NEW YORK - The Philippines' "economic growth" story took centerstage in the recently concluded Philippine Investors Roadshow in Boston and New York City, according to the Philippine Consulate General in New York.
Representatives of various financial and investment companies, fund managers, and rating agencies in the US reportedly met with Philippine finance officals, led by Finance Secretary Margarito Teves for a briefing on recent developments in the Philippine monetary, banking, financial and fiscal sectors.
Jose Ibazeta, president of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), also discussed the progress in the privatization of the power sector in the Philippines.
The PCGNY said in a release that US that the Philippine team also discussed short- and medium-term outlooks for the Philippine economy and gave assurances that the Philippines continues to be an attractive investment destination.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Marilyn Asok, Cotabato City
Mag-ingat sa Magnanakaw
Katulong Nagnakaw ng dollars sa isang bahay ng mag asawa sa La Union. Si Marilyn Culagbang Asok may asawa tubong Cotabato at ang kasama niyang si Cyndirella Alanza namasukan bilang isang katulong , pagkalipas ng 5 araw tinangay ang mga pera at iniwan ang kanilang mga damit para hindi masita ng mga sekyu sa kanilang pag alis. Ang dalawang ito ay maaring myembro ng isang sindikato na mamasukan muna bilang isang katulong bago magnakaw. More on this Story
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Clark airport info blitz goes international
MANILA, Philippines - Olongapo, Balanga, Dagupan, Malolos, Laoag, Vigan, Baguio, and then Hong Kong.
It was a blitz the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) at first pursued locally to promote the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) at the Clark Freeport as a more convenient alternative for those in provinces north of Metro Manila as well as for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The logic of the campaign that finally went international recently in Hong Kong surfaced in the reactions of OFWs, mostly domestic helpers, who converged at the hall of the Bayanihan Kennedy Town Center (Bayanihan Center) at 55 Victoria Road. The hall was filled up to capacity beyond the CIAC team’s expectations, way past the morning Mass that dispersed them after the final blessing.
The hall’s stage background was a huge poster with the words “Para sa Inyo ang Airport na Ito,” summarizing the essence of the Hong Kong event that the organizers referred to as a “roadshow.”
“I should have known about the Clark airport earlier. I could imagine the trouble my family and I could have been spared from had we used the airport instead of traveling all the way through the traffic in Manila every time I go home and every time I fly back here,” said Aileen de la Cruz, 32, who hails from Tarlac City. She is a domestic helper in Hong Kong and a Sunday volunteer at the center.
De la Cruz is one of about 130,000 OFWs in Hong Kong, most of them with families living in the four northern Luzon regions. Most of them are domestic helpers whose “minimum allowable wage” is HK$3,580.
CIAC executives, led by president and chief executive officer Victor Jose Luciano, briefed De la Cruz and other OFWs on what is happening at the DMIA and what is in store for them: the DMIA lies in the heart of Central Luzon, making it the most viable and convenient airport of choice for travelers anywhere north of Metro Manila, offering travel convenience and less dent on finances whenever OFWs, welcoming or well-wishing relatives in tow, fly in or fly out.
Among the bus lines plying routes to the DMIA are Partas, Philtranco and Genesis. Soon, Victory Liner will join their ranks, Luciano said. Taxis, too, are available.
Noting that many of the OFWs before him have not gone home for years, Luciano also cited the completion last year of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway as another convenience factor in considering the DMIA.
But a major factor that should lure OFWs, according to Luciano, is that several ”budget carriers” fly international at Clark: Air Asia of Malaysia, Tiger Airways of Singapore, and local airline Cebu Pacific and, by Sept. 31, Zest Air. Cebu Pacific has connecting flights to other parts of the country such as Cebu and Davao.
“The DMIA is only one-and-a-half to four hours from most major Asian cities and, by land, less than an hour away from Metro Manila and the Subic Bay Freeport,” he said.
Accompanying Luciano in the Hong Kong mission were CIAC chairman Nestor Mangio, CIAC consultant and former tourism secretary Mina Gabor, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) vice president Raul Marcelo, Hotels and Resorts of Pampanga Association president Marc Nepomuceno, and Clark Development Corp. tourism officer Noemi Garcia.
After the meeting with the OFWs who went back to their work after tucking securely into their bags or wallets a handout on the DMIA, the CIAC team dressed up more formally the following day for a meeting with 50 executives of travel agencies and travel media professionals in Hong Kong at the Langham Place in Mong Kok.
“The DMIA international roadshow is initially focused on promoting greater awareness of the DMIA as a practical point of departure and arrival for OFWs deployed in that country, as well as a convenient gateway of travelers from South China to the business and leisure destinations in Central Luzon, specifically the Clark and Subic freeport zones,” Luciano said.
Gabor noted that while the world still has to fully recover from the global financial crisis, “there is reason to think positively, mostly in terms of short-haul tourism.”
“There remains much space for tourism in the Philippines despite the global crisis, because there are many areas such as medical and other such forms of tourism whose potential still has to be maximized,” she said.
Philippine Consul General Claro Cristobal said tourists from Hong Kong have grown, accounting for the fifth largest group of visitors to the Philippines.
“Hong Kong can be persuaded to rediscover the Philippines,” he said, noting the historical ties between the two places.
Luciano expressed confidence that the DMIA, which served only 7,000 passengers four years ago, would process no less than 750,000 passengers this year.
The CIAC’s first international roadshow, the Hong Kong OFWs and tourists are expected to help realize this.
It was a blitz the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) at first pursued locally to promote the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) at the Clark Freeport as a more convenient alternative for those in provinces north of Metro Manila as well as for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The logic of the campaign that finally went international recently in Hong Kong surfaced in the reactions of OFWs, mostly domestic helpers, who converged at the hall of the Bayanihan Kennedy Town Center (Bayanihan Center) at 55 Victoria Road. The hall was filled up to capacity beyond the CIAC team’s expectations, way past the morning Mass that dispersed them after the final blessing.
The hall’s stage background was a huge poster with the words “Para sa Inyo ang Airport na Ito,” summarizing the essence of the Hong Kong event that the organizers referred to as a “roadshow.”
“I should have known about the Clark airport earlier. I could imagine the trouble my family and I could have been spared from had we used the airport instead of traveling all the way through the traffic in Manila every time I go home and every time I fly back here,” said Aileen de la Cruz, 32, who hails from Tarlac City. She is a domestic helper in Hong Kong and a Sunday volunteer at the center.
De la Cruz is one of about 130,000 OFWs in Hong Kong, most of them with families living in the four northern Luzon regions. Most of them are domestic helpers whose “minimum allowable wage” is HK$3,580.
CIAC executives, led by president and chief executive officer Victor Jose Luciano, briefed De la Cruz and other OFWs on what is happening at the DMIA and what is in store for them: the DMIA lies in the heart of Central Luzon, making it the most viable and convenient airport of choice for travelers anywhere north of Metro Manila, offering travel convenience and less dent on finances whenever OFWs, welcoming or well-wishing relatives in tow, fly in or fly out.
Among the bus lines plying routes to the DMIA are Partas, Philtranco and Genesis. Soon, Victory Liner will join their ranks, Luciano said. Taxis, too, are available.
Noting that many of the OFWs before him have not gone home for years, Luciano also cited the completion last year of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway as another convenience factor in considering the DMIA.
But a major factor that should lure OFWs, according to Luciano, is that several ”budget carriers” fly international at Clark: Air Asia of Malaysia, Tiger Airways of Singapore, and local airline Cebu Pacific and, by Sept. 31, Zest Air. Cebu Pacific has connecting flights to other parts of the country such as Cebu and Davao.
“The DMIA is only one-and-a-half to four hours from most major Asian cities and, by land, less than an hour away from Metro Manila and the Subic Bay Freeport,” he said.
Accompanying Luciano in the Hong Kong mission were CIAC chairman Nestor Mangio, CIAC consultant and former tourism secretary Mina Gabor, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) vice president Raul Marcelo, Hotels and Resorts of Pampanga Association president Marc Nepomuceno, and Clark Development Corp. tourism officer Noemi Garcia.
After the meeting with the OFWs who went back to their work after tucking securely into their bags or wallets a handout on the DMIA, the CIAC team dressed up more formally the following day for a meeting with 50 executives of travel agencies and travel media professionals in Hong Kong at the Langham Place in Mong Kok.
“The DMIA international roadshow is initially focused on promoting greater awareness of the DMIA as a practical point of departure and arrival for OFWs deployed in that country, as well as a convenient gateway of travelers from South China to the business and leisure destinations in Central Luzon, specifically the Clark and Subic freeport zones,” Luciano said.
Gabor noted that while the world still has to fully recover from the global financial crisis, “there is reason to think positively, mostly in terms of short-haul tourism.”
“There remains much space for tourism in the Philippines despite the global crisis, because there are many areas such as medical and other such forms of tourism whose potential still has to be maximized,” she said.
Philippine Consul General Claro Cristobal said tourists from Hong Kong have grown, accounting for the fifth largest group of visitors to the Philippines.
“Hong Kong can be persuaded to rediscover the Philippines,” he said, noting the historical ties between the two places.
Luciano expressed confidence that the DMIA, which served only 7,000 passengers four years ago, would process no less than 750,000 passengers this year.
The CIAC’s first international roadshow, the Hong Kong OFWs and tourists are expected to help realize this.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Boracay among top holiday destinations
By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
BORACAY - The popular island paradise of Boracay was voted among the top ten holiday destinations in Asia in a recent Smart Travel Asia online survey.
The "Island of the Gods”, Bali, Indonesia ranked first followed by Thai island of Phuket. The South Indian idyll of Kerala in India came in third while the neon-powered city of Hong Kong is fourth.
Bangkok, Thailand co-ranked with Hoi An, Vietnam in fifth for the best holiday destinations in Asia.
According to Smart Travel Asia, Bali remains a peaceful ritual-minded Hindu enclave in a bustling Muslim country and Phuket for its string of wonderful beaches, fine food, nightlife and special Thai can-do hospitality.
Boracay, off mainland Panay, climbed one position to share the sixth spot with newcomers Goa, India and Langkawi, Malaysia.
Boracay is the top island beach destination in the country with over 400,000 travelers in the first six months this year, data from the Department of Tourism showed.
The island of Palawan and Chiang Mai in Thailand were ranked seventh followed by Angkor (Siem Reap, Cambodia,) Shanghai, China and Tokyo, Japan. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Koh Samui, Thailand in ninth while Penang, Malaysia and Rajasthan, India in the tenth spot.
Mandala Spa of Boracay was also ranked 24th for the Best Spa Hotels in Asia, Cebu Pacific ranked fourth for Best Budget Airlines and Philippine Airlines maintained the tenth spot for Best Cabin Service Worldwide.
Smart Travel Asia, the region’s only dedicated online travel magazine with over one million readers worldwide, also voted the best business hotels, luxury resorts, spas, business cities, shopping spots, and the world's best airlines and airports.
BORACAY - The popular island paradise of Boracay was voted among the top ten holiday destinations in Asia in a recent Smart Travel Asia online survey.
The "Island of the Gods”, Bali, Indonesia ranked first followed by Thai island of Phuket. The South Indian idyll of Kerala in India came in third while the neon-powered city of Hong Kong is fourth.
Bangkok, Thailand co-ranked with Hoi An, Vietnam in fifth for the best holiday destinations in Asia.
According to Smart Travel Asia, Bali remains a peaceful ritual-minded Hindu enclave in a bustling Muslim country and Phuket for its string of wonderful beaches, fine food, nightlife and special Thai can-do hospitality.
Boracay, off mainland Panay, climbed one position to share the sixth spot with newcomers Goa, India and Langkawi, Malaysia.
Boracay is the top island beach destination in the country with over 400,000 travelers in the first six months this year, data from the Department of Tourism showed.
The island of Palawan and Chiang Mai in Thailand were ranked seventh followed by Angkor (Siem Reap, Cambodia,) Shanghai, China and Tokyo, Japan. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Koh Samui, Thailand in ninth while Penang, Malaysia and Rajasthan, India in the tenth spot.
Mandala Spa of Boracay was also ranked 24th for the Best Spa Hotels in Asia, Cebu Pacific ranked fourth for Best Budget Airlines and Philippine Airlines maintained the tenth spot for Best Cabin Service Worldwide.
Smart Travel Asia, the region’s only dedicated online travel magazine with over one million readers worldwide, also voted the best business hotels, luxury resorts, spas, business cities, shopping spots, and the world's best airlines and airports.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Malaysia blames Discovery Channel in dance flap
KUALA LUMPUR (AP) – Malaysia sought Friday to allay anger in Indonesia over the use of a Balinese dance in a promotional spot for a TV documentary series on Malaysia, with officials laying the blame on cable network Discovery Channel.
