Jamby Madrigal is running for 2010!

Matapos ang pagpapahayag nila Manny Villar, Mar Roxa, Bayani Fernando, Ed Panlili at Jejomar Binay sa kagustuhang tumakbo sa posisyon ng pagkapangulo, ay nagpahayag na rin ng kagustuhang tumakbo bilang presidente ng bansa si Senator Maria Ana Consuelo "Jamby" Magrigal ngayong 2010 National Election na kung saan inaasahan ang kanyang paghahain ng candidacy sa November 30. Ipinahayag niya ito sa kanyang press conference na ginawa sa Makati City, ayon sa kanya ay pinag isipan niya ito mabuti mula sa kanyang mahabang retreat. Matatapos na rin ang kanyang termino bilang senadora ngayong 2010 na kung saan naupo siya sa pwesto noong 2004.

Side Comment

Kung matuloy ito at halos lahat na lang ay gustong tumakbo sa pagka-pangulo hindi ko na ako magugulat na magmumukhang perya na naman ang National Election ng bansa. Halos lahat na lang ay gustong tumakbong prisidente pero sa kabila nito ang naman ang maibibigay nila sa bansa, tulad na lang ng nilabas ng GMA 7 na documentary na may pagka-satirical na tungkol sa kagustuhan ng nakakarami na gustong maging presidente. Nawawala na ang essence ng konsepto ng pagka-Pangulo ng bansa na kung saan ay nagiging bukang bibig na lang ito ng karamihan na iyon ang gusto nilang tuntunin nilang lahat na posisyon, pero sa kabila ng kagustuhan ito ano naman ang maibibigay nila sa bansa at sa taong bayan? Hindi lang pwesto ang pagka-pangulo na parang trip to Jerusalem ang tema na pagkatigil ng sayaw mag-aagawan na lang sa pwesto, after manalo? Ano na? Kawawa na naman ang bayan sa loob ng anim na taon...

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SI GERALD ANDERSON AY SI “TIAGONG AKYAT”!

Tinaguriang isa sa mga Primetime Princes ng ABS-CBN at isa sa mga pinaka-epektibong young actor ngayon, makaka-harap na ni Gerald Anderson ang kanyang kauna-unahang first title role sa action/adventure genre sa kanyang pagbibigay buhay sa isang karakter na nagmarka sa kasaysayan ng Philippine entertainment, si Tiagong Akyat. Ito rin ang unang kwentong handog ng “Agimat: Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla” sa ABS-CBN na magsisimula na sa August 15.

Mula sa pagiging “crush ng Bayan” sa first teen edition ng Pinoy Big Brother noong 2006 hanggang sa maging isa sa pinaka-magaling na actor ng kanyang henerasyon, talaga namang masasbi na pinaghirapan ni Gerald ang tinatamo niya ngayon sa kanyang napiling karera at napatunayan na rin nito ang kanyang halaga sa mundo ng showbiz. Ang pagganap niya bilang JR sa ‘di mapantayang serye ngayon sa primetime, ang Tayong Dalawa, ay nagpapakita ng kanyang husay sa kanyang larangan ng pag-arte.

Sa kanyang pagsabak sa kanyang pinaka-bagong proyekto, tiyak na ibang klaseng Gerlad ang matutunghayan ng mga manonood. Gagampanan ang role ni Tiagong Akyat, pabibilibin ni Gerald ang bawat taga-subaybay sa oras na ipakita niya na ang kanyang Parkour moves, isang athletic discipline at art of movement na ginawa rin ng mga artista sa Hollywood. Sumailalim si Gerald sa isang extensive Parkour training para mas lalong maging epektibo pa ang kanyang pagbibigay buhay sa karakter.

“Mahirap pero masaya. Bagong learning rin kasi ito for me. The training will definitely help me not only with this project. Perhaps sa iba ko ring gagawin pa.” pahayag ni Gerald. “Kakaiba talaga character ko dito. More on action din kasi. Ibang Gerald Anderson ang makikita ng mga manonood.”

Sa ilalim ng direksyon ni Dondon Santos, iikot ang istorya sa karakter ni Santiago Ronquillo (Gerald Anderson) na sa oras na tanggapin ang agimat na Pangil ng Kidlat mula sa nakilalang matandang preso ay magbabago ang kanyang buhay. Gagamitin niya ang kanyang kakaibang lakas para matulungan ang mahihirap sa pamamagitan ng pagnanakaw. At doon na magsisimula ang thrilling adventures ni Tiagong Akyat.
Humanda nang matangay sa lakas na taglay ni Tiagong Akyat sa Agimat: Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla, Ipapalabas na simula Agosto 15 , tuwing Sabado, sa ABS-CBN.

Para sa karagdagang updates, mag-log on sa www.abs-cbn.com or http://agimattv.multiply.com.

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Show your support for the former President Corazon Aquino

Patuloy ang pagpasok ng suporta para kay former President Corazon Aquino, mula sa mga prayers na mula sa mga kaibigan at mga supporters ni Tita Cory at pati na rin sa Vatican City sa pangunguna ni Pope Benedict XVI. Sa lansangan naman at mga tahanan ay naroon ang paglalagay ng yellow ribbon sa mga harap ng bahay at kalsada para ipakita ang kanilang suporta sa laban ni Tita Cory sa colon Cancer.



The website was launch last 2007 at ngayon ay muling pinupuntahan na sya ng mga tao hindi para magcheck ng biography or mga ginawa niya noong presidente pa sya kundi para magbigay ng kanilang suporta at panalangin para kay Tita Cory.




Bukod sa official website ay nariyan din ang kampanya para sa mga social network accounts mo na kung saan kahit sa profile picture mo sa twitter ay maipapakita mo ang suporta mo para kay Tita Cory. Ginawa ito ng kaibigan nating si Ederic Eder na nagtratrabaho sa Yahoo Philippines at kagaya natin ay sumusuporta din siya sa laban ni Tita Cory.

Iba iba man ang paraan ng suporta sa online man, sa text, o sa kalsada at panalangin ay sama sama naman tayo sa isang layunin ay ang mas bumuti ang kalagayan ng dating Pangulong Carazon Aquino na noon ay hinti tayo iniwan sa laban kontra Martial Law.

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Transcript of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo 2009 State of the Nation Address #sona

Thank you, Speaker Nograles, Senate President Enrile, Senators, Representatives, Vice President de Castro, President Ramos, Chief Justice Puno, Ambassadors, friends:

The past twelve months have been a year for the history books. Financial meltdown in the West spread throughout the world.

Tens of millions lost their jobs; billions across the globe have been hurt—the poor always harder than the rich. No one was spared..

It has affected us already. But the story of the Philippines in 2008 is that the country weathered a succession of global crises in fuel, in food, then in finance and finally the economy in a global recession, never losing focus and with economic fundamentals intact.

A few days ago, Moody’s has just announced the upgrade of our credit rating, citing the resilience of our economy. The state of our nation is a strong economy. Good news for our people, bad news for our critics.

I did not become President to be popular. To work, to lead, to protect and preserve our country, our people, that is why I became President. When my father left the Presidency, we were second to Japan. I want our Republic to be ready for the first world in 20 years.

Towards that vision, we made key reforms. Our economic plan centers on putting people first. Higit sa lahat ang layunin ng ating mga patakaran ay tulungan ang masipag na karaniwang Pilipino. New tax revenues were put in place to help pay for better healthcare, more roads, a strong education system. Housing policies were designed to lift up our poorest citizens so they can live and raise a family with dignity. Ang ating mga puhunan sa agrikultura ay naglalayong kilalanin ang ating mga magsasaka bilang backbone ng ating bansa, at bigyan sila ng mga modernong kagamitan to feed our nation and feed their own family..

Had we listened to the critics of those policies, had we not braced ourselves for the crisis that came, had we taken the easy road much preferred by politicians eyeing elections, this country would be flat on its back. It would take twice the effort just to get it back again on its feet—to where we are now because we took the responsibility and paid the political price of doing the right thing. For standing with me and doing the right thing, thank you, Congress.

The strong, bitter and unpopular revenue measures of the past few years have spared our country the worst of the global financial shocks. They gave us the resources to stimulate the economy. Nabigyan nila ang pinakamalaking pagtaas ng IRA ng mga LGU na P40 billion itong taon, imparting strength throughout the country and at every level of government.

Compared to the past, we have built more and better infrastructure, including those started by others but left unfinished. The Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway is a prime example of building better roads. It creates wealth as the flagship of the Subic-Clark corridor.

We have built airports of international standard, upgraded domestic airports, built seaports and the RORO system. I ask Congress for a Philippine Transport Security Authority Law..

Some say that after this SONA, it will be all politics. Sorry, but there’s more work..

Sa telecommunications naman, inatasan ko ang Telecommunications Commission na kumilos na tungkol sa mga sumbong na dropped calls at mga nawawalang load sa cellphone. We need to amend the Commonwealth-era Public Service Law. And we need to do it now..

Kung noong nakaraan, lumakas ang electronics, today we are creating wealth by developing the BPO and tourism sectors as additional engines of growth. Electronics and other manufactured exports rise and fall in accordance with the state of the world economy. But BPO remains resilient. With earnings of $6 billion and employment of 600,000, the BPO phenomenon speaks eloquently of our competitiveness and productivity. Let us have a Department of ICT..

In the last four years tourism almost doubled. It is now a $5 billion industry.

Our reforms gave us the resources to protect our people, our financial system and our economy from the worst of shocks that the best in the west failed to anticipate..

They gave us the resources to do reforms para palawakin ang suportang panlipunan and enhance spending power. For helping me raise salaries through joint resolution, thank you Congress.

Cash handouts give the most immediate relief and produce the widest stimulating effect. Nakikinabang ang 700,000 na pinakamahihirap na pamilya sa programang Pantawid Pamilya.

Our preference is to invest in projects with the same stimulus effects but also with long-term contributions to national progress..

Sa pagpapamahagi ng milyun-milyong ektaryang lupa, 700,000 na katutubo at mahigit isang milyong benepisyaryo ng CARP ay taas-noong may-ari na ng sariling lupa. Hinihiling ko sa Kongreso na ipasa agad ang pagpapalawig ng CARP, at dapat ma-condone ang P42 billion na land reform liabilities dahil 18% lamang ang nabayaran mula 1972. Napapanahon dahil it will unfreeze the rural property market. Ang mahal kong ama ang nag-emancipate ng mga magsasaka. Ii-mancipate naman natin ngayon ang titulo..

Nakinabang ang pitong milyong entrepreneurs sa P165 billion na microfinance. Nakinabang ang 1,000 sa economic resiliency plan. Kasama natin ngayon ang isa sa kanila, si Gigi Gabiola. Dating household service worker sa Dubai, ngayon siya ay nagtatrabaho sa DOLE. Good luck, Gigi.

Nakinabang ang isang milyong pamilya sa programang pabahay at palupa, mula sa PAG-IBIG, NHA, community mortgage program, certificates of lot awards, at saka yung inyong Loan Condonation and Restructuring Act..

Our average inflation is the lowest since 1966. Last June, it dropped to 1.5%. Paano nakamit ito? Proper policies lowered interest rates, which lowered costs to business and consumers.

Dahil sa ating mga reporma, nakaya nating ibenta ang bigas NFA sa P18.25 per kilo kahit tumaas ang presyo sa labas mula P17.50 hanggang P30 dahil sa kakulangan ng supply sa mundo. Habang, sa unang pagkakataon, naitaas ang pamimili ng palay sa mga magsasaka, P17 mula sa P11.

Dahil sa ating mga reporma, nakaya nating mamuhunan sa pagkain—anticipating an unexpected global food crisis. Nakagawa tayo ng libu-libong kilometro ng farm-to-market roads at kasama ng pribadong sector, natubigan ang dalawang milyong ektarya. Mga Badjao gaya ni Tarnati Dannawi ay tinuruan ng modernong mariculture. Umabot na sa P180,000 ang kinita niya mula noong nakaraang taon. Congratulations, Tarnati. We will help more fisherfolk shift to fish farming with a budget of P1 billion.

Dahi dumarami na naman daw ang pamilyang nagugutom, mamumuhunan tayo ng bago sa Hunger Mitgation program na nakitang mabisa. Tulungan nito ako dito Kongreso.

