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Lady Gaga in Manila!
Controversial pop singer Lady Gaga peacefully arrived in Manila Saturday night amid religious protests of her upcoming concert. The protests reportedly forced the singer and her entourage to fly via a chartered plane from Taipei and to land in an isolated part of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.
All these to avoid the limelight. Still, Gaga is prepared to rock the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds on May 21 and 22 (Monday and Tuesday) and thousands of her Filipino followers are expected to join her in singing her famous songs like Telephone, Paparazzi and Bad Romance. From the Philippines, Lady Gaga will fly to Singapore where she will perform in another concert on May 28, 29 and 31.
We would like to watch Lady Gaga’s concert but the last time I heard, her tickets were selling for P7920 in the already-discounted groupons. So I’d just like to listen to her on the car radio and avoid the MOA area at all cost on the night of May 21-22. Heavy traffic forecasted 
Hawk Bags: The leading Filipino Backpack Brand
Hawk Bags has been in the bag business since 1978. Yeah, they were already providing quality bags to the Filipinos even before I was born.
And for more than 30 years, Hawk Bags is still going strong and is now the leading Filipino Backback brand.
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© Enrico Dee for BYAHILO, 2012. |
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Jessica Sanchez in American Idol top 2!
In video: Jessica Sanchez singing a cover of the popular Aerosmith song “I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing.” There’s much cause for jubilation among the Filipino community tday because we just heard the news that Jessica Sanchez made it to American Idol Top 2! This means that the Fil-Am-Mexican girl tracing her roots to Bataan is just a step away from being declared a champion of AI Season 11. She will slug it out with Philip Phillips for the grand showdown on May 23 and it could just be that she is on her way to making Idol history as the youngest winner in the competition at the tender age of 16.
Even if she loses the final round, we think it’s still a win-win for Jessica as reports state that she’s still in the bag for a recording contract with a major label.
Stay tuned for more of Jessica Sanchez vs Philip Phillips in the American Idol grand finals in Los Angeles on May 23. Countless Pinoys are sure to make their votes count in the final voting & are ready to celebrate the first win by a singer of Filipino descent in American Idol history
Ombudsman probers: Corona wealth up to P677M
Corona to finally take witness stand on May 22
By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Corona to take the stand
Corona is scheduled to finally take the witness stand at his trial in the Senate impeachment court on May 22 to answer the allegations against him.
The panel of investigators, formed by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales to look into complaints that Corona may have accumulated ill-gotten wealth, summed up their findings as follows:
A net increase of P8,970,980 in Corona’s net worth.
A discrepancy of P36,770,878 in his bank deposits. [Deposits bigger than what’s in his SALN]
Dollar bank transactions of $10 million or P420 million from April 2003 to December 2011.
Peso bank transactions of P242 million from April 2003 to February 2012.
Less the combined income of Corona and wife Cristina of P30,369,120.13, his “total possible unexplained wealth” could total P677,372,738.22, the panel said.
“Analyzing the accumulated wealth of subject Corona for the period 2001-2010 by using the acquisition value of the acquired real assets, and the bank transactions in comparison to the supposed income earned and known income from 2001 to 2011, it is apparent that subject Corona has acquired wealth that is not commensurate to his known income,” the panel said.
In daughters’ name
Travels abroad by the Corona couple and properties registered in the name of their daughters, Ma. Charina and Ma. Carla, were not taken into account.
“The undersigned investigators respectfully submit that the foregoing findings may involve a violation of Republic Act No. 9160 as amended by RA 9194 (the Anti-Money Laundering Act). In addition, the acquisition of wealth of subject Corona appears to be grossly disproportionate to his known income as a public officer,” they said.
Belmonte
Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. furnished reporters a copy of the 20-page memorandum dated May 10, containing the report, forwarded by the panel of investigators to Morales. Belmonte was furnished a copy of the document by the Ombudsman on Friday.
The panel was composed of Christopher Soguilon, Ferdinand San Joaquin, Repicurus Charlo Salcedo, Rholie Besoña and Moses Buzmion.
It reported that Corona had a total compensation income of P27.1 million from 2002 to 2011, while his wife earned an income of P3.2 million as a member of the board of Camp John Hay Development Corp. from 2007 to 2010.
The panel placed the total income of the couple at P30.3 million.
Declared net worth
The investigators observed that Corona’s declared net worth of P13,698,000 in 2001 increased by P1 million in 2002, decreased by P7,608,920 in 2003 and remained the same in 2004.
His net worth increased by P1 million in 2005, by P1.2 million in 2006, by P1,499,000 in 2007, by P1.5 million in 2008, by P2 million in 2009 and by P8,379,900 in 2010.
The net increase in net worth was P8,970,980, the panel said.
As for Corona’s bank accounts, the panel reported these findings:
A PSBank account (Katipunan branch), opened on Jan. 26, 2009, had an opening balance of P2.1 million but had zero balance by the end of 2009.
