Pinoy Buzz

VIDEO: Brothers living in a cave in CamSur inspire netizens

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Two young brothers living in a cave in Camarines Sur have earned praises from netizens after their inspiring story was shared on Facebook by their teacher.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyC6WYQetwFfnM0IfiH_gerEX2hBEgK6SySck-6B_rEFSmD4YGPiL2MZpT8q55sOfaubcL1pZ-PnFsuwWSKigS30eS2gVVWrdDHpolDL480aCTip_jDDluEFHBQoTGLaUHsM-LsVIJZWYC/s1600/brothers-vave-camsur.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Believe it or not, the Garaña brothers are modern day cavemen. " border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyC6WYQetwFfnM0IfiH_gerEX2hBEgK6SySck-6B_rEFSmD4YGPiL2MZpT8q55sOfaubcL1pZ-PnFsuwWSKigS30eS2gVVWrdDHpolDL480aCTip_jDDluEFHBQoTGLaUHsM-LsVIJZWYC/s640/brothers-vave-camsur.jpg" title="Believe it or not, the Garaña brothers are modern day cavemen. " width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Believe it or not, the Garaña brothers are modern day cavemen. <br />PHOTO CREDIT: YouTube/ABS-CBN News</td></tr></tbody></table>Jayson and Juan Garaña Jr. are grade school pupils at Manangle Elementary School in Sipocot, Camarines Sur. But unlike other regular students, the Garaña brothers had to endure a long walk towards their “home” at the peak of a hill. Unknown to many, these young boys live inside a cave with their father.<br /><br />According to a report by ABS-CBN News, the family had no choice but to find refuge in the cave when their small hut was devastated by the typhoon Glenda in 2014. A small lamp lights their unusual home which has a small bedroom, a cooking area and a dining table.<br /><br />Most youngsters entertain themselves at home using TV or gadgets, but the two actually spend their free time playing an old-school Pinoy game, holen or marbles.<br /><br />Their teacher, Luningning Bagatua, discovered the boys’ condition during a home visitation last January 23. Although Bagatua and her co-teachers initially took pity of the brothers, they couldn’t help but admire the boys.<br /><br />“Masigasig po silang mag-aral kasi alam ko po malayo ang lugar  nila pero araw-araw po sila pumapasok maliban na lamang po kung may sakit,” Bagatua told ABS-CBN News.<br /><br />(I know they study diligently because even if they come from a far place, they come to school everyday except when they are sick.)<br /><br />Because of Bagatua’s viral post, which has earned over 16,000 shares as of this writing, several good samaritans pledged to help the brothers. In fact, someone has agreed to sponsor the snacks of the boys.<br /><br /><center><div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) {  var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];  if (d.getElementById(id)) return;  js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;  js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3";  fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://web.facebook.com/ning.bagatua/posts/1251433278204604" data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://web.facebook.com/ning.bagatua/posts/1251433278204604">please read po in the name of ou Lord. during our home visitation last sat. jan. 23, 2015. kasama ko po ang mga kapwa ko...<br />Posted by <a href="https://web.facebook.com/ning.bagatua" rel="nofollow">Ning Bagatua</a> on <a href="https://web.facebook.com/ning.bagatua/posts/1251433278204604" rel="nofollow">Sunday, January 24, 2016</a></blockquote></div></div></center><br />The two boys, who aspire to become soldiers someday, would like to live in a more comfortable shelter in the future. <br /><br />Watch their inspiring story below.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iGpO-jXst5g" width="560"></iframe></center><br /><b><i>-Mini/The Summit Express</i></b></div>

VIDEO: Brothers living in a cave in CamSur inspire netizens

MANILA, Philippines - Two young brothers living in a cave in Camarines Sur have earned praises from netizens after their inspiring story was...

WATCH: Fil-Am millionaire tours the world to help others

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines  - A 26-year-old Filipino-American millionaire decided to take his family to a one-of-a-kind world tour after taking home $54 million from selling his mobile app to Snapchat.<br /><br />Garret Gee, a father-of-two and a soccer player at Brigham Young University, is the man behind Scan, a mobile scanning app which allows users to scan bar codes, QR codes, and NFC tags automatically without the need to push a button. His invention became a global success generating $60,000 per month.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzz2bR00jmbOXWw9HdcOUNPMYIedIyCGtGYegmVU2pjdkrgR9yxpaNY_AbFOuRtOh9xrkEU7ZNS0JgQqoyLCEuphtVS3DR1m12xVlnuUTqZZbVkMITxAX6DNVolZxzYu0Uj6_bI5um6f_/s1600/fil-am-millionnaire-travel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fil-Am millionaire tours the world to help others" border="0" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzz2bR00jmbOXWw9HdcOUNPMYIedIyCGtGYegmVU2pjdkrgR9yxpaNY_AbFOuRtOh9xrkEU7ZNS0JgQqoyLCEuphtVS3DR1m12xVlnuUTqZZbVkMITxAX6DNVolZxzYu0Uj6_bI5um6f_/s640/fil-am-millionnaire-travel1.jpg" title="Fil-Am millionaire tours the world to help others" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Exploring the big world with his little family. PHOTO CREDIT: <a href="https://web.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10208063277520107&set=t.1244460522&type=3&theater" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook/Garret Gee</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />“Scan started as a side project, and then, it turned out to be something pretty special,” Gee told Balitang America.<br /><br />In December 2015, he and his partners sold Scan to Snapchat and split the profits.<br /><br />After amassing the whooping amount of fortune, Gee decided travel the world with his family. They even created Bucket List Family, a YouTube show featuring their adventure around the world. However, Gee’s family decided to give their world tour an interesting twist. Instead of just taking photos and souvenirs from the locations, they opted to look for opportunities to help the less fortunate.<br /><br />“We’ll find some anonymous way to help another family in need or anonymously give back to others,” Gee explained.<br /><br />The family has explored Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Tonga. By 2016, Gee and his siblings are hoping to come to the Philippines.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhee-Mtn32fopQnqt3aBlpQrzhmRrZQugh9hXBMu95cNF_7vENmd-faZVt84iKhsuEL_bfU3b6comnlC-7wPWpXQKcvOV4qFZdeZlhG7vR_emdhdBslWGGxQrscrye1lVcp97XlyJUPTr7O/s1600/fil-am-millionnaire-travel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Travelling the world to help the less fortunate." border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhee-Mtn32fopQnqt3aBlpQrzhmRrZQugh9hXBMu95cNF_7vENmd-faZVt84iKhsuEL_bfU3b6comnlC-7wPWpXQKcvOV4qFZdeZlhG7vR_emdhdBslWGGxQrscrye1lVcp97XlyJUPTr7O/s640/fil-am-millionnaire-travel2.jpg" title="Travelling the world to help the less fortunate." width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Travelling the world to help the less fortunate. PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Garret Gee</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Interestingly, a report by The Daily Mail UK revealed that Gee and his family sold their possessions to fund their trip instead of using the money he received from Snapchat. <br /><br />“Part of the reason we're selling everything we own, even though we don't need to, is so we don't dip into our savings in any way. We're going to be totally self-sufficient,' he told The Daily Mail UK.<br /><br />He added: “For me, because of my family's history, there is a big feeling of being frugal and careful with this money.”<br /><br />Watch his story.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HMoEN4i9API" width="560"></iframe></center><br /><b><i>-Mini/The Summit Express</i></b></div>

WATCH: Fil-Am millionaire tours the world to help others

MANILA, Philippines - A 26-year-old Filipino-American millionaire decided to take his family to a one-of-a-kind world tour after taking hom...