Mula noong 2001, Nanawagan tayo ng mas murang gamot. Nagbebenta na tayo ng mga gamot na kalahating presyo sa libu-libong Botika ng Bayan at Botika ng Barangay sa maraming dako ng bansa. Our efforts prodded the pharmaceutical companies to come up with low-cost generics and brands like RiteMed. I supported the tough version of the House of the Cheaper Medicine Law. I supported it over the weak version of my critics. The result: the drug companies volunteered to bring down drug prices, slashing by half the prices of 16 drugs. Thank you, Congressman Cua, Alvarez, Biron and Locsin..

Pursuant to law, I am placing other drugs under a maximum retail price. To those who want to be President, this advice: If you want something done, do it hard, do it well. Don’t pussyfoot. Just do it. Don't say bad words in public.

Sa health insurance, sakop na ang 86% ng ating populasyon.

Sa Rent Control Law ng 2005 hanggang 2008, hanggang sampung porsyento lang maaaring itaas taon-taon ang upa. Iyong kakapirma nating batas naglagay ng isang taong moratorium, tapos pitong porsyento lang ang maaaring itaas. Salamat, Kongreso..

Noong isang taon, nabiyayaan ng tig-P500 ang mahigit pitong milyong tahanan bilang Katas ng Pantawid Koryente para sa mga small electricity users..
Iyong power rates, ang EPIRA natin ang pangmatagalang sagot. EPIRA dismantled monopoly. But minana natin iyong power purchase agreements under preceding administrations, so hindi pa natin makuha iyong buong intended effect. Pero happy na rin tayo, dahil isang taon na lamang iyan. The next generation will benefit from low prices from our EPIRA. Thank you.

Samantala, umabot na sa halos lahat ng barangay ang elektrisidad. We increased indigenous energy from 48% to 58%. Nakatipid tayo sa dollars tapos malaki pa ang na-reduce pa iyong oil consumption. The huge reduction in fossil fuel is the biggest proof of energy independence and environmental responsibility. Further reduction will come with the implementation of the Renewable Energy Act.and the Biofuels Act..again, thank you.

The next generation will also benefit from our lower public debt to GDP ratio. It declined from 78% in 2000 to 55% in 2008. We cut in half the debt of government corporations from 15% to 7. Likewise foreign debt from 73% to 32%. Kung meron man tayong malaking kaaway na tinalo, walang iba kundi ang utang, iyong foreign debt. Past administrations conjured the demon of foreign debt. We exorcised it..

The market grows economies. A free market, not a free-for-all.

To that end, we improved our banking system to complement its inherent conservatism. The Bangko Sentral has been prudent. Thank you, Governor Tetangco, for being so effective. The BSP will be even more effective if Congress will amend its Charter..

We worked on the Special Purpose Vehicle Act, reducing non-performing loans from 18% to 4% and improving loan-deposit ratios..

Our new Securitization Law did not encourage the recklessness that brought down giant banks and insurance companies elsewhere and laid their economies to waste. In fact, it monitors and regulates the new-fangled financial schemes. Thank you, Congress..

We will work to increase tax effort through improved collections and new sin taxes to further our capacity to reduce poverty and pursue growth. Revenue enhancement must come from the Department of Finance plugging leaks and catching tax and customs cheats. I call on tax-paying citizens and tax-paying businesses: help the BIR and Customs spot those cheats…

Taxes should come from alcohol and tobacco and not from books. Tax hazards to lungs and livers, do not tax minds. Ang kita mula sa buwis sa alak at sigarilyo ay dapat pumunta sa kalusugan at edukasyon. Sa kalusugan, pondohan ang Philhealth premiums ng pinakamahihirap. Ponhodhan ang mas maraming classroom at computers...

Pardon my partiality for the teaching profession. I was a teacher..

Kaya namuhunan tayo ng malaki sa edukasyon at skills training..

Ang magandang edukasyon ay susi sa mas mabuting buhay, the great equalizer that allows every young Filipino a chance to realize their dreams.

Nagtayo tayo ng 95,000 na silid-aralan, nagdagdag ng 60,000 na guro, naglaan ng P1.5 billion para sa teacher training, especially for 100,000 English teachers. Isa sa pinakamahirap na Millennium Development Goals ay iyong Edukasyon para sa Lahat pagdating ng 2015, na nangunguhulugang lahat ng nasa edad ay nasa grade school. Halos walang bansang nakakatupad nito. Ngunit nagsisikap tayo. Binaba natin ang gastos ng pagpasok. Nagtayo tayo ng mga eskwela sa higit isang libong barangay na dati walang eskwelahan, upang makatipid ng gastos ng pasahe ang mga bata. Tinanggal natin ang miscellaneous fees para sa primary school.

Hindi na kailangan ang uniporme sa mga estudyante sa public schools.

We assist financially half of all students in private high schools..

We have provided 600,000 college and post-graduate scholarships. One of them Mylene Amerol-Macumbal, finished Accounting at MSU-IIT, went to law school, and placed second in the last bar exams--the first Muslim woman bar topnotcher. Congratulations.

In technical education and skills training, we have invested three times that of three previous administrations combined. Narito si Jennifer Silbor, isa sa sampung milyong trainee. Natuto siya ng medical transcription. Now, as an independent contractor and lecturer for transcriptions in Davao, kumikita siya ng P18,000 bawat buwan. Good job.

The Presidential Task Force on Education headed by Jesuit educator Father Bienvenido Nebres has come out with the Main Education Highway towards a Knowledge-Based Economy. It envisions seamless education from basic to vocational school or college..

It seeks to mainstream early childhood development in basic education. Our children are our most cherished possession. In their early years we must make sure they get a healthy start in life. They must receive the right food for a healthy body, the right education for a bright and inquiring mind—and the equal opportunity for a meaningful job..

For college admission, the Task Force recommends mandatory Scholastic Aptitude Tests. It also recommends that private higher education institutions and state universities and colleges should be harmonized. It also recommends that CHED will oversee of local universities and colleges. For professions seeking international recognition—engineering, architecture, accountancy, pharmacy and physical therapy—it recommends radical reform: 10 years of basic education, two years of pre-university, three years of university.

Our educational system should make the Filipino fit not just for whatever jobs happen to be on offer today, but also for whatever economic challenge life will throw in their way..

Sa hirap at ginhawa, ang ating overseas Filipinos ay pinapatatag ang ating bansa. Iyong padala nilang $16 billion noong isang taon ay record. Itong taon, mas mataas pa..

I know that this is not a sacrifice joyfully borne. This is work where it can be found—in faraway places, among strangers with different cultures. It is lonely work, it is very hard work..

Kaya nagsisikap tayong lumikha ng mga trabahong maganda ang bayad dito sa atin so that overseas work will just be a career choice, not the only option for a hardworking Filipino in search of a better life.

Meanwhile, we should make their sacrifices worthwhile. Dapat gumawa tayo ng mga mas malakas na paraan upang proteksyonan at palawak ang halaga ng kanilang pinagsikapang sweldo. That means stronger consumer protection for OFWs investing in property and products back home. Para sa kanila, pinapakilos natin ang Investors Protection Task Force.

Hindi ako nag-aatubiling bisitahin ang ating taong bayan at ang kanilang mga hosts sa buong mundo – mula Hapon.hanggang Brazil, mula Europa at Middle East hanggang sa American Midwest, nakikinig sa kanilang mga problema at pangangailangan, inaalam kung paano matulungan sila n gating pamahalaan—-by working out better policies on migrant labor, or by saving lives and restoring liberty.

Pagpunta ko sa Saudi, pinatawad ni Haring Abdullah ang pitong daang OFW na nasa preso. Pinuno nila ang isang buong eroplano at umuwi kasama ko.

Mula sa ating State Visit to Spain, it has become our biggest European donor. At si Haring Juan Carlos ay nakikipag-usap sa ibang mga bansa para sa ating mga namomoblemang OFW. Ganoon di si Sheikh Khalifa, ang Prime Minister ng Bahrain.

Pagpunta ko sa Kuwait, Emir al-Sabah commuted death sentences.

We thank all the world leaders who have shown compassion to our OFWs, Maraming salamat po.

Our vigorous international engagement has helped bring in foreign investment. Net foreign direct investments multiplied 15 times during our administration.

Our vigorous international engagement has helped bring in foreign investment. Net foreign direct investments multiplied 15 times during our administration. Kasama ng ating mga OFWs, they more than doubled our foreign exchange reserves. Pinalakas ang ating piso at naiwasan ang lubhang pagtaas ng presyo. They upgraded our credit because while the reserves of our peers shrunk our reserves grew by $3 billion.

Our international engagement has also corrected historical injustice. The day we visited Washington, Senator Daniel Inouye successfully sponsored benefits for our veterans as part of America’s fiscal stimulus package.

I have accepted the invitation of President Obama to be the first Southeast Asian leader to meet him at the White House, this week.

That he sought us the Philippines testifies to our strong and deep ties.

High on our agenda will be peace and security issues. Terrorism: how to meet it, how to end it, how to address its roots in injustice and prejudice—and most and always how to protect lives.

We will also discuss nuclear non-proliferation. The Philippines will chair the review of the nuclear weapons non-proliferation Treaty in New York in May 2010. The success of the talks will be a major diplomatic achievement for us.

There is a range of other issues we will discuss, including the global challenge of climate change, especially the threat to countries with long coastlines. And there is the global recession, its worse impact on poor people, and the options that can spare them from the worst.

In 2008 up to the first quarter of 2009 we stood among only a few economies in Asia-Pacific that did not shrink. Compare this in 2001, when some of my current critics were driven out by people power, Asia was then surging but our country was on the brink of bankruptcy.

Since then, our economy has posted uninterrupted growth for 33 quarters; more than doubled its size from $76 billion to $186 billion. The average GDP growth from 2001 to the first quarter of 2009 is the highest in 43 years.

Bumaba ang bilang ng nagsasabing mahihirap sila, mula 59% sa 47%. Kahit na lumaki ang ating populasyon, nabawasan ng dalawang milyon ang bilang ng mahihirap. GNP per capita rose from a Third World $967 to $2,051. Lumikha tayo ng walong milyong trabaho, an average of a million per year, much, much more than at any other time.

In sum:

1. We have a strong economy in a strong fiscal position to withstand political shocks.
2. We built new modern infrastructure and completed unfinished ones.
3. The economy is more fair to the poor than ever before.
4. We are building a sound base for the next generation.
5. International authorities have taken notice that we are safer from environmental degradation and man-made disasters.

As a country in the path of typhoons and in the Pacific Rim of Fire, we must be as prepared as the latest technology permits to anticipate natural calamities when that is possible; to extend immediate and effective relief when it is not….The mapping of flood- and landslide-prone areas is almost complete. Early warning, forecasting and monitoring systems have been improved, with weather tracking facilities in Subic, Tagaytay, Mactan, Mindanao, Pampanga.

We have worked on flood control infrastructure like those for Pinatubo, Agno, Laoag, and Abucay, which will pump the run off waters from Quezon City and Tondo flooding Sampaloc. This will help relieve hundreds of hectares in this old city of its age-old woe.

Patuloy naman iyong sa Camanava, dagdag sa Pinatubo, Iloilo, Pasig-Marikina, Bicol River Basin, at mga river basin ng Mindanao.

The victims of typhoon Frank in Panay should receive their long-overdue assistance package. I ask Congress to pass the SNITS Law.

Namana natin ang pinakamatagal ng rebelyon ng Komunista sa buong mundo.

Si Leah de la Cruz isa sa labindalawang libong rebel returnee. Sixteen pa lang siya nang sumali sa NPA. Naging kasapi sa regional White Area Committee, napromote sa Leyte Party Committee Secretary. Nahuli noong 2006. She is now involved in an LGU-supported handicraft livelihood training of former rebels. We love you, Leah!

There is now a good prospect for peace talks both with both the Communist Party of the Philippines and the MILF, with whom we are now on ceasefire.

We inherited an age-old conflict in Mindanao, exacerbated by a politically popular but near-sighted policy of massive retaliation. This only provoked the other side to continue the war.

In these two internal conflicts, ang tanong ay hindi, “Sino ang mananalo?” kundi, bakit ba kailangang mag-away ang kapwa Pilipino tungkol sa mga isyu na alam ng dalawang panig over issues na malulutas naman sa paraang demokratiko.

