Bisaya Espesyal

Sony Ericson Idou

2009-02-18T23:30:00.000-08:00

Specification of the Phone:

General 2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 900 / 2100

Announced 2009, February

Status Coming soon. Exp. release 2009, Q3

Size Dimensions 111 x 54 x 15 mm

Weight

Display Type TFT touchscreen, 16M colors

Size 360 x 640 pixels, 3.5 inches
- Accelerometer sensor

Ringtones Type Polyphonic, MP3

Customization Download

Vibration Yes

Memory Phonebook Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall

Call records 30 received, dialed and missed calls

Card slot microSD (TransFlash)

Data GPRS Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots), 32 - 48 kbps

HSCSD Yes

EDGE Class 10, 236.8 kbps

3G HSDPA, 3.6 Mbps

WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA

Bluetooth Yes, v2.0 with A2DP

Infrared port No

USB Yes, v2.0

Features OS Symbian OS

Messaging SMS, MMS, Email, IM

Browser WAP 2.0/HTML, RSS reader

Games Yes + downloadable

Colors Black

Camera 12.1 MP, 4256 x 2832 pixels, autofocus, xenon flash, video, video LED flash, secondary VGA videocall camera
- Built-in GPS
- aGPS function
- Camera images geo-tagging, face and smile detection
- Google maps
- FM radio with RDS
- MP3/AAC/MPEG4 player
- Organiser
- Built-in handsfree
- Voice memo/dial
- Java MIDP 2.0

Battery Standard battery

Stand-by

Talk time

Bb. Pilipinas 2009 Candidates

2009-02-09T04:38:00.000-08:00

The 24 official Bb. Pilipinas 2009 candidates were introduced to the media Friday at the Mandarin Suites in Gateway Mall.
Included in the 24 is Starstruck alum Rich Asuncion using her real name Richell Angalot.

“I truly believe in my self. Hindi ako pumunta rito na bara-bara lang. I prepared for this, gumagawa ako ng paraan para maging okey ako sa competition,” said Rich in a short interview with 24 Oras.

Also included in the competition are Abigail Cruz, the girlfriend of Paolo Bediones, and Ma. Paula Bianca Paz, the girlfriend of Polo Ravales.

The coronation night is happening on March 7, 2009 as televised on GMA-7.

Here is the complete list of Bb. Pilipinas 2009 Official Candidates:

Maria Paula Bianca Paz
Mary Jane dela Cruz
Jaysel Arrozal
Regina Hahn
Richel Angalot
Mary Tiffany Jones
Vanessa Johnson
Melody Gersbach
Priscilla Navidad
Abigail Lesley Cruz
Diana Arevalo
Barbara Salvador
Marie-Ann Umali
Hazel Sutch
Cheryl Oliveros
Carishiela May Kaujpers
Keann Mallari
Mary Lorraine de Guzman
April Love Jordan
Stephanie Rose Señires
Priscilla Mae Honorio
Sandra Inez Seifert
Pamela Bianca Manalo
Gizelle Jasmin Rivamonte

2009 CHINESE HOROSCOPE

2009-01-26T00:24:00.000-08:00

See what the Year of the Ox has in store for your sign. From your career and romantic relationships to your health and wealth. Here's to a cosmic time in the Year of the Ox! Click on your Chinese astrological animal sign below to get started with your 2009 Yearly Overview.

YEAR OF THE OX

YEAR OF THE RAT

YEAR OF THE HORSE

YEAR OF THE GOAT

YEAR OF THE TIGER

YEAR OF THE MONKEY

YEAR OF THE SNAKE

YEAR OF THE RABBIT

YEAR OF THE ROOSTER

YEAR OF THE DOG

YEAR OF THE PIG

YEAR OF THE DRAGON

HAVE A GREAT YEAR OF THE OX EVERYONE...

Disparity

2009-01-19T05:41:00.000-08:00

The people in government, particularly politicians have a very shallow appreciation with what is happening in the country today.

There is also a huge disparity between what they think the needs of the people are and what their real needs are.

Because if politicians have a deeper understanding of what is going on right now in our country, they will act with more urgency and be more responsive to the needs of our people, particularly food on their table, extra cash to pay their debts, lower cost of water, electricity and fuel, money to send their children to school and hopefully a suitable and well paying job

Jokes collections

2009-01-18T04:38:00.000-08:00

Ina: Anak, dumudugo ang daliri mo! Akina't sisipsipin ko, dali! Tsup! Tsup! Ayan, wala na. Saan ka ba nasugatan, anak?
Anak: Wala po akong sugat, pinatay ko lang po ang garapata ni Brownie!

Husband: Hindi ako makatulog, lagi kong naiisip ang utang ko kay pare na dalawang milyong piso.
Wife: Tawagan mo si pare, sabihin mo, hindi ka makakabayad para sya naman ang hindi makatulog.

Lion to mouse: "I'm getting married soon. What's the best advice you can give me?"
Mouse: "Remember this, I was once a lion before I got married."

Erap is undergoing a physical examination
Doc: Sir i need your urine, stool and semen sample to complete the physical examination.
Erap: ok doc
(Sabay labas brip)
Erap:Doc san ko pwede ito iwan?

A black baby is given a pair of wings by a fairy.
The baby asked,"does dis mean im an angel?"
fairy laughs,"ofcourse not, negrang to ambisyosa,

Anak:tay,ndi ako mka2log,kc, mraming lamok
tatay:i-off natn ilaw pr nde tau makita
(pgptay s ilaw dmating mga alitaptap)
anak:hala ka tay,ngdala cla ng flashlyt

Boy:nay! Muntik n akng maging top 1 sa klase!
Nanay:bt m naman nasabi?
Boy: in-anounce kc kanina yng top 1 s klase.
itinuro ni mam yung katabi ko!
Muntik n ako!
Boy1: Bakit bad trip ka?
Boy2: Tampo sa akin ang utol ko!
B1: Bakit naman?
B2: Nakalimutan kong birthday nya!
B1: Yun lang? Anong masama dun?
B2: Masama dun, twins kami! Twiiiinnns!

Teacher: Ano ang ating pambasang hayop? Nagsisimula sa letter K!
Student: Kabayo?
Teacher: Mali! Nagtatapos sa letter W.
Student: Kabayow?
Teacher: Mali, may sungay ito!
Student: Demonyong Kabayow?!
Teacher: Get out!

Lalake: Ito bang pangit na ito ang tinatawag ninyong "art?" Ang pangit! Nakakasuka! Painting ba ito?
Guide: Hindi po sir. Salamin yan!

Madre: Father, ginaw na ginaw ako.
Pari: Ako rin sister! Gusto mo bang gawin natin ang ginagawa ng mag-asawa?
Madre: Oo father!
Pari: Sige, ipagtimpla mo ako ng kape!

Wife: Hon, kain ka na.
Husband: Busog pa ako.
Wife: Hindi naman food eh, yung sa akin.
Husband: Busog pa nga ako, birthday ng secretary ko,
nagpakain din sya!

Naglalakad ang mag-ama sa siyudad at nakakita ng eroplano.
Anak: Tay! Krus! Ang laking krus!
Tatay: (binatukan ang anak) Nakita mo nang krus eh!
Lumuhod tayo!

Sa loob ng mall.
Husband: Love, yan ang dati kong girlfriend!
Wife: Ang pangit pangit naman!
Husband: Wala akong magagawa, yan talaga ang weakness ko

Boy: Sunduin kita mamaya, bubusina na lang ako
kapag nasa harap na ako ng bahay nyo.
Girl: Ok, sige. Anong dala mong sasakyan?
Boy: Wala, busina lang! =)

Misis: Hindi ko na kaya to! Araw-araw na lang tayong nag-aaway! Mabuti pa, umalis na ako sa bahay na to!
Mister: Ako rin, sawang sawa na. Away dito, away doon! Mabuti pa siguro, sumama na ako sa iyo! Tara

Drunk1: Pare, si Kitchie Nadal pala, kapatid ni Barbie!
Drunk2: Pare, talaga? Hindi ko alam yun ah!
Drunk1: Oo pare. Kapatid nya si Barbie na doll!

Mom and girl are watching a movie. Suddenly, there's a love scene.
Girl: Mom, what are they doing?
Mom: Oh, they're baking.
Girl: Ok.

Then in the morning.
Girl: Mom, I know you and dad are baking last night!
Mom: How did you know?
Girl: I tasted the frosting on the couch! Eeeoowww!

Anak: Itay, paano po lumilipad ang eroplano?
Itay: Ewan ko anak!
Anak: Paano po ang barko nakakalutang sa tubig?
Itay: Hindi ko rin alam anak!
Anak: E bakit ang sasakyan, gumugulong sa lupa?
Itay: Lalong hindi ko alam anak!
Anak: Pasensya na itay ha, ang dami kong tanong.
Itay: Talagang ganun anak, paano ka naman matututo kung hindi ka magtatanong

Teacher: Totoo bang hindi naninigarilyo, hindi umiinom, hindi nagsusugal at hindi nangtsitsiks ang papa mo?
Student: Opo! Teacher: Wow! Anong sikreto nya?
Student: Walang pera!

