MAROON 5 is ready to rock Manila!

Their latest album is titled "It Won’t Be Soon Before Long"—and guess what, Pinoy fans of Maroon 5 won’t have long to wait before the band behind hits like "She Will Be Loved" and "This Love" comes to Manila for the first time for a show on March 5 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Composed of Adam Levine, James Valentine, Jesse Carmichael, Mickey Madden and Matt Flynn, Maroon 5 debuted in 2002 with their first album, Songs About Jane. The album, which contained a number of songs about Levine’s tumultuous relationship with his ex-girlfriend Jane, enjoyed major chart success, harvesting up to triple platinum awards across the globe. The group spent two years touring and riding on the album’s success, then followed that up with their latest release. "It Won’t Be Soon Before Long" proved that at least in Maroon 5’s case, lightning can—and does—strike twice. The album became just as big as its predecessor, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 200 chart with first week sales of nearly half a million copies.

In 2005, Maroon 5 formally joined the ranks of music heavies when the Los Angeles-based band received a Grammy for Best New Artist. The following year, they received a second Grammy award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group for This Love, which also became a big hit in the Philippines.

That being the case, it was only a matter of time before Viva Concerts and tapped Maroon 5 to do a show in Manila.

Maroon 5 Live in Manila is a project of Viva Concerts and Events and is presented by SMART Buddy in cooperation with San Miguel Beer with No Curfew, Tommy Hilfiger, MTV, PBO and ABS-CBN as sponsors.

For tickets, call the Ticketnet at 911-5555. Tickets are priced at P10,500 (VIP), P7,875 (Patron A and B), P5,250 (Lower Box), P3,938 (Upper Box A), P2,625 (Upper Box B) and P1,575 (General Admission).

-manila bulletin online

The Healing Priest

MANILA, Philippines -- Close to 10,000 people have converged early Thursday at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Divine Mercy in Mandaluyong City to get a glimpse of and be blessed by healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez, a radio report said.

As early as 10 p.m. Wednesday, devotees have been turning up in droves for a chance to attend the 9 a.m. healing Mass of the world renowned Catholic priest, a radio dzMM report said.

Organizers of the event have given priority to wheelchair-bound and gravely ill patients who were ushered inside the church, the report said.

Others who were not as seriously sick were issued tickets -- on a first come-first served basis -- and led into the nearby gym in the City Hall compound on Maysilo Circle where they will await their turn to enter the church, the report added.

Batches of only 500 persons will be allowed to enter the church.

From 6 a.m. up to 1 p.m., the street leading to the city hall -- San Francisco Street -- will remain closed to accommodate the more than 50,000 people expected to attend the healing event, the report said.

About 500 policemen were deployed to maintain peace and order.

-inquirer.net

ABS-CBN to appeal SC ruling on WOWOWEE CASE

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation's chief legal officer said the media giant will file a motion for reconsideration, after the Supreme Court dismissed the network's petition requesting a dismissal of an investigation conducted by the Department of Justice on the "Wowowee" stampede that killed 71 people.

The deadly stampede on February 4, 2006 happened as a crowd of 'Wowowee' fans (estimates run as high as 30,000 people) tried to get into the show's first year anniversary bash inside the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

ABS-CBN earlier questioned the DOJ probe before the Supreme Court, claiming that the speedy investigation as well as certain statements by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez proved that the agency is biased against the network.

The 22-page decision penned by Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales said that the high court found nothing defective in the DOJ's complaint and resolution despite having no signed affidavit from the victims. The Supreme Court said that the facts of the case as stated on record are sufficient.

The high court also said that remarks made by Gonzalez to the media do not indicate that he has already pre-judged the case. It added that any fear on the part of the network regarding possible bias is just "speculation."

The Supreme Court also disagreed with ABS-CBN's contention that the DOJ violated lawful procedure by conducting both the criminal as well as preliminary investigation on the Wowowee stampede.

The high court said that records show that it was the National Bureau of Investigation, not the DOJ, that conducted the criminal investigation.

