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Next is Philippine Azkals vs Kuwait July 23, 2011.
Let's cheer for our team.

Man gets 15 years, P2.4-M fine for killing teen over cigarette
By Pete Laude The Philippine Star

Manila, Philippines - A Caloocan City court sentenced a man to 15 years’ imprisonment Thursday and ordered him to pay a total of P2.4 million to the family of the teenager he killed three years ago over a cigarette.

Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 128 Judge Eleanor Kwong found Leorico Capati guilty of homicide for the 2008 killing of 18-year-old Raymark Goque.

Capati was sentenced in absentia after he jumped bail and went into hiding.

Court records show that on Feb. 3, 2008, at around 3 a.m., Capati â€" a resident of Barangay 16 in Caloocan City â€" became angry when Goque, a supermarket salesclerk, gave him the one he was puffing when Capati asked for a cigarette.

Capati, who was drunk, traded blows with Goque. The teenager overpowered him, until he drew a knife and stabbed Goque eight times. One of the knife thrusts pierced Capati’s heart, another his lung.

In a seven-page decision, Kwong said Capati killed Goque “without any justifying circumstance” and during the trial of the case Capati jumped bail. “His flight is a strong indication of his guilt,” Kwong said.

Mao niy Mayor nga tinuod ang paglaban sa katawhan.
Actually, nihangyo ang mayor nga aron walay gubot, nangayo siya ug duha ka oras para enegotiate ang squatters aron walay riot nga mahitabo.

Pila ra gud pud nang duha ka oras.

Bravo to the Dutertes of Davao. Mga isog. Mao gamay ray crime sa Davao City.

Mga kaigsuonang Bol-anon, atong pamalandongan kini.

1997: Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule.

At midnight on June 30/July 1, 1997, the crown colony of Hong Kong officially reverted to Chinese sovereignty, ending 156 years of British rule. After a formal handover ceremony on July 1 that culminated a 13-year transition period, the colony became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China. The Sino-British Joint Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong (1984) stipulated that under Chinese rule the HKSAR would enjoy a high degree of autonomy, except in matters of foreign relations and defense, and that the social and economic systems as well as the lifestyle in Hong Kong would remain unchanged for 50 years after 1997.

source: Britannica Encyclopedia

makalugpot sa kalimutaw.

Unsa kahay nakapaktukmod sa asawa nga iya man ni nga gibuhat sa iyang bana?
Warning kaha pud ni sa mga bana nga magduwa ug laing team?

by PNA

Microsoft on Tuesday launched its cloud service Office 365, which was the software giant's answer to competing products from Google and other companies.

The service includes on-line versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and other Office applications, as well as Microsoft 's communication and collaboration tools such as Exchange, SharePoint and Lync.

It will allow users to work on files and documents at the same time using instant messaging and video-conferencing.

"Where does Office meet the cloud? It's Office 365, the absolute best productivity and collaboration service for business around the world," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said at a webcast event.

Microsoft said that Office 365 is now available in 40 markets with choices for small and big businesses ranging from 2 to 27 U.S. dollars per user per month.

Office 365 will compete directly with the web-based Google Apps, which Google sells for 50 dollars per user per year.

Microsoft's service was introduced in beta last year and the company said response was enthusiastic with more than 200,000 organizations signed up and began testing it in a few months.

U.S. stocks rallied on Monday as investors were betting on the passage of new austerity measures in Greece to avoid a debt default.

Local media reported on Monday that French banks had agreed to accept slower repayment of Greece's debt, giving Greece more time to deal with its financial obligations.

Meanwhile, Greek lawmakers were still arguing before a critical vote on more austerity measures in order to get a new round of bailout money.

Investors also shrugged off downbeat economic news on U.S. consumer finance. Government data showed that consumer spending unexpectedly stagnated in May as employment prospects dimmed and rising inflation caused Americans to cut back.

source: PNA

U.S. stocks rallied on Monday after major indexes suffered their seventh decline in eight weeks, as investors were betting on the passage of new austerity measures in Greece to avoid a debt default.

The blue-chip Dow jumped 108.98 points, or 0.91 percent, to end at 12,043.56, with Bank of America and Microsoft leading the gains, both up more than three percent at the close.

All 10 big cap sectors in the Standard & Poor's 500 gained on Monday, driving the broader index up 11.65 points, or 0.92 percent, to 1,280.10.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index were the best performer among major indexes, rallying 35.39 points, or 1.33 percent, to 2, 688.28.

Market sentiment were lifted after local media reported on Monday that French banks had agreed to accept slower repayment of Greece's debt, giving Greece more time to deal with its more urgent financial obligations.

Meanwhile, Greek lawmakers were still arguing before a critical vote on more austerity measures in exchange for a new round of bailout money. Investors were confident that the austerity plan can survive the vote, avoiding a possible debt default.

Investors also shrugged off downbeat economic news on U.S. consumer finance.

A report from the Commerce Department showed consumer spending was flat in May as employment prospects dimmed and rising inflation caused Americans to cut back.

The London stock market rose slightly on Monday with the leading FTSE 100 index up by 24.62 points, or 0.43 percent, at 5,722.34 points.

Natural gas firm British Gas Group rose 2.24 percent after signing a cooperation agreement with Bank of China, under which the latter will provide up to 1.5 billion U.S. dollars of new funding to support BG's growth program. (PNA/Xinhua)

Pwede pud Sweet Tooth Candy.

sacrificial pawn, in this case.

Kamao pud motubag si Botoy. heheheh.

an ample arsenal of beer. heheheh.

by PNA

The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) has approved two resolutions supporting the move to convert the Municipality of Balamban in Cebu’s western seaboard into a city.

Cebu PB Member Alex Binghay said Balamban meets all the requirements required by law to be a city.

Binghay, who is a former mayor of Balamban and now represents Cebu’s third district in the PB, sponsored the two approved resolutions yesterday, to make his town a city, and to ask Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu, third district), to pass a House bill for the purpose.

Binghay said he was reluctant to sponsor the resolutions at first because of the change of the tax level requirements.

But he said if Balamban becomes a city, its income will grow significantly.

He said once Balamban becomes a city, its charter will include provisions that will attract investments to the area.

Balamban hosts Tsuneishi, the biggest shipbuilding company in Cebu, which employs 13,000 highly-skilled workers.

Binghay’s resolutions were co-sponsored by his son-in-law, PB Member Ian Zambo.

Binghay pointed out the Local Government Code of 1991 stated a town may be converted into a city if it has a local average annual income of P100 million for the last two consecutive years.

It also required a population of not less than 150,000 and a contiguous territory of at least 100 square kilometers.

He said his town has a total land area of 33,700 hectares, 55 percent of which is classified as alienable and disposable lands. The remaining 44.51 percent is classified as timberland.

He said his town has a local income of P126.4 million.

Another company will build its plant in Balamban, an Ausralian firm that builds aluminum ships.

He said the company already had a P10-billion contract with the United States Navy for building military support ships.

great tips, Bai Hubs. I should read this over and over again.

By Angeline Valencia

The provincial command of the Philippine National Police (PNP) keeps on, slowly but surely, improving its performance despite a comfortable achievement of an overall crime solution efficiency rate of 47.3 percent, or 36 percent improvement compared to previous years.

In the first five months of this year, the city police solved 99 of the 323 crimes recorded so far, while the different police headquarters in the towns and the tourist police solved 359 of the total of 646 crimes recorded.

It has been observed that crime solution is more efficient in the towns with fewer crimes, as investigators can have more focus on each incident.

Among the towns that achieved 100 percent crime solution efficiency are Albur with seven incidents, Bilar with five incidents, Garcia-Hernandez with five incidents, Maribojoc with two incidents, Mabini with nine incidents, and Valencia with 22 incidents.

The tourist police solved all of the four incidents recorded.

Sagbayan which posted the highest crime volume of 42 has 18 of the incidents solved or an efficiency of 42.9 percent.

In Getafe where police recorded 32 incidents, the police solved 14 which posted an efficiency of 43.8 percent.

Bien Unido police achieved crime solution efficiency of 63.3 percent with 19 of the 30 incidents solved.

This performance trend, though considered below satisfactory, is already way ahead of the crime solution efficiency achieved in the past years that only ranged from 29-31 percent, according to Barot.

Barot said he always tackled crime solution efficiency in every command conference with municipal chiefs of police.

He, however, explained that there are really times of the year that crimes would surge, despite the programs that the police implement.

“That is why we try our best to solve each crime immediately to prevent a bottleneck. In fact, we continue to follow up on the status of the big incidents in Tagbilaran, its adjacent towns and other areas of the province. Until now, there are still crimes that remain unsolved,” according to Barot.

Barot also said that crime volume in the first five months of the year dropped to 969 from the 1,576 recorded in the same period last year.

This year’s trend fluctuates from 196 incidents recorded in January to 180 in February which rose to 193 in March and dropped again to 181 in April and on to 219 in May.

Barot said the crime volume trend remains low compared to the same period last year wherein the Bohol Police Provincial Office recorded 236 incidents in January, 302 in February, 366 in March, 320 in April and 352 in May.

