Racist Canadian Woman Viral for Harassing Elderly Filipino Couple in Canada

Racist Canadian woman in action, other Canadian passengers defended the Filipino couple. Photo: nextshark.com

Metro Vancouver Transit Police is now investigating the case of a viral video showing a racist 75-year-old Westminster woman verbally abusing an elderly couple from the Philippines on the SkyTrain.

The incident happened on the Millennium Line on Aug. 21 between the stations Sperling/Burnaby Lake and Brentwood Town Centre in Vancouver, Canada, The Georgia Straight reported. The authorities have now launched an investigation after a review of the video “determined that the aggressor in this situation had used profane and racially slanted language toward the elderly couple.”

The racial tirade of the woman began after hearing the elderly Filipino couple speaking Tagalog.

According to Paula Correa, the witness who managed to catch some of the incident on video, the racist woman interrupted the elderly couple’s conversation after hearing them speak in Tagalog and told them to be quiet, Global News reported.

The tirade eventually led the unnamed woman to telling the Filipino couple to, “go back to the f—ing Philippines,” and further telling them, “If you decide to live in this country, you should learn how to speak English.”

Video: Racist Canadian woman in action, other Canadian passengers defended the Filipino couple. Photo: facebook.com

Interestingly enough, most Filipinos are actually bilingual. English is one of the two commonly used and official language in the Philippines alongside the country’s national dialect, Tagalog.

“We speak both English and Tagalog or whatever dialect we speak. It’s ridiculous how ignorant people are. The couple was replying to [her] perfectly well in English,” Correa said.

Many people joined in to defend the elderly couple. One man tried to defend them but the racist woman switched her aggression towards him and assaulted him verbally as well.

The woman cursed at the couple right before leaving the train, Correa said. And some people even heard her yelling after the door closed.

The unnamed woman, according to the news released by the authorities, is known to the police for having anger-related issues.  Read more at NextShark

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Indian Travelers Eyeing Philippines' Cebu, Boracay and El Nido paradise

El Nido, Palawan Paradise. Photo: kilroy.net

Indian luxe market on ascent in Philippines
By Rosa Ocampo

For a market that has traditionally been dominated by group tours, India is starting to show signs of maturing with more luxury travellers opting for the Philippines.

The “influx of luxury travel now especially to Cebu, Palawan and Boracay for short holidays and honeymooners” are being driven by discoveries of lovely locations and experiences in the Philippines, according to Arjun Shroff, managing director, Shroff International Travel Care Philippines.

These travellers, Shroff said, are not only from major source markets like Delhi and Mumbai but also from secondary and tertiary cities like Hyderabad and Ahmedabad where there are affluent societies.

Indian luxury travellers are mainly made up of families, a smattering of FITs and honeymooners, he noted.

Validating the uptrend, Rajah Travel Corp’s senior sales executive Jaret Salac said that their Luxe Collection products are “doing well”, especially packages whose components include stay at The Farm at San Benito, an upscale wellness centre in Batangas; Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, which is the toniest in the island; and the exclusive El Nido Resorts in Palawan.

The typical Indian luxury travellers fly Singapore Airlines to the Philippines (due to an absence of direct flights from India), stay in Makati hotels in Manila, and go further afield to destinations like Boracay, Kawasan Falls or Oslob for whaleshark interaction, Salac said.

Weddings and honeymoons are another segment that Philippine suppliers are keeping their eyes peeled for Indian luxury travellers, although honeymooners is still a bigger market than destination weddings, which is still considered a “very niche” by travel consultants.

Nevertheless, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa is one of the few resorts that have successfully tapped the Indian weddings and honeymoons market.

Indian weddings are large-scale events requiring a varied selection of venues, the availability of Indian cuisine and Indian chefs, as well as an experienced team familiar with the nuances of Indian culture and traditions, explained Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa director of sales and marketing, Albert Lafuente.

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Cebu Travel Bullish: 12 % Up - Chinese Tourists Visiting the Islands

Paradise Island of Cebu, Central Philippines

More Chinese tourists seen visiting Cebu on better ties

The management of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport is bullish that the volume of Chinese tourists coming in the Philippines via Cebu will continue to increase this year, due to much-improved relations between the two countries.

GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. President Louie B. Ferrer said China has proven to be a significant market for the airport operator, as Chinese tourists now make up 12 percent of the total passenger count at the Cebu air hub from just 8 percent in 2015.  “China is a really an important market for us. Our focus is on China because of the opportunity of the Chinese market,” he said. “We expect a lot from the tourism side, and even businesses.”

