Eraserheads Reunion Concert Result, Photos and Videos

The eraserheads reunion concert last Saturday night (Aug. 30) at Bonifacio Global City Open Field was short cut after lead singer Ely Buendia suffered emotional and physical stress. Ely was rushed to the Makati Medical Center, where he was reported to be in stable condition.


Opening Song: Alapaap


More than 10 songs were played to eager fans at The Fort and around 9:30 p.m. the band took a 30-minute break. Forty minutes later, Buendia’s sister went up to the stage to break the sad news.

Wowowee Live in Winnipeg, Canada!!!

Good news to all the fans of ABS-CBN's Wowowee coz they will visit you there!!!

Watch Wowowee Live in Winnipeg, Canada on September 28, 2008, 3 P.M.
at MTS Centre.

For tickets, pls. visit www.ticketmaster.com

Family Problems

Two men met at a bus stop and struck up a conversation.
One of them kept complaining of family problems.
Finally the other man said: "You think you have family problems?

Listen to my situation:

A few years ago I met a young widow with a grown up daughter.
We got married and I got myself a step-daughter.
Later, my father married my step-daughter.
That made my step daughter my step-mother. And my father became my step-son.
Also my wife became mother-in-law of her father-in-law.
Much later the daughter of my wife, my step-mother, had a son.
This boy was my half brother because he was my father's son.
But he was also the son of my wife's daughter which made him my wife's grand-son.
That made me the grandfather of my half brother.
This was nothing until my wife and I had a son.
Now the half sister of my son, my step-mother, is also his grandmother.
This makes my father the brother-in-law of my child, whose step-sister is my father's wife.
I am my step-mother' s brother-in-law, my wife is her own child's aunt,
my son is my father's nephew and I am my OWN GRANDFATHER! !!!!!!!!!
And you think you have FAMILY PROBLEMS!!!! !!!!

Tax Evasion case of Judy Ann Santos

The Supreme Court upholds tax evasion case ruling vs. Judy Ann Santos. The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the plea of Judy Ann Santos to reverse and set aside a resolution of the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) which had ordered her arraignment for tax evasion.

In a 27-page decision penned by Justice Minita V. Chico-Nazario, the Court's Third Division said, Santos cannot file a petition to appeal the resolution of the CTA, as it was not appealable.

"The Resolution is interlocutory and, thus, unappealable. Even if her Petition for Review is to be treated as a petition for certiorari, it is dismissible for lack of merit," the High Court said in a statement posted on its website.

Santos had earlier asked the Supreme Court to reverse the June 19, 2006 en banc resolution of the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA).

The CTA, in that resolution, had denied Santos’ motion for extension of time to file petition for review to appeal the resolutions dated February 23, 2006 and May 11, 2006 of the CTA First Division, which had denied her motion to quash the information against her for violation of section 255, in relation to sections 254 and 248(B) of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended, and her subsequent motion for reconsideration, respectively.

The SC clarified that the CTA resolution did not err in denying Santos’ motion for extension of time to file petition for review.

The Court said that the CTA resolution directly addressed the motions raised by Santos, and nothing in the resolution could prove that her motions were rendered unfairly.

Santos, popularly called as Juday, was charged with P6.76-million tax evasion suit by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for failing to declare her real income worth millions in 2002.

The BIR said that Santos only stated about P8 million in earnings in 2002, despite earning almost P16.3 million in talents fees from her projects in ABS-CBN Channel 2, movie companies Viva Productions, Star Cinema and her commercial endorsements.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said, they found probable cause to charge Santos after determining that she underdeclared her 2002 income allegedly by 104 percent.

Santos was charged before the CTA in 2005.

That same year, the CTA First Division issued an arrest warrant against Santos prompting the latter to file a motion to quash the information.

On February 23, 2006, the CTA First Division denied her motion and scheduled her arraignment. Santos filed a motion for reconsideration which the CTA also denied on May 11, 2006.

Under the law, failure to report income amount is an enough ground to make the taxpayer liable for tax evasion charges. The tax evasion suit holds a jail term of two to four years with a fine ranging from P30,000 to P100,000.

Eraserheads Reunion Concert live in The Fort

The Eraserheads Reunion Concert will now be held at The Fort in Taguig City, instead of the CCP open grounds. After much fuss over its sponsors, the much-awaited reunion concert of the Eraserheads will push through, but with some major changes.