The clip sparked outrage in Indonesia, with hundreds staging rallies and accusing Malaysia of stealing the "Pendet" dance from the Indonesian resort island of Bali, in the latest cultural dispute between the neighbors.
Cultural Minister Rais Yatim said the mistake was committed by Discovery Channel, which produced the 30-second clip to promote its series "Enigmatic Malaysia."
Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said it regretted using the image of the Balinese dancer, which it said was sourced from an independent third party.
"The promotional clip has been removed from all feeds," it said in a statement, adding that it had no intention of causing any misunderstanding or distress.
Rais said the clip had nothing to do with any film producers in Malaysia and "there is no need to fight in public or be emotional."
The two countries share Islam as their main religion and have similar national languages, but have had a history of testy relations.
In late 2007, Indonesia threatened to sue Malaysia for using traditional Indonesian songs and dances in its national tourism campaign. The two countries established a high-level panel to resolve the dispute.
On Tuesday, about 30 Indonesians pelted the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta with rotten eggs and attempted to hoist an Indonesian flag at the gate to protest the video, The Star newspaper said. Hundreds of art students also staged theatrical protests on campuses nationwide, and rallies have been held in Bali.
Indonesian Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik said Friday he wrote a protest note last week to Malaysia saying it had violated a 2007 agreement to honor each other's cultural heritage.
Malaysia has "promised to reprimand the production house" which created the clip, he said.
The clip sparked outrage in Indonesia, with hundreds staging rallies and accusing Malaysia of stealing the "Pendet" dance from the Indonesian resort island of Bali, in the latest cultural dispute between the neighbors.
Cultural Minister Rais Yatim said the mistake was committed by Discovery Channel, which produced the 30-second clip to promote its series "Enigmatic Malaysia."
Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said it regretted using the image of the Balinese dancer, which it said was sourced from an independent third party.
"The promotional clip has been removed from all feeds," it said in a statement, adding that it had no intention of causing any misunderstanding or distress.
Rais said the clip had nothing to do with any film producers in Malaysia and "there is no need to fight in public or be emotional."
The two countries share Islam as their main religion and have similar national languages, but have had a history of testy relations.
In late 2007, Indonesia threatened to sue Malaysia for using traditional Indonesian songs and dances in its national tourism campaign. The two countries established a high-level panel to resolve the dispute.
On Tuesday, about 30 Indonesians pelted the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta with rotten eggs and attempted to hoist an Indonesian flag at the gate to protest the video, The Star newspaper said. Hundreds of art students also staged theatrical protests on campuses nationwide, and rallies have been held in Bali.
Indonesian Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik said Friday he wrote a protest note last week to Malaysia saying it had violated a 2007 agreement to honor each other's cultural heritage.
Malaysia has "promised to reprimand the production house" which created the clip, he said.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Hit TV ad reveals enchanting Batanes
MANILA, Philippines - More people than ever are now looking forward to visiting Batanes – yes, the group of islands at the country’s northernmost tip – thanks to “Home,” a 60-second TV commercial of Nescafé Classic.
As the ad became a hit with viewers and is now a favorite in YouTube and much-discussed in blogs, so has Batanes perked the interest of travelers looking to experience what they saw on TV. (The ad is available for viewing on YouTube at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRRDIisCuzE).
The Batanes presented in “Home” is one of breathtaking beauty: romantic lighthouse views; a dreamy seascape; a pristine laid-back place that’s close to the natural rhythms of life – where time seems to have either slowed down or stood still; a perfect locale for introspection, spiritual rejuvenation, and the contemplation of Nature, God, and the meaning of Life itself.
The lifestyle and culture in Batanes are irrevocably shaped by its cold climate, its wet and stormy periods, and its rocky, hilly and mountainous geography. These unique characteristics of Batanes caught the attention of viewers, who no doubt felt as much a hankering for a warm instant brew of Nescafé Classic as much as a desire to visit the province.
As the ad became a hit with viewers and is now a favorite in YouTube and much-discussed in blogs, so has Batanes perked the interest of travelers looking to experience what they saw on TV. (The ad is available for viewing on YouTube at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRRDIisCuzE).
The Batanes presented in “Home” is one of breathtaking beauty: romantic lighthouse views; a dreamy seascape; a pristine laid-back place that’s close to the natural rhythms of life – where time seems to have either slowed down or stood still; a perfect locale for introspection, spiritual rejuvenation, and the contemplation of Nature, God, and the meaning of Life itself.
The lifestyle and culture in Batanes are irrevocably shaped by its cold climate, its wet and stormy periods, and its rocky, hilly and mountainous geography. These unique characteristics of Batanes caught the attention of viewers, who no doubt felt as much a hankering for a warm instant brew of Nescafé Classic as much as a desire to visit the province.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Dental Tourism in Asia
The world economic crisis moves people to look for more ways to save money, especially when it comes to their dental needs.
Dental tourism has already proved itself to be one of the best solutions for this purpose.
It’s easy, accessible, and interesting for most persons. There are some leading countries who have already shown their efficiency in this emerging field.
Emerging Developing Countries
Dental tourism is a subset of the medical tourism, when a person travels abroad to have the necessary dental treatment. Usually, developing countries are being chosen. They are cheaper and the quality of service is high. In fact, saving money is the main purpose. 95% of persons who take advantage of dental tourism have confirmed this. However, when it comes to choosing which clinic to visit, quality still remains first.
Dental tourism can help you save from 30% to 70% on dental treatment. The final result depends on the country you choose and the quantity of work that is going to be done. It’s simple: the more teeth you are going to treat, the more money you are going to save, especially when you don’t have dental insurance.
About 50% of the American population does not have dental insurance and that reflects on the population’s dental health. That’s another reason people look for alternative methods of tooth treatment, considering that U.S. clinics are too expensive. Besides, it’s a perfect occasion to travel and see the world. Some dental tourism destinations, like the Philippines or Thailand, are really beautiful countries.
In the Philippines you may visit this site http://dentistphilippines.webs.com
Dental tourism has already proved itself to be one of the best solutions for this purpose.
It’s easy, accessible, and interesting for most persons. There are some leading countries who have already shown their efficiency in this emerging field.
Emerging Developing Countries
Dental tourism is a subset of the medical tourism, when a person travels abroad to have the necessary dental treatment. Usually, developing countries are being chosen. They are cheaper and the quality of service is high. In fact, saving money is the main purpose. 95% of persons who take advantage of dental tourism have confirmed this. However, when it comes to choosing which clinic to visit, quality still remains first.
Dental tourism can help you save from 30% to 70% on dental treatment. The final result depends on the country you choose and the quantity of work that is going to be done. It’s simple: the more teeth you are going to treat, the more money you are going to save, especially when you don’t have dental insurance.
About 50% of the American population does not have dental insurance and that reflects on the population’s dental health. That’s another reason people look for alternative methods of tooth treatment, considering that U.S. clinics are too expensive. Besides, it’s a perfect occasion to travel and see the world. Some dental tourism destinations, like the Philippines or Thailand, are really beautiful countries.
In the Philippines you may visit this site http://dentistphilippines.webs.com
***
Friday, August 28, 2009
Sweet pepper as a money-maker
By ZAC B. SARIAN
August 26, 2009, 4:05pm
The September issue of Agriculture Magazine features sweet pepper as a favorite money-maker of many high-value vegetable farmers. Of course, they have good reasons for preferring to plant this crop.
For one, there are now new hybrids that are not only fruitful, they could also be grown throughout the year because they are more resistant to the usual pests and stresses during the rainy season. Another reason is that the productive period of sweet pepper is longer than most other vegetables given the right cultural and management requirements.
Also one good reason is that the sweet pepper usually fetches a high price.
Wilfredo Rios of Brgy. Lao in Ormoc City is one satisfied grower of sweet pepper. He usually rotates it with other crops so that build up of pests and other problems are avoided. One time, he planted 3,000 seedlings of the Emperor variety. He harvested fruits from this particular crop for several months, averaging a sale of P13,500 per week.
The September issue also features the latest developments in sweetpotato research at the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) based at the Visayas State University in Baybay, Leyte. Also featured is the vast potential of banana “rejects” in Mindanao which could be made into banana meal as ingredient in animal feeds, food grade banana flour, bananaketchup and others.
You will also read about the new glutinous rice varieties as reported by Adrielle Solsoloy of the Philippine Rice Research Institute. These include NSIC Rc13, 15, 17 and NSIC Rc 19.
Also featured are the success stories of a pilot who does his own brand of organic farming, the couple who started the “Pagkain para sa Masa” program in Mindanao, a Mindanaoan who brought improved farming practices to Mindoro, and others.
August 26, 2009, 4:05pm
The September issue of Agriculture Magazine features sweet pepper as a favorite money-maker of many high-value vegetable farmers. Of course, they have good reasons for preferring to plant this crop.
For one, there are now new hybrids that are not only fruitful, they could also be grown throughout the year because they are more resistant to the usual pests and stresses during the rainy season. Another reason is that the productive period of sweet pepper is longer than most other vegetables given the right cultural and management requirements.
Also one good reason is that the sweet pepper usually fetches a high price.
Wilfredo Rios of Brgy. Lao in Ormoc City is one satisfied grower of sweet pepper. He usually rotates it with other crops so that build up of pests and other problems are avoided. One time, he planted 3,000 seedlings of the Emperor variety. He harvested fruits from this particular crop for several months, averaging a sale of P13,500 per week.
The September issue also features the latest developments in sweetpotato research at the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) based at the Visayas State University in Baybay, Leyte. Also featured is the vast potential of banana “rejects” in Mindanao which could be made into banana meal as ingredient in animal feeds, food grade banana flour, bananaketchup and others.
You will also read about the new glutinous rice varieties as reported by Adrielle Solsoloy of the Philippine Rice Research Institute. These include NSIC Rc13, 15, 17 and NSIC Rc 19.
Also featured are the success stories of a pilot who does his own brand of organic farming, the couple who started the “Pagkain para sa Masa” program in Mindanao, a Mindanaoan who brought improved farming practices to Mindoro, and others.
Mandarin Airlines sets direct flights to Kalibo, Aklan
More Taiwanese tourists are expected to visit the Philippines this year as Taiwanese carrier Mandarin Airlines is set to offer direct charter flights from Taichung to Kalibo starting on Oct. 16, one of several new charter flight offerings from Taiwanese carriers.
Antonio I. Basilio, Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) managing director and resident representative, said the new flights will benefit the Philippine travel and tourism industry as charter services are proving to be a driver for tourism growth.
Mandarin Airlines is not the only Taiwanese carrier that has introduced direct charter services to the Philippines top holiday destinations.
China Airlines (CAL), Taiwan’s No. 1 carrier, launched charter services to Cebu from Taipei and Kaohsiung last April and July respectively.
This month, CAL launched regular charter services to Kalibo. The carrier flies to Aklan from Taipei every Tuesday and Friday.
“These charter services are expected to bring in thousands of Taiwanese visitors to Boracay, one of the Philippines leading destinations. It’s a win-win for the community and the industry,” said Basilio.
Basilio said MECO in Taiwan is targeting four consumer segments for its tourism offerings: “Double income with no kids households, honeymooners, diving associations, and group tours.
“Although the honeymooners market may not be as big as the other market segments, it remains a potentially lucrative business for our industry suppliers and Taiwan’s destination management companies. This is a low-volume but high-yield market for us,” said Basilio.
MECO Tourism Center Representative Rene Reyes said that Taiwan’s double income no kids households or DINKS is another sub-segment that is driving the travel market.
“DINKS are comprised of young couples, usually between the ages of 30 and 40.They have both the means and the time to take overseas leisure breaks,” said Reyes. Reyes said Taiwan’s vibrant dive travel consumer market is another priority segment for the Philippines..
“There are about 400,000 licensed divers in Taiwan, not to mention the hundreds of other consumers who want to sign up for diving lessons. The Philippines is a good diving destination because of its mild tides. During the last quarter of the year and during the winter months, Taiwanese divers look for alternative diving sites. That’s an opportunity for us since the Philippines offers excellent year-round sites for divers,” said Reyes.
Package group tours remain the Philippines top market segment according to Reyes.
“This segment relies heavily on the quality, price and the popularity of the destination being marketed,” said Reyes. “Fortunately, our industry partners from tour operators and airlines to destination management companies “offer value-for-money products to Taiwan’s holiday travelers,”said Reyes.
Antonio I. Basilio, Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) managing director and resident representative, said the new flights will benefit the Philippine travel and tourism industry as charter services are proving to be a driver for tourism growth.
Mandarin Airlines is not the only Taiwanese carrier that has introduced direct charter services to the Philippines top holiday destinations.
