GOD BLESS YOU PRESIDENT CORY!

GOD BLESS YOU PRESIDENT CORY!
Showing posts with label Manila. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Manila. Show all posts

Sunday, September 6, 2009

The 2009 Philippine Bar Exams Starts Today, Sunday, September 6 2009 and Will Continue on Sept 13, 20, and 27

6 September 2009

The 2009 Philippine bar exams has begun early this morning, Sunday, September 6, 2009!  It will continue for three more successive Sundays, September 13, 20, and 27.

At least 6,080 aspiring lawyers sat down for the examinations at the Dela Salle University campus in Taft Avenue, Manila starting at 6 o'clock this morning. They will finish today's exams at 5pm.  Most of the examinees are fresh graduates but there are also repeaters who have taken the exams in the past.

The results of the 2009 Bar exams will be announced by the Supreme Court in April 2010.

You can find more information about the 2009 Bar exams at the Supreme Court website.
  

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Pinoy Sailors in the US Navy Jonizel Sioson and Archie Juyasan Visit the Philippines Aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS George Washington

14 August 2009

Jonizel Sioson and Archie Juyasan are just two of many Filipinos among the crew of the US Navy aircraft carrier USS George Washington who expressed excitement over revisiting their homeland the Philippines aboard the mighty floating fighting platform named after the first American president.  The supercarrier is docked at the Manila Harbor and is here on a four-day goodwill visit.




According to Wikipedia, USS George Washington (CVN 73) is the sixth ship in the Nimitz class of nuclear-powered supercarriers, and the fourth United States Navy ship to be named after George Washington, first President of the United States. She was built by Newport News Shipbuilding and was commissioned July 4, 1992. The ship cost over $4.5 billion in 2007 dollars to manufacture.

The same Wikipedia article lists down some of the statistics about the USS George Washington: 
George Washington (commonly known as GW) is 1,092 ft (333 m) long, 257 ft (78 m) wide and is as high as a twenty-four-story building, at 244 feet (74 m). 
The super carrier can accommodate approximately 80 aircraft and has a flight deck 4.5 acres (18,000 m²) in size, using four elevators that are 3,880 ft² (360 m²) each to move planes between the flight deck and the hangar bay. 
With a combat load, GW displaces almost 97,000 tons and can accommodate 6,250 crewmembers. Her four distilling units can make 400,000 U.S. gallons (1,500 m³) of potable water a day; her food service divisions serve 18,000 meals per day. 
There are over 2,500 compartments on board requiring 2,520 tons (2.1 MW) of air conditioning capacity (enough to cool over 2,000 homes). 
The warship uses two Mark II stockless anchors that weigh 30 tons each, with each link of the anchor chain weighing 360 pounds (160 kg). 
She is currently equipped with 3 20 mm Phalanx CIWS mounts and 2 Sea Sparrow SAM launchers. 1 CIWS and 1 Sea Sparrow mount were removed to make way for 2 RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile launchers, installed during the 2005 Planned Incremental Availability (PIA).
The ship is powered by two Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors (the ship is capable of steaming more than three million miles before refueling) turning 4 five-bladed screws that weigh 66,220 pounds (30 t) each driving the ship at speeds over 30 knots (56 km/h).

This is a picture of the GW as it arrives for fleet activities in Yokosuka, Japan.  Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier form the phrase "Hajimemashite," which means "Nice to meet you."

English: 080925-N-9565D-001 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 25, 2008) Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) form the phrase "Hajimemashite," which means "Nice to meet you" in Japanese, as they arrive at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. Photograph taken by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Clifford L. H. Davis 
To prevent a repetition of previous unwanted incidents involving US Navy servicemen in the country, the most publicized being the rape charge against Lance Corporal Daniel Smith who was convicted by a Philippine court of the rape of Nicole (the conviction was latter reversed by the Court of Appeals), the sailors aboard the USS George Washington are on tight orders to strictly observe their curfew and to conduct themselves properly at all times while in the Philippines.