A PSBank account, opened on Dec. 22, 2009, had an opening balance of P8.5 million and had a yearend balance of P12,580,316.56 in 2010.
A PSBank account, opened on Sept. 1, 2010, had an opening balance of P7,090,099.45 and had a yearend balance of P7,148,238.83 in 2010.
A PSBank account, opened on May 16, 2007, had an opening balance of P2 million. This was closed in October 2008.
A PSBank account, opened on March 4, 2010, had an opening balance of P3.7 million. This was closed in April 2010.
A PSBank account, also opened on March 4, 2010, had an opening balance of P3.7 million. This was closed also in April 2010.
A PSBank account, opened on July 23, 2010, had an opening balance of P7,370,438.65. This was closed in September 2010.
Express Teller checking account with Bank of Philippine Islands (Ayala Avenue, Makati City branch) had a yearend balance of P12,024,067.70 in December 2010.
Discrepancy
“The deposits in BPI and
PSBank are comparatively bigger than what he declared in his SALNs (statements of assets, liabilities and net worth) as cash,” the panel said, pointing out a total discrepancy of P36,770,878.35.
Based on the information obtained by Morales, the panel said it appeared that there were several dollar and peso bank transactions in Corona’s name.
The dollar bank accounts from April 14, 2003, to Dec. 22, 2011, amounted to “more or less $10 million,” while the peso bank transactions from April 16, 2003, to Feb. 9, 2012, totaled “more or less” P242 million, it said.
As for his real properties, the panel said Corona declared five properties in his 2010 SALN, including the sale of two parcels of land to pay the loans for condominium units.
Based on complaints
The panel initiated the investigation based on the complaints of several persons, including Akbayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello, Risa Hontiveros and Harvey Keh, among others, who were seeking a “lifestyle check” on Corona for possible ill-gotten wealth.
But considering that the documents attached to their complaints were newspaper clippings, the panel sought documents from the Office of the President, Supreme Court, House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, Senate Electoral Tribunal, Senate, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Land Registration Authority, Bureau of Immigration, Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Trade and Industry, Social Security System, and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), among other agencies.
With respect to Corona’s bank accounts, the panel sought the assistance of the AMLC, which required the panel to submit additional documents showing that Corona had committed an unlawful activity that would warrant the filing of an application for bank inquiry with a local court.
But the panel indicated that it was the Ombudsman who eventually obtained these documents from the AMLC. Morales said she asked AMLC for assistance.
Ex-rebel soldier to make ‘patriotic’ voyage to Scarborough Shoal
Update:PNoy takes the wind out of planned sail to Scarborough
By Tessa Jamandre,VERA Files
Faeldon
On Friday, he will lead an armada of fishermen to make a stand in the Scarborough Shoal where a tense standoff between Chinese maritime ships and the Philippine Coast Guard continues.
Faeldon and former Annapolis cadet Manny Albuera will set sail to Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal, as the Philippines calls the shoal, along with fishermen from his hometown in Batanes to symbolically protest China’s claim over the shoal.
They also called on fishermen from Masinloc town in Zambales to join them to show China that the Filipinos are not afraid, especially “when we know it (the shoal) is ours.” Panatag Shoal is 124 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales.
Faeldon’s voyage initially will bring fishermen as close to Panatag Shoal as possible to exercise their right to fish, but the duration of their stay will depend on the situation on the ground, Kit Guerrero, spokesman for Faeldon, said.
He said Faeldon is also considering raising the Philippine flag on the shoal.
Please click here (VERA FILES) for the rest of the story.
Chicken Delish in Yummy Eats 2012
I attended (and enjoyed) Yummy Eats last year. This is the annual food fair organized by YUMMY Magazine of Summit Media. I never thought I’d be part of Yummy Eats 2012 – not as a guest but as a featured food concessionaire! As my friends know, I’ve opened my mini-restaurant at Caltex Better Living in the South of Manila a few months ago. The business has its ups and downs, but mostly it’s my frustration at not being able to concentrate on the biz full-time (since am still part of the corporate jungle). Still, I welcome occasional gigs like Yummy Eats since it gives me an invaluable opportunity to market my product
So yes, Yummy Eats 2012 will happen on Saturday, May 26 at the Rockwell Tent and my kitchen will be busy in preparation. This is the ultimate foodie event giving you value for your money because you pay only P150 and get to sample sweet, savory and gourmet treats from 50 concessionaires carefully chosen by the Yummy team. There will also be demos from noted chefs like Bruce Lim as well as booths by other culinary/baking celebrities like Sau del Rosario, Ed Bugia, Baba Ibazeta and Aileen Anastacio.