China Airlines (CAL), Taiwan’s No. 1 carrier, launched charter services to Cebu from Taipei and Kaohsiung last April and July respectively.
This month, CAL launched regular charter services to Kalibo. The carrier flies to Aklan from Taipei every Tuesday and Friday.
“These charter services are expected to bring in thousands of Taiwanese visitors to Boracay, one of the Philippines leading destinations. It’s a win-win for the community and the industry,” said Basilio.
Basilio said MECO in Taiwan is targeting four consumer segments for its tourism offerings: “Double income with no kids households, honeymooners, diving associations, and group tours.
“Although the honeymooners market may not be as big as the other market segments, it remains a potentially lucrative business for our industry suppliers and Taiwan’s destination management companies. This is a low-volume but high-yield market for us,” said Basilio.
MECO Tourism Center Representative Rene Reyes said that Taiwan’s double income no kids households or DINKS is another sub-segment that is driving the travel market.
“DINKS are comprised of young couples, usually between the ages of 30 and 40.They have both the means and the time to take overseas leisure breaks,” said Reyes. Reyes said Taiwan’s vibrant dive travel consumer market is another priority segment for the Philippines..
“There are about 400,000 licensed divers in Taiwan, not to mention the hundreds of other consumers who want to sign up for diving lessons. The Philippines is a good diving destination because of its mild tides. During the last quarter of the year and during the winter months, Taiwanese divers look for alternative diving sites. That’s an opportunity for us since the Philippines offers excellent year-round sites for divers,” said Reyes.
Package group tours remain the Philippines top market segment according to Reyes.
“This segment relies heavily on the quality, price and the popularity of the destination being marketed,” said Reyes. “Fortunately, our industry partners from tour operators and airlines to destination management companies “offer value-for-money products to Taiwan’s holiday travelers,”said Reyes.
Bohol in Taiwan's ice cream ad
The pristine white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and historical landmarks, are among the attractions of Bohol that captivated the makers of DuRoyal, the number one ice cream brand in Taiwan, which led them to make it the location for their ad campaign shoot for 2009.
Every year, DuRoyal spearheads a unique promotional drive for their summer months, and this year they chose Bohol, Philippines for their main location. The campaign also includes a raffle that would entitle one hundred lucky winners to a dream trip to the country.
According to Secretary Ace Durano of the Department of Tourism (DoT), whose team hosted the crew for the duration of their shoot, “The country’s exposure in an international commercial for a successful ice cream brand reaffirms our country’s position as a best-selling summer destination. Our partnerships with leading companies continue to strengthen the Philippines’ international marketing links.”
Durano added that at the recent visit of DuRoyal executives in Bohol, they were impressed with the hospitality of the Boholanos as well as its serene and appealing environment.
Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions, also noted, “The producers commented that Bohol was the perfect choice for their ice cream brand’s latest ad campaign, to be launched in time for the summer holidays in Taiwan.”
DuRoyal was declared as the number one ice cream brand in Taiwan, according to Breakthrough Magazine, their country’s leading publication, and the International Center of Photography (ICT) Marketing Year Book.
Aiming at providing quality ice cream to the Taiwanese market because of its strict selection of the world’s finest ingredients for their products, DuRoyal maintains the highest standards.
In fact, DuRoyal’s bestselling product Crunch Pie overtook McDonald’s and Coca Cola as the leading consumer product in the Taiwanese market.
Their packaging design was awarded the Taiwan Packaging Star for five consecutive years, also receiving theWorldstar Excellence in the international competition.
Dir. Rica Bueno, Marketing Head for DoT Team Asia Pacific, said,“One of the highly-regarded consumer brands in Taiwan choosing the Philippines as the main highlight of their campaign is a privilege we are grateful for.”
The TV commercial is part of the joint promotions campaign of the DoT and DuRoyal to feature the RP's attractions through its ice cream product line.
Every year, DuRoyal spearheads a unique promotional drive for their summer months, and this year they chose Bohol, Philippines for their main location. The campaign also includes a raffle that would entitle one hundred lucky winners to a dream trip to the country.
According to Secretary Ace Durano of the Department of Tourism (DoT), whose team hosted the crew for the duration of their shoot, “The country’s exposure in an international commercial for a successful ice cream brand reaffirms our country’s position as a best-selling summer destination. Our partnerships with leading companies continue to strengthen the Philippines’ international marketing links.”
Durano added that at the recent visit of DuRoyal executives in Bohol, they were impressed with the hospitality of the Boholanos as well as its serene and appealing environment.
Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions, also noted, “The producers commented that Bohol was the perfect choice for their ice cream brand’s latest ad campaign, to be launched in time for the summer holidays in Taiwan.”
DuRoyal was declared as the number one ice cream brand in Taiwan, according to Breakthrough Magazine, their country’s leading publication, and the International Center of Photography (ICT) Marketing Year Book.
Aiming at providing quality ice cream to the Taiwanese market because of its strict selection of the world’s finest ingredients for their products, DuRoyal maintains the highest standards.
In fact, DuRoyal’s bestselling product Crunch Pie overtook McDonald’s and Coca Cola as the leading consumer product in the Taiwanese market.
Their packaging design was awarded the Taiwan Packaging Star for five consecutive years, also receiving theWorldstar Excellence in the international competition.
Dir. Rica Bueno, Marketing Head for DoT Team Asia Pacific, said,“One of the highly-regarded consumer brands in Taiwan choosing the Philippines as the main highlight of their campaign is a privilege we are grateful for.”
The TV commercial is part of the joint promotions campaign of the DoT and DuRoyal to feature the RP's attractions through its ice cream product line.
Henry Sy leads list of richest Filipinos
By ANGIE CHUI
August 28, 2009, 6:06pm
Tycoon Henry Sy, owner of the SM Group of Companies and the Banco de Oro universal bank, leads this year’s Forbes Asia Top 40 richest Filipinos, retaining his position from last year and increasing his wealth by $700 million to $3.8 billion.
In a s tatement , Forbes Asia said beer and cigarette magnate Lucio Tan is a far second with $1.7 billion, increasing his wealth by $200 million.
Ayala Corp.’s Jaime Zobel de Ayala remains at number three with $1.2 billion, with no significant changes to his earnings from the previous year.
Also in the top 40 is Andrew Tan, whose $850 million comes from his control of high-end developer Megaworld Corporation and real estate holdings that include Resort World Manila and $1.35 billion joint venture with Malaysia’s Star Cruises which launched last month.
Another retail magnate, John Gokongwei Jr., founder of the JG Summit business conglomerate, also entered this year’s list by posting $720million due largely to the 300 percent increase in shares of his stock since December last year.
Tony Tan Caktiong is the first representative of the food business in the top 10. Caktiong owns the popular Jollibee Foods chain which is found in 1,800 locations and nine brands in 11 countries. The firm seeks to establish 200 more branches this year in Asia and North America.
Eduardo Cojuanco Jr., chairman of Southeast Asia’s largest food and beverage conglomerate, San Miguel Corp., is the seventh richest in the land this year at $660 million. SMC is seeking to buy Dole Foods assets in Asia and is in negotiations to sell part of its branded food and alcohol operations.
At eighth is Enrique Razon Jr. with at $620 million. The billionaire also runs port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc.
Senator Manuel Villar also made it to the list with $530 million in wealth from his real estate business. He owns a majority stake in Vista Land and Lifescapes and Polar Property Holdings, whose stocks have risen steadily.
Banker George Ty, owner of Metrobank, the country’s second largest lender, rounded the Top 10 with $515 million largely attributed to a rise in Metrobank profits for the first quarter of the year.
Manila Bulletin Chairman Dr. Emilio T. Yap follows closely with $510 million. The businessman, at 83, remains a force to reckon with in the business arena. Among his current projects include the renovation of the landmark Manila Hotel, while holdings in Philtrust Bank continue to boost his income.
Among the newcomers in this year’s list are Robert Coyiuto Jr. at No. 18. He heads a petroleum exploration firm and recently became part of a group that bought the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.
Benjamin Romualdez, a relative of Imelda Marcos, also entered the list at No. 30, and Marian Rosario Fong, at Number 40.
August 28, 2009, 6:06pm
Tycoon Henry Sy, owner of the SM Group of Companies and the Banco de Oro universal bank, leads this year’s Forbes Asia Top 40 richest Filipinos, retaining his position from last year and increasing his wealth by $700 million to $3.8 billion.
In a s tatement , Forbes Asia said beer and cigarette magnate Lucio Tan is a far second with $1.7 billion, increasing his wealth by $200 million.
Ayala Corp.’s Jaime Zobel de Ayala remains at number three with $1.2 billion, with no significant changes to his earnings from the previous year.
Also in the top 40 is Andrew Tan, whose $850 million comes from his control of high-end developer Megaworld Corporation and real estate holdings that include Resort World Manila and $1.35 billion joint venture with Malaysia’s Star Cruises which launched last month.
Another retail magnate, John Gokongwei Jr., founder of the JG Summit business conglomerate, also entered this year’s list by posting $720million due largely to the 300 percent increase in shares of his stock since December last year.
Tony Tan Caktiong is the first representative of the food business in the top 10. Caktiong owns the popular Jollibee Foods chain which is found in 1,800 locations and nine brands in 11 countries. The firm seeks to establish 200 more branches this year in Asia and North America.
Eduardo Cojuanco Jr., chairman of Southeast Asia’s largest food and beverage conglomerate, San Miguel Corp., is the seventh richest in the land this year at $660 million. SMC is seeking to buy Dole Foods assets in Asia and is in negotiations to sell part of its branded food and alcohol operations.
At eighth is Enrique Razon Jr. with at $620 million. The billionaire also runs port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc.
Senator Manuel Villar also made it to the list with $530 million in wealth from his real estate business. He owns a majority stake in Vista Land and Lifescapes and Polar Property Holdings, whose stocks have risen steadily.
Banker George Ty, owner of Metrobank, the country’s second largest lender, rounded the Top 10 with $515 million largely attributed to a rise in Metrobank profits for the first quarter of the year.
Manila Bulletin Chairman Dr. Emilio T. Yap follows closely with $510 million. The businessman, at 83, remains a force to reckon with in the business arena. Among his current projects include the renovation of the landmark Manila Hotel, while holdings in Philtrust Bank continue to boost his income.
Among the newcomers in this year’s list are Robert Coyiuto Jr. at No. 18. He heads a petroleum exploration firm and recently became part of a group that bought the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.
Benjamin Romualdez, a relative of Imelda Marcos, also entered the list at No. 30, and Marian Rosario Fong, at Number 40.
More elderly-friendly facilities needed for retirement tourism
THE PHILIPPINES needs more lodging facilities for elderly retirees, as this type of specialized infrastructure makes up only a small portion of the total mix of amenities currently available, the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) said yesterday. These are especially necessary, as the active foreign retirees aged 35 to 60 who make up a bulk of the total in the country will need such facilities soon, PRA Chairman Edgar B. Aglipay said. "Sixty-five percent of [the 20,000] retirees here are active. We are preparing for [when they] get old," Mr. Aglipay said.
Stem cell bank, fertility center eyed to promote medical tourism in RP
Manila Bulletin
A stem cell banking facility and a fertility center are envisioned to be put up in the Philippines which will promote medical tourism and health research investments locally.
The government has been scouting for models in nearby Asian countries like Malaysia on stem cell banking and fertility centers to support its plan to set up a similar facility, according to officials of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
"We're looking at the possibility of setting up stem cell banking. It may be put up together with a fertility center which is the most logical thing to do," said NIH-Institute of Human Genetics (IHG) Asst. Director Eva Maria Cutiongco-dela Paz in an interview.
NIH officials have earlier visited Kuala Lumpur which has already set up a stem cell storage center. A stem cell bank will attract investments in health research and perhaps even in pharmaceuticals research specially as these two facilities attract also attract medical tourism patients globally.
Markets for a stem cell storage house are hospitals that are linked with universities like the Philippine General Hospital which is associated with the University of the Philippines (UP) and the UST Hospital, linked with the University of Sto. Tomas.
"It can have a pay for service (operation)," said Cutiongco. "It will be a resource for students and faculty to do research and for other hospitals in the Philippines for others to use as pay for service thing."
While the United States has been in a quandary for some time in its stem cells research policy until President Barack Obama approved a few months ago funding for this, certain aspects of the use of stem cells has been a recognized safe and successful treatment (specially bone marrow stem cell transplant) which can attract medical tourism patients, according to local medical experts.
Fertility centers can also attract medical tourists as Filipino couples themselves seek for services offered in fertility centers or medical institutions in the United States and other countries.
Cutiongco said the establishment of a stem cell storage center will also have an impact on investments in research in the country.
