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Huawei, a leader in providing next-generation telecommunications network solutions for telco operators around the world, recently showcased the world's first HSPA+ smartphone powered by Android at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Spain. The U8800 smartphone will be commercially available by the third quarter of 2010, and will support high-speed Internet access, which is faster than existing 3G smartphones.

The U8800 model uses the Android 2.1 operating system, and integrates HSPA+ capabilities to support downlink speeds up to 14 Mb/s. This speed allows users to download a 400Mb feature-length movie within thirty seconds.

The smartphone will feature a 3.8-inch wide screen, providing users with a broader field of vision and allowing them to take full advantage of a multitude of features and Internet applications. - press release

The development of the world market for accessories was considerably weaker in 2009 than in previous years. In total, there was a decline of 14 percent to 5.8 billion Euros.

Despite this development, the Bosch Accessories business unit was able to strengthen its leading market position and further increase its innovative strength. Thanks largely to the acquisitions in 2009 of Swiss-based sia Abrasives and the accessories business of Italian-based Freud.

With more than 100,000 products, Bosch offers the appropriate accessories for virtually all applications. In 2009, new products accounted for nearly 20 percent of the accessories sales. Bosch will continue to pursue this strategy of innovation in 2010, with the aim of further consolidating its leading position.

In 2010, Bosch will, for the first time, launch 40 new accessories ranges for or relevant to the Asia Pacific region. Today, more than 9000 articles are already offered under the Bosch brand in the Asia Pacific market.

Quality is a main priority for Bosch accessories. Responsible departments continuously check the quality of incoming raw materials, outgoing finished products and all steps in the manufacturing process. In China, Bosch Accessories employs 70 quality engineers dedicated to guaranteeing their users’ consistent high quality products. - press release

By JOHN ALLYZA MARIE
Manila Bulletin

Still hung up on dragons after the recent How to Train Your Dragon movie? In that case, here's another game for you: Dragonology, a brand new original adventure game based on the popular children's book series.

The storyline is simple. The main task of the game is for you and your dragon buddy to rescue other dragons as they're being captured and placed in sideshow circuses. There are also mini tasks in each level that you have to accomplish.

The game very much utilizes the controls of the wii remote. You get to ride on the back of your dragon buddy and maneuver the dragon's flying movements by holding the Wii remote forward and twisting it to fluidly move left and right.

The game also recognizes gestures for special moves: whip the controller quickly for a speed boost, or draw circles in the air to pull off a barrel roll.

By ALLAN D. FRANCISCO
Manila Bulletin

One late Tuesday morning, having finally escaped the scorching summer heat, I was glad to feel the cool air being sent out by the floor-mounted air-conditioning system at the Technews office. But another surprise, of an even more welcome kind, made an otherwise another sweaty day into a virtual aural feast.

Finely textured music was wafting, filling every nook and cranny of my editor's corner kingdom. The acoustic banquet was a blanket that enclosed the whole room and enveloped everybody that was in it. And who or what was responsible for the geek den's transformation into a virtual audio hall?
The SoundLink wireless music system from Bose.

Music is Power

The 6.7 x 12.0 x 5.1-inch, 8.4-kilogram SoundLink serves as an untethered fountain of melody that could be as soothing as a balmy late afternoon or as bombastic as a burlesque singer on steroids. But more importantly, SoundLink lets music lovers enjoy their digital music and Internet radio from their computers wherever they may be inside or outside their homes.

The Bose wireless system can transmit music to the living room, kitchen, or garage. Its high-quality signal can reach as far as 60 feet from its USB key.

The wireless system's Waveguide speaker technology means powerful sound, which is particularly true in the lower registers. It provides bass and percussion beats that sound more natural than those of other speakers. Digital signal processing also gives users finer control over the system's audio performance, ensuring that listeners have access to life-like music reproduction even when music is as soft as a whisper.

WD TV Live is, first and foremostl, an answered prayer. When Western Digital first released the WD TV HD media player, it became the most convenient way to play full HD 1080p movies or videos, view high-resolution photos and listen to digital music on the TV screen.

Just a simple process of plugging in your portable USB storage device and all the above perks can now be enjoyed. Months and weeks after its success, Western Digital now brings us the “WD TV Live” that has indeed "leveled-up" from its forerunner.

WD TV Live has taken the likes of its older brother and comes packed with more thrills for it is now a network-ready media player. So, wherever your HD videos, movies, photos or music may be; be it in your computer, USB drives or whether it is in the internet, it is now much easier to enjoy all these on your big screen TV. - press release

HTC is the de facto king of the Android phone, and has consistently pushed the limitations of the platform to its limits, creating fantastic smartphones as a result. Their latest efforts has produced the HTC Desire, and as you'll find out in this review, the product is truly deserving of the name.

The Desire has close ties to the Nexus One, the so called "Google Phone", and it's only expected as they are both made by HTC. They both have the same 3.7-inch, 480 x 800 pixel AMOLED capacitive touch screen, powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon QSD8250 1 GHz processor and posess the same version of the Android OS - 2.1 Éclair.

The Desire still has that signature chin that previous HTC smartphones had, but it's much more subdued, and is barely noticeable. The home, menu, back, search and a clickable optical trackpad all reside on the chin, while the volume rocker sits on the left side. The build quality is top notch - no cheap plastic here - and suede-like material on the back allows you to get a nice, solid grip on the Desire, essential since the 135g unit isn't exactly light. The whole package measures in at 119 x 60 x 11.9 mm, enough to sit snugly inside your pocket. - press release

Globe Telecom launches the first truly unlimited mobile internet surfing subscription offer for BlackBerry handset usersâ€"the Super Surf for BlackBerry MAX.

The latest offering from Globe allows users to access not only websites covered by BlackBerry network such as Twitter, Flickr,  Facebook and Multiply, but also sites that are not yet optimized on BlackBerry Access Point Name (APN) like YouTube.

The current Super Surf for BlackBerry allows users to freely surf only on sites within the BlackBerry APN. Accessing sites not covered by the BlackBerry APN, especially those with video streaming, will cost the subscriber extra P5.00 for every 15 minutes of web browsing.

“We want to make the internet experience as smooth and worry-free as it can be. Super Surf was designed with that in mind: Giving our customers unlimited and convenient access to the internet content and websites that they love.