11 ways to attract good luck in the Year of the Fire Monkey

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines  - The Marites Allen Annual Feng Shui Convention is a veritable source of auspicious ideas to meet each Chinese New Year with confidence. First held in 2006, The 11th staging of the event was held recently at The Marco Polo Hotel to usher in the Year of the Fire Monkey, which starts on February 8, 2016.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Y4UmWKqVnGXbmBPUtxZA-NzFJf_AepyeTkumSne84Q1W1IieQn_ISxd6NGnd_QC2D6l0M3C3IFnRAgpSnPx8-4s0i_NG92akKF2KWEbXCLrvnMfOBDtnXPzuyfekSnhmdFHM6fj3yTSR/s1600/YEAR-fire-monkey-2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ways to attract good luck in the Year of the Fire Monkey" border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Y4UmWKqVnGXbmBPUtxZA-NzFJf_AepyeTkumSne84Q1W1IieQn_ISxd6NGnd_QC2D6l0M3C3IFnRAgpSnPx8-4s0i_NG92akKF2KWEbXCLrvnMfOBDtnXPzuyfekSnhmdFHM6fj3yTSR/s640/YEAR-fire-monkey-2016.jpg" title="ways to attract good luck in the Year of the Fire Monkey" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />Here’s a mix of tested and innovative ways gleaned from the event on how to attract good fortune. Eleven represents the number of years that Marites — the first Filipina feng shui master accredited to date by the International Feng Shui Association (IFSA) — has been sharing prosperity tips to avid feng shui followers.<br /><br /><b>1. Know the good and bad sectors for the year.</b> Each year, the so-called Flying Stars or energies fly into different directions bringing lucky and unlucky prospects wherever they have landed. It helps to determine those locations and to place the appropriate enhancers to boost good energies. It is just as important to install the recommended cures to deflect the negative ones.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqch7moBDBGQXRf9mSsuy69eXZ6AgREq4vqc3hlb2AnPNTTCa0DvfShy3_TYHusgKEdHVXK-MBxZeAcCikCIiMT8tRt7xzFY3tg_Vs2blmrqhuUFJS_C7hAypmD_kRtSUAp4ydz_qcrI-/s1600/feng-shui-guide-2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="annual feng shui chart 2016" border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqch7moBDBGQXRf9mSsuy69eXZ6AgREq4vqc3hlb2AnPNTTCa0DvfShy3_TYHusgKEdHVXK-MBxZeAcCikCIiMT8tRt7xzFY3tg_Vs2blmrqhuUFJS_C7hAypmD_kRtSUAp4ydz_qcrI-/s640/feng-shui-guide-2016.jpg" title="annual feng shui chart 2016" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Annual Feng Shui Chart 2016: Numbers 1, 6, 8, 9, and 4 represent the lucky sectors that must be activated with the proper enhancers.  Numbers 2, 5, 7, and 3 are the unlucky sectors that must be weakened by suggested cures.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>2. Understand the five feng shui elements. </b>Many are familiar with those five elements—Water, Wood, Earth, Metal, and Fire. A better understanding of how they relate with each other and knowing that each element represents specific sectors and colors may increase one’s chances of enjoying better feng shui.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sMQz-3Ick5fXeBmEttE91zD5T6n_6fCCLL9jdto50hhsQSHNRc7exM83XqvkcKms7-vVRXlHwJx0pWRtOT7e3nVF7jZlACTXCH34wsraLr0T5fhzi-EUIcU9IbD-Pzv8i08EzmKJE_IE/s1600/feng-shui-guide-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="feng shui elements" border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sMQz-3Ick5fXeBmEttE91zD5T6n_6fCCLL9jdto50hhsQSHNRc7exM83XqvkcKms7-vVRXlHwJx0pWRtOT7e3nVF7jZlACTXCH34wsraLr0T5fhzi-EUIcU9IbD-Pzv8i08EzmKJE_IE/s640/feng-shui-guide-2.jpg" title="feng shui elements" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>3. Look good in auspicious clothes.</b> Depending on your aspirations, a unique brand of fashionable wear can help you achieve your specific goals. The recent collaboration between <a href="http://www.frigga.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frigga Charmed Life</a> and award-winning designer Frederick Peralta has produced a classic and comfy fashion collection with exciting combinations of colors, prints, and designs that are meant to boost opportunities for many aspects of your life.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdvQvIIXowfDKXUKc0ITjMa7AMSxPbqcjEzww4lehldnCSuX6NO9cEwT0espuxa-YR1UVlfFWFDKjAWv-12tbBRGhkifGfAf-WasacWTX-aCR3eN30DEiHTmU_dY0KNB8bKsO_320Ni9p/s1600/fashion-chinese-new-year.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="money luck dress" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdvQvIIXowfDKXUKc0ITjMa7AMSxPbqcjEzww4lehldnCSuX6NO9cEwT0espuxa-YR1UVlfFWFDKjAWv-12tbBRGhkifGfAf-WasacWTX-aCR3eN30DEiHTmU_dY0KNB8bKsO_320Ni9p/s640/fashion-chinese-new-year.jpg" title="money luck dress" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The combination of lush florals and the auspicious coins symbol helps attract money luck. </td></tr></tbody></table><b>4. Complete your lucky look with the right accessories.</b> Attract good prospects and be protected from afflicted energies using scarves, hankies, wallets, bags, belts and jewelry designed with auspicious symbols.<br /><br /><b>5. Furnish your home with unique, luck-enhancing decors.</b> If you find some feng shui charms too Chinesey, you will love the new line of very functional and stylish Frigga home accessories. The limited-edition displays include auspicious cushions, decorative mirrors, paintings, mantra stickers, and other out-of-the-box ideas.<br /><br /><b>6. Spray on some Frigga scents.</b> Yes, now you can also smell lucky. The available sets of eau de toilette, room fragrances and fragrance diffusers will help enhance Prosperity, Love, Beauty, Harmony, Longevity, Happiness, Wealth and Good Fortune. <br /><br /><b>7. Carry luck with you when you travel.</b> Whether you travel for business or pleasure, use these colorful luggage tags to help you identify your bags easily. They are designed with different luck symbols to protect you on your trips.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9657S5r2vGoYGpuMvVten9zyiPpxLwT47XZgi84uPVXGrcKbklm6mn8GJazZbtpgLsI3Ah8VURIx4UquJy3JtqdsSY-dqzdCmgID4Ai7CYCrkJ0CiEYaXEhHXdKZdofOuE75vciWO2wrC/s1600/frigga-travel.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="colorful luggage" border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9657S5r2vGoYGpuMvVten9zyiPpxLwT47XZgi84uPVXGrcKbklm6mn8GJazZbtpgLsI3Ah8VURIx4UquJy3JtqdsSY-dqzdCmgID4Ai7CYCrkJ0CiEYaXEhHXdKZdofOuE75vciWO2wrC/s640/frigga-travel.jpg" title="colorful luggage" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>8. Know your allies and friends.</b> Destiny is not always kind, and if you’re not blessed with positive energies on a specific year, you may “borrow” good luck from your astrological allies. They will help you survive a bad period. Aside from your Affinity Triangle, there is another grouping called the “seasonal combinations” that could prove helpful. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7IyFfHhie-ta7dJKClVTzVAIKMXSer1XfS6JGb6ExJRdpK-NiXVt4qhpi2E8f8JrBudfoaMn9hprnVtdVZ4ocGjbYW-PzouCs-eNAH1ksgoeGY9RzNDojskVj8xAzc2wUH9rr0GCutoc/s1600/animal-sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="animal sign vs season" border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7IyFfHhie-ta7dJKClVTzVAIKMXSer1XfS6JGb6ExJRdpK-NiXVt4qhpi2E8f8JrBudfoaMn9hprnVtdVZ4ocGjbYW-PzouCs-eNAH1ksgoeGY9RzNDojskVj8xAzc2wUH9rr0GCutoc/s400/animal-sign.jpg" title="animal sign vs season" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>9. Equip yourself with handy feng shui references.</b> Make sure you have your 2016 Feng Shui Almanac and Feng Shui Planner to guide you in choosing lucky days and hours for important activities. Your personal horoscope book provides helpful indications in many aspects of your life, including wealth, career, romance, and health. It also has valuable suggestions every month on what enhancers to place in specific sectors of the home and recommended fashion wear to attract positive energies.<br /><br /><b>10. Have your destiny chart plotted.</b> This is the way to go if you want a truly personalized reading  based on your birth date and hour, which sets you apart from others who may be born under the same animal sign. It uses the Four Pillars Chart of destiny forecasting that includes all elements at play for you as a unique individual. Please call 0920-9509390   for personal consultations.<br /><br /><b>11. Be the reason others feel lucky.</b> This suggestion works all the time and never loses its charm. The universe keeps score and the things we do have a way of coming back to us in unexpected ways. Do good to others every chance you can, and let karma work wonders in your life.<br /><br /><b><i>- <a href="https://chitsblog.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chit A. Tribiana</a>/The Summit Express</i></b></div>

11 ways to attract good luck in the Year of the Fire Monkey

MANILA, Philippines - The Marites Allen Annual Feng Shui Convention is a veritable source of auspicious ideas to meet each Chinese New Year...