"We've not had research yet on this because we don't have the facility," she said.
And yet the Philippines is not yet too late in this sector since Kuala Lumpur has just put a stem cell storage center but has not yet carried out any therapy program on this.
"I just recently visited facilities in Kuala Lumpur. This is from the initiatives of the university (UP), and we looked at their stem cell banking. Their stem cell banking is quite advanced, but their stem cell therapy is not in place yet," said Cutiongco.
Dr. Gisela P. Concepcion, Vivotech Lab Inc. and cosmetic-nutraceutical product maker Biomart Asia founder, said a research collaboration between hospitals and the universities on the molecular biology and cell culture technology aspects would enhance the country's potential in this industry that can also offer affordable treatment for Filipinos.
A stem cell banking facility and a fertility center are envisioned to be put up in the Philippines which will promote medical tourism and health research investments locally.
The government has been scouting for models in nearby Asian countries like Malaysia on stem cell banking and fertility centers to support its plan to set up a similar facility, according to officials of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
"We're looking at the possibility of setting up stem cell banking. It may be put up together with a fertility center which is the most logical thing to do," said NIH-Institute of Human Genetics (IHG) Asst. Director Eva Maria Cutiongco-dela Paz in an interview.
NIH officials have earlier visited Kuala Lumpur which has already set up a stem cell storage center. A stem cell bank will attract investments in health research and perhaps even in pharmaceuticals research specially as these two facilities attract also attract medical tourism patients globally.
Markets for a stem cell storage house are hospitals that are linked with universities like the Philippine General Hospital which is associated with the University of the Philippines (UP) and the UST Hospital, linked with the University of Sto. Tomas.
"It can have a pay for service (operation)," said Cutiongco. "It will be a resource for students and faculty to do research and for other hospitals in the Philippines for others to use as pay for service thing."
While the United States has been in a quandary for some time in its stem cells research policy until President Barack Obama approved a few months ago funding for this, certain aspects of the use of stem cells has been a recognized safe and successful treatment (specially bone marrow stem cell transplant) which can attract medical tourism patients, according to local medical experts.
Fertility centers can also attract medical tourists as Filipino couples themselves seek for services offered in fertility centers or medical institutions in the United States and other countries.
Cutiongco said the establishment of a stem cell storage center will also have an impact on investments in research in the country.
"We've not had research yet on this because we don't have the facility," she said.
And yet the Philippines is not yet too late in this sector since Kuala Lumpur has just put a stem cell storage center but has not yet carried out any therapy program on this.
"I just recently visited facilities in Kuala Lumpur. This is from the initiatives of the university (UP), and we looked at their stem cell banking. Their stem cell banking is quite advanced, but their stem cell therapy is not in place yet," said Cutiongco.
Dr. Gisela P. Concepcion, Vivotech Lab Inc. and cosmetic-nutraceutical product maker Biomart Asia founder, said a research collaboration between hospitals and the universities on the molecular biology and cell culture technology aspects would enhance the country's potential in this industry that can also offer affordable treatment for Filipinos.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Missing : Domnino P. Liston , 73 yrs old
Name: Domnino Pugay ListonAge: 73 years old
Date missing: September 2007
available pictures :13 years ago pa po eto so, he was 60 years old then.
Kung sino man pong makakapagbigay ng impormasyon sa kinaroroonan ni Mr. Domnino Pugay Liston ay ipagbigay alam po lamang sa mga sumusunod na contact numbers:
Metro Manila (02)542-3164, 0915-973-6493
CKC81 +63920 466 8000
email: eddumayas@yahoo.com
Sana'y Muling Makapiling GMA Television
Name: Emile D. Dumayas Location: Sucat, Paranaque
Subject: Lost Father-in-law June 28, 2008 11:48 AM
Good day to you, hope you could help us.last year, about September 2007, my father-in-law got out of our house and was missing ever since. He has no ID'S or anything that could identify him and also "ulyanin na". my wife had gone to GMA to ask for help also and has submitted a picture. His name is Domnino P. Liston, about 72 years old. Any information that we could receive will be much appreciated. Thank you, and again, hope you could help us.
keywords: Domnino Pugay Liston, eejay, ej, emile dumayas, etang, lik, lost, margarita, missing person, sucat paraaque, ulyanin
Suicide bomber lightly injures senior Saudi prince
By ABDULLAH SHIHRI,
Associated Press Writer Abdullah Shihri,
Associated Press Writer
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – A suicide bomber lightly wounded a senior prince largely credited for Saudi Arabia's anti-terrorism campaign when he blew himself up just before going into a gathering of well-wishers for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the state news agency said Friday.
It was the first known assassination attempt against a member of the royal family since Saudi Arabia began its crackdown on al-Qaida affiliated militants eight years ago following the Sept. 11 terror attacks in the United States.
The militant who attacked the assistant interior minister, Prince Muhammad bin Nayef, late Thursday at the Ramadan gathering in Jiddah had previously expressed his intention to give himself up to the official, the Saudi Press Agency quoted the royal court as saying.
It is customary for senior members of the royal family to hold regular open gatherings where citizens can air grievances, seek settlement of financial or other disputes or offer congratulations.
Upon hearing news of the attack, King Abdullah swiftly headed to hospital, according to the agency. It said the prince, who is the son of Interior Minister Prince Nayef, was discharged from the hospital and nobody else was seriously injured.
The Interior Ministry has spearheaded the kingdom's aggressive campaign against terrorism, one that has intensified since militants first struck in the kingdom in May 2003. The country is the birthplace of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and was home to 15 of the 19 Sept. 11 hijackers.
On Aug. 19, authorities announced the arrest of 44 suspected militants with al-Qaida links in a yearlong sweep that also uncovered dozens of machine guns and electronic circuits for bombs.
Last month, Saudi officials said a Saudi criminal court had convicted and sentenced 330 al-Qaida militants to jail terms, fines and travel bans in the country's first known trials for suspected members of the terror group.
The 330 are believed to be among the 991 suspected militants that the interior minister has said have been charged with participating in terrorist attacks over the past five years.
Associated Press Writer Abdullah Shihri,
Associated Press Writer
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – A suicide bomber lightly wounded a senior prince largely credited for Saudi Arabia's anti-terrorism campaign when he blew himself up just before going into a gathering of well-wishers for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the state news agency said Friday.
It was the first known assassination attempt against a member of the royal family since Saudi Arabia began its crackdown on al-Qaida affiliated militants eight years ago following the Sept. 11 terror attacks in the United States.
The militant who attacked the assistant interior minister, Prince Muhammad bin Nayef, late Thursday at the Ramadan gathering in Jiddah had previously expressed his intention to give himself up to the official, the Saudi Press Agency quoted the royal court as saying.
It is customary for senior members of the royal family to hold regular open gatherings where citizens can air grievances, seek settlement of financial or other disputes or offer congratulations.
Upon hearing news of the attack, King Abdullah swiftly headed to hospital, according to the agency. It said the prince, who is the son of Interior Minister Prince Nayef, was discharged from the hospital and nobody else was seriously injured.
The Interior Ministry has spearheaded the kingdom's aggressive campaign against terrorism, one that has intensified since militants first struck in the kingdom in May 2003. The country is the birthplace of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and was home to 15 of the 19 Sept. 11 hijackers.
On Aug. 19, authorities announced the arrest of 44 suspected militants with al-Qaida links in a yearlong sweep that also uncovered dozens of machine guns and electronic circuits for bombs.
Last month, Saudi officials said a Saudi criminal court had convicted and sentenced 330 al-Qaida militants to jail terms, fines and travel bans in the country's first known trials for suspected members of the terror group.
The 330 are believed to be among the 991 suspected militants that the interior minister has said have been charged with participating in terrorist attacks over the past five years.
Evidence mounts recession's grip on economy easing
By MARTIN CRUTSINGER,
AP Economics Writer Martin Crutsinger,
Ap Economics Writer
WASHINGTON – Evidence is mounting that the longest recession since World War II is losing its grip on the U.S. economy.
The latest hint is due Friday when the government releases data on consumer spending and income for July.
Personal spending is expected to have posted a modest gain last month, driven higher by the popular Cash for Clunkers program. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters expect personal spending rose 0.2 percent in July after a 0.4 percent gain in June.
Economists believe that personal incomes, the fuel for future spending increases, probably rose 0.2 percent as well, following a 1.3 percent decline in June.
On Thursday, a report confirmed that the economy shrank at an annual rate of just 1 percent in the spring.
Many analysts say growth likely returned in the current quarter. Smaller dips in consumer spending and other areas during the April-June period led some economists to raise their forecasts for the July-September quarter.
But with unemployment aid claims stubbornly high, Americans may benefit little from a recovery if jobs remain scarce and spending stays too low to fuel a strong rebound.
The Commerce Department estimated that the U.S. gross domestic product, the broadest gauge of economic health, shrank at an annual rate of 1 percent in the second quarter. The new estimate of the nation's output of goods and services was the same as an earlier estimate released last month.
The negative figure marks a record fourth consecutive quarterly decline. But it was far smaller than the nosedive the economy had taken during the previous two quarters.
Businesses did slash inventories at an even greater rate than had been expected in the spring. But economists were encouraged by upward revisions to consumer spending, exports and housing construction. Analysts had expected the second-quarter economic figure to show a drop of 1.5 percent.
"The big surprise in this report was that there was enough spending in the consumer sector and elsewhere to offset all the loss from inventory reductions," said Nigel Gault, chief U.S. economist at IHS Global Insight.
Consumer spending, which accounts for about 70 percent of total economic activity, fell at an annual rate of 1 percent in second quarter. It was a slight improvement from the 1.2 percent decline reported last month.
Gault predicted the economy will gain momentum in the current quarter and final three months of this year as businesses switch from trimming stockpiles to rebuilding inventories. He expects the GDP to jump to above 3 percent in the July-September quarter, boosted by the Cash from Clunkers auto program.
Growth likely will remain around 3 percent in the fourth quarter, Gault said. But then it could slip in the first half of next year as the support from inventory rebuilding begins to fade. Consumers, faced with bleak job prospects, won't likely be able to take up the slack, he said.
Unemployment is not expected to peak until next spring, probably somewhere above 10 percent. The jobless rate is now 9.4 percent.
White House economic adviser Christina Romer earlier this week said the unemployment rate is likely to hit 10 percent this year. Economists think the unemployment rate will inch back up to 9.5 percent for August, with 220,000 more jobs lost, down a bit from 247,000 in July. That report is scheduled for release next week.
The 1 percent dip in GDP in the April-June quarter followed declines of 6.4 percent in the first quarter and 5.4 percent in the final three months of 2008, the sharpest back-to-back declines in a half-century. The four straight quarterly declines in GDP mark the first time that has occurred on government records dating to 1947.
The recession that began in December 2007 is the deepest as measured by the drop in GDP, which is down 3.9 percent from its previous peak.
Even though economists expect the economy to start growing again in the current quarter, signaling the end of the recession, that won't mean the end of job losses. Businesses likely will continue to keep tight control over labor costs until they see more evidence that the recovery will not falter.
Some analysts worry the country could face a double-dip recession in which growth returns for a while, only to falter again as beleaguered consumers remain reluctant to increase spending.
First-time unemployment claims fell to a seasonally adjusted 570,000, from an upwardly revised 580,000 the previous week, the Labor Department said Thursday. The number of those continuing to claim benefits dropped to 6.13 million from 6.25 million, the lowest level since early April.
The weekly figures remain far above the roughly 325,000 claims that analysts say is consistent with a healthy economy. New claims last fell below 300,000 in early 2007.
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said last week that the economy appeared to be "leveling out" and was likely to begin growing again soon. President Barack Obama appointed Bernanke to another four-year term Tuesday.
AP Economics Writer Martin Crutsinger,
Ap Economics Writer
WASHINGTON – Evidence is mounting that the longest recession since World War II is losing its grip on the U.S. economy.
The latest hint is due Friday when the government releases data on consumer spending and income for July.
Personal spending is expected to have posted a modest gain last month, driven higher by the popular Cash for Clunkers program. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters expect personal spending rose 0.2 percent in July after a 0.4 percent gain in June.
Economists believe that personal incomes, the fuel for future spending increases, probably rose 0.2 percent as well, following a 1.3 percent decline in June.
On Thursday, a report confirmed that the economy shrank at an annual rate of just 1 percent in the spring.
Many analysts say growth likely returned in the current quarter. Smaller dips in consumer spending and other areas during the April-June period led some economists to raise their forecasts for the July-September quarter.
But with unemployment aid claims stubbornly high, Americans may benefit little from a recovery if jobs remain scarce and spending stays too low to fuel a strong rebound.