Index crimes dropped from 1,153 last year to 786 this year, while non-index crimes also dropped from 423 last year to 183 this year. (PNA)

Tinuod diay tong estorya nga diha kono toy bana nga wa paduloga sa gabii, unja nanuba ug saging alas tres sa kadlawon.

Thanks Hubs for sharing this info. Very helpful.

By Margie Mason
Associated Press

Ultramodern Hong Kong is tussling with a centuries-old bug long forgotten in many developed countries â€" an outbreak of drug-resistant scarlet fever that has killed the first children there in a decade. And with it is the rise of a mutated strain that appears to be more contagious.

The number of cases has spiked this year to more than 500, with health officials issuing warnings in the southern Chinese city jammed with 7 million people and hypersensitive to any type of disease outbreak. Experts warn the main strain of the bacterial infection is likely transmitted easier. It is 60 percent resistant to two drugs of choice, up from a resistance level of 10 to 30 percent previously.

The illness leaves children with a fever, sore throat, bright red tongue and sandpapery rash. Penicillin still cures it, but doctors worry options will be limited if the germ eventually outsmarts that antibiotic before a vaccine is developed.

“That’s the cause of lots of nightmares,” said Dr. Edward Kaplan. He heads a World Health Organization research center at the University of Minnesota that focuses on the strep germ, which causes scarlet fever. “The fact that we still have penicillin is something we all get down on our knees and say prayers about each night.”

The widespread availability of penicillin and the development of other new antibiotics in the 20th century virtually wiped out diseases that were once major killers in developed countries, such as tuberculosis. But the overuse and misuse of drugs â€" patients not finishing a full prescription or taking antibiotics for a virus when they are only effective against bacteria â€" have allowed old bugs to fight back and eventually overpower antibiotics, rendering some of them useless.

By Danica Hermogenes
INQUIRER.net

Social networking and police work do not mix.

So says the Philippine National Police (PNP), which recently banned its personnel from using Facebook and Twitter while at work.

Following a P1 million increase in electric and water bills at the PNP’s headquarters in Quezon City, Camp Crame, support service Chief Superintendent James Andres Melad told reporters on Monday that police personnel caught using Facebook, and other electricity outlets outside of the appointed time schedule, will receive administrative sanctions.

“Demerits, maybe suspension or forfeiture of pay, and restrictions will be received by those who will violate my order,” Melad said, adding that administrative officers will be responsible for  monitoring employees under their respective commands regarding how they use electricity inside the sprawling police camp.

He said that aside from prohibiting the use of Facebook, use of television, air conditioners and water dispensers will be scheduled, and labeled, for specific times of use.

Earlier in the day, Melad said the PNP plans to have a  ‘forced black-out’ in Camp Crame to save electricity after the P1 million increase in its utility bill

by PDI

Josephine Martinez Ramos, second of five daughters of Former President Fidel Valdez Ramos, and former FL Amelita “Ming” Ramos, passed away early this morning June 27, 2011 at the Medical City, of lung cancer.

The office of the former President issued the following statement about Ms. Ramos :

Fondly known as “Jo” and a musical artist who trained under Prof. Carmencita Guanzon-Arambulo, founder of the Greenhills Music Studio.

Jo performed in several concerts at the CCP with budding talents like Marites Salientes, Louie Ocampo and Rowena Arrieta. Jo was also a back-up singer with the Gary Valenciano Group, Mon Faustino Powerplay Band, and was a percussionist of note with other musical ensembles.

Her love of music, arts and sports, Jo had always claimed, “was inherited from her mother.”

A product of the I.S. Manila, where she was a scholar, Jo also attended the UP College of Fine Arts and various dance and music workshops in the US. As part of an athletic family, Jo was a champion water-skier, and was a member of the RP Ladies National Water Skiing Team that won medals in the SEA Games.

Jo was born on Jan. 18, 1957 at the Mary Johnston Hospital in Tondo. As a single parent, Jo is survived by her 17-year old son, Sergio, a high school senior who is studying music, drama and dance.

Her remains lie in state at La Funeraria Paz, Manila Memorial Park, Sucat, Parañaque. Interment will be on July 1 at 12:00nn.

by Gemino H. Abad
University Professor emeritus
Department of English & Comparative Literature, UP Diliman

A people is only as strong as their memory. A country without memory has no history.

We are a peace-loving, forgiving, “maawain” people. Ferdinand E. Marcos is forgiven, although as far as we shall ever know, he died mute and unrepentant. But his legacy is not forgotten â€" the hypocrisy and violence of his “New Society,” the rapine by his cronies and sycophants, his hidden loot, his deception with his fake medals and phony guerrilla unit; the repression, corruption, and injustice; the ruin of our country’s economy; the military abuse, torture and “salvaging”; all these throughout his Martial Law dictatorship. To the very present, we suffer from that bitter legacy.

I say this without sarcasm or irony: “Bury Marcos in Batac where he is truly loved.”

As for the Congress of 2011 and those 262 so-called people’s representatives, let them look to a time ago when a crowd screamed at Pilate for him to release Barabbas to them, and Pilate acquiesced, had a Man crucified, and then washed his hands.

My earnest prayer for those 262 amnesiac Congress(woe)men: May they not follow after Anatole France’s “Procurator of Judaea” who lost his memory of ever having met the Man he had crucified because, listening to a vociferous mob of fanatics, opportunists, and bootlickers, he was afraid of losing his power and influence with the Roman emperor.

e-mailed by a friend

"Dear Almighty Lord God Jesus Christ, I thank you for this day, for this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.

I thank you for my being able to see, and to hear, and to speak, and to feel, and to taste of Your good creation this day and every day.

I'm blessed because you are such a loving and such
a forgiving God, and such an understanding and caring God.
You have done so much for me and yet you keep on blessing me.
Forgive me this day for everything
I have ever done, or ever said or ever thought
That was not pleasing to you. I say I am so sorry.
I now repent and ask for your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe O God
From all danger, hurt, and harm.
Help me to start this day and every day
With a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.
Let me make the best of each and every day,
To clear my mind so that I can hear from you.
Please broaden my mind so that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper
Over things I have no control over, for all things are working together for my good and God's Glory.
And when I'm pushed beyond my limits, give me the
best response, a response which says Alleluia, and
Praise the Lord, and Thanks be unto the Most
High God Almighty, I know that when I can't
pray, You listen to the prayer of my heart.
Continue to use me to do your will.
Continue to bless me so that I may be
A blessing to others.
Keep me strong so that I may help the weak...
Keep me uplifted so that I may have
Words of encouragement for the discouraged.
I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way, that they come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, even through this Prayer I am now praying.

I pray for those that are misjudged

Misguided, misused, and misunderstood.
I pray for those who don't know you intimately.
I pray for those who will delete this prayer
without sharing the Love of God with others
I pray for those that don't believe.
But I thank You, that I do believe
That God changes people and God changes things.
I pray for all my sisters and brothers.
For each and every one of the family members
In their households. I pray for peace, love, and joy
in their homes; I pray that they are out of debt
And that all their financial needs are met, and they have more than enough to be a blessing to others.
I pray for every eye that reads and says this Prayer
That they come to know that there is no problem, no circumstance, no situation that is greater than God, for God is greater than all, God is greater in all, God is greater through all, and God is greater upon all.
For God, the Most High God Almighty of all the Universes is truly the Greatest of All.

I pray for all my enemies, and those who have used me and abused me, and have lifted up their hands and their tongue against me. I now forgive them for all they have done. In Jesus Name, all my enemies are now forgiven, and I pray God forgiveness upon all my enemies, for they do know what they are doing, for I am a Child of God.


So every battle that I have ever encountered in my life is now in God's Loving hands, for You, O God fights all my battles for me.

I pray that these words be believed, received and accepted

into the hearts of every eye that sees them
and every tongue that confesses them
in name of Jesus Christ, I pray believing,
receiving and accepting God's miracles in my life this
day and every day, for God's Divine favor is now my
heritage, in Jesus Name. Amen and Amen! It is
done! O' Praise The Lord! Alleluia!

Maybe Stanpilco (banana).

by PNA

The intensified drive against smokers also came on the heels of a study by the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), showing that 17.3 million Filipinos are smokers.

The survey also said that the number of Filipinos exposed to second-hand smoke numbered around six million.

by PNA

A 2009 study conducted by the National Statistics Office’s Family Income and Expenditure Survey found out that residents of Metro Manila spend a staggering P4 billion on tobacco products annually.

Island City Mall by Ted Ramasola

By Rainier Allan Ronda and Helen Flores The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos traveling overseas as tourists are complaining of abusive and arrogant immigration examiners at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), sources said yesterday.

In the name of intensifying the government fight against human trafficking, Bureau of Immigration (BI) examiners are reportedly offloading tourists who cannot present income tax returns (ITRs), certificates of employment, and bank account statements to prove they are wealthy enough to travel abroad.