There is nothing more that I would wish for than peace in Mindanao. It will be a blessing for all its people, Muslim, Christian and lumads. It will show other religiously divided communities that there can be common ground on which to live together in peace, harmony and cooperation that respects each other’s religious beliefs.

At sa lahat ng dako ng bansa, kailangan nating protektahan an gating mamamayan kontra sa krimen -- in their homes, in their neighborhoods, in their communities. How shall crime be fought? Through the five pillars of justice. We call on Congress to fund more policemen on the streets.

Real government is about looking beyond the vested to the national interest, setting up the necessary conditions to enable the next, more enabled and more empowered generation to achieve a country as prosperous, a people as content, as ours deserve to be.

The noisiest critics of constitutional reform tirelessly and shamelessly attempted Cha-Cha when they thought they could take advantage of a shift in the form of government. Now that they feel they cannot benefit from it, they oppose it.

As the process of fundamental political reform begins, let us address the highest exercise of democracy.voting!

In 2001, I said we would finance fully automated elections. We got it, thanks to Congress.

At the end of this speech I shall step down from this stage, but not from the Presidency. My term does not end until next year. Until then, I will fight for the ordinary Filipino. The nation comes first. There is much to do as head of state—to the very last day.

A year is a long time. Patuloy ang pamumuhunan sa tinatawag na three E’s ng ekonomiya, environment at edukasyon. There are many perils that we must still guard against.

A man-made calamity is already upon us, global in scale. As I said earlier, so far we have been spared its worst effects but we cannot be complacent. We only know that we have generated more resources on which to draw, and thereby created options we could take. Thank God we did not let our critics stop us.

As the campaign unfolds and the candidates take to the airwaves, I ask them to talk more about how they will build up the nation rather than tear down their opponents. Our candidates must understand the complexities of our government and what it takes to move the country forward. Give the electorate real choices and not just sweet talk.

Meanwhile, I will keep a steady hand on the tiller, keeping the ship of state away from the shallows some prefer, and steering it straight on the course I set in 2001.

Ang ating taong bayan ay masipag at maka-Diyos. These qualities are epitomized in someone like Manny Pacquiao.Manny trained tirelessly, by the book, with iron discipline, with the certain knowledge that he had to fight himself, his weaknesses first, before he could beat his opponent. That was the way to clinch his victories and his ultimate title: ang pinakadakilang boksingero sa kasaysayan.Mabuhay ka, Manny!

However much a President wishes it, a national problem cannot be knocked out with a single punch. A president must work with the problem as much as against it, and turn it into a solution if I can.

There isn’t a day I do not work at my job or a waking moment when I do not think through a work-related problem. Even my critics cannot begrudge the long hours I put in. Our people deserve-a-government that works just as hard as they do.

A President must be on the job 24/7, ready for any contingency, any crisis, anywhere, anytime.

Everything right can be undone by even a single wrong. Every step forward must be taken in the teeth of political pressures and economic constraints that could push you two steps back-if-you flinch and falter. I have not flinched, I have not faltered. Hindi ako umaatras sa hamon.

And I have never done any of the things that have scared my worst critics so much. They are frightened by their own shadows.

In the face of attempted coups, I issued emergency proclamations just in case. But I was able to resolve these military crises with the ordinary powers of my office. My critics call it dictatorship. I call it determination. We know it as strong government.

But I never declared martial law, though they are running scared as if I did. In truth, what they are really afraid of is their weakness in the face of this self-imagined threat.

I say to them: do not tell us what we all know, that democracy can be threatened. Tell us what you will do when it is attacked.

I know what to do.

I know what to do, as I have shown, I will defend democracy with arms when it is threatened by violence; with firmness when it is weakened by division; with law and order where it is subverted by anarchy; and always, I will try to sustain it by wise policies of economic progress, so that a democracy means not just an empty liberty but a full life for all.

I never expressed the desire to extend myself beyond my term. Many of those who accuse me of it tried to cling like nails to their posts.

I am accused of misgovernance. Many of those who accuse me of it left me the problem of their misgovernance to solve. And we did it.

I am falsely accused, without proof, of using my office for personal profit. Many of those who accuse me of it have lifestyles and spending habits that make them walking proofs of that crime.

We can read their frustrations. They had the chance to serve this good country and they blew it by serving themselves.

Those who live in glass houses should cast no stones. Those who should be in jail should not threaten it, especially if they have been there.

Our administration, with the highest average rate of growth, recording multiple increases in investments, with the largest job creation in history, and which gets a credit upgrade at the height of a world recession, must be doing something right, even if some of those cocooned in corporate privilege refuse to recognize it.

Governance, however, is not about looking back and getting even. It is about looking forward and giving more—to the people who gave us the greatest, hardest gift of all: the care of a country.

From Bonifacio at Balintawak to Cory Aquino at EDSA and up to today, we have struggled to bring power to the people, and this country to the eminence it deserves.

Today the Philippines is weathering well the storm that is raging around the world. It is growing stronger with the challenge. When the weather clears, as it will, there is no telling how much farther forward it can go. Believe in it. I believe.

We can and we must-march-forward-with-hope, optimism and determination.

We must come together, work together and walk together toward the future.

Bagamat malaking hamon ang nasa ating harapan, nasa kamay natin ang malaking kakayahan. Halina’t pagtulungan nating tiyakin ang karapat-dapat na kinabukasan ng ating Inang Bayan.

And to the people of our good country, for allowing me to serve as your President, maraming salamat.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.

***

MUST READ: PGMA's 2001-2008 State of the Nation Address

Credit: Office of the Press Secretary (http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/)

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President Glora Macapagal Arroyo’s 9th State of The Nation Address: Ito na ba ang huli?

Ngayong July 27, 2009, 4pm sa Batasan Complex ay muling haharap sa bayan si President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo para sa kanyang 9th State of the Nation Address, maraming hanggang ngayon ay nagdududa kung ito na ba ang huli niyang SONA dahil na rin sa Constitutional Assembly o Con Ass o mas kilala na rin sa tawag na Charter Change. Maaalala natin na noong 2004 ay hinimok niya ang Congress na umpisahan nang talakayin ang usapin ng Charter Change, na kung saan dalawang taon din niya ito ini-lobby sa kanyang SONA matapos ang 2004. Bukod sa issue ng Charter Change narito ang mga tanong na sa tingin ko dapat talakayin din niya sa kanyang huling SONA ang Election Automation, and eskandalong kinasangkutan ng kanyang pamilya, ang cheap medicine bill, ang usapin sa reproductive health, ang bumabaksak na ekonomiya ng bansa dahil sa global financial crisis, ang pagsasaayos ng edukasyon, pagkain, trabaho at kalusugan ng mga Filipino at ang higit sa lahat ang gulong patuloy pa rin nagaganap sa Mindanao.

Noong huling SONA ni dating Pangulo Corazon Aquino nagpaalam siya sa kanyang huling SONA at mahigpit niyang ipinakita ang hindi niya pag sang-ayon sa pagpapalawig ng kanyang termino dahil na rin sa napabalitang extension ng kanyang panunungkulan noon. Si PGMA ba, magpapaalam na rin ba siya sa huli niyang SONA at para ipaubaya na ang kanyang posisyon sa 2010 election?

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President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s 2001 -2008 State of The Nation Address

Before the clock strikes at 4PM, on July 27, 2009 where classes in all level is suspended in Metro Manila because of the 2 events happening on that day, 95th Anniversary of Iglesia Ni Cristo and the last or the 9th State of the Nation of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. In her 9th year in her term as the president of the Philippines from replacing the ousted president Joseph Ejercito Estrada and her re-election on 2004 let’s recall and run down details of her 8 State of the Nation Address as we prepare to listen on her last on the 27th of July.

2001 State of the Nation Address – July 23, 2001

Sino hindi makakalimot sa tatlong batang nagpaanod ng bangkang papel papuntang Malacanang? Sina Jayson, Jomar at Erwin ang tatlong kabataang isinulat sa bangkang papel ang kanilang mga kahilingan at pangarap sa bagong upong presidente na si Gloria Macapagal Arroyo sa kanyang unang State of The Nation. Hiniling niya ang pagkakaisa at hilumin ang sugat na natamo mula sa EDSA Dos, labanan ang terorismo sa bansa, at ang labanan ang kahirapan sa pamamagitan ng free enterprise, social equity, social bias toward the disadvantaged, raise moral standards.

Ayon kay PGMA:

“Pinaalala ninyo sa aming lahat kung bakit kami ay narito ngayon sa bulwagang ito.
Mga senador at kongresista: Ipangako natin sa kanila, sa harap at sa tulong ng poong maykapal, na sa mga susunod na araw, buwan at taon, tayong mga hinalal, tayong may pananagutan sa kanilang kinabukasan ay handang magsakripisyo at magkaisa para sa kabutihan, kaunlaran, katatagan ng bayan at sa kinabukasan ng kabataan.
Jason, Jomar, at Erwin, hindi namin kayo bibiguin.”

Pero tulad ng bangkang papel na pinaanod sa Pasig River papuntang Malacanang, lumubog ba ito bago makarating sa tatlong kabataang sina Sina Jayson, Jomar at Erwin?

2002 State of the Nation Address – July 22, 2009


Matatag na Republika, ito ang gustong buuin ni President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo noong 2002 SONA niya. Para mabuo ang Republikang gawa sa bato ayon kay PGMA kailangan gawin ang mga sumusunod, maging independent sa pagkilos at walang kinikilingan sa iisang sector o samahan lamang, matatag at makalas na pamamahala sa ekonomiya at ang pagpapatatag ng estado ng microeconomics sa bansa.


Ayon kay PGMA:

“I know that it is to me that those many Filipinos are looking for the vindication of their decision to go to Edsa. I shall not disappoint them.
It is for them that I am working hard on that stone that will fit just above my father’s, adding security to social justice, and prosperity to the promise of social equality in which he believed so much.

Ang malakas na republika ay para sa mahihina, para sa mahihirap, para sa walang trabaho, para sa nagugutom, para sa nanganganib ; Para sa agrabyado, para sa mga api.

Toward the achievement of this strong republic, i shall bring to bear the full weight of the Executive, and call upon local government officials, to add their own. This is our common struggle, it shall be our shared victory. “

Pero sa pagtatayo ng matatag na republika, tulad ng pagtatayo ng isang bahay o gusali ang mga kasangkapan ba at mga gamit sa pagpapatayo nito ay matatag at maaasahan tulad ng mga nakaupo sa pamahalaan, maaasahan ba sila ng baying humalal sa kanila, o maganda lang sila sa panlabas habang sa loob ay marupok din kagaya ng hollow blocks na gawa lang sa burak.

2003 State of the Nation Address – July 28, 2003

Nasa giyera ang bansa ayon kay PGMA, ito ang giyera kontra droga, kontra terorismo, kontra at kontra katiwalian at kurapsyon. Sa SONA niya ay buong tapang niyang hinamon ang mga kumakalaban sa kanyang rehimen at ayon sa kanya ay patuloy niyang lalabanan ang katiwalian droga at terosimo. Pagtutuunan din niya ng pansin ang edukasyon, pagkain, trabaho at kalusugan.

Ayon kay PGMA:
“Nasa giyera tayo. Giyera laban sa terorismo. Giyera laban sa katiwalian. Giyera laban sa kasakitan. Giyera laban sa droga. Giyera laban sa distabilisasyon. Sa ating sama-samang pakikipaglaban at pagtutulungan, tayo ay mangingibabaw at magwawagi."

Sa labanan at giyerang ito, hindi natin inaasahan ang mga taong traydor at tumatalikod sa adhikain o layunin ng laban. Ito ang suliranin ng bayan ang mga katiwalian sa gobyernong minsan ay hindi namamalayan ng pamahalaan na dapat ay kastiguhin din dahil ang kalaban ay hindi lamang nasa labas, minsan nasa loob din sila ng isang grupong sinasamahan nila at handang bumaril sa iyo habang nakatalikod ka at kampante.

