Starting today, all forms of advertising on tobacco products are prohibited, as mandated by Republic Act 9211, the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.
Section 22 of this law states: "Beginning 1 July 2008, all forms of tobacco advertising in mass media shall be prohibited, except tobacco advertisements placed inside the premises of point-of- sale establishments."
In January, 2007, the law mandated a total ban on tobacco advertising on TV, cable TV, and radio. In July of the same year, it prohibited all cinema and outdoor advertising of cigarettes, including the distribution or posting of leaflets, posters, and other outdoor advertising materials, except inside the places where cigarettes are sold.
Local tobacco control advocates are pressing for the compliance of cigarette manufacturers, store owners, and local government officials in enforcing the law.
The Department of Health (DoH) and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance of the Philippines (FCAP) have become especially vigilant against stores with tobacco products signages that do not comply with the law.
Health authorities had earlier sounded the alarm on the rising number of Filipino smokers aged 13 to 15 as shown in the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), a worldwide survey commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US.
The GYTS revealed that in the Philippines, about four million youths — 2.8 million boys and 1.2 million girls aged 13 to 15 — are cigarette patrons. Out of the 4 million young smokers, half are also exposed to second-hand smoke in their homes.
The prevalence of young smokers in the Philippines decreased slightly from 19 percent in 2003 to 17 percent in 2007.
But Dr. Yolanda Oliveros, National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC) director, said the authorities will continue to wage the battle against smoking until more youths are discouraged from cigarette smoking, said to be among causes of many fatal diseases.
"I ask the youth not to start smoking and not to attempt to start smoking because it will be very hard to quit," she said.
"Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death in the world. It is the only legal consumer product that kills one third to one half of those who use it as intended by its manufacturers, with its victims dying on an average of 15 years prematurely," WHO representative to the Philippines Dr. Soe NyuntU said during the recent World No Tobacco Day celebration in Manila.
Tobacco control advocates are also batting for legislation that will implement the use of picturebased health warnings on cigarette packages.
In Thailand, graphic health warnings were implemented in 2005. Consequently, a survey was done on its effect to smokers and 80 percent of 2,000 Thai smokers surveyed said the pictures of diseases linked to tobacco on cigarette packages were effective in informing them of the dangers of smoking. The respondents said the pictures are more effective than text warnings.
Tobacco control advocate Roberto del Rosario warned the youth against cigarette advertisements.
"If you notice, print advertisements tell about a very enjoyable lifestyle, people having fun, when, in fact, the tobacco industry is aware that tobacco smoke causes life-agonizing ailments like emphysema, lung cancer, etc. Are these enjoyable and is this a true symbol of a very pleasant lifestyle? It is sad that the tobacco industry is looking for replacement smokers for those who have already died."
DoH records indicate that five of the top 10 causes of deaths in the Philippines are linked to cigarettes, including cancers and respiratory diseases.
Over 75,000 Filipinos die of tobacco-related diseases every year, health authorities say.
Tobacco ads ban starts today
Pesticide found in capsized ship halts retrieval operations
Rescue and retrieval operations inside the ill-fated MV Princess of the Stars were halted on Friday following reports that the vessel was carrying a pesticide cargo when it capsized.
In a briefing at the Department of National Defense, Vice President Noli de Castro said the government ordered the stoppage in the rescue and retrieval efforts in the capsized ship after receiving reports that a cargo of endosulfan, a chemical used in pineapple plantations, had been loaded in the ship.
De Castro noted that the pesticide shipment was from Del Monte Philippines.
"We aborted the retrieval operations... because of the pesticide inside the ship," De Castro said.
For his part, Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez Jr said the vessel was found to be carrying 10 metric tons of the highly-toxic pesticide, and that authorities have shifted efforts to containing the chemical and retrieving the shipment.
"Search and rescue is now stopped because the government just found out that 10 MT of highly toxic insecticides inside the MV Princess of the Stars. President (Gloria Macapagal) Arroyo instructed the NDCC to focus efforts in trying to contain the chemical and carefully retrieve the 40-foot container so as not to contaminate the environment," Golez said.
"The DOH is now doing necessary health education and giving health services while the DSWD is currently doing social preparation to the communities and relatives of the victims. All necessary precautions are now being undertaken to ensure the safety of our people," he added.
De Castro said that so far, there has been no indication that the pesticide container had been opened, although he said that rescue workers should not have been allowed to enter the vessel had they known that it was carrying a 40-footer container van of pesticide.