ABS-CBN vs. GMA: Which network is the real no. 1 in TV Ratings for January 2016

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines  - ABS-CBN and GMA Network both claimed leadership as the most watched TV network nationwide for January 2016 based from different ratings service provider Kantar Media and AGB Nielsen.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWNtx6It__t6T8Whhb-fg5CT2OEWRc_YQu_kYgzpz3VefB8vbEPJJ0PFN32ugCwfpiiqbHFaqXbVjc5up1g-iLlnwsJb26sBQMt9zv8GQ8nz-j2U4OR08ABZ2QCZt701aAn0gqp6HUApI/s1600/ABS-CBN-vs-GMA-tv-ratings.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ABS-CBN vs. GMA: Which network is the real no. 1 in TV Ratings for January 2016" border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWNtx6It__t6T8Whhb-fg5CT2OEWRc_YQu_kYgzpz3VefB8vbEPJJ0PFN32ugCwfpiiqbHFaqXbVjc5up1g-iLlnwsJb26sBQMt9zv8GQ8nz-j2U4OR08ABZ2QCZt701aAn0gqp6HUApI/s640/ABS-CBN-vs-GMA-tv-ratings.jpg" title="ABS-CBN vs. GMA: Which network is the real no. 1 in TV Ratings for January 2016" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />The Kapamilya network said it ruled last January after the station garnered an average audience share of 43% from combined urban and rural homes vs GMA 7’s 36%, according to recent data from Kantar Media.<br /><br />Meanwhile, GMA claimed the network garnered 37.5 percent in NUTAM (National Urban Television Audience Measurement) in January (with the dates of January 24 to 31 based on overnight readings), up 2.2 points from ABS-CBN’s 35.3 percent.<br /><br /><br /><b>Kantar Media: ABS-CBN tops January 2016 ratings game </b><br /><br />ABS-CBN kept a stronghold of the primetime block hitting an average audience share of 48% nationwide versus rival’s 33%. The station’s afternoon block also garnered a 42% nationwide rating versus GMA’s 37%. The primetime block is the most important part of the day when most Filipinos watch TV and advertisers put a larger chunk of their investment in to reach more consumers effectively.<br /><br />Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,609 urban and rural homes that represent 100% of the total Philippine TV viewing population, while the other ratings data supplier AGB Nielsen reportedly has only 1,980 homes based solely in urban areas that represent only 57% of the Philippine TV viewing population.<br /><br />Still topping the list of most watched programs during the previous month is “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” with an average national TV rating of 39.8% followed by “Pangako Sa’Yo” with 31.4% which tied at second with weekend top-raters “Maalaala Mo Kaya” and “Wansapanataym.” “Dance Kids” maintained its good showing (29.8%) at third place.<br /><br />Primetime newscast “TV Patrol” continues to be the choice news source of majority of the Filipinos as the only news program in the Top 10 programs of January, landing at the fourth spot with an average national TV rating of 28.7%.<br /><br />Two new programs also debuted strongly in January. “Pilipinas Got Talent Season 5” averaged a rating of 26.6% while late morning feel-good series “Be My Lady” earned a remarkable 18.3% rating, almost 10 points higher than competition. “Rated K” (24.3%) and “Home Sweetie Home” (24.1%) rounded up the Kapamilya programs in the Top 10.<br /><br />“It’s Showtime” (16.1%) was also able to regain the lead in the weekday noontime slot as its rival show’s rating dropped to 15.2%.<br /><br />ABS-CBN also fared better than its competition in other territories such as Balance Luzon (areas in Luzon outside Mega Manila) where it scored a national average audience share of 45% vs GMA’s 36%; in Visayas with 54% vs rival’s 26% and in Mindanao with 55% vs GMA’s 27%<br /><br />Kantar Media is a leading television (TV) audience measurement provider with capabilities in gathering TV viewing data in both digital and analog platforms. It is a multinational market research group that specializes in audience measurement in more than 80 countries, has 26 TV networks, ad agencies, and pan-regional networks subscribing to its ratings services.<br /><br />Among its local current subscribers are ABS-CBN, Peoples Television Network Inc., The Huddle Room Media Inc., JRA Advertising (J. Romero and Associates), 720 Consumer Connect, ZenithOptimedia, Viva Communications Inc., Manprom, Philippine Daily Inquirer , CNN Philippines, Starcom, Clubmedia, Havas Media Ortega, and Media Agency groups IPG Mediabrands (Touch BPN, UM), Dentsu Aegis Network (Dentsu, Mediaforce, Carat), Omnicom Media Group (OMD, PHD and M2M) as well as Group M (Mindshare, MEC, MediaCom, and Maxus).<br /><br />International subscribers to Kantar Media include Turner Broadcasting System Asia, NBCU Global Networks Asia Pte Ltd, Google Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Home Box Office (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Scripps Networks Interactive (Asia) Pte. Ltd., MTV Asia, Fox International Channels, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific Pte Ltd, CSM Media Research (China), AETN All Asia Networks Pte Ltd, Celestial Tiger Entertainment and Sony Pictures International.<br /><br /><br /><b>GMA Network keeps nationwide ratings leadership in January </b><br /><br />GMA continued to be the most watched channel across all timeblocks in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, where most of the urban TV households are found. Urban Luzon accounts for 77 percent, while Mega Manila increased its urban population share to 60 percent effective January 2016.<br /><br />In Urban Luzon, GMA posted a total day audience share of 42.5 percent, higher than ABS-CBN’s 30.1 percent by 12.4 points and TV5’s 7.4 percent by 35.1 points.<br /><br />The Kapuso Network was also largely ahead in Mega Manila with 44 percent, leading ABS-CBN’s 27.4 percent by 16.6 points and TV5’s 7.8 percent by 36.2 points.<br /><br />Compared to its rival ABS-CBN, more Kapuso programs entered the top 30 programs (including specials) list in NUTAM, Urban Luzon and Mega Manila.<br /><br />The reality sitcom Pepito Manaloto took the top spot in Urban Luzon; while multi-awarded news magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho emerged number one in Mega Manila and led the list of Kapuso shows in NUTAM.<br /><br />Magpakailanman, Eat Bulaga, Marimar, 24 Oras, Ismol Family, Sunday Pinasaya, and Little Nanay also ranked among the top-performing programs in January.<br /><br />Completing the list are Because of You, That’s My Amboy, Celebrity Bluff, Wowowin, 24 Oras Weekend, The Half Sisters, Karelasyon, Kapuso Primetime Cinema, Vampire Ang Daddy Ko, IMBG 20 I Am Bubble Gang, Wish I May, Wanted: President, Buena Familia and i-Witness.<br /><br />So, which network do you think is the real number 1? Tell us in the comment section below.</div>

ABS-CBN vs. GMA: Which network is the real no. 1 in TV Ratings for January 2016

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN and GMA Network both claimed leadership as the most watched TV network nationwide for January 2016 based from...