2004 State of the Nation Address – July 26, 2004

Mamamayan muna ang tema ng 2004 SONA kasabay ang pag uwi ni Angelo dela Cruz ang nabihag na OFW sa Iraq. Para kay PGMA tagumpay ito para sa kanya, ipinanukala rin niya ang konsepto ng lifestyle check sa gobyerno, ang pagsupil sa corporate corruption at ang pagmonitor niya sa presyo ng pangunahing pangangailangan ng Filipino, bukod dito ipinanukala rin niya ang ideya ng Charter Change.

Ayon kay PGMA:

“I ask Congress to pass a law on government re-engineering, with silver parachutes for redundant offices. Once we have proved to our people that we have done what we can within the present structure of government, we can move on to changing the system to one that enhances our freedom and flexibility to do more. I expect that next year, Congress will start considering the resolutions for charter change.”

2004, ito ang taong na kung saan nagsimula ang tinututulan nating Constitutional Assembly o mas kilala sa tawag na Charter Change. At sa pagpapanukala niya ng lifestyle check at pagbabantay sa presyo ng bilihin, babalik tayo sa isang katanungan mula noong 2004… napatupad ba ito ng maayos o ningas kugon lang kahat ito?

2005 State of the Nation Address – July 25, 2005

Para kay PGMA mayroong dalawang Pilipinas, ang isa ay may isang maayos at matatag na ekonomiyang handing manguna sa darating na panahon, at ang pangalawa ay may sistemang pampulitika na pabagsak na at hadlang sa pag-unlad. Patuloy ang pag-lolobby ni PGMA ng Cha Cha sa kongreso noong 2005.

Ayon kay PGMA:

“The system clearly needs fundamental change and the sooner the better. It's time to start the great debate on charter change. We must address such questions as how much more government is needed for the greater safety and economic security of our people, and how much less government is more conducive to free enterprise and economic progress. The mode of Charter change is the exclusive prerogative of Congress. But a constituent assembly may well give our people the quickest reforms. I shall work with Congress, civil society groups and local government executives who are convinced that Charter changes are needed to enable the country to surmount the unprecedented challenges of the 21st century.”

Para kay PGMA may pagbabagong magaganap kung mangyari ang pinapanukala niyang CHA CHA pero ang isang katanungan lamang ay sa CHA CHA lang ba tayo aasa para maayos ang kalagayan ng bansa?

2006 State of the Nation Address – July 24, 2006

Super Regions, ito ang ipinagmalaki ni PGMA na kung saan ay sa pamamagitang ng mga pagpasok ng turismo sa iba’t ibang parte ng bansa at ang pag ayos ng ekonimya sa pamamagitan ng RORO, mga napatayong infrastructure na mag uugnay sa iba’t ibang probinsya para mapadali ang takbo ng ikonomiya at pagpasok ng turismo lalo na sa Central Luzon. Ipinagmalaki rin niya ang pagbaba ng unemployment dahil sa pagpasok ng call center sa bansa. Mula sa mga bagay na ito ay mas mapapatatag niya ang ekonomiya ng bansa.

Ayon kay PGMA:
“For those who want to pick up old fights, we're game but what a waste of time. Why not join hands instead? Join hands in the biggest challenge of all, where we all win or we all lose: the battle for the survival and progress of our one and only country. After three years, eleven months, and six days, I shall relinquish the Presidency, with much if not all that I have outlined completed. I do not want it said then that, in the end, I defeated my enemies. I would rather have it said that all of us, you and I, friends and foes today, achieved together a country progressive, prosperous and united.”

Marahil nasabi nga niyang nabawasan ang unemployment sa panahong iyon, pero hindi sapat ang call center industry para mapunan ang suliranin ng bansa pagdating sa kawalan ng trabaho, lalo na ngayon na humaharap tayo sa recession, call center pa rin ba ang takbuhan ng lahat? Paano kung hindi ka qualified? Sorry na lang ba ang sagot sa mga taong iyon?

2007 State of the Address – July 23, 2007

Mamuhunan sa tao, ito ang ideya ng Facing Forward Not Facing Off theme ng 2007 SONA ni PGMA, ang magpapatatag ng edukasyon ng bansa at ang safety net na kung saan sa tulong ng TESDA ay mas mapapalawak ang kakayahan ng Filipino pagdating sa paghahanap niya ng trabaho. Pangarap din ni PGMA na mapasama sa pinakamayaman na bansa ang Pilipinas pagdating ng 20 years sa pamamagitan ng pagdevelop sa Mindanao as food basket ng bansa, pagdevelop sa Central Philippines as tourism regions, pagdevelop ng North Luzon Argribusiness Quadrangle at pagdevelop ng Luzon Urban Beltway.

Para kay PGMA:

“Hangarin kong mapabilang ang Pilipinas sa mayayamang bansa sa loob ng dalawampung taon. By then poverty shall have been marginalized; and the marginalized raised to a robust middle class. We will have achieved the hallmarks of a modern society, where institutions are strong. By 2010, the Philippines should be well on its way to achieving that vision.”

Pero sa kabila ng mga panukalang ito, ay babalik tayo sa issue ng terorismo sa bansa at kurapsyon hindi ba ito ang mga pangunahing problemang dapat ayusin ng gobyerno para mas mapaunlad ang bansa?

2008 State of the Nation Address – July 28, 2008

Humarap si PGMA sa kanyang 2008 SONA para ibalita ang dalawang bagay ang magandang ekonomiya ng bansa noong 2007, at ang bagyong padating o ang global crisis. Hinimok niya ang lahat na makipagtulungan lalo na ang sangay ng gobyerno na i-extend ang kanilang tulong sa mga taong nangangailangan. At nakiusap din siya na makipagtulungan ang iba’t ibang sector ng lipunan para harapin ang bagyong ito.

Ayong kay PGMA:

“Sama-sama tayo sa tungkuling ito. May papel na gagampanan ang bawat mamamayan, negosyante, pinunong bayan at simbahan, sampu ng mga nasa lalawigan.

We are three branches but one government. We have our disagreements; we each have hopes, and ambitions that drive and divide us, be they personal, ethnic, religious and cultural. But we are one nation with one fate.”

Sa kabila ng paghimok ng PGMA sa mga sangay ng gobyerno na tumulong sa mga nangangailangan, nariyan pa rin ang issue ng Red Tape at Corruption at nariyan rin ang samu’t saring eskandalong kinasasangkutan ng mga miyembro sa pamahalaan pati ang pamilya ng pangulo.

Ngayong ika-siyam at huling State of the Nation Address ano ang iikutan ng kanyang pagbabalita sa estado ng bansa? Ito ba ba talaga ang huling SONA niya? Mayroon tayong hindi inaasahang balitang sasabihin niya? Magbantay at makialam ngayong SONA ni PGMA!

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Iglesia ni Cristo Celebrates 95th Anniversary

July 27, 2009, Iglesia ni Cristo celebrates it's 95th Anniversary hindi lang sa Pilipinas kundi sa buong mundo, pero sa kabila nito iilan lang sa ating mga hindi kapanata ng religion na ito ang may konting alam tungkol sa kanilang fellowship o samahan. Nais ko sanang i-share sa inyo ang mga ilang information tungkol sa Iglesia ni Cristo as provided by INC member Jon Magat.

Nagsimula ang Iglesia Ni Cristo noong July 27, 1914 na kung saan officially ini-register ito sa Philippine Government sa pamamagitan ni Felix Manalo ang sinasabi nilang Sugo ng Diyos at kapatid nila sa pananampalataya. At unang kapilya na naitayo ay makikita sa Punta, Sta Ana Manila, ang kapilya ay katumbas ng isang simbahan sa relihiyong Katoliko. According kay Jon Magat ang Iglesia Ni Cristo ay nanatiling tapat at sumusunod sa kanilang doctines and practices simula noong itinayo ito. "The doctrines of the INC never change. INC's teachings are solely based on the Bible. Some of the main doctrines of the church include: the belief of one God--- the Father, belief in the Lord Jesus Christ as the begotten Son of God and he's recognized as the church's head, the necessity of church membership in attaining salvation", ayon kay Magat.

Bilang kasapi ng Iglesia ni Cristo, importante sa kanila ang pananampalataya dahil ang kanilang relihiyon ay tulad ng isang malaking pamilya na tinuturuan sila mula pagkabata ang pagmamahal sa iisang Diyos at pagtulong sa kapwa. Ilan sa mga proyekto ng INC sa community na sinasakupan nila ay ang Lingap sa Mamamayan isang free medical & dental mission para sa member at non-member ng INC, Clean-up Drive, Blood donations, at Summer Kindergarten Program. Ang Iglesia ni Cristo ay may naitayong paaralan na para sa mga members at non-members din at ito ang New Ear University na matatagpuan sa Quezon City. Pagdating sa usapin sa politika at iba pang social issues ay pinili ng samahan na tahimik na mag-observe at tahimik din sa pag-participate sa mga bagay na tulad nito. Pero pagdating sa usapin ng Reproductive Health ay may paninindigan ang INC sa bagay na ito, ayon kay Magat, "The INC takes a progressive stand on reproductive health. As long as the government's suggestive method on family planning doesn't promote abortion, the INC is all-out in supporting it."

Ngayon ay present na ang Iglesia ni Cristo sa 6 continents sa mundo o 87 countries na kung saan ay may mga miyembro ang INC at may naipatayong mga kapilya at patuloy pa rin ang bilang ng mga kasapi ng relihiyong ito. Sa ika-95th Anniversary nila ay mas pinapakita nilang mas tumatatag ang kanilang samahan sa gabay na rin ng Diyos. Muli Mapagpalang 95th Anniversary sa mga Kapatid namin sa Pananampalataya sa Iglesia ni Cristo. Mayroong mga events na magaganap sa Araneta Colleseum, Iglesia ni Cristo Central Temple sa Quezon City at sa Rizal Memorial Sports Complex sa Malate Manila para sa 95th Anniversary nila bukod dito mapapanood din ang mga kaganapan sa Net 25 at maririnig sa 1062 kHz DZEC-AM radio.



*** Note ang may akda ay isang Katoliko pero sa kabila ng relihiyong niyakap niya ay mayroon siyang paggalang at pagpapahalaga sa mga paniniwala at pananampalataya ng kapwa niya.

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Blog Action Day: No To Charter Change! #conass

Sa nalalapit na pagtatapos ng termino ni President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at sa huli o 9th State of the Nation Address niya sa Monday July 27. Patuloy pa rin ang pangampa ng nakakarami kung ito na ba ang huling SONA at huling taon niya sa posisyon matapos ang ginawang kampanya ng Constitutional Assembly sa Congress o ang pag a-amend ng Saligang Batas ng bansa. Pero tulad ng sinabi ko noon hindi napapanahon at hindi kailangan ng pagbabago ng konstitusyon para lang masolusyunan ang kahirapan at katiwalian sa bansa lalo na sa gobyerno.

Para sa isang ordinaryong mamamayan, ang lipunan at ang pamahalaan ay walang pinagkaiba sa isang panaderong nagluluto ng pandesal sa isang pugon, kung sakali masunog ang pandesal niya kailangan bang palitan ang lutuang ginagamit niya? O kailangan ayusin ang pamamaraan ng kanyang pagluto at ang pag monitor sa temperatura ng lutuan niya o ang pugod. Hindi ko kailangan ipaliwanag sa kumplikadong pamamaraan kung bakit hindi ako sang ayon sa pagbabago ng konstitusyon, tama na ang kwento ng isang panadero. Ang panadero ang pamahalaan, ang pandesal ay ang mga mamamayang Filipino na siyang diniderakta ng pamahalaan sa loob ng pugon na siyang gobyernong o administrasyon ng nakaupong pangulo at ang mga sangay nito. Ang ang pamamaraan ng pagluto ay ang mga batas, programa at mga bagay bagay na kinasangkutan ng pamahalaan. Maaring maluto ng hilaw ang pandesal na kung saan kulang ang naibibigay ng gobyerno sa pangangailangan niya, mula sa edukasyon, kalusugan, at security sa bansa. Ang pandesal ay nasusunog rin tulad ng tao nag aapoy ang galit nila sa gobyernong maraming kontrobersyal at eskandalong kinasasangkutan, ang pagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan, at maraming iba. Ang pandesal lamang ay naluluto kung sakaling maayos ang pamamaraan ng panadero, magiging maayos ang bansa kung paayos ang pamamahala ng namamahala. Sa lagay na ito kailangan pa bang magpalit ng lutuan ang panadero kung sa kanya mismo nakasalalay ang ikakaayos ng kanyang niluluto. Kailangan ba ng pagbabago ng konstitusyon para lang maayos ang problema ng bansa? O sa pamamahala at namamahala nagmumula ang kaayusan ng gobyerno?