Here’s a complete list of Yummy Eats’ featured food brands:
Chicken Delish
Kristina’s Inutak
Pinkerton Ice Cream
Patisserie Caroline
Dragonfly Desserts
QQ Mochi Buns
Pepita’s Lechon
Margie’s Paella
Wabi Sabi
Simply Pie
Dulcelin
Mochiko
Cukay’s
Swell Sweets
Bonanza Roasted Calf
Chuck Wagon
Choclery Artisan
Jam Angus Beef
Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen
The Fruit Garden
Qitchen Queens
Whisk
Mambos Cheese
Crunchy Belly
Chicken Sarap Inasal
Chuck’s Grubberie
Kate Bakes Manila
Cupcake Boutique
Pint
Serenitea
J.Co Donuts Read the rest of this entry »
Rogin-E Last Man Running marathon winners
Pvt. Ellen Tolentino of the Philippine Army took home 20,000 pesos as this year’s Last Woman Running in Bayer’s recently-concluded Rogin-E Marathon in Bonifacio Global City. She’s shown receiving her prize & trophy from Vincenzo Langella, Managing Director, Bayer Pilippines, Inc. and Muhammad Jaudat Amin, Country Division Head, Bayer Healthcare, Consumer Care Division. .
Adjudged Last Man Running was Bicolano and veteran marathon runner Mario Maglinao, more popularly known as Super Mario. Super Mario’s victory is all the sweeter because this year’s grand prize from Rogin-E is an all expense paid trip to China, to participate in the world renowned “Great Wall Marathon”.
This year’s Bayer Rogin-E Last Man Running 2 lived up to its reputation as one of the country’s most physically demanding and merciless ultra-marathons.
Unlike conventional marathons or even ultra-marathons that are defined by a fixed distance, Rogin-E’s Last Man Running is time bound. Contestants have to run for six hours at a fixed minimum pace. Should they fall too far behind the race pace, they are automatically eliminated. At the start of the 7th hour, it becomes a footrace for those (the few) still in the running. Thanks to a faster pace (compared to the first Rogin-E Last Man Running in 2011) and an especially hot morning sun, only Super Mario toed the line for the seventh hour of running, making him literally: the Last Man Running.
According to race organizers Bayer, attendance at this year’s event was much better than in 2011, particularly for the premier Last Man Running Category; which is why we can look forward to an even better Rogin-E Last Man Running 3 in 2013.
Coach Jim Saret on living more & aging less
If you’re in your 40s, 50s or even 60s, don’t fret. You know what they say these days, 40 is the new 30 (or 20!) Just looking at JLo and Julia Roberts in a two-piece bikini makes me agree 
US-educated sports-medicine expert and athletic-training specialist, Coach Jim Saret of The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition adds that age is really just a number. “One’s chronological age does not necessarily equal one’s fitness age,” he pointed out. “I’ve met people that are 21 years old chronologically but are so sedentary their fitness age is that of a 40 year old. I’ve also met 40 plus year old people that have the fitness age of a 25 year old.”
For those in their 40s and 50s, Coach Jim recommends “low-impact sports like swimming, biking and golf that don’t cause a lot of stress on the bones, joints, ligaments and muscle.”
“For exercises they can use the elliptical machine, stationary bicycle, rowing and strength training. The Metafit Workout is perfect for that age as they are non-impact and can be done in a short time thus lessening the amount of stress the body receives,” he continues.
“Outside taking a sport or physical activity, yoga and pilates are very helpful. Long nature walks or hiking are awesome for both the mind and body. Dipping in a pool, playing chess, tai-chi or any other mentally relaxing activities are great too.”
As Coach Jim recognizes that daily stress mostly caused by work contributes heavily to how fast a person ages, he understands the need to take a holistic approach in maintaining not only a sound mind and body but also a healthy diet.
By adequate nutrition, Coach Jim doesn’t mean eating whatever one fancies at just about any time of the day.
“As they say, you are what you eat. If you eat junk, then your body will look and move like junk with age. But if you feed your body with a well balanced healthy meal like fruits, veggies, carbs, healthy fat and protein, then your body will be a lean mean fighting machine.”
While eating a balanced diet and avoiding junk food and unnecessary calories helps a lot in maintaining a healthy well-being, Coach Jim likewise stresses that for aging people, it is important to supplement any deficiencies that they might have and that’s where a multivitamin like Immuvit can help.
“Since most people’s energy level wane as they get older, a multivitamin with Ginseng for energy will be very appropriate,” he exclaims. “An antioxidant like CoQ10 will also be a big help to help delay the damage caused by aging at the cellular level. Immuvit has all the right ingredients to help lessen the effects of aging as it has 2 Ginsengs and CoQ10 plsu other vitamins and minerals to support other bodily functions.”
In his own personal experience, Coach Jim noted that taking Immuvit provided him “with more energy to do more things.”