Google releases Top 10 most viewed YouTube ads in PH

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines  - As usage of smartphone devices grows, so does the consumption of content. More and more brands are moving from traditional to digital  when communicating with their target audience. Clearly, digital has changed the game and this presents opportunities for brands to get even more creative with their ideas.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3mdv36sbh5MMApgU6diuQzGHcrOdmShaO4uwwEP425DQAwagqugSfDK13X1sctpk2QFY734ToJXOKMcJTiEacCyY1dEmGujumUHIA635fC1kI4h2wfUMczigAzdIc6o6_u3-w6RF0RsU/s1600/top-10-youtube-ads-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="most viewed YouTube ads in PH" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3mdv36sbh5MMApgU6diuQzGHcrOdmShaO4uwwEP425DQAwagqugSfDK13X1sctpk2QFY734ToJXOKMcJTiEacCyY1dEmGujumUHIA635fC1kI4h2wfUMczigAzdIc6o6_u3-w6RF0RsU/s640/top-10-youtube-ads-2015.jpg" title="most viewed YouTube ads in PH" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most viewed YouTube ads in PH. Screengrab from Youtube.</td></tr></tbody></table>Take video ads, for example. Now that digital has come to play, videos are no longer just viewable on TV but has found an extended home on the internet where it can reach a wider audience by the millions. This made brands create longer storylines and get more personal and real-time feedback from consumers. <br /><br />Although the power of online videos is undeniable, a more important question is, what type of video content resonates the most with audiences? According to Google Philippines Country Manager Ken Lingan, creating video content and simply sharing it on a video-sharing platform like YouTube do not guarantee views because consumers still have the power to skip ads. What really matters is the quality of the content. “Authentic story, coupled with a complete understanding of consumer passion, is still the key. The platforms may change, but what has not changed is the desire for dialogue and stories. Brands have always been one of the best storytellers and they now have the opportunity to re-fulfill this need,” he said.<br /><br />To recognize the top-viewed YouTube ads in the Philippines, Google released the YouTube Ads Leaderboard for the second half of 2015. It is the first time that all the ads on the Leaderboard are local and because of this, advertisers now know what types of digital content get more attention from Filipino audiences.<br /><br />Topping the list is McDonald’s Papa Na Kita #ALDUBKoTo ad. McDonald’s Philippines Marketing Director Christina Lao shared that social listening is one way to know what audiences really want. When the famous AlDub tandem became a hit, McDonald’s was one of the first brands to respond to their followers’ request. “We got AlDub because people were sending us a lot of tweets to get them as our brand ambassadors. We listened also because AlDub embodies the values and personalities of the brand.”<br /><br />Nestle’s Chuckie Buddy commercial, which made it to the third spot on the Leaderboard, highlights the classic Filipino mother-son relationship where the mom takes on the role of both a mother and a friend and ends with an emotional reminder, “Minsan lang sila bata kaya sabayan mo na.” <br /><br />Ramon Garcia, managing partner at McCann Worldgroup, the creative agency that worked on the Chuckie commercial, emphasized the importance of knowing what the brands stand for. For Chuckie, it’s the concept of “active play” where moms play a major role. This resulted in content that made viewers remember their own mother-child bonding moments.<br /><br />Andrea Raralio, consumer marketing manager at Nestle Philippines, emphasizes the power of storytelling. “At the end of day, it is the story and the brand that the consumers will remember. It will not be about all the froo froo that comes with the ad.”<br /><br />Lady’s Choice Maine Mendoza sinurpresa ang pamilya Mendoza ng Laguna! ad has a different take on Filipinos being family-oriented. Although Maine was featured in the video, it is the Filipinos’ love for family reunions that makes the ad relatable.<br /><br />Eskinol’s Wattpad webisode, landing on the ninth spot, also shows a different way of extending reach via digital. Despite being over five minutes long, the ad caught the attention of the viewers because of its take on teenage love and attraction. Viewers even took their sentiments to the comment box and expressed how they could not wait for the next episode. One viewer even mentioned that it was her first time to finish an ad despite its length.<br /><br />Ken further highlighted the effectiveness of authentic content and how, when married with the digital platform like YouTube, it can create a powerful impact. According to him, this impact resonates so well that the viewers cannot wait to know what’s next, turning them from mere spectators to actual fans. “YouTube was built by and for fans. If you are able to nurture that fan base, you have an amazing pool of viewers that could be your brand ambassadors.”<br /><br />Here's the complete list of most viewed YouTube ads in the Philippines:<br /><br />1. McDonald’s: Papa Na Kita #ALDUBKoTo (1:32)<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hHxE2wdegms" width="560"></iframe></center><br /><br />2. Bear Brand, Nestle: Micronutrient Deficiency Edutainment Video (1:00)<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E_ua03zGppc" width="560"></iframe></center><br /><br />3. Chuckie, Nestle: CHUCKIE Buddy (1:02)<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qmdEQ6eW39s" width="560"></iframe></center><br /><br />4. Resorts World Manila: WOMAN GETS LUCKY IN CINEMA!!! (2:20)<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5J8iGzLmNRE" width="560"></iframe></center><br /><br />5. Tide, P&G: Tide AlDub Commercial of Alden and Maine for Tide6! #ALDUBabaTide6 (0:52)<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H34LkxHjnzI" width="560"></iframe></center><br />6. Lady’s Choice, Unilever: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vppHoY4_8I" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maine Mendoza sinurpresa ang pamilya Mendoza ng Laguna</a>! (2:58)<br /><br />7. Jollibee: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQN6-l5_6Rk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Voice Kids I Love You Sabado!</a> (1:32)<br /><br />8. Globe: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3850g4ZeoBg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Express all your emotions inside and out with GoSurf </a>(0:30)<br /><br />9. Eskinol, Unilever: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkTACq1Dtfo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eskinol on Wattpad: Face to Face Episode 2</a> (5:40)<br /><br />10. Knorr Philippines, Unilever: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeq4H07ZUAE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Asim Kilig #KinikiligKumain MTV</a> (1:01)</div>

Google releases Top 10 most viewed YouTube ads in PH

MANILA, Philippines - As usage of smartphone devices grows, so does the consumption of content. More and more brands are moving from tradit...

LOOK: Mandaluyong City gov't post signs blaming DPWH for slow-paced project

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines- To express dismay over a slow-paced flood control project in Mandaluyong, the city government put up several signs blaming the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBKzLNWozxHGC6hZOD1DJ7WCngkM0JaiL0J8Px42_HsK1N81z0BZavyY7tgFSHBaCbE9hSCyvnk9A82zorN-_0bodZ6W4CI21TvMbnON0xaYwScfQTFQcFKv1EKJpghazwK90wB8RzalI/s1600/ABALOS-vs-dpwh.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mandaluyong City gov't post signs blaming DPWH for slow-paced project" border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBKzLNWozxHGC6hZOD1DJ7WCngkM0JaiL0J8Px42_HsK1N81z0BZavyY7tgFSHBaCbE9hSCyvnk9A82zorN-_0bodZ6W4CI21TvMbnON0xaYwScfQTFQcFKv1EKJpghazwK90wB8RzalI/s640/ABALOS-vs-dpwh.jpg" title="Mandaluyong City gov't post signs blaming DPWH for slow-paced project" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Mandaluyong City government blames DPWH over a slow-paced flood control project causing inconvenience to residents, motorists and businessmen. PHOTO CREDIT: April Rose Aquino Velasco via Top Gear Philippines</td></tr></tbody></table>A photo sent by a certain April Rose Aquino Velasco to Top Gear Philippines shows a sign that says: “Ito po ay proyekto ng DPWH hindi ng lungsod ng Mandaluyong. Ipagpaumanhin po ang abalang dulot ng proyektong ito.”<br /><br />(This is a project by DPWH and not by the city of Mandaluyong. Our apologies for the inconvenience brought about by this project.)<br /><br />According to Velasco, several signs like this were put up in the city after a netizen posted a complaint about the said flood control project.<br /><br />A report by Inquirer revealed that the ongoing drainage improvement project of the DPWH began as early as January 2013. Because of the delay in the completion of the project, foul-smelling stagnant water surrounding portions of Boni Avenue, Maysilo Circilo and adjacent streets has brought inconvenience to residents, motorists and businessmen in the area. <br /><br />In order to address such complaints, Abalos wrote to DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson.<br /><br />“While the project is owned and operated by your department, [the] city government continues to be blamed and criticized for [it],” he wrote in his letter.<br /><br />In addition, Abalos urged Singson to produce a detailed plan of the project including the progress and expected completion date which he could show to residents. Meanwhile, the DPWH website indicates that the project is set to be completed by May 30 this year and about 54% of the project has been completed as of December 31, 2015.<br /><br /><b>DPWH chief issues apology</b><br /><br />On Tuesday, February 2, Abalos disclosed that Singson apologized to him for the criticisms and inconvenience the local government of Mandaluyong faced brought about by DPWH’s flood control project. Singson also promised Abalos that he will look into the issue and will ensure that L.R. Tiqui Builders Inc., the contractor, would speed up the completion of the project.<br /><br /><b><i>-Mini/The Summit Express</i></b></div>

LOOK: Mandaluyong City gov't post signs blaming DPWH for slow-paced project

MANILA, Philippines- To express dismay over a slow-paced flood control project in Mandaluyong, the city government put up several signs blam...

