, and many other accomplishments.

He finished BS in Civil Engineering with honors at the University of the Philippines in 1918; MS in Physics at Yale University in the United States in 1924; and PhD in Physics at the University of Pennsylvania in 1932.

Notably, Del Rosario was the co-founder of the Bartol Research Foundation in Philadelphia, an institution which did pioneering researches in physics.

Aside from researching and experimenting, he also headed the Philippine Weather Bureau for 11 years and was vice chair for the National Science Development Board.

He was given the Presidential Award in 1965 for his outstanding works in physics, meteorology and astronomy.

He died on September 15, 1982 at the age of 86.

Also on this same day in 1899, the Battle of Zapote River, also known as the Battle of Zapote Bridge, took place between 3,000 Americans and 5,000 Filipinos. It was the second largest battle of the Philippine-American War.

By Freddie G. Lazaro
PNA

VIGAN CITY - Hundreds surviving World War II veterans from the provinces of Ilocos, Cordillera and Cagayan Valley regions will commemorate on Monday, June 14, 2010, the 65th anniversary of the victory of Filipino and American soldiers in the epic "Battle of Bessang Pass" in Luna, La Union.

The ceremony will be held in the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines â€" Northern Luzon (USAFIP-NL) Memorial Monument and Shrine located in Barangay Darigayos, Luna, La Union.

The commemoration include a short program preceded by the floral offering at the veterans’ memorial shrine; a medical and dental outreach program dubbed as Oplan: Pagkalinga; presentation of diorama exhibit showcasing the event leading to the victory in the “Battle of Bessang Pass;” and the launching of a book that chronicles the Filipino and American WW II veterans’ victory in that epic battle.

Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Region 1 head Maria Juanita Rivera said on Sunday that at least 250 pensioners, most of whom are real-life heroes of the historical Battle of Bessang Pass, are expected to attend the significant event.

Launched in 2005, the Oplan: Pagkalinga will now be on its fifth year and exclusively for the pensioners of PVAO. It will be held from 9 a.m. until 12:00 noon, offering free medical and dental consultations including free Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) and electrocardiogram screening (ECG) for patients.

The medical and dental mission is jointly sponsored by the PVAO Medical and Dental Unit, the La Union Provincial Health Office and the Abbott International drug company.

PVAO Administrator Undersecretary Ernesto G. Carolina, re-elected La Union Governor Manuel C. Ortega and Brigadier General Arnulfo Banez, the USAFIP â€"NL president are among the national dignitaries expected to grace the significant event.

Rivera said the book that chronicles the victory in the “Battle of Bessang Pass” featured testimonies, achievements and memories of the surviving heroes/veterans who courageously fought and led to the victory at Bessang Pass.

“Some of those heroes/veterans featured in the book are the late Dr. Godofredo S. Reyes, Colonel Gregorio Ufano, among others,” she said.

“The Battle at Bessang Pass was one of the world’s most ferocious battles in the history of war that was predominantly spearheaded by the Filipino soldiers, guerillas and bolomen, with the aid of farmers and haulers,” she said.

Rivera said the USAFIP-NL Memorial Monument and Shrine in Barangay Darigayos, Luna, La Union was the former Camp Spencer that used to be the base hospital of the wounded members of the USAFIP-NL during the battle in Bessang Pass.

In Phillipine history, Bessang Pass, which is a strategic gap at 5,250 feet above sea level traversed by Highway 4 located in the Barangay Malaya, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur - more than 260 kms north of Manila, was the last stronghold of the Japanese imperial forces under Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita, known as the “Tiger of Malaya” and conqueror of Singapore.

Bessang Pass served as the backdoor to Yamashita's last ditch defense during the last stage of World War II.

It was part of the Yamashita's triangular defense in the north, namely the Balete Pass, Villaverde Trail and Bessang Pass, guarding the Ifugao-Benguet-Vizcaya borders.

The area is also known as a gateway to the Cordillera Mountains and Baguio City.

Its fall in the hands of the USAFIP-NL on June 14, 1945 paved the way to the entrapment of Yamashita’s forces in the Cordillera until the general’s surrender in Kiangan, Ifugao in September 1945.

The gun battle was then called "Battle of Bessang Pass" where the Filipino soldiers defeated the Japanese troop led by Gen. Yamashita.

There were about 3,400 men who were either killed or wounded in that epic battle for freedom and peace that ended on June 14, 1945.

The USAFIP-NL was composed of five infantry regiments and a field artillery battalion of 20,000 officers who were all Filipinos except for five American officers who included Col. Russell Volckman, its commanding officer.

The troops bore the brunt of the fighting, sustaining over 2,000 casualties, including 600 men killed.

The units of the USAFIP-NL that fought at the battle were the 121st, 15th, 66th and the Provisional infantry regiments. During the three long years of Japanese occupation, almost all of the forces of this command served as guerillas. Most of them also fought in Bataan and Corregidor.

For them, this battle was a payback for all the dishonor they suffered during the surrender of the Philippines and for the atrocities the Japanese implicated on them.

They faced the crack 73rd Tora (Tiger) Division, the 79th brigade and the 357th Battalion led by Lt. General Yoshibaru Osaki. The Japanese forces fortified the hills and the ridges to stop any American offensive on their way to Baguio City and the Cordillera stronghold of Yamashita.

The Japanese forces withdrew from Manila and other areas of Luzon after sacking and destroying Manila with a pogrom of atrocities. The stay-behind-force of Japanese marines and Korean conscripts massacred more than 300,000 residents of south Manila and destroyed the city.

Manila became the most devastated city after Warsaw gaining the moniker “The Warsaw of Asia.”

The initial fighting in the Battle of Bessang Pass started in February 1945 around the town of Cervantes. At the same time, the 121st Infantry was driving out the Japanese in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur on the western lowlands of the Pass; the other guerilla forces were clearing Ilocos Norte, the rest of Ilocos and Abra around the Tangadan area. By March, the harder part of the battle commenced.

After liberating San Fernando, La Union, on March 29, the USAFIP-NL forces started the all-out assault for Bessang Pass. Their advance was steady, gradual and costly. Without air support at first, they attacked persistently armed only with rifles, sub-machine guns and their sheer guts until the first week of April when air and artillery support became available.

On June 14, the units of 121st launched a final assault on Buccual Ridge and planted a symbolic flag made from a dirty green face towel.

The battle was the crowning glory of the battle exploits of the all-Filipino USAFIP-NL forces. The battle lasted for four months of protracted, fierce, relentless blood hand-to-hand combat with suicidal enemy.

After the victorious “Battle of Bessang Pass,” the American officers in the Cordilleras during the siege issued statements with glowing praises for the Filipino soldiers.

General Walter Kruger, then commanding general of the U.S. 6th Army where the USFIP-NL belongs, in his memoir and official report, described the Battle of Bessang Pass as:“ one whose magnitude and decisiveness far surpasses the U.S Army 32nd and 25th Divisions’ battle for the Villaverde Trail and the Balete Pass, respectively.”

Gen. Douglas Macarthur, the U.S. Supreme Commander in the Pacific, also paid tribute to the victors of Bessang Pass: “The work of the Northern Luzon guerillas alone was equal to a front line division”, he then said.

General Russel W. Volkman, USFIP-NL commanding officer, said: “With such courageous spirit as the motivating force behind USFIP-NL, together with the whole-hearted cooperation ad willingness on the part of the officers and men of the USFIP-NL, to undergo sacrifices and hardships, the seemingly insurmountable obstacles through the dark days of the Japanese occupation were overcome. Your devotion to duty, to the cause, to your country, and to the United States of America has been rightly blessed with commendations of highest order.”

After the WW II, the USAFIP-NL was not disbanded as it became the 2nd regular Philippine Army Division. Many of its top officers became army chiefs of staff like Generals Calixto Duque and Eulogio Balao, who later became the secretary of national defense and a senator.

On June 14, 1952, President Elpidio Quirino officially declared the Fall of Bessang Pass as a military holiday to be commemorated in the Philippines.

Quirino declared during the 7th Anniversary of the Battle: “…to win the liberation of Northern Luzon in which the USFIP-NL played a major role, you accomplished extra-ordinary achievement. Your battle for Bessang Pass in eastern Ilocos Sur in 1945 for instance stands out prominently as one of most decisive battles of the Philippine liberation campaign.”

Thus, to honor the Filipino and American veterans living in the United States and in the Philippines who fought in this great battle; we remember the Filipino victory at Bessang Pass.