Now with Super Surf for BlackBerry MAX, we are upping the ante and letting them go anywhere they want in cyberspace, no holds barred. - press release

Galaxy S (i9000) Specifications

Network: HSDPA 7.2Mbps, HSUPA 5.76Mbps
3G (900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz)
EDGE, GPRS Class 12
GSM Quad Band (850 /900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz)
OS Android 2.1
Display: 4.0” WVGA SUPER AMOLED (800x480) with mDNIe
Camera: 5.0 mega-pixel Camera + VGA Video Telephony Camera, Auto Focus, Self shot, Action shot, Add me, Touch focus, Cartoon shot, Smile shot, Panorama shot
Video: HD(720p@30fps) video playing & recording Playback : H.263, MP4, WMV, DivX
Audio: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA
Value-added Features: Android Market and Samsung Apps for more applications and contents. Augmented Reality with Layar Reality Browser
Connectivity: Bluetooth technology v 3.0 USB v2.0

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. has reinforced its commitment to smartphones with the regional launch of its flagship Galaxy S i9000 at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The Android-based Galaxy S, designed to make users’ lives more convenient, exciting and integrated, will be available in June.

CEO of Samsung Southeast Asia & Oceania Gregory Lee shared how Samsung’s Galaxy S will redefine the way people think about smartphones and deliver on Samsung’s commitment to fuel mass adoption in this category. -press release

Philips Electronics announced that their recently revealed LED replacement for the common household bulb was named one of the “best inventions of 2009” by TIME magazine. The lamp was Philips’ entry to the US Department of Energy’s Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prize (L Prize) competition, the first and only such entry submitted to the Department of Energy to date.

The TIME “best inventions team” included this Philips invention on the list because of the significant technological developments that were achieved to deliver breakthrough product capability previously unseen from an LED light bulb.

Under the heading “The $10 Million Lightbulb,” the editors declared that “with the flick of a switch, Philips Electronics may have just dramatically lowered America's electric bill,” noting “Philips' LED bulb emits the same amount of light as its incandescent equivalent but uses less than 10 watts and lasts for 25,000 hours â€" or 25 times as long.” - manila bulletin

Canon’s Digital IXUS line of cameras, marked by its unique marriage of style and function, marks a digital milestone with the launch of the IXUS 300 HS. Featuring the ground-breaking High-Sensitivity “HS” System, it offers unprecedented imaging quality in demanding lighting situations.

This new performance-driven camera incorporates a 10-megapixel CMOS (back-illuminated) sensor and DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor that counters the negative effects of camera shake and minimizes blurring. Available in red, black, and white, the IXUS 300 makes it a breeze to capture the subject, ambience, and mood of the scene as the user experiences it, even in difficult shooting situations.

Adding to the versatility of the IXUS 300 HS is its bright f/2.0 lens, giving it the largest aperture capability in the Digital IXUS line. With a wider aperture, faster shutter speeds can be selected to counter low-light situations.

The lens also facilitates a shallow depth of field to achieve natural background blurring. Known to photographers as bokeh, this effect accentuates the subject to result in stunning portraits and dramatic perspectives. - manila bulletin

(Reuters) - The head of Thailand’s national airline said the country's political crisis had passed and vowed to press ahead with plans to raise cash from the markets this year rather than wait for possible early elections.

Thai Airways International President Piyasvasti Amranand, a former energy minister, said falling demand after violent protests in the capital would cap the airline’s second quarter earnings after a strong start to the year.

“I believe the political situation has returned to normal and the government has dealt with the crisis very well, and we should be facing a period of peace and stability,” Amranand told Reuters Insider television at an industry conference.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Sunday a state of emergency would remain in place despite unrest easing but that an election was possible early next year.

Emergency measures were imposed in Bangkok on April 7 and expanded to 23 provinces during the worst political crisis in modern Thai history as “red shirt” antigovernment protests descended into bloody clashes with troops and arson attacks.

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates called for free access to the resource-rich South China Sea saying Washington objected to any effort to “intimidate” US energy firms in the region.

Gates said the South China Sea was of “growing concern” due to territorial disputes that could pose a threat to free navigation and “economic development.”

In a veiled warning to China, Gates alluded to Beijing’s alleged threats against some US oil and gas companies interested in off-shore exploration in waters claimed by Vietnam.

“We object to any effort to intimidate US corporations or those of any nation engaged in legitimate economic activity,” Gates said in a speech at the Shangri-La security conference in Singapore.

A US State Department official told a congressional committee last July that China demanded some American and foreign energy firms halt projects with Vietnamese partners or face possible commercial retaliation in China. - AP

By PHOEBE JEN INDINO
Manila Bulletin

With the onset of the rainy season and the completion of the rapid geo-hazard assessment, the Region 7 office of the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB) bared that seven barangays in this town and two in Bayawan City have been given high landslide proximity due to the presence of unstable slopes in the said areas.

MGB7 Regional Director Loreto Alburo said that for the province of Negros Oriental, the town of Valencia, which is a first class municipality located 9.4 kilometers west of Dumaguete City, has seven barangays that are identified to be highly susceptible to landslide.

“These barangays are Balili, Caidiocan, Cambucad,Malaunay, Palinpinon,Puhagan and Pulangbato,” said Alburo.

In Bayawan City, a coastal city within the province of Negros Orienta, the two barangays with high susceptibility to landslide are Kalumbuyan and San Miguel.

Moreover, for the province of Bohol, Alburo disclosed that the municipalities of Guindulman, Deuro and Jagna were categorized as risky areas where the occurrence of landslide is concerned.

By MALOU M. MOZO
Manila Bulletin

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has endorsed two of its members to for the Department of Tourism (DoT) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) secretaryships.

CCCI President Samuel Chioson announced that the Chamber will endorse Cebuano lawmaker Rep. Raul del Mar to the DoT, and Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival to the DENR.

Amid speculations on who will comprise the Cabinet of President-apparent Sen. Benigno Simeon Aquino III, Chioson contends that Cebuanos might be among the best persons to assume the Dot and DENR portfolios.

“Their competence, efficiency and character has moved the Chamber to endorse them,” he said in a statement, referring to del Mar and Archival, stressing that the CCCI believes they both have done well as public servants.

“Their length of service and the various recognitions that have been bestowed upon them in the course of their public service speak for their extraordinary leadership,” Chioson explained.

According to Chioson, Archival is "fit for the job” because of his strong advocacies on environmental conservation.