Currently, there are two Mainland Chinese airlines flying in and out of Cebu: Xiamen Airlines and Sichuan Airlines.  “China Eastern has also signified its interest,” Ferrer said.

As such, the company is hoping that the Chinese government will set up an embassy in Cebu to further support growth in the Queen City of the South.

“Were also hoping to have visa on arrival for Chinese visitors,” Ferrer said.

GMR-Megawide is targeting to breach the 10-million passenger mark for the airport by the end of 2017. The airport clocked in a 11.5-percent increase in passenger volume to 8.9 million passengers in 2016, from 7.98 million passengers the year prior.  The Filipino-Indian joint venture started operating the airport in Mactan in November 2014, after winning the deal to modernize the existing facility while building a second terminal to support projected growth.

Slated to open in June 2018, Terminal 2 will increase passenger capacity to 12.5 million. The new terminal, spanning 65,500 square meters, will not only lessen congestion but will also offer an exciting and wide-ranging retail environment. The architectural design is inspired by Cebu’s island heritage. - Lorenz S. Marasigan Business Mirror

Where to Stay in Cebu?

Book the cheapest to the most elegant hotel in cebu in a very affordable prices. 

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Baguio Philippines' Temperature Dropped Down 8 Degree Celsius, Winter-like uptown

Baguio Philippines' Coldest Temperature Dropped Down 8 Degree Celsius 5:00 AM 15th February 2017. Photo: Inquirer 

Cold, cold Valentine’s Day as mercury dips in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY—Residents woke up on Valentine’s Day looking forward to a day of warmth, only to be greeted by the coldest morning yet this year as the mercury dropped to 8 degrees Celsius at 5 a.m. on Tuesday.

School children and office workers were in thick jackets, woolen sweaters and scarves as they streamed out of their homes between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. due to the bitter cold.
“My children refused to take a bath. It was too cold,” said a mother in San Luis village here. “It was so cold I could not even wash the dishes.”

Tuesday was the coldest day so far in 2017, following the 9.2-degree temperature on Sunday and the 9.4 degrees on Monday, said Aljon Tamondong, Baguio weather observer of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) station here.
Tuesday’s cold weather exceeded the 8.1-degrees-Celsius temperature reading on Jan. 18, 2014, Tamondong said.

The cold spell was not over and the temperature dropped further due to the cold front, he said.
He said the Jan. 15, 2009, temperature, when this mountain resort city experienced 7.5 degrees Celsius, might be broken if the trend continued.

The coldest day on record in Baguio was still Jan. 18, 1961, when the summer capital experienced 6.3-degree weather. People who remembered that day described it as their closest approximation of winter.

The chill thrilled businessmen and flower vendors.

“Yearly, without fail, when news reports dramatize temperature drops to those levels, tourists flock to Baguio to experience that weather. This is always a boost for tourism of Baguio,” said Frederico Alquiros, cochair of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc., which is staging the Panagbenga grand parades next week.

“Panagbenga being in February, capitalizes on this weather,” he said.
Temperatures in upland towns like Atok and Buguias in Benguet province are usually colder than Baguio.

Atok residents described the weather condition in the town as if they were “freezing,” although there were no signs of moisture frosting up the leaves of vegetables grown in gardens, said Atok Mayor Peter Alos.

Pagasa monitored on Tuesday the lowest temperatures in the country since the northeast monsoon season—locally known as “amihan”—began in November.

The Pagasa said that aside from Baguio, the lowest temperatures were observed from 4 to 6 a.m. on Tuesday in the following areas: Tanay, Rizal, at 14.3 degrees; Malaybalay, Bukidnon, at 15.8 degrees; Itbayat, Batanes, at 16.5 degrees, and Basco, Batanes, Tuguegarao, Cagayan, and Ambolong, Batangas at 17 degrees.

Metro Manila also experienced one of its coldest days at 19.2 degrees, although a 19-degree temperature was already monitored in January.

“This is the lowest recorded temperatures since the northeast monsoon started in November. We’re seeing a surge in the monsoon; that’s also why we have gale warnings hoisted over some parts of the country,” Pagasa assistant weather services chief Renito Paciente told the Inquirer.—REPORTS FROM GOBLETH MOULIC, KIMBERLIE QUITASOL, VINCENT CABREZA AND JAYMEE T. GAMIL

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Canadian man "Kulas"finds unexpected fame in Philippines by sharing 'positivity'

Kyle Jennermann says this photo encapsulates everything he believes in, that a simple high-five can grow into something more. (Kyle Jennermann/Becoming Filipino) Photo: CBC News

B.C. man finds unexpected fame in Philippines by sharing 'positivity'

Fans of Kyle 'Kulas' Jennermann's blog #BecomingFilipino thank him for his passion for their country

A Comox Valley man has found unexpected fame in the Philippines after starting a blog documenting the positive encounters he's had in the country.