“I would usually be tired after a long day training but when I take Immuvit I still have the energy to workout in the evening even after working all day. I also noticed that I could train harder when I workout and still keep up with my younger friends in sports who are only in their 20s. Of course, physically I’m still able to keep people guessing my real age.”
Given his athletic, youthful physique, guessing the real age of Coach Jim Saret might be a lot harder than it seems and subtraction, rather than addition may be the best math in arriving at the right answer. For this extraordinary man, less is indeed more.
* from the official press release
Your Money or My Soul?
A few days ago, I finally confessed to my boss that I was utterly miserable at our (wonderful) company, where I am supposed to be the SEO manager but have been doing nothing but mind-numbing, soul-crushing online marketing for the last 3 months to cover for a manager on maternity leave. (How I ended up doing SEO despite my total lack of interest in Internet marketing is a long story, but suffice to say that I thought I should get a grown-up job that offered stability and a ladder to climb.) Being constantly depressed at work made me realize that even though my job had all but killed my imagination and zest for life, I still found solace in writing and am seriously considering being a freelance magazine writer. My boss suggested that I eventually transition into a part-time position so that I can focus on my interests, a possibility that looked promising, until I crunched some numbers and realized that I may not be able to meet my expenses on a part-time salary.
On a whim I took a look at Manila Craigslist to see if there were any SEO jobs that could offer something better – specifically, part-time work that offered benefits like paid vacation days or 13th month pay. What I found instead were two job postings that are making me think twice about ditching my cushy grown-up job for an uncertain future as a magazine writer.
The first job posting was for a German company that specializes in alternative energy sources like solar power and thermal systems. There was a lot of information about their mission to find sustainable solutions, as well as a bunch of stuff about what they were looking for in their candidate. But what really caught my eye was this little requirement:
Must be willing to travel (the first 3 months of training will be held in Germany)
I have never been to Germany (or any European country for that matter). Count me interested!!!
The second job posting is for an American company looking for someone in charge of similar responsibilities that I take care of today. I was about to hit the back button when something in the fine print caught my eye:
Compensation: From 100,000 PHP Pesos to 300,000 PHP Pesos per month, depending on experience
Where do I sign up?!
Okay, now that I’m taking a closer look at these ads, I don’t really think that I am all that qualified for these positions. The German company wants someone who has a strong sense of design and knowledge of JavaScript, Illustrator, Flash, PHP, and ASP. Um, the most technical thing I can do is a bunch of Excel calculations, and I had to go through a lot of blood, sweat, and suicidal thoughts as I struggled to understand how to COUNTIF and SUMIF. The second job posting wants an “absolute expert doing deep competitive analysis” who will do this on a daily basis, a thing that I can probably learn but will get tired of doing after a while. Both jobs need someone who is committed and motivated, which I probably am not if I was so easily frustrated working with a company that has been nothing but nice to me, and currently withering at a job that requires my full-time presence and none of my creativity or imagination.
But for a brief moment there, I did flirt with the possibility of throwing my dreams aside for the chance at a better paycheck and work-related travels (Europe!). What brought me back to reality were memories of how I greeted my promotion with tears of anxiety rather than tears of joy, and thoughts of how much I’d rather defenestrate myself than spend hours uploading and tracking ads for our Adwords campaigns. I may be climbing the corporate ladder but with every rung I pass, I can’t help but wish that I were climbing a mountain, maybe, doing work that makes a different to humanity rather than our profit margins. I’d rather be deeply immersed in the creative work of writers, filmmakers, and poets, and devote hours trying to untangle the hidden meanings behind their words rather than spend a second trying to detect what’s causing the errors in our CSE feeds. What makes me think that a better-paying job somewhere else will be any more bearable? If anything, it will require more responsibility, and more long hours doing work I don’t care about.
This would be a good time to clarify that I do actually love the company that I work for and have nothing but great things to say about the culture, my managers, and my co-workers. But what I grew to realize over the last few months is this: no matter how nurturing your bosses are and how generous incentives can be for hard workers, you will never feel truly satisfied and happy with your life if the work that takes up 8 hours or more of your day is something that simply isn’t for you. I’m really happy that my boss is willing to give me a part time position even though we don’t normally hire part-timers, and I hope that this offer allows me to experience the best of both worlds. (Maybe I’ll try to negotiate for benefits?)
So for now I choose to feed my soul, though I may regret this decision if/when I stop getting a regular salary and have to resort to diving under the sofa for coins to pay my condo‘s mortgage. But if I can a) get my ass back to UP Diliman and finish my MA, b) somehow get articles published in the country’s leading magazines, c) find the fulfillment that has eluded me in the other career paths I’ve traveled on, then I wouldn’t trade my soul for all the money in the world.
Photo credit 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Leyte Pintados Kasadyaan 2012
One of the events I always look forward to is the annual staging of the Pintados Kasadyaan Festival in the province of Leyte. Pintados Kasadyaan is two events rolled into one, namely the Pintados Festival, and the Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals. Since its merger, the festival has grown into leaps and bounds and is now declared as one of the best provincial festivals of the Philippines.