By FREDDIE G. LAZARO
Manila Bulletin

CAMP JUAN, Ilocos Norte â€" Two motorcycle riders were killed and two others hurt in a freak collision between two motorcycles moving in the same direction along the road in Barangay San Juan, Solsona, this province, last Sunday.

Police identified the dead victims as Gerardo Alejandro and Ruben Villa, both residents of Barangay Sta. Maria, Piddig, this province, who were riding in tandem on one motorcycle.

Police also identified the injured as Ricky Boy Diego and Mark Edison Dawang, both residents in  Barangay Medina, Dingras, same province, and occupants of the other motorcycle.

By FRANCO G. REGALA
Manila Bulletin

A 26-year-old tricycle driver, wanted for murder last February, was arrested last Sunday for wounding his live-in partner and her two children in a drunken knife attack the previous night in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

Chief Superintendent Arturo G. Cacdac Jr., Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director, assured Monday that suspect Rannie M. Sumalinog, alias “Tisoy,” of 2242 Hadrian St., Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, has been locked up in jail without bail.

Sumalinog was arrested by a team of Angeles City policemen and Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT) operatives around 3 p.m. in front of an American fastfood outlet in Dau, Mabalacat.

Cacdac said Sumalinog was arrested for allegedly attacking his live-in partner Ruby D. Jordan and her children Ryan James Jordan and Francislyn Jordan with a knife when he got home drunk around 10 p.m. Saturday night.

The three victims, who suffered multiple hack wounds in the body, were first taken to the Ospital ng Angeles na Hospital in Barangay Pampang and then transferred to the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital.

By JAMES A. LOYOLA
Manila Bulletin

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has signed a joint venture agreement with Megaworld Corporation for the P3.5 billion development of a mixed-use condominium project within the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex in Pasay City.

In an interview, GSIS President and General Manager Winston Garcia said the GSIS will contribute a 7,741-square meter property adjacent to the historical Coconut Palace where Megaworld will build three 20-storey residential towers.

Megaworld, an Andrew Tan led publicly-listed company has agreed to shoulder the cost of the development of the condominium project. Turnover is expected to be in 2014.

“Our joint project with Megaworld will have a 60,000-square meter saleable area. It is a very exciting project for us. This is the kind of residential condo project that the reclamation area needs,” Garcia said.

By MYRNA M. VELASCO
Manila Bulletin

For the second month in a row, the customers of utility giant Manila Electric Company (Meralco) will experience relief in their net electricity bills as the reduction in transmission charges offset a slight increase in the billing period’s generation cost.

Meralco first vice president and utility economics head Ivanna G. dela Pena noted that the estimated average reduction for residential end-users will be P0.10 per kilowatt hour; as a result of the twin cost reductions in transmission and system loss charges at P0.1541 per kWh and P0.0282 per kWh respectively; vis-à-vis the P0.0844 per kWh climb in generation charge.

Onward, Meralco is eyeing that customers will further enjoy reduction in their electricity bills especially with the onset of the rainy season wherein the availability of relatively cheaper hydro is much anticipated.

I'm using the USB Smartbro, Min, and it's a joke, useless. Total crap. I changed locations. This time diri sa Davao duol na sa Smart tower. Same result. The connection stops every six minutes. I have to unplug the USB and restart the SmartBro connection. It's annoying doing this thing over and over again every 6 minutes.

SmartBro sucks big time. Beware people.

By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ

An ocular inspection of the hotel room where the sex video of Katrina Halili and Hayden Kho, Jr. was filmed has been approved by the Pasig City Regional Trial Court.

The ex-celebrity doctor’s camp requested the inspection in order to qualify Halili’s testimony during her cross-examination on June 7 before Judge Rodolfo Bonifacio of Pasig RTC Branch 159, in which she failed to divulge specific details of the hotel room.

Kho’s lawyer, Atty. Lorna Kapunan, said the inspection will either validate or nullify Halili's claim that she has no knowledge of the filming of the controversial video.

“How could she not know when the room was very small? And from the end of the bed and the TV set, it is impossible not to see the TV at the edge of the bed.

“And she also said that, if at all there was a video camera, it would be on top of the TV set. So to say that she did not see, it is I think is stretching the truth,” the defendant’s legal counsel said in an interview on abs-cbnNEWS.com.

What is your favorite sushi?

The alleged "rogue trader" blamed by French bank Societe Generale for 4.9bn euros (then worth £4.3bn) in losses is to go on trial on Tuesday.

Jerome Kerviel is accused of forgery, breach of trust and unauthorised computer use.

Mr Kerviel has been under investigation since SocGen unveiled the losses in 2008, which it blamed on unauthorised deals carried out by him.

The former trader has always maintained the bank knew about the risky deals.

In a book published last month, Mr Kerviel claimed that his superiors turned a blind eye to his trading while he was earning money for the bank, but intervened when he began to lose, he has argued. -bbc

A genetically modified (GM) variety of maize banned in the EU has been sown accidentally across Germany.

The NK603 variety has been planted in seven states. The seed supplier, US firm Pioneer Hi-Bred, called the level of contamination "minute".

It is not clear how the mistake occurred, but it could cost farmers millions of euros, as crops will now have to be destroyed.

The EU is currently reviewing its tight rules on the cultivation of GM crops.

Pioneer Hi-Bred, based in Buxtehude near Hamburg, says NK603 has been planted on "just under 2,000 hectares (4,940 acres)" of land. The environmental group Greenpeace put the area as high as 3,000 hectares.

Bavaria, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Lower Saxony are among the states where it has been sown.-bbc

The new coalition government will be "assertive" in its dealings with Europe, Foreign Secretary William Hague has said.

Before the election some people believed a Conservative administration would be disengaged from Europe.

But Mr Hague told the BBC that other European countries would find the UK eager to be involved.

The foreign secretary's comments came as he embarked on a visit to four European capitals.

Mr Hague said he would be urging Europe to act more decisively in international affairs, backing further sanctions against Iran over its nuclear policy and wanting firm action in the Balkans where old animosities, particularly in Bosnia, threaten to re-surface.

BBC Europe editor Gavin Hewitt says that in what some may regard as a strange twist, the foreign secretary is urging the European Union not to lose confidence as it battles with the crisis that threatens the euro. -bbc

What's your biggest regret?

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What's one thing you'd like to do but haven't done yet?