The Commerce Department estimated that the U.S. gross domestic product, the broadest gauge of economic health, shrank at an annual rate of 1 percent in the second quarter. The new estimate of the nation's output of goods and services was the same as an earlier estimate released last month.
The negative figure marks a record fourth consecutive quarterly decline. But it was far smaller than the nosedive the economy had taken during the previous two quarters.
Businesses did slash inventories at an even greater rate than had been expected in the spring. But economists were encouraged by upward revisions to consumer spending, exports and housing construction. Analysts had expected the second-quarter economic figure to show a drop of 1.5 percent.
"The big surprise in this report was that there was enough spending in the consumer sector and elsewhere to offset all the loss from inventory reductions," said Nigel Gault, chief U.S. economist at IHS Global Insight.
Consumer spending, which accounts for about 70 percent of total economic activity, fell at an annual rate of 1 percent in second quarter. It was a slight improvement from the 1.2 percent decline reported last month.
Gault predicted the economy will gain momentum in the current quarter and final three months of this year as businesses switch from trimming stockpiles to rebuilding inventories. He expects the GDP to jump to above 3 percent in the July-September quarter, boosted by the Cash from Clunkers auto program.
Growth likely will remain around 3 percent in the fourth quarter, Gault said. But then it could slip in the first half of next year as the support from inventory rebuilding begins to fade. Consumers, faced with bleak job prospects, won't likely be able to take up the slack, he said.
Unemployment is not expected to peak until next spring, probably somewhere above 10 percent. The jobless rate is now 9.4 percent.
White House economic adviser Christina Romer earlier this week said the unemployment rate is likely to hit 10 percent this year. Economists think the unemployment rate will inch back up to 9.5 percent for August, with 220,000 more jobs lost, down a bit from 247,000 in July. That report is scheduled for release next week.
The 1 percent dip in GDP in the April-June quarter followed declines of 6.4 percent in the first quarter and 5.4 percent in the final three months of 2008, the sharpest back-to-back declines in a half-century. The four straight quarterly declines in GDP mark the first time that has occurred on government records dating to 1947.
The recession that began in December 2007 is the deepest as measured by the drop in GDP, which is down 3.9 percent from its previous peak.
Even though economists expect the economy to start growing again in the current quarter, signaling the end of the recession, that won't mean the end of job losses. Businesses likely will continue to keep tight control over labor costs until they see more evidence that the recovery will not falter.
Some analysts worry the country could face a double-dip recession in which growth returns for a while, only to falter again as beleaguered consumers remain reluctant to increase spending.
First-time unemployment claims fell to a seasonally adjusted 570,000, from an upwardly revised 580,000 the previous week, the Labor Department said Thursday. The number of those continuing to claim benefits dropped to 6.13 million from 6.25 million, the lowest level since early April.
The weekly figures remain far above the roughly 325,000 claims that analysts say is consistent with a healthy economy. New claims last fell below 300,000 in early 2007.
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said last week that the economy appeared to be "leveling out" and was likely to begin growing again soon. President Barack Obama appointed Bernanke to another four-year term Tuesday.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Vegetarian diet 'weakens bones'
SYDNEY (AFP) – People who live on vegetarian diets have slightly weaker bones than their meat-eating counterparts, Australian researchers said Thursday.
A joint Australian-Vietnamese study of links between the bones and diet of more than 2,700 people found that vegetarians had bones five percent less dense than meat-eaters, said lead researcher Tuan Nguyen.
The issue was most pronounced in vegans, who excluded all animal products from their diet and whose bones were six percent weaker, Nguyen said.
There was "practically no difference" between the bones of meat-eaters and ovolactovegetarians, who excluded meat and seafood but ate eggs and dairy products, he said.
"The results suggest that vegetarian diets, particularly vegan diets, are associated with lower bone mineral density," Nguyen wrote in the study, which was published Thursday in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
"But the magnitude of the association is clinically insignificant," he added.
Nguyen, who is from Sydney's Garvan Institute for Medical Research and collaborated on the project with the Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine in Ho Chi Minh City, said the question of whether the lower density bones translated to increased fracture risk was yet to be answered.
"Given the rising number of vegetarians, roughly five percent (of people) in western countries, and the widespread incidence of osteoporosis, the issue is worth resolving," he said.
A joint Australian-Vietnamese study of links between the bones and diet of more than 2,700 people found that vegetarians had bones five percent less dense than meat-eaters, said lead researcher Tuan Nguyen.
The issue was most pronounced in vegans, who excluded all animal products from their diet and whose bones were six percent weaker, Nguyen said.
There was "practically no difference" between the bones of meat-eaters and ovolactovegetarians, who excluded meat and seafood but ate eggs and dairy products, he said.
"The results suggest that vegetarian diets, particularly vegan diets, are associated with lower bone mineral density," Nguyen wrote in the study, which was published Thursday in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
"But the magnitude of the association is clinically insignificant," he added.
Nguyen, who is from Sydney's Garvan Institute for Medical Research and collaborated on the project with the Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine in Ho Chi Minh City, said the question of whether the lower density bones translated to increased fracture risk was yet to be answered.
"Given the rising number of vegetarians, roughly five percent (of people) in western countries, and the widespread incidence of osteoporosis, the issue is worth resolving," he said.
Court fight over Michael Jackson's children looms
By ANTHONY McCARTNEY
AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney
Ap Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, is taking care of the singer's three children and the family will go to court Monday in part to protect her rights to custody, the family's spokesman said.
Londell McMillan, the Jacksons' attorney, said the family hasn't heard from Deborah Rowe, the mother of Jackson's two oldest children, about custody.
"I don't think there will be anybody who thinks that there is someone better" than Katherine Jackson to have custody, McMillan said Monday on NBC's "Today" show. "She is a very loving host of other grandchildren."
Jackson left behind three children: Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., known as Prince Michael, 12; Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11; and Prince Michael II, 7. The youngest son was born to a surrogate mother.
Given the secrecy surrounding Michael Jackson's children throughout his life, it's no surprise that there are lingering questions about who will care for them. What is almost certain is this: Their fate will be decided in a courtroom.
Experts say the person who has the strongest legal claim to Jackson's two oldest children is Rowe. As for the youngest child, Jackson's wishes will be more influential. It remains unclear who Jackson designated as potential guardians for his children. Those details — likely contained in the 50-year-old singer's will — have not been released.
Rowe's attorney, Marta Almli, wrote in a statement Saturday that "Ms. Rowe's only thoughts at this time have been regarding the devastating loss Michael's family has suffered. Ms. Rowe requests that Michael's family, and particularly the children, be spared such harmful, sensationalist speculation and that they be able to say goodbye to their loved one in peace."
Jackson's manager, Frank DiLeo, said on ABC's "Good Morning America" that he was the one who told the children their father had died.
"They knew when I came into the room," he said. "I'm sure they just saw it on my face. They said, `say it's not true,' and I just said, `I'm sorry.'"
Jackson never told his family who he had in place to handle his business affairs, a person close to the family told The Associated Press on Friday. The person, who requested anonymity because of the delicate nature of the situation, said they were told by the singer's phalanx of advisers that he likely had a will, but it may be many years old.
Prince Michael II's mother has never been identified, and while she may surface, it is likely that she signed away her rights, said Stacy Phillips, a Los Angeles divorce attorney who has represented numerous high-profile clients.
Jackson was by several accounts an attentive and loving father.
"He was a great father," said Raymone Bain, Jackson's former publicist and general manager. "Those kids knew three and four languages. Even the little one. They were well mannered and sweet. I can't imagine these children without him."
He was extremely protective of his children, who weren't often seen in public, and were photographed wearing veils, masks or other items covering their faces when they were.
Rowe, a former nurse for Jackson's dermatologist, married Jackson in 1996 but filed for divorce in 1999. She later gave up her custody rights to the children, but petitioned to have those rights restored in 2003 after Jackson was arrested on child molestation charges, and an appeals court sided with her.
Jackson and Rowe apparently agreed in 2006 regarding her rights, but the terms have never been disclosed. The couple's divorce case that was heard in Los Angeles Superior Court remains closed.
Phillips said if her parental rights remain intact, she's presumed to be first in line to receive custody of her two children. "That could still be contested," she added.
Rowe would have to undergo an evaluation by the court to determine if she's the best person to care for Jackson's children. So, too, would anyone else who applies to become the children's guardian — some of whom may have Jackson's blessing.
"If he did indicate a preference, that will be given great weight, but that will not be determinative," said Los Angeles attorney Gloria Allred. "Children are not property, they cannot be willed to another person."
Allred agreed that Rowe has better legal standing than others who apply for custody of Jackson's eldest children. "She's definitely going to have an advantage."
But judges in California often take into account who is left in the children's lives with a strong bond, said Charlotte Goldberg, a family law professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.
"It's really a balance between continuity and stability and a biological relationship," Goldberg said.
A judge deciding the matter may even seek input in chambers from Jackson's children about who they feel comfortable with, she said.
But a court will also take into account with whom the children have a relationship bond, and that may not work in Rowe's favor. She wrote in a 2001 petition to sever her parental rights that she thought Jackson was doing a good parenting job.
"Michael has been a wonderful father to the children, and I do not wish to share any parenting responsibilities with Michael because he is doing so well without me," Rowe wrote. She also indicated in court filings during the 2006 custody struggle that she had not seen the children since 2005, shortly after his trial ended in acquittal on all charges and Jackson moved the children overseas.
It is unclear how often Rowe has seen the children since Jackson returned to the Los Angeles area in recent months to prepare for a 50-show concert engagement in London. It is also unclear what role the children's godfather, British child actor Mark Lester, may play in the proceedings.
Whoever wins custody of Jackson's children won't automatically gain control of their inheritance, Phillips said.
"For many people, the person or persons who are taking care of their kids are not necessarily taking care of their money," Phillips said. "There's a benefit to that — a sort of a check-and-balance."
Rowe, or whoever is designated the children's guardian, will receive payments based on Jackson's estate, Phillips said.
More clarity about the fate of Jackson's children will likely come once court proceedings start.
Phillips said the custody issue will now be handled by a probate court. If it is filed at Los Angeles' main downtown courthouse, Phillips said it will be handled by judges with significant family law experience.
Phillips said the looming custody fight could be unlike any other.
"In all the cases I've read all over the country," she said, "I've never seen a fact pattern like this."
AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney
Ap Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, is taking care of the singer's three children and the family will go to court Monday in part to protect her rights to custody, the family's spokesman said.
Londell McMillan, the Jacksons' attorney, said the family hasn't heard from Deborah Rowe, the mother of Jackson's two oldest children, about custody.
"I don't think there will be anybody who thinks that there is someone better" than Katherine Jackson to have custody, McMillan said Monday on NBC's "Today" show. "She is a very loving host of other grandchildren."
Jackson left behind three children: Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., known as Prince Michael, 12; Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11; and Prince Michael II, 7. The youngest son was born to a surrogate mother.
Given the secrecy surrounding Michael Jackson's children throughout his life, it's no surprise that there are lingering questions about who will care for them. What is almost certain is this: Their fate will be decided in a courtroom.
Experts say the person who has the strongest legal claim to Jackson's two oldest children is Rowe. As for the youngest child, Jackson's wishes will be more influential. It remains unclear who Jackson designated as potential guardians for his children. Those details — likely contained in the 50-year-old singer's will — have not been released.
Rowe's attorney, Marta Almli, wrote in a statement Saturday that "Ms. Rowe's only thoughts at this time have been regarding the devastating loss Michael's family has suffered. Ms. Rowe requests that Michael's family, and particularly the children, be spared such harmful, sensationalist speculation and that they be able to say goodbye to their loved one in peace."
Jackson's manager, Frank DiLeo, said on ABC's "Good Morning America" that he was the one who told the children their father had died.
"They knew when I came into the room," he said. "I'm sure they just saw it on my face. They said, `say it's not true,' and I just said, `I'm sorry.'"
Jackson never told his family who he had in place to handle his business affairs, a person close to the family told The Associated Press on Friday. The person, who requested anonymity because of the delicate nature of the situation, said they were told by the singer's phalanx of advisers that he likely had a will, but it may be many years old.
Prince Michael II's mother has never been identified, and while she may surface, it is likely that she signed away her rights, said Stacy Phillips, a Los Angeles divorce attorney who has represented numerous high-profile clients.
Jackson was by several accounts an attentive and loving father.
"He was a great father," said Raymone Bain, Jackson's former publicist and general manager. "Those kids knew three and four languages. Even the little one. They were well mannered and sweet. I can't imagine these children without him."
He was extremely protective of his children, who weren't often seen in public, and were photographed wearing veils, masks or other items covering their faces when they were.