MV Princess of the stars PHOTOS
courtesy of Sulpicio Lines Official website
In this photo released by the Philippine Coast Guard Aviation Group on June 23 2008 shows the sunken ferry ship MV Princess of the Stars off the coast of Sibuyan Island of Romblon province, 300 kilometres south of Manila, Philippines.
"Frank" leaves RP, ferry survivors increase to 28
Typhoon "Frank" (international codename: Fengshen) moved towards China Sea Sunday night after almost two days of battering provinces from south to north with rains, wind and high surf.
If “Frank” will not change course, Luzon will still experience rains Monday, while the Visayas regions will have clearer skies, the weather bureau said. There will be general improvement in weather all over the country starting Tuesday.
It left a trail of hundreds dead, more than 80,000 families displaced, and millions worth of damaged infrastructure.
With gusts of up to 170 kph, “Frank” was difficult to forecast as it changed course several times. It was expected to batter the Bicol region after hitting the Visayas region but it changed directions Saturday when it barreled its way towards southern Luzon.
Domestic and some international flights were delayed, many roads were blocked and power cuts were widespread. Various parts of the country—from Cavite City to Iloilo City to central Maguindanao—reported extensive flooding, resulting in massive evacuations in safer areas, such as schools. Classes in all levels in 13 affected provinces were called off Monday.
“Frank” exited the country through Pangasinan province Sunday night.
Signal number 3 remains hoisted over northern Zambales, western Pangasinan and La Union. Signal number 2 is still up over the rest of Zambales, Tarlac, the rest of Pangasinan, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte and Abra. Signal No. 1 remains over the provinces of Apayao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Nueva Viscaya, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan and Metro Manila.
More survivors, casualties count to go up
According to the National Disaster Coordinating council, casualty count has reached 86, but the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) said it has reached more than 140.
PNRC chief Sen. Richard Gordon said the number would probably go up as they are still waiting for reports from their offices across the country.
The current count also does not include potential hundreds of casualties from the capsized MV Princess of the Stars with over 700 passengers and crew on board.
So far, only 28 survivors and 3 casualties have been accounted for. Four of the survivors have been earlier found in a coastal village in Sibuyan Island, where the capsized vessle could be seen.
Reports of more than 20 additional survivors were spotted in Quezon province Monday dawn. They reportedly underwent medical tests.
Bad weather hampers rescue
The ship, en route from the capital Manila to the central island of Cebu and 16 hours into its 22-hour voyage, issued a distress signal before going down mid-day Saturday.
MV Princess of the Stars is owned by Sulpicio Lines and has 200,000 liters of oil. Government officials said they will be in the lookout for possible oil spill.
Rescue operations were earlier hampered by huge waves and strong winds.
In a statement released late Sunday evening, Sulpicio Lines Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Go said they are "deeply saddened" by the unfortunate event that happened on the ship.
"Along with the rescue vessel provided by the Philippine Coastguard, we have dispatched our M/V Cebu Princess and hired 2 Malayan tagboats to aid in the rescue," the statement said, but it added that "severe we weather condition delayed the rescue efforts both from the sea and on air.”
Go added that, “Our company also assures the families of all unfortunate passengers who perished in this incident that they will be properly compensated."
Gordon said the PNRC is also helping in rescue operations as they were hoping for more survivors.
Gordon added that operations are also ongoing in one baranggay in Antique and at the Tumana River in Marikina where rubber boats have been deployed to rescue stranded people.
The PNRC is currently conducting relief operations for victims of the typhoon.
Displaced and damaged
The NDCC added that Frank has displaced 82,572 families and damaged 155,000 houses.
More than 10,600 families were also evacuated from their homes and were transferred to at least 180 evacuation centers.
The NDCC said that Region 6, composed of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental, was the worst hit by the storm. Also affected were Regions 3 and 7.
The provincial governments of Albay and Antique have already declared state of calamity to release funds needed for the rehabilitation process.
The national government also released more than P8 million to speed up road repairs and relief operations.
President Arroyo, who is on a 10-day official visit to the US, has instructed the Departments of Defense and the Interior and Local Government to provide immediate relief assistance to provinces battered by Frank.
"The president was very strict in her instructions in pursuing relief and rescue efforts. But one of the things that hampers rescue efforts is the bad weather because even if air assets positioned we can't use them due to gusty winds in that area that can damage the air assets," said Dr. Anthony Golez, NDCC spokesman.