Para sa mga kongresistang ipinagkanulo ang kanilang mga kababayang bumoto sa kanila. Alam ba ng mga bumoto sa inyo na ipinagkanulo ninyo sila para makiisa lang sa pagsulong ng Con Ass? O tinanong nyo ba muna sila kung nararapat ba ang pagbabago ng konstitusyon sa bansa at makakabuti ba ito sa pangkalahatan o sa pansarili lamang?

Ang may akda nitong blog na ito ay nakikiisa sa mga netizen na kontra sa Con Ass, tulad ng mga kasama ko Sa FilipinoVoices.com at mga kaibigan sa Blogger Kapihan at mga individual na lumalaban at tumutuligsa sa bagay na ito. Ikaw kapwa ko netizen sumali ka sa adhikaing ito narito ang mga kailangan mong gawin:

• Mag-blog tayo tungkol sa con-ass at gamitin ang blog action day web banners sa ibaba at ang anti-con-ass banners sa NoToConAss.com

• Online petition. Lumagda sa Kabataan Kontra Cha-cha online petition.

• Text vs con-ass. Ipada sa 09071134503 ang message sa ganitong format: [no2conass] [space] [your message].

• Facebook groups at causes. Sumali sa groups at causes gaya ng Pilipinas Kontra Con-Ass, No to Con-Ass!, at Stop Con-Ass Now!.

Tulad ng sinabi ko nood hindi mapapakain ng CON ASS ang nagugutom na pamilya ni Juan de La Cruz, dahil ang totoong solusyon ay ang mabigyan ng tama at maayos na trabaho ang mga nangangailangan nito. Hindi rin maaayos ng CON ASS ang kamangmangan sa bansa dahil hindi kayang ayusin nito ang kakulangan sa libro, silid aralan, at mababang sahod ng mga guro.Hindi magagamot ng CON ASS ang sakit ng mamamayan dahil hindi kayang punan nito ang kakulangan sa gamot, health center at mga health volunteers. Lalong hindi maaayos ng CON ASS ang katiwalian sa gobyerno dahil hindi pagbabago ng konstitusyon ang sagot para maayos ang kurapsyon at katiwalian sa pamahalaan, kundi sa pamamagitan ng pag convict sa mga taong gumagawa ng katiwaliang ito, malaki man o maliit ang katayuan nila sa gobyerno, mayaman man sila o mahirap, dapat panagutin ang siyang may nagawang mali. At para sa ating lahat patuloy tayong magbantay sa bawat pangyayari sa bayan, makialam dahil may responsibilidad ka sa bayan, at magblog nang totoo kahit nakakasira to sa imahe ng bayan, huwag ikubli ang katotohanan at ang katiwalian, huwag tumahimik lamang, apathy ito ang sakit ng karamihan na dapat solusyunan. At magmartsa at lumabas sa lansangan makibahagi sa adhikain at layunin ng streen parliamentary kung kinakailangan huwag ikasiyang manatili sa bahay lamang habang ang iba ay nakikipaglaban at nagproprotesta sa kalsada makibahagi ka sa labang ito.

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32,617 Pass the 2009 Nursing Licensure Examination

The Professional Regulation Commission released the 2009 Nursing Licensure Examination results and from the 77,901 who took the exam last June 6 and 7 of 2009 only 32, 617 passed the Nursing Licensure Examination.

Golda Manto Yap of Felipe Verallo Memorial Foundation of Cebu tops Nursing Licensure Examination with the score of 86.8% and followed by Ronie Rose Capati Arevalo of Adamson University in Manila with the score of 86.4% and Michelle Alejandro Barberan of Arellano University Manila with the score of 86.2% landed on the third rank.

Check out the complete list of the 2009 Nursing Licensure Examination results here.

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Supporters offers prayers and yellow ribbons for Former President Cory Aquino

Kahapon, July 24, 2009, kumalat ang balitang pumanaw na ang dating Presidente Corazon Aquino na kung saan ay matinding itinanggi ng pamilyang ito. Ayon sa kangyang apo na si Justin 'Jiggy' Aquino-Cruz na ang balitang kumakalat sa text at internet ay isang false alarm lamang o isang malisyosong balita lamang. Ayon din sa pamilya ni Aquino ang tanging magbibigay lamang ng statement o balita patungkol sa kalagayan ng dating pangulo ay tanging ang pamilya lamang niya ito ang sinabi ni Dr. Eric Nubla, ang spokesman ng Makati Medical Center.

Nag umpisa ang kaguluhan noong nagkaroon ng misa sa Manila City Hall na kung saan sa kalagitnaan ng communion ay may natanggap silang text nagsasabing pumanaw na ang dating pangulo at ito ay ibinalita ni Retired Supreme Court Justice Adolf Azcuna na natanggap niya ang balitang ito sa text ngunit ito ay itinanggi ni Ms. Margie Juico ang private secretary ni Aquino. Ayon kay Juico ay buhay pa ang dating pangulo at sana'y itigil na ang ganitong mga malisyosong balitang kumakalat sa text. At ito naman ay sinang ayunan ni Manila Mayor Alfedo Lim na kung saan ay pumunta sa Makati Medical City para malaman kung totoo ang balitang ito.

Sa panahong ito ay patuloy pa rin ang pagdating ng suporta at panalangin para sa dating Pangulong Corazon Aquino kasama na rin ang paglalagay ng yellow ribbon ng mga tagasuporta niya sa kanilang mga bahay at lansangan na kung saan nagpapaalala sa ginawa niyang paglaban noon sa rehimen ni ferdinand Marcos at ang pagbabalik niya ng demokrasya noong Martial Law.

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ABS-CBN Launches it 3rd ANC Leadership Forum on July 28

After the 9th State of The Nation Address of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on the July 27. ABS-CBN will ba having its third ANC Leadership Forum on the 28th of July with Senators Francis Escudero, Francis Pangilinan, Loren Legarda, Manuel Roxas II, as well as Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio, and Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno as they give their own version of State of the Nation Address and what are their hopes and plans on the 2010 National Election.


Before the said event lets back track on the 2nd Leadership Forum last June 5, at University of The Philippines Diliman School of Economics. What has Loren Legarda, Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Jejormar Binay and Bayani Fernando Jr.


Joseph Estrada
Political Affiliations: PMP-UNO (current), NPC, CAD
Vision of Governance: ‘Walang tutulong sa Pilipino kundi kapwa Pilipino.’

On his intention to run for president in 2010. “Wala po akong ibang iniisip kundi ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan at higit sa lahat… ‘yung mga mahirirap dahil si ERAP, mamatay, mabubuhay hindi makakabayad ng utang na loob sa mga mahihirap.”

On his real estate properties. “I’ve been a movie actor, a superstar for quite a long time…I made my earnings there. I invested a lot in real estate…Now, to cut the long story short, I have no more property. Because when I became president, I diverted it all to the corporation of the family… which I’m not included, okay?”

On the reproductive health bill. “Kahit pa noong panahon ni Marcos, gawa tayo ng gawa ng eskwelahan—kulang… Sa madaling salita, malaking problema ang ating population growth…we are creating potential prostitutes, potential criminals due to no fault of their own, because they were not given opportunities in life…Dapat mabigyan ng edukasyon. You (should) teach the mothers the right size of family that they can afford.”

On the Hayden Kho sex video scandal. “Dapat ‘tong si Hayden Kho, mabigyan ng advice. Dapat nilagay niya doon, ‘For Adults Only.’ Joking aside.. ako, tutol ako diyan. Dapat i-ban ang mga ganyan sa internet dahil it is corrupting the minds of our young people.”


Loren Legarda
Political Affiliation: Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC)
Vision of Governance: “Tao muna, bago tayo.”

If she’s willing to run only as vice-president. “Kung ang tao ay merong kakayanan, merong puso na maglingkod, at mamahalin ang taong bayan, bakit hindi? Para namang hilo ang taong magsasabi na siya lang ang magaling na taong maaaring magbigay ng solusyon sa problema ng ating bansa.”

On her wealth. “I was born to a middle class family in Malabon. I’ve been working since I was 15 years old and—I’m not ashamed—as a commercial model, as a TV host, as a producer since I was 18. I’m 49 now. I’ve worked all my adult life and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.”

On the continuing migration of Filipino workers. “First of all there is nothing wrong with migration. Migration is part of globalization and we are mighty proud of our overseas Filipinos who have brought in billions and billions of dollars to keep our Philippine economy afloat. What is important is that we provide them with the social safety nets so that the problems that abound because of separation from families do not happen as a rule.

On the reproductive health bill. “I am against any form of abortion. But I am for an informed choice for the women of our country…It is important that the women are allowed to be able to make enlightened and informed decisions about their body. We must also do everything we can to bring down the level of maternal mortality. It is growing because of a lack of knowledge, lack of information.”


Jejomar Binay
Political Affiliation: UNO-PDP-LABAN
Vision of Governance: ‘To provide the people with opportunities for advancement, services they deserve and the chance to live with dignity.’

On his priority once elected president. “Ang advocacy ko is a strong local government...I sincerely believe when the barangay is progressive, your town or city will also be progressive. And if the town or city would be progressive, then the province would also be progressive. And when the provinces would be progressive, you’ll find a progressive Philippines.”

On corruption allegations against him. “Ang tatay ko taga-Bauan, Batangas. Ang nanay ko taga-Cabagan, Isabela. Ito ay mga bayan at lalawigan na ang laging sinasabi: masisipag at tsaka matiyaga sa hanapbuhay...If I was able to manage and administer—to make what Makati is now, siguro, yun namang management and administration style ko, pwede ko namang gamitin sa negosyo ko.”

On the most important quality in a Supreme Court Justice. “Eto hong magiging Justice natin, eh ‘yung kanyang gagawing desisyon ay kaya niya pong ipagtanggol sa Diyos at sa tao...Hindi ho ‘yung katulad ng nangayayari ngayon, maraming mga Justices, binabali ang tunay na provisions of the law dahil sa ang nangunguna, loyalty to and upon orders of the people in Malacanang.”

On corruption allegations against the Arroyo family. “I think Mrs. Arroyo will have to answer all of these accusations of graft and corruption. ‘Yun bang tubig na naging fertilizer, ‘yun ba hong ZTE… Bakit ho siya nagpunta sa China sa madaling araw na wala mang protocol…Eto hong mga isyu-isyu na mga milyon-milyong piso ang ginagastos tuwing dadating ang halalan. Kailangan humarap siya sa hustisya at ipaliwanag kung ano talaga ang nangyari.”


Bayani Fernando
Political Affiliation: Lakas-CMD
Vision of Governance: ‘For change to happen, order must be put first.’

On the reason behind his presidential bid. “Meron akong sinimulan 17 taon na ngayon. Sinubukan ko sa Marikina at nasubukan ko sa Metro Manila na sa tingin ko ay kasagutan sa mga maraming suliranin natin.”

On being the “richest” Marikina mayor ever. “Ang pinakapobre (mayor ng Marikina) ang aking ama, totoo ‘yon. Pinakapobre ang aking ama. Kaya ako ay nagsimulang pobre. Pero 25 years… Kamuntik ko nang makalimutang mag-asawa dahil sa naghanap buhay ako for 25 years.”

On why public money should be used in the elections. “Katulad ng Germany, hindi na gumagastos ang kandidato. Pati contributions from private individuals and firms hindi nila tinatanggap. It’s all government spending for the elections. Para wala nang babawiin ang sino man. Walang dahilan para bumawi.”

On the reproductive health bill. “I follow the precepts of my church. And so I am not for modern contraceptions (sic). But I’m for natural ways of limiting the number of children to affordable level.”

ANC will air the event live at 7 p.m. with replays on Studio 23 on August 1 at 7 p.m. and on ABS-CBN Sunday’s Best on August 2 at 10:15 p.m.

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Pope Benedict XVI leads the prayer for the former president Corazon Aquino

After masses were held in different parts of the country and other Filipino communities abroad, it's the Vatican’s turn to offer prayers for the recovery of the former president Corazon Aquino from colon cancer. The prayer is headed by Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope Benedict XVI expressed his spiritual closeness to Tita Cory through his communique issued by the Apostolic Nunciature in the Philippines. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the secretary of State of Vatican, was the one who updates the pope about the condition of the former president.