How is the weather right now?

Have you ever fired a gun?

If you were a crayon what color would you be?

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Early bird or night owl?

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What do you think of love?

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Which was the last restaurant you went to?

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has begun a two-day visit to Indian-administered Kashmir.

Mr Singh will review development programmes in the state and also attend a university ceremony.

Separatists in the Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley have called for a strike in protest at the visit.

Mr Singh's arrival came a day after the Indian army suspended a senior officer who is accused of killing three civilians in a staged gun battle.

The incident happened at Machhil near the Line of Control, the de facto border which separates Indian-administered Kashmir from Pakistani-administered Kashmir, in April. -bbc

BBC News - Mother's 'nightmare' after baby twins 'mauled' by fox

The mother of nine-month-old twin girls has described her "living nightmare" after her daughters were apparently mauled by a fox as they slept in their cots in east London.

Lola and Isabella Koupparis were attacked at about 2200 BST on Saturday.

A police source said the fox apparently entered the house through an open ground-floor door before attacking the twins in an upstairs room.

Both girls suffered arm injuries and one is thought to have facial injuries.
Map of east London

The twins remain in a serious but stable condition. One of the girls has been transferred from the Royal London Hospital to Great Ormond Street Hospital for further treatment, Barts and The London NHS Trust said. -bbc

The mystery of 1,800-year-old remains unearthed in York may have been solved thanks to bite and hammer marks on their decapitated skulls.

Archaeologists have exhumed 80 skeletons from gardens at Driffield Terrace over the past decade.

The results of forensic work on the skeletons suggests they may be part of the world's only well-preserved Roman gladiator cemetery.

Marks on the remains suggest some individuals died in a violent manner.

The research features in a Channel 4 documentary, Gladiators: Back from the Dead. -bbc

Veteran US White House reporter Helen Thomas has retired after making controversial remarks about Israel.

In an interview on 27 May, she said that Israelis should get "the hell out of Palestine" and suggested they went to Germany, Poland or the US.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said her comments were "offensive and reprehensible". She has since apologised.

Thomas, 89, was the longest-serving reporter in the White House. -bbc

Adobe has acknowledged a "critical" security flaw in its Reader, Acrobat and Flash Player software.

Adobe says the vulnerability potentially enables hackers to take control of affected computer systems.

Users running Windows, Macintosh or Linux might all be open to attack.

The company is working to fix the problem. In the meantime, users of Reader, Acrobat and Flash are advised to ensure their anti-virus software is up to date.

"It doesn't really get any worse than a 'zero-day' vulnerability like this," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, a security software company.

Apple has unveiled a redesign of its popular iPhone handset.

The revamped gadget has a stainless steel case, integrated antenna, improved display and is 24% thinner than the most recent version.

Apple boss Steve Jobs said the redesign was the "biggest leap" it had taken since the launch of the first iPhone.

But analysts said the phone's popularity could be dented by Apple's strict control over what owners can do with their gadget.

The gadget was revealed during the keynote speech at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco.

The device will go on sale on 24 June. The US price for the 32GB model is $299 (£206) and $199 (£137) for the 16GB model. Apple said prices might be affected by contract conditions.

Really Min? Are you using an Antenna? Or just the USB?

US Coast Guard chief Thad Allen has warned that cleaning up marshlands and other habitats affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill will take years.

Adm Allen also said oil giant BP needed to do better at getting money to people and businesses affected by the spill.

An estimated 11,000 barrels of oil a day are now being funneled from the leak by a new containment cap, he said.

President Barack Obama told Americans they would "get through this crisis", despite the damage to the economy.

Mr Obama was briefed by Adm Allen at the White House on Monday on progress in tackling the spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The leaking wellhead is currently spewing out between 12,000 and 24,000 barrels of oil per day.

Mr Obama told reporters after the briefing that he was committed to seeing the Gulf region restored to a condition better than it was before the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded and sank on 20 April, killing 11 workers. -bbc

By Agence France Presse

Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto stopped a game but injured Yuri Foreman in the ninth round Saturday to seize Foreman's World Boxing Association junior middleweight title at the new Yankee Stadium.

The ending was suitably dramatic for boxing's return to the home of baseball's Yankees, more than three decades after the original Yankee Stadium hosted its last bout.

Cotto landed a left hook to the body that sent an already limping Foreman down and referee Arthur Mercante called a halt at 42 seconds of the ninth round.

Foreman's right knee, on which he was already wearing a brace, had buckled in the seventh round and he fell.

The Brooklyn-based Israeli resumed, but his mobility was clearly compromised, allowing Cotto to land punches almost at will.

In the eighth round someone near Foreman's corner threw in a towel, but Mercante asked Foreman if he wanted to go on, cleared the ring and continued.

That was the last stats/figure since we disabled the stats of this site. It was necessary to disable it to conserve server resources.

Thanks Bran for the feedback. More improvements are coming.

Just don't waste your time and money on this total crap product of Smart.

Lakers lost in the game. Let's forward to Game 3 in Boston.

A Mexican man has been accused of giving his two children away to cancel a 25,000 peso (£1,300; $1,900) debt, then pretending they had been kidnapped.

Javier Covarrubias confessed to the alleged crimes after detectives confronted him with evidence that his story was false, prosecutors say.

His account of how his children were snatched in the street led to concerned protests in Tepito, a poor area of Mexico City.

The two children are still missing.

Mr Covarrubias, 20, was arrested in Hidalgo state after going into hiding when police questioned his account his children's disappearance. -bbc

The 2010 World Cup in South Africa has been insured for more than £6.2bn, according to Lloyd's of London, the world's biggest insurance market.

Football world governing body Fifa, national teams, broadcasters and other firms with a stake in the tournament's success have all taken out policies.

Stadiums and training venues for the World Cup matches are covered to the tune of £3.2bn, underwriters say.

But other business opportunities linked to the event account for another £3bn.

"Competitions, offers, prizes, sponsorship, broadcast rights - it's impossible to know how many there are, but all companies with these financial implications need coverage," said Chris Nash, active underwriter at Sportscover. - BBC

I want Lakers to win.
End of 3rd quarter: 72-72

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Score is tie at 61. 3rd quarter, 7 minutes remaining.

BBC News - Deadly tornadoes rip through US Midwest, killing seven
Tornado in Ohio

Tornadoes and thunderstorms have killed at least seven people in the US state of Ohio, officials say.