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© Enrico Dee for BYAHILO, 2012. |
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A Venetian Macau hotel experience
A highlight of our recent trip to Macau was our stay at The Venetian. My twin daughters graduated from elementary school last March and this was my treat to them. I now fully understand why this casino complex cum resort & hotel is popular among Asian travellers (or travellers to Asia, for that matter). It’s a world unto itself. There’s really no need to go out once you’re enclosed in its big,wide walls. It’s got everything: from boutiques to kids’ play zones to restaurants.
On a peak season like summer, there are hordes of people checking in so it pays to come early. Even though the lines were long, it moved fast because staff were on hand to assist even before you reach the front desk.I’d give them high points for this one.
We booked the non-smoking Bella Suite with two queen beds and this was the view. The brochure said 70 square meters but it seemed smaller in real life, maybe because the space was eaten by the large bathroom.
Of course, my twin girls were happy to stay in the room. Awww!
This is the living room with the adjacent dining area and office table equipped with telephone & fax machine (which I didn’t use at all). Honestly, I thought the upholstery looks old. I remember when I first visited the Venetian in 2007. It’s been five years, and this hotel isn’t getting any younger. Ouch.
There was no free wifi in the hotel lobby or the rooms which was disappointing. Good thing I was able to get it (the wifi) in food outlets like Cafe Deco and McSorley’s Ale House. But first, we had to be customers
Partial view of the marble bathroom. No designer toiletries though.
We were given free vouchers upon check-in and am glad I didn’t ignore them. This is the good thing about Macau: free vouchers plus free shuttle buses to your destination = savings!
At first, I just planned to stay in the room all day but I realized it would be a sin not to go out and enjoy the place for what it’s worth. Here’s my daughters’ requisite photo op with the gondola & Renaissance-like structures.
They also had fun in one of the hotel’s four swimming pools.
At Qube, they engaged in playtime, Facebooking & computer games.
There was even a McDonald’s inside the complex and we ate there too. Cafe Deco was the breakfast buffet area, but I was glad they also offered affordable a la carte dishes (at P250 per order).
On second thought, I was glad I didn’t bring our two-year old baby girl or it would have been a workout. The place was so huge that it was an effort navigating from the main lobby to the hotel west lobby and the other areas. I didn’t need to go to the hotel gym because I was shedding off extra calories by walkercising. Whew!
The sun never sets in Venetian Macau!
website: venetianmacao.com
Mindboggling Corona $ assets: 82 accounts in 5 banks; $12 M ‘fresh deposits’
Corona ‘fresh deposits’ more than $12M—Ombudsman
By Maila Ager
INQURER.net
Testifying on Corona's dizzying dollar accounts
“I think my computation which was arrived at with the assistance of a CPA (certified public accountant) lawyer is that fresh deposits, which means they never moved, they remained in that particular (account) amounted to more than 12 million dollars…,” Morales said, based on the report furnished to her by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
Morales gave the statement when Senator Ferdinand “Bong-Bong” Marcos Jr. asked whether the total amount of Corona’s alleged dollar deposits in 82 accounts totaled $10 million.
“It’s even more,” said the Ombudsman in response to Marcos’ query.
Before this, Morales testified that Corona owned 82 US dollar accounts in five banks amounting to at least $10 million.
Citing the AMLC report, Morales said the Chief Justice also made “significant deposits and withdrawals on very significant dates.”
“The Chief Justice has at least $10 million in transactional balances. He has 82 US dollar accounts in five banks,” she said.
“There were significant deposits and withdrawals on very significant dates – during the 2004 and 2007 elections as well as the week he was impeached – December 12, 13, 15, 19, 20, and 22, 2011..,” she said.
Corona was impeached at the House of Representatives last December 12, 2011.
On the day he was impeached, Morales said Corona had a “time deposit for termination” of $418,193.32.
The said amount, she said, was added to a BPI account of Corona in San Francisco del Monte branch but that $417, 978.80 of the amount was placed in a regular fund placement.
Morales said Corona had only one dollar account in 2003, or a year before he was appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court during the time of former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
But in 2004, Corona opened 13 more dollar accounts and additional nine in 2005, or a total of 23 dollar accounts from 2003 to 2005 alone.
In 2006, Corona opened additional 12 dollar accounts, 35 more in 2007 and another 14 accounts in 2008.
So by 2008, Morales said Corona had a total of 49 dollar accounts and added another 14 accounts in 2009, bringing the number to 63.
From 63 accounts, Morales said Corona again opened 12 dollar accounts in 2009 and six more accounts in 2010.
“In 2011, he had 81 dollar accounts, and he added one account; that gives a total of 82 dollar accounts,” said the Ombudsman.