Filipino tourists who happen to “look poor” are said to be subjected by certain BI-NAIA agents to these demands. “If you are dark-skinned, or you’re not one to dress in expensive clothes or for any reason you look like you are not wealthy, be ready to be subjected to their discrimination all in the name of the fight against human trafficking,” a NAIA source said.

Dubai-bound Filipino tourists are reportedly targeted by BI-NAIA examiners, another source said.

BI spokeswoman Maria Antonette Mangrobang said examiners at NAIA are indeed demanding ITRs, employment certificates and bank statements from Filipino tourists, especially those bound for Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok.

”The screening of tourists has been tightened as part of the drive against human trafficking,” she said, adding that the three destinations are jump-off points for Filipinos eyeing to work illegally in Middle East countries.

Mangrobang said they do not condone abusive behavior by examiners. She called on complainants to report such incidents by calling 527-3281 or 527-3248 or filing a report on the BI’s website.

She said complainants should name the examiner involved, the terminal where the examiner is assigned, and the time of the incident.

Hi Ben,

I would like to add Banana. Reason: http://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/health/health-benefits-of-banana/
Also, we should include in the list: Fish (fresh, natural, organic)

That's right Hubs. Raw fruits and vegetables ang solution sa mga sakit.

Angay na gyud ibalik ning death penalty kay misamot ka dautan ang mga tawo karon. Bisan dos-anyos nabiktima sa pag-among-among.

20 years younger labina kung GRO ang maminyoan. Heheheh

by BBC

An extreme eight-week diet of 600 calories a day can reverse Type 2 diabetes in people newly diagnosed with the disease, says a Diabetologia study.

Newcastle University researchers found the low-calorie diet reduced fat levels in the pancreas and liver, which helped insulin production return to normal.

Seven out of 11 people studied were free of diabetes three months later, say findings published in the journal.

More research is needed to see whether the reversal is permanent, say experts.

Type 2 diabetes affects 2.5m people in the UK. It develops when not enough insulin is produced in the body or the insulin that is made by the body doesn't work properly.

When this happens, glucose - a type of sugar - builds up in the blood instead of being broken down into energy or fuel which the body needs.

The 11 participants in the study were all diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes within the previous four years.

They cut their food intake drastically for two months, eating only liquid diet drinks and non-starchy vegetables.

By Frances Mangosing
INQUIRER.net

A Filipina nurse inherited $33 million (not $2 million as earlier reported) from mysterious American heiress Huguette Clark, a news report said.
Hadassah Peri also earlier received $2 million from Clark to  buy properties, which include a $700,000 house in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, and a $500,000 home in a golf course in the Jersey Shore, the New York Daily Times said in a report.

“I was her private duty nurse, but also her close friend,” Peri, 60, an immigrant of the Philippines and a married mother of three, was quoted by the New York Daily Times as saying through a spokesman.

“I knew her as a kind and generous person with whom I shared many wonderful moments and whom I love very much,” added Peri, who saw Clark every day for 20 years. “I am profoundly sad at her passing, awed at the generosity she has shown me and my family.”
The report also said that Clark, who was worth $400 million, also left $500,000 each to her lawyer, Wallace (Wally) Bock, 79, and her accountant, Irving Kamsler, 64.

Clark  died on May 24, aged 104, leaving behind empty mansions and a dispute over her fortune.
Clark, inherited his father’s fortune, a US senator and a copper mining tycoon. She grew up in a New York mansion with 121 rooms.

Reports said she lived in isolation and refused to be photographed. She was said to live in recluse after her childless, short-lived marriage at age 22.
Her last photograph known dates to the day her divorce came through, August 11, 1930.

by PDI

WASHINGTONâ€"The United States said Thursday it was ready to provide hardware to modernize the Philippine military, and the Philippines vowed to “stand up to aggressive action” amid rising tension at sea with China.

“We are determined and committed to supporting the defense of the Philippines,” US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said when asked about the hardware wish list from the Philippines.

She said the United States was committed to providing the Philippines affordable military equipment (negosyo gihapon) to defend itself.

In a joint news conference with Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, Clinton also said Washington would honor its 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with Manila that calls on each country to help defend the other against an external attack in their territories or in “the Pacific area.”

Del Rosario, with Clinton at his side, said the Philippines hoped to lease equipment to upgrade its aged fleet and called for the allies to revamp their relationship in light of the friction with China.

Tensions in the Spratly Islands have escalated in recent weeks, with the Philippines and Vietnam alarmed at what they say are increasingly aggressive actions by China in the disputed waters.

Several Southeast Asian nations have been seeking closer relationships with the United States, which since last year has called loudly for freedom of navigation in the strategic and resource-rich sea.

kay sa amon gid ang kwarta ginapiko, ginapala.

from Cebu Pacific Newsletter

We are putting 18 destinations from our Cebu hub on sale from now until June 26, 2011 or until seats last, for travel from August 1 to September 30, 2011.

Our fares are as low as P488 from Cebu to Bacolod, Boracay (Caticlan), Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Clark, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Legazpi, Manila, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Siargao, Surigao, Tacloban or Zamboanga.

Get easy access to the best of Philippine beaches and diving destinations like Surigao, Siargao, Dumaguete and Zamboanga!

This seat sale also covers flights from Manila to Calbayog and Catarman for only P488. You can also buy discounted seats from Davao to Cagayan de Oro at P288.

you're welcome, Mauricio. Feel free to post your articles on stock trading here in tubagbohol.com.

published by Philippine News Agency

Ilonggos spend more and save less, according to Vicente Balinas, the president of the Philippine Statistical Association-Western Visayas chapter, citing the result of the 2009 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) of the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Balinas, who was one of the discussants during the presentation of the result Tuesday, pointed out that the percent share of average expenditure from the average income nationwide is 85 percent or a savings of 15 percent.

In Western Visayas, however, the average share for expenditures is at 90 percent or a savings of only 10 percent.

The region is the bigger spender compared with Central and Eastern Visayas which incurred a 17 percent and 20 percent savings, respectively.

“Have the results validated the perception that we are quite extravagant compared to the regions in the Visayas? We Ilonggos spend more and save less,” Balinas said.

Another very noticeable data, he said, was that the region had a higher spending on special family occasions compared even with that of the national rating.

The result shows that 3.5 percent of the average annual family income in the region is spent on special family occasions against the 2. 8 percent national rate.

“Again has it validated that as a group of people in Western Visayas we are fond of having parties?" he said.

The expenditure on medical care also surpassed the national rate of 2.9 percent with the region obtaining a 3. 9 percent share.

Meanwhile, the FEIS result also showed that around 44.5 percent of the income earned by families in Western Visayas is spent on food and 10.9 percent on rental followed by fuel, light and water at six percent. Other expenditures account for 9.3 percent.

The average annual family income in Western Visayas, according to Balinas, actually increased by 2.1 percent, putting into account inflation.

“At current prices, the annual family income in Western Visays increased by 22.3 percent but adjusting to inflation between 2006 and 2009 at 2000 prices the average annual family income increased only by 2.1 percent. That is the reason why we cannot feel the impact of this increase due to inflation. The purchasing power of Ilonggo is eroded by high inflation,” he said.

The FEIS is held every three years and the last survey was conducted in 2009.

It gathers data on family income and expenditures, determine the sources of income, levels of expenditure and spending, patterns and related information affecting income distribution and expenditure levels likewise the distribution and degree of inequality among families.

It also aimed to provide benchmark information to update weights in the consumer price index (CPI) and inputs in the the country’s poverty threshold and incidence.

In Western Visayas, the survey was conducted with 1,452 respondent families. It was twice enumerated. The first visit was in July 2009 with the first semester (January to June) as the reference period and January 2010 with the second semester (July to December 2009) as reference period. (PNA)
LAP/RMA/PGLena/vlo

by PNA

2GO, the country’s only integrated supply chain solutions provider, has signed a new partnership with USSC, formerly known as RCPI, to expand 2GO’s own current network of 184 branches nationwide.

Last May 16, 2GO initially opened its Padala Centers in 151 USSC branches and stores all over Metro Manila. It will roll out 249 more centers in the next few months to bring the total 2GO Padala Centers in USSC branches and stores to 400 nationwide.

Through the 2GO Padala Center, customers may send their documents and parcels thru QuikPac, which can handle up to 4 kilograms for the biggest sized package.

“We have been increasing our presence through collaborating with different agencies with a wide network. In this way, we may be able to reach out to more customers and provide them with the best delivery services they need,” said 2GO chief executive Susan Valdez.

USSC is known for its Service Centers, where people can avail of money transfer services, SuperFerry ticketing, and bill payment services. (PNA)

mauricio, we have one member here named "bisayantek" who is into stock market. you can PM him.

by Agence France Presse

Hollywood heart-throb actor George Clooney has split from his Italian girlfriend of two years Elisabetta Canalis, the ex-couple said Wednesday.

“We are not together anymore. It’s very difficult and very personal, and we hope everyone can respect our privacy,” they said in a joint statement cited by People magazine.