Supreme Court spokesman Midas Marquez said that the high court's decision paves the way for the continuation of legal proceedings, although the network still has 15 days to file a motion for reconsideration.

ABS-CBN's official statement on the Supreme Court ruling is as follows:

"ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation will file a motion for reconsideration with the Supreme Court.

"We want to emphasize that this is not a ruling on the merits of the case. There is no finding of any liability on the part of any officers or staff of ABS-CBN.

"We maintain our position that ABS-CBN was not remiss in taking the necessary precautions in undertaking the event. While we believe that there was no negligence on the part of the network’s officials, ABS-CBN has taken the lead in helping the victims’ families through the 71 Dreams Foundation."




-abs-cbn news

Body Talk with Riza Santos

Aside from new friends, guess what Riza Santos, 2006 Miss Earth-Canada, gained inside Big Brother’s house? Seven pounds, would you believe?

“It was because I ate a lot of peanut butter inside; in fact, I ate a lot maybe because we had so much down time and I was stressed-out,” laughed Riza who was among the 15 housemates of the ABS-CBN reality-TV Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 (won by Ruben Gonzaga of Davao) who spent 84 days together. “Now, I have to work out double time to shed those excess poundage.”

Asked what was the best lesson that she learned “inside,” Riza gave a famously “beauty contest” answer.

“Dealing with people from all walks of life in different situations. Remember, I had to live with these people 24/7. And that’s a lot of time! Also, I learned more about myself more than anything.”

Before winning the Miss Earth-Canada crown (after competing in three other contests, one of which declared her Miss Teen Philippines-Canada), Riza was in school finishing Biological Sciences, preparatory to a medical course. She also served as a soldier in the Canadian Army.

A pure Filipino (her father, Ruel Santos, is from Bulacan; her mom, Dina Buenaventura, from Bataan) born in Alberta, west of Canada, Riza said she’s 100 percent Filipino and 100 percent Canadian as well.

“I grew up in a huge Filipino community where there are around 40,000 Filipinos. There are more than 111 Filipino associations in my city and that’s how I learned how to speak Tagalog. I was brought up the Filipino way. I know a lot of Filipino dances; I know how to dance the Tinikling and Singkil. I come from a conservative family but I won’t say that my parents are strict.”

A Virgo, Riza stands 5’7", weighs 120 lbs. (from 125 when she came out of Big Brother’s house) and measures 35-25-35. A contract artist of Viva Records, Riza aspires to be an over-all performer.

“I have experience in hosting but my forte is singing and dancing. I’m into acting now.”

-Philippine Star -full story

READ and LEARN

pictures from jojie alcantara of www.witerary.com

New Driver's License Requirements | Tips on how to get Driver's License easy

It's now easy to get a Driver's license in the Philippines. There's an easy way to get from LTO. I'll give you some tips and all the requirements you want to know...

New LTO Requirements, criteria and qualifications for Driver's License
(Student's, Non-Professional, Professional, Conductor's License) .....
Pls. Click HERE

Hospital Detention Act

In the past year, several private hospitals across the country have been forced to close shop because of the exodus of health professionals for better paying jobs overseas. Now several of the hospitals that have remained open may also shut down or suspend their operations if they are compelled to provide free medical services to anyone who walks into their facilities.

The compulsory free medical service is effectively the consequence of Republic Act 9439 or the Hospital Detention Act, which bars hospitals from refusing to release patients who cannot settle their medical bills. There are people who see the refusal as virtual detention, and are glad that a law has been passed against it. But hospital owners fear that the new law, passed last April, could kill their business.

Both sides have valid arguments, and a compromise will have to be worked out if hospitals are to remain viable without appearing heartless. Health care does not come cheap, and private hospitals, like other businesses, need revenue to survive. They also need to turn a profit to stay in the business, upgrade their facilities and expand to accommodate rising demand for medical services from a booming population.

State-supported health maintenance organizations can step in to help private hospitals set up facilities for charity or with partly subsidized rates, so that those who can’t afford regular rates need not resort to swindling a hospital to receive proper health care.