In a message received by those on the official mailing list of bands Cambio, Sandwich and Pedicab, Eraserheads drummer Raimund Marasigan over the weekend confirmed that another company has taken over the production of the concert after the tobacco company Philip Morris decided to pull out from the event.

Marasigan also said the event will now be held at The Fort in Taguig City, instead of the CCP open grounds as earlier announced.

“The turnover started yesterday and they have already started work on the site in the Fort. So you can check," Marasigan stated.

With the pullout of Philip Morris from the concert's production, the registration procedures in the Red Nation website have been deemed void and that fans will now have to pay to attend the concert.

He also noted that since the tickets will now be sold, the concert will be open only to those aged 12 years old and above.

Marasigan said the official announcement and ticketing details will come out in major newspapers and radio stations on Tuesday.

And to tickle those waiting for the concert, Marasigan said: “I just got home from the last rehearsal. The band is cooking. We will see you all on the 30th."

Earlier this month, the Department of Health and anti-tobacco group Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance-Philippines warned Philip Morris against sponsoring the event.

Health Undersecretary Alexander Padilla said Philip Morris will be violating Republic Act No. 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 which prohibits cigar companies from sponsoring sports, cultural, and artistic events of individual or team athletes, artists and performers.

"If we are able to show and prove that this concert is actually sponsored by you, by Philip Morris, then we will truly train our guns on you for clearly violating the law," Padilla said in a press conference.

He said the tobacco company cannot argue that they did not violate the law since the contract has been signed before the prohibition on sponsorship of events took effect on July 1, 2008 as stated on Section 26 of RA 9211.

"The company already knew when the prohibition would take effect so if they will try to circumvent that by saying 'we signed the contract before' that will not be acceptable," Padilla said.

The Health Department and tobacco control advocates also appealed to Eraserheads to reject the Philip Morris' sponsorship of its much awaited reunion concert.

Padilla said the popular band, which disbanded in 2002, should disassociate themselves from a cigar company who will be sponsoring their concert.

"With their prestige, they should disassociate themselves to tobacco products which have no value or use. They should heed the law and bring the youth to other productive activities. Tobacco products should not be promoted," Padilla said.

"Considered one of the most influential bands in the country, the Eraserheads has become a role model of sorts for our young. I hope they will rise up to the challenge, do more than play music, and help young Filipinos reach their potential," said Dr. Maricar Limpin of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance-Philippines.

2008 Beijing Olympics Basketball Championship USA vs. Spain

The 2008 Beijing Olympics Basketball Championship USA vs. Spain ends peacefully. Team Spain tried everything to beat USA for the gold but team USA is too strong for them.

Culminating a three-year mission to end years of embarrassment, the U.S. team survived a huge challenge from Spain, winning 118-107 in the gold-medal game.

After knocking off its first seven foes by an average of more than 30 points, the Americans found themselves in a one-possession game in the fourth quarter against the 2006 World Champions, who had lost to the USA by 37 points in group play but showed plenty of character and heart in this contest. Then the U.S. began displaying some redeeming qualities of its own.

The leader was NBA MVP Kobe Bryant, who simply took over. After Spain closed to 91-89, he made a tough runner, found Deron Williams for a 3-pointer, added another hoop and broke up an alley-oop pass to rebuild the lead to 105-94. When the margin dwindled again to four points, Bryant stuck in the dagger, draining a 3-pointer and drawing a foul for a 108-99 bulge with 3:10 to go.

Dwyane Wade scored 27 points, Bryant added 20 and LeBron James 14 for the U.S., which had not won gold since the 2000 Olympics. The Americans failed to medal at the 2002 World Championships and received bronze at the 2004 Olympics and the 2006 World Championships, prompting an overhaul of USA Basketball.

Rudy Fernandez scored 22 points, Pau Gasol added 21 and Juan Carlos Navarro 18 for Spain, which only lost to the U.S. in this tournament and claimed a silver medal to match its best Olympic showing (1984).

Watch Olympics Closing Ceremony ONline

Beijing Olympics Closing Ceremony Online Coverage

It is anticipated that 1.5Billion people around the world will watch the 2008 Beijing Olympic Closing Ceremony on August 24, 2008 8:00PM China Standard Time (UTC + to take place at the Beijing National Stadium.

About 7,000 people will perform in the Olympics Closing Ceremony and the Beijing finale will be directed by the Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, who also directed the grandest, amazing Opening Ceremony.

Complete article of the 2008 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony.