San Miguel creates history, clinches back-to-back PBA PH Cup championships

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines  - The San Miguel Beermen made a history after becoming the first PBA team to escape 3-0 deficit and won the championship, 96-89 over Alaska Aces in the Game 7 of the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup Finals held on Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_t2iphrd223igacp2tvNsazsxeoYMgwRCLMHZ2C-N0QsI-U9IiVCj9uq4Zv9Ujjda2WtBwtTYmvY1uquuTpFi6mjLlgFiAlxDp5kYRqOjI6BdBtdLbhlwdTnt3_QyHF7iTg4tKpCtT5SR/s1600/smb-beeracle.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="San Miguel wins 2016 PBA Philippine Cup title." border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_t2iphrd223igacp2tvNsazsxeoYMgwRCLMHZ2C-N0QsI-U9IiVCj9uq4Zv9Ujjda2WtBwtTYmvY1uquuTpFi6mjLlgFiAlxDp5kYRqOjI6BdBtdLbhlwdTnt3_QyHF7iTg4tKpCtT5SR/s640/smb-beeracle.jpg" title="San Miguel wins 2016 PBA Philippine Cup title." width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Miguel wins 2016 PBA Philippine Cup title. Photo Credit: @<span class="u-linkComplex-target" style="text-decoration: underline !important;">chinoluipio</span></td></tr></tbody></table>San Miguel also clinched their back-to-back Philippine Cup championships and their 22nd overall.<br /><br />SMB's guard Chris Ross was hailed Finals MVP finishing with a conference-high 21 points along with five rebounds and five assists. Ross averaged 8.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, four assists, 1.7 steals in the series.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Congrats to <a href="https://twitter.com/cmross6" rel="nofollow">@cmross6</a> for winning Finals MVP! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBAFinals?src=hash" rel="nofollow">#PBAFinals</a> <a href="https://t.co/YpE8rQsxdk" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/YpE8rQsxdk</a></div>— Chino Lui Pio (@chinoluipio) <a href="https://twitter.com/chinoluipio/status/694885359457406976" rel="nofollow">February 3, 2016</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />June Mar Fajardo, who missed the first four games of the series topped with 21 points and 15 rebounds.<br /><br />Marcio Lassiter had 15 points while Arwind Santos added a double-double with 13 points and 10 boards.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Chris Banchero led the Aces with 21 points while Calvin Abueva finished with 16 points and nine rebounds.<br /><br /><b>The scores:</b><br /><b>San Miguel (96) </b>– Fajardo 21, Ross 21, Lassiter 15, Santos 13, Cabagnot 8, Tubid 7, De Ocampo 7, Lutz 2, Espinas 2, Heruela 0.<br /><br /><b>Alaska (89) </b>– Banchero 21, Abueva 16, Baguio 10, Exciminiano 8, Casio 8, Hontiveros 6, Thoss 4, Baclao 4, Jazul 4, Dela Rosa 3, Manuel 3, Dela Cruz 2, Eman 0, Menk 0.<br /><br />Quarterscores: 22-16, 43-38, 68-51, 96-89.</div>

San Miguel creates history, clinches back-to-back PBA PH Cup championships

MANILA, Philippines - The San Miguel Beermen made a history after becoming the first PBA team to escape 3-0 deficit and won the championshi...

Filipino-made drone can help boost search and rescue operations

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines- “Project Kwago,” a drone project made by a team of three Filipinos, aims to improve search and rescue operations particularly during catastrophes.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuNUCehf8XLJ0s9oePD-Ns9N1Ojsj_FWzRyIk6jIYE7kTSCyYpTumcVLzC485qvIudvpJp-B7yWcmN6vwzoBI64iwdfuOVIBPhB5JUV2XXP2i5_PiLyr-KNeWFS9qjkDgDXwu3vYi6dhB/s1600/project+kwago.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Project Kwago aims to improve search and rescue operations during catastrophes." border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuNUCehf8XLJ0s9oePD-Ns9N1Ojsj_FWzRyIk6jIYE7kTSCyYpTumcVLzC485qvIudvpJp-B7yWcmN6vwzoBI64iwdfuOVIBPhB5JUV2XXP2i5_PiLyr-KNeWFS9qjkDgDXwu3vYi6dhB/s640/project+kwago.jpg" title="Project Kwago aims to improve search and rescue operations during catastrophes." width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Project Kwago aims to improve search and rescue operations during catastrophes. <br />PHOTO CREDIT: Dronesforgood.ae</td></tr></tbody></table>A semifinalist at the 2016 Drones for Good Awards in the United Arab Emirates, the search and rescue drone has pattern recognition, collision avoidance, sonars as well auto take-off and landing features. It is also equipped with a thermal camera that allows it to detect heat signatures from the ground.<br /><br />According to its inventors, Kwago specializes in night operations as most drones used in search and rescue operations are only capable of capturing photos or videos during daytime. <br /><br />So how exactly does Kwago work?<br /><br />Users can plot the coordinates of the target area on the map using the Kwago app. Kwago will then conduct a high altitude thermal scan of the area, which is approximately 400 feet, to identify and detect thermal signatures from the ground. The system will then mark as soon as a thermal signature is detected. Afterwards, Kwago will carry out a low attitude scan of the area, approximately 40 to 50 feet, in order to get the exact location as well as the coordinates of the detected heat signatures. <br /><br />Once the coordinates are obtained, these will be transmitted in real time either to the ground station or to the rescuer nearest to the location.<br /><br />Interestingly, Kwago can hover and beam light on top of the target while waiting for rescuers. The drone can also mark as well as submit the coordinates of the target to the ground station and go on with the sweep.<br /><br />The rescue team can also save a lot of time since Kwago can move on to the next target area when no heat signature is detected.<br /><br />Created by video editor and hobbyist Mac Eugenio (project head), freelance cameraman Ari Trofeom and software architect Vince Villena, Kwago has the chance to be awarded US$1,000,000 in funding if it beats 19 other semifinalists in the contest to be held on February 6, 2016 at the Dubai Internet City.<br /><br />"It is up to us to gear up to these challenges, to be creative, to be innovative and believe that we can do something more for humanity through technology. Once Kwago flies and does it job, we know we have done our part," Eugenio explained.<br /><br />Watch the video.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jr3-K4aCNWI" width="560"></iframe></center><br /><b><i>-Mini/The Summit Express</i></b></div>

Filipino-made drone can help boost search and rescue operations

MANILA, Philippines- “Project Kwago,” a drone project made by a team of three Filipinos, aims to improve search and rescue operations partic...

