Mindanao has 11 of 20 Poorest Provinces in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - The top 11 of 20 poorest provinces in the country are in Mindanao, with Lanao del Sur leading the way with a 74.3 percent poverty incidence according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) report on the country’s official poverty statistics for the first semester of 2015.

Lanao del Sur's poverty incidence or the proportion of people below the poverty line to the total population in 2015 is up by 7 percent from 67.3 in 2014.

Meanwhile, PSA on Friday, March 18, added that poverty incidence among Filipinos in 2015 was estimated at 26.3 percent. During the same period in 2012, poverty incidence among Filipinos was recorded at 27.9 percent.

On the other hand, subsistence incidence among Filipinos, or the proportion of Filipinos whose incomes fall below the food threshold, was estimated at 12.1 percent in the first semester of 2015. In the first half of 2012, the subsistence incidence among Filipinos is at 13.4 percent. Subsistence incidence among Filipinos is often referred to as the proportion of Filipinos in extreme or subsistence poverty.

Other provinces in Mindanao included in the list were Sulu, Sarangani, Maguindanao, Bukidnon, Sultan Kudarat, Zamboanga del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Meanwhile, six were in Visayas, namely Northern Samar, Siquijor, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte and Negros Oriental.

The three provinces in Luzon were Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Mt. Province.

The 20 poorest provinces in the country in the first semester of 2015:

1. Lanao del Sur (ARMM) - 74.3%
2. Sulu (ARMM) - 65.7%
3. Sarangani (Region 12) - 61.7%
4. Northern Samar (Region 8) - 61.6%
5. Maguindanao (ARMM) - 59.4%
6. Bukidnon (Region 10) - 58.7%
7. Sultan Kudarat (Region 12) - 56.2%
8. Zamboanga del Norte (Region 9) - 56.1%
9. Siquijor (Region 7) - 55.2%
10. Agusan del Sur (Caraga) - 54.8%
12/11. Eastern Samar (Region 8) - 50.0%
12/11. Lanao del Norte (Region 10) - 50.0%
13. Mt. Province (CAR) - 49.9%
14. Western Samar (Region 8) - 49.5%
15. North Cotabato (Region 12) - 48.9%
16. Catanduanes (Region 5) - 47.8%
17. Leyte (Region 8) - 46.7%
18. Negros Oriental (Region 7) - 46.6%
19. Zamboanga Sibugay (Region 9) - 44.9%
20. Sorsogon (Region 5) - 44.8%

The problem exists despite Mindanao's vast natural resources, which remained untapped until now due to the decades-long conflict in the region and the alleged deprivation of budget allocation for the infrastructures.

In 2014, Senator Bam Aquino said that things will turn for the better for Mindanao with the imminent passage of the Bangsamoro political entity and the ASEAN Integration.

During the first presidential debate held in February 21 in Cagayan de Oro, the presidentiables tackled issues of poverty and peace and order agenda in Mindanao. Duterte also highlighted that there was disproportionate funding for Mindanao compared to Manila.

House of Cards Season 4: Shakespeare’s influence on series revealed

MANILA, Philippines - The airing of House of Cards Season Four could not have mirrored a more appropriate time as the Philippines and the United States elect their future leaders this year. As Election Day comes closer, the unfolding political drama in these countries grows more and more intense.

But did you know that House of Cards is largely influenced by works of the greatest English dramatist? As artists and scholars all over the world look forward to William Shakespeare’s 400th death anniversary in April, shows like House of Cards and characters like Frank Underwood (played by Kevin Spacey) remind audiences of the enduring influence of the Bard’s works.

Here are some facts on Shakespeare’s influence on the series.

1. Richard III is a major basis of Frank Underwood’s character

The original House of Cards is based on a novel by Michael Dobbs, a British Conservative politician. Dobbs’ novel was adapted into a series that aired in 1990 in the United Kingdom. A major basis of the novel’s central character was Shakespeare’s Richard III, a play about an English king who earned a reputation as an ambitious and murderous villain.

Like Frank Underwood, the title character in Richard III did not hesitate to get rid of the people who thwarted his ambition. Richard III killed one character after another, including his brother, wife, and two young nephews. After a brief reign, the notorious character met a bloody end on a battlefield in the hands of traitors.

2. Kevin Spacey played Richard III

In playing the ruthless Frank Underwood, Kevin Spacey seems to be getting in touch with a character he has played before. In 2014, Spacey played the title role in Sam Mendes’ production of Richard III, which went on an international tour for ten months. For this production, Kevin Spacey’s look was inspired by the late Libyan dictator, Muammar Gaddafi who was killed by rebel forces in 2011.

3. Frank Underwood’s “asides” are often used in Shakespeare’s plays

There are moments in House of Cards when Frank Underwood would talk to the viewer and reveal his intentions. In the British series, the lead character also talks to the audience in this manner called an “aside.”An aside is a dramatic device where a character shares his thoughts to the audience. Asides are usually not heard by other characters on stage, but they allow the audience to understand what’s going on in the speaker’s mind.