President Gloria signed Republic Act 9505 or PERA

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act 9505 or Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) on Friday morning, August 22, 2008. RA 9505 or PERA is an Act Establishing A Provident Personal Savings Plan, aimed at encouraging workers, especially those not covered by the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), to save for their retirement.

RA 9505 or PERA is a long-overdue bill as it took a decade in the making and was a major capital market reform measure pushed by the financial sector as it allows for tax-free private-pension schemes.

“It is the declared policy of the state to promote capital market development and savings mobilization by establishing a legal and regulatory framework of retirement plans for persons, comprised of voluntary personal savings and investments. The state recognizes the potential contribution of PERA to long-term fiscal sustainability through the provision of long-term financing and reduction of social pension benefits,” RA 9505 states.

The law will not only boost the savings rate but would eventually spur economic growth with the mobilization of more capital available for investments.

The law aims to increase the savings rate by providing tax incentives as more savings translates to more funds for capital formation that will eventually create more businesses and more jobs.

The PERA law was approved by Congress last June 10.

Under the law, a contributor or any person with the capacity to contract and possess a tax identification number, may make an aggregate maximum contribution of P100,000, or its equivalent in any convertible foreign currency to his PERA annually. If the contributor is married, each of the spouses shall be entitled to make a maximum contribution of P100,000 or its equivalent in any currency at the prevailing exchange rates.

Overseas Filipino workers are allowed to a maximum contribution of P200,000 a year.

The law also gives the contributor an income tax credit equivalent to five percent of his total PERA contribution, provided he does not withdraw the funds before age 55. However, if the PERA contribution exceeds the amount prescribed by law, it shall no longer be entitled to a tax credit of five percent.

Moreover, all income earned from the investments and reinvestments of PERA contributions are tax exempt and all distribution of PERA benefits upon maturity shall also be tax exempt.

Contributors can open up to five accounts but with only one administrator, which can be a bank or a financial company. There will be separate custodians of funds and a designated investment manager. Administrators can be investment managers.

The contributions can be invested in mutual or unit investment trust funds, stocks, and other financial products.

Employers can contribute to their employees’ accounts, as long as they pay the required SSS premiums.

Payments may be made when the contributor reaches the age of 55. This can be either in lump sum, a pension for a definite period, or for a lifetime. The account owner may choose to continue his PERA even beyond the age of 55, but complete distribution will be made upon the death of the contributor regardless of age.

Early withdrawals will be subject to a penalty, except in cases when the contributor is totally disabled for more than a month due to an accident or hospitalization.

The Department of Finance (DOF), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Insurance Commission were tasked to craft the measure’s implementing rules.

Sen. Edgardo J. Angara, a principal author of the bill said the country’s savings rate would go up to about 30 percent of gross domestic product, from 19-23 percent, with the signing of the law by the President.

He said the scheme is expected to attract eight million individuals, specifically OFWs, and self-employed individuals or entrepreneurs who are not required to contribute to the SSS and the GSIS.

The signing ceremonies was attended by officials of the Capital Market Development Council, BSP, Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) and Philippine Chamber of Commerce (PCC).

2008 Physician Licensure Examination Top 10

Profession Regulation Commission (PRC) released the 2008 Physician Licensure Examination top 10 early this month. A graduate of the Far Eastern University-Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation topped the Physician Licensure Examination conducted by the PRC.

With a rating of 88.75 percent, Marlon Diaz Garcia bested over 1,513 who passed the examination given by the Board of Medicine in the cities of Manila, Cebu and Davao. A total of 2,506 graduates took the examination.

The top ten passers are:

2. Dave Anthony Pasetes Diomampo of the Saint Louis University - 88.17%

3. Gentry George Teng King of the University of Santo Tomas and Janice Jill Keng Lao of the University of the Philippines-Manila - 87.42%

4. Nemencio Jr Reyes Ronquillo, UP-Manila, and Paolo Potato Villanueva of the University of Santo Tomas - 87.17%

5. Allan Louie Espino Cruz, UST- 86.92%

6. Philip Blanco Antiporta, UST - 86.58%

7. Ma Cristina Dela Cruz Briones, UST - 86.42%

8. Lemuel Benedict Robleza Non, UP-Manila, and Sheila Jane Tan Zanoria, Cebu Institute of Medicine - 86.17%

9. Angela Sacayan Apostol, University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, and Karel Ann Alipasa Espejo, UP-Manila - 86.08%

10. Grace Ann Mariano Nicolas, UST- 86.00%

To view the full list of successful examinees, please click HERE

Barangay Ginebra claims Fiesta Cup 2008

Ginebra ends Air21's title hopes, Barangay Ginebra claims Fiesta Cup 2008.