UP student stands up against a “maniac” at Robinsons Place Manila

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines- Like most Filipinas, UP Manila student Mary Nicole De Guzman is no stranger to catcalls.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuJJyREcxh34Qv7isfZeCkMgahLzCGPX_A7inIg3QVzMcsSaPm8k-2HssK5ILQNFJwX1SkmNuWgPiGmXy7OfTH2U25Oqju-MLYQq6I4YE7dPvWmNUOeHlElD678FqjZYDLR65PzTv5Y2j/s1600/viral-maniac-robinsons-manila.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mary Nicole De Guzman against manic in Robinsons Manila" border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuJJyREcxh34Qv7isfZeCkMgahLzCGPX_A7inIg3QVzMcsSaPm8k-2HssK5ILQNFJwX1SkmNuWgPiGmXy7OfTH2U25Oqju-MLYQq6I4YE7dPvWmNUOeHlElD678FqjZYDLR65PzTv5Y2j/s640/viral-maniac-robinsons-manila.jpg" title="Mary Nicole De Guzman against manic in Robinsons Manila" width="560" /></a></div><br />De Guzman would often get lustful stares and catcalls from strangers as well as invitation from polite foreigners to go on a date in the past, but no one has ever dared to touch the young lady. But on Monday, February 1, De Guzman personally experienced sexual harassment after an unidentified man touched her “behind” while she was at Robinson’s Place Manila.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>According to De Guzman, she noticed a man staring at her several times at the second floor of the mall while she was waiting for someone to fetch her. This prompted her to give the man an angry glare and enter some shops to drive him away. Unfortunately, De Guzman’s strategy didn’t seem to work as the man was still around the area moments later.<br /><br />When she decided to enter another store, the man in question briefly passed her and “touched her behind”. <br /><br />“I was startled, dumbfounded and angry all at the same time, since i dont swear, all i could blurt out was <i>‘ang kapal ng mukha mo ah!’</i>(‘you’re thick-skinned!’), <i>kahit pa sobrang mas malala pa dun ang gusto long sabihin sa kanya </i>(even if I wanted to say something much worse),” De Guzman wrote.<br /><br />Seeing De Guzman’s reaction, the man immediately walked straight ahead fast making it difficult for the victim to follow him. A minute later, De Guzman was surprised to see that the man was still following her.<br /><br />This drove De Guzman to take out her phone and capture photos of the man. <br /><br />Embarrassed by the situation, the man who was already hiding his face quickly walked away from De Guzman towards the elevator. De Guzman opted to follow the man to take more photos of him. <br /><br />Since there were several people witnessing the incident, De Guzman shouted: <i>“Pasensya na po, pinpipicturan ko lang yung lalakeng binastos ako."  </i><br /><br />( I apologize. I’m just taking a photo of the man who disrespected me.)<br /><br />Although De Guzman broke down after the incident, she is definite that she was able to avenge herself by taking photos of the man. The victim is planning to give out printed copies of the photos of the man to the mall security guards and talk to the mall manager to prevent the man from returning. She also intends to file a police blotter against the man and eventually have him imprisoned even for six months.<br /><br /><i>“Mahuli man siya o hindi, it brings me joy na nakaganti ako kahit papano. Nung hinabol ko siya to take a pic of him, fear and panic was written all over his face, just like mine when he "touched" me</i>,” she wrote.<br /><br />(Whether he will be caught or not, it brings me joy that I was able to avenge myself in a way. When I ran after him to take his photo, fear and panic was written all over his face, just like mine when he “touched” me.)<br /><br />Read her full story.<br /><center><div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) {  var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];  if (d.getElementById(id)) return;  js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;  js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3";  fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/marynicole.deguzman.1/posts/1231926416837351" data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/marynicole.deguzman.1/posts/1231926416837351">Sa araw-araw na paglakad ko from UP to rob, i get stared at in lecherous ways, i get cat-called a lot, and the polite...<br />Posted by <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3208975531108139265#" rel="nofollow" role="button">Mary Nicole De Guzman</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marynicole.deguzman.1/posts/1231926416837351" rel="nofollow">Monday, February 1, 2016</a></blockquote></div></div></center><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>-Mini/The Summit Express</i></b></div>

UP student stands up against a “maniac” at Robinsons Place Manila

MANILA, Philippines- Like most Filipinas, UP Manila student Mary Nicole De Guzman is no stranger to catcalls. De Guzman would often get lust...

VIDEO: Alleged employee of Sen. JV Ejercito tries to bribe traffic enforcer

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines- A motorist claiming to be an employee of Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito was caught on video attempting to bride an unidentified traffic enforcer.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MJvNClx5qU2A5jNQs5OsBtG1BbqO4xSvm7YuXzK_-XMT_3fXoAFyrj1ra5l1vDjP7DIp8qhPNi3z3H62JJpSvxOBuiqNmHxx27uYds2B9QCuf_Ee5hZiSocMw-aFHwqYsibWalvVRF1G/s1600/alleged-jv-estrada-employee.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Alleged employee of Sen. JV Ejercito tries to bribe traffic enforcer" border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MJvNClx5qU2A5jNQs5OsBtG1BbqO4xSvm7YuXzK_-XMT_3fXoAFyrj1ra5l1vDjP7DIp8qhPNi3z3H62JJpSvxOBuiqNmHxx27uYds2B9QCuf_Ee5hZiSocMw-aFHwqYsibWalvVRF1G/s640/alleged-jv-estrada-employee.jpg" title="Alleged employee of Sen. JV Ejercito tries to bribe traffic enforcer" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Alleged employee of Senator JV Ejercito tries to bribe enforcer</td></tr></tbody></table>In the viral video posted by a certain Lenard Bernardo, the enforcer was seen stopping a colorum vehicle near the border of Pasig City and Cainta to inform the motorist that he is loading passengers in an area that was not designated for loading and unloading.<br /><br />Instead of surrendering his license to the traffic enforcer, the driver began name dropping Sen. Ejercito. Stating that he is connected with the lawmaker, the driver attempted to settle the matter by offering to pay the enforcer while the latter was issuing a ticket. But the enforcer chose to do the right thing and didn’t let the name dropping get in the way of accomplishing his duty. <br /><br />The video uploaded on Tuesday, February 2 quickly spread like wildfire on social media getting more than 6,500 shares on Facebook as of press time.<br /><br />Watch the video.<br /><br /><center><div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) {  var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];  if (d.getElementById(id)) return;  js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;  js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3";  fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-video" data-allowfullscreen="1" data-href="/lenard.bernardo/videos/vb.100000801103513/928259230544105/?type=3"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/lenard.bernardo/videos/928259230544105/"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lenard.bernardo/videos/928259230544105/" rel="nofollow"></a><br />Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lenard.bernardo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lenard Bernardo</a> on Monday, February 1, 2016</blockquote></div></div></center><br />On Wednesday, February 3, Sen. Ejercito denied the man’s claim that he is connected to the Senator and his Senate office. According to Sen. Ejercito, the man he identified as “Jun” is indeed from San Juan, Metro Manila but was never part of his staff.<br /><br />“It is unfortunate that he had to name drop me and my office just to get away with a traffic violation. Just want to make this clear with the video going viral in social media,” he added.<br /><br /><center><div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) {  var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];  if (d.getElementById(id)) return;  js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;  js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3";  fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/jv.ejercito/posts/10153611814099475" data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/jv.ejercito/posts/10153611814099475">To those asking, Jun - the man caught on cam brazenly violating traffic rules and apprehended by a traffic officer - is...<br />Posted by <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3208975531108139265#" rel="nofollow" role="button">Jv Ejercito</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jv.ejercito/posts/10153611814099475" rel="nofollow">Tuesday, February 2, 2016</a></blockquote></div></div></center><br />Under the Land Transportation Office-Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTO-LTFRB) joint administrative order 2014-01, a vehicle is considered operating as colorum under the following circumstances:<br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If a private vehicle operates as a public utility vehicle (PUV) without the necessary franchise from LTFRB)</li><li>If a PUV operates outside of its authorized zone or route</li><li>If a PUV continues operation despite suspension, cancellation or expiration of franchise</li><li>If a PUV operates differently from its authorized denomination.</li></ul><br /><b><i>-Mini/The Summit Express</i></b></div>

VIDEO: Alleged employee of Sen. JV Ejercito tries to bribe traffic enforcer

MANILA, Philippines- A motorist claiming to be an employee of Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito was caught on video attempting to bride an...