Pulis: Bakit mo inihagis ang bata?
Yaya: Sinunod ko lang naman po ang amo ko.
Pulis: Ano bang utos?
Yaya: Sabi, kapag wala nang Pampers, i-huggies na lang si baby!

Mobile phone maker focuses on cheaper units amid crisis

2009-01-18T04:34:00.000-08:00

AS consumers have become cautious about spending due to the global financial crisis, Nokia Philippines is pushing for
entry-level and mid-range phones in the country, which is still considered as a replacement market.

Consistent with this drive, the company launched yesterday the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, a mid-range phone that is mainly marketed to the youth.

Nikka Abes, Nokia Philippines corporate communications manager, said the company has the advantage of having a wide distribution and high volume of products ranging from entry-level to high-end as among its strengths even as the IDC projected a slowdown in mobile phone market for 2009.

Following the announcement made by the company’s chief executive officer and president Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo last year, Abes said Nokia is also positioning itself to be known as an Internet services company.

This prompted Nokia to introduce faster mobile Internet speeds and new applications, including over-the-air photo, file and video sharing services on Ovi. Sharing files on Ovi is among the features of Nokia 5800 XpressMusic that is now available at all Nokia Stores nationwide at a retail price of P19,900.

The new mid-range handset, ideal for music lovers, aims to capture the “playlist generation,” particularly the youth that has “a very big population in the country.”

Abes said that Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, being a music phone, offers “the industry’s best built-in stereo speakers with surround sound.”

Featuring music essentials like a graphic equalizer and 8GB memory for up to 6,000 tracks and support for all main digital formats, it is also equipped with a 3.2 megapixel camera and supports 60 languages worldwide.

The device is already preloaded with 25 music videos, 25 music tracks from Universal Music, access to 450 more free tracks from the Universal Music site, and Airborne Access free Wifi (wireless fidelity) for two months, among others.

The phone’s features are also beneficial for overseas Filipinos workers for e-mail communication, although Nokia is still working with operators to lower data charges, said Abes.

Despite Nokia’s earlier forecast that the world’s mobile phone market would fall this year as a result of weak consumer demand, Abes said the company is still hoping that the people will continue buying Nokia phones.

Although she did not disclose the sales target for the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, the company is optimistic that it will hit in the market after receiving a lot of pre-orders last week.

Sayaw ug pag-ampo kang Santo Niño

2009-01-18T04:32:00.000-08:00

Ning halandumong adlaw sa Imong kapistahan, Oh, Senyor Santo Niño nga Labing Balaan, Ang tanan namong giandam nga mga kalihukan Hinaot unta nga imong panalanginan!

Sukad pa sa among mga katigulangan Ikaw among gisimba ug gipakabalaan.

Ang pagtuman sa Imong mga sugo gipaningkamutan Pinaagi sa pagpuyong malinawon ning kalibutan.

Ug mao gayuy bugtong nga hinungdan Nga Ikaw kanunay among dayegon ug pasalamatan, Kay ang mga grasya nga among nadawat nga tanan Gikan man Kanimo kay Ikaw man ang tuboran.

Mosayaw ug mag-ampo kami sa Imong atubangan Among kinasingkasing halad aron Imong kahimut-an.

Sa Imong mga panalangin Imo unta kaming hatagan Sa among panginahanglan dinhi niining kalibutan.

Buhi Ikaw sa tanan nga kapanahunan Kay diha Ka na sa wala pa ang kalibutan.

Nagpakatawo aron pagtubos sa among kasal-anan Aron kami angayng tawgon mga anak sa Diyos sa Kahitas-an.

Pinaagi Kanimo sa Langitnong Amahan kami nakaila Kay Imong gimantala ang Iyang Pagka-Siya;

Nga ang tanang nakaila Kanimo nakaila usab Kaniya, Kay Diyos Amahan, Diyos Anak, Diyos Espirito Santo usa ra!

Pit Senor Sto. Nino

2009-01-18T04:31:00.001-08:00

HUMAN sa relihiyusong prosesyon kagahapon sa hapon diin sentro sa atong atensyon ang pagpangaliya kang Senyor Santo Niño, ipahigayon na karon ang tibuok adlaw nga Sinulog Grand Parade.

Kon buot hunahunaon, nagsentro gihapon kini sa pagdayeg sa Senyor.

Ang Sinulog mismo mao ang sayaw-pangaliya kang Senyor Santo Niño.

Hinuon, di na relihiyuso ang timpla sa adlaw kay panindotay sa sayaw ug costume ug pagwapahay sa lead dancer na man ang giapas karon.

Ang Sinulog Grand Parade lahi kaniadto dihang ang sayaw nga Sinulog anha lang buhaton palibot sa Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.

Ang Sinulog nahimo na karong pangdani sa turista ug mga balikbayan.

Tuyo niini mao ang dolyar nga ibubo sa atong mga bisita aron molambo pa ang lokal nga ekonomiya.

Sulod sa paglabay sa pipila ka dekada, institusyon na ang pagka komersyal sa Sinulog.

Bisan pa man, di nato kalimtang ipasabot sa atong mga bisita ug sa kabataan nga ang Sinulog di lang usa ka sayaw. Alang kini kang Senyor Santo Niño. Pit Senyor!

GRAND SINULOG FESTIVAL 2009

2009-01-15T01:45:00.000-08:00

The country’s biggest, grandest and most anticipated festival is set to take center stage once again next year —the Sinulog Festival 2009. Sinulog festival is the country’s biggest pageantry of sights, sounds and colors as it honors and pays homage to the patron saint of Cebu , the child Jesus — Sr. Sto. Niño. Aside from the main spectacle which is the Sinulog Grand parade, there are also other activities lined up by the Cebu City Government and the Sinulog Foundation until the grand highlights of the festival from January 9-18, 2009.

Other highlights for the upcoming Sinulog Festival are Sinulog Photo Exhibits in Mactan Airport, Ayala, SM City and Emal (Jan. 5), Sinulog sa Kabataan—Lalawigan (Jan. 10), Sinulog sa Kabataan—Dakbayan (Jan. 11), Sinulog Festival Queen (Jan. 16), nightly programs like Cultural Shows and Street Party bands at Fuente Osmeña.

Sinulog Foundation assures all foreigners, balikbayans, and locals to anticipate all the activities that Cebu City Government has prepared this year, most especially during the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 18.

“Expect more out-of-town contingents who will be gracing the Sinulog Grand Parade. New concepts from the various contingents and better productions”, said Ricky Ballesteros, Executive Director of Sinulog Foundation.

As of now, there are already 45 contingents from various cities and provinces who confirmed that they will be participating in this Sinulog Grand Parade. Four contingents coming from Leyte (Alikaraw Festival of Hilongos Leyte, Buyugan Festival of Abuyog, Leyte, Sangyaw Festival of Tacloban City and also in Dulag, Leyte), four contingents also from Negros (Pintaflores of San Carlos City, Jimalalud de Sinulog, Sta Catalina, Negros Orienteal and Bais City), three contingents from Mindanao (Cabadbaran City, Tangub City and Lanao Del Norte) are set to showcase their prowess in Sinulog dancing.

For the first time, a contingent from Placer, Masbate in Bicol Region is expected to perform in next year Sinulog Grand Parade.

2009 Golden Globe Awards Winners

2009-01-13T03:51:00.000-08:00

Ang mga sumusunod ang nanalo sa mga kategorya ng 2009 Golden Globe Awards:

MOTION PICTURES:

Picture, Drama: “Slumdog Millionaire.”

Picture, Musical or Comedy: “Vicky Christina Barcelona.”

Director: Danny Boyle, “Slumdog Millionaire.”

Actor, Musical or Comedy: Colin Farrell, “In Bruges.”

Actress, Musical or Comedy: Sally Hawkins, “Happy-Go-Lucky.”

Foreign Language Film: “Waltz With Bashir.”

Animated Film: “Wall-E.”

Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy, “Slumdog Millionaire.”

Original Score: A.R. Rahman, “Slumdog Millionaire.”

Original Song: “The Wrestler” (performed by Bruce Springsteen, written by Bruce Springsteen), “The Wrestler.”

TELEVISION:

Series, Drama: “Mad Men.”

Actor, Drama: Gabriel Byrne, “In Treatment.”

Actress, Drama: Anna Paquin, “True Blood.”

Series, Musical or Comedy: “30 Rock.”

Actor, Musical or Comedy: Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock.”

Actress, Musical or Comedy: Tina Fey, “30 Rock.”

Miniseries or Movie: “John Adams.”

Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Laura Linney, “John Adams.”

Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Paul Giammatti, “John Adams.”

Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Laura Dern, “Recount.”

Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie: Tom Wilkinson, “John Adams.”

Beautiful Cebuanas are not robots

2009-01-12T02:01:00.001-08:00

“Hi! Please cover the Miss Cebu 2009 media event this noon. Eight candidates will be there.” The text message read as I struggled to get up from bed from a late night. “Sure,” I typed in a quick reply pretending I was disinterested.