There was an eerie silence the moment Chris Alexander limped toward the Ginebra bench, grimacing in pain, his hand holding his quadricep. Then, there was even more concern when he was called for his fifth foul early in the fourth quarter.

But instead of losing hope, Ginebra only got better.

Alexander survived the game, Erik Menk played like the old Erik Menk, and Ronald Tubid scored 22 points as Ginebra swatted Air21’s first-ever title aspirations, posting a 97-84 win in Game 7 Wednesday to nail down its eighth franchise crown in winning the Smart-Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta Conference at the packed Araneta Coliseum.

Alexander played on the edge of fouling out with 10:37 left in the game but gallantly held on to stand at Ginebra’s frontline of defense, holding the Express without a field goal in the last 4:27 while coming through with 14 unanswered points and giving coach Jong Uichico his 8th title.

“Every championship means a lot, whether it’s your first, your eighth," said Uichico. “Its hard to explain how we won the series, but the important thing is that you keep on trying."

Uichico, who has the highest winning percentage among the active coaches, became only the 5th coach to win more than one title on two different teams. This is the second time that he had steered Ginebra to the title after the 2006-07 Philippine Cup after guiding San Miguel Beer to six crowns.

Menk and Tubid were named co-Finals MVPs. This was the third time that the man they call ‘Major Pain’ has achieved the award, while the honor was the first for Tubid, who came into this series doubtful whether he can play after disclocating his left ankle last July 4 in the elimination round.

Menk finished with 21 points – eight coming the third quartr -- and pulled down 14 rebounds while Tubid had a series-high 22 points including a flawless 11-of-11 from the free throw line.

Game Six will be the one that will bother Air21 the most, a game where it lost a 16-point lead and throwing its chances of ending a six-year title drought or since entering the league in 2002.

But the team that finished No. 1 after the eliminations still had that opportunity last night, coming back from a 13-point deficit in the third quarter (65-52) and snatching the lead at 84-83 on a follow-up by Arwind Santos.

That, however, was the last field goal the Express could connect for the night, reflecting that they still have a lot of maturing to do when it comes to the big stage.

“We were not ready for the impact of the crowd Ginebra brought into the championships," said Air21 coach Bo Perasol. “There are a lot of times we were about to win, but they were able to turn the tide to their favor. But overall, I think we did pretty well."

Steven Thomas led the Express with 24 points, and Santos added 19 points, six rebounds and four steals. Gary David contributed 18 points, shooting 4 of 6 from the three-point range.

It was a victory that, at times, was hard to contemplate for a team that lost Helterbrand in Game 2 (hamstring). Mark Caguioa, who finished with 13 points, then was slowed down by knee tendonities before Paul Artadi also got hurt because of a hamstring pull.

During the game, Junthy Valenzuela also got hurt (knee tendonities) and did not return after hitting the bench with 2:10 remaining in the third quarter.

Somehow, the Gin Kings managed to survive. And that was all because of their spirit.

“The players deserve the credit despite the deficiencies," said Uichico. “We could have easily given up when the players got hurt, but we did not."

The Gin Kings were fortunate to hang on to a 49-46 lead after the first half despite missing 11 free throws (12 of 23) and giving away 16 turnover points to the Express, who were called for 2 flagrant fouls (penalty 1) and a pair of technical fouls.

Ginebra, though, had more second chance points, 14-4.

Ronald Tubid came off the bench to score 12 points in the first half for the Gin Kings, who led largest at 28-21 on a basket by Paul Artadi 18 seconds into the second quarter.

The Express, who in Game 6 had the best start in the series by storming to a 14-0 spread, countered to tie the count at 29 on a triple from Santos.

Gretchen Espina is the first Pinoy Idol

The first ever Pinoy Idol competition of GMA-7 ends last night. The pride of Biliran Gretchen Espina is the first Pinoy Idol.

Very coincidence na ang tatlong natira para sa Final Showdown of the first “Pinoy Idol" staged sa SMX sa SM Mall of Asia Sunday night each represents the three regions of the Philippines. Jayann Bautista is from Pampanga, so siya ang naging pride of Central Luzon. Si Gretchen is from Biliran, so she is the girl from the Visayas. Ram Chaves is from Cagayan de Oro, so he represented Mindanao.