Kyle Jennermann doesn't like to use the word "celebrity" to describe himself, but in fact, that's what he's become in the four years he's lived in the Philippines.

"I have never had a day in the past two years where I'm not stopped for selfies or maybe people run up to me and give me high-fives," Jennermann, 28, said sheepishly about his life on the southern island of Mindanao.

He started his blog, #BecomingFilipino in 2014 after becoming "inspired by the simple things" he came across in Filipino culture, like the generosity in traditional fiestas.

Jennermann landed in the Philippines after years of travelling the globe.

"You go to a fiesta and people just open up their houses to random strangers and they give, and give and give — lots of food and drinks — sharing a lot of happiness," he told CBC during an interview from Manila.

"In return, they don't want anything."

Facebook and TV celebrity

A self-professed optimist with a penchant for storytelling, Jennermann says he shared that positivity online and it didn't take long to amass a following. On Facebook, he has over 400,000 fans.

His blog led to a national television show, with a second season in the works.

None of it was planned, he said.

Before moving to the Phillippines, he travelled to 29 countries from Europe to Asia, but there was something special about the island country in Southeast Asia.

"The way Filipinos love being happy, love finding excuses to be happy and love sharing that in an over-the-top way and it's not an awkward thing to do."

He said grand gestures of joy like singing in the streets, would be considered "crazy" in some countries  — but not in the Philippines.

His appreciation for that optimism registered even deeper after witnessing the challenges of life in the developing nation.

Poverty aside, he said the competition to succeed in a country with nearly 100 million people might be enough to bring some people down, but instead, he said his friends choose to see the brighter side of life.

He thinks the positive message in his blog is what has resonated so deeply with its citizens.

The 'perfect visitor'

On Facebook, his fans affectionately refer to him by his Filipino name, Kulas.

"Every time I watch your videos, it bring tears to my eyes," Lily Dissonance wrote from Thailand.

"I really admire your determination and love for my country. I keep on telling my foreign colleagues here that the Philippines is far better than what you can read on the news."

British Friend Visits Philippines - Iligan City, Mindanao (Southern Philippines) Featuring Odiongan Falls and Tinago Falls

British Friend Learns About Filipino Market and EATS JELLYFISH

Others call him the "perfect visitor" because of his willingness to immerse himself in their culture.

Gamila Tarek comments that she's envious of him, "I've [sic] born in Cotabato City, but no chance in my life to explore my native place .... your avid fan!"

With that kind of response, it's no surprise Jennermann says he no longer calls B.C. home.

He doesn't plan to move back to Canada, he said, though B.C. still has a special place in his heart. - CBC News

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Chinese Visa Applicants to Visit the Philippines Jumps up to 250%

IMPROVED RELATIONS. Ties between the Philippines and China strengthen following President Rodrigo Duterte's state visit to Beijing in October 2016. Rappler file photo

Visa applications of Chinese to PH surge by 250%

The number of Chinese applying for a tourist visa to the Philippines rises to 1,400 daily

With the country's friendlier ties with China, more Chinese tourists are coming to the Philippines.

The chief of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) revealed on Thursday, January 26, that the number of Chinese applying for a tourist visa to the Philippines has surged by 250% to 1,400 daily.

"We were informed in China by the Philippine Embassy that applications for visa to the Philippines has really shot up from 400 a day now it's about 1,400 a day, meaning that Chinese tourists are going to be coming in groves starting with the warming of relations and at least throughout the Duterte administration and hopefully beyond," NEDA Director-General Ernesto Pernia said in a briefing.

Pernia attributed this to the improved diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China since Duterte's state visit to Beijing in October 2016, leading to the lifting of Chinese restrictions on travel to the Philippines.

Latest available data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) show China is the 3rd largest contributor of foreign visitors to the country, totalling 630,327 in November 2016, trailing behind Korea's 1,331,701 and the United States' 771,849. (READ: IN NUMBERS: Philippines-China relations)

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua had said in a statement that he expects one million tourists from China to visit the Philippines in 2017.

Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said Zhao's forecast is consistent with the DOT's goal to attract at least 7 million international visitors this year.

More infra partnerships

Aside from the rising number of Chinese tourists in the country, another effect of the improved ties between the Philippines and China is the increased loan assistance for several infrastructure projects. (READ: Ties with China to fill infra spending gap, pose risk to PPP)

A Philippine delegation led by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has submitted a total of 40 "large and small" infrastructure projects to China for possible loan financing and assistance in conducting feasibility studies. Further talks on these proposals will take place in Manila in February.