The intent of the Hospital Detention Act is noble and humane; no one must be deprived of proper health care. Refusing to release a patient who cannot settle his hospital bills smacks too much of illegal detention. But the consequences of the new law could prove disastrous for the health care industry, which is already suffering from an acute lack of nurses, doctors and other health professionals. Unless a compromise is reached, public health care will be the casualty in this battle. - abs-cbn news

Online Appointment for PASSPORT Renewal

Applying for passport renewal at the Department of Foreign Affairs will be done by appointment through the Internet beginning January 14 to lessen the inconvenience of having to queue in waiting for one’s turn at the counters.

Claro Cristobal, DFA spokesman, said the appointment system will do away with the first step of verification of pertinent documents, thereby shortening the process.

Normally, applicants have to go through verification, then pre-processing, encoding and payment of fees.

Apart from passport renewal or those with expired or expiring passports within a year, first-time applicants who are senior citizens (60 years old and above) may also set an appointment for passport processing through the Internet.

The DFA said it will expand the appointment system to cover all passport applications in due time.

The DFA will designate a call center (556-0000) dedicated to entertain the increasing number of passport applicants, Cristobal said.

The DFA Consular Office has also strengthened the mobile passport services in coordination with the local governments.

“This means that passport applicants can apply in their respective localities where the mobile services will be set up. Usually, the mobile services are set up in major populated centers like malls," Cristobal said.

DFA Regional Offices have started accepting passport applications to further decongest the Consular Office in Pasay City.

At least 7,000 people apply for passports daily at the DFA.

According to Cristobal, the surge in passport application was brought about by the peak season, which began in November and is expected to last until April.

The increase is the number of applicants is also because of the new policy requiring applicants, whether new or those for renewal, to personally appear for the needed signature and fingerprint specimen for the machine-readable or electronic passports.

Because of the long queue of applicants, Cristobal appealed to those who are not leaving the country soon to defer their plans to apply for passports, especially during these peak months.

Processing of rush passports take seven working days and two to three weeks for regular processing time.

Here's the procedure in seeking an appointment for passport processing:

1. Send a request for appointment via the Internet through email address: appointment@dfa.gov.ph

2. Passport applicants applying for appointment must provide the following information:

a. Full name of applicant (first name, middle name and surname);
b. Date of birth;
c. Place of birth;
d. Latest passport number and date of issuance

3 Application for appointment must be made one week before the proposed date of appointment.

4. Applicant must wait for the confirmation of the proposed appointment and take note of the reference number that will be provided by DFA-Passport Office before proceeding to the DFA for the filing of the passport application.

5. Applicant must be at the DFA Passport Office (Special Area for those with appointments) at the confirmed designated date and time for the filing of the passport application. - GMANews.TV

CONCERTS!!!

MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE
Live in Taguig!!!

March on this Hard ROCKIN' EVENT
on January 25, 2008 - 8PM
at the BONIFACIO OPEN FIELD
Rock On with their Smash Hits:
WELCOME TO THE BLACK PARADE, TEENAGERS, HELENA,
THE GHOST OF YOU, FAMOUS LAST WORDS, I DON'T LOVE YOU, DEAD




NE-YO
Live in Manila!!!

NE-YO is coming to do a concert on
FEBRUARY 29 at the ARANETA COLISEUM
The concert will feature the award-winning artist's hits including:
SO SICK, BECAUSE OF YOU, SEXY LOVE, WHEN YOU'RE MAD,
HATE THAT I LOVE YOU (Duet with Rihanna), CAN WE CHILL,
DO YOU and GO ON GIRLS, his latest No. 1 his, plus songs he wrote like:
Beyonce's IRREPLACEABLE, Rihanna's UMBRELLA, Mario's LET ME
LOVE YOU and many more....

Manny Pacquiao, KNOCKOUT!!!

Manny Pacquiao's Christmas film festival entry "Anak ng Kumander" got kayoed at the gates the day it opened on New Year's Day.