A spokesman for 32-year-old Canalis added: “It is a very personal and sad matter, and Elisabetta wants it to remain that way. She will be taking some time… and then will face the press.

“She has not authorized me to say when the split happened.”

The celebrity couple were first seen in public at the Venice Film Festival in 2009, and had been spotted together in Italy as recently as last week, People reported.

The 50-year-old actor, voted Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine in 1997, was married to actress Talia Balsam from 1989-93, but has downplayed the chances of getting hitched again.

by Philippine News Agency

About 2,000 protesters allied with different sugar organizations have staged a vociferous rally in front of the Coca-Cola Bottlers office in Bacolod City on Tuesday accusing the giant soft drinks company of further emasculating the country's ailing sugar industry to the detriment of some 5 million Filipinos who depend on sugar for their livelihood.

Winnie Sancho, spokesman for Sugar Watch, said that Coca-Cola's continued preference for imported sweeteners like pre-mix sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) over locally-produced sugar is driving both planters and farm laborers to privation, and any perceived recovery of the local sugar industry could amount to nothing.

Sancho said local sugar producers, particularly from Negros and Panay, can meet the demand of Coca-Cola but were ignored to the chagrin of its millions of dependents.

“If Coke continues to ignore us, then we might opt for a boycott of Coke products,” Sancho threatened.

But in spite of the protesters' livid pronouncement against Coca-Cola, Sancho said the various sugar confederations around the country are willing to sit down with its top executives to thresh out the problem and find a solution benefiting all parties concerned. (PNA)

HAMTONG by Karl Gaspar

Tawga kong kwanggol, bisan gani sugarol
Ilha kong bongol, o gani tawong bulakbol
Ayaw lang tawon 'Day, nga ma-angkon ko'ng kaguol
sa imong pag-tawag kanako nga usa ka Tiguls!

Kahait pa Inday sa imong mga dila
Wala kay kaluoy bisa'g kita ka nakong nagluha
Hinay-hinaya Day paggamit og pulong nga pait
Kaloy-i 'tawon ning naputos na sa kangitngit.

Kung ugaling idaran na kining nagsangpit kanimo
Nga unta ihalad imong kasingkasing kanako
Tawga lang 'tawon ko 'Day nga usa ka tawong hamtong
Hamtong ang pagmahal tungod sa akong panuigon.

lyrics by Karl Gaspar
KATUMANAN

KORO:
Ang katumanan sa damgong gitipigan
Akong gilauman, nga unta matagamtam
Pinalangga ko, nag-agad kini kanimo
Kung ang maong damgo, maoy kalamboan mo!

1.Ã,  Sa dugay'ng panahon, ako nagmasulub-on
Kamingaw gi-angkon, ang kahaw-ang nagkalawom
Akong gihanduraw, nga ang kamingaw mahanaw
Ug sa kasingkasing, kalipay unta mapukaw.

KORO

2. Sa imong pag-abot ning kinabuhi'ng gilumot
Tanan kong kayugot, ug akong pagka-alaot
Nahanaw, na-undang, tungod kanimo nasugdan
Ang laing pagtikang, padulong sa katumanan.

KORO

3. Way kasigurohan, nga hangtud sa kahangturan
Atong pakig-uban, pinangga ning akong dughan
Di ko igsapayan, mahanaw ni sa kadugayan
Kay dinhi ug karon, naa ka sa 'kong kiliran!

KORO

from a forwarded email

America - The Past and the Present

Scenario                 1: 
Jack goes quail hunting before school and then pulls into the school parking lot with his shotgun in his truck's gun rack.
1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.
2010 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and  never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors  called in for traumatized students and teachers.   

Scenario                 2: 
Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.
1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands  and end up buddies.
2010 - Police called and SWAT team arrives -- they arrest both Johnny and Mark.  They are both charged with assault and both expelled even though Johnny started it.

Scenario                 3: 
Jeffrey will not be still in class, he disrupts other students.
1957 - Jeffrey sent to the Principal's office and given a good talk by the Principal.  He then returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.                 
2010 - Jeffrey is given huge doses of Ritalin.  He becomes a zombie. He is then tested for ADD. The family gets extra money (SSI) from the government because Jeffrey has a disability. 

Scenario                 4: 
Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a spanking.                 
1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college and becomes a successful businessman. 
2010 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse, Billy is removed to foster care and joins a gang. The state psychologist is told by Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has an affair with the psychologist.   

Scenario                 5: 
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.
1957 - Mark shares his aspirin with the Principal out on the smoking dock.
2010 - The police are called and Mark is expelled from school for drug violations. His car is then searched for drugs and weapons.                 

Scenario                 6: 
Pedro fails high school English.
1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English and goes to college.
2010 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a  requirement for graduation is racist.  ACLU files class action lawsuit against the state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English is then banned from core curriculum. Pedro is given his diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.                   

Scenario                 7: 
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the Fourth of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle and blows up a red ant  bed. 
1957 - Ants die.
2010 - ATF, Homeland Security and the FBI are all called. Johnny is charged with domestic terrorism.  The FBI investigates his parents - and all siblings are removed from their home and all computers are confiscated. Johnny's dad is placed on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.                 

Scenario                 8: 
Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee.  He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him. 
1957 � In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.                 
2010 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.   

Thanks Manay. Great help!

By Felix N. Codilla

A mother and her daughter were reunited after 16 years with the help of the Ormoc City government and its website.

The heartwarming story began when an adopted daughter, who is based in America set forth to find her biological mother in Ormoc.

The mother, Luzviminda Garbo, 48, of San Jose here, narrates that she went to Manila after the flashflood to work as a maid in 1992. There, she got pregnant and gave birth to her sixth child, but her lady employer, who is married to an American, took the baby girl as her own.

However, Minda was still able to care for her own daughter as a nanny and even breastfed her for three years. The child was given the name Ayla Camille Mottor after her adoptive parents. However, Minda got pregnant again on her seventh child from another man, prompting her to come back to Ormoc and leave Ayla to her employers.

When she returned to Manila, it has already been two years since the Mottor family moved to Virginia, USA with her daughter. Now 19, Ayla grew up to become a fine lady. When she learned about her real identity, she began her search for her real mother.

Her first stop was the Internet where she stumbled upon the Ormoc City website from where she got the City Hall’s phone number. She contacted the mayor’s office and got hold of Administrative Officer I Juliet Alcala to whom she provided information about her mother.

Ormoc is really a small place because Alcala was able to locate Minda in San Jose, still unmarried. Arrangements were made for mother and daughter to speak on the phone. Ayla was filled with disbelief at first but was convinced when her biological mother mentioned familiar names especially her adoptive parents.

Ayla’s adoptive mother became jealous when she decided to go to Ormoc for the first time. But it is the only way for her to feel complete and so on the last week of May, she and her mother were finally reunited. It was a touching scene as if plucked from a soap opera, as both mother and daughter tearfully found themselves in each other’s arms.

Ayla paid a courtesy call to Mayor Eric C. Codilla and thanked the city government’s assistance in finding her mother. Discovering the city’s website made her search easier for which she will always be grateful. (PNA)

by PNA

A domesticated carabao, which suddenly showed unusual behavior, had gone berserk and wild, attacking its own owner farmer and his son in Purok 4, Barangay Alegria, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur on Saturday afternoon, police here said.

Report from Agusan del Sur Provincial Police office to Caraga PNP regional information office said killed instantly in the attack was the carabao’s owner and farmer identified as Ruben Diagrel Sanchez, 53, a resident of the mentioned barangay.

The victim’s son (name not disclosed in the police report) who accompanied his farmer father in pasturing the carabao was also slightly hurt in the attack.

The son, who reported the incident to the family, said he ran away from the scene after seeing the carabao already started attacking his father.

San Francisco town, the biggest town of Agusan del Sur, is 78 kilometers away from Butuan City, the region’s capital.

Ex-Pres. Arroyo rushed to hospital
By Angelo L. Gutierrez Home

Former President and now Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was rushed to a hospital due to cervical radiculopathy.

A report by dzMM radio said that Arroyo was rushed to an undisclosed hospital early today.

The report said that the former president's condition is not life threatening.

Cervical radiculopathy, according to Medscape is a dysfunction of a nerve root of the cervical spine.

A Wikipedia.com entry on cervical radiculopathy said that the condition can cause "pain, weakness, numbness, or difficulty controlling specific muscles."

By Nestor Etolle and Delon Porcalla
The Philippine Star

Manila policemen arrested yesterday a member of the Presidential Security Group who reportedly raped a 15-year-old girl in the PSG barracks in Malacañang Sunday night.

Manila Police District (MPD) director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla identified the suspect as Staff Sgt. Walter Candelaria, who was identified by the victim through photographs of personnel furnished by the PSG command. The girl said she was raped in Candelaria’s room.

According to initial reports, three PSG men allegedly brought the girl to their barracks at around 11:30 p.m. Sunday. Police said only Candelaria raped the girl, while the two others left after bringing her into the barracks.

Rongavilla said the girl was brought to the Philippine General Hospital for examination and the MPD women’s and children’s protection desk is taking her statement as of press time.