LIVESTREAM: San Miguel vs Alaska Game 7 PBA Finals PH Cup 2016

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines  - The historical clash between San Miguel Beermen (SMB) and Alaska Aces in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 7 is set to happen today, February 3, 2016 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Get the latest updates through free livestream video which is now available on this page.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhO2BhI8ffhi4OHzoCvrXnX0We977ZpH0mU7tebBqrDJTmjN-wihU59-vi95e-ezVmwjVXnJH9z0uySm4jFbB9xRPPNM3FpyLqHeF_CbJnVvhgnxJVNWDAaC0in0bYA5SMOqsdUPwSVzf/s1600/livestream-san-miguel-vs-alaska-aces.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" San Miguel vs Alaska Game 7 PBA Finals PH Cup 2016" border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhO2BhI8ffhi4OHzoCvrXnX0We977ZpH0mU7tebBqrDJTmjN-wihU59-vi95e-ezVmwjVXnJH9z0uySm4jFbB9xRPPNM3FpyLqHeF_CbJnVvhgnxJVNWDAaC0in0bYA5SMOqsdUPwSVzf/s640/livestream-san-miguel-vs-alaska-aces.jpg" title=" San Miguel vs Alaska Game 7 PBA Finals PH Cup 2016" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />TV5, the official licensee of the PBA will bring Game 7 live streaming online for the winner-take-all match.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jXYTUYGcabg" width="600"></iframe></center><br /><br />Here's the livestream feed of PBA Philippine Cup 2016 (video courtesy of News5 Everywhere (TV5):<br /><br /><i>Updating for the livestream video...</i><br /><br /><b>Check out live Twitter updates from Sports5 here:</b><br /><br /><center><a class="twitter-timeline" data-widget-id="658237649493213184" href="https://twitter.com/PBAonTV5" rel="nofollow">Tweets by @PBAonTV5</a><br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></center><br />San Miguel is looking to be the first team in PBA history to win a crown after trailing 0-3 while Alaska aims to be the first franchise to salvage the championship in Game 7 after blowing away a 3-0 lead.<br /><br />SMB big man June Mar Fajardo is expected to give confidence for his team to win the crown.<br /><br />“June Mar will be able to recover. He’s only about 70 percent (of his old playing condition). He may be 85-90 percent by Game 7. So it’s good for us,” said SMB coach Leo Austria moments after Game 6.<br /><br />The Aces are eyeing their 15th league championship and first Philippine Cup since 2000 while the Beermen are hoping for back-to-back PH Cup championships and their 22nd overall.</div>

LIVESTREAM: San Miguel vs Alaska Game 7 PBA Finals PH Cup 2016

MANILA, Philippines - The historical clash between San Miguel Beermen (SMB) and Alaska Aces in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 7 is...

"FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" hits new all-time high TV rating of 45.9%

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines  - ABS-CBN’s primetime series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” started the month on a high note as the action-drama hit a new all-time high national TV rating on Monday, February 1.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjA9n5uXuP79HE9xcrdol9hOywOhs8tjT3uKCNAsaWfJJQL_l92HuL5D_xDwTiPZP-woqSEclNI26tOcPKEqlUC1TYPHUQ5GITQ-d4k2vQXB3fFoQBnLimCQq5kkePz34BG1h7gLR7SsgL/s1600/Coco-Martin-paloma.png" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=""FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" hits new all-time high TV rating of 45.9%" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjA9n5uXuP79HE9xcrdol9hOywOhs8tjT3uKCNAsaWfJJQL_l92HuL5D_xDwTiPZP-woqSEclNI26tOcPKEqlUC1TYPHUQ5GITQ-d4k2vQXB3fFoQBnLimCQq5kkePz34BG1h7gLR7SsgL/s640/Coco-Martin-paloma.png" title=""FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" hits new all-time high TV rating of 45.9%" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />The Coco Martin-starrer scored 45.9% nationwide versus its rival show “Little Nanay” with only 18.1%, according to the data from Kantar Media.<br /><br />Note: AGB Nielsen is yet to release ratings for February 1.<br /><br />Viewers watched how Cardo, still disguised as Paloma, gunned down the syndicate’s leader, Olga (Gina Pareno). As he continues his mission, Cardo chases after the yacht that carries Carmen (Bela Padilla) and risks his life going against goons on his own.<br /><br />Don’t miss the action-packed scenes in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” weeknights in ABS-CBN. </div>

"FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" hits new all-time high TV rating of 45.9%

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN’s primetime series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” started the month on a high note as the action-drama hit a new all...

REPORT: Missing UP student returns home

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - After missing for 21 days, Ian Jasper Calalang, an 18-year-old University of the Philippines Diliman student, has allegedly returned home, a report by Philippine Collegian revealed.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMPVoP3sCv3poJrOCa96vALVZEkDSNaIi0UF0WQJ0_FJRGLplXoK2i03Bz7ZrbH28-nakxqWnPiKOj041DM11tCnwGcvZYWBB0tcbv4Rpxm44eWCPLt7Yp8qWweL_49T2ObF4JOJb3WDG/s1600/ian+jasper+calalang.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ian Jasper Calalang reportedly returned home" border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMPVoP3sCv3poJrOCa96vALVZEkDSNaIi0UF0WQJ0_FJRGLplXoK2i03Bz7ZrbH28-nakxqWnPiKOj041DM11tCnwGcvZYWBB0tcbv4Rpxm44eWCPLt7Yp8qWweL_49T2ObF4JOJb3WDG/s640/ian+jasper+calalang.jpg" title="Ian Jasper Calalang reportedly returned home" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">After missing for 21 days, Ian Jasper Calalang reportedly returned home. <br />PHOTO CREDIT: Hunt PH</td></tr></tbody></table>According to the report, Calalang’s mother Nenet confirmed that her son arrived at their residence in Greenpark, Cainta, Rizal province on Monday, February 1 at around 11pm. It appears that Calalang’s family refused to give details on what happened to him since he had gone missing on the morning of January 12, 2016.<br /><br />Calalang, an Industrial Engineering freshman student, was on his way to UP Diliman to register for the second semester on the day that he had gone missing. His parents received his last text message informing them that he had arrived at the UP campus at around 8:22 am that day.  Since then, his family had not heard from Calalang.<br /><br />After failing to contact him, his family reported him as a missing person to the UP police as well as the local police of Cainta, Pasig and Quezon City.<br /><br />In her interview with Inquirer, Nenet that it was very unusual for Calalang not to contact them. <br /><br />“This is very unusual. He’s smart and responsible and he always texts me. Even when his cell phone was stolen or losing battery power, he would text me from a friend’s phone,” Nenet said.<br /><br />Days following his disappearance, Calalang’s parents requested to review the CCTV footage at Melchor Hall, College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Letters in order to verify if he was able to enroll. However, the video clips showed that Calalang didn’t show up in the campus.<br /><br />While several netizens have linked Calalang’s disappearance to fraternity initiation, his parents denied allegations that their son joined a fraternity. <b><i>-Mini/The Summit Express</i></b></div>

REPORT: Missing UP student returns home

MANILA, Philippines - After missing for 21 days, Ian Jasper Calalang, an 18-year-old University of the Philippines Diliman student, has alle...