What a beautiful way to start off 2009. This job seems to get better and better. During a live radio program held at Kia Gorordo just recently, eight of the 12 candidates in the upcoming Miss Cebu Pageant were present for a simple get-to-know gathering.

Vying for the coveted crown this year are Ana Coritha “Coring” Desamparado, Sheda Lynn Dusaban, Christine “Kit” Tan, Nadia Claire “Carmel” Urbino, Tara Frances Oliver, Ethel Bitoon, Phoebe Kaye Fernandez, Kimberley Therese “Kim” Burden, Michelle Iva “Isa” Eguia, Angela Grace “Eiya” Alinabon, Rizzini Alexis “Rizzi” Gomez and Kris Tiffany Janson.

A question was raised during the table talk about how these ladies would react to people stereotyping beauty pageants as a mere “business enterprise.” Every contestant disagreed.

“It’s not only a beauty pageant. It’s a venue to mold great women,” Tara replies.

“And this is just not for fun. This pageant is a very good platform to promote what you believe in,” Isa says.

Kimberley—who’s a self-confessed first-timer when it comes to pageants and beauty contests—let us in on to a little trivia.

“My mom had a great influence on me. She was a former Bb. Pilipinas candidate and she’s also a cardiologist. She’s proof that beauty and brains is a reality,” she shares.

A fun discussion about self-defense also transpired.

“Anyone of you girls skilled in arnis?” Radio and TV show host, and Sun.Star Cebu entertainment columnist Sam Costanilla joked.

Rizzi relies in the power of possessing “two cans of pepper spray.” And Kris says that “she prays to her guardian angel” everyday and that gives her protection. Isa did give a line though, which the eight seemingly agreed to and they repeated in chorus. “Hit them where it hurts.” These girls can get “scary,” but you half think they are joking.

They were also given the opportunity to share what they think their assets are.

Sheda thinks she’s the “patient and understanding” type and those would be her best traits.

“Sincere and pure.” Only two words came out Phoebe’s lips, but one can still sense conviction and certainty in her reply. But there was a notable line that caught everyone’s fancy though.

“Well,” she pauses and smiles. “I’m just the kind of girl that when I love— I love,” Coring replies and in an instant, you can feel every heart melt like mozzarella in the room and voices going “aww.”

Some of the ladies weren’t able to attend the talk show as they had other matters to look into. Carmel was out of town. Ethel, a CPA and general ledger accountant, had to report to work. The group did visit Sun.Star Cebu days later, but the two still couldn’t make it for various reasons.

The tension leading to the final day is building up. The awaited pageant will be held on Jan. 14, Wednesday night, at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino’s Grand Ballroom.

I guess we’ll have to wait a few more days before we find out who will be crowned Miss Cebu 2009.

Sentro kang Sto. Niño (Sinulog Update)

2009-01-12T01:53:00.000-08:00

NABALAKA ang kadagkuan sa Simbahan nga daw nawagtang na ang pagka relihiyuso sa atong pagsaulog sa Sinulog.

Grabe na kuno ang pagka komersyal niini ug nabahiran na sa pulitika.

Ang ato lang mao: ingon man gyud niini ang pista bisan sa mga gagmayng lungsod. Dunay daghang mga kalingawan, mga gagmayng negusyo ug magpapapel sab ang mga pulitiko.

Apan klaro nga ang sentro sa kasaulogan mao ang novena, ang misa, ug ang prosesyon.

Gani, nagkaanam kadaghan ang manambong sa mga kalihokan sa simbahan labi na ang religious procession karong umaabot nga Sabado.

Bisan pa man, angayan lang sab nga pahinumdoman ang mga Sugbuanon nga kining atong kasaulogan karong semanaha nagsentro kang Senyor Sto. Niño.

Gani, ang sentro ug inspirasyon sa giingong grand Sinulog parade nga gipasiugdahan sa Sinulog foundation ug sa Syudad sa Sugbo mao man ang Senyor.

Dugang pa, di nato kalimtan nga kining Sinulog mao kini ang sayaw nga pangaliya kang Senyor Sto, Niño sukad pa kaniadtong panahon sa mga Katsila.

Gipadayon nato kining maong tradisyon ug di na kini mawala pa gikan kanato.

Midaug sa Sinulog sa dakbayan kagahapon

2009-01-12T01:51:00.001-08:00

MALAMPUSON ang pagpahigayon sa Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan kagahapon sa Cebu City Sports Center.

Ang mga mananaug sa kategoriya sa elementarya: Lahug Elementary School, unang dapit; Pasil Elementary School, ikaduhang dapit; PuntaPrinsesa Elementary School, ikatulong dapit; Talamban Elementary School, ikaupat nga dapit; ug Banawa Elementary School, ikalimang dapit.

Sa kategoriya sa sekondarya: Don Sergio Osmeña, Sr. Memorial National High School, unang dapit; Camp Lapu-Lapu National High School, ikaduhang dapit; Pardo National High School, ikatulong dapit; Florencio Urot Memorial National High School, ikaupat nga dapit; ug Abellana National High School, ikalimang dapit.

Ang Best in Costume nakuha sa Camp Lapu-Lapu National High School.

Mga sindikato nangabot, mopahimulos sa Sinulog

2009-01-12T01:49:00.000-08:00

HUMAN sa kapistahan sa Black Nazarene sa kaulohan, gipaabot nga karong semanaha hinayhinay na nga mangabot dinhi sa dakbayan ang nagkadaiyang sindikato sa mga kawatan ug mangunguot alang sa Sinulog.

Subay niini, gihingusgan na usab sa kapulisan ang ilang pagbantay batok sa maong mga grupo pinaagi sa pagpahugot sa ilang monitoring ug pakig-alayon sa management sa mga pension house ug mga guwardya sa mga mall ug kan-anan.

Gitug-an ni S/Insp. Michael Anthony Bastes, hepe sa Theft and Robbery Section (TRS) sa Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) nga ilang gipaabot nga maghinayhinay nag pangabot dinhi ang mga kawatan nga gikang namiktima atol sa kapistahan sa Black Nazarene didto sa kaulohan.

“Kadtong atong nadakpan sa unang mga tuig gikan to sila sa Black Nazarene kay inig human didto, anhi man dayon dire,” niingon si Bastes.

Hinuon, niingon si Bastes nga gawas sa mga notadong mga personalidad nga ila nang nailhan human usab mangasikop, maglisod gyud sila og identify sa ubang mga kawatan.

Ang pagpaniid nalang sa mga lihok maoy bugtong paagi sa kapulisan sa pag-identify kanila.

“Mailhan mana nimo sila pinaagi sa ilang lihok kay kon ang uban magtutuok gyud og tan-aw sa Sinulog, kana sila magsige og lakaw-lakaw, magbahas-bahas kay mangita og biktimahon,” pagtug-an pa ni Bastes.

Sanglit di man tanang mga kawatan o mangunguot ang mabantayan sa kapulisan, matod ni Bastes nga nakig-alayaon na sila sa mga guwardiya sa mga mall ilabina na sa mga kan-anan.

Duha ka dagkong fastfood chains nga base sa nangaging tuig maoy sagad gisudlan sa mga kawatan ang giadto na ni Bastes aron pahimangnoan ang mga guwardiya.

Matod ni Bastes nga iyang gitudloan ang mga guwardya unsaon pagbantay sa mga kawatan.

“Kanang mga tawo nga inig sud di mo-order, maglingkodlingkod lang unya magbalhinbalhin og lingkuranan,” dugang tug-an ni Bastes.

Samtang ila usab nga giadto ang ubang mga pension house ug gipasidan-an sa pagtawag dayon sa kapulisan kon dunay mamatikdang mga tawo nga kadudahan og mga lihok.

Matod ni Bastes nga sagad usa ra ka tawo ang mo-check-in kay kadaghanan kanila way mga identification card.

Sagad sa mga sindikato gikan sa Ormoc, Metro Manila ug Mindanao.

Deadline sa pag-apil sa Sinulog parade karong Miyerkules (Jan. 14, 2009)

2009-01-12T01:48:00.000-08:00

KUTOB nalang karong Miyerkules ang gihatag nga deadline sa Sinulog Foundation Inc. alang sa mga mosalmot sa Sinulog grand parade nga makaparehistro.

Sa kasamtangan, dunay 87 ka mga partisipante ang nagparehistro alang sa nagkadaiyang kategoriya.

Moabot na sa 41 ka mga dancing contingent ang nakarehistro diin 26 niini alang sa Sinulog based samtang 15 sa free interpretation.

Sa maong gidaghanon, siyam niini ang mga out-of-town contingent diin upat kanila mga first-timer sa Sinulog.

Ang mga first-timer mao ang taga Placer, Masbate, Dulag sa Leyte , Tacloban, ug Gen. Luna sa Siargao Island, Surigao City.