Almost 5 p.m. na nagsimula ang taped as live telecast ng Results Night sa Hall 2 ng SMX with the crowd in their seats as early as 1:30 p.m. dahil ito ang naging call time even for the press invited.

Maganda naman ang naging opening where the Top 24 finalists were grouped in four and sang with Hajji Alejandro, Jett Pangan, Vernie Varga, and Duncan Ramos.

Sa first gaps of the show, all three finalists were in silver. Bago mag-second gap, na-announce na ang pagkakaalis ni Ram to give way to the final showdown between the two ladies.

Before the final showdown, nagbigay muna ng solo spots ang tatlo sa top bands in the Philippines: Pupil, Callalily, and Rivermaya.

The original format used in the first Pinoy Pop Superstar na ginawa rin noon sa mga unang American Idol ang ginamit para sa face-off nina Jayann at Gretchen, now both wearing white gowns with silver trimmings. Pareho nilang kinanta ang tinatawag na "coronation song" composed specially by Pinoy Idol judge Ogie Alcasid and arranged by Danny Tan entitled "To You."

Unang kumanta si Jayann who cried in the end of the song making it indeed a personal journey for her. Sumunod si Gretchen who gave a very confident rendition of the same song.

With P5.7 million in total prizes, the biggest in any singing competition in Philippine television, everyone was in bated breath kung sino ang tatanghaling kauna-unahang “Pinoy Idol." Gretchen went home with P1 million in cash, a recording contract with SonyBMG Records, management contract with GMA Artist Center, a brand new car, and a house-and-lot from Avida.

In the end, talagang umiral ang power of text votes as Gretchen was crowned the first Pinoy Idol. Gretchen is the only finalist who never joined the bottom list during the elimination.

Naging kontrobersiyal din ang pagkakapasok ni Gretchen sa Final 3. Marami kasi ang tumutuligsa na dahil sa power at influence ng kanyang ama na governor ng Biliran kaya hindi siya napasama sa bottom list kahit kailan, and eventually sa Top 3.

Pero sa Final Showdown kagabi, August 16, ay pinatunayan naman ni Gretchen na karapat-dapat siyang mapabilang sa Final 3 as she gave probably the best performance of the night. The three judges—Ogie, Jolina Magdangal, and Wyngard Tracy—even thought so, saying that Gretchen was a "revelation" and a "champion." -PEP

Fake Pinoy nurse fined in Canada

Fake Pinoy nurse fined in Canada. A court in Winnipeg, Manitoba province in Canada has imposed a fine of $3,000 on a Fake Pinoy nurse fined in Canada Filipino who tried to pass himself off as a qualified nurse.

An abs-cbn.com report, citing an online article in the Winnipeg Free Press, said Edwin Canseco, 37, pleaded guilty to violating Manitoba’s Registered Nurses Act by falsifying his credentials.

The report said Canseco was fired in January after medical staff discovered he wasn’t registered in the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba’s online database. The report said Canseco was hired in December 2005.

Canseco came to Winnipeg in 1997 after completing a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the Galang Medical Center College in Manila in 1992.

The Filipino said he worked as a nurse for one year after graduation, but then switched careers, working as a sales representative for a medical equipment supply company.

“Crown attorney Catherine Howden told court Canseco tried to register as an international applicant with the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba in November 2000 after arriving from the Philippines. He didn’t have the proper qualifications and enrolled in a Red River College course that helps foreign-trained registered nurses acquire the necessary skills for the nursing exams,” the report said.

Canseco twice failed the Manitoba registered nurse’s exam, the report added. -philippine star

Western Union is now collecting stamp tax on remittances

Global cash transfer firm Western Union is now collecting stamp tax on remittances for Filipinos abroad, which it said will be remitted to the national government.

The move, implemented since May, was in accordance with a provision in the Tax Reform Act of 1997 that imposes a thirty-centavo documentary stamp tax (DST) on each P200 worth of transactions involving the transfer of money to the Philippines.

"Our legal counsels have been studying the ruling and we’ve decided to take the conservative side and implement it," Patricia Z. Riingen, regional vice-president for Western Union, told a briefing on Friday.

The DST on money transfers made by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) has been the subject of debate following the filing of a bill by Senator Manuel A. Roxas II, who sought the amendment of Section 181 of the Tax Code.

Critics, led by sectoral group Migrante International, have also scored the DST as another burden for Filipino workers who are already charged high remittance fees.