After the announcement in her afternoon showbiz program The Buzz, Kris Aquino the youngest among the siblings of Cory Aquino, remained in the hospital to be with her mother. Last Sunday on The Buzz, Kris mentioned that her mom is suffering with stage 4 colon cancer and she is in pain. Tita Cory has been at Makati Medical Center for almost a month for treatment. Aside from the Vatican, US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenny led a healing mass last July 22 at the Manila City Hall along with the supporters of Tita Cory including Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.

According to the spokeswoman of the Aquino family, Cory Aquino is leaving her faith to God and has given up all the medication including her chemotherapy.

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All Star Casts on ABS-CBN's Dahil May Isang Ikaw

After the huge success of Pangako Sa'yo, Kay Tagal Kitang Hinintay, Maging Sino Ka Man and Iisa Pa Lamang, ABS-CBN is known as the leading TV Station that produces quality teleserye not only on primetime but also on the afternoon and weekend slot. ABS-CBN is currently airing May Bukas Pa, Tayong Dalawa, Only You and The Wedding on Primetime, while in the afternoon Kambal Sa Uma and Precious Hearts Bud Brothers is leading on that air time and on the weekend Maalaala Mo Kaya the leading and longest running drama anthology dominates Saturday midnight slot and Your Song Presents on the Saturday afternoon.


Last night on TV Patrol World ABS-CBN introduces another project that will air soon on television with biggest stars collided on one teleserye as no one never expected to happen again on Philippine Television. With Jericho Rosales, Kristine Hermosa, Gabby Concepcion, Lorna Tolentino, John Estrada, Chin Chin Guttierez, Sid Lucero and Karylle on ABS-CBN's Dahil May Isang Ikaw.

Watch the trailer on Team Kapamilya Multiply Site.

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Vilma Santos in all Saturdays of August on ABS-CBN

Ipinagmamalaking ihandog ng ABS-CBN ang engrandeng five-part TV special para sa nag-iisang Star For All Seasons na pinamagatang ‘Vilma: A Woman for all Seasons,’ mapapanood sa lahat ng Sabado ng buwan ng Agosto.

Kilala bilang Star for All Seasons, matagal na si Vilma Santos ng entertainment industry. Nagsimula sa show business sa edad na siyam, napanalunan ni Vilma ang kanyang pinaka-unang acting trophy mula sa FAMAS bilang Best Child Performer sa pelikulang Trudis Liit (Little Trudis). Mula noon, nakagawa na ang respetadong aktres ng mahigit na dalawang daang mga pelikula at iba’t ibang TV programs at nagawaran ng ilan sa pinaka-prestihiyosong award-giving bodies tulad ng FAMAS, Gawad Urian, PMPC at Catholic Mass Media awards.

Pinarangalan din siya ng Lifetime Achievement Awards ng Cinemanila at FAP maging ang UP Gawad Plaridel Award para sa kanyang mga kontribusyon bilang aktres at public servant.

Maliban sa pagdadala ng saya sa mga Pilipino sa nakalipas na mga dekada sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pag-arte, nasa puso rin niya ang public service. Kasalukuyan siyang nasa politika bilang pinaka-unang babaeng Governor ng Batangas at ikinatutuwa ng kanyang mga constituents na hands-on siya. Si Vilma rin ang pinaka-unang babaeng Mayor ng Lipa City na nagserbisyo ng tatlong termino. Siya rin ay ina ng dalawang anak na lalaki at mapagmahal na asawa kay Ralph Recto, na siya ring may puso para sa public service.

Matutuwa ang mga taga-suporta at fans dahil mas makikilala na ang Star for all Seasons sa pagkwento ng kanyang buhay mula sa kanyang acting career hanggang sa pagiging Governor ng Batangas maging mga pagsilip sa kanyang inaabangan at pinag-uusapang movie na ‘In My Life’ kasama ang anak na si Luis Manzano at blockbuster film actor John Lloyd Cruz.

Panoorin ang TV special na magiging parte na ng kasaysayan - ang ‘Vilma: A Woman for all Seasons’ sa lahat ng Sabado ng buwan ng Agosto, pagkatapos ng ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya,’ sa ABS-CBN.

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Kris Aquino admits that her mother Corazon Aquino is in pain

Last Sunday sa The Buzz buong tapang na inamin ni Kris Aquino sa co-hosts niyang sina Boy Abunda at Ruffa Guttierez at sa buong viewers ng afternoon showbiz program nila na ang mother niyang si former President Corazon Aquino ay in pain na kung saan nadiskubre nila na ang colon cancer ng kanyang ina ay nasa stage 4 na.

Ayon kay Kris ay kaya niya ito sinasabi sa mga viewers at dahil may karapatan silang malaman ito dahil public figure ang kanyang ina at para na rin walang masabi ang mga ito na may itinatago ang kanilang pamilya kung sakaling may mangyaring hindi inaasahan. Nagpaalam rin si Kris na kung saan may mga panahong absent siya sa mga palabas niyang tulad ng The Buzz at SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon at sa kadahilanang mas gusto niyang nasa tabi siya ng kanyang ina at ayaw niyang darating ang panahong pagsisisihan niya ang pagpasok niya na wala ang siya sa tabi ng kanyang ina na si Cory Aquino.

Muling lumalapit si Kris Aquino sa mga taong bayan na ipagdasal ang kanyang ina para ma-lessen ang sakit na nararamdaman nito. At nagpapasalamat din siya sa mga taong walang tigil sa pagsuporta at pagdadasal para sa kanilang ina.

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Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao visits Wowowee

It's a dream come true para sa mother ng People's Champ na si Manny Pacquiao na maka-visit siya sa set ng Wowowee this afternoon, July 21. According to Dionisia Pacquiao its a dream come true na makasalamuha niya ang host ng Wowowee na si Willie Revillame.

Bukod kay Willie ay meet na rin in person ni Mommy Dionisia si Pokwang na siyang kilala na nag-iimpersonate sa kanya. Bukod sa paghaharap ng dalawa ay nagawa pang makipagsayaw ni Mommy Dionisia kay Pokwang. Napapabalita ngayon ang paggawa ng Maalaala Mo Kaya na episode na kung saan ay ikwekwento ang buhay ni Manny at ang kanyang ina na kung saan si Pokwang ang napipiling gaganap kay Mommy Dionisia.

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Harvest Day at Gerona Tarlac with Gawad Kalinga’s Bayan-Anihan

“Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for the rest of his life.”

Gawad Kalinga wanted to empower the people on how they can help themselves to stand for their family and not by asking help from others. After inilunsad ang Bayan Anihan ng Gawad Kalinga sa Cainta Rizal sa GK Selecta Village, ay sumama naman ako sa Gerona Tarlac, yes I took my leave just to be part of this campaign and to experience to see how people from Gerona Tarlac unite and work together para buhayin nila ang kani kanilang mga pamilya mula sa tulong ng Gawad Kalinga sa kanila.

With Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto, inilunsad nila ang Harvest Day sa Gerona Tarlac para formally i-turn over sa mga naninirahan sa GK Village doon ang pag ma-may-ari nila ng lupain na kung saan pagmumulan ng kanilang pang araw araw na pagkain, bukod sa mga bahay na tinitirhan nila ngayon.

John Concepcion of Selecta encourages those participate the program na ipasa pa at i-share ang mga nangyaring ito sa iba ma-reach out ang mga kababayang Pinoy na nangangailangan ng tulong pero ang pagtulong sa kanila ay hindi lamang sustentuhan ang kanilang mga pangangailangan, kundi ang tulungan sila para tulungan nila ang kanilang mga sarili.


Tulad ng kwento ni Tuntoy na kung saan ikinumpara niya ang dati nilang buhay at ang buhay na tinatamasa nila ngayon sa tulong ng Gawad Kalinga. Ay ipinakilala rin si Antero Ely isang lalaking may pangarap sa buhay ngunit dahil sa kahirapan ay hindi niya magawang tumayo at tulungan ang kanyang pamilya. Pero sa tulong ng Gawad Kalinga at ng mga volunteers ay tinulungan niya ang community nila Antero Ely ay mula doon ay natuto siyang tulungan ang sariling tumayo at maniwala sa buhay para sa kanya at para sa kanyang pamilya.



Maging parteng kampanyang ito laban sa kahirapan at gutom, alamin mo ang magagawa mo, bumisita sa BayanAnihan.com.

Basahin mo rin ang naganap sa Cainta Rizal noong ini-launch ang Gawad Kalinga Bayan Anihan at pakinggan ang aking exclusive interview kay Tony Meloto.

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Harry Potter 6: The Half Blood Prince – It’s dramatic not magical

Like we all expected Harry Potter 6: Half Blood Prince is the saddest and emotional among the 7 books that JK Rowling created for the Harry Potter series. The movie like other Harry Potter film, the Half Blood Prince is not that glossy or warm in terms of texture maybe because it is the way how Warner Bros wanted to deliver the theme of the movie and that is tragic. For those Harry Potter virgins, yes someone died on this film and it is Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts School of magic and wizardry. Hogwarts is the school where Harry Potter, and his two friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley is studying.

For those who loved book 6 or The Half Blood Prince, yes I feel your disappointment especially if you wanted to see the funeral of Dumbledore in the movie, unfortunately its not there. The movie ends on the discovery that the horxus which the medallion that Dumbledore and Harry found in the cave is fake. Again like what I say on my entries about books being adapted to a movie, film makers and producers has the right to change or purge several scenes to trim down the movie to 2 hours or 2 hours and 30 minutes, they don’t want to take much time of the viewers unless they wanted to bore them. Aside from trimming, film makers also do this for visual aesthetics for the movie, including the texture and the graphics.

Harry Potter 6: The Half Blood Prince is now showing on worldwide, also on 3D IMAX on SM MALLS for visual 3D experience for the selected scenes, and on Trinoma THX for those who wanted heart pumping and adrenalin rushing Dolby sounds.

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Sarah Genimo is the newest Sunsilk endorser

(Myx Mag back to back cover with Bamboo last April-May issue)

The Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo officially launches her new endorsement at the ASAP '09 just this afternoon (July 18, 2009). She's the newest additional to the Sunsilk endorsers like Marian Rivera, Nikki Gil, Heart Evangelista, Maja Salvador and others. Sarah Geronimo endorses the Sunsilk green product for the long haired girl or who wants to have long and healthy hair.

Aside from Sunsilk, Sarah also endorses Jollibee, Unica Hija, Charmee, Sony Ericsson's C510, Cebuana Lhuillier, and Lucky Me Pancit Canton with John Lloyd Cruz.

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ABS-CBN ILULUNSAD ANG “SONA MO, IPATROL MO”

Hindi lamang si Pangulong Arroyo ang mag-uulat tungkol sa estado ng bansa sa Hulyo 27, kundi pati mga mamamayang aktibong lumalahok sa “Boto Mo iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” ng ABS-CBN.

Simula Lunes (Hulyo 20), maaari nang maiparating ng mga “Boto Patrollers” ang kanilang saloobin at opinyon sa buong mundo sa pamamagitan ng “SONA Mo, iPatrol Mo.” Dito’y hinihikayat ang mga “Boto Patrollers” na ipadala sa ABS-CBN ang kanilang bersyon ng State of the Nation Address o SONA – taunang talumpati ng Pangulo tungkol sa lagay ng bansa.

Sa “SONA Mo, iPatrol Mo,” kailangan lamang na kunan ng retrato o video ng “Patroller” ang isang eksena o insidente sa kanyang komunidad na sa tingin niya ay naglalarawan ng tunay na lagay ng bansa. Maaaring i-MMS o i-email ang retrato o video na ito, lagyan lamang ng maikling paliwanag.

“Sa pamamagitan ng ‘SONA Mo, iPatrol Mo,’ nais nating malaman ang opinyon ng ating mga kababayan sa lagay ng bansa base sa nakikita nila o nararanasan sa kanilang mga komunidad,” sabi ni ABS-CBN New Media Manager Arlene Burgos.