He said other names have cropped up in the investigation and their involvement in the crime is still being determined.

Rongavilla commended the PSG for their cooperation in the ongoing investigation.

Anaa pa, KagwangGamay. Pero wala nay mag-adtoan didto. Seguro naay panagsa. Kadtong mga ilaronon.

by PNA

On June 21, 1569, Spanish navigator Miguel Lopez de Legazpi received an order from King Philip II of Spain appointing him as the first governor-general of the Philippines.

In theory, the Filipinos ceased to be free allies and became subjects of Spain.

Of the successive expeditions by Spain after Ferdinand Magellan’s voyage in 1521, marking the historic circumnavigation of the globe and proving that the world is round, the only successful voyage to the Philippines was that of Legazpi in 1564.

With the help of Agustinian and Franciscan friars, Legazpi was able to organize his own government almost without fighting. He formed the first Spanish settlements in Cebu in 1565. His conquest was non-violent, and his short rule was beneficial.

He established Manila in June 1571 as the capital of the Philippines and the Spanish East Indies and permanent seat of the Spanish colonial government in the western Pacific Ocean.

Legazpi governed the colony for a year before dying of heart failure in Manila on August 20, 1572.

He died poor and bankrupt, leaving only a few pesos behind, having spent most of his personal fortune during the conquest. He was laid to rest at the San Agustin Church in Intramuros. (PNA)

Mare 1: Grabe na jud ko ka kalimtanon oi, misaka gani ko ug hagdan, mo-hunong ko kay malimot ko kung paingon bako taas o sa ubos.
Mare 2: Ako? Simbako lang...(with matching knock 3 times on wood), dili jud ko limtanon. Excuse me sa ha kai murag naay nanuktok!!!

BISAYA 1: Pre, unsa'y ibig sabihin ng 'cooling place'?
BISAYA 2: Sus! Dugay ka na sa Manila,tonto ka pa rin. pag
nag-ring ang phone,sasabihin mo,"Helow,who's cooling place?"

Naghinambugay ang Amerikano, ang Hapon ug ang Pilipino kung kinsa ang mas-advance sa technology.
Kano: Sa sa pabrika namo sa America, isulod lang sa makina ang mga thumb tacks, inig gawas TV.
Hapon: Sa Japan, inigsulod lansang, inig gawas awto.
Pinoy: Lupig mo, kay sa amo inig pasok chorizo, inig gawas bata!!!

Pasing:  Mare, naunsa man na imong son-in-law nga pila ka tuig na mang walay klarong trabaho?
Claring:   Unsaon nga shy man gud na kaayo siya.
Pasing:  Shy gud nga tabian man kaayo na!
Claring:  Shy tiglaba ba, shy tiglimpyo sa balay, shy say tigluto.

Nag-istoryahanay ang usa ka lalaki ug babaye sulod sa barko

Ulitawo:  Tupad ra ba ta ug teheras, Day.  Pasensya ka na ha kay damanonon ra ba kaayo ko.  Kung damanon ko no, kusog ra ba ko mananday.
Dalaga:  Ako sab damanon ra ba ko. Kung damanon ko no, mangumot ra ba ko og itlog.

Jinggoy:  Tay, nganong nagsul-ob ka og duha kabuok jacket samtang namintal
Erap:  Ingon man gud ang directions nga Use 2 coats for best results!

Maestra: Class, our lesson for today is Tagalog. Juan, use "ng" in a sentence. Gamitin ang salitang "ng" sa wastong pangungusap.
Juan: Maayong gabii, Nang.

Tomas:  Mare, tigamit man kuno ug viagra si Pare.  Gahi diay kaayo pirme?
Saling:  Ahhgahi tuod kaayo, pero puwerte lang gihapong gamaya!

Buta nisakay ug taxi
Driver:  Kahibalo ka sa direction nga buta ka man?
Buta:  Ayawg kabalaka katoltol ko.  Nakahibalo ko nga naa na ta sa Guadalupe kay naninimaho nang mangga.
Driver:  Sakto ka.  Katoltol gyud diay ka.
Buta:  Karon naa na ta sa may simbahan kay nanimaho nang kandila.
Driver:  Sakto gihapon ka.
(Paglabay nila sa tindahan ug bulad.)
Buta:  Good evening! ladies.

Bedo, 100 percent ko nga segurado nga puro nakaagi ug tuli tanang taga-TB.

Sa grade 1 pa si Erap, nakigkomparar siya sa iyang mga classmates kung kinsay mas dako og pikoy.  Iyang na-obserbahan nga mas dako iyaha kay sa uban.  Pag-abot niya sa ilang bay, iyang gipangutana iyang amahan.

Erap: Pa, akong gikomparar akong pikoy sa akong mga classmates.  Mas dako kaayo akoa.  Kaliwat na nato nga dagko ?
Amahan: Dili, Dong.  Mas dako ka! Kay 21 anyos ka na man gud!

hehehe. Kita ra gyud sa Pilipinas ang dili mga pisot. ang atong mga silingan sa Asia, tanan pisot.

Musamot kahanap ug tangtangon na. hehehe

Titser: Class, what are the different colors of bananas?
Juan: Mam, green, yellow, red, and brown.
Titser: Gago jud ka, naa bay brown nga saging?
Juan: Gaga sad ka, ang linung-ag diay piki na!?

by Phil Daily Inquirer

A teenager from Calamba, Laguna who thought it was cool to peg his pet dog to a clothesline and post photos of it on Facebook earned the ire of animal lovers.

The pictures of the white puppy hanging by five plastic pegs to a clothesline went vial and enraged netizens formed a Facebook group to condemn the “gross violation” of animal rights. As of this posting, the group has attracted 3,328 members.

The issue was even picked up by animal rights groups.

“This is not child’s play, this is blatant animal cruelty,” said Agnes Tam People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

The teenager later took down the offensive photos and offered an apology.

“To All Animal Lovers and to (people) all over the world please read this: Gusto ko humingi ng tawad sa nagawa kong kasalanan sa aking alagang aso.

Sana mapatawad n’yo ako at pinapangako ko na hindi na mauulit [I would like to ask for forgiveness for the wrong I’ve done against my dog. I hope you could forgive me and I promise it would never happen again].”

A 1998 law bans cruelty to animals, which is punishable by up to two years in jail.
That law is seldom enforced to its full extent.
However a Quezon City court last month ordered a university student who tortured and killed a cat, then bragged about it on his online diary, to perform community service. With AFP

Lola: Honey, nabantayan jud nako bah nga kung mangape ta, mag-init dayon akong lawas.
Lolo: Nganong dili manginit, tan-awa ra gud na imong totoy, natuslob na sa kape!

Ilongo ug Cebuano nag-estoryahay parti sa bagyong Oracan nga puwerteng kusoga.

Ilonggo: Sa amon bala haw, mas kusog pa sa Oracan ang bagyo, ang tansan sa coke nga nagkulob nalubong sa yuta ukab man kaha!
Cebuano: Sa amo diay bai gabii tong dako puwerteng kusoga sa bagyo, pag-iwag nako sa flashlight, nabawog man kaha ang siga sa flashlight.
Ilonggo: Ah binuang naman subong nang mabawog ang siga sa flashlight.
Cebuano: Aw ayaw lagi ipaukab ng tansan kay ako tul-iron ang siga sa flashlight.

si JOHNNY taga BOHOL nibalhin ug sa CEBU na siya nag eskwela...

maestro: ok class today we used "AMONG" in a sentence...ikaw TEBAN used AMONG in a sentence.
teban: AMONG the flowers i like sampaguita is the best.
maestro: very good, ikaw makoy used AMONG in a sentence.
makoy: AMONG the animals the carabao is the best.
maestro: very good! ikaw JOHNNY used AMONG in a sentence.
johnny: (nakuratan): ha? unsa to sir?
maestro: natulog diay ka johnny? used AMONG in a sentence!!
johnny:AMONG....AMONG...AMONG to sir no? AMONG KAMOTE SA BOHOL GIBOKBOK!

Teacher: Pedro! spell AMBuLANCE~
Pedro: A...M...B...
Teacher: FASTER!!!

Pedro: wew...wew...wew...wew...(ambulance sound)

Amerikano: What can u say about the violence in the Philippines?
Bisdak: ah! di man gani ta kabalo mu gitara, violence na nuon!

A "lovestruck" Filipino faces charges in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for making a scene in Sharjah’s Buhairah Corniche area earlier this week.

According to a report of Khaleej Times, the 26-year-old Filipino was arrested for allegedly screaming, shouting, and throwing objects at motorists and passersby, and for threatening to jump from the roof of a building.

Khaleej Times said the "initial investigation shows that the man had an argument with his girlfriend."

"(He) went to the roof of a building in Jamal Abdul Nasser street and threatened to jump if anyone approached him. He removed his clothes and stood naked there shouting that his girlfriend had deserted him," the report said.

A police patrol unit tried to talk to the man but he refused to respond and again threatened to end his life.