Dominguez said the meeting of the high-level Philippine team with officials of China's Commerce Ministry was a "productive first step towards achieving the desire of (Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping) in further reinforcing ties between the two countries."

Of the 40 projects, 15 are being proposed for loan financing, while another 25 are for feasibility study support.

Because of this policy direction, Philippine contractors are eyeing up to $100 billion worth of infrastructure deals with Chinese companies. – Rappler.com

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Philippines Ranks 2nd Asia's Fastest Economiic Growth in 2016

The Metro Manila skyline with its towering commercial and residential buildings, depicts a photo of continued economic progress. (Photo by Jacqueline Hernandez) | Manila Bulletin

PH now Asia’s 2nd fastest-growing economy, expands by 6.8% in 2016

The Philippine economy advanced 6.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016, on the back of higher investment and consumption, bringing the full-year growth to 6.8 percent.

Last year’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate makes the country the second fastest growing major Asian emerging economy, with China growing at 6.7 percent.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Ernesto Pernia said this is near the high-end of the government’s target of 6 to 7 percent growth rate for 2016.

While the U.S. and the European Union have criticized President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly drug war and investors have balked at his anti-U.S. rhetoric, his ambitious $160 billion infrastructure plan and push for greater investment is strengthening the growth outlook.

According to NEDA, expansion in investments grew by 15 percent. Public investment through public construction expanded by 23 percent, faster than the 20.1 percent growth in the third quarter.

Private consumption also thrived to 6.3 percent in the fourth quarter, though slower than the third quarter. The growth has been attributed to high consumer confidence, modest inflation and interest rates, and improving labor market conditions.

The World Bank forecast expansion will exceed 6 percent until 2019, among the fastest growth in the world this decade. (With a report from Bloomberg and Manila Bulletin)

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Philippines tells outsiders not to use ASEAN as 'proxy' for USA -China Power rivalry

Philippine Defence Minister Delfin Lorenzana addresses the Fullerton Forum at the Shangri-La Dialogue Sherpa Meeting, organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, in Singapore on January 23, 2017. (Photo: AFP / ROSLAN RAHMAN)

Philippines tells outsiders not to use ASEAN as 'proxy' for rivalry

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The Philippines told countries outside Southeast Asia on Monday not to use the region as "a proxy for their rivalry" as it wanted to preserve unity and establish a mechanism to resolve disputes in the South China Sea.

The Philippines is chairman of the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year and will host its annual meetings, some of which are joined by outside powers including China and the United States.

The issue of territorial disputes in the South China Sea pitting China against several Southeast Asian countries has in recent years emerged as a source of friction in the bloc.

Some ASEAN countries have taken positions on the issue in line with China, while others have been more suspicious of China's assertiveness, reflecting U.S. thinking.

Philippine defense minister Delfin Lorenzana told delegates from more than 20 countries at a security conference in Singapore that outside powers should not pursue their competition in the region.

"As the host to the leaders of the U.S., China, Japan, Russia and India, we will have to remind our friends, firmly if necessary, not to use ASEAN as a proxy for their rivalry," Lorenzana said.

"We will reaffirm the unity and solidarity of ASEAN amidst this emerging super-power competition."

ASEAN is drawing up a code of conduct in the hope of making sure all claimants follow legal and diplomatic processes in settling territorial disputes.

Lorenzana said he hoped the code would provide the framework for lasting solutions to the disputes over the waters. About $5 trillion worth of goods passes through the South China Sea every year.

"We want a rules-based, lasting solution to this issue," he said.

China has built several artificial islands in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, which an arbitration tribunal last year ruled unlawful.

With billions of dollars of potential Chinese trade and investment at stake, the Philippines has a difficult balancing act in upholding its sovereignty claims while staying on the better terms President Rodrigo Duterte has established with historic rival China.

On Monday, China agreed to cooperate with the Philippines on 30 projects worth $3.7 billion focusing on poverty reduction, the two countries said after a meeting in Beijing.

It marked the first announcement from a two-day visit by a Philippine cabinet delegation to China that comes three months after President Rodrigo Duterte visited Beijing to pave the way for new commercial alliances. [L4N1FD207]

Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have claims in the waters.

(Reporting by Fathin Ungku; Additional reporting by Karen Lema in MANILA; Writing by Anshuman Daga; editing by Robert Birsel)  - Business Insider

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Ilo-ilo City Sights and sounds of Dinagyang Festival - Must Experience!

