Medina's Performance a Thing to be Proud Of

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By: Ador Vincent S. Mayol, Delyne Marl A. Saragena, Izobelle T. Pulgo, Michelle Joy L. Padayhag,

MISS U / JANUARY 28, 2017
Miss Universe candidate Maxine Medina

DESPITE the loss of the country’s bet in the Miss Universe pageant yesterday, many still felt satisfied with the results of the pageant.

“It only shows that Miss Universe now prefer women with substance over the pretty ones,” said Ram Morales, an academic coach who watched the pageant at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City.

He and his friends bought tickets at P5,000 each for an upper box seat at the venue and brought a Philippine flag as they rooted and cheered for Ms. Philippines Maxine Medina, who qualified in the top six choices of the judges.

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He said even if Medina did not win the title, her performance was more than enough to make him proud as he had come to accept her Waterloo, her communication skills.

“We all have imperfections, it just so happened that Maxine’s weakness is Q and A,” he told Cebu Daily News.

Medina was the first candidate for the question and answer portion and was asked, “What is the most significant change you’ve seen in the world in the last 10 years?”

Medina answered, “In the last 10 years of being here in the world, I saw all the people bringing in one event like this in Miss Universe. It’s something big to us that we are one. As one nation, we are all together. Thank you. Maraming salamat po.”

A Cebu-based actor, Albert Chan Paran, also watched the event at SM MOA yesterday.

“Watching it live with our kababayan having the same goal, dream and prayer to make our very own Miss Philippines Maxine Medina to win back to back, you can feel the tension, the nerve-cracking feeling and the pressure where you feel restless,” Paran told Cebu Daily News.

Another Medina supporter, Marlon Garcia Wafer, chief executive of Wafer Models, said that he also rooted for Medina for the Miss Universe crown.

“I know Maxine did her best to win the crown. My only regret is that the interpreter was not used for its purpose. She could express her ideas most probably if she spoke our language. I think we should enjoy the privilege of allowing us to answer in our dialect so why not do it to be more comfortable just like the Latina candidates,” he said.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, on the other hand, said he still preferred the Festival Queen over the Ms. Universe pageant.
“You know, I think that is why I like the Festival Queen. There you see beauty, wa’y interview interview. And you see dancing. It’s so nice,” the mayor said.

He said he doesn’t really care about the interview portion of the pageant.

“I don’t care about the speaking. Even here, during our Miss Cebu, they put a lot of weight on the interview. I don’t care so much about the interview because there were some beautiful contestants of Miss Cebu that did not win because they don’t know how to answer well. Natural, sa nerbyos na. (Naturally because of nervousness.),” Osmeña said.

Osmeña said the pageant did not really interest him anymore, saying, “Really, after all, they all really look alike.”

Provincial police director Senior Supt. Eric Noble had his own preference: Ms. Thailand.

But he said Medina’s performance was still something to be proud of.

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale wasn’t able to watch the pageant because of a meeting.

She said, Medina’s loss was “sad, but anyway, di gyud seguro atong time kay ato baya ang last year (It is sad but maybe it is not our time because we won last year).”

While the pageant was going on, the police got three alerts — two theft alarms, one in Barangay Capitol Site and another in Barangay San Roque, and a report of a Japanese national found dead inside his condo unit in Barangay Apas.

Read more: http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/121151/medinas-performance-thing-proud#ixzz4XK8R3mwi
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Miss Universe Opens Pop-up Store in Pasay Mall

By: Katrina Domingo, ABS-CBN News

Posted at Jan 27 2017

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PASAY CITY — Filipinos proved once again they are a force to beat when it comes to being the biggest pageant fans in the world, or in this case the universe, as the first-ever Miss Universe merchandise store was opened at Mall of Asia on Friday.

Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2015, and Shawn McClain, Miss Universe vice president for business development and marketing, led the ribbon-cutting at the store that will be open until its supplies last.

Here's a look at the Miss Universe items you can buy at the pageant's flagship retail stall.

Watch the 65th Miss Universe coronation live on ABS-CBN Channel 2 on January 30, 2017 Monday 8 a.m. (Manila time)

For more stories click here.

Thousands Affected From Incessant Rain...

... in Comval and initial damages reported

By Fe F. Maestre

Compostela Valley Province (January 25, 2017, 1 PM)—  Municipalities especially in the District 1 area are now affected following the incessant rain inundating the province. As of January 25, 2017 (11 AM) report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), a total of 2,276 families were already affected and still in different evacuation centers.