In simpler terms, the movie which Pacman bankrolled and starred in was ignored by his fans, something that proved once more that the ring icon is better seen doing his craft on top of the ring than acting in the movies or campaigning to get elected...

Out of the nine movies which joined the filmfest, Pacquiao's movie ranked dead-last.

In a few weeks, Pacquiao will leave for Los Angeles to begin training for his March 16 bout with Mexican great Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas, Nevada.

But... What he's doing right now?






Training? Manny Pacquiao gets a life parties with babes in Embassy Bar!!!
for more info, visit www.pinoyspy.com

Brave and Smart Pinoy in Saudi Arabia

A Filipino, a German and a Pakistani got arrested consuming alcohol which is a severe offense in Saudi Arabia, so for the terrible crime, they are all sentenced 20 lashes each of the whip.

As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheik announced: "It's my wife's birthday today, and she asked me to allow each of you one wish before your whipping."

The German was first in line, he thought for a while and then said: "Please tie a pillow to my back." This was done, but the pillow only lasted 10 lashes and the German had to carried away bleeding and crying with pain.

The Pakistani was next up. After watching the German in horror, he said smugly: "Please fix two pillows to my back." But even two pillows could only take 15 lashes and the Pakistani was also led away whimpering loudly.

The Filipino was the last one up, but before he could say anything, the Sheik turned to him and said: "You are from one of the most beautiful part of the world and your culture is one of the finest in the world. For this, you may have two wishes!"

"Thank you, your Most Royal and Merciful Highness," the Filipino replied. "In recognition of your kindness, my first wish is that you give me not 20, but 100 lashes!"

"Not only honorable, handsome and powerful man, you are also very brave!" The Sheik said with an admiring look on his face. "If 100 lashes is what you desire, then so be it. And what is your second wish?" the Sheik asked.

The Filipino smiled and said, "Tie the Pakistani to my back!!!!"

The End

War between Sunshine Cruz and Cesar Montano

PEP's revelation on the Cesar Montano-Sunshine Cruz separation issue drew a lot of speculation in tabloids and talk shows as to what the real reason was.

Rumor has it that a Brazilian model named Mariana del Rio caught Cesar's eye last September. The mystery that is Mariana was believed to be a minor at 16, though her Friendster account showed the corned-beef model as 19 years old already.

VICTOR BASA. Mariana's rumored ex-boyfriend and former Pinoy Big Brother celebrity housemate Victor Basa shared his thoughts to Entertainment Live yesterday, January 5, about being dragged into the issue. Victor's name came up when the best friend of Mariana, Carla de Mesa, spoke to PEP to defend the Brazilian model. Carla mentioned that Victor was Mariana's ex-boyfriend.

"We were just friends talaga," said Victor. "We just hung out. Sweet girl. She's cool. Yung samahan namin, medyo short-lived kasi siyempre flying models, medyo transit ang dating. But I felt like she was happy to be a part of my life; I was happy to be a part of hers. Kung in love man siya, that's her thing."

ALFIE & ANGELA. Since Cesar and Sunshine are still unavailable for comment on TV, Entertainment Live decided to get the comments of the people close to the couple: Sunshine's manager Alfie Lorenzo and Cesar's eldest daughter, Angela.

Angela said, "No comment ako regarding diyan. Mas maganda kung sila po mismo ang sumagot sa kung ano pong issue regarding them."

Alfie explained, "Sabi ko [kay Sunshine], huwag muna magsalita. Kasi sabi ko na even when they're tense, sabi ko na, ‘Baka bukas kalabitin o kilitiin ka lang ni Cesar, e, magsasama na naman kayo.'

"Give him time," Alfie related about his conversation with Sunshine. "Baka naman makapag-isip siya na hiwalay muna kayo to mend his ways at kung ano man ugali na ayaw mo sa kanya. Sabi ko nga, ‘Nakapagtiis ka na ng eight years, so what's another eight years, di ba?'"

News has it that Cesar told Sunshine that buti nga at pinakasalan siya kahit dati pa siyang bold star." Sunshine, who felt bad, told Alfie about this comment.