Ilo-ilo City Dinagyang Festival 2017 - JAY GADONG/CONTRIBUTOR

Sights and sounds of Dinagyang

The streets of Iloilo turn festive today as street dancers liven up the celebration in honor of Sto. Nino

ILOILO CITY—It’s the merriest time of the year in this capital of Iloilo province as about a million Sto. Niño devotees, spectators and revelers poured into the streets for this year’s Dinagyang Festival.

The festival highlights the Kasadyahan contest—a showcase of festivals, products and history of participating towns—that was held yesterday and the Ati tribe competition slated Sunday.

The Dinagyang, one of the festivals held in January in honor of the Sto. Niño (Holy Child Jesus), is known for the colorful brisk performances of Ati tribes in a street dance competition.

The groups and tribes competing in the two major events performed in five judging areas: Freedom Grandstand, in front of the Iloilo provincial capitol, corner Mabini and Delgado Streets, corner Quezon and Ledesma Streets, and in front of the Maria Clara stage.

Ten groups joined the Kasadyahan Regional Cultural Competition Saturday. These were Tribu Salakayan of Miag-ao town in Iloilo province, Tribu Tatusan (Caluya town in Antique province), Tinabu-ay Festival (Murcia town, Negros Occidental province), Pintados de Pasi (Passi City in Iloilo), Tribu Manog-Gama (Maasin town in Iloilo), Tribu Patabang (Tapaz town in Capiz province), Hubon Ninagtong sa Manggahan (Nueva Valencia town in Guimaras province), Tribu Haw-as (Dumangas town in Iloilo), Tribu Dos Once (San Carlos City in Negros Occidental) and Masskara Festival (Bacolod City), a noncompeting guest performer.

Ten tribes are competing for the championship in the Ati tribe competition Sunday.

These are Paghidaet of La Paz National High School, Obreros of Barrio Obrero National High School, Pan-ay of Fort San Pedro National High School, Amihan of Mandurriao National High School, Buntatalanit of Tiu Cho Teg Ana Ros Foundation Integrated School, Salognon of Jaro National High School, Dagatnon of Ramon Avanceña National High School, Panayanon of Iloilo City National High School, Ilonganon of Jalandoni Memorial National High School and Abiador of Asian College of Aeronautics.

Two guest tribes are also performing Sunday.

Security measures had been tightened in the city. Police said they asked telecommunication companies to shut down mobile phone signals during the festival’s main events, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Security risk assessments

Senior Supt. Remus Zacharias Canieso, chief of the Iloilo City police, said specific security measures depended on the local police’s security risk assessments.

“We had not received reports or monitored threats,” he said.

Cell phone signals were shut down in specific areas, lasting for several hours, in Cebu City during the Sinulog Festival last weekend as part of the security measures against explosive devices detonated through mobile phones.

The move came after the twin blasts in Hilongos town in Leyte province on Dec. 28, which left 32 people watching a boxing match in the town plaza wounded. Police said two improvised explosive devices were used in the bombing.

The Iloilo police have banned canned and bottled drinks during the Dinagyang Festival to ensure the safety of spectators.

Police have also implemented a three-day gun ban, starting Friday, as part of security measures. All permits to carry firearms outside of residence had been suspended in the city during the festival period.  – Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Pia Wurtzbach tears up after Shugart calls her 'a hard act to follow'

Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach reacts as she was announced as the new Miss Universe at the Miss Universe pageant. Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez was incorrectly named as Miss Universe before her crown was taken away. (AP Photo/John Locher)

The outgoing Miss Universe queen Pia Wurtzbach was reduced to tears when she learned that the Miss Universe organization President Paula Shugart believes she was one of a kind.

In an interview with Boy Abunda at “Bottomline” Saturday evening, the Philippines bet that won the Miss Universe title in 2015 tried to fight back tears when Abunda told her what Shugart had said about her.

“Pia is a hard act to follow, because she defined this. She made it her own, and I’m definitely going to miss her. I will be crying,” Abunda quoted Shugart as saying.

“I’ll be crying too,” Wurtzbach said, trying to dab away her tears.

“Oh my gosh, I told myself I wasn’t going to cry!”

Wurtzbach won the most controversial Miss Universe title after host Steve Harvey wrongly crowned Miss Colombia as the queen, only to correct himself after and announce that the Philippines’ bet won the crown.

Wurtzbach has led an advocacy for HIV awareness during her one-year reign as the queen who ended the 42-year title drought for the Philippines.

She said Shugart’s words were the best compliments she has ever heard since she won the crown, and it made her feel that she has done her part as the Miss Universe.

“That’s the best compliment for me, because that’s exactly what I wanted to do during my reign,” Wurtzbach said.