Rowe, a former nurse for Jackson's dermatologist, married Jackson in 1996 but filed for divorce in 1999. She later gave up her custody rights to the children, but petitioned to have those rights restored in 2003 after Jackson was arrested on child molestation charges, and an appeals court sided with her.
Jackson and Rowe apparently agreed in 2006 regarding her rights, but the terms have never been disclosed. The couple's divorce case that was heard in Los Angeles Superior Court remains closed.
Phillips said if her parental rights remain intact, she's presumed to be first in line to receive custody of her two children. "That could still be contested," she added.
Rowe would have to undergo an evaluation by the court to determine if she's the best person to care for Jackson's children. So, too, would anyone else who applies to become the children's guardian — some of whom may have Jackson's blessing.
"If he did indicate a preference, that will be given great weight, but that will not be determinative," said Los Angeles attorney Gloria Allred. "Children are not property, they cannot be willed to another person."
Allred agreed that Rowe has better legal standing than others who apply for custody of Jackson's eldest children. "She's definitely going to have an advantage."
But judges in California often take into account who is left in the children's lives with a strong bond, said Charlotte Goldberg, a family law professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.
"It's really a balance between continuity and stability and a biological relationship," Goldberg said.
A judge deciding the matter may even seek input in chambers from Jackson's children about who they feel comfortable with, she said.
But a court will also take into account with whom the children have a relationship bond, and that may not work in Rowe's favor. She wrote in a 2001 petition to sever her parental rights that she thought Jackson was doing a good parenting job.
"Michael has been a wonderful father to the children, and I do not wish to share any parenting responsibilities with Michael because he is doing so well without me," Rowe wrote. She also indicated in court filings during the 2006 custody struggle that she had not seen the children since 2005, shortly after his trial ended in acquittal on all charges and Jackson moved the children overseas.
It is unclear how often Rowe has seen the children since Jackson returned to the Los Angeles area in recent months to prepare for a 50-show concert engagement in London. It is also unclear what role the children's godfather, British child actor Mark Lester, may play in the proceedings.
Whoever wins custody of Jackson's children won't automatically gain control of their inheritance, Phillips said.
"For many people, the person or persons who are taking care of their kids are not necessarily taking care of their money," Phillips said. "There's a benefit to that — a sort of a check-and-balance."
Rowe, or whoever is designated the children's guardian, will receive payments based on Jackson's estate, Phillips said.
More clarity about the fate of Jackson's children will likely come once court proceedings start.
Phillips said the custody issue will now be handled by a probate court. If it is filed at Los Angeles' main downtown courthouse, Phillips said it will be handled by judges with significant family law experience.
Phillips said the looming custody fight could be unlike any other.
"In all the cases I've read all over the country," she said, "I've never seen a fact pattern like this."
Jackson ex-wife shows interest in custody of kids
By ANTHONY MCCARTNEY
AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney
Ap Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES – The future of Michael Jackson's children was thrown into question Thursday when his ex-wife emerged and won a delay in a custody hearing while she decides whether she wants to raise her two offspring.
It was the first legal move from Deborah Rowe since the entertainer's death. Jackson's will asks for his mother, Katherine, to get permanent custody of all three of his children.
Rowe, who met Jackson as a receptionist in the office of his dermatologist, has characterized their relationship as strictly for the purpose of birthing Jackson children. She is the mother of his two oldest children and received $8.5 million in their divorce, according to court records. His youngest child was conceived with a surrogate.
She has spent very little time with her son Michael Joseph Jr., known as Prince Michael, 12; and daughter Paris Michael Katherine, 11. But Rowe also has opposed the idea of Katherine Jackson getting custody of her children when it came up in the past.
Rowe's attorney, Eric M. George, said Thursday she had not decided whether to seek custody.
Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff rescheduled a guardianship hearing for July 13 at the request of attorneys for Rowe and for Katherine Jackson, 79, who has temporary guardianship of her son's children.
The identity of the surrogate mother of the singer's youngest child, 7-year-old son Prince Michael II, has never been revealed.
Jackson's public memorial was set for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, according to a press release from the office of the Jackson family's publicist.
Randy Phillips, chief executive of AEG Live, which owns the Staples Center and was Jackson's promoter, said tickets would be free. He was not sure how they would be distributed.
But Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine said the Jackson family should consider delaying the public memorial to allow more time to plan. He also said the cash-strapped city doesn't have the money to pay police overtime.
"If you can imagine 100,000 people show up and you have 20,000 capacity (at the Staples Center), there is not sufficient room. Now you have a crowd-control problem," he said. With the July Fourth holiday weekend "it's the worst time ... to work something out."
Another court hearing will proceed as planned Monday on who will take temporary control of Jackson's estate. He left all his assets to the Michael Jackson Family Trust.
A person familiar with the details of the trust said it would be shared between his mother, who gets 40 percent, his three children, who together get 40 percent, and charities for children, which would receive 20 percent. The charities will be determined later by the trust.
The person was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity.
Authorities also were investigating allegations that the 50-year-old Jackson had been consuming painkillers, sedatives and antidepressants.
California Attorney General Jerry Brown said his office was helping Los Angeles police investigate the possible involvement of prescription drugs in Jackson's death.
His Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement is searching a state database that tracks doctors who prescribe controlled substances, how much and to whom.
The federal Drug Enforcement Administration also has joined the investigation. The Los Angeles Police Department asked the DEA to help, a law enforcement official in Washington told the AP on condition of anonymity because of the investigation's sensitivity.
In an interview on NBC's "Today" show, Jackson's brother Jermaine said he would be "hurt" if toxicology reports showed his younger brother abused prescription drugs.
"In this business, the pressures and things that you go through, you never know what one turns to," he said.
___
AP writers Michael R. Blood, Beth Harris in Los Angeles; Michele Salcedo in Washington; contributed to this story.
AP Entertainment Writer Anthony Mccartney
Ap Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES – The future of Michael Jackson's children was thrown into question Thursday when his ex-wife emerged and won a delay in a custody hearing while she decides whether she wants to raise her two offspring.
It was the first legal move from Deborah Rowe since the entertainer's death. Jackson's will asks for his mother, Katherine, to get permanent custody of all three of his children.
Rowe, who met Jackson as a receptionist in the office of his dermatologist, has characterized their relationship as strictly for the purpose of birthing Jackson children. She is the mother of his two oldest children and received $8.5 million in their divorce, according to court records. His youngest child was conceived with a surrogate.
She has spent very little time with her son Michael Joseph Jr., known as Prince Michael, 12; and daughter Paris Michael Katherine, 11. But Rowe also has opposed the idea of Katherine Jackson getting custody of her children when it came up in the past.
Rowe's attorney, Eric M. George, said Thursday she had not decided whether to seek custody.
Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff rescheduled a guardianship hearing for July 13 at the request of attorneys for Rowe and for Katherine Jackson, 79, who has temporary guardianship of her son's children.
The identity of the surrogate mother of the singer's youngest child, 7-year-old son Prince Michael II, has never been revealed.
Jackson's public memorial was set for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, according to a press release from the office of the Jackson family's publicist.
Randy Phillips, chief executive of AEG Live, which owns the Staples Center and was Jackson's promoter, said tickets would be free. He was not sure how they would be distributed.
But Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine said the Jackson family should consider delaying the public memorial to allow more time to plan. He also said the cash-strapped city doesn't have the money to pay police overtime.
"If you can imagine 100,000 people show up and you have 20,000 capacity (at the Staples Center), there is not sufficient room. Now you have a crowd-control problem," he said. With the July Fourth holiday weekend "it's the worst time ... to work something out."
Another court hearing will proceed as planned Monday on who will take temporary control of Jackson's estate. He left all his assets to the Michael Jackson Family Trust.
A person familiar with the details of the trust said it would be shared between his mother, who gets 40 percent, his three children, who together get 40 percent, and charities for children, which would receive 20 percent. The charities will be determined later by the trust.
The person was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity.
Authorities also were investigating allegations that the 50-year-old Jackson had been consuming painkillers, sedatives and antidepressants.
California Attorney General Jerry Brown said his office was helping Los Angeles police investigate the possible involvement of prescription drugs in Jackson's death.
His Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement is searching a state database that tracks doctors who prescribe controlled substances, how much and to whom.
The federal Drug Enforcement Administration also has joined the investigation. The Los Angeles Police Department asked the DEA to help, a law enforcement official in Washington told the AP on condition of anonymity because of the investigation's sensitivity.
In an interview on NBC's "Today" show, Jackson's brother Jermaine said he would be "hurt" if toxicology reports showed his younger brother abused prescription drugs.
"In this business, the pressures and things that you go through, you never know what one turns to," he said.
___
AP writers Michael R. Blood, Beth Harris in Los Angeles; Michele Salcedo in Washington; contributed to this story.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Dentist Philippines^^ Does anyone know a good dentist in the beach area of La Union
TaNonG LaNg .... Does anyone know a good dentist in the beach area of La Union
Best answer: Dr. Rommel Hufana in San Fernando City La Union is great. I got him through a recommendation also. You may check his website : http://dentistphilippines.webs.com/
Best answer: Dr. Rommel Hufana in San Fernando City La Union is great. I got him through a recommendation also. You may check his website : http://dentistphilippines.webs.com/
***
15,000 jobs available in Guam soon - DOLE
Here’s good news for Filipino construction workers aching to work abroad.The Labor department said Monday that about 15,000 jobs would soon be made available in Guam for the construction of American military camps and housing for US marines to be relocated from Okinawa, Japan.Labor Undersecretary for employment Danilo Cruz said government and private groups in Guam have expressed their preference to hire Filipino workers as soon as construction of the US facilities begin."The private sector and the government there [favors] the Philippines for the project," Cruz told reporters.Except for local workers, Filipino workers would expect no other competition for the job, Cruz said, noting that the Philippines has an ample supply of skilled Filipino construction workers qualified for the job."I'm sure though that we have enough skilled workers to supply Guam," he said.Last week, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) administrator Rosalinda Baldoz flew to Guam to negotiate the hiring of Filipino construction workers there.Results of such undertaking, however, have yet to be made available."I don't know yet the results of the negotiations but I am very confident that we will be supplying the labor for the construction project in Guam," Cruz said.Cruz said an estimated $15-billion is expected to be released in the next few years for the manpower and the constructions of the facilities, which include the Marine base and a 4,000-housing facility for dependents of the US servicemen.Last year, the Pentagon announced the US has agreed to transfer 7,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam. About 14,000 Marines are currently in Japan, most of them in Okinawa.At present, the government of Guam is working to revise an existing US federal law that prohibits foreign nationals from working in US bases in Guam. Since World War II, Guam has relied on Filipino workers to solve their manpower inadequacy.There are currently 5,000 local construction workers in Guam, according to its Labor department.
Jackson's hospital is known for 'raising the dead'
By MARILYNN MARCHIONE,
AP Medical Writer Marilynn Marchione,
Ap Medical Writer – Wed Jul 1, 6:23 pm ET
When Michael Jackson went into cardiac arrest, rescuers took him to a place known for bringing the dead back to life. A world-renowned surgeon at the UCLA Medical Center has pioneered a way to revive people that most doctors would have long written off, including a woman whose heart had stopped for 2 1/2 hours.
Tested on a few dozen cardiac arrest patients, 80 percent survived. Usually, more than 80 percent perish.
"They took people who were basically dead, not all that different than Michael Jackson, and saved most of them," said Dr. Lance Becker, an emergency medicine specialist at the University of Pennsylvania and an American Heart Association spokesman.
Could Jackson, too, have been saved?
It's impossible to know. Doctors at the hospital worked on him for an hour. The UCLA expert, cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Gerald Buckberg, said he was not personally involved in Jackson's treatment, and that too little is known about what preceded it.
"We have no idea when he died versus when he was found," Buckberg said in a telephone interview.
However, the results in other patients show that "the window is wide open to new thinking" about how long people can be successfully resuscitated after their hearts quit beating, Buckberg said. "We can salvage them way beyond the current time frames that are used. We've changed the concept of when the heart is dead permanently."
They call it "the Lazarus syndrome" for the man the Bible says Jesus raised from the dead.
Let's be clear: No one is saying that people long dead without medical attention can be revived. The lucky ones in Buckberg's study received quick help, and the reason they suffered cardiac arrest was known and could be fixed: blocked arteries causing a heart attack, in most cases.
Buckberg's method requires:
_Prompt CPR — rhythmic chest compressions — to maintain blood pressure until the patient gets to a hospital.
_Use of a heart-lung machine to keep blood and oxygen moving through the body while doctors remedy what caused the heart to quiver or stop in the first place, such as a drug overdose or a clogged artery.
_Special procedures and medicines to gradually restore blood and oxygen flow, so a sudden gush does not cause fresh damage.