Samtang ang ubang mga out-of-town mao ang Tangub, Abuyog, Leyte ; Sta. Catalina sa Negros Oriental, ug Lanao del Norte.

Ang napulo ka mga winners sa Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan niadtong Sabado automatic na usab nga mosalmot sa grand parade.

Lima niini ang gikan sa elementary division nga mao ang Pajo sa Lapu-Lapu City; Kawayan sa Dalaguete; Pundok Tugbunganon sa Consolacion, Panagsogod sa Sogod ug Bogo City.

Samtang laing lima gikan sa secondary level mao ang Silaw sa Carcar City, Pundon Tayuranon sa Consolacion, Kaliwat Mandauehanon, Liloan ug Guinsay sa Danao City.

Ang laing napulo ka mga mananaog sa Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan kagahapon automatic usab nga mosalmot sa grand parade.

Duna say 26 ka mga entry alang sa float category, ug tag napulo alang sa higante ug puppeteers.

Lima pa lang usab hinuon ang nagparehistro alang sa festival queen category o kadtong mga lead dancer.

Samtang moabot na sa kapin sa 600 ka mga photographers ang nagpa-rehistro aron mosalmot sa photo contest.

Ang maong gidaghanon nagsagol na sa mga professional o mga amateur.

Gitug-an ni Dolly Suzara, project director sa SFI, nga di na gyud nila lugwayan pa ang deadline maong gidasig ang mga partisipante nga magparehistro na.

Sinulog 2009 Update

2009-01-11T03:38:00.000-08:00

MGA tinun-an sa Pajo Elementary School sa dakbayan sa Lapu-Lapu ug sa Carcar Night School maoy nigawas nga mananaog sa Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan.

Nidaog ang Pajo sa Kawayan ES sa lungsod sa Dalaguete pinaagi sa split decision ug milabaw lang og .5 nga puntos.

Sukwahi hinuon kini sa secondary level diin nigawas nga “runaway winner” ang Carcar.

Pareho nilang nakuha ang best in costume.

Pareho usab nga unang higayon, nakuha sa duha ka mga contingent ang unang ganti.

Nahimong third placer sa elementary ang Pundok Tugbunganon sa Consolacion, gisundan sa Panagsogod ES ug Bogo City.

Samtang ang Pundok Tayuranon sa Consolacion maoy 2nd placer sa secondary, gisundan sa Kaliwat Mandauehanon, Liloan ug Guinsay, sa Danao City.

Ang first prize winner makadawat og P40,000 samtang P30,000, P20,000, P15,000 ug P10,000 ang makuha sa ikaduha, ikatulo, ikaupat ug ikalimang puwesto.

Ang choreographer sa Pajo nga si March Mandal nga sud na sa unom ka tuig nga nagtudlo sa Sinulog sa maong mga tinun-an, nitug-an nga ang konsepto sa ilang sayaw iyang gikuha base sa Binuyogan Festival sa Leyte aron usab pag-recycle sa ilang mga props sa miaging tuig tungod kay naglisod sila sa ilang pundo.

Ang ilang principal nigasto na gani sa kaugalingong kuwarta sanglit niadto lang Biyernes na-release ang kuwarta sa city government.

Wa siya magdahom nga maoy modaog tungod kay niadto lang Disyembre 19 sila nagsugod og praktis apan niadto lang Enero 5 nahingpit ang 89 nila ka mga dancer.

Hinuon nahimo nang mananaog ang mga tinun-an sa nangaging mga tuig kay kaduha nila nasignit ang 2nd ug third place apan unang higayon kini karon nga na-first placer.

Unang higayon usab nga na-first place ang Carcar. Nahimo silang 4th sa miaging tuig ug 5th place sa Sinulog based category atol sa Sinulog grand mardi gras.

Matod sa choreographer nga si Catherine Estenzo nga usa ka buwan lang gyud ang ilang preparation sa sayaw nga dunay Spanish-era nga theme ug may konsepto sa “art of giving.”

Gani tungod sa praktis wa gyud siya makapahimus sa iyang Christmas vacation kay matag adlaw ang ilang gihimong praktis.

Sukwahi sa Pajo, nakadawat hinuon og maayong financial support ang Carcar kay nahatagan sila og P100,000 ni Gov. Gwen Garcia ug ang katunga niini ilang gigasto sa ilang costume nga gi-design ni Val Sandiego.

Matod sa chairman sa mga hurado, Josefina Guilen, nga unanimous gyud ang pagkadaog sa Carcar. Iyang gitug-an nga na-perfect gyud sa Carcar ang tanang criteria gikan sa ilang performance, choreography, sequence, ug musicality.

Gidayeg usab niya ang grupo tungod sa maayong highlight ug build-up sa ilang sayaw ug ang classy costume.

“We hope, they fair well in the grand parade,” nagkanayon si Guillen.

Sa kinatibuk-an dunay 18 ka mga contingent sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, diin tag 9 gikan sa elementary ug secondary.

Sinulog contingents naigo sab sa krisis

2009-01-06T20:41:00.000-08:00

SUKWAHI sa nangaging mga tuig, hayan di makita ang mga bonggang costume gikan sa mga partisipante sa Sinulog grand mardi gras karon.

Gitug-an ni Dolly Suzara, project director sa Sinulog Foundation Inc, nga dunay mga contingent nga nag-budget gyud sa ilang costume tungod kay apektado usab sila sa nasinating krisis karon.

Apan gitataw ni Suzara nga ang theme ug interpretation ug di ang costume maoy labing importante kay bisan ang mga mananaog sa miaging tuig di kaayo bongga og mga costume apan midaog gihapon tungod sa maayong interpretation.

Nasayran nga ang matag contingent dunay di mominos sa 60 ka mga partisipante ug ang tanan nilang gastuhanan abagahon gyud sa ilang mga sponsor.

Hinuon magpabilin ang naandang premyo alang sa mga mananaog.

Bsan pa sa krisis, gipasalig ni Suzara nga bongga gyud ang kinatibuk-ang Sinulog festival kay dunay mga choreographer nga mangita gyud og mga pamaagi aron mogawas nga makalingaw ug mabulukon ang ilang presentation.

Wa pa hinuon matino sa Sinulog Foundation kon pila ang gidaghanon sa mga contingent karon sanglit sunod semana pa man ang gihatag nilang deadline.

Duna na hinuoy mga out-of-town contingent nga nagparehistro na nga naglakip sa mga first timer sama sa Placer, Masbate ug Dulag sa Leyte ug duna say gikan sa Mindanao.

Oportunidad ng trabaho sa ME lalo na sa Kuwait positibo -- labor exec

2009-01-06T04:46:00.000-08:00

Tinatayang 12,000 trabaho ang maaring pasukan ng mga overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sa Kuwait ngayong taon, ayon sa isang opisyal ng Department of Labor.

Sinabi nitong Martes ni Labor Attache Josephus Jimenez na nakabase sa Kuwait na malaki pa rin ang oportunidad sa Middle East ngayong 2009 lalo na sa Kuwait.

"Kuwait is not a credit economy, it is a cash economy, and it will continue to need people for jobs in hotels, malls, fast-food chains, and hospitals," pahayag ni Jimenez.

Malaki rin umano ang pangangailangan ng Kuwait para sa mga manggagawa sa industriya ng langis at construction business.

Hanggang ngayon ay wala pa umanong Pinoy sa Kuwait na nasibak sa trabaho dahil sa global financial crisis, ayon kay Jimenez.

Nagsisikap din umano ang pamahalaan na mabigyan ng magandang kontrata ang mga OFWs at mailayo ang mga Pinoy sa mga trabahong tinawag na "5 Ds -- dirty, difficult, dangerous, degrading, and deceptive."

Sa ngayon, tinatayang 140,000 ang OFWs sa Kuwait kung saan halos kalahati sa mga ito ay nagtatrabaho bilang household service workers.

Samantala, pinayuhan ni Labor Secretary Marianito Roque ang mga OFW na maging maingat sa kanilang desisyon na lumipat ng trabaho sa kabila ng pangambang krisis sa mundo.

“Unless you get an exciting offer, stick with the job you have right now," ayon sa kalihim.

Tumanggi si Roque na nagbigay ng bagong talaan ng posibleng trabaho sa ibang bansa na posibleng mawala dahil sa paghina ng ekonomya sa mga maraming bansa kabilang na ang Amerika.

Suspected MILF rebels snatch family in Sultan Kudarat

2009-01-03T22:44:00.000-08:00

Suspected Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerillas raided a hamlet in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat and reportedly abducted a community leader and his family on Friday morning.

Police said at least 200 armed MILF fighters raided and harassed residents of Sitio Lipilipan, Barangay Pamintangan, around 9 a.m.

Senior Inspector Elorder Macasilhig, Esperanza police chief, said that according to the residents, the rebels snatched community leader Roy Martin, his wife Celia, and two children.

Another resident identified as Roy Belio was also taken by the rebels while fleeing the hamlet.

Police said the rebels left before troops from the Philippine Army's 601st Infantry Brigade and 75th Infantry Brigade arrived at the area.