More on this story in this report by Marisol Abdurahman courtesy of GMANews.tv.  Marisol informs us that the USS George Washington is the first American aircraft carrier to visit the country in 13 years:


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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

A Decisive, Multi-Sided, Environmental, Socio-Political, Economic and Legal Battle Gets Underway at the Pandacan Oil Depot in Manila

19 May 2009

The battle lines have been drawn in what is shaping up to be the Last Battle of the Pandacan Oil Depot.  DENR Secretary and former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza is challenging Mayor Alfredo Lim to veto Ordinance 7177 which was passed by the Manila City Council last Thursday, May 14, amidst minority allegations of railroading by the majority.  The same Ordinance 7177 seeks to contravene a decision by the Supreme Court reiterating its earlier decision to have the depot relocated to a place where it will not threaten the health and safety of Manila residents.

These are the video clips of Secretary Atienza's challenge and the counter-challenge from Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, courtesy of GMAnews.tv: 





Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, who presides over the Manila City Council, favors retention of the oil depot in Pandacan citing economic reasons such as the loss of "thousands of jobs" in Manila if the oil depot is relocated elsewhere.  

Secretary Atienza is vowing to oppose adoption of Ordinance 7177 which means that another legal case might be filed before the Supreme Court once again.  The group Social Justice Society earlier filed a case before the Supreme Court asking the high tribunal to stop City Council deliberations on efforts to amend City Ordinances 8027 and 8119 thru Ordinance 7177.

The "lose thousands of jobs" argument by Vice Mayor Isko Moreno is a significant argument that may be weighed on the basis of our historical experience with the American bases in Clark and Subic.  The pullout of the oil depot will cause job dislocation during the transition period but greater safety of Manila residents and protection of the environment are the trade-offs. Eventually, after the relocation of the oil depot, more beneficial economic activity may be generated by the 36-hectare property for Manila residents if development of the area is done properly, that is, compatible with the greater public interest. 

Prudent governance requires laying down a transition plan (if it isn't there already) as quickly as possible, one that is  acceptable to all stakeholders, guaranteeing as short and as little job dislocation as possible while carrying out the essence of the Supreme Court's decision to relocate the oil depot to address the issues of safety and environment protection.  

A common ground approach among the stakeholders is needed here, but that won't be possible if the political considerations are not eased down considerably.

  







Thursday, May 14, 2009

Judge Lorredo Says He's Being Pressured by "Lolo Gonzales" to Inhibit and Paints a Possible "Ninoy" Scenario and Martial Law in Lozada-Defensor Case

THE JUN LOZADA WATCH

14 May 2009

In a bizarre twist in the tangled perjury charge filed by defeated administration senatorial candidate Mike Defensor against ZTE-NBN scandal whisteblower Jun Lozada, Judge Lorredo of the Manila MTC Branch 26 is insisting that MalacaƱang is pressuring him to inhibit from the case. He identified DOJ Secretary Raul Gonzales, whom he called "Lolo Gonzales," as oneof those pressuring him to drop the case.

Even more intriguing is his claim that the situation might lead into a scenario reminiscent of the assasination of the late Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. who was gunned down on August 21, 1983 as he was going down the tarmac of the then Manila International Airport.  Ninoy's death would signal the start of the end of the Marcos regime.  

Judge Lorredo painted this scenario, "Patayin si Lozada, pak!  Patay!  Just imagine, he will be another Ninoy. Meron lang sumigaw na 'Punta tayo sa MalacaƱang, pupunta 'yan eh.  Martial law.'"  

"Sana nga I'm very wrong with my analysis of the whole thing.  Pero pa'no kung tama ako?  I will not be able to forgive myself.  I will not be able to sleep well," added the now-controversial judge who insisted that he is not going to inhibit from the case in spite of the mounting pressures.