Ms. Riingen, however, pointed out that the DST does not form part of Western Union’s remittance charges and fees but will be remitted to the national government.

"It’s not something we collect for Western Union but we pass it to the government," she said.

"They [OFWs] could go to their mayors and congressmen to lobby for them to be exempted from the DST," she added.

Western Union said it has slashed its remittance cost by 50% to $12 for every $800 worth of money transfer deals from the US to the Philippines. Fees for money transfers from the Middle East were similarly cut to 35 dirhams for every $500 worth of remittances.

The move was made amid stiffer competition and heeded a central bank call to bring down the cost of sending money home so that OFWs stop using riskier channels.

"We are constantly reviewing our pricing. It depends on the efficiencies of the market," Ms. Riingen said.

Remittances from some eight million Filipinos living and working abroad, expected to reach $15.7 billion this year, have been a major driver of the Philippine economy. The DST on remittances, which is also equivalent to 0.15% of the transacted amount, translates to $1.5 million additional revenues for the government for every billion dollars sent home by Filipino workers. — GMA News

Beijing Olympics Medal Tally / Count

The Olympic Medal Count will list each participating country by number of medals (Olympic Gold Medals, Olympic Silver Medals, Olympic Bronze Medals) of the 302 total events from 34 sports in the 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing, China.

Watch For the First Time Full Trailer

Watch For the First Time Full Trailer starring Richard Gutierrez and KC Concepcion.

Star Cinema's For the First Time opens in theaters nationwide starting August 27, 2008.

Francis M. has leukemia

Bad news to all the fans of Francis Magalona!!! The rapper-songwriter Francis M. has leukemia and is currently in need a blood donors.

Pupil band manager and Francis's good friend Day Cabuhat told PEP in a phone interview that blood Type O and platelets will be accepted.

"Donations may be made at the lower ground level of The Medical City in the name of Francis Magalona," relayed Day.

The Medical City is located along Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City.

Friends and relatives organized a blood donation drive to help the popular singer's cause. They're also asking friends from the media to spread the word regarding Francis's condition to encourage people to turn up and donate blood.

MASTER RAPPER. The son of local matinee idol Pancho Magalona and actress Tita Duran, Francis created his own mark in the entertainment industry as a rapper-performer when he released his debut album, Yo! back in 1990. The said record spawned the massive nationalistic rap hit song "Mga Kababayan," which in effect introduced Pinoy style rap music in the mainstream.

The ‘90s band explosion failed to deter Francis's popularity and significance in the music scene as proven by the number of hit albums and good singles he churned out since Yo! He even collaborated with other artists and most of the time experimented with various sounds and genres so as not to remain stale before the listening public.

Some of his memorable songs include "Mga Praning," "Meron Akong Ano," "Man From Manila," "Cold Summer Nights," "Bahay Yugyugan," "Ito ang Gusto Ko," "Girl Be Mine," and "Kaleidoscope World."

Aside from singing and writing songs, Francis also plunged into hosting. He served first as a VJ for both MTV Philippines and Channel V before joining the country's longest running noontime show Eat Bulaga! as one of the regulars.

Francis was also tapped as one of the judges, along with music maestro Ryan Cayabyab and Pilita Corrales, of Philippine Idol's maiden season in 2006 aired on ABC-5.

He also ventured into photography and music video directing, megging videos for artists such as Sponge Cola, Join the Club, Gloc 9, Shamrock, Join The Club, Pikaso, Death Threat, and Pupil.

Francis is married to Pia Arroyo and their union is blessed with eight children: Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Isabella, Elmo, Arkin, Clara and young actress Maxene Magalona.

Watch 2008 Beijing Olympics Basketball USA vs. China

You know the reason why USA beats China last Sunday? USA Basketball officials were told the game could draw the largest viewing audience ever for a sporting event. Watch the 2008 Beijing Olympics Basketball USA vs. China.

Enjoy the 2 minutes video clip of USA vs. China game on the 2008 Beijing Olympics Basketball.

August 2008 Playboy Magazine cover girl is Miriam Quiambao

The August 2008 Playboy Magazine cover girl is no less than Miss Universe 1999 1st runner up Miriam Quiambao.

Quiambao said she prayed the night before the photo shoot and asked God for guidance.
"Well I went [to Baclaran Church] with my friends and I lit a number of candles praying not just for this cover but also for other things and to give me the strength to go on with this project…," she said.

She said she was nervous at the beginning of the sexy photo shoot, but later grew into confidence.