Meanwhile, the Bessang Pass became a national monument and landmark in Cervantes town as prescribed by the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992. It is now managed and developed by the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) under Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). (PNA)

Prices of petroleum products are expected to further drop with the government removing the 3 percent tariff on imported finished products.

Edgar Chua, country manager of leading oil refiner Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. (PSPC), said the removal of the 3 percent tariff assuming that diesel is sold at US$ 80 per barrel would be "70 to 80 centavos reduction in cost."

"Theoretically, the impact is on cost, bababa ang cost, ang pricing, I think a number of parties have already been reflecting the lower cost, so we've been matching," explained Chua.

But Chua said it would still depend on the market competition, saying "It could be more, it could be less."

However, the Independent Philippine Petroleum Companies Association (IPPCA) is objecting to the lifting of the 3 percent tariff on imported finished crude products since “it would be unfair to importers and will give refiners [like Shell] an advantage.”

Fernando Martinez, chairman of IPPCA, said importers like them will not benefit from the removal of the tariff since the cost reduction will still be dictated by market forces, especially now that international prices are on a downtrend. - PNA

19 Foreign Tourists Died in Cebu Bus Accident
By Eddie O. Barrita

At least 19 persons, mostly Iranian nationals, died while dozens of others were injured when a tourist bus plunged into a 30-meter ravine at past 10 a.m. Sunday while negotiating a mountain road in Balamban town.

Dr. Wyben Briones, a member of the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (Eruf), who was among those who responded to the incident, told the Philippines News Agency at least 19 bodies have been retrieved from the crash site in Sitio Buli, Barangay Cansumuroy, Balamban in western Cebu.

Those injured were taken to the Balamban District Hospital.

The crash site is on the midsection of Cebu island, some 11 kilometers from the Balamban town proper.

Initial police reports said among those killed were the Filipino driver of the black and gray JD Tours bus and a tourist guide.

Police were still determining the identities of the victims.

Cansumuroy Barangay Chairman Emilia Mandocello said residents were the first to reach the crash site.

There are only two houses near the scene, also the site of many accidents in the past, she said.

Many passengers were still pinned in the wreckage of the bus which turned upside down. (PNA)

Let's hope Bohol media would take note of this great news. Reporters must start using online tools to get fresh information.

Posted By Bohol Sunday Post

A ranking regional official of the Commission on Elections is in hot water after he was accused by seven of his colleagues for alleged “dagdag-bawas” or vote padding and or shaving  in the 2007 elections.

Lawyer Veronico Petalcorin, assistant regional director of the Comelec based in Region VII in Cebu City, was accused of an election offense by seven lower ranking poll officials led by lawyer Elisio Labaria, provincial Comelec supervisor.

The other complainants were Siegfried Saniel, Divina Gamutin, Gerardo Lofranco, Roland Amora and Rouel Alquisalas, election officers of Garcia Hernandez, Panglao, Buenavista, Guindulman and Dimiao, respectively.

As of last report, it was gathered that the case which was filed before the Comelec Law Department was due for resolution.

The respondent was asked to present his counter-affidavit during the hearing set last April 15.

In his own affidavit, Labaria  said on May 1, 2007, he received a call from Petalcorin who was then the Provincial Comelec Supervisor. Labaria who was then the Comelec election officer of Valencia said he was called by Petalcorin for an important meeting.

Also present in that meeting were the election officers of Ubay and Tubigon.

In that meeting which was the fiesta of Tagbilaran City, Petalcorin told the three that there would be a special operations to be conducted during the May 14, 2007 elections.

The ranking Comelec official said the operations involved some party list belonging to the administration and instructed the three poll officials, being chairmen of the canvassing board in their jurisdiction, to manipulate the result of the canvass in favor of such party list groups for a certain monetary consideration.

Then Labaria and company inquired how it could be done since the canvassing will be done publicly with several watchers in attendance.

With this question, Petalcorin reportedly told them that they (election officers) would talk with the

tabulators before the canvassing started since they were the ones who would make the entry into the Certificates of Canvass (COC), to influence or bribe them and order them to alter the canvassed figures entered into the COC, in favor of the administration party list groups after the canvassing is done, which would be the proper time “we should declare a recess for the preparation of the COC when there would be no watchers hanging around”.

According to Labaria, the three of them objected outright to the Petalcorin proposal adding that it was illegal and very precarious.

With this answer, Petalcorin reportedly insinuated that they would not be given their budget allocated for the special operations if they would not collaborate.

As a result, he was assigned in Bantayan Island in Cebu instead of remaining in Valencia. It was not known if his transfer has something to do with his refusal to cooperate with his immediate superior’s offer to manipulate the election results.

Then Labaria later knew that Petalcorin also called other election officers for the same special operations.

The other seven elections officers were also called to a meeting on April 27 and they were briefed of the dagdag bawas operations in favor of the party list groups which Petalcorin did not mention during the meeting.

COUNTER AFFIDAVIT

In a 10-page Counter Affidavit with Position Paper, the assistant regional director denied the charges filed against him.

In denying the charges, he said, the so-called dagdag bawas scheme as allegedly proposed to complainants was so puerile, far-fetched, grossly impossible to achieve, and certainly doomed to fail that, it borders upon an insult to allude such scheme to him.

Petalcorin said, modestly aside, “I have obtained quite an extensive knowledge and experience in election laws such that “I was subsequently promoted to Assistant Regional Election Director for Comelec regional office, Region VII.

In advancing his argument that there was no truth to the accusation, Petalcorin said any self-respecting Comelec official would know that, even during “recess”, the proceedings of the Board of Canvassers would still be open to the general public, the mass media, the watchers of the various parties and candidates, as well as the citizen’s arm and ordering everybody to leave the room would immediately generate suspicion and lead to a very serious protest.

But in their joint reply affidavit, Saniel, Gamutin, Lofranco and Escobilla, they said Petalcorin’s counter-affidavit as a whole was a mere set of general denial which is the weakest form of defense in any litigation.

Zeroing in on Petalcorin’s claim of extensive knowledge of election law gaving rise to his promotion, the four election officers said this clearly exhibited his arrogance and misplaced pride under the wrong belief that it was only he who has a monopoly of knowledge of the election laws.

Besides, they said, it was contrary to human experience that a person cannot commit a crime just because he was knowledgeable of the law, for knowledge of the law cannot supplant the operation of a person’s mind possessed with evil intent.

As to the question why it took them three years to come out in the open and filed the instant case, the answer was that complainants realized only later that they were gradually made to pay for their refusal to go along with the idea of the respondent to commit illegal activities by tampering election results or dagdag bawas.

Seven barangays in Tagbilaran City will have to brace for any impact of pocket sinkholes discovered by a team of geologists from the Central Visayas regional office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Pockets of sinkholes were found in Poblacion 3, Bool, Mansasa, Cabawan, Tiptip, Dao and Cogon during a recent round of geo-hazard assessment of the MGB-7 team.

According to regional officials of DENR-7, Dao and Bool showed to be at the highest risks with the presence of huge structures like malls, recreation centers, residential areas and dumpsite.

The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council urged its barangay point persons in these areas to take charge in gathering data to be incorporated in the consolidated Search and Rescue Plan of the local government units in the province.

The concerns on sinkholes pose as a new challenge to the PDCC since the previous risk mapping and assessment in the preparatory stage for the operation of the consolidated search and rescue teams focused only on areas prone to flooding, landslides and other calamities and the populace that may be affected.

The consolidated Search and Rescue Plan of the LGUs may be expanded to cover those that would address the impact of sinkholes.

Earlier news reports had quoted the chief geologist of MGB-7 with a suggestion that "the only way to detect if an area is susceptible to sinkhole formation is through core drilling or ground-penetrating radar". - Bohol Chronicle

Bohol Chronicle: Radio Station DYRD, which will mark its 50th year of broadcasting service next year has proven anew its dominance in radio listenership based on the most recent survey conducted by the Holy Name University Research Center last Feb 13 - March 8, 2010.

Its consistently top-rated programs proved anew their supremacy as preference among Boholano radio listeners as compared to the programs of DYTR, to include, the 7 a.m. News (Cooperative Bank and BGY Enterprises), Inyong Alagad, Tagbilaran-By-Nite, Radyo Balita, Patrol Balita and Democracy in Action.
DYRD's noontime newscast (BQ Mall) and its following commentary program "Silab sa Udtong Totok" likewise topped the survey.

