Annabelle Rama-Gutierrez is facing child abuse raps for allegedly making two of her minor talents work

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Filipino talent manager Annabelle Rama-Gutierrez is facing child abuse raps for allegedly making two of her minor talents work more than 40 hours a week, sometimes interfering with their school schedule.
The four-page complaint was filed on Friday before the Quezon City prosecutors' office by Nadine Montenegro Pla, better known in show biz as Nadia Montenegro, on behalf of her two daughters aged 15 and 17.
The mother described Rama as a family friend and manager who signed a five-year contract for Pla's two children to appear on TV.
Republic Act No. 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Act prescribes that a child cannot work for more than 40 hours a week, while a memorandum of the Department of Labor and Employment prescribes that an employer cannot make a child work during school hours.
Pla also lodged a complaint for oral defamation against Rama for allegedly circulating rumors about her two daughters - one had supposedly contracted a sexually transmitted disease, while the other had allegedly been raped.
"As manager, Rama failed to protect the interests of my children by making them work even during school hours to the detriment of their grades and giving them the impression that the same was required by the network and that they either 'take it or leave it,'" the affidavit read.
Pla also alleged that the talent manager made her two daughters wear "mature and sexually suggestive clothes" and attend social events that exposed her kids "to circumstances that were prejudicial to their morals."
In a separate affidavit, the two daughters recalled times when they were made to shoot from 6 a.m. to 4 a.m. the following day for a TV5 show.
The "verbal and emotional" abuse soon reached a point in which Pla decided to end her daughters' contract with Rama.

Britain's former world welterweight champion Ricky Hatton admitted that his brutal defeat at the hands of Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao

Britain's former world welterweight champion Ricky Hatton admitted on Thursday that his brutal defeat at the hands of Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao drove him to the brink of suicide.
Hatton, who retired in July, was demolished inside just two rounds by Pacquiao in Las Vegas in May 2009, a fierce battering which caused his life to spiral out of control in a battle with drink and drugs.
"I was so down, I was crying and breaking out and contemplating suicide," Hatton told the BBC.
"I was going deeper and deeper into depression. I was going out and having a few drinks. The worst thing you can do with depression is add alcohol to it.
"I needed something to get my backside into gear and pull my finger out. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to think, 'Blimey Ricky, get a grip'.
"Depression is a serious thing and, after my defeat to Manny Pacquiao, I contemplated retirement and didn't cope with it very well."
Hatton's predicament worsened when he fell victim to a newspaper sting in which he was shown taking cocaine before he went into rehabilitation.
"For someone in my position taking drugs once is nothing short of disgraceful," said the 32-year-old.
"The reason behind my actions and the way I was behaving wasn't a drink or drugs thing, it was depression. I was so down, I was crying and breaking out and contemplating suicide.
"Half the things I was doing I didn't even read about in the paper. I can't even remember the night it happened - that's what depression does to you.
"I was having blackouts, days on end whether I was drinking or not when I couldn't remember what had happened in my life.
"I thank the News of the World because who knows where it could have ended up."

Calumpit at Hagonoy lubog sa baha matapos magpawala ng tubig ng 3 dam

Lubog pa rin ngayon sa tubig-baha ang ilang bayan ng Bulacan matapos ang halos sabay sabay na pagpapakawala ng tubig ang tatlong dams.


Kabilang sa nagpakawala ng tubig ay ang Ipo, Angat at Bustos dam.


Partikular na naapektuhan ay ang bayan ng Hagonoy at Calumpit sa Bulacan, kung saan nagsilbi itong daluyan ng tubig.


Ayon kay Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado, 29 na barangay sa Calumpit at 26 na barangay sa bayan ng Hagonoy ang lubog sa baha.


Halos lahat umano ng mga residente ay nasa bubong na ng kani-kanilang mga bahay.