Corona was appointed Chief Justice by Arroyo in 2010.
Morales said Corona’s dollar accounts were spread in various banks in the country—eight accounts in the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) in Acropolis, San Juan; 18 accounts in BP1-Tandang Sora; 34 in San Francisco del Monte; one in BPI Management Investment Corp.; eight in Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) in Cainta; six in PSBank Katipunan; four in Allied Bank Corp.; one in Citibank; and two in Deutsche Bank.
Commission on Audit Commissioner Heidi Mendoza, who was requested by the Ombudsman to take over and elaborate on her analysis, said the total “inflow”of Corona’s dollar accounts amounted to $28.740 million from April 2003 to December 2011.
The total “outflow” consisting of withdrawals, debit memos, purchases, electronic payment, and outward remittances, Mendoza said, amounted to $30.758 million.
“As you can observe, the withdrawal is bigger than the inflow simply because we have to emphasize that these are the transactions captured by the AMLC,” she said.
“We are trying to show the circuitous movement of funds…there are many accounts created and all of them are in the name of the respondent,” Mendoza added.
Asked about Corona’s bank transactions in peso, the Commissioner could not initially provide an answer but she later told the Senate, “The peso account I was told reached around 242 million.”
Mendoza did not give further details on Corona’s peso accounts.
McCormick launches Flavors HQ Facebook and Mobile app
Explore the wonderful world of spices as McCormick unveils its latest Facebook and Mobile app! In an event held recently, Mccormick launched Flavors HQ, unique and practical app that features recipes containing McCormick’s herbs and spices. The recipes range from appetizers to mains to desserts and even beverages.
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Old Macau and a porkchop bun
We went to Macau recently and had the smoothest flight via Cebu Pacific. The same guy headed the plane going in and out of Manila – a certain Capt. Florencio. It’s been 5 years since I flew international with Cebu Pacific and my good experience will probably make me consider travelling with them to some exotic destinations like Hanoi or Siem Reap. The sandwich they serve is terrible though. I felt bad paying P100 each for something that tasted like cardboard. Needless to say, we left it unfinished.
Cebu Pacific flights from Manila to Macau arrive at an unholy hour of 9:45 p.m. so it doesn’t make sense booking a swanky hotel when you’re just going to check out after 12 hours. It was the busy Labor Day weekend and I found out that even the so-called two-star hotels charged a minimum of US$100 a night. Even so, I enjoyed our stay at Hotel Hong Thai along Rua de Cinco (or some such) because it kept me in touch with the old Macau. It seems I preferred this area more than the location of the glitzy casinos. Landmarks like Senado Square and St.Paul’s Ruins were also just a five minute walk away.
I enjoyed eating in the local restaurants where the waitresses didn’t understand me and I had to point at the pictures written in Chinese characters.
For this trip, I was glad to be acquainted with a popular snack in Macau called the pork chop bun.Flavorful and tender boneless pork chop is enclosed in a perfect, semi-crusty bread that resembles our local pan de sal. Only P100 per serving, I swear I can finish two of this in one seating. Please note that you can also have chicken or beef fillet in the bun.
I love fried rice. I love it when it’s perfectly fried like this , with my fave shrimps, egg & veggies.
More scenes from old Macau:
The original outpost of the famous Pastelaria Koi Kei was located near our hotel.This is a great place to buy pasalubong, especially sought-after Macanese pastries laid out in pretty boxes.
Man having his morning coffee and newspapers in his apartment. Note the two “boxy” TVs in the background.
Dried fish being sold in roadside stalls. I wonder how these taste. I saw the fish hanging in most places.
A street in old Macau at night. No vendors spotted, it seemed so peaceful. I commend Macau for retaining their heritage despite the onslaught of those gambling meccas in the other side of town.
Even MILF joins ‘Thrilla in NAIA’
Thrilla in NAIA
In its website, side by side with reports on the peacetalks that the Muslim rebel group is pursuing with the government and the death of its vice chairman for Military Affairs, Aleem Abdul Aziz S. Mimbantas, MILF deputy chairman of the MILF Committee on Information Khaled Musa said they are not taking sides on the ugly incident but commented that Tulfo, “has been given the dose of his own medicine.”
“Hurting is not only when one is attacked but the more stinging it is when the offended party is the whole community like the Moros. I wish he will stop insulting people now that he has been given the dose of his own medicine,” Musa said.
He added: “‘Truth is truth and it is not fair to say Ramon Tulfo or the Santiagos are guilty of starting the brawl. Let the facts of the incident come out soon.”
Luwaran described Tulfo as ,” an incorrigible critic of Moros in Mindanao.”
The news item further said that in his column in the Philippine Inquirer, Tulfo treat the Moros in Mindanao as “made of sub-race.”