According to PDRRMO head Raul Villocino, the number of families affected from the flood are as follows: Nabunturan with 182 families, Compostela with 530 families, Monkayo with 698 families, New Bataan with 721 families, Montevista with 103 families, Mawab with 36 families, and Maragusan with 6 families affected by the flood.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) in coordination with the Municipal and Barangay DRRMOs have since conducted relief operations in various barangays. The Congressional offices of Cong. Maricar Zamora and Cong. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga also distributed food packs while hot meals were served to evacuees courtesy from the Philippine Red Cross-Comval Chapter.

Roads and bridges were also damaged. As of latest report from DPWH, Compostela, Comval  to Cateel, Davao Oriental road is now passable although in one lane as DPWH continue to conduct clearing operations in the area. The assessment team has still to come up with the cost of infrastructure damage.

Meanwhile, initial damage to agriculture already reached to PhP40,550,350.10 Million as per report from the Provincial Agriculturist Office (PAGRO) with 2,623 farmers affected. These include damage to rice, corn, high value commercial crops, and fishery. 

Villocino said they are monitoring the weather and is expecting rain to continue over the weekend.

Gov. Tyron Uy, who has been active in disseminating updates especially on social media, continues to call on the Comvalenyos to remain vigilant on any eventualities.  He has already suspended classes since Monday. The governor also expressed his thanks to the support extended by the national agencies such as the Philippine Army, PNP, BFP, Phil. Red Cross and other agencies. He also thanked the DSWD thru Reg. Dir. Mercedita Jabagat for the food packs to the evacuees and to DOH Asec. and Reg. Dir. Abdullah Dumama Jr. for the medicines that will be distributed in the province.

Comval has been under the Red Warning level as of January 24, 8PM advisory from the DOST-Pagasa which means heavy rainfall that will result to serious flooding and higher chance of landslides. The eastern section of Mindanao has been affected by the tail- end of a cold front causing rains in various parts of the region. (fe f maestre, ids comval)

Independent Probe on Mamasapano Essential

Office of Senator

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

Rm. 602 GSIS Complex Senate of the Philippines Roxas Blvd Pasay City

         

PRESS RELEASE

26 January 2017

Cayetano: Independent probe on Mamasapano essential

The truth will prevent a repeat of another Mamasapano

"Let the independent commission get to the truth quietly and without politics."

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano stressed this as he welcomed the order of President Rodrigo’s Duterte creating an independent commission that will investigate the gruesome Mamasapano massacre that led to the deaths of 44 Special Action Force commandos. 

“Together with President Duterte, I have witnessed how the families of SAF’s Gallant 44 have suffered,” said Cayetano. “For the past two years, justice continues to elude them and they have yet to receive the full assistance that was promised to them,” he added.

“Many have pledged not to forget and vowed to do everything for justice to be served. I am one of them,” the senator said.

The senator further said he is saddened by the disappointing reaction of some of his colleagues, belittling the presidential initiative, labeling it merely as a political diversionary tactic. 

Senators Antonio Trillanes and Leila De Lima accused the administration of using the reopening of the investigation of the Mamasapano massacre as a way to divert attention from allegations of abuses. 

“It is hypocritical on the part of Senators Trillanes and De Lima to oppose the reopening of the investigation, when they pretend to be the staunchest advocates of human rights and justice,” the senator lamented. 

Cayetano noted how the two senators repeatedly accuse the administration of condoning human rights violations, but are now the first to turn a blind eye to the SAF families’ call for justice. 

In his speech before the SAF families and the President in Malacañang, Cayetano said he believes President Duterte is the right person to get justice for SAF 44 but at the same time finding the right balance in pursuit of true and lasting peace.

He called on the public to continue supporting the administration’s efforts to resolve the case.

"While I remain confident in President Duterte’s commitment to deliver on this promise, I also urge the Filipino people to support the administration’s fight for justice,” said Cayetano. 

"I continue to pray for the families of the gallant SAF44. Rest assured that change, justice, and compassion are real and within reach under the Duterte leadership,” he intoned. ###

I want to be famous!

THU, JANUARY 26, 2017 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

IN MY OPINIONKlaus Doring

A career is a rapid motion. A course of action. A professional conduct in life. A progress through life. What is a careerist? One who rushes widely and makes his own personal advancement his or her own aim in life.

When career doubts won’t go away? What if you’re not happy in your job? Is it possible that you’re in the wrong entirely?

My parents always (!) wanted me to become a banker. So far so good. Why not? Maybe I would have been more (or very happy) in my job. Or not?

The pressure “to be” someone starts in life early indeed. Not only my parents, also peers and teachers begun to exert influence. Yes, I even didn’t know where my inclinations lie.

Being a doctor or a lawyer? Yes, I was interested in law and medicine during that time.

“The way that people pick careers is incredibly primitive,” said Nicholas Lore, founder of the Rockport Institute, a career coaching firm, and author of “The Pathfinder”. So, it’s no wonder, he said, that so many people are dissatisfied with their jobs. Me too! Yes, count me in! Not mass-communication has been been my subject, but publishing house management. So far so good.