Local officials said a total of 50 families ran to evacuation centers during the raid.

7 hurt in grenade explosion in Sultan Kudarat

2009-01-03T22:42:00.000-08:00

Seven civilians were wounded in a grenade explosion in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, Saturday evening.

According to Tacurong City police office, a fragmentation grenade was thrown at the Kayla Bulalohan restaurant beside a carnival along the Alunan national highway at 7:15 pm.

According to the Philippine Army, among those injured were: Joylyn Francisco, 19; Rio Delgado, 27; Janice Atanoso, 23; Alma Macabodbod, 55; Nasser Mangenyog, 24.

They were brought to hospitals in Tacurong City.

Most of the injured were hit by shrapnel on their legs while another was hurt on the head.

Two of the injured were residents of Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat while five were Tacurong city residents.

Tacurong City police and the military are still investigating which group could be involved in the incident.

50,000 OFWs mawawalan ng trabaho sa Taiwan, Dubai at SoKor

2009-01-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

Inaasahang aabot sa limampung libong overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) ang mawawalan ng trabaho ngayong taon dahil sa paghagupit ng global economic crisis.

Ayon sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), ang nasabing bilang ng mga OFWs na unang tatamaan ng global financial crisis ay mula sa mga bansang Taiwan, Dubai at South Korea.

Sa ngayon, tinatayang nasa 5,000 OFWs na ang nawalan ng hanapbuhay sa Taiwan, Dubai at South Korea at inaasahan pa ang paglobo nito hanggang sa 50,000 sa taong ito, ayon kay DOLE Sec. Marianito Roque.

Gayunpaman, tiniyak ni Roque sa mga apektadong OFWs na makakahanap sila ng ibang hanapbuhay sa sandaling magbalik sila sa Pilipinas habang ang iba naman ay maaaring magsanay upang umiba ng linya ng trabaho.

Iginiit pa ni Sec. Roque na tuluy-tuloy din ang gagawing deployment ng gobyerno ng mga manggagawang Pinoy sa kabila ng krisis.

Sinabi pa ng kalihim na araw-araw ay nakakapag-deploy ang gobyerno ng 3,000 manggagawa. Ang pag-akyat sa bilang ng deployment ay tumaas ng 24 porsiyento o katumbas ng 1.3 milyon noong nakaraang taon (2008).

Sa pagtataya, ang deployment mula Enero hanggang Oktubre ay umabot na sa 1.115 milyon o 25.5 porsiyento, mas mataas sa bilang ng mga umaalis na Pinoy sa kahalintulad na panahon noong 2007, ayon sa tala ng Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

MILF rebels seize 5 S. Kudarat villagers

2009-01-02T02:29:00.000-08:00

Suspected Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels abducted Friday noon five villagers in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, and used them as shields against pursuing government forces, a police official in Southwest Mindanao said.

Chief Supt. Felicisimo Khu, head of the task force on law enforcement in Region 12, said seized were Roy Martin, leader of Sitio Lipi-lipian of Barangay Marquez in Esperanza, his wife Sheila, two children and a certain Jun Bello.

Khu, in an interview on dxND, said some 100 MILF rebels coming from the boundary of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat allegedly harassed residents in Barangay Marquez, a farming village, and carted away farm produce and animals.

As of posting time, Khu said the rebels are still positioned in the area.

“We already sent forces in the area, including soldiers, to pursue the rebels and rescue the family," said Khu.

The Friday kidnapping in Esperanza was the second incident in Southwest Mindanao since last week.

On December 28, three farmers were also abducted in Alamada, a hinterland town in North Cotabato. The abductors also carted farm animals. The farmers were later released unharmed somewhere between the boundary Lanao del Sur and North Cotabato, reports said. - Malu Cadelina Manar

PLANT NAMES WITH THE PREFIX "OX"

2008-12-29T03:36:00.001-08:00

Oxeye Daisy

Oxlip - Primula

Oxalis violacea

Oxheart Tomato

Oxalis debilis var.

LOVELY LORE ABOUT OXEN YEAR

2008-12-29T03:24:00.000-08:00

LOVEGEVITY
Or what you need to know about "Ox" folk before you date, go down the garden path, or get hitched to these heavenly creatures.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE "OX"
A compact compendium of interesting things about the "Ox" in Chinese astrology.

HERDING THE OX
"Herding the Ox" - A Zen Allegory (or all about searching for, finding, glimpsing, catching, leading, and riding the ox, not to mention transcending the ox (when one has no need of the ox any more).

HOW BABE THE BLUE OX LOST HIS HEAD
A titillating tale about how Paul Bunyan's famous sidekick, ("Babe - The Blue Ox"), lost his head.
THE OX AND THE DONKEY
A timeless tale from the Arabian nights.

MORE ABOUT THE OX PERSONALITY
The Ox has good points and pointless ones as well.

DAILY OX HOROSCOPE
Here's a glimpse into the daily astrological life of the "Ox".

CHINESE OX ASTROLOGY
Did you know that there are four kinds of "Ox" in Chinese astrology?

THE LEGENDARY OX BAKER
You wouldn't want to mess around with this dude on a dark night in Dallas.

WHY NOT DONATE TO OXFAM?
In "2009 Year of the Ox", it is most appropriate indeed to donate to an international aid organization named, "Oxfam".

CANNIBAL OX
This dandy duo from New York make killer hip-hop music!

A LIMERICK OX
"A Limerick Ox" - a blog about modern music.

UNMUZZLED OX
A little magazine of poetry, art, music, and politics.

OXO GRAVY TRAIN FOR ARTIST
Who'da thought you could create a sculpture made from nothing but OXO cubes?

LOVE ASTROLOGY - YEAR OF THE OX
Oxen may not be the Romeos and Juliets of the zodiac, but you may be titillated just a tad when they woo you with their words of endearment.

BEST CAREERS FOR THE YEAR OF THE "OX"

2008-12-29T03:21:00.000-08:00

In Eastern philosophy, the Ox symbolizes the mastery of human nature and of contemplative learning.

Throughout the Orient, where it was the power that could pull plows and aid in agriculture, it was also a symbol of quiet strength and unassuming kindness.

Since the "Ox" is noted for his ability to work well with his hands (not to mention work hard without breaking a sweat), he is also known for his courage under fire, and his dedication in working towards a goal. The ox prefers a stable occupation in a established institution or investing his talent in building communities or enhancing the health and well-being of others.

-- Archeologist, Academic, Architect, Draftsman, Artist, Interior Designer

-- Carpenter, Engineer, Farmer, Food Processing Specialist,Florist or Horticulturalist, Mechanic

-- Counsellor, Physiotherapist, Osteopath, or Surgeon

-- Army Officer, Banker, Investment Broker, Manager, Real Estate Agent.

ABOUT THE YEAR OF THE OX

2008-12-29T03:17:00.000-08:00

Position in the Zodiac: 2nd

Ruling Hours: 1:00 - 3:00 am

Season/Month: Winter, January

Similar to Western Astrological Signs: "Capricorn" with some features of "Taurus"

Gemstone: Onyx

Colors: Yellow and blue

Polarity: Yin

Element: Water

Positive Traits: Calm, dependable, honest, caring, honourable, intelligent, industrious, modest, patient, practical, responsible

Negative Traits: Petty, inflexible, possessive, dogmatic, gullible, stubborn, critical, intolerant, materialistic

Associated With Following Countries: Countries Switzerland, India, Cuba, Yemen, Finland, Ukraine

Very Compatible with Following Animals: Rat, Snake, Rooster

Incompatibile with Following Animals: Tiger, Horse, Goat, Rabbit, Monkey

The Ox

Sturdy, earthy, no-nonsense - that's the Ox. Affectionate and easy-going, the Ox can show a fierce temper when agitated. He is neat, tidy, quiet and studious, with a great love of his home. Music can be a great love. Family life and a loving partner are high on the Ox's priorities. A wonderful loyal friend.

Forecast for 2009 The Ox will see an overall improvement in his situation during his birth year, particularly enjoying interaction with others, either with friends and family. A key phrase to bear in mind this year is 'hold fast'. There may be some setbacks or delays, but if the Ox remains calm and persists, all will be well. There will be an opportunity to study and learn (in common with other signs this year) which should appeal to the Ox not to mention the pride that comes with what is achieved. Between May and July there are significant developments on the work front, in particular important talks with a boss or superior, while September to November will see interesting and delightful romantic encounters!

Me...a poka dot personality

Year of the Ox or Brown Earth Cow

2008-12-29T03:14:00.000-08:00

In China, oxen are put on a pedestal but in western society the odd one or two are found in china shops, while the rest find their way into America's favorite food, a beef burger.

"Ox", "Buffalo" or "Brown Earth Cow" are people who were born in the following years: 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, and 1997.

Those born under the influence of the "Ox" are said to be stable, persevering, tolerant folks with a strong character.

They seem to enjoy plodding along from day to day without griping or complaining and are seldom associated with flashy, get-rich-quick schemes.