Typhoon heading towards China Sea
Weather bureau PAGASA said that as of 10:00 p.m. Franks is spotted
70 kilometers west northwest of Dagupan with maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph.
PAGASA said Frank will continue to enhance the Southwest Monsoon and bring rains over the Western sections of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.
All domestic and international flights to and from Manila airport, and the LRT and MRT rail operatins have been resumed.
Class suspension
There are no classes on all levels on Monday in 13 provinces affected by the typhoon, including Metro Manila, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced Sunday.
DepEd secretary Jesli Lapus told radio dzMM that classes in both elementary and high school in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, La Union, Benguet and Ilocos Norte will be suspended Monday, public storm warning signals notwithstanding.
Lapus said the suspension is due to the danger brought about by monsoon rains and floods in the said areas.
However, he clarified that the guidelines on class suspension based on storm warning signals is still in effect.
For the tertiary level, CHED secretary Romulo Neri also announced the suspension of classes in the aforementioned areas.
"Sec. Neri declared suspension of classes at all college/tertiary level tomorrow in the 12 provinces affected by the typhoon including NCR," CHED National Capital Region director Amelia Biglete relayed in a text message.
Laguna provincial officials also announced the suspension of classes in all levels. -abs-cbn news
Typhoon Frank Update
Typhoon Frank (Fengshen) has entered Metro Manila Sunday morning under Public Storm Signal Number 3 with strong winds whipping electric wires and trees, and brownouts hitting several areas including Fairview, Caloocan, Novaliches, Parañaque, Pasay, and Muntinlupa.
Rene Famil of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration told radio dzBB that "Frank" had started entering the metropolis at about 5 a.m., with the eye of the storm seen at the vicinity of Tayabas, in Quezon province, 60 kilometers southeast of Metro Manila.
Frank" packed maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph, and was moving north-northwest at 15 kph.
By Monday morning it is expected to be 70 kilometers (km) northwest of Baguio City. By Tuesday morning it is expected to be 260 km West southwest of Basco, Batanes.
By Wednesday morning it is expected to be 330 km northwest of Basco, Batanes.
Storm Signal No. 3 are also up in Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Lubang Island, Marinduque, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Quezon province, Polilio Island, Southern Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Zambales and Bataan.
Under Signal No. 2 are the Calamian Group of Islands, Romblon, Camarines Norte, rest of Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, and La Union.
Under Signal No.1 are Northern Palawan, Burias Island, Albay, Camarines Sur, Southern Isabela, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Ilocos Sur, Aklan, Capiz, and Antique. - GMANews.TV
UP Oblation Run 2008
A hundred fraternity members and alumni sprinted naked along the campus streets in the University of the Philippines (UP) before noon Wednesday to commemorate the premiere state university’s centennial anniversary.
A radio report said that 100 resident members of the UP-based Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Fraternity and several UP alumni participated in the “UP Oblation Run," which started shortly after 11 a.m.
Donning only shirts wrapped around their heads and gold masks covering their faces, the naked runners dashed from the UP Vinzon’s Hall to the nearby Palma Hall, where they stopped for a short photo opportunity.
The group then proceeded to the Quezon Hall, which houses the school's administration office, and posed in front of the iconic UP Oblation statue, which has inspired the fraternity's 31-year-old naked jog.
As in every Oblation Run, the naked participants also handed out red roses to female college students who witnessed the event.
The annual Oblation Run, which started in 1977, is usually held every December of the year to voice the group’s protest on certain national issues but was held earlier this year in time for the centenary.
The report also said that Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay was among the UP alumni who dropped by the campus to join in the opening celebration.
Binay, an APO alumnus, was a member of the fraternity’s "Black Jack Group" and acted in 1960 as the group’s prime chancellor – the second highest position in the fraternity.
Contrary to popular belief, the famous Oblation Run was created not as part of the fraternity’s initiation rights but rather as a promotional stint for the organization’s 1977 play “Hubad na Bayan" – an homage to one of the group’s members who was killed in a rumble.
The APO has said that more than a form of protest, their running bare-naked was more like a reminder to the UP students of the symbolism of the Oblation statue – a selfless offering of the Filipinos to their country.
The UP, which was founded on June 18, 1908, started out as a humble campus in Manila and later grew to include seven constituent universities all over the country.
Ces Drilon and Company finally released
Ces Drillon, Jimmy Encarnacion, and Angelo Valderama are finally all free," ABS-CBN said in a statement. "We are thankful our prayers have been answered and our efforts rewarded."