At least 50 houses were destroyed and many more damaged in north-western Ohio, local firefighter chief Todd Walters told AP news agency.

Several people were taken to hospitals as the storm left an eight-mile (13km) path of destruction, hitting Lake Township particularly hard.

The extreme weather also affected parts of Illinois and Michigan. -bbc

Score 56-57 in favor of Lakers.

Game 2 Lakers vs Celtics Finals
Please update us of the score every end of the quarter. Thank you.

Former Smart Gilas Pilipinas import and naturalization candidate CJ Giles has said he remains open to rejoining the national program in its quest to secure the lone Asian berth for the 2012 London Olympics.

"If we could clear things out, why not?" said the 6-foot-11 Giles on Tuesday.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas rescinded Giles' contract because of the spring-loaded forward's erratic behavior.
         
"Right now, I have nothing to do. I'll just have a quick stop in Beirut, go straight to the US and chill out," said Giles, who helped Smart Gilas clinch fifth place in the Fiba Asia Champions Cup in 2009 in Jakarta.

In 2010, Giles, playing for Lebanon's Al-Riyadi, frustrated the national team in the quarterfinals of the two-import tournament here with a three-pointer in the closing minutes that sealed Smart Gilas' doom.

The Nationals crashed out of the medal race and wound up in seventh place while Giles and Al Riyadi went on to play in the semifinals.

ASU Jordan's import Oyedeji Olumide also left his phone number with SBP officials while Marcus Douthit, will arrive in Manila on June 8 for a series of tryouts.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's basketball icon Fadi El Khatib showed interest in playing as an import in the PBA.

The 6-foot-5 gunner recently announced his retirement from the Lebanese national team. - bohol chronicle

Will you agree with some of the sports analysts' comparison?

On the verge of another berth in the French Open final, Rafael Nadal hit his worst shot of the day - and perhaps the entire tournament.But Nadal's lapses are usually brief, especially at Roland Garros. Soon enough he was celebrating a semifinal victory with a running leap across his favorite court, on his way to a rematch with Robin Soderling in Sunday's final.Soderling pulled off a stunning upset when they met in the fourth round last year, and that remains Nadal's lone loss in 38 French Open matches."He's a very, very dangerous player," Nadal said. "He's one of the best of the world. It will be a difficult match." - AP

By Manny Bautista
Bohol Chronicle

Rey "Boom-Boom" Bautista's return to the US fight scene has been postponed and transferred.

The hard-hitting Bautista was supposed to see action against veteran Levi Brea on June 26 in Virginia but the fight was moved to Aug. 14 in San Diego, California.

"Boom-Boom will be fighting on a bigger event on Aug. 14 in San Diego, which has a large Filipino community," ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer said.
         
Aldeguer said the negotiation for Bautista's fight in the US is still ongoing and that there is a possibility the 23-year-old former title contender may be facing a different opponent.

ALA Promotions is co-promoting this event with San Diego-based Powerhouse Promotions.

Aldeguer added Michael Domingo will be included in the fight card.

Domingo, who recently clinched an impressive second round knockout victory over Luis Melendez, was recently turned down in a world title fight by interim World Boxing Organization bantamweight titleholder Eric Morel.

AJ Banal was originally scheduled to fight along with Bautista in the US but the 21-year-old up-and-coming fighter will no longer be in the event.

Instead, Banal will headline a huge boxing show in Cebu City along with world-rated Milan Melindo on July 16.

"Banal was replaced with Domingo because of the schedule. He hasn't fought since January," Aldeguer said. "We will bring in a named fighter as his opponent so that Cebuano fans can see Banal before he fights abroad."

Aldeguer said they will finalize the opponents of his wards within the week.

You can't blame Eric Morel for being careful about whom he fights, which is why he isn't fighting Nonito Donaire this summer.

After Jorge Arce suffered a deep cut in training for a scheduled June 26 bout with Morel, Donaire proposed himself as Arce's replacement. But it was widely reported Wednesday that Morel turned down the chance to defend his interim 118-pound belt against Donaire.

Morel, having nearly been defeated by 38-year-old Gerry Penalosa in February, obviously can't envision himself beating Donaire. Morel, 34, is unbeaten in his comeback from a three-year layoff caused by a prison sentence. But his boxing opponents need to be his age or older at this stage, as the Puerto Rican's performance against Penalosa or Fernando Montiel, B Penalosa or Fernando Montiel, But Donaire is capable of taking Morel apart.
         
If Penalosa was too quick and clever for Morel, imagine the problems Donaire would present with his equal height and superior movement and power.

Of course, that's why it's so hard for Donaire to find any willing, credible opponent, and that's why he's facing the not the challenge he needs. probability that he'll be fighting Hernan Marquez (27-1, 20 knockouts) on July 10 in Puerto Rico. The problem there is that Marquez's one loss was by a one-sided decision to light-hitting Filipino Richie Mepranum in his last outing. Donaire would tame Marquez even more easily, and that's not the challenge he needs. - bohol chronicle

Manny Pacquiao seems to win something, whether it's a fight or an award, just about every time he makes the long trip to the United States.

The newly elected congressman from the Philippines accepted his third Fighter of the Year award Friday, while his trainer Freddie Roach was honored for the fourth time by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

"Tonight I overflow with joy and gratitude. I am thankful that, just like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier and other boxers, I decided to get into boxing," Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao also accepted a special award as Fighter of the Decade.

"I confronted poverty by trusting God and dreaming big," Pacquiao said. "I was convinced I could succeed in boxing. The boxing ring could be the breeding ground for my dreams."

Accompanied by his wife, Jinkee, and most of his family, Pacquiao will remain in New York to watch Cotto challenge junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman on Saturday in the first fight at Yankee Stadium in more than three decades. - bohol chronicle

What will happen to Philippine Boxing after Manny Pacquiao's retirement?

Danny Ferry didn't agree with the decision to fire Cleveland's coach. He knew re-signing superstar free agent LeBron James would be difficult. He felt his authority as general manager was being reduced by an owner with a different vision.

The Cavaliers are changing.

Ferry decided to let them - without him.
         