To prevent such an eventuality, Lorredo is hopeful that he could convince Defensor and Lozada to settle their differences amicably.  He even made an appeal to Manny Pacquiao to attend the next hearing of the case so he (Pacquiao) could talk to and convince Defensor and Lozada to come to terms regarding the case.

Lozada, meanwhile, is adamant that he just needs to see Defensor face-to-face in court so he could repeat his assertions that the latter tried to bribe him to keep quiet with what he knew about the ZTE-NBN deal. He said that his stint in jail would be in vain if he would settle the case with Defensor.

A week ago, on May 7, Judge Lorredo issued an order granting the release of Jun Lozada on Senate recognizance as a result of a motion backed by a Mar Roxas-authored Resolution that was adopted by the Senate. That story is told in the following articles:





 



Wednesday, May 13, 2009

David Cook and David Archuleta are Now in the Philippines for their May 16 Back-to-Back Concert at the SM MOA Concert Grounds

13 May 2009

David Cook and David Archuleta arrived separately in Manila on Tuesday, May 12, for their one night back-to-back concert on May 16, 8pm at the Concert Grounds of the SM Mall of Asia. Cook was American Idol Season 7 grand winner while Archuleta was the runner-up.

Here are the video clips of their arrival courtesy of GMAnews.tv:


For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV



For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Both Cook and Archuleta, who were met at the NAIA by Fearless Productions head Jomari Yllana, producer of the event, expressed excitement at their Manila visit and looked forward to their concert on Saturday.  The two idols are expected to hold a press conference on May 14, Thursday and are also scheduled to do TV guestings at GMA-7's Sis and at Eat Bulaga! on the same day.

Jomari is saying, in an article attributed to the controversial Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP), that the contract with the two Davids is a "package deal" and that he is not aware of the talent fee sharing between the two or of their managers.   

Friday, May 8, 2009

Manny Pacquiao Mobbed by Fans Upon Returning Home Despite H1N1 Flu Virus Warnings

8 May 2009

A determined Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao landed safely in Manila via Philippine Airlines PR Flight 113 at 6:50am today and was met by three of his children whom he lovingly kissed and hugged. Team Pacquiao had been advised by no less than DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III to postpone his homecoming to ensure that he will not contribute to the H1N1 problem here.

But Pacquiao who stopped the British "Hitman" Ricky Hatton cold on May 3 (Philippine time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, USA would not be deterred by what he believed were unfounded fears.   


"I'm so happy because there's a lot of people coming here this morning to welcome me," said Manny Pacquiao at the airport. 

From the airport, Team Pacquiao proceeded to the Renaissance Hotel where he was mobbed by fans.  The hotel gifted Manny with a small dog which he promptly dubbed "Pacgirl."  It is the same breed as that of his other dog named, "Pacman."  Manny said that he asked for and got "Pacman" as a gift during his fight with Oscar Dela Hoya.

While at the Renaissance, Igan Arnold Clavio interviewed Manny and Jinkee.  Before the interview, Igan showed the couple a Mother's Day presentation.  The presentation started with Celebrity Mom Dionisia Pacquiao doing some boxing routines.  It was said said that at one time, Mommy Pacquiao wanted Manny to become a priest.  

"Mommy is nice and she takes care of us all the time," said one of the Pacquiao boys while the other one said, "We hug her and we kiss her."  "I love you Mommy, Happy Mother's Day," chorused the boys.

"Saludo ako bilang asawa, saludo ako sa pagiging matatag ng asawa ko."  Manny's were the last words in the presentation which was obviously a surprise to Jinkee.
 
By this time, Jinkee was already crying.

"Ano'ng mensahe mo kay Jinkee, Manny?" asked Igan.

"Napaiyak, napaiyak mo si Jinkee." replied Manny, smiling.


Around 10:00a.m., Manny arrived at the Quiapo Church, a spiritual tradition that has marked every recent Pacquiao fight.  Here as well, Manny was mobbed by his adoring fans.