Honest, open-minded, and meticulous when it comes to their responsibilities, "Ox" folk rarely lead you down the garden path or change their minds once they've made a decision...which can make them a tad obstinate according to the other animals in the blessed barnyard of life.

Beneath the placid, easy-going and unpretentious exterior of the "Earth Ox" lies a heart of gold, a modest amount of ambition, and a willingness to bear heavy burdens that might overwhelm others, not to mention a strong sense of loyalty and compassion towards family and friends.

With all this going for them, it's not surprising that they might also have a few niggly, not-so-nice characteristics as well like being a titch stubborn, a teensy-weensy bit too methodical, a little feisty with a fierce sense of competition.

OX'S STORY a Christmas Tale

2008-12-29T03:09:00.000-08:00

Listen brothers, sisters, said the Ox, for I have a story to tell.

One freezing, cold, night, long ago, a man helped his wife, who was

Heavy with child, to lay down in the straw of this very stable.

All the animals gathered near, the cows, the oxen and the sheep,

To block off the wind, and, on that bitterly cold, night,

A tiny Baby was born.

A halo shone roundHis head,

more radiant than any the star's.

Angels singing in voices full of reverence and joy,

Announced that to men,

a King had been born!

But, brothers and sisters, it was not men

Who gathered round to shelter

HimIt was not men who shared their living warmth with Him,

It was such as you and me.

And as we watched

Him sleep, we kept the icy wind and cold from Him.

Therefore, is He not our King, too?

And so every Christmas in the frozen, star-lit night,

The animals gather close around the ox, to hear again, the story

Of the Baby King and the animals that kept Him warm.

WELCOME TO "2009 YEAR OF THE OX

2008-12-29T03:01:00.000-08:00

January 26, 2009, (or the year 4707 in the Chinese calendar), begins the "Year of the Earth Ox".

This light-hearted lens is devoted to the "Ox" (also known in North America as the "Buffalo"). If you're a fan of humongous heroes, then you probably know all about Paul Bunyan and his famous sidekick and "Cowabunga" cutie named "Babe the Blue Ox".They are revered animals who symbolize diligence, reliability, sincerity, strength and sound judgement. But, don't expect these lumbering souls to have a sparkling sense of humor or be style conscious...it's not part of their precious package!

Pinauuwi na ang OFWs sa Cyprus

2008-12-28T05:19:00.000-08:00

Hindi na pinagre-renew ng kanilang kontrata at sa halip ay pinauuwi na sa Pilipinas ang mga overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) na nagtatrabaho sa Cyprus.

Ito ay makaraang magpasya ang pamahalaan ng naturang bansa na iprayoridad ang kanilang mga kababayan sa local job opportunities.

Sa ilalim ng batas ng Cyprus, kailangang tuluy-tuloy na magtrabaho at manirahan sa kanilang bansa ang isang dayuhang manggagawa bago ito magkuwalipika na kumuha ng ‘permanent residency’ ngunit sa pagkakataong ito ay hindi ito ipinagkaloob ng dayuhang gobyerno sa kuwalipikadong mga Pinoy workers at sa halip ay puwersahan na itong pinababalik ng Pilipinas pagkatapos ng kanilang kontrata.

Isa si John Tumagda sa mga OFW na patapos na ang 5-taong kontrata at nakatakdang bumalik ng Pilipinas. Kahit umano ‘in demand’ ang mga Pinoy chef na tulad niya sa Cyprus ay hindi pa rin ire-renew ang kanyang kontrata dahil ito ang polisiya ngayon ng naturang gobyerno.

Kaugnay nito, iniulat naman kahapon ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) na umabot na sa 312 ng kabuuang 439 nasisante at nagsiuwing OFWs ang natulungan na ng pamahalaan at naipila sa mga recruitment agencies para muling makapagtrabaho sa abroad.

Pinakabatang Pinoy pina-deport ng Iran

2008-12-28T05:18:00.000-08:00

Isang bagong silang na sanggol ang pina-deport mula sa pagkaka-stranded sa Kish Island sa Iran, kasama ang nagluwal na inang Filipina.

Ang sanggol ay kinilalang si Kish Andrew Bautista samantalang ang ina nito ay isang nagngangalang Noreen Bautista, Filipinang na-stranded sa naturang isla at inabutan na ng panganganak doon. Ang mag-ina ay pang-apat at panlimang Pinoy na pina-deport ng Iranian government simula noong Nobyembre. Ang naunang tatlo ay nakilalang sina Noron Abdullah, Marcial Hanopol at Carlo Medina.

Ayon kay Benito Valeriano, Philippine consul general sa Dubai, si Kish ang pinakabatang pina-deport ng gobyerno sa Pilipinas mula sa Kish Island.

Nabatid na hinihintay ni Noreen ang kanyang visa sa Kish Island upang muling makapasok at makapagtrabaho sa Dubai nang abutan ito ng panganganak doon.

Tanging Ina Niyong Lahat and Iskul Bukol top MMFF

2008-12-26T22:01:00.000-08:00

Star Cinema’s “Ang Tanging Ina Niyong Lahat” topped box office receipts in the first day of the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Thursday, taking in P20.9 million in ticket sales nationwide, according to this year’s MMFF executive committee.

The sequel to “Ang Tanging Ina,” which stars ace comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas, beat M-Zet Productions’ “Iskul Bukol 20 Years Later.” The TVJ (Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon) starrer has earned P18.9 million.

In the movie, delas Alas plays a struggling mother of 12 children who, in an odd twist of fate, ends up running for president of the Philippines.

Both “Ang Tanging Ina Niyong Lahat” and “Iskul Bukol” are being shown in two cinema houses at SM Megamall.

Regal Films’ and RMM’s “Shake, Rattle & Roll 10” (P13.1 million) came in third followed by “Desperadas” (P7 million), “Baler” (P5.3 million), “One Night Only” (P1.5 million), “Dayo” (P1.2 million), and “Magkaibigan” (P600,000).

MMFF’s executive committee said the film festival’s total earnings Thursday reached P68.6 million, up 13.4 percent from last year.

More update coming.

Manny Pacquiao chosen as Fighter of the Year

2008-12-26T21:30:00.000-08:00

Here's another addition to Manny Pacquiao's list of achievements this year.

After being named boxer of the year by the World Boxing Council, international sports magazine Sports Illustrated and British newspaper The Sun, the Pambansang Kamao has also been chosen by Yahoo Sports as its Fighter of the Year,

According to Yahoo Sports' Kevin Iole, picking this year's fighter of the year was as easy "as falling asleep on the couch after a large holiday meal. It doesn’t take much effort."

In his column, Iole cited Pacquiao's various achievements for 2008 including a win via split decision over Juan Manuel Marquez on March 15 to win the WBC super featherweight title; a technical knockout of David Diaz to win WBC lightweight title on June 28; and the masterful win via TKO over Oscar De La Hoya on December 6 in a non-title welterweight bout.

"He was 3-0 with wins against quality opponents. He fought in three weight classes. He established himself clearly as the best pound-for-pounder fighter in the world. He took on the most significant challengers and came out on top," Iole said in his column "Meet The Fighter of the Year."

Pacquiao bested other top boxers for the honor including Antonio Margarito (2), Juan Manuel Marquez (3), Joe Calzaghe (5) and Bernard Hopkins (6).

Iole also picked Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, as the Trainer of the Year for methodically molding the Pinoy pugilist into the world’s greatest fighter.

"Roach helped Pacquiao improve his balance, increase his defensive awareness,develop his right and tighten his punches. Roach is almost a master game planner as well as a sharp eye in the corner. He’s able to suggest subtle changes during a fight that can make the difference between winning and losing," Iole said in describing Roach's achievements.

Singer Eartha Kitt Patay na

2008-12-26T21:29:00.000-08:00

Nagluluksa ang American music industry dahil sa pagpanaw noong Pasko ng legendary singer na si Eartha Kitt. Colon cancer ang ikinamatay ng singer na pumanaw noong Huwebes sa Columbia Presbyterian Hospital sa Connecticut.
Kinikilala si Eartha bilang isa sa mga versatile performer sa Amerika.

Nagwagi siya noon ng dalawang Emmy Awards at tumagal ng anim na dekada ang kanyang singing career.
Naging kontrobersyal si Eartha dahil sa pagbatikos niya sa Vietnam War nang dumalaw siya sa White House noong dekada ‘60.
Lumaking ulila si Eartha. Hindi malilimutan ng publiko ang kanyang pahayag tungkol sa pagiging ulila niya: “I’m an orphan. But the public has adopted me and that has been my only family. The biggest family in the world is my fans.”

Pinay Domestic Helper in Abu Dhabi

2008-12-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

Umaabot sa 224 ang bilang ng mga kaso ng mga naglayas na Filipino domestic helper (DH) sa Abu Dhabi pagtungtong ng kalagitnaang bahagi ng 2008 hanggang bago tuluyang magtapos ang kasalukuyang taon.