He resigned as Cleveland's general manager after five seasons on Friday, a stunning development for a team seemingly in turmoil during the most important offseason in team history, the Summer of LeBron. Ferry's departure came two weeks after owner Dan Gilbert fired Coach Mike Brown following the Cavs' disappointing second-round loss to the Boston Celtics in the NBA playoffs. Ferry, whose contract was set to expire June 30, decided to leave after talks with Gilbert revealed they had differing ideas on the Cavs' direction.But the timing and suddenness of Ferry's departure - as well as Brown's dismissal despite winning 143 games the past two seasons. "You've got to be willing to take some risks, calculated ones, and make changes when they're necessary," Gilbert said.

Assistant GM Chris Grant will take over for Ferry, who played in Cleveland for 10 years and became the club's GM in 2005, shortly after Gilbert hired Brown. - Reuters

The talk coming into the game circled around how the Celtics' defense may rival that of the 2008 championship  team.

On Thursday, the Lakers showed their rendition of defense.

They took charges. They caused deflections. They altered and rejected shots inside. In short, they frustrated Boston.

That defense coupled with a late third-quarter spurt helped the defending champs deliver an emphatic blow to the Celtics, winning 102-89 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals at Staples Center.

Leading the way for the Lakers in the series opener was Bryant, who had a game-high 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists. He has now scored 30-plus in 10 of his last 11 contests. Pau Gasol had a terrific all-around game with 23 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Ron Artest chipped in 15.

The dominating fashion in which the Lakers, who led by as many as 20 points, took Game 1 was surprising, even to Boston's Paul Pierce.

After the game, Pierce, who a team-high 24 points, was quick to mention how many points the Celtics have given up. That's because they have only given up 100 or more points four times coming into the series.         

The Lakers built their lead off their swarming defense, a 16-0 advantage on second chance points and a 48-30 differential on points in the paint.

They also held Boston to 43.3 percent shooting and neutralized their best player.

"They did a great job getting back on the fast break," said Rondo, who had 13 points and eight assists. "They did a good job of collapsing when I did get a chance to get inside the paint ... they did a great job mixing it up."

The third quarter was huge for the Lakers as they outscored the Celtics 34-23.

Boston did show some fight at the start of the fourth quarter. Trailing by 20 points, the Celtics whittled the deficit to 85-74 after a 10-1 run. But the Lakers answered.

Facing the Suns' zone defense helped the Lakers sharpen their ball movement and cuts to the basket.

Gasol and Andrew Bynum showed that early on with with Gasol scoring 11 first-half points and Bynum looking as spry as a person with a torn meniscus in his right knee can. Bynum, finished with 10 points and six rebounds.Foul trouble plagued the Celtics' Ray Allen, who picked up his fourth in the opening minutes of the third quarter. Allen, who finished with 12 points in 27 minutes, returned late in the third quarter and 20 seconds later, picked up his fifth foul.

The Celtics talked after the game about needing to control the penetration of the Lakers guards, so their big men wouldn't have to help and be left out of rebounding position. They need to come up with something better against Bryant, because Ray Allen was in constant foul trouble and ineffective with the assignment. - bohol chronicle reposted

Hi Sir Felix,

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By Bohol Chronicle

The Pre judging for the Red Cross Bohol Teen Quest was held last Sunday, May 30, 2010 at the Island City Mall Activity Centre.

The activity was hosted by Mr. Ferome Jusgorge Almiñe. The highly respected judges were Mr. Keith Cantoneros, Runway modelling workshop master, Ms. Chymbeelou Bandija, Assistant Manager of David's Salon, Mr. Raul Gatal, a veteran host of Bohol, Mr. Leo Castillo Plazo Jr., HRD Manager of the Bohol Quality Mall, Metro Center and Panglao Island Nature Resort, Mr. Dennies Pascual Tan Du, Dunkin Donuts Franchise Owner and Mr. Judith Ang, Member of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Red Cross Bohol Chapter.
         
The sponsors for the event were Dunkin Donuts, JJ's Seafood Village, Island City Mall, Marbella Food Center, David's Salon, Artline, ADCE, Ms. Sandra Geiger, Julie's Bakeshop and Image Marketing.

The Red Cross Bohol Teen Quest is a program of the Red Cross Youth Department spearheaded by the chairperson and CYC treasurer, Stephen Bongcaras with the rest of the Chapter Youth Council officers of Bohol.

The grand finals will be this June 19, 2010 at 7:00pm. The gates will be open at 5:30pm. VIP tickets are sold at P100.00 and general admission at P30.00. For ticket inquiries, contact 501-9175/09291301410 or go to the Philippine Red Cross Bohol Chapter Building and look for Mrs. Nenita Briones.

International Day for Biodiversity was celebrated last May 22, 2010 with the theme "Biodiversity is Life. Biodiversity is our Life". Year 2010 is also the International Year for Biodiversity.

What is Biodiversity? Biodiversity means the variety of life forms found on earth, all species of plants and animals, microorganisms and the intricate ecosystems they form.

Why conserve them? They are sources of food, construction materials, medicines and also source of beauty and pride. Plants help maintain fresh air, prevent floods and animals act as seed dispersal agents and pollinators like birds and insects.

What are the threats to their decline? Habitat destruction, Wildlife over-exploitation, pollution, global warming, and lack of awareness.
         
How can we help to conserve them? Keep the environment clean and green; don't buy endangered wild plants and animals, their by-products and derivatives; follow the environmental laws; report any illegal activity and help in the information dissemination.

In celebration of Biodiversity Day, DENR-Bohol conducted mangrove planting in Poblacion, Maribojoc last May 21, 2010. It was participated by DENR personnel, Philippine Coastguard led by CPO Liduvino Inting, Shell employees headed by Alfred Araco, BLGU Officials of Poblacion, Maribojoc led by Brgy.

Capt. Arsenio Pantollana, LGU of Maribojoc led by MENRO Lucas Echavia, Jr. and CRM Coordinator Felix N. Dumandan. About 5,000 propagules were planted on the identified site. After the planting, a short program was done with MENRO Echavia giving the Welcome Address and short messages from the participating agencies. An IEC on Climate Change, Ocean Month and Biodiversity Day Celebration and CPH 2010 were briefly discussed by Foresters Raul Paler, Aurelio Baay, Jr., Juliet Paler, Basilides Orioque, and EMS II Maria Corazon T. Colarines.

In a related development, the Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc. (SFFI) conducted another mangrove planting in Clarin, Bohol last May 24, 2010.