4. Claire and Frank Underwood’s marriage mirror the relationship of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth

Frank Underwood’s wife Claire is supportive of her husband’s schemes and ambitions, and they both share a taste for power. At first, their relationship is very similar to that of Shakespeare’s ultimate power-hungry couple, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
But readers of the Scottish play would notice that at the beginning of the story, Macbeth is full of doubt, while his wife was more certain in their pursuit of power. Towards the end of the play, Macbeth becomes a murderous tyrant, and Lady Macbeth is driven to madness by her guilt.

The outcome of Macbeth and his wife resembles Claire and Frank’s relationship in the latest episodes of House of Cards. While they used to be supportive of each other, their marriage—along with their political partnership—now seems to have broken down.

Considering that House of Cards is based on Shakespeare’s tragedies, a curious question could now be: Will the series end the same way a Shakespearean tragedy would? House of Cards Season Four airs every Tuesday, 9:55pm (8:55pm JKT/BKK), first and exclusive on RTL CBS Entertainment HD.

Get crafty and creative this Holy Week with this 7 DIY YouTube videos

MANILA, Philippines - For Filipinos, it's a tradition to go on an out-of-town trip or commit to Visita Iglesia (church visitation) during the Holy Week or Lenten Season. But, there are some who choose to stay at home to enjoy the peace that a ‘staycation’ brings.

Good thing there’s YouTube to keep you company. YouTube has become a source of inspiration for those who want to make the most out of their time. From home-improvement, beauty and cooking videos, to makeup tutorials, there is a large number of how-to and DIY videos to choose from, making it easy to turn a Holy Week break to a more fun and productive long weekend.

Get ready to create something this Holy Week with a roundup of some how-to and DIY YouTube videos:

1. Eggs and Banana Healthy Pancakes by The Fat Kid Inside


Don your apron and start whisking ingredients to create pancakes this Holy Week season. Erwann Heussaff gives us healthy pancake recipes that will surely be a good company over the weekend. Pair it with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and you’re good to go. If you want to try a variety of healthy dishes, Erwann’s YouTube channel is worth a visit.

2. How to: Braided Bun


Master your hair game while on a Holy Week break and try to recreate lifestyle blogger Kryz Uy’s braided bun. This newfound skill will surely come in handy when you go back to work or meet a friend. If you want some variety, the no-tie bun or big curls can also save the day.

3. Triple Take Episode 4 - Belle's Home Workout


Sweating it out and getting active is also a great diversion for a staycation. Isabelle Daza’s video shows us how to workout at home and be fit while on a holiday. Get ready to do some marches and pull off some squats and push-ups. Isabelle’s YouTube channel also features travel journals and even videos of her fellow celebrities.

4. How to make a lampshade, lanterns, and yarn globes


Creativity can spring from long weekend breaks so why not try making cool lamp decorations for your home? It can add a little spice to your living room, kitchen, or even bedroom and can be a great bonding experience for your family too! MADE Everyday YouTube channel offers different DIY tips using everyday items. From making lampshades to sewing pillowcases, you’re sure to be covered this Holy Week!

5. Paint Your Nails Perfectly!


For girls wanting to achieve that perfectly-polished nails, this video tutorial may just be what will strengthen your nail game. Turn this short vacation into a little me-time and show your nails some love by trying out these tips and tricks for manicure at home. Cutepolish features variety of nail art designs you can recreate at home.

6. 10 DIY Ideas For Your Room You NEVER Thought of!


This long weekend may be all that you need to finally declutter your room and turn it into an actual space you can be proud of. This video tutorial gives you ideas on what new items to put in your room and how to have fun and be more creative about it.

7. 5 Easy Microwave Desserts You Need To Try


For those who decided not to give up sweets this Lenten season, try these five easy-to-make microwave desserts and enjoy it with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. Dodge your oven for now and put your whisking and mixing skills to a test. Aside from featuring funny videos, BuzzfeedVideo also has a variety of DIY dishes and desserts.

US firm to open BPO-call center in MOA

MANILA, Philippines - Harte Hanks is consolidating its Manila operations and adding room for hundreds of new employees with the opening of the company’s BPO-call center at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, in Pasay City on April 21.

Harte Hanks Philippines, a subsidiary of the US-based marketing company currently employs about 2,000 people in its main and secondary locations in Metro Manila.

The move allows the company, which has established its presence in Asia-Pacific with the launching of its call center in the Philippines over a decade ago, to integrate the secondary locations with the Pasay facility.

“We have been always impressed by the skill and dedication of our employees in Manila and look forward to sustaining our growth here,” said Jonathan Bondoc Harte Hanks Manila-based Site Director, in a statement.

Among Harte Hanks’ clients are companies known worldwide in information technology, computer software, sports media, banking, mobile phone and health insurance industries.

Besides the Asia-Pacific, Harte Hanks has offices spread across North America, Europe and Latin America.

“The Philippines’ consistent support of innovative business models such as buy-operate-transfer model and investment in dependable infrastructure priorities are just two of the reasons we are expanding our investment here,” added Ben Chacko, head of operational planning and strategy for Harte Hanks.

The American outfit, whose call center business focuses on North American clients, started doing business in the Philippines with a buy-operate-transfer partnership in 2001.