I always thought about a true calling for me. Sure, people whose careers aren’t the right fit often feel like impostors, the Professor Robert I. Sutton, an organizational psychologist at Stanford University in Palo Alto, said. Very, very well said, Sir.

How about you, my dear reader? Are you also placing too high your value on the external rewards of job, like money, prestige and power? Sure, these things are indeed important. Hold on! The work you do and the skills your opportunity require and the value of your work are really more vital to fulfillment. Paperwork or not…. You think, you find a better career fit? Go ahead – but don’t expect that this is your life’s career!

I waited my “better calling” experiencing many better and wonderful moments in life. I experienced also that what I did had been very much compatible to me, as what my parents thought.

I became what I am now. A professor, a businessman, yes -thank you Lord!- a columnist, radio host and an expatriate in the Philippines since 18 years now (!) enjoying life here and cherishing the incredible companionship with these incredible Filipino people.

Bangs Garcia's Prenuptial Shoot with Filipino-Brit Fiance

LOOK: Bangs Garcia's prenuptial shoot with Filipino-Brit fiancé

ABS-CBN News

Posted at Jan 21 2017 

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Nice Print Photography

The prenuptial photos of sexy actress Bangs Garcia and Filipino-British fiancé Lloydi Birchmore were released Friday, four days before their wedding. 

Opting for a more simplistic feel, Nice Print Photography decided to use a single background for the whole shoot: a vintage-looking bifold doors and faded pastel orange walls. To add to the effect, the set was surrounded with antique lamps and huge, worn-down pots. 

In the photos uploaded on Facebook, Garcia is wearing a heavily embellished, sheer-lace gown, while Birchmore is donning a navy blue ensemble he matched with a white polo and brown leather shoes. 

The pair will walk down the aisle on January 24, a first of two planned weddings — first in Boracay and then in London, where Birchmore is based. 

In a previous interview, Garcia described Birchmore as God-send. "I must have done something really good for me to be blessed with an amazing man like him," she admitted. "Madaming nagtatanong kung bakit daw ako blooming ngayon. Actually the real answer is: the root of my happiness is God and Lloydi is the fruit."

Garcia and Birchmore were engaged in January 2016. Garcia said she is fortunate to have a supportive boyfriend who understands how show business works even if he is not from the industry. 

Check out the rest of the photos from the prenup below: 

Nice Print Photography

Nice Print Photography

Six Filipinos Join Berlinale Talents 2017

German Embassy Manila

As part of the Berlin International Film Festival or Berlinale, 250 selected talents in the film industry from around the world are brought together with professionals from the industry in a series of workshops and discussions under the banner of “Berlinale Talents.”

This year, six Filipinos are joining the 15th edition of Berlinale Talents with other emerging professionals from a total of 71 countries. Exploring the theme “Courage: Against All Odds,” Berlinale Talents will hold over 100 events during a six-day program from 11-16 February 2017 in theaters of HAU Hebbel am Ufer.

The Filipino contingent includes documentarian Alyx Ayn Arumpac, actor Aaron Rivera, art director Monical Sebial, production designer Popo Diaz, film critic Richard Bolisay and producer Tonee Acejo who leads the group.

Read more: https://entertainment.inquirer.net/…/6-pinoys-berlinale-tal…

For more information on Berlinale Talents, click here: www.berlinale-talents.de
For information about Berlinale, visit: www.berlinale.de

Cayetano: Better Philippines-US Relations

Office of Senator

Alan Peter S. Cayetano

Rm. 602 GSIS Complex Senate of the Philippines Roxas Blvd Pasay City

         

PRESS RELEASE

21 January 2017

Cayetano lauds Trump's support for independent foreign policy 

Sees better RP-US relations 

“We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world - but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first. We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example for everyone to follow.” – President Donald Trump

We welcome the pronouncement of newly inaugurated United States President Donald Trump to seek friendship with other nations while respecting each country's own national interests.

We can see how, much like President Rodrigo Duterte, President Trump is driven by a strong fervor of patriotism and nationalism. They both focus on having an independent foreign policy that benefits their respective people and nations.

For our part, a truly independent foreign policy allows the Philippines to craft its own destiny with our national interest and the immediate improvement of the lives of our people as the paramount consideration. 

We look forward to a stronger relationship with the US, a kind that will be based on mutual trust and respect. 

We expect all agencies and instrumentalities of the United States of America to stand by and pursue this policy of mutual respect, cooperation, and non-interference.

We congratulate President Trump and his family and pray for his and America's success.

GOD Bless the New President.

GOD Bless America.

GOD Bless the Philippines!