The undisputed top rated breakfast news of veteran broadcaster Fred Araneta (now in tandem with Glee Orcullo) got 68% (as against the Ang Kalibutan Karon News) with 32%.          
"Inyong Alagad" anchored by Araneta and Chito Visarra got 77% against "Confrontcy/Kwentas Klaras," 23%.

The morning slots of DYRD were also way ahead with "Radyo Balita" of Ceil Remolador, 57% against "Mas Maayong Buntag" 43% while "Patrol Balita" of Atoy Cosap got 55% against "Barangay Patrol" 45%.

The noontime news and commentary slot of DYRD captured the audience with 82% for BQ Mall Balita of Atoy Cosap and Jojo Ligan and the hard-hitting "Silab" of Nestor Daarol. DYTR Balita sa Kaudtohon and "Sa Mutuo Lang" got 18%. The succeeding commentary program "Litania sa Ala Una" of Bong Bullecer got 63% against "Kasayuran" 37%.

The early evening commentary programs of DYRD, "Democracy in Action and Nangutana Lang" of Bob Galero and Ariel Fullido/Sam Cadinas got 90% against "Pandayan" 10%.

The listenership dominance of dyRD lasted till the capping programs in the evening starting with the Rosary and Bantay Katawhan hosted by Pedy Bolanio, 71% as against "Iglesia ni Kristo program, 29%.
The popular "Tagbilaran-By-Nite" maintained its rating at 65% against Balita Express 35%.

"Tagbilaran-By-Nite" is anchored by Jerry Pabe backed up by field reporters Jun Gutierrez, Willy Maestrado, German Paredes and Rey Tutas. - source: Bohol Chronicle

A group of farmers and fisher folks pressed for genuine reforms in the face of recent changes in the provincial and national leadership.

The group led by HUMABOL (Hugpong Mangunumang Bolanon), BOKKANA-Pamalakaya, Anakpawis-Bohol, women folk and representatives from Panglaonons against Reclamation, recently commemorated the 23rd anniversary of the promulgation of the Agrarian Reform Program on June 10, 1987 by the mother of president elect Nopynoy- the late president Cory Aquino.

The group held a dialogue with representatives of the DENR and Dr Antonio A. Del Socorro , DAR Provincial Administrative Officer II after which a brief rally was staged in front of the Capitol Building. The group called for the end of CARPER and the approval of the Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill RB 1359.

The reformist group then forwarded a letter to Goverrnor-elect Edgar Chatto enumerating concerns of the farmers and fisher-folks signed by HUMABOL Chairman Ruben Sabio.   
       
For farmers, they cited concerns on land reform, food security, farmer health welfare, and the use of inorganic pesticide. They also asked a review of the wanton conversion of agri land into hectarages dedicated to palm oil and jathropa.They also sought just recompense for farmers who suffered due to the alleged inefficiency of the Malinao dam. - Bohol Chronicle

The alleged 'sweetheart deal" involving the Agora market signed by City Mayor Dan Lim and a private business consortium simply refuses to die down.

Last Friday, Regional Trial Court Branch1 Presiding Judge Patsita Sarmiento-Gamutan issued an Order directing that the proceedings of the Agora case be continued to July 16 as well as the rest of the tentative settings set in open court during the hearing last March 19, 2010.

Likewise, it also brushed aside the defendants' argument that the complaint should be dismissed by reason of plaintiff Victor De la Serna's failure to indicate his MCLE compliance.

"It is untenable," the court said.

"Although lawyers by profession, plaintiffs did not sign the complaint as counsels but as parties who seek to enforce their rights as ordinary citizens. As such, the complaint is considered sufficient in form even if no MCLE compliance is indicated," the court concluded.

The dates for continued hearings are set on June 30, August 13 and 27, September 3, 10 and 24 and October 8, 2010, all at 9:00 o'clock in the morning. - Bohol Chronicle

By Bohol Chronicle

The consistently pro-administration electorate in the province demands that newly proclaimed Pres. Benigno "Nonoy" Aquino III will eradicate the widespread corruption in governance.

This sentiment of the Boholanos surfaced during yesterday's "Radyo Merkado," a weekly radio survey conducted over dyRD, this city.

A remarkable 67% of the Boholanos insist that on the first 100 days of Pres. Aquino, the public should see a visible implementation of the campaign against graft and corruption.

Respondents, through text and phone calls, cited the need for the incoming President to make true his battle-cry during the campaign period which was "kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap," (if there are no corrupt men in governance, there will be not much poverty).

Half of the 67% calling for a "war against corruption" said that Pres.-elect Aquino should "set aside politics whose ugly head will rear anew to prevent government officials from being prosecuted for their involvement in graft practices."

Respondents likewise said they expect the "elusive political will" to come handy in the new leadership who earlier claimed that it avoided getting compromised on certain issues and concerns.

The expectation of the public came amid the reported refusal by Aquino to accept some (to his mind) questionable "campaign donors" to include business tycoon Lucio Tan.

Respondents who called for the relentless drive against corruption likewise expressed high hopes that the Aquino administration can "deliver justice faster than the previous Arroyo regime."

Best Buys in Cebu, Philippines
Cebu is well-known for its guitars, shell crafts and lechon. - tip by Peter Amores, Cebu Smile Magazine

Best Dinner in Cebu - Cafe George along Banilad Street serves good food and the best desserts. - tip by Peter Amores, Cebu Smile Mag

Best Cebu Night-out - Go clubbing at Loft or Vudu, or listen to Cebu's finest bands at Outpost. - travel tip by Peter Amores, Cebu Smile Mag

Best Breakfast in Cebu
Sutukil (sugba, tuwa, kilaw) cooked in eateries near the Mactan, Cebu Shrine.
Travel tip from Peter Amores, Cebu Smile Magazine

What's Your Favorite Red Wine Brand?

I haven't tried eBay. If you hit the right product at the right time, eBay could be a good source of income.

My reading habits. I believe kids should spend more time in reading than in watching television.

The decade that the Great Depression swept America.

That can only happen when you've spent ample time with the person. It's dangerous to make conclusions when we really don't know who the person is.

Secret. But, yes, it happens all the time. In unexpected situations.

Yes, when it is related to Information and Technology.

If one is a child of God, a believer in Jesus Christ, yes, everything happens for a reason. Romans 8:28 says that "all things work together for good for those who love God in Christ Jesus."

Can I answer this later? I am still using my cellphone.

I don't call it Karma; I call it divine justice or divine retribution. We reap what we sow, the Bible says.

Nope. I don't own a car. So less chances.

Difficult to say but I think I should have fought more battles despite losing them in the end.

Yes, Virginia, there was a Plaza Rizal Massacre in Tagbilaran.
Victims: Centuries-old trees
Culprits: Erico Aumentado and Edwin Vallejos

Look how horrible it is today to visit Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City.

Please post your tbtk observations...

By ALEX VALENTIN BROSAS
Manila Bulletin

Jericho Rosales inadvertently revealed KC Concepcion stood him up on their first movie date.

“Dati, niyaya ko siyang manood ng sine pero sabi niya, ‘Paalam ka kay Papa.’ Nagpaalam naman ako kay Sir (Gabby Concepcion). Sabi niya, ‘Go, enjoy.’ Hindi naman niya (KC) ako sinipot,” Echo told Bulletin Entertainment and other members of the press during the presscon for “I’ll Be There.”

KC and Echo were supposed to watch a Dolphy movie then.

“Hindi siya natuloy kaya imbes na manood kami ng sine, nag-perform na lang ako sa concert for the Ondoy victims,” Echo shared.

Jericho, however, cleared his movie invite to KC was “a friendly thing.”

“Siyempre, ano lang. Kasi siyempre dati nali-link kami. It was a friendly thing na hindi talaga... that wasn’t something na mixed with a different... I was (just) trying to get to know her, honestly.”

The Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Health (DOH) and other government agencies in Mountain Province took part in the rescue, retrieval and treatment of 30 victims of vehicular accident in Besao town Tuesday afternoon. Fifteen survived the latest road mishap some 100 kilometers north of Baguio City.

Police Senior Superintendent Fortunato Alban, PNP Mountain Province provincial director, said the police and volunteer residents rushed victims of the jeepney which crashed into a ravine to the Besao District Hospital Tuesday night, the nearest government health facility in that hinterland area.