The Sharjah Police sought the help of the Dubai Police which used a spray to sting his eyes.

After the man fell to the terrace screaming, a police rescue team took him to Al Amal hospital in Dubai.

A police official said the man would be referred to the Public Prosecution on the charges of attempt to suicide, if he is proved mentally normal. - VVP, GMA News

A Filipino was sentenced to a year in jail for stealing a high-end BlackBerry phone from a Swedish woman in the United Arab Emirates last March.

The 38-year-old Filipino â€" only identified as R.A. â€" worked as an assistant to a chef, Gulf News reported last week.

He will be deported after he completes his prison term, according to the report.

The 26-year-old Swedish woman said the incident occurred when she was at a music festival at Jumeirah Beach Residence last March 4.

She said that at about 10:30 p.m., she left her phone on the restaurant's table to greet her friend.

"I was busy chatting with my friend when I saw two men arguing near my table. My phone was with one of them," she told police officers.

She later realized the Filipino had stolen her phone but a police officer caught him in the act.

The Filipino confessed to the crime, the Gulf News report said. â€" JE, GMA News

can you do it too?
An Inspiring Chinese Woman With NO Arms

Osama al-Nujaifi, the Iraqi parliament speaker, has told Al Jazeera that the amount of Iraqi money unaccounted for by the US is $18.7bn - three times more than the reported $6.6bn.

Just before departing for a visit to the US, al-Nujaifi said that he has received a report this week based on information from US and Iraqi auditors that the amount of money withdrawn from a fund from Iraqi oil proceeds, but unaccounted for, is much more than the $6.6bn reported missing last week.

"There is a lot of money missing during the first American administration of Iraqi money in the first year of occupation.

"Iraq's development fund has lost around $18bn of Iraqi money in these operations - their location is unknown. Also missing are the documents of expenditure.

"I think it will be discussed soon. There should be an answer to where has Iraqi money gone."

The Bush administration flew in a total of $20bn in cash into the country in 2004. This was money that had come from Iraqi oil sales, surplus funds from the UN oil-for-food programme and seized Iraqi assets.

Officials in Iraq were supposed to give out the money to Iraqi ministries and US contractors, intended for the reconstruction of the country.

'No trace'

The Los Angeles Times reported last week that Iraqi officials argue that the US government was supposed to safeguard the stash under a 2004 legal agreement it signed with Iraq, hence making Washington responsible for the cash that has disappeared.

Pentagon officials have contended for the last six years that they could account for the money if given enough time to track down the records.

The US has audited the money three times, but has still not been able to say exactly where it went.

Al Jazeera's Iraq correspondent, Jane Arraf, reporting from Baghdad, said: "It's an absolutely astonishing figure - this goes back to 2003 and 2004.

"There is going to be a fairly wide net cast - some of them [involved in mishandling of this money] are thought to be US officials, but many here believe that it is the Iraqis who have filled their pockets.

"Safeguarding the money was up to the Americans ... after the invasion, provisional authority here was run by the American military.

"Piles and piles of shrink-wrapped US dollars came here, but the cash coming in is not the important part - it is what happened to it after [it got here].

"There are no documents to indicate who got it, where it was spent and what was ever built from it."

Source:
Al Jazeera

Nicholas Bloom, Rebecca Homkes, Raffaella Sadun & John Van Reenen

After a decade of research, we’ve concluded that American firms are on average the best managed in the world. Our team, which includes representatives from Harvard Business School, the London School of Economics, McKinsey & Company and Stanford University, surveyed more than 10,000 firms in 20 countries. We developed a tool to measure a range of management practices which we then used to generate an overall score for each country. This allowed us to create the first global database of management practices.
Here are some of our findings:

American firms outperform all others. The US’s dominance occurs in the manufacturing, retail and health-care sectors. Japanese, German and Swedish firms follow closely behind, while developing countries like Brazil, China and India lag at the bottom of the charts. In the middle stand countries like the UK, France, Italy and Australia.

Bottom dwellers drive the rankings down. Almost 90 percent of the cross-country differences are driven by how many firms with particularly bad management practices are in each country. Countries like India with low average scores have a mass of very poorly managed firms pulling down their overall rankings.

Every country has some world-class firms. The performance of individual companies isn’t dictated by the business environments in which they operateâ€"there are top performers in every country we surveyed. Conversely, being in a world-class environment like the US doesn’t guarantee success. Even in America, more than 15 percent of firms are managed more poorly than the average Chinese or Indian company.
The secret to success is people management. American firms are ruthless at rapidly rewarding and promoting good employees while retraining or firing bad ones.

But the US shouldn’t be complacent. Other countries are equal or better than the US in some other management areas, such as monitoring, production and setting sensible targets. The manufacturing prowess of Germany, which has helped it weather the recent downturn, is built upon such advantages. And although Chinese management practices are well below America’s standards, China showed the fastest improvement since 2006 of any country we looked at.

Changing the ranks and reaping the rewards is the key to success. Organizations that properly incentivize talented workers, whether through promotion, pay or other rewards, outperform others. As best practices spread and firms continue to implement these techniques, the performance gaps between companies will narrow and firms will reap massive growth and profits.

Nicholas Bloom is a professor of economics at Stanford University. Rebecca Homkes is the director of the Management Project and a research officer at the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics. Raffaella Sadun is a professor of strategy at Harvard Business School. John Van Reenen is the director of the Centre for Economic Performance and a professor of economics at the London School of Economics.

by Associated Press

An Oregon man who dropped out of college just short of graduation in 1932 has earned his degree at age 99.

KTVZ-TV in Bend reports that Leo Plass, of Redmond, received his diploma a few days ago from Eastern Oregon University in La Grande.

Plass says he was less than one semester away from graduating from what was then called Eastern Oregon Normal School and starting a career as a teacher.

But Plass says it was the Depression, and a teaching salary of $80 a month wouldn't cut it. So when a friend offered him a spot in a logging outfit at $150 a month, Plass says he couldn't pass it up.

published by Sunday Post

Aligning with Governor Edgar Chatto and Vice Governor Concepcion Lim’s thrusts for health through the provincial development agenda, more popularly known as HEAT-Bohol, the municipalities of Loon and Anda, respectively, launched buntis party health events last June 1 and 6, with the aim of eradicating the high incidence of maternal and child mortality due to pregnancy related causes. The Rural Health Unit 1 (RHU-1) of Loon, through the leadership of Municipal Health Officer Maria Victoria Lamparas, held its Panganay Buntis Party on June 1 at the Senior Citizen’s Building in Poblacion, Loon.

The activity was attended by 27 young women who listened intently to the lectures on pre-natal, natal, and post-natal care, discussed by Dr. Lamparas and some nurses and midwives. The discussions touched on proper nutrition, exercise, personal hygiene, immunization, birth spacing, and exclusive breastfeeding. Municipal Councilor Enrique Masamayor, Sangguniang Bayan committee chair on health, committed to work harder to bring about needed birthing facilities n the far-flung barangays of Loon. On the other hand, the Search for Healthy Buntis was held last June 6 at the Anda Public Beach in Poblacion, Anda and attended by 57 pregnant women.

The activity was graced by Anda Mayor Angelina Simacio, who gave the welcome message. The activity also featured lectures on pre-natal and post-natal care, breastfeeding and nutrition, and immunization given by the town’s public health nurse, Josie Marie Arabejo, and colleague nurses and midwives. Ten of the 57 participants were randomly selected through a drawing by lots and they were asked questions based on the lectures given by the resource speakers. The top three candidates who garnered the highest points became the winners of the Search for Healthy Buntis. In both activities, the participants prepared their birth and emergency plans and recited the pledge of commitment to care for their spouse and children, exclusive breastfeeding, proper birth spacing (3-5 years interval), and regular consultation and visit at the health center for information and updates. (John Alexis L. Lofranco/PHO)

by Ric Obedencio
published by Sunday Post

DUERO â€" Genius species are nothing new but rare. Is Kenneth Aceberos, who’ll be 4 years old on July 5, 2011, one of them? He’s a fast learner and he may not be that genius since he’s still learning, said his mother Ailene Aceberos in an exclusive interview yesterday. He’s a “wonder boy” to his neighbors. But barangay chairman Boy Abueva of Alejawan, this town said the boy is “extraordinary.” Some of Aceberos’ neighbors call his nickname “Ken-ken” or “Pitsang.” All the weird-related adjectives could describe Kenneth’s grasp of something because of his unusual knowledge of English language, spelling, music and math, said his parents. In a huddle yesterday after the “go-signal” from the barangay chairman and Mayor Ocay to interview the family, Kenneth showed special talent in writing, showing he can write figures one to ten and so on.

He can also count flawlessly, not just one to 100 but to a thousand figures and can use a calcurator. What makes him “strange” is that he can count in the reverse order, said his relatives. He can read fluently on a work book for kids with almost correct diction while sitting on Ailene‘s lap during the interview. Ailene, 27, and her husband Esperadon Aceberos, 30, said that Kenneth has no formal education. The family resides at sitio Lutao, barangay Alejawan in this eastern municipality where fishing and farming are the main source of livelihood of most of the residents. Ailene said that Kenneth’s favorite songs are “Too Much love Will Kill You” and Journey’s “Faithfully.” He gave a sample of the first song mentioned but was cut short because of his penchant or curiosity on a cell phone he held during the interview. And his favorite is Myx, a music channel, Ailene said.