"Sabi ko, natural lang naman ‘yon," said the talent manager. "Nag-aaway talaga ang mag-asawa. Hindi naman good traits ang ilalabas, di ba? Siyempre, mag-iisip ka ng masama para manalo ka sa awayan, di ba? Sabi ko nga na hayaan niya [Sunshine] muna yun, tiisin niya muna dahil ‘ika ko, e, in love ka."

Alfie also revealed that Sunshine still isn't ready to come home to Cesar to fix things up. It is not true that Sunshine and her kids are still staying at her mother's house.

"Nahiya na siya sa nanay niya, na nai-stress pati yung nanay niya na biyuda pa naman," Alfie said. "I think nakakuha na siya ng titirhan niya at kahapon, nagsa-shopping na sila ng nanay niya ng gamit doon. Kasi yung pinasok niyang bahay was bare, so naghahanap siya ng kama, et cetera."

Alfie expressed hope that things would be much better for Cesar and Sunshine by the fact that the actor is already making an effort to talk to his wife.

"Nagte-text lang," said Alfie. "Yung tine-text niya, binabasa ko naman since finorward sa akin ni Sunshine. E, nanunuyo naman si Cesar. Sabi ko na give him another break. I'm hoping na magkakabati sila alang-alang sa mga bata." -Philippine Entertainment Portal

Lani Misalucha to have operation for OVARIAN CYST

Lani Misalucha revealed that all is not well for her.

In a taped interview with StarTalk aired yesterday, January 5, Asia's Nightingale said that she will be having an operation on the second week of February to have her ovarian cyst removed. Her cyst initially measured 2.5 cm. but has now enlarged to 7.1 cm.

According to Wikipedia, an ovarian cyst is any collection of fluid, surrounded by a very thin wall, within an ovary. Any ovarian follicle that is larger than about two centimeters is termed an ovarian cyst. An ovarian cyst can be as small as a pea, or as large as a grapefruit. Ovarian cysts cause bleeding and pain, which is why surgery may be required.

"Yung sa akin ay masyado nang malaki. And it was affecting my kidney already. At nakadikit siya kumbaga, nagkikiskis na sila ng uterus ko. They really have to open me up," she said.

She admits that it was her fault that she neglected her health.

"Kasalanan ko ‘to sa part ko. Kasi last January, nagkaroon ako ng attack na matinding-matinding pain. Yun yung time na sabi ko nga kailangan ko magpa-check-up. When we found out na meron nga akong cyst.

"Ngayon, ayoko lang maisip siya kasi definitely it will affect me. Ang lakas ng mind... very powerful ang mind mo, you know. So, ayaw mo pang... we'll never know kasi baka the more na iniisip mo, the more na naapektuhan yung loob. Everything follows, you know," she said, hopeful that her health will improve."

for more information, visit http://www.gmanews.tv/entertainment

Why Patrick won't marry Jennylyn

It's confirmed: Jennylyn Mercado is pregnant. Boyfriend Patrick Garcia is willing to marry her (although he admits he's not really ready to settle down) but it will be a case of "sukob" with his sister Cheska Garcia who's also tying the knot with cager boyfriend Doug Kramer this month, so they would have to defer any marital plans.

The couple went to Judge Selma Alaras of the Makati Regional Trial Court to see if they could have a civil wedding, but they were advised that Jennylyn's pregnancy is not enough reason for them to tie the knot in haste.

Jen's pregnancy came at a time when Patrick Garcia is being admonished for his alleged addiction to gambling in on-line casinos. So Patrick should reform now that he's going to be a father, for the sake of their child.

As for Jen, she's now taping the TV remake of "Maging Akin Ka Lamang" (a 1986 Lino Brocka film originally starring Lorna Tolentino and Christopher De Leon) with Patrick as leading man for GMA-7, amidst report that she's ready to jump "ober da bakod" to join ABS-CBN. But with her being preggy, we doubt if ABS would still be interested to get her. As one producer says: "Tapos na ang career niya." This would be too bad for Jen as she's her family's solebreadwinner.