She said she wanted to be her own instead of copying the footsteps of other queens before her.

“I didn’t want to copy any former Miss Universe title holder. I just want to be myself,” Wurtzbach said.

She said she did not want to be remembered as the typical beauty queen, and that she wanted to make her personality shine during her reign.

“I want to be remembered as a different kind of beauty queen, na hindi very rehearsed and robotic. I just want to be myself. And to hear that … it’s really the best thing,” Wurtzbach said between sniffs.

“I”m going to miss them, too. And I’m so happy and grateful, that they took care of me,” she added.

Wurtzbach said she wanted to return the favor to the Miss Universe organization by doing her best even after she turns over the crown.

“I’m going to make them proud. I feel like that’s the best gift I can give back to them,” Wurtzbach said.

“The way I can think of giving back is just continuing her legacy that she taught me,” she said of Shugart.

After her reign, Wurtzbach would be serving as a Miss Universe ambassador, and was also set to appear as special guest in the fifth cycle of the model search “Asia’s Next Top Model.”  JE/rga – Philippine Daily Inquirer

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Nickelodeon to open in 2020 a 400 Hectares Dora the Explorer, & Underwater Sponge Bob Park in Palawan Island Philippines

El Nido, Palawan Island in the Philippines

Philippine environment Minister Gina Lopez vocally rejected the Dora the Explorer underwater theme park plan as the concept of the “name underwater park” could destroy the environment but it seem just a misunderstanding as the project which is expected to open by year 2020 is just a common resort except that there are some futurist feature such as underwater restaurant and underwater lounge.

A 1,000 acre or 400 hectares area is referring to land and not underwater. The kiddy TV program “Dora the Explorer” which teaches the kids about nature; animals, mountains and plants could not be realistic to be built under the water.

SpongeBob the Squarepants does not need hectares wide area underwater to looks realistic so the vocal objection of the Philippines minister could be just misunderstanding about the concept of the controversial wide underwater area of the whole project.

Recently, environment minister says she will not allow US TV network Nickelodeon to build park on pristine Palawan Island.

Hidden lagoon in Palawan Island, the Philippines

The Philippine environment minister has said the US children’s television network Nickelodeon will not be allowed to build an underwater theme park on one of the country’s most pristine islands.

Nickelodeon’s parent firm announced on Monday it would build a themed attraction inspired by its cartoon characters such as Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants as part of a 400-hectare (1,000-acre) development on Palawan, generating alarm from environmentalists.

The environment secretary, Gina Lopez, said on Wednesday she would reject the project.

Sign up to the new-look Media Briefing: bigger, better, brighter

“Lopez says she won’t allow the underwater theme park in Palawan,” the environment department tweeted.

“Dora the Explorer animated kiddy TV show”

In an interview with ABS-CBN television, Lopez said she would not allow any project that would damage the environment and the welfare of local communities.

“That’s our wealth. It’s not allowed. You can’t kill the corals. For a theme park? No. No way, man,” said Lopez, who has been a vocal opponent of mining projects in Palawan.

“The commitment of the government is first and foremost and always, always to the benefit of our people.”

Conservation groups call Palawan the country’s “last ecological frontier” because of its relatively untouched coastlines and forests, which are among the oldest and most diverse in south-east Asia.

Palawan is home to two UNESCO world heritage-listed sites, a subterranean river and the Tubbataha coral reefs.

Tubbataha coral reefs, Palawan island in the Philippines

Monday’s statement by Nickelodeon’s parent firm, Viacom International Media Networks, said its resort would open in 2020 and feature restaurants and lounges six meters (20ft) below sea level.

It also said the Palawan project would “take its place alongside” other Nickelodeon-branded attractions such as Wet’n’Wild in Australia, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Land in Russia and IMG Worlds of Legends theme park in Dubai.

An online petition organized by local environmentalists calling for the project to be stopped attracted more than 125,000 signatures in less than 24 hours.

Viacom’s Philippine partner, Coral World Park, issued a statement on Wednesday insisting the development was not a theme park and emphasized that it would not all be underwater.

The statement also highlighted the project’s “ocean conservation focus” and said it would help fund environmental protection in the area.

It referred to plans for a marine sanctuary and said the Coral World Park would “be the largest coral reef conservation program in Asia”.

“There has never been any form of communication from our side mentioning a theme park,” said Susan Lee, Coral World Park’s marketing and communications director.

Palawan Island rank as the best island in the world for already 2 consecutive years.