Ang pinakamagandang mga kontribusyon ay ipalalabas sa mga programang “TV Patrol World,” “Bandila,” at “Umagang Kay Ganda” simula Lunes (Hulyo 20) hanggang Biyernes (Hulyo 24), at maaaring maging bahagi ng coverage ng ABS-CBN news coverage sa pagbibigay ni Pangulong Arroyo ng kanyang SONA sa Hulyo 27.

Para sumali, maaaring magpadala via MMS ang mga rehistradong “Boto Patrollers” ng kanilang retrato o video reports at i-text ang ireport(space)name(space)address(space)message sa 2366. Maari rin silang mag-email ng mga retrato at video at mga caption nito, o links kung saan naka-upload ang mga retrato o video, sa ireport@abs-cbn.com. Ilagay lamang ang pangalan at Patroller ID number sa subject line ng email at ipadala ito mula Hulyo 18 hanggang 24.

Simula nang ilunsad ang BMPM noong Mayo 11, mahigit 15,000 Pilipino na ang sumali rito at naging “Boto Patroller” na siyang magsisilbing citizen journalists na mag-uulat ng mga anomalya kaugnay sa eleksyon gamit ang kanilang cell phone o sa pamamagitan ng Internet. Ang mga ulat ay sinisiyasat ng mga mamamahayag ng ABS, at maaaring maging bahagi ng news coverage ng mga programa ng istasyon.

Patuloy na gumagawa ang ABS-CBN ng mga makabuluhang hakbang kaugnay ng kampanyang himukin ang mga mamamayan na makibahagi sa mga prosesong demokratiko tulad ng halalan. Isa sa mga hakbang na ito ang nalalapit na ikatlong ANC Leadership Forum kung saan inimbitahan sina Vice President Noli De Castro, Sen. Francis Escudero, Sen. Francis Pangilinan, Sen. Loren Legarda, Sen. Manuel Villar, Sen. Manuel Roxas II, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca, at Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno. Mapapanood ito sa ANC (SkyCable channel 27) sa Hulyo 28, alas-7 ng gabi at may replay sa Studio 23 sa Agosto 1, alas-6 ng gabi; at sa ABS-CBN sa Agosto 2, alas-10:15 ng gabi.

Muli ring magtatayo ang ABS-CBN ng COMELEC registration booths sa Hulyo 29 (Miyerkules) sa Dagupan, Bacolod, at Zamboanga.

Kamakailan, nakipag-partner na rin sa BMPM ang Life Haven, isang non-government organization na kumakatawan sa mga taong may kapansanan.

Para sa mga nais pang lumahok at makiisa sa BMPM, mag-register sa pamamagitan ng pagti-text ng REGBMPMname/age/gender/address sa 2366 (Globe at Sun subscribers) at 231 (Smart at Talk N’ Text subscribers).

Maaari ring mag-register online sa www.abs-cbnnews.com o kaya’y magpunta sa ABS-CBN stations nationwide pati na rin sa ABS-CBN global bureaus sa San Francisco, Dubai, London, at Sydney.

Manatiling nakaantabay sa pinakasariwang updates sa kampanyang “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” sa ABS-CBN, ANC, Studio 23, at DZMM. Bumisita rin sa www.abs-cbnnews.com/botomo at http://botomoipatrolmo.multiply.com o sundan ang BMPM official Twitter account sa http://twitter.com/abscbn_halalan.

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Good Bye Gutom with Gawad Kalinga’s Bayan Anihan

Kahirapan, kawalan ng tahanan at gutom, ito ang pangkaraniwang suliranin ng mga Filipino kahit noon pa na hanggang ngayon ay pilit pa ring hinahanapan ng solusyon. Last June 8, 2009 sa Gawad Kalinga Selecta Village sa Cainta Rizal ay inilunsad ang Bayan Anihan sa pangunguna ni Tony Meloto ang founder ng Gawad Kalinga. Nakilalan ang Gawad Kalinga sa rehabilitasyon ng mga squatters area at pagpapatayo ng mga tahanan sa mga nangangailangang komunidad. Ngayon sa Bayan Anihan ay bukod sa tahanang naitayo sa mga GK Villages ay tuturuan din ng Gawad Kalinga na i-cultivate ang mga hindi nagagamit na lupain para sa gamitin para sa ikabubuhay nila. Agrikultura sa bakuran o bakanteng lote ito ang simple ngunit maparaang hakbang ng Gwad Kalinga para mas matuto ang mga tao kung paano nila bubuhayin ang kanilang mga pamilya. Tulad ng isang lumang Chinese Proverb, “Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for the rest of his life.” Para sa Gawad Kalinga mas malayo ang mararating ng isang tao na tinuruan kung anong gagawin niya para siya ay mabuhay at hindi mabubuhay lamang sa kung inaabot sa kaniya.



Tulad ni Tuntoy, gutom ang suliraning hinaharap ng pamilya ni Juan dela Cruz, at para sa Gawad Kalinga ang pagkakaroon ng 2,500 farms na magiging source of living ng 500,000 na katao sa loob ng tatlong taon ay isang matinding hamon ngunit isang paraan para makatulong sa kapwa na tulungan nila ang sarili nilang bumangon at itaguyod ang mga sarili at hindi lang nabubuhay sa kung anong inaabot lamang sa kanila.



Nagkaroon ako ng opportunity mainterview na solo si Tony Meloto ang founder ng Gawad Kalinga ibinahagi niya kung paano niya tinayo ang samahang ito at ang mga plano pa niyang gusting gawin sa pagdating ng panahon, sa ako ang unang nagkaroon ng chance mabahagian ng project niya patungkol sa kalusugan sa darating na panahon. Narito ang maikling podcast ko sa kaniya.



Bukod kay Tony Meloto, binahagi rin ni Mike Dimaguiba ang itatakbo Bayan Anihan sa pagdaan ng panahon, you can watch the video here.



Para sa mga gusting makibahagi sa advocacy na ito mayroon tayong tatlong option una ang mag adopt ng farm na kung saan nagkakahalaga ng 3,600 US Dollars of 150, 000 pesos na kung saan mayroon nang 30 na family ang makikinabang, pangalawa ang maging Hunger Warrion na kung saan pwede mong i-devote ang 4 hours mo kada buwan para tumulong at mag-volunteer sa Gawad Kalinga at pangatlo ang maging Bayan-Anihan Ambassador na kung saan ay magiging tagapamahagi ka ng information patungkol sa proyektong ito ng Bayan Anihan. Maging parte ng laban kontra gutom visit their website at BayanAnihan.com.

*Ngayong July 15 ang inyong lingkod ay sasama Harvest Day ng Bayan Anihan sa Tarlac City.

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Usapang Barkada sa KADAKWENTO ng Globe at Pelicola.tv

Nakilala ang Globe Telecom pagdating sa mga services nila na angkop sa panlasa ng kabataan lalo na sa mga magkakabarkada nariyan ang Unlitxt, UNYT calls, Globe Trackers at marami pang premium items na swak na swak sa pangangailangan ng mga magkakaibigan, sino ba ang hindi dumaan sa GM or group messaging pag magpapadala ng quotes, jokes at simpleng personal journal lang sa mga kaibigan, yan ang mga common na gawain ng mga magkakabarkada. This time Globe Telecommunications partners with Pelicola.tv isang internet tv in the likes of Happy Slip and others.


Globe and Pelicola.tv launches KADA Kwento, a 5 series episode na kung saan it tells the story of friendship, at individuals na bumubuo sa isang barkada. Last June ni-launch to sa www.globe.com.ph/kadakwento and it is formally introduce sa mga bloggers last June 8, sa Fully Booked sa Bonifacio High Street, Global City, Taguig. As of now mayroon nang 3 videos and naipapakita sa mga viewers, first ang full trailer, second ang Transit na tungkol ito kay Dina isang adventure lover na girl na kung saan sa bawat travel niya or lakad gusto nyang mayroon siyang souvenir na magpapaalala ng place na iyon sa kanya.


Third ay Pick, story ito nina Pol at Penny, magbestfriend na parang aso't pusa kung mag away at ang lahat ng bagay sa kanila ay nireresolve nila sa pamamagitan ng game na Bato Bato Pick. Like other best buds di maiiwasan ang ganitong conflict pero ang kagandahan lang dito ay daig pa nila ang mga bata na ngayon nag aaway sila pero maya maya bati na.



Mayroon pang 3 more videos na iuupload soon sa www.globe.com.ph/kadakwento na sure its either mapapatawa kayo, ma-i-inspire and masasabing ganun din ang barkada ko. Globe sure knows kung paano i-reach ang market nila and that is sa pamamagitan sa interes talaga ng audience nila and that is their kabarkadas.

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Bea Alonzo, Sam Milby and Derek Ramsay stars on Star Cinema's And I Love You So

After the success of Star Cinema in producing Maging Sino Ka Man where Bea Alonzo, Sam Milby and Derek Ramsay stars on that hit teleserye on ABS-CBN. Nagbabalik ngayon ang tatlong magagaling na aktor at aktres ng ABS-CBN para sa bagong movie ng Star Cinema ngayong August 12, 2009. Ito rin ang pagbabalik ni Direk Laurenti Dyogi sa pagdidirek ng pelikula sa Star Cinema.

For more updates visit www.starcinema.com.ph.

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Ituloy ang laban Tita Cory!

Sa araw na ito may nagaganap na mga misa sa iba't ibang parte ng bansa na kung saan idinadalangin ang kagalingan ng dating Pangulo ng bansa na si Corazon "Cory" Aquino ang biyuda ni Benigno Aquino Jr. ang senador na napaslang noong panahon ng rehimeng Ferdinand Marcos. Si Cory ang nagtuloy ng labang ito para tapusin ang martial law sa bansa at nanalo siya sa snap election na sa tulong din ng mga Filipino na sumama sa People's Power. Ngayon humaharap si Cory sa panibagong pagsubok sa buhay, nakitaan siya noon ng cancer sa colon, at nag undergo ng chemotherapy, ngunit nitong nakaraang linggo ay isinugod siya sa Makati Medical City, as of press time ay nagpapagaling na ang dating pangulo. Pagaling ka Tita Cory kailangan ka pa ng iyong mahal na bansang Pilipinas. Ipagpatuloy ang laban Tita Cory!

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CHRISTOPHER DE LEON REIGNS LIKE A KING INSIDE THE CINEMA!

Philippine Cinema to this day acknowledges only one man whom everybody considers the Drama King. On July 14 at 8:30 pm, Cinema One’s Inside the Cinema host Boy Abunda sits down for an intimate tete-a-tete “one of the most brilliant actors in Philippine Cinema of all time,” Christopher de Leon.

After over 25 awards, nearly 100 movies and a host of notices from peers, professionals and working with wonderful and equally multi-awarded actresses and the best directors, it is fascinating to note that for over four decades, the man born Christopher Strauss de Leon in 1956 still reigns supreme with no heir apparent. Though it helps that he comes from a family of actors with parents Gil de Leon and Lilia Dizon, Pinky de Leon his sister, he instantly catapulted to lead star status in his debut film Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974) and won his first Best Actor award in FAMAS. But a fascinating trivia that went along with the movie’s success was the sexy publicity shot: he was an 18 year old naked lad on the beach with only a branch covering his front. The picture where he combines mestizo good looks with roguish simpatico-ism, appeared in Women’s magazine drew great attention. Now at 53 and still youthfully attractive, the loving husband to seasoned actress Sandy Andolong engages in a revealing talk with host Abunda.

Only on Inside the Cinema will the multi-awarded actor be candid about who Boyet is onscreen and offscreen. Admitting his vanity, he divulges “I spend a long time in the bathroom…I take care of my skin,” and even admits an alternative career had he not been an actor “I could have been an artist or a painter because I draw a lot eh,” initially for why he took up Fine Arts at the UERM.