Ces Drilon, cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion and Mindanao State University professor Octavio Dinampo were released late Tuesday night, nine days after they were abducted in Sulu province. Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon confirmed the hostages were released at around 11 p.m. Tuesday.
The release of Ces Drillon, Jimmy Encarnacion, and Angelo Valderama could not have been possible without the cooperation of the people of Sulu and their local government. We thank them and share their hope for enduring peace in Mindanao.
"They were picked up by Jun Isnaji and secured by four policemen at Sitio Danasi, lower Sinumaan, Talipao, Sulu and brought to the house of Mayor Alvarez Isnaji," Razon related in a text message. Jun Isnaji is Haider Isnaji, the mayor’s son. "Ces Drilon and company are in good condition but they will immediately be given medical attention and appropriate nutrition. A plan for airlift o Zamboanga, and a reunion with family are also being considered," said Razon. He said the three will have to first undergo a debriefing in Zamboanga City before they are flown back to Manila. Ces Drilon, Encarnacion and Dinampo were with another ABS-CBN cameraman, Angelo Valderama, when they were kidnapped in Maimbung, Sulu, on June 8 while they were on the way to interview a top commander of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.Angelo Valderama was released on June 12 after a P2-million ransom was reportedly paid for his “board and lodging.”
In a phone interview Tuesday night from Zamboanga City with reporters in Camp Crame, Razon denied that any ransom payment or concession had been made to the kidnappers who were believed to be Abu Sayyaf members. He said the negotiators had built on the goodwill developed with the kidnappers since the release of Valderama last week and the “cancellation” of Tuesday’s noon deadline for the payment of P15 million.
The release of the hostages, Razon claimed, was merely "due to the persistent and persuasive efforts of the local crisis committee under Indanan Mayor Alvarez Isnaji and Governor Sakur Tan."
No military or police elements were present in the release operations.
Mayor Isnaji had been under pressure to secure the release of the captives, except that earlier Tuesday, Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan said he had stopped all negotiations with the kidnappers.
Haider Isnaji also said he had been on the phone with the kidnappers around six times beginning with their first call at 6:15 a.m. on Tuesday.
“I told them that no P15 million is forthcoming, that both the government and ABS-CBN have a no-ransom policy,” he said, adding that the kidnappers “finally dropped the deadline.”
He said he was able to convince the kidnappers “to accept a livelihood package instead.”
Razon said that if there was any lesson from the kidnapping, it was also to properly exercise press freedom.
"Ang aral po dito laging sinasabi hindi natin puwedeng i-exercise press freedom na malalagay ang [The lesson here is we can't exercise press freedom by putting] reporters or journalists in harm's way, na hawak ng terrorista or criminal elements," said Razon.
Thank God that this kidnapping incident has already finish. We at photoshop world - your graphics and photoshop tutorials are happy and thankful for those who help for resolving this as early as possible.
Pacquiao vs. Diaz Update
Though bothered by a slight cold, Manny Pacquiao feels good about his training, which he has focused on keeping the speed he has been known even though he has moved up to the 135-pound lightweight division.
"I don't have to reduce too much... and my speed is okay," Pacquiao, talking in Filipino, told reporter Lei Alviz in an interview aired on Tuesday over 24 Oras, GMA's early evening newscast.
As to the cold, Pacquiao said he caught it when he visited San Francisco last week, but it was all but gone away. The only setback it gave him is that trainer Freddie Roach caught the cold from him and had to be absent himself from some of his training sessions.
In October 2007, Pacquiao had some trouble getting down to the 130-pound limit in his bout with Marco Antonio Barrera. But he managed to deal the Mexican fighter with a unanimous decision defeat.
That was his last bout before he wrested the World Boxing Council (WBC) super flyweight title from Juan Manuel Marquez last March.
On June 28 in Las Vegas (June 29 in the Philippines), he faces Mexican-American David Diaz, who's defending his WBC lightweight title. - GMANews.TV
Dentist Licensure Exam Result for June 2008
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) yesterday announced that 356 out of 818 examinees passed the Dentist Licensure Examination given by the Board of Dentistry in Manila this June, 2008.