The MILF website said, “Ramon Tulfo created so many enemies including the former First Gentleman, Mike Arroyo, and Senator Panfilo Lacson, who was tagged by him as ‘murderer’ and ‘adulterer’. Tulfo also did not spare the legendary movie king, Fernando Poe Jr., from his tongue-lashing even if the latter was already comatose.”
Earlier, Rep. Teddy Casiño of the leftist partylist Bayan Muna, put the blame on Cebu Pacific for the airport scuffle that has morphed into other issues life feminism, media ethics , and press freedom.
Casiño said Cebu Pacific’s incompetence of offloading the luggage of the Santiago couple and that of their friends without informing them was the root cause of the ugly incident.
Raymart and Claudine and friends, together with their children, came from Boracay. Due to overbooking, their luggage was put in Cebu Pacific flight from Kalibo. Claudine reportedly berated the Cebu Pacific ground personnel which caught the attention of Tulfo who arrived in another flight.
Tulfo tried to take pictures of the Claudine’s “pagtataray” with his cellphone which Raymart didn’t like. Raymart reportedly tried to get the cellphone of Tulfo and that’s when the scuffle ensued which resulted in the hard-hitting columnist/broadcaster being mauled and ending black and blue.
“In a way that’s the trigger of all this brouhaha – if Claudine and Raymart’s baggage were not left behind without giving them notice, Tulfo wouldn’t have the chance to be a `miron,’ (observer)” said Casiño who himself had experienced the airline’s incompetence.
To lighten the hostile atmosphere, Casiño suggested that Cebu Pacific provide the parties involved in the brawl to a free, round-trip tickets with a two-night stay in Boracay. “So they can mend fences and enjoy each others’ company in a less stressful environment,” he said.
That’s no longer possible because the fight has now dragged in the three other Tulfo brothers –Raffy,Ben,Erwin – who threatend Raymart and Claudine in their TV program “T3:Kapatid, Sagot Kita.”
Sympathy for Mon was greatly diminished with the brothers’ thug mentality in public display in their their radio and TV programs.
Even the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines which defended Mon Tulfo’s right to take pictures of the Claudine berating the Cebu Pacific personnel drew the line on the threats issued by the Tulfo brothers on air.
NUJP Chairman Nestor Burgos Jr. lauded TV5 for suspending the Erwin, Ben and Raffy Tulfo. “No amount of provocation warrants the uncalled for reaction especially from those who call themselves journalists and after Ramon Tulfo had already filed a criminal complaint against the couple. “
Things have taken a twist because TV5’s suspension of the three Tulfo brothers didn’t impress the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board which imposed a 20-day suspension on the program, “T3:Kapatid, Sagot Kita.”
TV5 went to the Court of Appeals crying violation of press freedom.
A feminist angle has also been introduced with writer Katrina Stuart Santiago (not related to Raymart) saying that Claudine’s pagtataray was “refreshing.”
She said: “That we fail to appreciate Claudine kicking ass the way she has? That is our bigger tragedy.”
Now, Commission on Human Rights Chair Etta Rosales has entered the picture supporting the Cebu Pacific personnel,Charice Bocboc , who was berated by Claudine.
Rosales said while Barretto had the right to complain, she was wrong in assaulting the dignity of the airline employee.
I’m surprised why Malacanang has not joined the fray.
Celebrating Originality with the Launch of the adidas Originals “Leave a Legacy” Campaign
adidas Global Brand Ambassador DJ Neil Armstrong launches “Leave a Legacy” campaign here in the Philippines. He has made waves in the music industry by being Jay-Z’s tour DJ and sharing the stage with the likes of Rihanna, Beyonce, Kanye West, P. Diddy and Linkin Park.
Being an icon is being original. Being original is setting the trend and leaving a legacy. Ask the people behind adidas and they know what it’s all about.
For the past 40 years, adidas has been connecting everyone from fashion to music to sports and has become an iconic brand across different interests. This year, adidas invites everyone to celebrate originality with the launch of the adidas Originals “Leave a Legacy” campaign.
“We will be kicking off the adidas Originals “Leave a Legacy” campaign in a Sunset BBQ party at the Skye Lounge this May 12 with our global brand ambassador, DJ Neil Armstrong” says Jason Gervasio, adidas Philippines Brand Communications & Sports Marketing Manager.
DJ Neil Armstrong has made waves in the music industry by being Jay-Z’s tour DJ and sharing the stage with the likes of Rihanna, Beyonce, Kanye West, P. Diddy and Linkin Park. He’s also the founding father of the DJ Collective: the “5th Platoon”. Over the last 9 years, he’s become an icon in the sub-genre of Hip-Hop known as “Mixtape Culture” and has worked closely with Hip-Hop artists like De La Soul, The Roots, Company Flow and Biz Markie, to Kanye West, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes and Wyclef Jean. His mixtapes represent DJ Neil’s unique music taste and have been featured in the press, most notably by Rolling Stones, Vibe and MTV.com.