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2015 FIBA Asia: Gilas Pilipinas rebounds, mauls Hong Kong for first win by 51

Jayson Castro (William) led the Philippines with 21 points, five rebounds, and two assists. - Photo from FIBA File

A frustrated Gilas Pilipinas bares its teeth and bites down hard on Hong Kong for a strong recovery from a tough loss in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship

Gilas dusts off loss, mauls Hong Kong by 51

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – A different Gilas Pilipinas showed up on Thursday morning, September 24 than had been on display the day before. And they sent quite a strong message to the rest of the competition.

The 2013 FIBA Asia silver medalists vented out their frustrations from an embarrassing opening day defeat to Palestine as the 69th ranked Hong Kong was the unfortunate victim of a 101-50 decimation in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship at the Changsha Social Work College Gymnasium in Changsha, China.

Jayson Castro, or Jayson William in international play, showed why he is considered Asia's top point guard, exploding for 21 points, 5 rebounds, two assists. He also was 5-of-6 from three-point land. The speedy Castro was firing on all cylinders as he provided not only offensive ammunition but also stability and leadership in orchestrating Gilas' sets.

Andray Blatche followed up his 21-point outing vs Palestine with a 17-point, 8-rebound performance, while Dondon Hontiveros, after going one-of-6 from downtown in the previous game, found his shooting touch and went 4-of-6 from long range against Hong Kong for 14 points to go with 8 rebounds.

Terrence Romeo added 11 points on 3-of-11 triples to go with 5 rebounds, two assists and a steal. Ranidel De Ocampo chipped 10 points and 7 rebounds.

The Philippine national men's basketball team, ranked 31 in the world by FIBA, bared its teeth and bit down hard on Hong Kong from the get-go as they raced to a 20-2 lead out of the gates thanks to Castro's taking over early on.

TAKEOVER. Jayson Castro, known internationally as Jayson William, stabilizes, leads, and orchestrates Gilas Pilipinas on both ends of the floor from start to finish as the Philippines makes mince meat of Hong Kong. Photo from FIBA

And although Hong Kong, which easily dispatched Kuwait on opening day, found their stride late in the first period, and were backed by the small crowd at the venue, the Philippines refused to be slayed once again and outscored their foes 23-7 in the second period to take a 51-22 halftime lead they would never relent.

The statement game continued in the third even as cheers echoed through the arena for every made Hong Kong shot as Gilas entered the fourth period armed with an 83-38 advantage.

The Philippines' defense was sticky. They clogged the paint and made sure they had active hands and feet all throughout. Unlike the first game, Gilas found the mark from the outside with a 41.2% 3-point shooting clip as opposed to 23% versus Palestine.

After the horrible loss to Palestine, head coach Tab Baldwin dared his players to do more.

"I got nothing for rebounds. That's on you," he said after explaining some adjustments for the Hong Kong game, as shown on a TV5 report.

"If we have to discuss that issue again then I won't be interested in putting my hand in the circle again with you guys. And you guys shouldn't be interested in that too. Fair enough?"

Watch the Video of 2015 FIBA Asia Championship: Gilas Pilipinas vs Hong Kong

"Let's have integrity. Let's do what Filipino basketball players have been doing for years – let's play with puso (heart)," he added.

The team, clearly disappointed during that huddle in practice, responded nicely as they out-rebounded Hong Kong, 62-38. The Palestinians had the edge a day before, 53-58.

Gilas also remembered to move the ball around again and look for the open man as they registered 16 assists, compared to just 8 against Palestine.

They were much more aggressive, too, being smarter with their shot selection. Instead of mostly chucking three-pointers barely 24 hours earlier, Gilas took it strong to the hoop and went 17-of-28 from the line. While that free throw shooting still needs work, they limited Hong Kong to just 5-of-8 from the stripe.

Turnovers were also decreased from 15 to 10.

Siu Win Chang and Duncan Reid led Hongkong with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Gilas will round up Group B play with Kuwait on Friday, September 25. The team has no room for a loss through to the second round after dropping the Palestine game. – Rappler.com

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VIDEO: Pinay X Factor favorites 4th Power grew up in poverty before shooting to stardom got standing Ovation

The group impressed the judges. image: mirror.co.uk

X Factor favorites 4th Power grew up in poverty before shooting to stardom, their mum reveals

The girl group sparked outrage last week as it was revealed they were professionals, but they have come a long way from their childhood

X Factor favorites 4th Power grew up in poverty before reaching stardom, their mum has revealed.

Filipino sisters Almira, 27, Celena, 19, Mylene, 23, and Irene, 25, wept with joy on the opening show after getting a standing ovation from the new judging panel of Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw.

Some viewers were livid when the Sunday People last week revealed they were seasoned professionals.