"Let us support the Biodiversity Conservation Program for a Healthy Environment." (MCT Colarines-EMS II/IO) - Bohol Chronicle

A 48-year old purok health worker from Burgos St., Tagb. City is the lucky winner of P100,000 in the 2nd Monthly Draw of "Instant Milyonaryo, Cash Papremyo" 2010 Raffle Promo of Alturas Supermarket, Plaza Marcela, Island City Mall, Kris-lyn Shop n' Dine and Alturas-Talibon, conducted last Friday, June 4, at the Island City Mall Activity Center.

Gloria Nabo, who sidelines as a food vendor selling different repacked viands in the neighborhood in Burgos, was very ecstatic upon learning that she won the major prize. She plans to use the money to pay the full tuition fee of her 16-year old eldest daughter Glex, who is an incoming freshman at the Holy Name University, taking up a Tourism course.
         
Gloria is married to a young carpenter Expidito Nabo, and they have another daughter, Rose Marie, 13, who is also an incoming sophomore student of Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School.

The other winners of P10,000 each are RENZMARIE P. MERO, Tagum Sur, Loon, Bohol (300632 A); WINEFREDA M. HURDISTA, Pob., Maribojoc, Bohol (575812); JOVILA BALBIN, Quinoguitan, Loboc, Bohol (886724); CARMEN C. FANDIALAN, Hagbuyo, San Miguel, Bohol (460370 A), ARSENIA T. GANDO Basiao, G-Hernandez, Bohol (747770); ROWENA M. GARCIA, Jao, Talibon, Bohol (047950); MARY JANE RIVERA, Ponong, Albur, Bohol (988324); FERDINAND SALOMON, Napo, Loon, Bohol (861419); LELITA COLUMNE, Taloto Dist., Tagb. City (480572 A); and JORAN M. BONSATO, Anonang, Valencia, Bohol (843287).

The said cash bonanza promo is still going on at Alturas Supermarket, Plaza Marcela, Island City Mall, Kris-lyn Shop n' Dine and Alturas-Talibon, where a customer is entitled to one raffle coupon for every single cash purchase worth P250.

There are nine monthly draws conducted every first Friday of the month to be held at the Island City Mall Activity Center at 4 PM, except on August 6 where it will be held at Alturas-Talibon and November 5 at Alturas Supermarket. The monthly raffle draw dates are May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3, and January 7, 2011. In every monthly draw there is one winner of P100,000 and ten winners of 10,000 each.

The grand draw is scheduled on January 9, 2011 at 4 PM, at the Island City Mall Activity Center where one winner will receive the grand prize of One Million Pesos (P1,000,000.00) and five winners of P50,000 each, plus five minor prizes of P10,000 each. - Bohol Chronicle

Bohol Chronicle: The Philippine National Police will coordinate closely with the Department of Education for better security in school campuses with the scheduled opening of school year 2010-11 this week.

PNP Prov'l Director Rodolfo Llorca will be meeting DepEd Supt. Lorna Rances at the local schools division office tomorrow to finalize the coordination of the two agencies in securing peace and order with the influx of students.
         
Most private schools in the city will open their classes tomorrow while public schools are set to commence classes on June 15.

Schools that will open classes tomorrow are Holy Name University, University of Bohol, Philippine Maritime Institute, and Bohol Wisdom School while Holy Spirit School opened a week earlier.

Supt. Llorca appealed to school authorities to closely monitor the activities of their students inside and outside the school campuses especially on reported organizing of prohibited fraternities and sororities.

The more attractions, the better as tourism booms in the province.

Competition heightens on tourism come-ons among the LGUs, particularly between Danao and Loboc over zipline and cable car considered as extreme adventure.

Other municipalities, like Dimiao and Balilihan are reportedly eyeing the same activity in their respective turfs. The hinterland town of Pilar has already mounted a zipline across the huge Malinao Irrigation Dam but not completed yet.
         
For her part, provincial board member Ester Corazon Galbreath, tourism committee chairperson, said it should have been that local government units concerned follow the OTOP (One-town-one-product) concept being advanced by the Department of trade and Industry.

Loboc re-elected Mayor Leon Calipusan defended the town's new-found come-ons in zipline and cable car, the latest addition to the town's attractions.

He said Loboc did not make any noise when the towns of Cortes and Maribojoc set up river-cruising similar to Loboc.

Danao, a hinterland town, draws the first of zipline and cable car that are noteworthy extreme tourism adventure appeal. The lure earns an average of a million bucks a month and about two million during the summer months, doubling the income of its public market income in a year.

Tourism Sec. Ace Durano inaugurated it last year during the launching of the "canyon swing," some described it the "plunge." It also offers a lot of adventure-filled activities, like the rappelling, caving, root-climbing, tubing or canoeing, village visit and a tour to historical cave hideout of then Boholano hero Francisco "Dagohoy" Sendrijas against the Spaniards.

Loboc has the edge over Danao, as the town is within reach because of its proximity from Tagbilaran City with paved roads while Danao is in a remote municipality. (RVO) - Bohol Chronicle

The Bohol Chronicle, Bohol's independent bi-weekly newspaper gets national recognition as it emerged as the lone nominee for Visayas for two journalism awards of the Philippine Press Institute (PPI).

The 56-year old community newspaper is nominated for "Best Edited Community Newspaper" and "Best in Photojournalism."
         
The other nominees are Baguio Midland Courier (Luzon) and Sun*Star Weekend (Mindanao) in the "best edited" category with The Ilocus Times (Luzon) and Sun*Star Weekend (Mindanao) in the "best in photojournalism" category.

Three other categories, "Best in Business & Economic Reporting," "Best in Editorial," and "Best in Science & Environmental Reporting" will also be giving awards to community newspapers during the Civic Journalism Community Press Awards at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on June 25.

The Bohol Chronicle hit the streets of Tagbilaran on May 16, 1954.

The paper was also awarded as "RP's Community Newspaper of the Year 1970" by the Rotary Club of Manila.

Bohol Chronicle: At least three companies have already expressed interest in supplying potable water to Panglao island by tapping the major rivers in consonance with the Integrated Water Resources System Master Plan of the province.

The local government units of Panglao and Dauis are awaiting the formal project proposals of the companies.

Palafox Associates has seen the vulnerability of Panglao island's groundwater to contamination "due to seepage of sewage and saltwater intrusion".