Climate Change: 2016 Likely to be Warmest Year Yet

Climate change: Data shows 2016 likely to be warmest year yet - also for the Philippines.

By Matt McGrathEnvironment correspondent

• 18 January 2017
 
• From the sectionScience & Environment
 
• 464comments

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Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES

Image captionRecord warm temperatures were seen all over the world in 2016, including the Arctic

Temperature data for 2016 shows it is likely to have edged ahead of 2015 as the world's warmest year.

Data from Nasa and the UK Met Office shows temperatures were about 0.07 degrees Celsius above the 2015 mark.

Although the Met Office increase was within the margin of error, Nasa says that 2016 was the third year in a row to break the record.

The El Niño weather phenomenon played a role, say scientists, but the main factor was human emissions of CO2.

The latest conclusions won't come as a much of a shock to observers, as the likely outcome was trailed heavily towards the end of last year.

Animation: Climate change explained in six graphics

What is climate change?

So warm was the early part of 2016 - influenced by a powerful El Niño - that some leading climate scientists were predicting as early as May that a new record was likely.

During an El Niño, a band of unusually warm ocean water develops in parts of the Pacific. The phenomenon affects the climate globally, disrupting weather patterns.

Media captionHow global temperature has changed

According to Nasa figures, 2016 is now the warmest year in a record that dates back to 1880.

"2015 has been the warmest year on record up until now, so 2016 has just beaten that and and it's beaten that by about 0.1- 0.12 of a degree Celsius, which doesn't seem like a lot, but in terms of the year to year variations it's actually huge," Dr Gavin Schmidt from Nasa told BBC News.

"This is a very clear record that we're seeing. It is driven mainly by changes in the tropical Pacific where we had an El Niño event that produced a lot of warmth. But we've also seen long term trends in warming mostly due to the increasing greenhouse gases."

Image copyrightNOAA

Image captionMany parts of the world had their warmest recorded year in 2016

Another factor that has affected temperatures in 2016 is the unusual warmth in the Arctic.

The sea-ice covering the Arctic reached its second lowest level (in terms of extent) in September 2016. The sea-ice grows in autumn and winter and shrinks each spring and summer.

While the sea-ice extent last year didn't break the record, the mercury stayed high and the smaller amount of ice now present in the region is at unprecedented levels for the time of year.

A number of meteorological agencies from around the world have released their figures today. They all suggest that warming in 2016 was a record that had an important contribution from El Niño.

The Met Office says it contributed about 0.2C to the annual average for 2016. However, researchers believe that while this is substantial, it is not the whole story.

"We understand the contribution El Niño makes fairly well and we've seen it many times," said Prof Ellie Highwood from the University of Reading.

"But even if you take that contribution away, we would expect 2015 and 2016 to still be the warmest years we've seen, so a majority of it is coming from global warming and the greenhouse effect."

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), which pulls together temperature data from a number of sources, agrees that 2016 broke the record by 0.07C.

Not all of the reports on temperature data in 2016 are clear that the warmest-year record has been broken.

Century dominated by records

The Met Office says that 2016 was 0.77 above the long term rate, but with a plus or minus error margin of 0.1C, meaning that last year was at the very least, one of the two warmest years on record.

"The final figures confirm that 2016 was yet another extremely warm year," said Peter Stott from the Met Office.

"The temperature for last year was very close to the year before, temperatures for 2016 exceeding those for 2015 by a small margin."

Regardless of the small margins, when the new data on 2016 is included, 15 of the warmest 16 years on record have now occurred since 2001.

According to Noaa (the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the only year from the 20th Century to break into the top 16 is 1998, and which ranks seventh warmest.

This prolonged period of warming was having significant impacts around the world.

Image copyrightWMO

Image captionThe Arctic region exceeded the long term average by up to 6C through most of 2016

"We have also broken sea ice minimum records in the Arctic and Antarctic," said Petteri Taalas from the WMO.

"The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the global average. The persistent loss of sea-ice is driving weather, climate and ocean circulation patterns in other parts of the world. We also have to pay attention to the potential release of methane from melting permafrost," he said.

Of great concern to scientists and politicians is the fact that the newly published temperature data shows the Earth is once again more than one degree warmer than pre-industrial times, and edging closer to the threshold of 1.5C set under the Paris climate pact.

With the Trump administration about to take office in the US, there are concerns that political support for climate action might fade. This would be a big mistake according to scientists.

"Climate change is one of the great challenges of the 21st Century and shows no signs of slowing down," said Prof Mark Maslin, from University College London.

"The decarbonisation of the global economy is the ultimate goal to prevent the worst effects of climate change. The hottest year on record is such a clear warning siren that even President-elect Trump cannot ignore it."

Researchers say that 2017 is unlikely to break the warming record but will be in the top five hottest years.

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