Boyet was cast with the best actresses like the sultry Dina Bonnevie, beauty queen Gloria Diaz, Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, Lorna Tolentino whom he calls “one of a kind” . Hilda Koronel who ha s “expressive eyes and photographic memory”. Charo Santos Concio “on a pedestal”. Sharon Cuneta “very emotional”. Vilma Santos “ generous, very external and giving” , while Nora Aunor is “superb, intense and she’s the one with depth.” This leads to teasy off screen trivias with host Abunda when talks usher towards The Superstar and The Star for All Seasons, two of the biggest names in local cinema he has relationships with. Noting that Banawe was his first movie with Aunor and where he fell for her, and reveals their Beachside Wedding “was my idea, because I wanted it to be solemn.” After their separation came the hit Tag-Ulan sa Tag-Araw , his first movie with Vilma where they also did strike an affair. While Ikaw ay Akin was where he had them both as leading ladies. Ultimately telling without any reservation how he choreographs his love scenes for he never wanted to take advantage of his leading ladies. But rousing laughter follows with his answer when Abunda asks who is the better kisser, Superstar or Star for All Seasons?

Simultaneously recalling and reminiscing the various roles and movies he was lucky to be directed by the most brilliant directors Boyet even reveals the scenarios, compromises, even disagreements he had with film-makers but becomes cerebral on describing them. Chito Roño is “technically good”. Ishmael Bernal “dynamic. He deals with the deep emotions of your character ”. Lino Brocka “he’s the actor’s director. He tells you where to look when you deliver a particular line” . Mike de Leon “helps you bring out the distinction of your character” . Olivia Lamasan is “wonderful and perfectionist” . Rory Quintos “likes the intensity” . Eddie Romero “is strict with his material” . Celso Ad Castillo “is the Messiah”.

Blessed with talent plus his fortune to successfully keep a name and good reputation in a fast and finicky industry, Christopher de Leon states the what he learned in his career gave him the wisdom an actor needs which gave him the balance and energy above all “ the dedication and discipline I give in my work to make things work”. Because it solves little problems like when a co-actor fails to give what’s required in a scene. He meets an agreement with a director on how to attack his character. Plus successfully discerns how to handle his love scenes “I choreograph them”.

Do not ever miss the Drama King, Christopher de Leon on Inside the Cinema with host Boy Abunda on July 14 (Tuesday) at 8:30 pm. Replays will be on July 19 (Sunday) at 1:15 am and July 20 (Monday) at 10:00 pm on Cinema One. Available from SkyCable Gold, SkyCable Silver and other quality cable operators nationwide.

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Star Cinema's Official Statement on Why Angel Locsin cannot do Mano Po 6

I personally spoke with Mother Lily of Regal Films to explain why Angel Locsin cannot do "Mano Po 6." Angel would love to do a movie with Megastar Sharon Cuneta, but unfortunately, she could not accept the project because of her prior commitments and busy schedules. After doing the TV series "Only You," Angel will start shooting two movies---one with Aga Muhlach under the direction of Cathy Garcia- Molina and another with Director Chito Rono. Afterwhich, she will start taping for a new Teleserye.

I hope this will put the issue to rest. Thank you for your understanding and continued support to Angel Locsin.

MALOU N. SANTOS
Managing Director, STAR CINEMA

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Join 7-Eleven Big Bite Match Challenge and win 500,000 Pesos!

(Big Bite Pack that contains 5 hotdog sandwiches and Big Gulp)

Malakas ba ang appetite mo at kaya mong umubos ng 5 hotdog sanwich in a short period of time? Kung oo sali na sa 7-Eleven Big Bite Match Challange at manalo ng 500,000 pesos at kilalaning Big Bite Match champion sa ika-26 anniversary ng 7-11.

(24 year-old Joey Chestnut accepts the Big Bite Match Challenge)

Last July 4 at the Rockwell tent ay ini-launch ng 7-Elelven ang challenge na ito para sa kanilang mga loyal clients ng nangungunang 24-7 convenient store dito sa bansa in line sa kanilang 25 years anniversary sa business na ito. With 24 year-old Joey Chestnut who won the 92nd Annual Nathan’s Hotdog Eating Contest last 200 at may record na 66 hotdog sandwiches in 12 minutes ay pinakita niya ang kanyang galing sa harap ng mga media partners at mga bloggers pagdating sa competitive eating challenge na ito. Kasama ang mga ibang participants natapos ni Chestnut ang challenge na ito in 3 minutes and 23 seconds. Check out the actual footage of the said competitive challenge hosted by Paolo Abrera and his wife Suzy Andrada-Abrera.



The promo is until August 15, the mechanics is simple avail he Big Bite Pack that contains five hotdog sandwiches of their choice and one Big Gulp in the nearest 7-Eleven store in their area. To join the contest proper kailangan ubusin ng contestant ang 5 hotdog sandwich in short period of time para ma-qualify siya sa hall of fame na kung saan it will be updated weekly. There is no regulations on how to eat the hotdog sandwiches as all as they consume it at walang masasayang or matatapon. The fastest eaters from 7-Eleven stores nationwide will compete in a grand culminating event where only one will be proclaimed champion and will receive Php 500, 000 in cash.

(I'm starting to practice in order to join the Big Bite Match Challenge of 7-Eleven)

For inquiries about franchising, please contact the Customer Hotline at 724-10-31 or the Mobile Hotline at 0920-945-2036. Big Bite ® Match is the biggest competitive eating event in the Philippines visit www.eatingmachinesphilippines.com/ for more information.

Watch UFC 100 Live stream online.

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Michael Jackson's Memorial is finally set

Despite of the delay for the memorial service of the King of Pop Michael Jackson because of the re-autopsy and the issue behind his sudden death, the funeral service is finally set this Tuesday morning (USA Time)at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.

There are estimated 17,500 fans who were given tickets to join the event, but this time it will be different because the King of Pop, Michael Jackson if the fans is used seeing him performs, this time he will no longer do that. The event in Staples Center will be a day of tribute and remembering Michael Jackson's legacy and contribution to the world of music and to the world itself. Fellow artist includes Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Magic Johnson, Smokey Robinson and John Mayer are among the superstar guests confirms their participation in Michael Jackson Memorial on Tuesday.

Actress Brooke Shields, Michael Jackson's former girlfriend will be on the said event, including Usher, Los Angeles Laker's Kobe Bryant, Stevie Wonder, Motown's Berry Gordy.

CNN and other news and media agencies will provide live streaming for the said event.

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ABS-CBN'S TOP JOURNALISTS TO TRAIN CITIZENS IN PATROLLING FOR THE ELECTIONS

(L-R) Charie Villa, Maria Ressa, and Glenda Gloria

ABS-CBN steps up its election advocacy campaign with a series of workshops on citizen journalism that will arm Filipinos with the knowledge and skills to report on events and incidents concerning the 2010 elections.

Hosted by ABS-CBN reporter Atom Araullo, the workshop is part of the network’s global election advocacy “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula," which was launched last May 11 to encourage Filipinos here and abroad to take a more active role in monitoring the scheduled elections.

More than 13,000 Filipinos have already signed up to become “Boto Patrollers.” Through “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Akong ang Simula,” ABS-CBN is asking Filipinos to register as voters and report as early as now election-related incidents using their mobile phones and the Internet.

ABS-CBN senior vice president for News and Current Affairs Maria Ressa will lead the speakers at the first leg of “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Patrollers Workshop on Citizen Journalism” on Thursday, July 9, at the KCC Mall Convention Center, General Santos City and on Friday, July 10, at the Holy Cross of Davao College Instructional Media Center in Davao City.

Registered “patrollers” from both cities will be attending the workshops. Interested individuals may register through text by keying in REG BMPM name/age/gender/address then sending to 2366 for Globe and Sun subscribers and 231 for Smart and Talk N’ Text subscribers, or online by logging in at www.abs-cbnnews.com.

They may also register manually in ABS-CBN stations in the Philippines and in the network’s global bureaus in San Francisco, Dubai, London, and Sydney.

Joining Ressa in the workshop are ABS-CBN newsgathering head Charie Villa and ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel) chief operating office Glenda M. Gloria. The three news executives have been journalists for more than two decades now, working for local and international news media companies before joining ABS-CBN. For nearly 20 years, Ressa was the bureau chief of CNN.

They will orient the “patrollers” on the fundamentals of citizen journalism—from shooting pictures or videos using cell phones or cameras, to writing captions and telling a story, to uploading their reports to the Internet. They will also be briefed on the electoral process and the ethics of journalism.

For updates on the “Boto Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula” campaign, stay tuned to ABS-CBN, ANC, Studio 23, and DZMM, or o visit www.abs-cbnnews.com/botomo or subscribe to http://twitter.com/abscbn_halalan and http://botomoipatrolmo.multiply.com/ for the latest election updates.

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Super Bowl of China launches four new dishes starting July 1!

Last July 1, at the Ground Floor SM Mall of Asia, Super Bowl of China launches their 4 latest dishes for limited time only. The four new dishes include Crispy Fish Fillet with Lemon and Plum Sauce, Golden Weave Cut US Frozen Potatoes with Minced Pork, Hot and Spicy Chicken, and Beef Fillet Chinese Style.

Para sa mahihilig sa fish kagaya ko siguradong m-eenjoy natin ang Crispy Fish Fillet with Lemon and Plum Sauce ng Super Bowl of China, na kung saan the fish is evenly sliced and fried na crispy outside at tender sa loob na talagang maeenjoy natin na may lemon after taste na medyo spicy and perfect talagang samahan ng Yang Chow Rice. Friendly advice lang sa mga kagaya kong medyo mahilig sa extreme taste sa pagkain, try asking for extra lemon sauce perfect yun sa Crispy Fish Fillet with Lemon and Plum Sauce siguradong ma-e-enjoy mo ang dish na ito.


Para naman sa mga protein and carbo loader na diners, Golden Weave Cut US Frozen Potatoes with Minced Pork is perfect dish para sa iyo, para ka nang kumain ng fried pork na rich in protein and may fried potatoes na kasama that is rich with carbo, if only Super Bowl offers this meal on an on the go container, it’s a good alternative for burgers and hotdogs that people can eat while walking, seriously I’m isa ako sa mga taong ganun.


Pero kung ikaw naman yung type na your really want to enjoy food and want to relax after sa maghapong paglalakad sa mall because of shopping with your family and friends, Beef Fillet Chinese Style ay perfect sa mga taong who wants their lunch or dinner heavy talaga. Pero hindi na bago ang dish na ito sa Super Bowl of China, it was served before on a limited time only pero what good with this is nagbabalik siya uli sa menu ng Super Bowl, so you can enjoy it again with your family with either plain rice or Yang Chow Rice.


Lastly, para naman sa mga nag-pla-plan ng mini birthday party with friends or simply miryenda lang, why don’t you include Hot and Spicy Chicken to your Crispy Noodles with Assorted Seafood. We all love spicy chicken wings na lagi nating ino-order sa mga fastfood, why have wings if you have the whole chicken, chopped and fried and like what we all wanted… Spicy!

Limited time only lang ang four new dishes na ito kaya visit na sa Super Bowl of China located on 2nd Level Glorietta 4, 3rd Level Chefs Avenue Festival Mall, 3rd Level Gateway Mall, Ground Floor SM Mall of Asia, M1 Activity Center Trinoma Mall, Ground Floor Midtown Wing of Robinsons Place Manila, and 4th Level New Atrium SM Megamall.

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Maricar Reyes on Your Song Presents Gaano Kita Kamahal

Maricar Reyes proves that no video scandal with Hayden Kho and discrimination will stop her in reaching her goals and dreams to be a dramatic actress. After her debut as an actress in I Love Betty Le Fea as Candy, Armando Solis (John Lloyd Cruz) dying ex girlfriend because of cancer, Maricar Reyes guest stars on May Bukas Pa as Ina, a "taong grasa" who lost her mind after the death of her fiance. And now Maricar Reyes plays Amy a music teacher who struggles to have a perfect love yet meets and feel in love with Obet (Sid Lucero) who is married with a career woman named Carmela (Jodi Sta. Maria Lacson) on ABS-CBN's latest afternoon teleserye under the banner of Your Song, entitled Gaano Kita Kamahal, starting July 5 after ASAP '09

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ABS-CBN airs Agimat ang Alamat ni Ramon Revilla

Kung humanga tayo sa pagiging alamat ni Ramon Revilla pagdating sa mga movie niya ng mga agimat, ngayon mapapanood natin uli sa ABS-CBN ang mga pelikulang ito kasama ang mga bagong aktor ng generation na ito na sina Jolo Revilla bilang Pepeng Agimat, Gerald Anderson bilang Tiagong Akyat, Jake Cuenca bilang Elias Paniki, and Coco Martin bilang Tonyong Bayawak.

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