Without all three elements, patients might suffer brain damage if they survive at all.
"You can save the heart and lose the brain," Buckberg explained.
UCLA and hospitals in Birmingham, Ala.; Ann Arbor, Mich.; and in Germany tested Buckberg's method on 34 patients who had been in cardiac arrest for an average of 72 minutes. All had failed resuscitation methods with standard CPR and defibrillation to try to shock their hearts back to beating.
Only seven died. Only two survivors were left with permanent neurological damage. Results were published in 2006 in the journal Resuscitation.
Dr. Constantine Athanasuleas (pronounced uh-than-uh-SOO'-lee-us), a surgeon at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, treated one man in the study who had been in cardiac arrest for about an hour and a half. The man's wife, a nurse, did CPR until a helicopter brought him to the hospital.
"He was flatlined," with a heart "as still as your dining room table," Athanasuleas said.
Doctors put him on a heart-lung machine, whisked him to the catheterization lab to see if he had artery blockages, then did bypass surgery to detour around them.
"The guy went home and was neurologically perfect" at least two years later, the doctor said.
Buckberg treated a woman who had been in cardiac arrest for 2 1/2 hours.
He would not send her to the operating room until her CPR and blood pressure could be maintained so further treatment could be attempted, he said.
Sadly, the woman survived all this but died several weeks later from an infection.
Buckberg has taken his work further in experiments with pigs in cardiac arrest. He deliberately deprived their brains of blood flow for half an hour, then used his resuscitation techniques to bring them back, with normal or near-normal function. Results presented at a heart association conference last fall stunned many, including Dr. Myron Weisfeldt, a cardiologist and chairman of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
"He's doing extraordinary things. You almost don't believe the results that he got," Weisfeldt said of Buckberg. "Most of us carry around in our head that if somebody's brain is deprived of blood flow for 10 to 15 minutes that we're just not going to get them back to any useful function. His data suggest it's possible."
Doctors in Japan, Taiwan and elsewhere in Asia have tried approaches similar to Buckberg's with excellent results, said Becker, who is about to try it in Philadelphia.
"It takes training. It takes rethinking" to get doctors to adopt something this new, and funding for bigger studies to prove it works, Buckberg said.
AP Medical Writer Marilynn Marchione,
Ap Medical Writer – Wed Jul 1, 6:23 pm ET
When Michael Jackson went into cardiac arrest, rescuers took him to a place known for bringing the dead back to life. A world-renowned surgeon at the UCLA Medical Center has pioneered a way to revive people that most doctors would have long written off, including a woman whose heart had stopped for 2 1/2 hours.
Tested on a few dozen cardiac arrest patients, 80 percent survived. Usually, more than 80 percent perish.
"They took people who were basically dead, not all that different than Michael Jackson, and saved most of them," said Dr. Lance Becker, an emergency medicine specialist at the University of Pennsylvania and an American Heart Association spokesman.
Could Jackson, too, have been saved?
It's impossible to know. Doctors at the hospital worked on him for an hour. The UCLA expert, cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Gerald Buckberg, said he was not personally involved in Jackson's treatment, and that too little is known about what preceded it.
"We have no idea when he died versus when he was found," Buckberg said in a telephone interview.
However, the results in other patients show that "the window is wide open to new thinking" about how long people can be successfully resuscitated after their hearts quit beating, Buckberg said. "We can salvage them way beyond the current time frames that are used. We've changed the concept of when the heart is dead permanently."
They call it "the Lazarus syndrome" for the man the Bible says Jesus raised from the dead.
Let's be clear: No one is saying that people long dead without medical attention can be revived. The lucky ones in Buckberg's study received quick help, and the reason they suffered cardiac arrest was known and could be fixed: blocked arteries causing a heart attack, in most cases.
Buckberg's method requires:
_Prompt CPR — rhythmic chest compressions — to maintain blood pressure until the patient gets to a hospital.
_Use of a heart-lung machine to keep blood and oxygen moving through the body while doctors remedy what caused the heart to quiver or stop in the first place, such as a drug overdose or a clogged artery.
_Special procedures and medicines to gradually restore blood and oxygen flow, so a sudden gush does not cause fresh damage.
Without all three elements, patients might suffer brain damage if they survive at all.
"You can save the heart and lose the brain," Buckberg explained.
UCLA and hospitals in Birmingham, Ala.; Ann Arbor, Mich.; and in Germany tested Buckberg's method on 34 patients who had been in cardiac arrest for an average of 72 minutes. All had failed resuscitation methods with standard CPR and defibrillation to try to shock their hearts back to beating.
Only seven died. Only two survivors were left with permanent neurological damage. Results were published in 2006 in the journal Resuscitation.
Dr. Constantine Athanasuleas (pronounced uh-than-uh-SOO'-lee-us), a surgeon at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, treated one man in the study who had been in cardiac arrest for about an hour and a half. The man's wife, a nurse, did CPR until a helicopter brought him to the hospital.
"He was flatlined," with a heart "as still as your dining room table," Athanasuleas said.
Doctors put him on a heart-lung machine, whisked him to the catheterization lab to see if he had artery blockages, then did bypass surgery to detour around them.
"The guy went home and was neurologically perfect" at least two years later, the doctor said.
Buckberg treated a woman who had been in cardiac arrest for 2 1/2 hours.
He would not send her to the operating room until her CPR and blood pressure could be maintained so further treatment could be attempted, he said.
Sadly, the woman survived all this but died several weeks later from an infection.
Buckberg has taken his work further in experiments with pigs in cardiac arrest. He deliberately deprived their brains of blood flow for half an hour, then used his resuscitation techniques to bring them back, with normal or near-normal function. Results presented at a heart association conference last fall stunned many, including Dr. Myron Weisfeldt, a cardiologist and chairman of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
"He's doing extraordinary things. You almost don't believe the results that he got," Weisfeldt said of Buckberg. "Most of us carry around in our head that if somebody's brain is deprived of blood flow for 10 to 15 minutes that we're just not going to get them back to any useful function. His data suggest it's possible."
Doctors in Japan, Taiwan and elsewhere in Asia have tried approaches similar to Buckberg's with excellent results, said Becker, who is about to try it in Philadelphia.
"It takes training. It takes rethinking" to get doctors to adopt something this new, and funding for bigger studies to prove it works, Buckberg said.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
US envoy has no comment on Baldwin joke
By Thea Alberto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 12:17:00 05/20/2009
Filed Under: Racism, Celebrities, Media, Diplomacy
MANILA, Philippines—United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney refused to comment on the latest purported slur against Filipinos, this time by actor Alec Baldwin, but she acknowledged that marriage with Filipinos has helped enrich the American culture.
"We have strong laws on marriages and we respect those enormously," Kenney said when asked to comment on Baldwin's recent statement that he would like to get a mail-order Filipina bride because he was already 51 years old, a joke that spurred outrage among Filipinos.
In an interview on the “Late Show with David Letterman” last May 12, the star of 30 Rock said he thought of getting himself a Filipina bride.
“I think about getting a Filipino mail-order bride at this point or a Russian one. I don’t care, I’m 51," Baldwin told the host David Letterman, who responded in jest and said he would like one as well.
Kenney said she could not apologize for Baldwin for he is a "private citizen" as she noted successful intermarriages between the two cultures.
"Of course a lot of Americans have married Filipinos and vice versa and that’s a great contribution to our culture," she added.
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 12:17:00 05/20/2009
Filed Under: Racism, Celebrities, Media, Diplomacy
MANILA, Philippines—United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney refused to comment on the latest purported slur against Filipinos, this time by actor Alec Baldwin, but she acknowledged that marriage with Filipinos has helped enrich the American culture.
"We have strong laws on marriages and we respect those enormously," Kenney said when asked to comment on Baldwin's recent statement that he would like to get a mail-order Filipina bride because he was already 51 years old, a joke that spurred outrage among Filipinos.
In an interview on the “Late Show with David Letterman” last May 12, the star of 30 Rock said he thought of getting himself a Filipina bride.
“I think about getting a Filipino mail-order bride at this point or a Russian one. I don’t care, I’m 51," Baldwin told the host David Letterman, who responded in jest and said he would like one as well.
Kenney said she could not apologize for Baldwin for he is a "private citizen" as she noted successful intermarriages between the two cultures.
"Of course a lot of Americans have married Filipinos and vice versa and that’s a great contribution to our culture," she added.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sunset Bay Beach Resort San Fernando La Union Philippines
Sunset Bay Beach Resort is situated in the northern province of La Union - close to San Fernando City and Buaung, over looking the Luzon Sea. The Resort is well within reach of San Juan for surfing, Baguio, Vigan and Laoag as well as the mountain provinces. In its own well established tropical gardens, this small secluded resort fronts onto a safe white sandy beach, which is for the most part deserted.The sea is crystal clear, ideal for snorkeling. A coral reef extends about 100 yards from the shore, an ideal place for both young and old to explore the wonders of nature, particularly at low tide. Boat trips can be arranged for visiting nearby beaches or fishing. For those who prefer it an infinity pool provides cool relaxation with its jacuzzi and waterfall.We pride ourselves on our personal service - friendly, tranquil and relaxing surroundings. A home from home!
www.sunsetbayphilippines.com/Links.htm
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Hotels, Resorts, & Travel Reservations
Thunderbird Resorts - Poro Point. Our Mediterranean-inspired hotel boasts of world-class services & amenities such as an active boardwalk by the sea and a golf & beach club that locals and tourists can enjoy during their stay.Whether it's sunbathing on long, white-sand beaches, golfing on a scenic lake-view course or simply ending each day with a celebration of life – Thunderbird Resorts is the place to be.Nestled on a peninsula in over sixty-five hectares of prime property, Thunderbird Resorts – Poro Point is a Mediterranean-inspired hotel that offers the exciting atmosphere of an international casino, a challenging round of golf and the serenity of a beautiful seaside landscape.
link : www.asiatravel.com/philippines/launion/launion.html
Cebu now RP’s top tourist destination
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Inquirer Visayas
First Posted 21:53:00 05/10/2009
Filed Under: Tourism
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo—Cebu has become the country’s top tourist destination based on tourist arrivals, according to the Department of Tourism.
The province led 14 other key tourist destinations in the country, including the world-famous Boracay Island in tourist arrivals from January to March.
Inquirer Visayas
First Posted 21:53:00 05/10/2009
Filed Under: Tourism
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo—Cebu has become the country’s top tourist destination based on tourist arrivals, according to the Department of Tourism.
The province led 14 other key tourist destinations in the country, including the world-famous Boracay Island in tourist arrivals from January to March.