Karamihan sa mga naglayas na Pinay DH ay nakaranas ng hindi makataong pagtrato sa kanilang mga dayuhang employer at halos wala na umanong pahinga kung pagtrabahuhin sa banyagang lugar.

Ayon kay Nasser Munder, labor attaché ng Embahada ng Pilipinas sa Abu Dhabi, bukod sa nararanasang pagka-api ng mga Pinoy workers ay mayroon pa umanong mga pagkakataon na ayaw umanong ibigay ng mga employer ang kanilang mga travel documents.

Gayunpaman, sinabi ni Munder na mas madali naman ang pagpapauwi sa mga distressed workers na nagiging biktima ng panggagahasa at physical abuse.

“Rape, physical abuse and any criminal case against the employer even make it easier for us to repatriate these distressed workers because we just take the runaway maids for a medical examination and file the case in court,” ayon kay Munder.

Kagyat umanong ibinibigay ang pasaporte at pinagkakalooban din ng plane ticket pabalik ng Pilipinas ang Pinay DH kung may kinalaman sa ‘criminal act’ ng kanilang employer ang kanilang desisyon ng paglalayas.Sa kabila nito, marami pa rin umanong mga ‘runaway maid’ ang stranded sa Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) dahilan sa pagtanggi ng mga employer na ikansela ang kanilang mga visa.

Maraming job opening sa abroad

2008-12-24T04:18:00.000-08:00

Maraming Filipino ang gustong mag abroad, may magandang balita ang ating gobyerno na madaming trabahong sa abroad ngayong 2009. paki basa lang po sa baba.

http://qatarpinoy.blogspot.com/2008/12/more-jobs-await-ofws-in-2009.html

sana hindi kayo magsawang magbasa rito sa blog ko about life in qatar. salamat po sa inyo

chocolate lovers

2008-12-24T03:50:00.000-08:00

to all chocolate lovers i want to share some of my recipes.

http://mycookingobsession.blogspot.com/2008/12/chocolate-fudge-layer-cake-recipe.html

enjoy! have a blessed merry christmas

121,924 jobs 'exclusively' reserved for Pinoys in Qatar

2008-12-22T03:34:00.000-08:00

Labor Secretary Marianito Roque revealed Saturday that the state of Qatar has reserved hundreds of thousands of working visas for Filipino workers for next year.

"Our counterpart, the labor minister of Qatar said he had reserved, approved [work] visas for Filipinos. A total of 121,924 new visas exclusively for Filipinos," Roque told radio dzMM.

Roque said the Qatar labor minister showed him the reserved visas during President Arroyo's visit last December 14.

Quoting the foreign labor minister, Roque said Qatar wants to double the number of Filipino visitor workers by 2009. There are at least 149,000 Filipinos currently working in Qatar, the labor secretary said.

"The labor minister of Qatar told me that he wants Filipino workers to be the second biggest population of guest workers in Qatar next year," he said.

The labor secretary said among the companies that are planning to have an all-Filipino crew are Lulu Supermarket and a big bus company.

He said Bektel, one of the biggest companies in Qatar, is also planning to open jobs for Filipinos in 2009.

Roque said hundreds of other jobs may also open in Qatar, which is being developed as the "education center" of Middle East, which translates to thousands of construction job openings for Filipinos.

He said the Qatar government prefers Filipinos than other nationalities because they are hard-working and hygienic.

He added that Qatar employers mentioned to Mrs. Arroyo during her visit that Filipinos' work are spotless and they are more peace-loving than other nationalities.

Meanwhile, Roque said his department has already started working with the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for the job placements and skills training qualifications for Filipinos who would want to work in Qatar.

Another explosive found in Iligan City

2008-12-22T00:35:00.000-08:00

Ordnance squad members secure an 81mm explosive contained in a bomb bag (left) in Iligan City, southern Philippines, yesterday

Iligan City, A second unexploded bomb was recovered in a southern Philippine city yesterday, three days after twin explosions killed three people, police said.
The explosive, made from an 81mm mortar shell, was found in a garbage dump in Iligan City, 810km south of Manila, police said.

It was the second unexploded bomb found in the city since two shopping centres were bombed on Thursday, killing three people and injured scores.
On Friday, a bomb was found inside a bakery just hours after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo left the city.

Arroyo visited the victims of Thursday’s explosion.
Police investigators said the same group was believed to be responsible for all incidents.

Authorities said no group claimed responsibility for the attacks, but they noted that the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) operates in the area.
The MILF denied involvement in the bombings.
The MILF has been fighting for an independent Islamic state in the southern Philippines since 1978.

Meanwhile, the European Union yesterday announced an additional 2.5mn-euro assistance to thousands of civilians displaced by hostilities in the southern Philippines.

The new funding is on top of 7mn euros approved in October for short-term humanitarian assistance and long-term rehabilitation aid in the southern region of Mindanao.

Ambassador Alistair MacDonald, head of the Delegation of the European Commission in the Philippines, said the additional aid would ensure continued care for the displaced.

“The situation remains very serious with some 310,000 persons still displaced and with almost 60,000 of those taking shelter in evacuation centres, which are by no means adequate for anything more than short-term relief,” he said.

“Many of the IDPs (internally displaced persons) have been in evacuation centres for five months now, with little prospect of being able to return to their homes while the risk of conflict remains,” he added.

The hostilities worsened when MILF rebels launched a series of attacks to protest a Supreme Court decision to stop the signing of a key agreement that would have expanded an autonomous Muslim region in Mindanao.

More than 200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in those attacks and subsequent fighting. More than 500,000 people were also displaced at the height of the fighting.

The EU reiterated its call for the Philippine government and the MILF to resume stalled peace talks to prevent more violence in Mindanao.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had dissolved the government’s peace negotiating panel with the MILF due to the fighting in August.

Earlier in the month, Arroyo appointed a new chief negotiator with the MILF in what could be the first step towards resuming the peace talks with the rebel group.

Philippine Maoist rebels declare holiday truce

2008-12-19T19:55:00.000-08:00

MANILA Maoist rebels in the Philippines declared a 5-day ceasefire over the Christmas period on Friday, after the government said it would not launch any offensive operations in the period.

A rebel statement posted on the website of the Communist Party of the Philippines said New People’s Army (NPA) fighters were restrained from initiating offensives to allow the country to celebrate a violence- free Christmas holidays.

“In unity with the Filipino people’s holiday traditions, the NPA was instructed to observe truce from December 24 to 26 and December 31 and January 1,” the rebel statement said. The rebel leadership said the 5,000-member NPA, active in 69 of 81 provinces in the country, would remain in a defensive mode because it did not trust the military to abide by its own ceasefire.

The government has said its forces will observe the truce on December 24-25 and December 31-January 1. The rebels will also observe a truce on December 26, the anniversary of the 1968 founding of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

The communist insurgency has killed about 40,000 people and stunted economic growth in the country.

Arroyo visits victims of twin bombings in Iligan

2008-12-19T19:52:00.000-08:00

ILIGAN CITY (PHILIPPINES) President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday visited the people injured in two bombings in a southern Philippine city.

Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said Arroyo went to Iligan City in Lanao del Norte province, 855 kilometres south of Manila, and visited the hospital where 41 people wounded in the attacks were being treated. Arroyo also visited the funeral home where two fatalities from the twin bombings were taken. Police officials said only two people, not six as earlier reported by city officials, were killed in the bombings of the Jerry Bargain Centre and Unicity Mall.

Investigators said the bombs were left at the baggage counters of the two shopping malls by women wearing veils. Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels, who are active in the province, denied involvement in the bombings. Eid Kabalu, MILF civil relations chief, said he talked with rebel commanders operating in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur and all of them said they had nothing to do with the attacks.

“There must be a thorough investigation before blaming groups like us,” he said. “We express our sympathies to the families of the victims.” The MILF is the largest Muslim rebel group fighting for a separate Islamic state in the southern region of Mindanao.

Hostilities between the military and the rebel group flared in August when the guerrillas launched a series of deadly attacks after a setback in peace talks with the government.

Qatar National Day every December 18

2008-12-17T22:02:00.000-08:00

Every December 18, Qatari nationals and other nationalities celebrating Qatar day.
here's a full story.

Qatar Celebrating National Day Today

2008-12-17T21:58:00.000-08:00

Qatar residents is very excited for this event. here's the full story.

Exclusive working visa sa OFW para Qatar

2008-12-16T22:35:00.000-08:00

Kabuuang 128,000 mga bagong working visas na ekslusibo lamang para sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) ang binuksan ng bansang Qatar.
Sa nasabing bilang, 37,000 sa mga ito’y may aktuwal nang job contracts para sa mga OFWs na siyang unang inihayag ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo noong bumisita ito sa Qatar nitong weekend.

Sa panayam kahapon sa Malacañang, sinabi ni Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Sec. Peter Favila na ang pagbubukas ng mga bagong working visas sa mga OFWs ay isa sa napagkasunduan sa pakikipagpulong ni Pangulong Arroyo sa mga government officials ng Qatar nitong weekend.