Kenneth is very keen and curious, like watching a cable TV at home, said his mother. All his knowledge is probably the result of his being hooked up with the TV, she added. He is really not like the neighbors’ kids who are just fond of playing but Kenneth sometimes engaged in the play with them but won’t stay long. He has his own prerogatives, like reading the work book for day care kids or kindergarten and go back to TV to watch, said his mother. Kenneth, who has a brother named Kirby, seven years old, eats vegetables, fish, fruits and sometimes meat. Ailene said that they observed that Kenneth is very attentive when he began watching TV when he was two. Asked if they have genius-like gene in their family, the mother said she does not know. Ailene and Esperadon ACeberos have big dreams for Kenneth as he grows and they both wanted that he be given a good studies and they prefer him to be with the private school. (RVO)

Published by Sunday Post

The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) is now studying a resolution authorizing Mayor Dan Lim to proceed with the construction of the Cogon Public Market. The resolution, authored by Councilor Doni Piquero, has been referred to the committee of the whole for deliberation. Piquero said the development and rehabilitation of public markets in Tagbilaran is one of the concerns that needs to be addressed by the city government. The resolution noted that the implementation of the public market development program is one of the priorities of the city government which was in included in the Executive-Legislative Agenda for 2010-2013. According to Piquero, one of the closest allies of the mayor, the Cogon public market remains underdeveloped for a long time which the city government now plans to rehabilitate and develop.

The resolution said the construction of a new public market would spur economic growth and further boost business activities in the area which will generate income for the city government.  Piquero said it is necessary that Lim be authorized, in behalf of the city government, to proceed with the construction or rehabilitation of the Cogon Public Market in line with the program for the public market development. Cogon is the biggest barangay in Tagbilaran but it has toiled in the shadows of the more prominent barangays due to the backlog in its development. With the construction of the new public market that would be in step with the present demands and according to modern standards, development is expected to be distributed to include the Cogon growth area. The improvement of the public market in Cogon is significant because it had been Lim’s waterloo in many previous elections.

The tide has begun to turn, however, as the mayor’s efforts to reach even into the barangay’s smallest alleys started to bear fruit. Lim finally won convincingly in Cogon in last year’s elections even as his political ally, Barangay Captain Philip Besas was reelected in the October barangay elections. The completion of the public market is expected to cement Lim’s control of Cogon even though he is no longer seeking reelection. “Mayor Lim has done a lot for Cogon even though it has been largely responsible for his defeat in previous elections,” said a barangay councilor who declined to be identified. The councilor said the mayor’s insistence to include the development of the Cogon public market proves his sincerity to public service instead of political expediency.  “He has disregarded political considerations when he lobbied for the Cogon market because he believes that Cogon deserves to grow and develop,” he concluded. The move comes as Lim’s critics stepped up attacks on him as the calls for him to seek higher office continue to rise. Texters to his radio programs have committed support for his political plans whether he is running for governor or congressman. Lim has consistently declared that he is not concerned about negative opinions and adverse reactions but about vindication in the future.

by Ven Arigo
published by Sunday Post

Boholanos join the nation in marking the 113 th Independence Day today on economic and environmental resolve instead of succumbing to fear or compromise. In his Independence Day message, Gov. Edgar Chatto said, all development pursuits must be sustained because independence or freedom from poverty and major deletion of its indicators are yet to be on sight for many. Bohol on Friday closed its unprecedented tourism summit with a bulging hope of truly strategizing the industry as the main pillar of job generation to reduce poverty. But the governor cautioned not to abandon the responsibility to sustain development in exchange for instant gains in the midst of the overshadowing threat of climate change, disasters and calamities. In observing the Independence Day, Chatto will launch at the CPG Park this morning Bohol’s part of the nationwide Billion Trees Program to help mitigate global warming.

The commemoration starts with a eucharistic celebration to be officiated by Bishop Leonardo Medroso at the St. Joseph Cathedral at 7:30 this morning. A motorcade follows starting at Plaza Rizal to the CPG Park for the commemorative rites and launching of the massive tree program, which targets to grow barangay pocket forests all over the province. However, the actual Bohol-wide planting will occur on June 25, the National Arbor Day, to be simultaneous with the planting of one billion trees nationwide. Arbor is the Latin word for tree. Nations around the world mark their Arbor Day on different dates of the year. Only the Philippines, Costa Rica and Cambodia celebrate it in June, the two foreign countries on the 15 th and 31st, respectively.

Chatto encouraged the planting of fruit trees, especially species of gainful economic importance. While they participate in innumerable ways in enriching the biodiversity and preserving the very web of life, trees help restore environmental dignity which is essential to the growing eco-tourism industry as an economic modifier alone. The governor listed down tourism among the three pillars of job generation which his administration is fixed to pursue. The other two are agriculture and information communications technology (ICT) and its sub-sectors like the business process outsourcing (BPO) and knowledge process outsourcing (KPO). The provincial tourism summit, the first of its kind in the country, was highlighted by an investment forum crucial to the province economic agenda to reduce poverty incidence.

STILL A POOR BOHOL

Today’s marking of the nation’s freedom day could inevitably provoke the Boholanos’ thought of freedom from want because the incumbent leadership has inherited a Capitol tagging Bohol a poor Philippine province. Bohol, Zamboanga del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Maguindanao and Masbate had been “consistently included in the bottom cluster of provinces” in reference statistical years 2003, 2006 and 2009. This was according to the 2009 Official Poverty Statistics of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) presented just last February. Chatto assumed as governor only in July last year.

Bohol was also in the top eight provinces having the most number of poor families with 90,735 families in 2003 to 102,522 families in 2009. NSCB secretary-general Dr. Romulo Virola noted that in provinces, poverty incidence correlates highly with per capita expenditure on education, culture and sports/manpower development, total income and total expenditure. This suggests, according to the NSCB official, that poverty reduction strategies should be geared towards higher income but also higher expenditure level. With reports from Ven rebo Arigo)

Published by Sunday Post

Oozing with superlatives, two Cabinet secretaries who blew into town Thursday, heaped lavish praises to Bohol’s thrusts in trade and tourism saying the province was in the right path as its programs are aligned with that of the national agenda of the Aquino Administration. Secretaries Gregory Domingo of the department of trade and Industry and Alberto Lim of the department of tourism were the principal guests during the two-day Bohol Tourism Summit at the Bohol Tropics Resort Club Dagohoy Ballrooom. Upon invitation of Gov. Edgar Chatto, the top Aquino officials attended the summit, the first of its kind hereabouts, to give full support to Bohol’s successful campaign to have the first-ever LGU-led gathering. In a recent Provincial Development Council meeting, Gov. Chatto said “Bohol is in the right direction,” in reference to the strides the province has achieved in terms of tourism development.

The same optimism was repeated by the governor during the power-packed audience attending the tourism summit in the Philippines, a first in the history of Philippine tourism. The governor was emphatic in his confidence of making it big-time tourismwise adding that Pres. P-Noy’s catchy slogan, “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap” (without corruption, there’d be no poverty), was no doubt aligned with the Chatto-Lim Administration’s HEAT Bohol and LIFE HELPS strategies where tourism, agriculture, health, education and technology are the major thrusts. This way, everyone gets to participate in the growth process and hence shares in the benefits of economic growth which is very parallel to the “inclusive growth” concept of the Aquino Administration and its five-point agenda, he added. Chatto believes that “the best way to reach the poor is to work with them directly” and the thrust of job creation of the P-Noy Administration is directly parallel with that of the HEAT criteria in making sure that programs, whether national or local, are cascaded down even to hinter barangays.

Bohol’s overarching mission of development to enrich Bohol’s social, economic, cultural, political and environmental resources through good governance and effective partnerships with stakeholders for increased global competitiveness can be clearly seen in the continuing and tireless efforts of Gov. Chatto, Vice-Gov. Concepcion Lim and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members. These provincial officials leave no stone unturned in delving well beyond the surface of both Bohol and the Boholano’s potential in seeking what is best for Bohol and what they can do to alleviate Bohol’s standing in the most competitive and cut-throat, albeit productive, competition of emerging from the ashes of defeat of the past in order to reach greater heights, globally. The Chatto-Lim Administration wants to assuage, if not totally eliminate, the pains of failure that plagued the province in the past by setting a most concrete example by being one with the people in opening the doorway to progress by eliminating the “culture of dependence” by instead being the leader of the entire country through its Dynamic Learning Program and maintaining its “crown” of being the first insurgent-free province in the country and the rice granary in Central Visayas; and, soaring to the top as the future anchor destination in the Philippines in the field of tourism.