"Nine of the jeepney passengers died on the spot. Three died on arrival at the hospital. Three died while undergoing treatment. Fifteen of those we rescued survived and remain under treatment for serious physical injuries. The driver was among the survivors. Our rescuers have to rush some 70 meters down from the road in order to help the victims," Alban recalled.

Based on the initial police investigation, the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle which hit a muddy and stony portion of a landslide before the ill-fated vehicle plunged into the ravine. - pna

Prosecutors say they are investigating the leader of Germany's Roman Catholic bishops on suspicion of aiding and abetting the sexual abuse of children.

Archbishop Robert Zollitsch of Freiburg is suspected of allowing the re-appointment of a priest accused of child abuse in 1987.

Archbishop Zollitsch was in charge of personnel in Freiburg at the time.

The archdiocese rejected the charge, accusing prosecutors and the media of "sensationalism".

In a statement, it said Archbishop Zollitsch had nothing to do with the case because he did not know about any allegations of abuse involving the priest. - BBC

The Department of National Defense (DND) is acquiring eight brand new combat utility helicopters from Poland instead of Israel, Defense Undersecretary for Modernization Antonio Romero said yesterday.                                                      
Romero said a government-to-government contract worth P2.8 billion was recently signed by the defense department with its Polish counterpart for the purchase of the combat utility helicopters.  

“We expect initial delivery of four units within a year,” Romero said.  The defense department earlier closed a P3-billion deal with Israel for the acquisition of a fleet of reconditioned single-engine Cobra attack helicopters.                                                            

Romero said the deal did not push through because the Philippine Air Force (PAF) rejected it.                                    
Poland-based helicopter manufacturer Swidnik will produce the helicopters which, Romero said, had met PAF requirements, particularly the lifting capability. - Phil Star

A low pressure area (LPA) has been spotted off Northern Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported today.

In its 5 a.m. updated posted in its official website, Pagasa said that as of 2 a.m. today, the LPA was estimated at 600 kilometers west of Northern Luzon.

The state weather bureau said Luzon and Visayas will have party cloudy to cloudy skies and isolated rain showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.

"Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over Luzon and the coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Light to moderate winds blowing from the southeast to southwest will prevail over the rest of the country with slight to moderate seas," Pagasa added. - philstar

Carmen Soo and director Lino Cayetano on Tuesday night watched the special screening of “Noy” together in a Quezon City mall, fueling speculations that they are dating.

When they arrived at Gateway mall in Cubao, both Soo and Cayetano were evading entertainment reporters. Soo was also evasive when asked by reporters if they were dating.

Instead, she appealed to the public to respect her personal life.

Before the screening began, they were reportedly exchanging sweet looks to each other.

Soo, a contract start of ABS-CBN, has been rumored to be dating Cayetano, but the actress disputed the speculations in her previous interview. - abs-cbn

Comedian-host Vice Ganda has resumed filming his first movie, a remake of 1980s film "Petrang Kabayo."

It was January of this year when Vice Ganda announced his first major film. Three months later, however, the comedian confirmed the delay in filming “Petrang Kabayo.”

"Na-delay kasi ginawa din namin 'yong ‘Hating Kapatid’ ni Judy Ann (Santos) at Sarah (Geronimo). Pero eventually nag-start na nga kaya excited akong gawin, tapusin at ipalabas na para magpatawa sa mga tao," the resident judge of hit talent program "Showtime" told ABS-CBN News.

Vice Ganda, Jose Mari Viceral in real life, said when he first joined show business almost a decade ago, he never dreamed that he would eventually star in his own movie.

"Noong pumasok ako sa showbiz, ok artista, gagawa ng pelikula. Pero never kong na-foresee na ako ang bida talaga. Kaya sobrang blessed at nagpa-pasalamat ako at ini-enjoy ko ang moment," Vice Ganda said.

Before he attained his success, he said it was a “long journey” for him. "Sobrang pinaghirapan at sobrang ipinagdasal ko ito." - abs-cbn

Derek Ramsay has laughed off a claim that he was videotaped having sex with another man.

Ramsay, whose girlfriend is “Rubi” lead star Angelica Panganiban, categorically denied the existence of his supposed gay sex video. He added that it's easy to determine that  he is not the man in the video.

“I have tattoos all over my body na ako lang meron. You can tell [if it’s me in the video]. Angelica can tell. I’m sure she doesn’t want to see the video,” Ramsay said during the press launch of his Century Tuna endorsement.

“Somebody just asked me if I want to see the video and comment. Ayoko. Hindi ko pa napapanood. Huwag na lang. Wala talaga akong ginagawang ganoon. Kahit kamukha ko pa ‘yong nandoon, bakit ko pa titingnan?” he added.

Another hot issue hounding Ramsay, dubbed as the ultimate leading man, is that he is allegedly hiding a wife and child abroad, an intrigue the actor said is absurd. “Wala akong itinatagong asawa sa ibang bansa, anak that I know of.”

Ramsay also pointed out that he is not the first celebrity to be accused of such. “Nagsasabay-sabay ngayon. Si Sam (Milby) nauna, ngayon ako naman. Who’s next?”

What if a marriage contract was produced to support the claim? “Marriage contract? Bring it on!” he confidently replied.

Ramsay surmised that someone probably saw a picture of him cuddling a child and quickly concluded that the child was his.

Derek Ramsay, the new endorser of Century Tuna, denies the existence of his alleged gay sex video. - ABS-CBN

By PEP

When Sex and the City 2 had its premiere night last May 24 at Cinema 3 of Rockwell Power Plant Mall in Makati City, Mylene Dizon was spotted with Bamboo guitarist Ira Cruz. A few days later, on May 28, Mylene was again spotted at Cinema 3 of Rockwell to watch the screening of the docu-film Noy, but she was alone this time.

Mylene said that she and Ira have a "very good" relationship now.

"We are enjoying and having fun...we're laughing a lot. It feels like...parang hindi naman kami naghiwalay. Parang nagkaroon lang kami ng maliit na pause sa aming relationship," Mylene said in an interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal).

What is Paolo Paraiso's reaction to the fact that she and Ira Cruz are back together?

"I hope that he is okay with it coz it's here and there's nothing we can do about it. We broke up a long time ago anyway, so I don't think he should feel weird about it."

She added, "I informed him about it and I asked him if he wanted to talk about it further. Sabi niya, okay naman daw siya."

Mylene and Paolo have two children, Tomas and Lucas. How did she tell them about her new boyfriend?

"I introduced Ira as a friend first. He was my friend in the beginning and ini-introduce ko dahan-dahan sa kanya that I might have a boyfriend soon."

Mylene mentioned that her son Tomas calls her boyfriend "Tito Ira."

Because he’s making a comeback after an absence of more than four years, Cogie Domingo was pelted with questions from the movie press during a mini-presscon a few days ago for Muli, an indie film serving as his relaunching vehicle, directed by Adolfo B. Alix Jr. from a Palanca Award-winner screenplay by Jerry Gracio.

Was he really into drugs, so serious that he had to be “rehabilitated”?

Did he go to the States to hide after he got involved with a woman who’s the common-law wife of a powerful politician who has children with her?

And, while in the States, did he have a (brief?) romance with Angel Locsin? - Philippine Star

"Pants on the Ground" is the first and only single by General Larry Platt. It was released on February 4, 2010.

The song was first performed at the ninth season of American Idol auditions where the song became a viral hit.Platt's former manager Jason Mills released the studio version of the song, without him even knowing. The single version of the song was released on February 4, 2010 by American King Music for MP3 download.Jake Records also entered negotiations with Larry Platt to produce a single of the hit song, but the parties were unable to reach agreement on a deal. It was reported that Platt's former manager also gave the song to radio stations without his permission stating that the song "is a promotional and not for profit." He performed this song on American Idol the day Lee DeWyze won. - Pants on the Ground in wikipedia.org

MyUCLA - University of California in LA
1910s

1919   California Gov. William D. Stephens signs Assembly Bill 626, establishing the Southern Branch of the University of California. The Vermont Avenue campus opens on Sept. 15, offering two-year undergraduate programs to 260 Junior College students and 1,078 students in the Teachers Training program, under the direction of Ernest Carroll Moore.
1920s

1923   Southern Branch confers its first degrees, awarding the Bachelor of Education to 28 students.
1924   Third and fourth years are added to Letters and Science curriculum.
1925   
• First Bachelor of Arts degrees in the College of Letters and Science are awarded to 100 women and 24 men.
• UC Regents choose a 384-acre parcel of the Wolfskill Rancho in Westwood as new site for the Southern Branch campus - declining site proposals from Burbank, Pasadena, Fullerton and Palos Verdes.
• The UCLA band begins as a 50-piece ROTC unit under the direction of W.G. Powell.
1926   
• The 75-ton Founders’ Rock marks site where Westwood campus is dedicated.
• Student newspaper is renamed California Daily Bruin after debuting as Cub Californian and then Daily Grizzly.
1927   
• Construction of Westwood campus begins with a bridge over the arroyo.
• Regents adopt the name University of California at Los Angeles.