The PRC said the successful examinees who garnered the ten highest places are the following:
1. Carmencita Sanchez dela Rosa, Centro Escolar University-Manila, 84.94
2. Mikael Querol Canlas Nisce, University of the East-Manila, 83.91
3. Kristine Chua Shieh, Centro Escolar University-Manila, 83.70
4. Femalyn Lazo Fernandez, University of the Philippines-Manila, 83.58
5. Valerie Kaye Cu Tan, Centro Escolar University-Manila, 82.95
6. Charlston Escudero Uy, University of the East-Manila, 82.70
7. Errolflyn Guevara Gammad, Emilio Aguinaldo College-Manila, and Joanna Marie Nicole Mantolino Porter, University of the East - Manila, 82.66
8. Pamela Sue Abadam Natividad, University of the Philippines - Manila, 82.59
9. Almira Dulce Flores Garcia and Shiela Mae Millanes Ibarra, Centro Escolar University - Manila, 82.39
10. Christine Anne Asperas Pabustan, University of the Philippines - Manila, 82.08
The PRC also said the top performing school in the June 2008 Dentist Licensure Examination with 29 to 99 examinees is University of the East - Manila with 62 of 67 examinees passing for a 93 percent passing rate.
The top performing schools with five to 25 examinees are University of the Philippines - Manila with 22 of 22 examinees passing for a 100 percent rating and the University of Baguio, with 17 of 19 examinees passing for an 89 percent rate.
On the Board of Dentistry are Dr. Rosita Canlas-Nisce, chairman who inhibited herself because a relative took the exam, and Dr. Norma Reyes-Ayap and Dr. Daniel G. Feraro, members
The results were released in two days after the last day of examinations, the PRC said.
Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will begin on June 18, 2008 until June 30, 2008.
Those who will register are required to bring a duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), two passport size colored pictures with white background and complete nametag, one 1" x 1" colored picture with white background and complete nametag, two sets of metered documentary stamps, and one short brown envelope with name and profession.
They will be required to pay the initial registration fee of R600 and annual registration fee of R450 for 2008-2011. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.
The oathtaking ceremony of the successful examinees June examination, as well for those who have passed previous ones but have not taken their Oath of Professional, will be held before the Board at 1:30 p.m. of July 8, 2008 at the Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Manila.
The PRC requires all successful examinees to take their oath in business attire.
The registration for membership with the Philippine Dental Association will start on June 18, 2008.
To view the full list of successful examinees, please click HERE
Ces Drilon and Company kidnap for ransom update
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Broadcast network ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday said it would not pay ransom to Abu Sayyaf militants who are holding its news crew.
The Abu Sayyaf is demanding P10 million for the safe release of the hostages, according a military report.
Militants are holding the network's senior reporter Cecilia Victoria "Ces" Oreña-Drilon and her two cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama, including a university professor Octavio Dinampo.
The four were intercepted near the village of Kulasi in Maimbung town on June 8 while on their way to clandestinely interview a senior Abu Sayyaf terror leader Radulan Sahiron, who is said to be planning to surrender.
"ABS CBN News journalists Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion, and Angelo Valderama have been kidnapped for ransom. ABS CBN News is doing everything it can to help the families of its kidnapped journalists through this harrowing ordeal," the television network said in a statement released on Wednesday.
"However, ABS CBN News will abide by its policy not to pay ransom because this would embolden kidnap for ransom groups to abduct other journalists, putting more lives at risk," it added.
Police said the hostages are still alive, but it was unclear where the Abu Sayyaf is hiding the victims. "They are alive. We have sources who told us that all four hostages are alive," Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao, commander of police forces in the Muslim autonomous region, told the GMANews.TV.
Goltiao said there are efforts to negotiate with the kidnappers for the release of the hostages. "There are options here and one if to locate the hostages and negotiate for their safe release," he said.
He said the police are closely coordinating with Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan, the head of the local Crisis Management Committee, in resolving the problem peacefully. "Governor Sakur Tan and the crisis committee are working hard to resolve this problem," he said.
Police have tagged Gafur Jumdail and Albader Parad, a young, but notorious Abu Sayyaf leader who is wanted both by Washington and Manila for terrorism and killings, as behind the kidnappings. "As far as we know, Parad and Gafur are behind the kidnappings," Goltiao said.
Parad's group was also tagged as behind the kidnapping early this year of Maria Rosalie Lao, 58, a rice trader in Jolo town.
He was among the Abu Sayyaf militants that seized 21 people, mostly Asian and European tourists in April, 2000 from the Malaysian island-resort of Sipadan. Last year, Parad's group also kidnapped seven people in Sulu and beheaded them after their families failed to pay up ransom.
Parad is also included in the terror list both of Washington and Manila for his involvement in the spate of terror attacks and kidnappings of foreigners. The US has offered up to $750,000 bounty for Parad's capture.