Cebu has more visitors than Boracay, Davao
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 11:05:00 05/11/2009
Filed Under: Tourism
Cebu has become the country's top tourist destination based on tourist arrivals, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). The province led 14 other key tourist destinations in the country, including the world famous Boracay Island, in volume of tourist arrivals from January to March 2009. Data from the DOT for the first quarter showed that 422,239 tourists went to Cebu, nearly 3 percent higher than the 410,597 tourists who went to the province during the same period in 2008. Boracay was second with 158,030 arrivals, followed by Davao City (156,468), Camarines Sur (140,220), Zambales (88,718), and Bohol (71,876). The increase reflected the growth in overall tourist arrivals in the country during the period reaching 10.33 percent or a total of 1.3 million from 2008's 1.1 million, the DOT said. Cebu was also the most frequently visited destination by foreign tourists with 184,790 arrivals or drawing nearly
half of the 383,608 foreign tourists that visited the country. It was followed by Boracay (63,903), Zambales (25,252), Camarines Sur (24,976), and Bohol (24,350). Overall, the volume of domestic tourists visiting key destinations grew faster at 13 percent while foreign arrivals
recorded a 4 percent increase in the first quarter. Eduardo Jarque, DOT undersecretary for planning and promotions, credited the growth of tourist volume in the regions to more and cheaper direct flights and better infrastructure including hotels, pensions houses and
ancestral homes opened for tourists. "Manila has become a stop-over for leisure travelers who proceed to the regions like Cebu," Jarque told the Inquirer yesterday Tourism Undersecretary Phineas Alburo gave a similar assessment in an earlier interview.Cebu continues to generate high tourist arrivals because of diverse attractions and more direct flights ensuring
accessibility," Alburo said.Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air have several daily flights to and from Cebu. There are also direct flights from Cebu to Manila, Bacolod, Iloilo, Surigao, Davao, Palawan and Cagayan de Oro, and vice versa among others.There are international flights to Bangkok, Thailand; Osaka, Japan; Incheon, Korea; Hong Kong; Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and China.Jarque said expatriates and other tourists prefer to the provinces and beaches for a vacation.Cebu has become a center of the tourism upswing because it combines a rich historical backdrop, modern infrastructure and varied destinations, according to Jarque. But he said tourist arrivals in Boracay Island were also growing with more hotel rooms needed because the hotels there were always fully booked. "Everybody who wants to party wants to go to Boracay," said Jarque. Edwin Trompeta, DOT regional director in Western Visayas, said it would be pointless to compare Cebu, a regional hub for the Visayas and Mindanao, and Boracay, a 1,032-hectare island-resort, because the two were meeting two different tourism needs. "Among island-resorts, Boracay remains the top tourist drawer with tourist arrivals growing by an average of six percent annually for the past decade," Trompeta said. In its report, the DOT said room capacity in key tourist destinations for the first quarter expanded with the opening
of new hotels and resorts, which created more jobs. During the period, 1,231 additional rooms were opened costing P8.016 billion and generating 1,286 jobs. These include the opening of the P3.18-billion Imperial Palace Water Park, Resort and Spa in Cebu, which increased the room supply in the province by four percent to 14,792. The San Remigio Beach Club in northern Cebu also opened new facilities costing P8.5 million during the first quarter. This includes a convention facility for international meetings, conventions and exhibitions. Boracay boosted its room capacity with the opening of the Shangri-la's Boracay Resort and Spa, a high-end 217-room resort on the island. The DOT expects 2,315 more rooms to be operational nationwide by the end of the year requiring an additional 1,946 employees. In an earlier interview, Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano said foreign tourist arrivals in the country grew by an average of 10.6 percent from 2004-2008, considered one of the best performing destinations in the world. Domestic tourism also grew by an average of 18 percent yearly, he said. /INQUIRER
First Posted 11:05:00 05/11/2009
Filed Under: Tourism
Cebu has become the country's top tourist destination based on tourist arrivals, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). The province led 14 other key tourist destinations in the country, including the world famous Boracay Island, in volume of tourist arrivals from January to March 2009. Data from the DOT for the first quarter showed that 422,239 tourists went to Cebu, nearly 3 percent higher than the 410,597 tourists who went to the province during the same period in 2008. Boracay was second with 158,030 arrivals, followed by Davao City (156,468), Camarines Sur (140,220), Zambales (88,718), and Bohol (71,876). The increase reflected the growth in overall tourist arrivals in the country during the period reaching 10.33 percent or a total of 1.3 million from 2008's 1.1 million, the DOT said. Cebu was also the most frequently visited destination by foreign tourists with 184,790 arrivals or drawing nearly
half of the 383,608 foreign tourists that visited the country. It was followed by Boracay (63,903), Zambales (25,252), Camarines Sur (24,976), and Bohol (24,350). Overall, the volume of domestic tourists visiting key destinations grew faster at 13 percent while foreign arrivals
recorded a 4 percent increase in the first quarter. Eduardo Jarque, DOT undersecretary for planning and promotions, credited the growth of tourist volume in the regions to more and cheaper direct flights and better infrastructure including hotels, pensions houses and
ancestral homes opened for tourists. "Manila has become a stop-over for leisure travelers who proceed to the regions like Cebu," Jarque told the Inquirer yesterday Tourism Undersecretary Phineas Alburo gave a similar assessment in an earlier interview.Cebu continues to generate high tourist arrivals because of diverse attractions and more direct flights ensuring
accessibility," Alburo said.Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air have several daily flights to and from Cebu. There are also direct flights from Cebu to Manila, Bacolod, Iloilo, Surigao, Davao, Palawan and Cagayan de Oro, and vice versa among others.There are international flights to Bangkok, Thailand; Osaka, Japan; Incheon, Korea; Hong Kong; Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and China.Jarque said expatriates and other tourists prefer to the provinces and beaches for a vacation.Cebu has become a center of the tourism upswing because it combines a rich historical backdrop, modern infrastructure and varied destinations, according to Jarque. But he said tourist arrivals in Boracay Island were also growing with more hotel rooms needed because the hotels there were always fully booked. "Everybody who wants to party wants to go to Boracay," said Jarque. Edwin Trompeta, DOT regional director in Western Visayas, said it would be pointless to compare Cebu, a regional hub for the Visayas and Mindanao, and Boracay, a 1,032-hectare island-resort, because the two were meeting two different tourism needs. "Among island-resorts, Boracay remains the top tourist drawer with tourist arrivals growing by an average of six percent annually for the past decade," Trompeta said. In its report, the DOT said room capacity in key tourist destinations for the first quarter expanded with the opening
of new hotels and resorts, which created more jobs. During the period, 1,231 additional rooms were opened costing P8.016 billion and generating 1,286 jobs. These include the opening of the P3.18-billion Imperial Palace Water Park, Resort and Spa in Cebu, which increased the room supply in the province by four percent to 14,792. The San Remigio Beach Club in northern Cebu also opened new facilities costing P8.5 million during the first quarter. This includes a convention facility for international meetings, conventions and exhibitions. Boracay boosted its room capacity with the opening of the Shangri-la's Boracay Resort and Spa, a high-end 217-room resort on the island. The DOT expects 2,315 more rooms to be operational nationwide by the end of the year requiring an additional 1,946 employees. In an earlier interview, Tourism Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano said foreign tourist arrivals in the country grew by an average of 10.6 percent from 2004-2008, considered one of the best performing destinations in the world. Domestic tourism also grew by an average of 18 percent yearly, he said. /INQUIRER
Building world's largest solar energy plant
Reuters
First Posted 14:54:00 05/17/2009
Filed Under: Economy and Business and Finance, Alternative e Environmental Issuesnergy, Investments,
SYDNEY--Australia plans to build the world's largest solar power station with an output of 1000 megawatts in a A$1.4 billion ($1.05 billion) investment, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said on Sunday.
The plant would have three times the generating capacity of the current biggest solar-powered electricity plant, which is in California, Rudd said during a tour of a power station.
Tender details will be announced later in the year, and successful bidders will be named in the first half of 2010. Rudd said the project was aimed at exploiting the country's ample sunshine, which he called "Australia's biggest natural resource".
It was also aimed at helping the country become a leader in renewable, clean energy, he said.
"The government plans to invest with industry in the biggest solar generation plant in the world, three times the size of the world's current biggest, which is in California," Rudd said.
"Why are we doing this? We are doing it in order to support a clean energy future for Australia, we're doing it to boost economic activity now and we're doing it also to provide jobs and much needed opportunities for business as well."
The project should eventually lead to a network of solar-powered stations across the country, Rudd said, with locations chosen to fit in with the existing electricity grid and ensure good access to sunshine.
"We don't want to be clean energy followers worldwide, we want to be clean energy leaders worldwide." Rudd said.
The A$1.4 billion dedicated to this project was part of a wider A$4.65 clean energy initiative by the government, he said.
Rudd also said Australia would become a full member of the International Renewable Energy Agency, which will have its first global meeting in June.
First Posted 14:54:00 05/17/2009
Filed Under: Economy and Business and Finance, Alternative e Environmental Issuesnergy, Investments,
SYDNEY--Australia plans to build the world's largest solar power station with an output of 1000 megawatts in a A$1.4 billion ($1.05 billion) investment, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said on Sunday.
The plant would have three times the generating capacity of the current biggest solar-powered electricity plant, which is in California, Rudd said during a tour of a power station.
Tender details will be announced later in the year, and successful bidders will be named in the first half of 2010. Rudd said the project was aimed at exploiting the country's ample sunshine, which he called "Australia's biggest natural resource".
It was also aimed at helping the country become a leader in renewable, clean energy, he said.
"The government plans to invest with industry in the biggest solar generation plant in the world, three times the size of the world's current biggest, which is in California," Rudd said.
"Why are we doing this? We are doing it in order to support a clean energy future for Australia, we're doing it to boost economic activity now and we're doing it also to provide jobs and much needed opportunities for business as well."
The project should eventually lead to a network of solar-powered stations across the country, Rudd said, with locations chosen to fit in with the existing electricity grid and ensure good access to sunshine.
"We don't want to be clean energy followers worldwide, we want to be clean energy leaders worldwide." Rudd said.
The A$1.4 billion dedicated to this project was part of a wider A$4.65 clean energy initiative by the government, he said.
Rudd also said Australia would become a full member of the International Renewable Energy Agency, which will have its first global meeting in June.
Japan swine flu cases reaches 121--officials
Agence France-Presse
First Posted 09:52:00 05/18/2009
Filed Under: Swine Flu, Health
KOBE--The number of confirmed swine flu cases in Japan soared to at least 121 on Monday after 25 new cases were announced, officials said.
The batch of new cases of the A(H1N1) virus was confirmed in the western Japan city of Kobe, a municipal official said.
Previous figures from the central government put the total number of infections at 96.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group announced Monday an employee had been infected, although it is not immediately known whether she had been included in the earlier government tally.
She works at the Sannomiya branch in Kobe. The bank ordered its 70 non-managerial employees at the branch to stay at home.
"We have disinfected all ATMs at the branch," a group spokesman said.
First Posted 09:52:00 05/18/2009
Filed Under: Swine Flu, Health
KOBE--The number of confirmed swine flu cases in Japan soared to at least 121 on Monday after 25 new cases were announced, officials said.
The batch of new cases of the A(H1N1) virus was confirmed in the western Japan city of Kobe, a municipal official said.
Previous figures from the central government put the total number of infections at 96.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group announced Monday an employee had been infected, although it is not immediately known whether she had been included in the earlier government tally.
She works at the Sannomiya branch in Kobe. The bank ordered its 70 non-managerial employees at the branch to stay at home.
"We have disinfected all ATMs at the branch," a group spokesman said.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Teacher nabbed over fake SM investment scheme
By Tina Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:16:00 05/10/2009
Filed Under: Crime
THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation filed charges on Friday against a public school teacher who allegedly lured several people, including fellow teachers, into a fraudulent investment scheme.
Charged with syndicated estafa in the Manila prosecutor’s office was Marites Francisco, a teacher at Malabon National High School and resident of Concepcion, Malabon City.
Francisco was arrested by NBI agents in an entrapment operation and is detained at the bureau jail.
Angelito Magno, NBI Special Action Unit chief, said that sometime in 2005, Francisco convinced the complainants to join an investment scheme that involved the selling of SM gift certificates.
Francisco allegedly claimed she was connected with SM as a sales agent. She promised the complainants a 10-percent monthly profit on their investment payable every 15th and 30th of the month, the NBI said.
SM management, meanwhile, has issued a statement saying Francisco was not in any way connected with them or their affiliates.
One of the complainants, Reynaldo Corvera, also a teacher, told the NBI that from December 2005 to April 2007, the investors received their money from the suspect.
But starting In May 2007, he said Francisco failed to pay them, saying she had no more money to give.
In November 2007, the suspect reportedly took a leave of absence from her teaching job and has not reported back since.
Corvera said he and about 12 other complainants invested amounts ranging from P5,000 to P1 million.
The NBI said they expected more victims to surface.
Corvera said the victims sought NBI assistance after Francisco failed to return their investments despite repeated demands.
Last month, the suspect contacted Corvera and the other complainants again offering them another investment opportunity. This gave the NBI a chance to set up an entrapment operation.
Francisco was arrested as soon as she received the marked money from the complainants.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:16:00 05/10/2009
Filed Under: Crime
THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation filed charges on Friday against a public school teacher who allegedly lured several people, including fellow teachers, into a fraudulent investment scheme.
Charged with syndicated estafa in the Manila prosecutor’s office was Marites Francisco, a teacher at Malabon National High School and resident of Concepcion, Malabon City.
Francisco was arrested by NBI agents in an entrapment operation and is detained at the bureau jail.
Angelito Magno, NBI Special Action Unit chief, said that sometime in 2005, Francisco convinced the complainants to join an investment scheme that involved the selling of SM gift certificates.
Francisco allegedly claimed she was connected with SM as a sales agent. She promised the complainants a 10-percent monthly profit on their investment payable every 15th and 30th of the month, the NBI said.
SM management, meanwhile, has issued a statement saying Francisco was not in any way connected with them or their affiliates.
One of the complainants, Reynaldo Corvera, also a teacher, told the NBI that from December 2005 to April 2007, the investors received their money from the suspect.
But starting In May 2007, he said Francisco failed to pay them, saying she had no more money to give.
In November 2007, the suspect reportedly took a leave of absence from her teaching job and has not reported back since.
Corvera said he and about 12 other complainants invested amounts ranging from P5,000 to P1 million.
The NBI said they expected more victims to surface.
Corvera said the victims sought NBI assistance after Francisco failed to return their investments despite repeated demands.
Last month, the suspect contacted Corvera and the other complainants again offering them another investment opportunity. This gave the NBI a chance to set up an entrapment operation.
Francisco was arrested as soon as she received the marked money from the complainants.
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