1929   
• Royce, Haines and Kinsey halls and Powell Library are completed.
• Classes begin Sept. 23 with 5,500 students enrolled at Westwood.

The story goes that huggable stand-up comedian Howie Mandel, who ran a carpet business once upon a time, began his show biz career by chance while catching amateur night at the Comedy Store on the L.A. Sunset Strip during a vacation. Goaded on by friends to try out, a producer spotted him, hired him for an appearance on the comedy game show "Make Me Laugh," and the rest is history.

Talk about luck! Born in Toronto, Canada in 1955, Howie became a highly affable performer who quickly graduated to TV talk shows and Vegas gigs. Six years on, the critically-acclaimed "St. Elsewhere" (1982) medical drama not only increased his visibility but earned him Emmy nominations. An affinity for children led him to the Emmy-nominated animated kids' series "Bobby's World" (1990) serving as creator, executive producer and vocal talent. Film stardom has been elusive with silly, bumbling vehicles such as A Fine Mess (1986), Walk Like a Man (1987) and Little Monsters (1989) failing to click with audiences. Kids, however, enjoyed his cuddly voice as Gizmo, in the Gremlins (1984) film series. - imdb.com

Al Gore's Extra-marital Affair: Fact or Fiction?

Former Vice President Al Gore and his wife, Tipper, are telling friends they "grew apart" after 40 years of marriage and there was no affair involved.

According to two long-time close associates and family friends, the Gores say they are separating amicably. Their decision came after a "long process of careful consideration," said one of the associates.

They both spoke on condition of anonymity.

The associates said the Gores, over time, had carved out separate lives, with the former vice president on the road frequently. One of the associates said: "Their lives had gotten more and more separated." - chron.com

Hell's Kitchen, also known as Clinton and Midtown West by real estate brokers, is a neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City that covers roughly the area between 34th Street and 57th Street, from 8th Avenue to the Hudson River.

The neighborhood provides transportation, hospital, and warehouse infrastructure support to the Midtown Manhattan business district. Its gritty reputation depressed real estate prices in the area relative to much of the rest of Manhattan until the early 1990s.

Throughout its history, Hell's Kitchen has figured prominently in the New York City underworld, especially in the Irish American Mob. Gangsters like Owney Madden, bootleggers like Bill Dwyer, and Westies leaders James Coonan and Mickey Featherstone were Hell's Kitchen natives. The rough and tumble days on the West Side figure prominently in Damon Runyon's stories. Various Manhattan ethnic conflicts formed the basis of the musical and film West Side Story. - wikipedia.org

tipper gore

Mary Elizabeth Gore (née Aitcheson) (born August 19, 1948), commonly known as Tipper Gore, is an author, photographer, former Second Lady of the United States, and the now-separated wife of Al Gore. She is also well known for her active role in the Parents Music Resource Center and voicing strong opinions for the labelling of record covers of releases featuring profane language, especially in the heavy metal and rap genres.

In June 2010, after 40 years of marriage, Gore and her husband announced in an e-mail that they were separating.

America's Got Talent is a British-owned American reality television series on the NBC television network. It is a talent show that features singers, dancers, magicians, comedians and other performers of all ages competing for the advertised top prize of US$1 million. The show debuted in June 2006 for the summer television season. Starting in the third season, the Talent top prize included US$1 million, payable in a financial annuity over forty years (or the present cash value of such annuity), and a show as the headliner on the Las Vegas Strip. - wikipedia.org

Meat of the America's Got Talent: A weekly talent competition where an array of performers -- from singers and dancers, to comedians and novelty acts -- vie for a $1 million cash prize.

wipeout tv show

Wipeout is an American game show series in which contestants compete in what is billed as the "world's largest obstacle course". The series premiered on June 24, 2008 on ABC. Wipeout is hosted (and commentated) by John Henson (formerly of E! Entertainment's Talk Soup) and John Anderson (ESPN's SportsCenter).

Jill Wagner co-hosts, and acts as the "on-location" presenter (Henson and Anderson presenting from a broadcast booth inside a studio). The executive producers are Matt Kunitz (Fear Factor) and Scott Larsen, and the co-executive producers are Trice Barto, Shye Sutherland, J. Rupert Thompson and Kevin Wehrenberg. Distribution of the show is handled by Endemol USA.

The strict definitions for lamb, hogget and mutton vary considerably between countries. In New Zealand for example, they are defined as follows:

Lamb â€" a young sheep under 12 months of age which does not have any permanent incisor teeth in wear
Hogget â€" a young male sheep or maiden ewe having no more than two permanent incisors in wear
Mutton â€" a female (ewe) or castrated male (wether) sheep having more than two permanent incisors in wear.

In Australia the definitions are extended to include ewes and rams, as well as being stricter on the definition for lamb which is:

Lamb â€" 0 permanent incisors; female or castrate entire male ovine 0â€"12 months (note that the Australian definition requires 0 permanent incisors, whereas the New Zealand definition allows 0 incisors 'in wear'.)

The younger the lamb is, the smaller the lamb will be; however, the meat will be more tender. Sheep mutton is meat from a sheep over two years old, and has a less tender flesh. In general, the darker the colour, the older the animal. Baby lamb meat will be pale pink, while regular lamb is pinkish-red. - Wikipedia.org


mutton

The final Jeopardy clue today said this military organization has the motto “Building Strong.” The answer was the Army Corps of Engineers. Now, several hours later, the phrase “Building Strong” is a volcanic search term on Google, and small wonder. The Army Corps of Engineers has been somewhat quiet lately, and when you think about, you haven’t heard much about them since they built the Hoover Dam, right?

However, the Army Corps of Engineers is still alive and well, and even active in helping America with any engineering projects that relate to infrastructure, particularly what relates to waterways. - current-movie-reviews.com

Circuit parties are a planned series of large dance and music events featuring awesome production numbers, state of the art sound and lighting and big name dance DJs. This web of life adds another mesh of color to its net with the forthcoming birth of CircuitAsia  in Manila. This raunchy, excitingly impulsive place revs up to be one of the most happening circuit party places" on the planet.

As the rest of the world embraces the celebration of life, from Montreals Black and Blue Parties to Floridas White Parties, Manila joins them in recognizing the reason for such celebration-AIDS Awareness. We recognize this issue, not as a pure exaltation for acceptance, but as a common acknowledgement that AIDS is a global plague and will soon be the biggest threat to humanity.

Taking the cue from visionaries like Jeffrey Sanker and major personalities in the circuit party scene, we now bring this ground breaking and elevated style of partying to the exotic east. The eclectic and electric rainbow of understanding, solidarity and acceptance will soon get a fresh voltage of high as Manila prepares to become Southeast Asias most happening party destination. With the rest of the world having had its share, its now Asias turn to shout it high and loud, with the electrifying coming-out bash, CircuitAsia this April 2005. - PRweb

Over 90 local and international exhibitors have reserved exhibition space in the fourth annual e-Services Philippines exhibit organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

Companies and organizations from e-Services sectors - including medical transcription, contact center, software development, BPO and animation services - are coming in force this year to showcase their expertise and support one of the governments principal initiatives for promoting the Philippines as a premiere IT outsourcing hub," said CITEM IT services director Josephine Briones-Gonzalez.

The strong showing is driven by the important business advantages provided by the exhibit to exhibitors. e-Services is an extremely cost-effective opportunity for companies to communicate first-hand with potential clients in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Each year, the exposition draws over 10,000 local and international trade visitors," she said. Thats a very large number of prospects to see over the course of just two days. And these people are here because they have an interest in outsourcing to the Philippines, so they are pre-qualified." - prweb.com

Philippine IT Offshore Network (PITON), a consulting firm specializing in offshore IT outsourcing and business process outsourcing (BPO) reported securing the country's single largest healthcare outsourcing contract valued at US$2.5M. The project entails providing the medical transcription (MT) requirements of Health Partners, the third largest health maintenance organization (HMO) in Minnesota, USA.