But life has not always been so good. The girls grew up in a poor neighborhood in the city of Santiago with two more siblings, their junk dealer dad Dominador and mum Erlindo.

Revealing the family's struggle, Erlindo said: "We moved from place to place to find a better life. Poverty forced my husband to buy and sell bottles and newspapers in a pushcart.

"I sold Tupperware, beauty products and fashionwear. With our hard work, we sent our five daughters and our son to school."

She revealed how they got their first break by finishing second in a family singing contest while wearing homemade kit.

The group appeared on This Morning

The sisters raised travel money by singing at an arena between cock fights and went on to perform at birthdays, weddings and concerts to help pay for school tuition.

A string of international competitions followed.

The band had told X Factor producers about their extensive experience before being invited to perform for the judges.- Read more at Mirror.co.uk

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Piolo Pascual back on the cover of Esquire

Piolo Pascual @ Esquire. image: Coconuts Manila

This time, Piolo Pascual gets his solo Esquire cover.

Unlike his usual glossy appearances in other magazines, Kapamilya idol Piolo Pascual sported a gritty, understated look on the September issue cover of Esquire. The cap Piolo was wearing is actually owned dby photographer Geric Cruz, who shot the cover.

In a Facebook post, Esquire said Papa P will be sharing his thoughts on fatherhood, fame, and his role in Lav Diaz's movie Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis.

Of all his experiences on cam, Piolo told Esquire that playing Simoun, who is based in Jose Rizal’s El Filibusterismo, is one of his most challenging roles to date.

Esquire last had Piolo on the cover in 2013, when he was promoting the film, On The Job. At that time, he shared the cover with co-stars Gerald Anderson and Joel Torre.

"I think I’ve come to the point in my life where I can say, 'I think I’ve done enough.' I’ve done more than enough. But if God is going to take me some place else, I won’t mind. But for now, damn, man... never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I’d get this far," Piolo said.

The September 2013 issue will also be giving readers an inside look at the set of the film, as well as Lav's directing style.

With the theme "Say You Want A Revolution"  (a line from Revolution of The Beatles, yes?), Esquire also touches on poems from writer and poet Pete Lacaba and a love story from the Martial Law era.

More of Papa P coming through:

Piolo Pascual @ Esquire. image: Coconuts Manila

Piolo Pascual @ Esquire. image: Coconuts Manila

Read more at Coconuts Manila

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Alex Castro's Penis groped at Cospomolitan Bash 2015 Showdown

Alex Castro's dick groped by an anonymous fans during his Cosmopolitan Bash 2015 stage ramp - image: grabbed from PEP Youtube channel

Alex Castro's "jun-jun" groped at #CosmoCarnival 2015

As posted at Philippine Entertainment Portal or PEP, Isang mahiwagang "nilalang" ang tila sinuwerte dahil nahawakan nito ang "jun-jun" ng Kapamilya actor/performer na si Alex Castro sa Cosmo Carnival 2015 na ginanap noong September 5, sa SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds sa Pasay City, Philippines.

Na-spot-an ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) ang pangyayari na makikita sa video na ito simula sa 0:35:

Or, tingnan nyo na lang yung pangatlong photo sa gallery sa sa baba.

Alex Castro - image source: pep.ph

Alex Castro - image source: pep.ph

Alex Castro's penis groped by a mysterious fans - image source: pep.ph

Alex Castro - image source: pep.ph

Sa huli, tila na-enjoy pa rin naman ni Alex ang Cosmo Bash ngunit nag-iwan siya ng mensahe sa mahiwagang "nilalang" sa kanyang Instagram account.

Sabi ni Alex: "Salamat sa #cosmopolitan at sa lahat na nanood. Dun sa nanghawak bonus na sayo yan! Wag ka na maghuhugas ng kamay. #cosmopolitancarnival2015"

Read more at Philippine Entertainment Portal

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Hot Pinoy hunks flaunt sexy bods at Cosmo Bachelor bash 2015

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

IN PHOTOS: Cosmo Bachelor Bash 2015

MANILA, Philippines – The men of Cosmo's annual Bachelor Bash took the stage once again at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on Saturday, September 5. This year's bash, themed "Cosmo Carnival," featured celebrities like Daniel Matsunaga, JC de Vera, Elmo Magalona, GMA 7 actor Derrick Monasterio and model and host LA Aguinaldo, walking the stage to the sound of screaming fans.

Most of the guys will be in the CosmoMen supplement in Cosmo's September issue with Erich Gonzales on the cover.

Check out the photos form the Carnival below:

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

See more photos in Rappler

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