The Philippines' largest Muslim rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, also offered to help secure the release of Drilon's team which arrived in Sulu on June 7 from Zamboanga City.
Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim said Drilon did not coordinate with them when they arrived in Sulu. She also declined military escorts. He said the victims were believed taken to the hinterlands of Indanan town.
Drilon's group is billeted at the Sulu State College hostel in Jolo town where they took two rooms and left on Saturday afternoon after ordering foods good for 20 people.
A hotel staff said he saw Drilon hurriedly left and even asked her where she was going. "She was really in a hurry and I even asked her where they were going and Ces Drilon only replied that they would just be nearby. They never came back since Saturday."
Drilon's group was the second from the television network to be kidnapped in Sulu in the past eight years. Reporter Maan Macapagal and her cameraman Val Cuenca were also kidnapped on the island while working on exclusive news on the Abu Sayyaf.
Independent journalist Arlyn dela Cruz was also kidnapped in Sulu while covering the Abu Sayyaf. Another photojournalist Gene Boyd Lumawag was shot in the head by an Abu Sayyaf militant while shooting the sunset in Sulu several years ago.
The Abu Sayyaf had also seized foreign journalists covering the group's kidnapping of 21 Asian and Western holidaymakers from Sabah. It also kidnapped in the past local traders and most of those kidnapped were freed in exchange for ransom, but many were also raped and killed. - GMANews.TV
4 RP sites made to top 10 list in 7 Wonders of Nature
Four of the country’s top tourist spots have made it to the Top 10 list in the worldwide search for the “Seven Wonders of Nature.”
Senators Pia Cayetano and Richard Gordon attributed the latest development to the “online power” of Filipinos.
As of yesterday, Tubbataha Reef in Palawan was in second place, followed by Chocolate Hills in Bohol (fourth place), Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, also in Palawan (sixth) and Mayon Volcano in Bicol (10th).
Only Tubbataha Reef and Chocolate Hills were previously in the Top 10.
Cayetano hailed Filipinos here and abroad for taking time to go online and acknowledged the critical role played by local governments, environmentalists and non-government organizations in encouraging more Filipinos and even foreigners to vote for the Philippine nominees.
“I hope this strong show of support is reflective of a deeper appreciation of our responsibilities as a people not only to promote, but also to save our natural resources from various threats,” said Cayetano, chairperson of the Senate committee on environment and natural resources.
For his part, Gordon said “this is one contest where Filipinos all around the world can participate in and where victory is practically assured.”
Others in the Top 10 led by first placer Ha Long Bay of Vietnam are: 3. Cox’s Bazaar, Beach (Bangladesh – Asia), 5. Ganges River (Bangladesh/India – Asia), 7. Mount Everest (Nepal – Asia), 8. Amazon River/Forest (Bolivia/Brazil/Colombia/Ecuador/Peru/Venezuela – South America), and 9. Mount Fuji (Japan – Asia).
The search for the Seven Wonders of Nature is organized by the non-profit New Seven Wonders Foundation, which also undertook the “New Seven Wonders of the World” search last year.
The aim of the search is to create public awareness and contribute to the protection of the world’s natural heritage and foster respect for cultural diversity.
The list of nominees and the mechanics for voting are posted on the poll’s official website www.new7wonders.com while the live rankings can be viewed at http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/liveranking.
Filipinos can still vote online for the Philippine bets until Dec. 31, after which the Top 77 nominees will be submitted to a panel of experts that will put together a shortlist of 21 finalists by January 2009.
A second round of popular voting for the 21 finalists will then follow until the end of 2009, with the Top Seven nominees being officially declared the new “Seven Wonders of Nature” by year 2010.
Gordon said this would be one way to help speed up the growth of Philippine tourism, which could provide people with the means to raise them out of poverty and give them back their pride.
“We can beg oil and power companies for lower prices all day or argue for the scrapping of taxes, but the real solution for our people’s consumer price woes is to focus on creating more income earning opportunities. Tourism has the capacity to provide such a wealth of opportunities directly to our countrymen and we’ve seen many times over that where tourism advances, poverty retreats,” Gordon said.
Gordon also underscored the importance of ensuring the passage of his Tourism Bill, which along with the establishment of Tourism Enterprise Zones throughout the country, would also provide funding support and incentives for the development of tourism related industries.