An HMO is an organization which provides comprehensive healthcare coverage to its members through a network of doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers.

PITON announced a month ago its strategic partnership with a prestigious and well-respected US healthcare consultancy called Midwest that aims to establish in the US Midwest the competitive advantages of outsourcing data transcription requirements to Philippine vendors. Securing the contract of Health Partners is the first outgrowth of their collaborative efforts.

With a rollout phase of 100,000 lines per day, the project will be ramped up to 250,000 to 350,000 lines within the next 12 months. "This demand is actually twice the current output of all MT service providers in the country combined," said PITON CEO Ralf Ellspermann, "and presents a significant win not only for PITON and Midwest, but for the industry as a whole as it will fuel growth and generate over 500 local jobs.

Superferry Promo

Manila to Cebu
Manila to Bacolod
Manila to Iloilo and Iloilo to Manila

Selling period starts    :    June 1, 2010
Sailing period starts    :    June 7, 2010

Available online only! Book and Buy through www.SuperFerry.com.ph,
first come first serve basis.

FARES
     Super/Mega    : P500
     Tourist    :      P700
     Cabin    :      P900
     State Room    : P2,000

Get the lowest fares, purchase your tickets online!
https://www.superferry.com.ph/eticket/search.asp

PLEASE NOTE

   1. Prices are inclusive of fuel, security fee and 12% VAT and exclusive of terminal fee, optional insurance and service fee.
   2. Tickets are non-transferable and nonâ€"refundable but may be revalidated with applicable surcharges, plus fare difference.
   3. Promo is available for both with and without meals ticket.
   4. Promo is available for open voyages only.
   5. Other discounts such as Round Trip, Student, Disabled and Senior Citizen are not available.

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Visit http://www.SuperFerry.com.ph
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Call +63 2 528-7000, Mondays to Sundays, 6:00AM to 10:00PM GMT+8
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Gov. Erico Aumentado has brought home yesterday from his trip to Korea eight more mega projects amounting to billions of pesos that comprise the components of the eyed multi-industry cluster project.

With this, Aumentado foresees Korea as Bohol's top foreign donor, even for the Philippines, in the next ten years.

The talks in the conducive ambiance of Galleria Hyun, a high end resort overlooking the Presidential Palace and government center in Seoul, wrapped the best package the province can ever benefit.

Mansoo Kang, chair of the Presidential Council on National Competitiveness and senior economic adviser to the President, and Senior Secretary for Economic Affairs Joong-Kyung Choi (former ambassador to the Philippines) assured Aumentado of support for the next round of megaprojects of Bohol. - Bohol Chronicle

BY JUNE S. BLANCO

The only safe place in Wednesday's dump truck tragedy in Balili, Jagna was pure and simple elsewhere.

Provincial Motor Pool casual driver Rodrigo Sotomayor Jr., 45, of Catigbian town and Tagbilaran City, and first year high school entrant Raymond James Borja, 13, of Jagna - a scholar at that - shared the same fate as a boulder rampaged onto the dump truck cab they were in while it was being loaded with limestone.

Sotomayor was part of the fleet of the Provincial Engineer's Office (PEO) that had widened the road that traverses barangays Malbog, Balili, Buyog and onwards - and used the excess materials to regravel other provincial roads.

Far from home, the fleet members - drivers and heavy equipment operators - usually look for boarding houses near their ongoing projects. Sotomayor found his in the home of casual laborer Armando Borja of Tagbilaran City but whose wife hails from the town.

Soon, Sotomayor got fond of the Borja children and vice versa. The children have even begun calling him "Papa Rudy."

The afternoon of that fateful day was quite hot and Armando had cautioned his son against going with Sotomayor, but he had insisted on going with his "Papa Rudy."

Soon, Sotomayor had positioned the dump truck a few meters away from a sloping limestone formation as the payloader loaded his dump box with the material.
     
All of a sudden, however, a boulder from the limestone sloping wall dislodged, rolled down, hit a protruding formation that catapulted the boulder forward so that it fell right on top of the dump truck cab, crushing it and its hapless driver and passenger to death.

By DEXTER A. SEE
Manila Bulletin

Health officials confirmed on Saturday that 41 people have been infected with anthrax, a deadly bacterial disease notoriously used in biological warfare, after they ate the meat from two carabaos that had died from sickness in Villaviciosa town, Abra.

Dr. Myrna Cabotaje, director of the Center for Health Development (CHD) in Cordillera, said the victims were lucky that none of them died.

Cabotaje said the situation has been put under control after antibiotics were immediately distributed to the residents to mitigate the effects of the anthrax disease.

Based on the report from the National Epidemiology and Surveillance Center, which conducted a field-based investigation in the town after the reported anthrax outbreak, there were 41 confirmed cases.

By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN
Manila Bulletin

Four persons were reported missing while another man was rescued after a speedboat sunk around 30 nautical miles east of Kinapusan in Tawi-Tawi, the Philippine Coast Guard reported Saturday.

PCG Public Information Officer Lt. Commander Armando Balilo said the Coast Guard Action Center based in Manila received a radio message from Mapun Station in Tawi-Tawi informing them that an unregistered speedboat from the town of Sibutu accidentally hit floating logs that caused the light vessel to submerge.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director Rene Aspera has vowed to make changes on their operation system following Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's orders to concentrate on controlling youth offenders in the city.

Aspera admitted that there will be "a paradigm shift" in their operations, as the mayor stressed he wants the police to be on top of the growing incidents of crimes committed by minors.

During their recent command conference, Duterte urged the police to carry out an immediate action on his observation that there is a "strong resurgence" of youth criminality in the city.

Duterte said the police should work with the officials of the barangays to conduct monitoring at the ground level. - PNA

At least four Army soldiers died and two others were wounded in an ambush staged by New People’s Army (NPA) on Sunday in a remote village in Presentacion town in Camarines Sur, a military officer said Monday.

The four bodies of dead soldiers, including an officer earlier reported to be missing, were retrieved also on Sunday by Army trooper in an upland village of Presentacion town in Camarines Sur.

Lt. Col. Ernesto Cruz, Commander of the 42nd Infantry Battalion, said that his unit has already found the bodies of the missing soldiers near the encounter site.

“All of my missing soldiers are already accounted for. We will immediately transport them towards our headquarters in Nabua town,” said Cruz.

Cruz identified the fatalities as First Lieutenant Miguel Logronio Jr., a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2009, Corporal Arturo Hernandez, Pfc. Albert Jamera, and Pfc. Edwin Britannico. All of them suffered multiple gunshot and shrapnel wounds.

Injured were Private First Class Jerry Magdasoc and Carlos Codires, both sustained gunshot wounds on the legs. - PNA

A P1.2-billion investment package would spur social and economic activity in Albay and make the place a mega economic hub in Bicol in the next three years, the Regional Development Council (RDC) recently disclosed.

The RDC in its recent full council meeting endorsed to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) central office Albay’s GUICADALE Economic Platform with corresponding funding support.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda, concurrent RDC chair, in his presentation said the economic platform would serve as a physical framework strategy for the economic growth of the province which includes: the development of upland areas into a new suburban area; interconnecting the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon into a common economy for bigger domestic market and investments.

The project would be a principal intervention for disaster reduction by expanding areas for residential, commercial, industrial growth that is safer from disaster risks.

The provincial government of Albay completed the feasibility study of the project in 2008.

Salceda said the Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) of the project is estimated at 23.65 percent while the Net Present Value (NPV) is P872.5 million, which makes the project economically viable. - PNA

By ELLALYN DE VERA
Manila Bulletin

The Philippines gained international recognition from some 200 environment leaders and experts from Asia and Europe for serving as one of the pioneers of a low carbon reforestation program during the 2nd Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Development Conference held in Indonesia last week.

Climate Change Commission (CCC) representatives to the meeting noted the distinction conveyed by speakers from Cambodia and Europe acknowledging the reforestation programs of the Philippines as part of the mitigation efforts to combat climate change.

Based on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) data, a total of 244,022 hectares were reforested since 2001, or more than three times the size of Singapore.

In 2009, P1.5 billion was allocated for reforestation, the biggest single year allocation from regular budget for forestry. As a result, a total of 50,024 hectares were planted, which generates an estimated 50,024 jobs. - manila bulletin

By Lilybeth G. Ison

Canvassing of votes by both Chambers of Congress -- the Senate and the House of Representatives -- for president and vice president was delayed Monday due to technical questions on the automated system and allegations of electronic fraud.