I'm watching Balitanghali  as I write (12:11pm, Manila time) and they're showing how GMA 7 accompanied Team Pacquiao from L.A. to Manila. At the start of the trip, Manny was served his favorite noodle by the PAL stewardess who normally serves him on his flights to and from the U.S.  At the stopover in Guam, he was served oatmeal and pandesal.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Jobapalooza '09 Mobile Caravan - The Biggest Job Fair in the Philippines (Mid-April Update)


14 April 2009

Here's an update from the DOLE website on Jobapalooza '09.  



They are bringing the online registration of jobseekers to the barangay level through the Jobapalooza '09 Mobile Caravan. The caravan which is a joint project of the DOLE, STI and the Manila City government was launched yesterday, April 13, at the Freedom Hall, Manila City Hall. 

The online registration for Jobapalooza and Jobstreet.com is intended to facilitate the selection of qualified jobseekers, sort of a pre-screening process. Those who qualify for interview will receive emails from the prospective employers.  

The rest of the mobile caravan schedule follows: 
  • April 15 - Villamor, Pasay (am); Mabulay, Pasay (pm). 
  • April 18 - Patricia Sports Complex, District 2 (am); Don Bosco Technical School, Tondo, District 1 (pm). 
  • April 22 - Rasac, Alvarez St. cor. Avenida, Rizal Ave., District 4, Manila (am); Pasay City Hall (pm). 
  • April 23 - Caloocan City Hall (am); Malabon City Hall (pm). 
  • April 24 Quadrangle of Muntinlupa City Hall (am-pm); DOLE Regional Office, Cagayan De Oro City (am-pm). 
  • April 27 - Baguio (am-pm). 
  • April 29 - Dapitan Sports Complex, Instruction St. District 4, Manila (am); Theresa Sports Complex, Theresa St., Old Sta. Mesa, Manila District 6, Manila (pm).
Please read the full story below:

Jobapalooza Mobile Caravan to bring free online jobseeker registration at barangay level
Sunday, April 12, 2009

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in collaboration with STI College and the Manila City government will launch on Monday, April 13, the Jobapalooza Mobile Caravan to bring to the barangay level the online registration of graduates and jobseekers and consequently help employers find needed skills during the biggest and simultaneous nationwide Jobapalooza Job Fair on Labor Day.

Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said STI would bring the Jobapalooza Mobile Caravan equipped with Internet-ready computers to various barangays in Metro Manila to help jobseekers register online with the Labor Day Jabapalooza where participating employers would look for workers who meet their requirements. The caravan will also be brought to Baguio City and Cagayan de Oro City.

Roque said the STI Jobapalooza Mobile Caravan would start the online registration of jobseekers during the April 13 launching at the Freedom Hall, City Hall of Manila. The online registration will be continued in the afternoon at San Andres Sports Complex, San Andres, Manila.

The rest of the Jobapalooza-STI Mobile Caravan schedule is as follows:

April 15 - Villamor, Pasay (am); Mabulay, Pasay (pm). April 18 - Patricia Sports Complex, District 2 (am); Don Bosco Technical School, Tondo, District 1 (pm). April 22 - Rasac, Alvarez St. cor. Avenida, Rizal Ave., District 4, Manila (am); Pasay City Hall (pm). April 23 - Caloocan City Hall (am); Malabon City Hall (pm). April 24 Quadrangle of Muntinlupa City Hall (am-pm); DOLE Regional Office, Cagayan De Oro City (am-pm). April 27 - Baguio (am-pm). April 29 - Dapitan Sports Complex, Instruction St. District 4, Manila (am); Theresa Sports Complex, Theresa St., Old Sta. Mesa, Manila District 6, Manila (pm).

The DOLE Chief hailed STI for exercising its corporate social responsibility by providing free services that would help employers and workers find skills and jobs.

"STI is bringing to the grassroots services that facilitate matching of skills and jobs and thus, the employment and economic upliftment of needy workers," Roque said as he urged other firms and organizations to complement such efforts to help workers cope with the global economic crisis which is necessary in the country's survival and recovery from the crisis.