“Along with the enactment of the tourism bill, we must revive efforts to open the NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) Terminal 3 as well as ensure funding support for the upgrading of our country’s airports. Particular attention must be given to provinces like Palawan, especially now that it has caught the world’s eye through the 7 Wonders Campaign,” Gordon said.
TO VOTE IN, PLS. CLICK HERE
Air Supply live in Manila
Venue: Araneta Coliseum
Event Date/Time: June 14, 2008 | Saturday at 8:00pm
Seat and Price:
Seat Location Price
PATRON VIP (101,103 1ST 12 ROWS) (Reserved Seating) 4200
PATRON (Reserved Seating) 3675
LOWER BOX (Reserved Seating) 3150
UPPER BOX A (Reserved Seating) 2100
UPPER BOX B (Free Seating) 1050
GENERAL ADMISSION (Free Seating) 525
Rudy Fernandez dies
Actor Rudy Fernandez died at 6:15 Saturday morning at his home in Joeylane Street in White Plains in Quezon City due to a lingering illness.
He was 55.
After years of suffering from peri-ampullary cancer, Rudy succumbed to death in the presence of his wife, actress Lorna Tolentino, and sons Renz Marion and Raphael Fernandez. He also has a son, Mark Anthony, also an actor, with former partner, actress Alma Moreno.
Minutes after the official announcement of his death, people from all sides of showbiz sent the sad news to one another via text or phone calls.
Two days before his demise, Lorna issued a statement that she was ready to accept his husband’s sad fate. “I am entrusting his life to the Lord,” said the actress in her message.
Yet, she hoped that Rudy would still miraculously recover.
During these last few months, Rudy and Lorna were shuttling between the US and the country for medical treatment of the actor’s cancer.
They were recently advised by the patient’s doctors in the US to stay in a Philippine hospital for treatment.
Fernandez was confined at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan for almost a month.
Before he was taken home, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, one of Rudy’s bosom friends, said during an interview that Rudy tried to fight his illness but couldn’t hide the real state of his health. He said Rudy’s tummy was already bloated and his eyes and skin were yellowish, all symptoms of the deadly cancer.
The last time Estrada paid Rudy a visit in the hospital, the patient was agonizing. “Hirap na hirap na ako. (I can’t bear this anymore),” Fernandez was heard complaining.
Meanwhile, Senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla, another one of Rudy’s close pals, and colleagues in the film community, called on the public to say prayers for Fernandez..
Rudy’s final wish was to be laid to rest at the Heritage Park along C-5 in Taguig City.
Revilla told radio station dzMM Saturday that Fernandez's remains were immediately brought to the Heritage Park in Taguig City for the wake.
He said the public can pay their respects at the park.
Fernandez became famous for his action films such as "Baby Ama," and "Markang Bungo."
Fernandez has won best actor awards for his film, "Batuigas...Pasukuin si Waway," and "Victor Corpuz".
Peri-ampullary cancer
According to Dr. Jaime Ignacio, immediate past president of the Philippine Society for Gastroenterology, peri-ampullary cancer is the growth of tumor in the ampulla, a passage of bile duct in the intestines.
From the liver, bile duct supplies bile to the intestine, the liquid which digest the food in-take of a person. If the ampulla has a tumor, bile doesn't flow in the intestines resulting in inflammation of the bile duct.
Ignacio said that periampullary cancer is rare. For every 100,000 people, only 100 develop the illness. The cause of the condition is still unknown.
The following symptoms that might indicate periamplullary cancer: weight loss and bleeding of the ampulla which will be evident in a patient's stool. He added that the patient usually feels no pain.
Ignacio said this type of cancer is not easily detected and it may be too late for the patient once it is finally identified.
"Kadalasan kasi, inaakalang hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer o ibang sakit sa atay ang peri-ampullary cancer kaya hindi ito agad nalalapatan ng tamang lunas," Ignacio explained.
Treatment options include surgical removal of the tumor or loosening of the obstruction on the bile duct, technically referred to as endoscopic retrograde cholangoi-pancreatography.
In its later stages, peri-ampullary cancer cells spread to the liver. The survival rate is recorded at four out of ten people who are usually declared to be under remission if they remain cancer-free two years after the periampullary cancer was first discovered.
Ignacio advised that to be safe and on guard against periampullary cancer or any other liver condition, a person should see a specialist immediately if he or she manifests jaundice.