Chatto’s conviction that “every reform must have an impact as an offshoot of a project” can be clearly seen in his resolve to find solutions to the problems that have cropped up as consequences of progress by urging everybody to diminutively dissect them to better understand its most miniscule of parts and hence come up with the most viable and doable of solutions as he had always been doing so that progress and development are better felt and used productively. The provincial government’s noble vision of putting up more hospitals for the sick, a retirement village for the elderly, complete with integrated facilities on nursing and care-giving coupled with security and a comfortable lifestyle while also inviting multi-million investors to provide campsites, convention centers and even golf courses, would not only take care of our people but also provide them better employment opportunities and more comfortable living conditions. After seeing with his own eyes what Gov. Chatto has done and is doing for Bohol and its people, Sec. Greg Domingo of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) bluntly told the Boholanos during the Bohol Tourism Summit: “You very lucky to have Gov. Chatto as your governor; for with him, Bohol is in very good hands.” (jlv/EDCom)

Published by Sunday Post

He was identified in the rouge’s gallery as one of the robbery suspects in the early morning hold up of Tagbilaran Bombay Bazaar the other Friday but a cursory look of his Caucasian features seemed to yield otherwise? Why? Is he a robbery suspect or a charming rouge? Not in the life of robbery suspect Paterno (not Patricio as earlier reported) Magdura y Magdura, age unknown of Aurora, Pilar town, in a radio interview inside his jail cell Monday. Making hype of his good looks, the suspect who is known of his alias as “Kano” said it would be foolhardy for him to pull off the caper without covering his face. The Tagbilaran Bombay Bazaar is located near a busy intersection along B. Inting and CPG Avenue. The loot in the robbery was P200,000.

Kano was identified by the Bombay bazaar security guard and two saleslady in a rogue’s gallery of police characters wanted for robbery. Saying his Caucasian look is owing to his American mother making him a Fil-Am, the suspect was nabbed while inside the S-Bullones Cockpit Arena in the afternoon of June 4 or less than 31 hours after the robbery was committed. In the same interview, he said his mestizo configuration made him impossible to commit the crime knowing that he will easily be identified because he becomes a standout in the crowd. But Senior Supt. Constatino Barot, Jr., police provincial director, was positive in his findings that it was Magdura who led the two others in the bazaar heist.

The Fil-Am suspect, however, in the same interview mentioned of a certain Arnel as the one who carried out the Bombay robbery. Glib-tongued by all indications, the robbery suspect appeared cool and collected during the radio interview, one indication that he was no stranger to crime. In fact, he admitted to have spent 20 years at the national penitentiary in Muntinglupa for the crime of murder. He admitted having killed an uncle explaining his time in jail but no way that he would engage in robbery knowing that he will easily be recognized because of his fine features. But whether he is a prime suspect in the Bombay robbery or he is a prince charming as claimed is for the city prosecutor handling his case to determine. He is scheduled for preliminary investigation on June 16 before Asst. City Prosecutor Bibiana Bautista.

published by Sunday Post

They came to serve an arrest warrant to a wanted drug suspect after a botched drug bust last April along Graham Avenue, this city, only to bag a high value target. There was no inkling on the part of an eight-man city police team that it has for a “catch” a drug personality already in the business of using high tech gadgets to peddle his wares. Caught unaware, the long wanted Lynn Bas y Tabuno a.k.a as Lennox Bas, 31, a resident of Graham Avenue, this city, fell into a police dragnet after he was served an arrest warrant in connection with the drug raid at his Graham residence last April. The warrant was served at Room 5, Travel Lodge Pension House, in Mansasa district, this city at 6:20 yesterday morning.

The “accidental find” yielded for the suspect a sizable volume of suspected shabu granules which according to city police that once proven to be genuine according to Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Dangerous Drug Act of 1972 as amended, possession of the same quantity is tantamount to a non-bailable crime. Noting that the suspect was no ordinary drug dealer in the hierarchy of drug personalities, the suspect, according to police sources, can be categorized as a drug lord as evidenced from the volume of shabu confiscated in his possession. In a check with City Mayor Dan Neri Lim last night, he said the drug suspect was considered the biggest catch the city has ever seen. He also volunteered the information that the suspect was the main supplier of practically the city’s who’s who of drug users. His clients included balikbayans who have been hooked to drugs and former small-time public officials.

An itemized inventory of all the suspected shabu granules found in his rented room in the Mansasa pension house included: two packs big transparent cellophane containing suspected shabu granules; one pack smaller than the two big packs; three pcs big transparent cellophane sachets; two pcs long size transparent sachet ; 13 pcs regular size transparent cellophane sachet; four pcs small transparent cellophane sachets; 11 pcs transparent cellophane sachets; seven pcs aluminum foil; one big rolled aluminum foil; two pcs improvised tooter with traces of suspected shabu granules; two pcs improvised funnel with traces of suspected shabu granules; two pcs improvised funnel with traces of suspected shabu granules; one pack cellophane containing voluminous transparent pack’; and 12 pcs disposable lighter and one lighter mark with Earth 08 with dollar sign.

Aside from the prohibited drugs and other paraphernalia, the suspect also yielded a digital weighing scale, at least eight cell phones, P1,500 cash, one piece ball pen with USB inside, a black laptop and a replica of a firearm (airsoft). As an indication of his sophisticated operations, also found in his possession was a Mitsubishi Pajero parked infront of the seaside lodge. The vehicle is now impounded at the city police station. The drug suspect when arrested was with his girlfriend identified as Rosalyn Banys y Bernales, 19, single of Cabulao, Mabini town. The female companion who is said to be the suspect’s girlfriend open the rented room when the arresting officers knocked the door to serve the warrant. Another suspect identified as Timoteo Rios y Polvera, 34, single and a native of Libertad, Tubigon, Bohol was arrested with the couple. He narrated to police investigators that he was hired as carpenter of the live-in partners. Except for the two, the drug suspect is now locked up at the city jail.

According to police investigators, the two - girlfriend and carpenter, were released after they were not caught in a pot session which would have made them liable. The eight-man police team was headed by Police Inspector Adriano Bacus while his team members were PO3 Ambraham Paeste, P02 Alberto Kudemus, PO1 Fernando Galan, SPO2 Julieto Udbina, SPO2 Yolando Bagotchay, Jr., PO3 Jimboy Villapaz and PO3 Reynaldo Calimbayan. The arrest warrant was issued by RTC Regional Trial Court Presiding Judge Suceso Arcamo of Branch 47. He was the same judge who issued the search warrant in the drug bust in the suspect lair at Graham Avenue last April. The bond recommended when he was wanted on the basis of the April warrant was P200,000. In 2003, the same suspect was arrested for a drug case but was dismissed for insufficiency of evidence.

Hehehe. Nakapuntos pud ang mga security guards.

Teacher: Give me colors that begin with letter “M”

Pupil: Maroon!!!

Teacher: Anybody else??

Ngongo: Mlue, Mrawn, mlak, maiolet…

Teacher: Mery ngood!!!

Anak: Tay mag-ingat kayo sa DANK TRAK..

Tatay: anong dantrak??

Anak: yung pong trak na sampu ang gulong na karga buhangin…

Tatay: hindi dantrak yan… “TEN MILLER!!”

Guro: ano ang dapat gawin kapag lumindol??

Pepito: buksan po ang ilaw!!!

Guro: Bakit?

Pepito: kasi po sa kubo naming madalas lumindol pag gabi… pero pagnagswitch ako ng ilaw biglang natigil…

GF: Hon, pag hawak ko ang bote ng softdrinks na ito.. naaalala ko ang ex-BF ko…

BF: eh ako, kelan mo ako naaalala??

GF: kapag subo ko na ang STRAW!!!

Erap Bumbs foreigner

Erap: sorry!!!

Foreigner: sorry too!!

Erap: im sorry 3!!!

Foreigner: What your sorry for??

Erap: sorry 5!!!

Foreigner: sorry but your sick!!

Erap: Sorry 7.. kala yata nito hindi ako marunong magbilang ah…

Patient: Dok, malungkot ako dito sa mental… kaya naisipan kong sulatan ang aking sarili…

Doctor: ano naman ang laman ng sulat mo??

Patient: aba.. ewan!!! Next week ko pa matatanggap eh!!!

Oi, watch ka CNN News!!! Manny Pacquio disqualified by Nevada Athletic Comission!!! Drugs found in his urine!!!

Puro ALAXAN, CIRCULAN & ROBITUSSIN!!! May DATU PUTI pa!!!

Wife puts Viagra on Husband coffee to add sex drive… after drinking, husband grab and fucked her on the table.. Wife shouts and cried…

“Tang-ina naman”… Wag naman dito sa Jollibee!!!”

TEACHER There was this Filipino kindergarten teacher and she was teaching her class how to do the hokey-pokey.
She started off by saying, "You put your right feet in, you put your right feet out, you put your right feet in...."
Suddenly one of the children said, "Teacher you have to say 'foot.'"
So the teacher said, "You 'foot' your right feet in, you 'foot' your right feet out....."

Hahaha. Maldito gihapon si Pedro, Hubs.