He said STI stewards would assist jobseekers in registering with Jabapalooza online. Afterwards, the jobseekers will be linked to fill up registration forms at Jobstreet.com. Jobseeker credentials will then be sent to participating employers who will in turn email those who are qualified for interview.

Roque also said that upon registration with the STI Mobile Caravan, jobseekers would get an emailed ticket to the Jabapalooza Job Fair and concert, which would be held at SM Mall of Asia on May 1.

He said the concert dubbed "Alay sa Manggagawang Pilipino," will culminate the May 1 Jabapalooza Job Fair with trade union bands and the country's top bands and artists paying tribute to all Filipino working men and women here and abroad.

The Jabapalooza Job Fair will also be held in other regions of the country on May 1. Jobseekers who could not register with the mobile caravan may register with Jobapalooza by logging on to http://phil-job.net.

Those who are qualified would receive final instructions on their application during the May 1 Jobapalooza Job Fair in their respective regions.

Source: Information and Publication Service

Jobseekers who won't be able to catch up the mobile caravan may log on to http://phil-job.net

You might also find something useful at http://www.jobopenings.ph, Ang Jobs Board ng Bayan.

May you find the best jobs out there!

30 April 2009 Update:
Please see the latest Jobapalooza '09 post, I Hope It's True — They're Saying 200,000 Jobs in Jobapalooza '09.


2 May 2009 Update:



Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Andres Bonifacio, Unang Pangulo ng Unang Republika ng Pilipinas



3 February 2009

That's correct!  No misprint in the title - Andres Bonifacio, Unang Pangulo ...  An article posted at no less than the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) website makes this assertion regarding the matter:


"In July 1892, Bonifacio founded the Katipunan which launched the first anticolonial revolution in Asia in August 1896.  He formed the first national government established by Aguinaldo  from 1897 to 1899.

The Katagalugan government carried over the symbols and teachings of the Katipunan, which the people accepted as the revolutionary authority.  This government was democratic in principle, orientation and form.  At its inception, it was formed by representatives from the provinces where the Katipunan had a mass-based membership.   It adopted as its national standard the Katipunan's red flag with a white sun with the Tagalog letter 'ka' in the center and commissioned Julio Nakpil to compose the national anthem, 'Marangal na Dalit ng Katagalugan.'   

In defining 'Tagalog' as the term for all Filipinos, and 'Katagalugan' as the country's name in lieu of 'Filipinas' which had colonial origins, Bonifacio and the Katipunan sought to define a national identity.

The Katagalugan government commanded the loyalty of a significant portion of the population.  It held territory, where it exercised the functions of a state.  It had armed forces which fought for, and defended its existence.  It had diplomatic component, which attempted to gain international recognition for the new nation.

The governments that succeeded Bonifacio's essentially republican Katagalugan government could only proceed from it.  The 24 August 1896 government certainly had a large mass-based following than the 24 August 1897 entity that deposed it.  But as a result of the power struggle in Cavite, Emilio Aguinaldo, although only one of many revolutionary generals, usurped President Andres Bonifacio's authority.  Aguinaldo reorganized Bonifacio's Republika ng Katagalugan and renamed it Republica Filipina.

The first Filipino national government was established on 24 August 1896.  Filipinos should observe the date as National Day, if the 1896 Revolution and the Katipunan are to have any worth at all.  And Filipinos should recognize Andres Bonifacio not only the founder of the Katipunan and leader of the Revolution of 1896, but as the first Filipino president: the father of the nation and the founder of our democracy."
 
Here is the entire article about Andres Bonifacio being our first President:  http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/articles-on-c-n-a/article.php?i=5&subcat=13

The NCCA is DEFINITELY not some fly-by-night organization.  As stated earlier, it is the National Commission for Culture and the Arts created by Republic Act 7356.  Among its mandates are to develop and promote Filipino national culture and arts and to preserve Filipino cultural heritage. 

I'm off to UP Manila.


 
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