Poverty didn’t hinder this fisherman’s daughter from ranking 2nd on teacher’s board exam

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines- On November 30, 2015, 34,010 aspiring teachers successfully passed the Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (<a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2015/11/top-10-list-of-passers-september-2015-LET-teachers-board-exam-secondary-level.html" rel="nofollow">BLEPT</a>).<br /><br />Among those who received the highest grades was Iah Bantang Seraspi from Romblon State University who got an average grade of 90 and ranked 2nd in the board exam. In several viral posts on social media, the 21-year-old daughter of a fisherman and a plain housewife revealed the struggles she had to go through in order to achieve her dream of becoming a teacher. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OLiqk3jaKmhE8ksTgq6uIbXtN2ceOWq8YTyhcKB20UusrHTGkE-RkPB50wMcph8xwHpRYhzDIcmicbDjQISn-Ru-YMQjfyOoU7mHjZlS6wjG02bMf44Y0pZ47m1PR8YytiSi12lF6y07/s1600/top-2-let-viral.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Iah Bantang Seraspi from Romblon State University" border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OLiqk3jaKmhE8ksTgq6uIbXtN2ceOWq8YTyhcKB20UusrHTGkE-RkPB50wMcph8xwHpRYhzDIcmicbDjQISn-Ru-YMQjfyOoU7mHjZlS6wjG02bMf44Y0pZ47m1PR8YytiSi12lF6y07/s640/top-2-let-viral.jpg" title="Iah Bantang Seraspi from Romblon State University" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Poverty didn’t hinder this fisherman’s daughter from ranking 2nd on teacher’s board exam<br />PHOTO CREDIT: Debbie Esquejo Garcia</td></tr></tbody></table>“I came from a poor family. I am not telling you this to humiliate my family nor to get your sympathy. I just want you to realize how blessed you are if you were able to live a life better than mine. Since I started schooling, feeling ko mayaman na kami kapag nakapag-ulam akong noodles sa agahan kasi usually ang ulam ko ay chichiria, kape, asin, asukal o kahit ano basta lang may lasa ang aming kanin. Imagine the nutrition I get from those foods yet I am an achiever in school. Di naman nila makikita ang laman ng tiyan ko but they will definitely see the capacity of my brains,” Seraspi said.<br /><br />(Since I started schooling, I would feel privileged whenever I get to eat noodles for breakfast since I usually eat junk foods, coffee, salt, sugar or whatever that would add flavor to rice… They won’t see what I ate but they will definitely see the capacity of my brains.)<br /><br /><b>Determined to Reach for the Stars</b><br /><br />Even at an early age, Seraspi had the makings of a successful person. A consistent honor student in elementary and high school, Seraspi graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) major in Biological Science.<br /><br />Unlike other fresh graduates, Seraspi opted not to accept job offers immediately after receiving her diploma. Determined to top the BLEPT, Seraspi participated in review classes and did everything she could in order to achieve her goal. In fact, she was able to finish a total of 10 books from cover to cover not including the handouts and other materials she sourced out at the time she was preparing for the exam.<br /><br />“I secretly wrote in my notebook these words: Goal: To top the BLEPT; Deadline: September 27, 2015. This is to remind me everyday that I have a goal to meet and to avoid procrastinating,” she told Romblon News.<br /><br /><b>Giving Back What She Received</b><br /><br />Although Seraspi had the academic qualifications to enter a university, her family didn’t have enough resources to send her to a top school. This is the exact reason why Seraspi decided to forego her slot at the University of the Philippines and enroll at Romblon State University.<br /><br />Luckily, Seraspi met the Esquejos family of Looc, who willingly supported her studies. After discovering Seraspi’s great grandmother was the family’s long time tenant, the Esquejos decided to help Seraspi with her college education.<br /><br />Immediately after learning that she was among the topnotchers of the BLEPT, Seraspi decided to pay it forward and donate the cash prize she will receive to their church.<br /><br />“I am aware that topping the BLEPT comes with a cash prize. So in silence, I asked God that if He would make me a topnotcher, I would buy our church, Joshua Generation, an LCD projector out of the pot money I will receive,” she recounted.<br /><br />Check out Seraspi’s inspiring story as shared by Debbie Esquejo Garcia, a US-based nurse who financed her college education.<br /><br /><center><div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) {  var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];  if (d.getElementById(id)) return;  js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;  js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3";  fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/debbie.e.garcia.1/posts/10153339585446439" data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/debbie.e.garcia.1/posts/10153339585446439">Friends, I just want to share with you the success story of Iah...here is a young girl who despite of lacking sufficient...<br />Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/debbie.e.garcia.1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Debbie Esquejo Garcia</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/debbie.e.garcia.1/posts/10153339585446439" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thursday, January 28, 2016</a></blockquote></div></div></center><b><i>-Mini/The Summit Express</i></b></div>

Poverty didn’t hinder this fisherman’s daughter from ranking 2nd on teacher’s board exam

MANILA, Philippines- On November 30, 2015, 34,010 aspiring teachers successfully passed the Board Licensure Examination for Professional Tea...

Senate finally gives green light to creation of "green jobs"

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines  - The Senate approved on third and final reading a bill for the creation and development of "green collar jobs" that will enable the country's transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient, sustainable green economy.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeLrowF6Y1YAJWimIzyCthfai7LXfwMI4IXN0rNsP8uLbJU31l31Ip6d90BhW-wTZEsgdZ5H6-WXgcDL9Cmm5DceWLRMKrRw_PGoLw1GeYgrfI06dBHd_Jyu4hZr6YR9CLhvp7Zam20Cz/s1600/GREEN-jobs.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Senate finally gives green light to creation of "green jobs"" border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeLrowF6Y1YAJWimIzyCthfai7LXfwMI4IXN0rNsP8uLbJU31l31Ip6d90BhW-wTZEsgdZ5H6-WXgcDL9Cmm5DceWLRMKrRw_PGoLw1GeYgrfI06dBHd_Jyu4hZr6YR9CLhvp7Zam20Cz/s640/GREEN-jobs.jpg" title="Senate finally gives green light to creation of "green jobs"" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Background photo credit: iamempowered.com</td></tr></tbody></table>Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, principal author of Senate Bill 3092 or the proposed Philippine Green Jobs Act, believes that the creation of an army of green collar jobs is a largely untapped employment strategy that should be explored and maximized, given the host of environmental problems we have and the rate of joblessness in the country which remains among the highest in the region.<br /><br />Green collar jobs or simply green jobs are defined as "employment that contributes to the preserving or restoring the quality of environment, in agriculture, industry or services sector." These are jobs that protect ecosystems and biodiversity, reduce energy, materials and water consumption through high efficiency strategies, de-carbonize the economy, and minimize or altogether avoid generation of all forms of waste and pollution.<br /><br />Under Senate Bill 3092, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is primarily tasked to formulate the National Green Jobs Human Resource Development Plan which would identify needed skills, develop training programs, train and certify workers for jobs in a range of industries, and link green job opportunities with the private and public sectors.<br /><br />"It is high time that the government maps out a comprehensive blueprint and inter-agency cooperation towards mobilizing our workforce and ensuring that they are fully equipped with skills and proficiencies and that host industries are set up towards a seeming global occupational shift to green jobs," Jinggoy, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, stressed.<br /><br />Considered as among the fastest growing green jobs around the world are recyclers, clean car engineers, water quality technicians, urban growers, green builders, solar cell technicians, wave and wind energy producers and workers, and natural scientists.<br /><br />For instance, a report by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) says that green jobs could be created in the Philippines through installation and service of retrofit kits which were proven to cut fuel consumption by as much as 50% and emission of air pollutants by 90%.<br /><br />In his version of the bill, Jinggoy said that the government could initially open employment opportunities for tree planters and reforestation rangers, garbage collectors, cleaners and sanitation personnel, and electrification engineers using renewable energy.<br /><br />Incentives like special deduction from the taxable income and duty-free importation of capital equipment will also be given to business enterprises who shall participate in the green jobs creation and sustenance. Also, government financial institutions in consultation with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) shall provide preferential financial packages to companies that create green jobs.<br /><br />The DOF, DENR, DepED, CHED, TESDA, NEDA, DTI, PRC, DOST, DOTC, DOT, DPWH, and the Climate Change Commission were given specific roles in outlining regulations and implementing plans towards a more integrated approach to achieving a green economy.<br /><br />Senate Bill 3092 is a substitute bill which consolidated important provisions contained in SB 2315 by Sen. Estrada, and SB 2893 by Senators Loren Legarda and Sonny Angara.</div>

Senate finally gives green light to creation of "green jobs"

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate approved on third and final reading a bill for the creation and development of "green collar jobs...