"Actually kinakabahan ako kasi pag pasok ko palang sa Imperial Suites Hotel I feel like I’m walking to the valley of death but probably it's just on my mind."

"Naging comfortable eventually magaling kasi si Jun de Leon (Eventually I became comfortable because Jun de Leon is a good photographer)," she added.

Quiambao also said received no angry memo from GMA News and Public Affairs executives after the Playboy photo shoot.

She said she sent soft copies to her bosses and added: “They don't have violent reactions and I explained to them the reasons why I did it."

Quiambao said posing for the magazine was a "celebration of her femininity," disputing reports that her decision to do it was out of "rebellion."

"I am happy. Tama na yung iyak iyak sa mga nakaraan, ‘di ba?" she said.

"Parang, I'm just so happy with myself and I'm celebrating it (It's like I'm so happy with myself and I am celebrating it)," said Quiambao.

Avril Lavigne Live in Manila 2008... The Best Damn Tour

Avril Lavigne comes back and will rock Manila with her concert entitled "Avril Lavigne... The Best Damn Tour" hapenning at the Araneta Coliseum.

Avril's upcoming concert will held on September 3, 2008 at 8 P.M.

The Canadian Rock singer won the "Best New Artist" award at the 2002 MTV Music Awards, and was nominated for 8 Grammy Awards including "Song of the Year" and "Best New Artist". Her recently released album "The Best Damn Thing" has sold more than 50 million copies by the end of 2007.

"Avril Lavigne.. The Best Damn Tour" concert tickets are available via ticketnet.

TICKET PRICES:
Patron VIP (first 20 rows) (Reserved Seating) - P10,500.00
Patron (Reserved Seating) - P6,750.00
Lower Box (Reserved Seating) - P6,750.00
Upper Box A (Reserved Seating) - P2,850.00
Upper Box B (Free Seating) P1,400.00
General Admission (Free Seating) P600.00

1st Philippine Caregiver Summit 2008

Join the first and largest event for CAREGIVERS in 2008!

The 1st Philippine Caregiver Summit 2008 is on August 29-31, 2008.
Conference: August 30-31 at the Mandarin Oriental Suites (5th floor, Gateway Mall)
Expo: August 20-31 at the Gateway Mall Trade Hall (beside Food Express)

Demand for Caregivers worlwide likely will double by 2050 as baby boomers age around the world, particularly in First World countries. Filipino Caregivers have been slowly and surely occupying this demand and the demand continues. more more info, pls visit www.philcaregiversummit.com.

CNN.com Daily Top 10

If you receive an email entitled “CNN.com Daily Top 10” from Daily Top 10, Top 10 as shown below, then I just want to warn you that this message is a fraudulent email which contains links that will lead users to site hosting malware.

Follow this link to learn more about the CNN.com Daily Top 10 email spam.

Pacquiao is RP Olympic flag-bearer

Its Official: Pacquiao is RP Olympic flag-bearer.

The Beijing Games organizers gave way to the Philippine Olympic Committee’s request to make Pacquiao the country’s lead man in the Olympics’ opening ceremonies in August 8.

Pacquiao was appointed as special envoy and Flag bearer by no less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last July 4 when the President feted the newly crowned WBC lightweight champion for being the first Asian to win four world titles in different weight class.

Eleven athletes, led by top medal hope Harry Tañamor, will be part of the main batch of athletes and officials of Team Philippines that leaves for the Beijing Olympics on Aug. 5. The 29th Olympic Games opens on Aug. 8 at the Beijing Olympic Stadium. Joining boxer Tañamor in the Aug. 5 batch are Marestella Torres and Henry Dagmil of athletics...

Watch The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

Watch The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

Distributed by Universal Pictures, released August 1st, 2008 directed by Rob Cohen - The Mummy Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is an action/adventure movie. This time the adventurous Rick O’Connell meets the resurrected Han Emperor (Jet Li) a shape shifting mummy awaken from a 2,000 year old curse.

Click the picture to know more.

Pacquiao vs. Dela Hoya on December

After beating David Diaz, is it Pacquiao vs. Dela Hoya will be the next fight on December?

Squaring off with Oscar De La Hoya has become an obsession for Manny Pacquiao that the Filipino southpaw believes he is capable of shocking the world in the event they meet in the ring on December 6.


"I know that winning against De La Hoya is going to be tough but I have full confidence in what I can do and I know I can score an upset," Pacquiao said during a brief break in his vacation with his loved ones in the United States.