"We have in place the Bohol Water Utilities Inc. (BWUI) which is tapping the underground water of Corella and Cortes," according to Governor Erico Aumentado.

The second company is the Maynilad Water Services, Inc. of Manny Pangilinan who leads the consortium of DMCI Holdings, Inc. (DMCI) and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).

Maynilad still has to submit a feasibility study on tapping Loboc River as the company intends to supply the domestic water requirements of Tagbilaran City, Panglao Island and other towns.

The company has been serving as water and wastewater services provider for West Zone of the greater Metro Manila area comprising 17 cities and municipalities- -Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Manila, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Pasay, Parañaque, Valenzuela, parts of Quezon City, a part of Makati, Cavite City, and the municipalities of Rosario, Imus, Noveleta, Bacoor, and Kawit in Cavite.
         
The third taker is the Sta. Clara International which will tap the Upper Abatan River to supply water for Metro Tagbilaran and Panglao Island.

Sta. Clara proposed to have it under a free market competition with other water providers.

The proposed water supply services could be a complement of proposal of Sta. Clara Power Corp. "to invest in the Cantakoy Falls for a hydropower plant in Danao, and the Sinakayanan River, a tributary of the Upper Abatan River in San Isidro and Catigbian towns", as earlier announced by the governor.

Sta. Clara's possible partners would be Boheco, DBP and interested local government units like the Province of Bohol, and the towns of Danao and Inabanga.

"The feasibility study of the Cantakoy hydroelectric plant, funded by the Spanish government, is now the basis for the group of Engr. Asisclo Gonzaga, former NPC and TRANSCO president, to work on the 7.2 megawatts power plant in Danao whose caves near the falls were part of the headquarters of Francisco Dagohoy's 85-year rebellion against Spain. The area is now part of the Eco/Extreme Adventure Park of the town," according to Aumentado.

Under the banner of environmental economics, the provincial government pushes for the integrated approach of its water resources.

In fact, Bohol already has an Integrated Water Resources System Master Plan funded by AusAID and an eleven-year (2009-2020) IWRM Strategic Plan by the Provincial Development Council launched in 2009.

Boholanos approve of the integration of sex education into schools' basic curricula as a preclusion measure for early pregnancy.

In a radio-survey conducted yesterday over radio station DYRD's "Radyo Merkado", majority of the respondents agreed to the inclusion of sex education in teachers' lesson plans in the upcoming academic year.

A remarkable 63 percent approve of the Department of Education's (DepEd) long-proposed plan, while 37 percent disagree.

Those who agreed said schools will be the right venue to teach the young regarding the basic things they should know on sex education. "An educated youth on sex would know his obligations and responsibilities toward sex," a caller said citing that it is necessary to make them aware of things in the proper perspective.

The DepEd ruling said sex education will now be included in Grades 5 and 6 curricula in some 150 "pilot areas" nationwide, 80 elementary schools and 79 high schools. The program will be called as sex education or "Adolescent Reproductive Health.

The move is vehemently blocked by the religious sector, particularly by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), due to worries that the lessons may not be age-appropriate.

Catholic schools also oppose such implementation.

Meanwhile, some of the respondents who approve of the plan suggested that the title "Sex Education" be replaced so as to prevent it from being construed literally. A CBCP official said that sex education should be taught by parents and if otherwise it should start in college not in high school and elementary.
         
Fr. Conegundo Garganta also a member of CBCP said that the child's level of maturity should be considered and that those 17 and above are more prepared for such sensitive topic.

But though having drawn flak from the church, the program would be tested in 80 public elementary and 79 high schools, starting with grade five pupils aged 11-12 but it would not be including information about artificial contraceptives, which is strongly opposed by the bishops.

The testing of the Adolescent Reproductive Health program will be integrated in regular subjects including Science and Health, English and Physical Education. - Bohol Chronicle

This early, representatives of the Australian Government managing the ODA (Official Development Assistance) to the Philippines (particularly those for Bohol) already met with Governor-elect Edgar Chatto in Manila to make their assistance portfolio dovetail with the Economic Blueprint to be announced by the governor. The infrastructure discussion included some Bohol road projects.

"It is important to rationalize the Plan, because even ODAs do require counterpart funding from the local government and therefore it behooves us to prioritize projects according to our development plan because of the scarcity of funds," the first district congressman from Balilihan said.

Chatto, as incoming top executive of the province, is expected to draw the road map soon which every other endorsed project will have to fall in line for prioritization.

The Governor told the Chronicle that he is enthused to see the outcome of the scheduled meeting of the agencies involved with the outgoing administration this June 4-6 because he believed the inputs thereof will be part of the "items" in the transition agenda between Gov. Rico Aumentado and the incoming governor Chatto.

Chatto's transition team is headed by reelected board member of the first district Ae Damalerio while that of Aumentado is headed by Prov'l Attorney Handel Lagunay and Prov'l Planning and Development Officer John Titus Vistal. - Bohol Chronicle

The Freedom of Information Bill, that would have helped eradicate 50% of Philippine corruption - passed by the Senate - was "killed" by the House in the ratification bid by calling the over-used yarn of "lack of quorum" last Friday.

The 14th Congress, people agreed, should be called the "Killer of Freedom" as only 128 members of the 135 required (for a quorum) showed up last Friday on the last day of Congress. In the morning, the House was assured of a quorum and indeed there were more than 135 (according to witnesses) - when a few suddenly, suspiciously disappeared.

Some were reportedly seen in the House lounge and some in their offices in order to "kill the quorum", according to exasperated bill proponents.

Administration stalwart of Lakas Kampi Rep. Pedro Romualdo (Camiguin) suddenly raised the issue of lack of quorum as "a matter of principle" and effectively "killed the bill".

About 181 House members (of the 268) already voted for the bill early this year including House Speaker Prospero Nograles. It was stalled by the same lack of quorum in February 2010 and suffered the same fate Friday.

The Palace, heretofore, had urged the Senate and the House to ratify the bill but the "no show" of many administration allies belied the real intent of "Kill Bill" confirmed by the conspicuous absence of the Arroyo clan - made up of three representatives.

Even the act of Speaker Nograles to seek "on bended knees" for Rep. Romualdo to reconsider his "quorum stance" was not taken "hook, line and sinker" by the suspicious House Gallery - some of whom were escorted out by House security for rowdy behavior. - Bohol Chronicle