Congress, which acts as the National Board of Canvasser (NBOC), resumed session at 2:38 p.m. Monday, but spent hours deliberating on the authenticity of the electronically transmitted certificates of canvass (CoCs).

Congress will canvass a total of 278 CoCs, 104 of which were electronically transmitted.

At 8:30 p.m., the NBOC started opening ballot boxes in the province of La Union, Hong Kong and Singapore countries, and Ilocos Norte.

The following are the results as of 10 p.m. Monday:

PRESIDENT:

Acosta â€" 1,805; Aquino â€" 205,967; Delos Reyes - 703; Estrada â€" 234,474; Gordon â€" 12,235; Madrigal - 1,227; Perlas â€" 895; Teodoro â€" 90,677; Villanueva â€" 29,804; Villar â€" 217,450.

VICE PRESIDENT:

Binay â€" 307,037; Chipeco â€" 761; Fernando â€" 23,399; Legarda - 195,378; Manzano â€" 9,113; Roxas â€" 232,986; Sonza â€" 1,442; Yasay - 17,575.

The NBOC has deferred the canvassing of votes for Baguio City, Ilocos Sur, Siquijor provinces due to some technicality. (PNA)

The public sounded off the call for re-elected Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim to uphold "transparency in handling the financial operations of the city government."

The call registered during a radio survey conducted yesterday over dyRD's top-rated "Radyo Merkado".

Those who aired the appeal for transparency cautioned the recurrence of unliquidated cash advances which highlighted the second term of Mayor Lim including the discovery of 32 missing vouchers by the Commission on Audit (COA).

The need for road improvement in the city registered as the second "most sought after" request among city residents who specified road sections in the city which badly need rehabilitation.

The road improvement plea came as an offshoot of the anapog-laying road projects which received criticism from the public shortly before the campaign period. Respondents likewise mentioned the poor road maintenance with potholes in almost all roads in the city proper.

It maybe noted that the city mayor with the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod received P50-million loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) intended to buy anapog (limestone).
         
It maybe recalled that the absence of a proper accounting of the first P50 million tranche generated public condemnation.

The mayor, in fact, wanted to have another P50 million released from the same bank but failed after a massive signature campaign asked DBP President Rey David to hold in abeyance the release until proper accounting can be done of the first P50 million tranche. - Bohol Chronicle

How's the performance of the BIT Law School in Tagbilaran?

thanks hubag and islander for the affectionate welcome.
unfortunately, tagbilaran is a bankrupt city, a fertile breeding ground for all hoodlums. 3 hold-ups in a day...

Hahaha nice, hubag bohol. They shop as if money will run out of circulation the next day.

Why women love to shop even on things that they don't actually need?

Chief, Facilities Management Section, P-4
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 21 Jun 2010
DATE OF ISSUANCE: 22 Apr 2010
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Economic Commission for Africa
DUTY STATION: Addis Ababa
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER:  10-ADM-ECA-424480-R-ADDIS ABABA (G)

Responsibilities
This post is located in the Division of Administration of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Under the guidance of the Director of the Division of Administration, within delegated authority, the Chief of Facilities Management Section (FMS) will be responsible for the maintenance and operation of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) facilities, including all mechanical facilities, utilities, operation of all equipment, grounds maintenance, electrical maintenance, elevator maintenance and upgrade, cleaning and other maintenance contractual services, supervision of UN maintenance (within the air conditioning, carpet, carpentry, upholstery, sign/paint, garden, general custodial, general maintenance, plumbing, machine and hardware shops as well as the stock room and compressor room), office and outside construction staff. The incumbent also oversees the maintenance and operation of the outside rented premises.

Competencies
- Professionalism: demonstrated professional competence and in-depth knowledge of the functioning and running of maintenance and operation of large facilities; shows proven understanding of technical, supervisory, human resources, procurement, finance, budget and accounting functions relating to these functions; demonstrated very good analytical skills and experience in handling complex organizational issues at the international level. - Planning and Organizing: develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments. - Communication: Excellent communications skills (oral, written and presentational); proven ability to defend and explain difficult issues and positions to staff including senior officials; demonstrated very good negotiating skills. - Client Orientation: Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. - Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology that relates to maintenance and operations of large facilities, and actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. - Leadership: Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; empowers others to translate vision into results. - Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff.

Administrative Officer

Responsibilities
This position is located in the Management and External Relations Programme Support of the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). Within delegated authority, the Administrative Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Budget and Finance: - Taking the lead with respect to the preparation and implementation of the programme support, ensuring that financial resources are utilized to implement activities in accordance with the Programme Budget and allotments issued. - monitoring and reviewing the programme of work and budget by conducting regular and special reviews to assess progress of actual work versus the programme of work. - coordinating the production of programme reports. - reviewing and analysing data with respect to the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals for submission to donors, providing support to project managers with respect to he elaboration of resource requirements; - preparing, in close consultation with the Management Team and project officers, budget estimates for approval of the Members of the Board of Trustees. - Preparing requests for allotments, ensuring appropriate expenditures. - Reviewing all requisitions generated by administration, on a regular basis and preparing relevant documentation/monitoring reports and data, and making appropriate recommendations with respect to budget performance reports; - reviewing and approving monthly accounts, and monthly reconciliations of bank accounts. - acting as Approving Officer for all financial transactions in accordance with the UN Financial Regulations and Rules. - preparing proposals of cash flow needs in line with investment procedures and follow up the implementation of such proposals by United Nations Headquarters. - defining requirements and work with systems units with respect to improving budget reporting systems and cost effective utilization of program resources. - developing procedures and implementing same to ensure that accounting and financial management controls are consistent with UN policy and practice. - supervising and/or providing guidance on financial administration and management information issues and practices to colleagues. - providing guidance and leadership to more junior and general service staff. Human Resource Management: - Effectively coordinating actions relative to the administration of human resource activities, e.g., recruitment, placement, promotion, performance appraisal, job classification reviews, separation of staff members, training etc., ensuring consistency in the application of UN rules and procedures. - Defining conditions of service, duties and responsibilities, and privileges and entitlements under the Staff Rules and Regulations. General Administration: - Overseeing work related to procurement, billing and receipt of income from various services, operational travel programme, procurement monitoring and evaluation of vendor contracts/payment to vendors and individual contractors for services. - Reviewing adequacy of unit space requirements. - Overseeing the identification of office technology needs and maintenance of equipment, software and systems, coordinating enhancements as necessary. - Performing other related work as required.

Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge of administrative, budgetary, financial and human resources policies and procedures. Ability to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations in work situations. Conceptual analytical and evaluate skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise. Is willing to learn from others: places team agenda before personal agenda; support and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be clients and seeks to see things from clients 'point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects.

Programme Budget and Planning Officer, P-3
Geneva-based

Responsibilities
The post is located in the Programme Planning and Budget Section (PPBS), Financial Resources Management Service, Division of Administration, UNOG. Under the overall supervision of the Chief, the Programme Planning and Budget Officer will be responsible for the following duties. STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK: Where appropriate, review, analyze submission from offices for the purpose of assisting the substantive offices and the Chief of PPBS in preparing and finalizing the relevant document, taking into account recommendations and decisions of specialized intergovernmental bodies. Assist the Chief of PPBS in providing substantive support to relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies in their review of the strategic framework and in securing approval from the General Assembly. BUDGET PREPARATION: Review and analyze data with respect to the finalization of the programmatic aspects as well as proposals/cost estimates â€" in terms of staff and non-staff requirements â€" from offices under the Section’s purview. Provide support to managers with respect to the elaboration of resources requirements for budget submissions. Review, analyze and provide input into finalization by Headquarters of programme budget implications statements in respect of additional mandates for the offices under the Section's purview. BUDGET ADMINISTRATION: Issue allotments and staffing tables, including redeployment of funds. Monitor budget implementation and determine/recommend reallocation of funds. Monitor expenditures to ensure that they remain within authorized levels and as per planned programmes. Monitor extrabudgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules, and established policies and procedures. Prepare relevant documentation with respect to budget performance submissions. Review and provide inputs with respect to the finalization by Headquarters of budget performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures. GENERAL: Keep up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to programme budgets, in particular “Result based budgeting” (RBB) and “Result based management” (RBM) and ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures. Perform other related duties, as may be assigned.

Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Proven conceptual, analytical, and evaluative skills and ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identifying issues, formulating options and making conclusions and recommendations. A complete, in-depth grasp of financial principles and practices, as well as accrual accounting/budgeting. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan. COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS LEARNING: Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the area. COMMUNICATION: Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with counterparts. TEAMWORK: Proven interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. ACCOUNTABILITY: Delivery of outputs for which has responsibility within prescribed time and quality standards. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Anticipates problems. Establishes and maintains productive partnership.

At least 2,000 security personnel coming from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) were mobilized Monday for the special elections on Thursday (June 3) in eight towns of Lanao del Sur province.

The augmentation troops from the regional and provincial mobile force of the PNP, the composite teams from the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion, 43rd Infantry Battalion (IB) and 1st Light Armor Battalion started their tactical movement to help maintain the peace and order in the area.

The 103rd Infantry Brigade and 601st Infantry Brigade which supervise their respective field troops are under operation control of the Army’s 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division of the AFP’s Western Mindanao Command (WestMincom) led by Lt. Gen. Ben Dolorfino.

The troops' tactical movement already started Sunday.

The tactical command post provisional battalion is situated at Kampo Ranao in Marawi City.

The composite troops spread their forces in the municipalities of Lumba Caunayan, Sultan Dumalondong, Tugaya, Marogong, Masiu, Tubaran, Bayang and Lumba Bayabao, all of lanao del Sur province. - pna

Children of captured soldier Corporal Marcial Bawagan of the Philippine Army have joined the calls for the safe release of their father and his three other companions from captivity by the communist New People's Army (NPA).

In an appeal aired over Radio Mindanao Network, the six-year-old daughter of Bawagan urged his father's captors to release him as her birthday gift.

She said she will celebrate her birthday on June 7 and urged the rebels that she wants her father beside her when she celebrates her birthday.

She also told her father that she misses him so much that she wishes her father would reunite with them soon.

The eldest son also appealed to the rebels to heed the call of his younger sister.

He said they all miss their father.

Ironically, the rebels abducted Bawagan and his companions during the birthday celebration of his youngest son. - PNA

The military vowed to continue its operation in the barangays of Sibulan and Baracatan, Toril, Davao City in order to clear the area from the presence of the New People's Army rebels.

Lt. Colonel Cesar De Mesa, commanding officer of the 69th Infantry Battalion, said the ongoing operation is part of the effort to run after the rebels who ambushed and killed four soldiers in Barangay Baracatan last May 22.

He said the military will no longer leave these areas until the front committee 54 of the NPA is gone.

He said the operations will continue even if they lost one soldier and wounded five others in the latest encounter at Sitio Mamaon, Barangay Baracatan last Saturday.

De Mesa identified the latest fatality as Private First Class Melenio Dalisay while the five wounded soldiers were Corporal Emmanuel Dutsa, Privates First Class Noy Achay, Henrich Emar, Robbie Balbuena and Sherwin Diaz. - PNA

The Dinagyang Festival tribe is one of the six groups that will be perform at the Quirino Grandstand during the 2010 Kalayaan Parade slated this coming June 12.

The celebration will “focus on the milestone achievements of the Arroyo administration, specifically on the socio-economic programs that have benefitted millions of Filipinos throughout the country,” said Ludovico Badoy, the chair of the technical working group of the Kalayaan 2010 in his letter to Mayor Jerry P. Trenas.

City Tourism and Development Planning Office head Benito Jimena said the National Historical Commission (NHC) specifically invited the festival champion, Tribu Paghidaet, to perform during the two-hour production “that will feature the country’s leading performing artists and street dance performers from the regions and Manila.”

“I think that’s a recognition that Dinagyang is happy to get; being one of the groups invited to showcase Philippine culture,” Jimena said. - pna

Iloilo City mayor and congressman-elect Jerry P. Trenas will leave Iloilo City with a sound financial standing and as one of the local government units (LGUs) in the country to be included in the billionaire’s list.

Mayor Jerry P. Trenas said he really worked to ensure that this city will attain financial stability.

He cited that to date there are even on-going construction of buildings that will enhance the economic situation of the city and boost the collection of this local government unit (LGU).

The city’s 2010 budget is about P1.2 billion and Trenas expects it to increase to a little more than five percent in the 2011 appropriations. - pna

Gloria Arroyo's son is on a party list that represents the poor security guards. It seems Arroyo's is the only kid of a country's president whose bread and butter is to guard lives and properties. Long live security guards in the Philippines.

An Indian trader was found dead in Dumarao, Capiz on Sunday, or a day after he was allegedly kidnapped by unidentified men in this city.

Capiz provincial police director Josephus Angan identified the victim as Naib Singh, 38, a resident of Gran Plains Subdivision in Jaro, Iloilo City.

Angan said that investigators were still verifying reports that Singh, who was engaged in lending business, was abducted in Sara, Iloilo on Saturday and was taken to Dumarao by the suspects.

Investigators were also confirming reports that Singh's abductors asked for P7 million from his family in exchange for his freedom. The ransom demand was later reduced to P1 million.

However, Singh’s body was discovered before the ransom could be paid.

The residents found Singh's remains at Mount Napatagan in Sitio Ulong in Barangay Sibariwan, Dumarao town, with signs of torture all over the body. - pna

Cebu Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez has alleged that most of the asphalting projects of the Cebu Provincial Government in various municipalities are substandard and can easily be wiped out by flash floods and ordinary flow of rainwater.

Sanchez said these substandard asphalting projects do not last long and are clearly a waste of taxpayers’ money.

But Cebu Provincial Engineer Eulogio Pelayre denied the vice governor’s allegations, saying the province has no substandard asphalting project, and there have been no complaints form the barangay captains or the mayors.

Pelayre said the asphalting projects started during the time of former governor Pablo Garcia, now Cebu 2nd district congressman.

At least 723 kilometers of roads have been asphalted from the time of former governor Pablo Garcia in 2005 until the present administration of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

Pelayre said that except for the portion in Naga City that was hit by flash floods, there is no report of asphalted roads being washed out. - pna

The Lapu-Lapu City Council has given Mayor Arturo Radaza authority to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that allows the City to collect its share from the implementation of the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge Law or Republic Act (RA) 8794.

The city wants to take over the maintenance and improvement of its roads from the DPWH, which is allowed by Executive Order (EO) 124 issued in January 1987.

The EO mandates DPWH to decentralize its functions with local government units (LGUs) that have adequate technical capability.

Vice Mayor Mario Amores said DPWH is not focused on repairing dilapidated national roads in the city, and even if it’s the DPWH’s failure, the public blames the City Government.

The city had to fix large potholes stretching from Poblacion Public Market to Cordova town using its own funds. It also approved an ordinance asking DPWH to turn over to the local government unit maintenance of the road leading to Barangay Punta Engano. - pna

A ranking official of the Maguindanao provincial agrarian reform office narrowly survived a daylight assassination attempt here Monday.

Responding policemen who arrived less than one minute after the crime was committed, arrested the suspect.

Senior Insp. Wally Kasuyo, chief of police of station No. 1, said Maguindanao provincial agrarian reform officer (PARO) Bing Bacar was shot at close range by lone gunman at about 3:30 p.m. along a busy Quezon Avenue, this city.

Bacar aboard her pick-up vehicle parked near a bakery store while her nephew was buying bread at the bakery.

An unidentified man armed with hand gun approached the passenger side of Bacar’s vehicle and opened fire three times.

She sustained two gunshot wounds in her arms and body and being treated at a private hospital here. Bacar’s driver was also slightly injured. - pna

Cebu City Hall’s executive building will be renovated under mayor-elect Michael Rama’s administration.

The renovation is seen to complement the restoration of other historical lands in the downtown area.

Rama, the current city vice mayor, said he wants the legislative building to connect to the executive building’s ground floor, where he intends to hold office when he assumes as city mayor.

He also wants to complete the restoration of Plaza Independencia, the Rizal Memorial Public Library and the old buildings that will be part of the waterfront area during his term.

Rama said the renovation does not have to start right away since the City Treasurer’s Office’s sections on the ground floor should also be given time to relocate.

”The executive building needs renovation but I don’t know if it’s too soon. I’ve always been dreaming for it to look like what we have here in the legislative building. It should not have one entrance and when you get in the main entrance, you should be able to go to the executive,” Rama said.

Cebu City Hall’s legislative and executive buildings are two separate structures that have their own entrances and exists, but a ramp was built on the second floor to connect both buildings.

The legislative building was closed in 2006 for a major renovation, which cost the City government P120 million. - pna