While a De la Hoya fight will guarantee him the fattest paycheck of his career, Pacquiao said there’s a personal aspect in this fight that is being proposed for Dec. 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

"There’s going to be lots of money involved but I also have to settle something personal (with De La Hoya)," said Pacquiao, who did not elaborate, although ringsiders believe that De La Hoya’s disenchantment with the fighter began when Pacquiao turned his back on a contract that he signed with the Golden Boy.

Pacquiao has already met and discussed the merits of a De La Hoya fight with his promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, and Arum has scheduled to meet with GBP Chief Executive Officer Richard Schaefer this Wednesday to determine whether a deal can be made between the two rival promotional outfits.

Recently, Pacquiao told a gathering of boxing beat writers, columnists and sports editors that he drools over the prospects of rumbling with a "legend like De La Hoya" and that he believes his trainer Freddie Roach is not out of his mind when he told the press that Pacquiao can get the job done even against a bigger fighter in De La Hoya.

Arum and Schaefer will deal with the revenue sharing not only in the pay-per-view, ticket sales and purse but likewise on the delicate issue of the weight limit and brand of the gloves that will be used.

Initial reports inside Team Pacquiao said the 29-year-old General Santos banger is asking million and De La Hoya has been quoted as saying that a fight involving himself would enable Pacquiao to earn up to five times the amount that he’s been getting.

E-Jeepney

E-Jeepney | Electric Jeepneys, the cleaner, safer, alternative to fossil fuel-based transport, today become the first vehicles in the country to be issued orange license plates for electric vehicles by the Land Transportation Office. E-Jeepney project proponent GRIPP (Green Renewable Independent Power Producer), and Greenpeace welcomed the move as a landmark in greener Philippine transport. The orange plates are issued specifically for electric vehicles, and its issuance by the LTO was largely spurred by the E-Jeepney and the Climate Friendly Cities Project--meant to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by cities--of which it is part.

"The registration of the E-Jeepneys is much-awaited and smooths the way for the full implementation of the Climate Friendly Cities Project, particularly when we start scaling up E-Jeepney fleets around the country. The full-implementation of the project will hopefully steer the Philippines--starting with pioneering cities--away from harmful fossil fuels, and toward climate-friendly, sustainable, renewable energy-based transport," said GRIPP Chair Athena Ballesteros.

The E-Jeepneys were launched last July 4, 2007 in Makati City as part of a larger initiative that demonstrates how cities can help mitigate the problem of climate change through implementing measures that would avoid the use of climate change-inducing fossil fuels. Through the project, a fleet of electric-powered jeepneys will derive energy from biodegradable wastes from the city's wet markets, food establishments and households, thereby helping mitigate climate change even as it addresses urban problems such as air pollution and solid waste.

The E-Jeepneys will now be registered under the new classification 'low speed vehicles' (LSV) as set forth in the IRR (implementing rules and regulations) of AO AHS-2008-14 'Guidelines in the registration of LSVs.' The orange plates are issued to private LSVs. Yellow plates and orange stickers will then be issued to for-hire E-Jeepneys when the LTFRB (Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board) issues the permits which GRIPP hopes to be processed soonest.

Four E-Jeepneys will be among the first to be issued the plates: three units plying Makati, and one currently in UP Diliman. They will also be inspected by LTO's Motor Vehicle Inspection Station team. These jeepeneys, however, are exempted from the agency's standard smoke emission testing procedures.

GRIPP believes the launch of the registration classification will enable better access to E-Jeepneys, promoting its acceptability to transport groups. With current spiraling fossil fuel prices, the E-Jeepneys stand to increase income levels of jeepney drivers by at least PHP400 a day, without the respiratory health hazards associated with conventional, frequently smoke belching jeepeneys. That's aside from anticipated environmental benefits, such as less air pollution and climate change mitigation.

"The problem of global climate change and worsening air pollution are a result of really bad environmental decisions made in the past. The E-Jeepneys represent the range of technologies now made available for us to choose a cleaner, low carbon development path. Spiraling diesel and gasoline prices prove that fossil fuels are not the energy choices for the future. The E-Jeepneys represent the revolution toward clean, renewable energy alternatives that must be implemented now, and in a much larger scale, by the national government," said Greenpeace Executive Director Von Hernandez.

The Climate Friendly Cities Project is sponsored in part by the Dutch Doen Foundation and is currently supported by Makati, Bacolod, Baguio, and Puerto Princesa Cities.