“The adidas Originals party with DJ Neil will bring together local sports, fashion, music and showbiz icons, to celebrate originality and individuality,” Gervasio shares. “But that’s just the start. During the May 12 party, we will be launching a Facebook platform that allows today’s youth to express and share their originality. It’s their chance to leave a legacy of originality.”
The application is fairly simple. Gear up in adidas Originals apparel then snap a picture of yourself in your most original street style. Share the photo on the site and ask your friends to vote for you. The top 10 photos with the most votes will each win Php 50,000 worth of adidas products.
To know more about adidas Originals and the “Leave a Legacy” campaign, just follow adidas Philippines on www.facebook.com/adidasphilippines.
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Diamond Hotel’s Corniche features Culinaria Capampangan by Chef Sau Del Rosario
Am not much into eat-all-you can buffet these days for the reason that it will make me have Claudine Barretto hips more horizontally-challenged. I broke my fast with the invitation from Diamond Hotel to try their just-launched Filipino food festival at Corniche with the spotlight on Culinaria Capampangan by Chef Sau Del Rosario.
Indeed, these words made me vanish dieting from my vocabulary: Kapampangan (certainly my fave cuisine) and Chef Sau. One would be a fool to resist an appointment with this celebrity cook.
So there I was lucky to be seated with the chef of the hour and to find that he’s one down to earth guy. In my short conversation with him, I learned all about the history of sisig, their heirloom family recipes and how he does NOT eat camaru (among other exotic insects) like a true Kapampangan.
“Inspired” is the way to describe the menu Chef Sau has concocted for the Corniche food fest, as he tried to add a twist to traditional flavors.Adobo & quezong puti pizza anyone? How about Pork sisig with foie gras and organic egg or US sirlin bistek with shiitake? I certainly couldn’t resist this boneless crispy pata kare-kare with steamed local vegetables. It was awesome!
More sinfulness.Imagine whole baby lechon stuffed with curry rice or bringhe on the carvery. Here’s what I got on my plate. Pork skin was crispy and rice so tasty that I had to come back for seconds!
Lamb chops kaldereta with a ratatouille of local vegetables –
Fern, watermelon and prawn salad on coconut vinaigrette. Spell h-e-a-l-t-h-y!
Array of native desserts also concocted by Chef Sau: ube haleya, tibok tibok and brazo de maiz.
This is just a sneak peek though. Chef Sau drafted an extensive menu which rotates around two cycles. You can also look forward to the usual favorites like fried catfish fillet with buru, pansit luglug, aligue fried rice, chicken galantina, pastel de lengua, pinakbet con lechon, camaru and vegetable okoy… to name just a few.
I thought Culinaria Capampangan was vast enough. And then I realized it is just a part of the big & wide international buffet selection at Corniche. Price is P1,600 net per person while buffet with free-flowing tropical juices is at P1,888 net per pax. To add oomph to the festival (which runs until May 19 only, by the way), guests availing of the buffet will get a chance to win roundtrip airline tickets for two to Bohol with accommodations.
Shown here: Chef Sau with the Corniche staff. Special thanks to PR Manager Melanie Pallorina and Twinkle Lacsamana for the filling dinner
Foodie tip: when in Corniche, don’t forget to drop by the ice cream station. It has the best, most exciting flavors in Manila. Gen maicha and black sesame are my favorites , but you can also have a taste of banana with palm sugar, chestnut, and langka.Totally yum!
Diamond Hotel Philippines
Roxas Blvd. cor. Dr. J. Quintos St. Manila
call 528-3000 local 1121 for reservations
Jessica Sanchez on American Idol Top 3!
We’re so happy to hear the news that Fil-Am singing sensation Jessica Sanchez has made it to Top 3 of American Idol. No doubt, everyone’s votes counted inasmuch as Jessica took the breath of the judges away with her last performance singing “And I am Telling You am not going” from Dreamgirls. The song title is so apt from the manner she stayed, indeed!
With Hollie Cavanagh out, Jessica remains the only rose among the thorns. Let’s see if her feminine charm will triumph over the two other remaining contenders Joshua Ledet and Philip Phillips. My guess is that Jessica will remain a winner, whether or not she’s declared or not the champion in American Idol. Good if she makes AI history as the youngest ever to win the top prize but she can still carve out a successful singing career. The history of Idol non-winners David Archuleta & Adam Lambert attest to this.
Once again, congratulations Jessica!
Overnight in Encenada Beach Resort, Puerto Galera
It was one of those unplanned trips. I just got a call from Melo asking me if I wanted to join him to travel to Puerto Galera on the next day. And since I don’t have any schedule for the next day, I readily agreed. So off we went to Encenada Beach Resort in Puerto Galera.
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© Enrico Dee for BYAHILO, 2012. |
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