GMA-7 exec Wilma Galvantes says upon learning about Jen's condition: "We'll have to assess the situation and we might have to drop her and Patrick from "Maging Akin Ka Lamang."

On the big screen, Jen's last project is the current Metro filmfest entry, "RESIKLO", where she's the leading lady of Sen. Bong Revilla. She has also finished a new album for GMA Records slated to be released next month.

Jen is 21 while Patrick is 26.

-Mario Bautista of People's Journal

MOM IS THE BEST

When you were 1 year old, she fed you and bathed you.
-You thanked her by crying all night long.

When you were 2 years old, she taught you to walk.
-You thanked her by running away when she called.

When you were 3 years old, she made all your meals with love.
-You thanked her by tossing your plate on the floor.

When you were 4 years old, she gave you some crayons
-You thanked her by coloring the dining room table.

When you were 5 years old, she dressed you for the holidays.
-You thanked her by plopping into the nearest...

When you were 6 years old, she walked you to school.
-You thanked her by screaming, "I'M NOT GOING!"

When you were 7 years old, she bought you a baseball.
-You thanked her by throwing it through the next-door-neighbor's window.

When you were 8 years old, she handed you in an Ice Cream.
-You thanked her by dripping it all over your lap.

When you were 9 years old, she paid for a piano lessons for you.
-You thanked her by never even bothering to practice.

When you were 10 years old, she drove you all day, from one birthday party to another.
-You thanked her by jumping out of the car and never looking back.

When you were 11 years old, she took you and your friends to the movies.
-You thanked her by asking to sit in a different row.

When you were 12 years old, she warned you not to watch certain TV shows.
-You thanked her by waiting until she left the house.

When you were 13 years old, she suggested a haircut.
-You thanked her by telling her she had no taste.

When you were 14 years old, she paid for a month away at summer cup.
-You thanked her by forgetting to write a single letter.

When you were 15 years old, she came home from work, looking for a hug.
-You thanked her by having your bedroom door locked.

When you were 16 years old, she taught you how to drive her car.
-You thanked her by taking it every chance you could.

When you were 17 years old, she was expecting an important call.
-You thank her by being on the phone all night.

When you were 18 years old, she cried at your high school graduation.
-You thanked her by staying out partying until dawn.

When you were 19 years old, she paid for your college tuition,
drove you to campus, carried your bags.
-You thanked her by saying good-bye, outside the dorm so you wouldn't
be embarrassed infront of your friends.

When you were 20 years old, she asked whether you were seeing anyone.
-You thanked her by saying "IT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS".

When you were 21 years old, she suggested certain careers for your future.
-You thanked her by saying, "I DON'T WANT TO BE LIKE YOU"

When you were 22, she hugged you at your college graduation.
-You thanked her by asking whether she could pay for a trip to Europe.

When you were 23, she gave you furniture for your first apartment.
-You thanked her by telling your friends it was ugly.

When you were 24, she met your fiance' and asked about your plans in the future.
-You thanked her by glaring and growling, "MUUUH-THER, PLEASE!"

When you were 25, she helped to pay for your wedding, and she cried and
told you how deeply she loved you.
-You thanked her by moving halfway across the country.

When you were 30, she called for some advice for the baby.
-You thanked her by telling, "THINGS ARE DIFFERENT NOW".

When you were 40, she called to remind you a relative's birthday.
-You thanked her by saying "you were very busy right now".

When you were 50, she fell ill and needed you to take care of her.
-You thanked her by reading about the burden parents ...

And then one day she quietly died. And everything you never did
came crashing down like thunder on your HEART....

IF SHE'S STILL AROUND, NEVER FORGET TO LOVE HER
MORE THAN EVER....
AND IF SHE'S NOT, REMEMBER HER UNCONDITIONAL
LOVE AND PASS IT...
ON... ALWAYS REMEMBER TO LOVE THY MOTHER,
BECAUSE YOU ONLY HAVE ONE MOTHER
IN YOUR LIFETIME!!!!