Ani Favila, karamihan sa mga OFWs na mabibiyayaan ng working visas ay sa propesyon ng engineering ngunit may iba pa aniyang skilled jobs na nasa talaan ngayon ng Department of Labor and Employment.

45,000 apektado sa bank holiday sa Cebu

2008-12-16T22:33:00.000-08:00

Umaabot sa 45,000 depositors ang direktang apektado sa pagsara ng ilang bangko sa lungsod ng Cebu, ayon sa isang opisyal ng Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC).
Sinabi ni Ferdinand Beluan, PDIC member, na kasalukuyan pang tinatamasa ng kumpanya ang records ng Bank of East Asia, Pilipino Rural Bank at mga sangay nito sa nasabing lungsod, Philippine Countryside Rural Bank at mga bangkong may kaugnayan sa Legacy Group of Companies.
Aniya, kinakailangang kumpleto at bukas ang lahat ng records ng mga nasabing bangko bago isasailalim ang mga ito ng PDIC sa isang malalimang ebalwasyon.
Bukod dito, sinabi ni Beluan na inaatas pa nito ang release ng P250,00 na hinihingi ng mga depositors.
Ayon naman kay Nathaniel Tumbokon ng finance department ng PDIC, 98 porsiyento ng depositors ay saklaw ng PDIC at ang 2 porsiyento ay ng bank’s assets.
Siniguro rin nito sa mga depositors na makukuha nila ang kanilang insurance.
Sa panig naman ni Awin Lim, miyembro ng Cebu federation of Rural Banks, huwag umanong mabahala ang mga depositors at dagdagan pa ang kanilang tiwala sa mga rural banks.

May nadisgrasya na namang motorized banca sa Cagayan

2008-12-16T00:14:00.000-08:00

Kahapon ay may nadisgrasya na namang motorized banca sa Cagayan.

Bagama’t may bagyo at sinasabing malalaki raw talaga ang alon sa karagatan ng Calayan Island nang mangyari ang trahedya, isa sa sinisilip ngayon ng mga awtoridad ay ang sobra-sobrang pasahero nito.

Sa inisyal na report ay 50-katao lang daw ang limitasyon ng bangka, kasama na ang mga tripulante. Pero ang nangyari ay halos umabot yata sa 100 ang sakay nito kahapon. Hindi pa naman ito kumpirmado pero ito ang lumilitaw sa inisyal na ulat, base na rin sa lumolobong bilang ng casualties.

Nakakalungkot dahil magpa-Pasko pa naman. May mga naulila na namang pamilya. At ang higit na masakit, maaari sanang naiwasan ang trahedya kung hindi nasilaw sa malaking kita ang shipping company na may-ari ng bangka. Pero gaya nga ng ipinapaliwanag namin, iniimbestigahan pa ang pangyayari at lahat ng napapaulat, pati na ang ‘overloading’ ay inisyal na report pa lang.

Gayunpaman, mayroon nang history ang mga shipping companies dito sa Pilipinas e. Tuwing ganitong panahon ay malimit na nangyayari ang trahedya sa dagat at maraming kaso nito ay dahil sa overloading.

Palibhasa’y peak season ang Kapaskuhan at talagang dagsa ang mga pasaherong nagsisiuwi sa kani-kanilang probinsya sa ganitong panahon, nagsasamantala naman ang mga kumpanya. At sa kagustuhang masagad ang kita, kahit malagay sa peligro ang buhay ng mga pasahero ay isinusugal na nila.

Ang sa kanila siguro ay tiyempuhan naman ang disgrasya. Malas na lang kung madale.

Nakakatakot ang ganitong mentalidad. Sila bilang ship owner at operator, pinili nilang isugal ang kanilang sasakyan. Pero ang pagsusugal sa buhay ng mga pasahero ay hindi kailanman saklaw ng kanilang karapatan.

Kaya dapat ay mabigyan ng leksyon ang mga ship owners at operators sa nakaraang mga trahedya para talaga matuto ang mga ito. Palibhasa’y nalulusutan nang ganun-ganon lang ang mga kaso, kaya marami pa rin ang sumusunod sa yapak ng mga nakasuhan nang shipping firms.

Tayo naman, bilang mga pasahero ay maging responsable rin tayo sa ating sariling kaligtasan, lalo na nga kung bibiyahe tayo na kasama ang ating pamilya, partikular ang mga bata. Maging conscious tayo sa ating kaligtasan. ‘Wag natin itong ipaubaya sa profit-
oriented na mga ship owners.

Importanteng alamin n’yo ang passenger limit ng sinasakyang mga barko o bangka. At kung alam n’yo na ito, alamin din kung pang-ilang pasahero na kayo. O kaya naman, kung makikita n’yong pati pasilyo ng barko ay tinutulugan na o kaya ay tayuan na sa bangka, siguradong overloaded ‘yan.
Kayo na mismo ang umatras at hintayin na lang ang susunod na biyahe.

Hindi baleng maantala ng dating sa pupuntahan kaysa naman manganib ang buhay n’yo at ng inyong pamilya sa kamay ng iresponsableng mga ship owners at operators.

Mrs. Philippines 2009 makikilala na!

2008-12-16T00:11:00.000-08:00

Matapos ang mabusising proseso sa pagkuha ng mga aplikante para sa Mrs. Philippines, 30 naggagandahang kandidata ang napili.

Ang lineup ng Mrs. Philippines 2009 candidates ay ipinakilala noong Disyembre 3, 2008 sa Fernwood Garden, Quezon City.

Ang naturang masweteng mga babae ay mga plain housewives to entrepreneurs, educators, corporate managers, athlete, TV host, models at ngayon pwedeng maging beauty title holder.

Ang Mrs. Philippines 2009 candidates ay magkakaroon ng hectic schedules kung saan haharap sila sa pre pageant activities kasama ang community works (milk feeding, free pregnancy tests, tree planting, atbp.) cooking showdowns, fashion shows, at TV guestings. Kasama pa rito ang usual swimsuit, talent at Q&A, at evening gown competitions.

Gaganapin ang Mrs. Philippines pageant sa Disyembre 17, 2008 sa Aliw Theater, Pasay City. Mapapanood ito sa QTV 11 sa Disyembre 20, 2008, 9-11 PM

Wag na Wag Video by MoyMoy Palaboy

2008-12-15T04:50:00.000-08:00

Kanta ni Kitchie Nadal nga gihimuan ni MoyMoy Palaboy ug kaugalingon video.

Kanta ni Kitchie Nadal nga gihimuan ni MoyMoy Palaboy ug kaugalingon video.

Hapit na 2009 Sinulog Festival

2008-12-15T04:12:00.000-08:00

Hay! hapit najud ang sinulog festival sa Cebu. After christmas ug new year mao napud ni ang dakong celebrasyon nga ginahulat sa tanang bisaya. Ginacelebrar ni every third sunday of January. Sa mga deboto ni Senor Sto. Nino viva Pit Senor!
Dili lang diri saCebu, bisag unsang dapit sa Pilipinas ug sa abroad ga sinulog sila.
Excited na kaayo ko sa Sinulog, daghan napud bag ong nawong atong makita ug ma kauban.

Daghan pang update ani ako ipost sunod.

STO. NINO FESTIVAL (Nationwide)

2008-12-15T03:42:00.000-08:00

A grand procession of over two hundred well-dressed images of the Child Jesus.

History:

The Santo Niño de Cebú ("Holy Child of Cebu") is a Roman Catholic depiction of the Child Jesus, similar to the Infant Jesus of Prague, and other venerated statues. Like them, it is clothed in textile robes. Santo Niño de Cebú literally means "holy child of Cebú." For centuries Santo Nino served as the patron saint of Cebu, and continues to be celebrated at the Sinulog, the primary festival of Cebú. Currently, the statue is the oldest Roman Catholic relic in the Philippines, and it is located at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City, Cebu.

In April 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, in the service of Charles I of Spain, arrived in Cebu during his voyage to find a westward route to the Spice Islands [1]. He persuaded Rajah Humabon and his wife Hara Humamay, to pledge their allegiance with Spain. They were later baptized into the Catholic faith, taking the Christian names Carlos and Juana. Magellan gave Juana the Santo Nino as a symbol of the alliance. However, Magellan died during the Battle of Mactan later that month, and the alliance became more or less moot.

The Spanish returned to the Philippines in February 1565. Cebu was the first stop of Basque explorer Miguel López de Legazpi, who would later found Manila. He defeated Rajah Tupas (nephew to Humabon) on April 27, destroying the village in the process. The Santo Nino was found relatively unscathed in a burnt-out dwelling. This event was quickly acknowledged as miraculous, and a church was later constructed on the purported site of the discovery. Today, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is an important historical and religious landmark in Cebu, with devotees forming long line up to pay their respects to the Holy Child.

The Holy See has approved special liturgical texts for use during the local Feast of the Santo Niño in the Philippines, set on the third Sunday of January. The festival that follows is known as the Sinulog, which combines the street festivities and religious devotion of the Cebuano people.

More updates about Senor Sto. Nino Festival (Sinulog Festival)