Filmography
* 1974 Patayin Ang Dugong Tirador
* 1976 Bitayin Si Baby Ama
* 1976 Wanted: Agad-Agad
* 1977 Makahiya at Talahib
* 1977 Alfredo Lim: Sa Kamay ng Ibabaw
* 1977 Gameng
* 1978 Bilangguan Walang Rehas
* 1978 Teteng Salonga ng Tondo
* 1979 Maynila
* 1980 Tatak Angustia
* 1980 Sa Init ng Apoy
* 1980 Pader at Rehas
* 1981 Pepeng Shotgun
* 1981 Ulo ng Gapo
* 1981 Lukso ng Dugo
* 1982 Tres Kantos
* 1982 Bagong Boy Condenado
* 1982 Mga Pambato
* 1982 Get My Son Dead Or Alive
* 1982 Kumander Elpidio Paclibar
* 1983 Sumuko Ka na Ronquillo
* 1983 Kumusta Ka na Hudas?
* 1983 Alex San Diego: Alyas Wanted
* 1983 Kunin mo ang ulo ni Magtanggol
* 1984 Idol
* 1984 Sarge
* 1984 Tulisang Dagat
* 1984 Kriminal
* 1984 Somewhere
* 1984 Pasukuin Si Waway
* 1985 Anak ng Tondo
* 1985 Bilang na ang Oras mo
* 1985 Baun Gang
* 1985 Tatak Munti
* 1986 Tatak ng Yakuza
* 1986 Deadly Target
* 1986 Teritoryo Ko Ito
* 1986 Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa!
* 1987 Vigilante
* 1987 Victor Corpuz
* 1988 Tubusin ng Dugo
* 1989 Ipaglalaban Ko
* 1989 Sandakot na Bala
* 1990 Ayaw Matulog ng Gabi
* 1990 Kaaway ng Batas
* 1991 Bingbong The Vincent Crisologo Story
* 1992 Kahit Buhay Ko
* 1992 Kamay ni Kain
* 1992 Markang Bungo: The Bobby Ortega Story
* 1993 Kung Kailangan Mo Ako
* 1993 Tumbasan mo ng Buhay
* 1994 Nagkataon Nagkatagpo
* 1994 LAGALAG: The Eddie Fernandez Story
* 1995 Matimbang Pa Sa Dugo
* 1995 Markang Bungo 2: Iligpit Si Bobby Ortega
* 1995 Kuratong Baleleng
* 1996 Itataya Ko Ang Buhay mo
* 1996 Wag na Wag Kang Lalayo
* 1997 Ayos Lang Pare ko!
* 1998 Birador
* 1999 Gintot Pilak
* 2000 Palaban
* 2000 Ping Lacson Story
* 2002 Diskarte
* 2002 Hula mo Huli ko
P65/liter gasoline price looms
MANILA, Philippines—Consumers will have to deal with weekly fuel price increases of P1.50 a liter that started on Saturday, as oil firms scramble to recover losses resulting from skyrocketing crude prices in the world market.
Allowing the oil firms to recoup their losses could drive the price of gasoline to a record P65 a liter.
An industry executive said fuel prices could go up by between P8 and P11 a liter to reflect the higher oil prices.
"Under-recoveries [the amount that oil firms need to recoup] have soared ... There's really no relief in sight. Consumers will have to bear weekly increases, most likely by P1.50 a liter," the executive said.
Virginia Ruivivar, public affairs manager at oil refiner Petron Corp., said that for diesel alone, the current pump price was P8 a liter lower than the actual imported price of the product.
The hefty fuel price increases are expected to further jack up the prices of almost everything else, making life more difficult for most Filipinos.
Consumer groups Monday called for the removal of the 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) on oil products to cushion the impact of high fuel prices.
The militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said it was not right that the government was enjoying a windfall from VAT collections when consumers "have their backs against the wall in the face of rising inflation."
But the Federation of Philippine Industries said subsidies and socialized pricing schemes were the best way to address the rise in fuel prices.
Over the weekend, the latest price increase of P1.50 a liter brought the price of premium unleaded gasoline to between P50.67 and P55.15 a liter, diesel to between P42.91 and P48, and kerosene to between P48.30 and P53.50.
Since the start of the year, gasoline, diesel and kerosene prices have risen 12 times for a total of P9.50 a liter for gasoline, and P10 a liter for diesel and kerosene.
June 1, 2008 Nursing Board Examination
Nursing graduates gather at the City College of Manila for the Nursing board examination on Sunday, June 1, 2008. They were among some 65,000 who took the licensure examination given by the Board of Nursing all over the country yesterday.