Classes remain suspended in these affected areas or as declared by local and/or school officials

Classes remain suspended in these affected areas or as declared by local and/or school officials:


PRESCHOOL TO HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
UE Manila and UE Caloocan
Region 1
Bulacan
Nueva Vizcaya
Antipolo, Rizal
Cainta, Rizal
Rodriguez, Rizal
San Mateo, Rizal
Malabon
Navotas
Valenzuela (Isla, Wawangpulo, Poblacion, Arkong Bato, Rincon, Mabolo, Bisig, Polo, Balangkas, Pasolo, Coloong, Malanday, Tagalag)




ELEMENTARY
Bagong Silangan Elementary School, Quezon City
Constantino Elementary School, Valenzuela City
Cupang Elementary School, Muntinlupa
P. Guevarra Elementary School, Manila
Sucat Elementary School, Muntinlupa




HIGH SCHOOL
Valenzuela National High School
Gen T. De Leon National High School, Valenzuela City
Malinta National High School, Valenzuela City


ALL LEVELS
Marikina
Isabela
Adamson University
La Consolacion College - Manila
Manila Tytana Colleges
Philippine Christian University - Taft
Sta. Isabel College - Manila
Technological Institute of the Philippines - Manila
Technological Institute of the Philippines - Quezon City
University of Santo Tomas
University of the Philippines Diliman (7AM-1PM ONLY)






Note: List last updated September 27, 2011 11:29pm

PAGASA has already lowered public storm "Pedring" signals in several areas

Typhoon "Pedring" (International name: Nesat) has maintained its strength with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and a gustiness of up to 150 kph, but may be out of the Philippine area of responsibility (Par) by Wednesday, the weather state bureau said.

Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa) has already lowered public storm signals in several areas, noting that a "gradual improving weather" may be seen late Wednesday afternoon.
The weather bureau is however monitoring a new weather disturbance, which may be named "Quiel" once it enters the Par.
At least seven people have been killed due to Pedring, according to reports.

Signal # 3 is up in Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, and Pangasinan

Signal # 2 in Ilocos Norte, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Nueva Viscaya, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Zambales.

Metro Manila is now under Signal # 1, along with the following areas: Babuyan Cagayan including Babuyan and Calayan group of islands, Isabela, Quirino, Aurora, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan and Metro Manila.

Pagasa said suspension of classes for Wednesday may be unlikely as floods are seen to subside soon. Typhoon Pedring is however expected to "enhance the Southwest Monsoon and will bring scattered to widespread rains over Southern Luzon and Visayas," says Pagasa.
The public is however advised to wait after the 11 pm advisory of Pagasa regarding the announcement of classes suspension.
Earlier in the day, Pagasa said Pedring slowed down after crossing the rugged Sierra Madre terrain, with a rainfall estimate of 15-25 mm per hour.

"Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under Public Storm Warning Signals are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone," Pagasa said in its advisory.
Sofitel, SM Marikina floods
At the height of Pedring's wrath, floods submerged roads and establishments.
A dzMM news report said at least 30 vehicles were affected as basement parking area in Sofitel hotel gets flooded. A forced evacuation was ordered, following the collapse of a seawall behind the hotel premises, the dzMM report added.
Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez has assured that all the Sofitel guests have already been transferred to other hotels.
Pagasa, in a briefing 5:00 pm, said heavy rains coincided with the Manila bay high tide, causing a water surge.

In Manila, floods have been reported along major thoroughfare Roxas Boulevard and as 5:30 pm, Roxas Boulevard is impassable to all types of vehicles. Floods reach chest-high near the Luneta park, a radio dzMM report said.

Employees of the U.S. embassy have also been evacuated.

Leg-high flood waters were also reported inside Ospital ng Maynila, according to dzMM. The hospital has also appealed for portable generators after a power interruption hit the area.
A report from dzMM said SM Marikina's basement is already submerged in flood waters.

Deputy presidential spokesman Abigail Valte earlier announced the suspension of work in all government offices Tuesday.

Palace spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the suspension covers NCR, Regions 1, 2, 3, CAR, Batangas Cavite, Rizal and Laguna.

Classes from preschool to college have been suspended in the said areas.
In a briefer issued by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), at least 3,186 passengers were stranded in areas affected by typhoon Pedring.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has issued a flight advisory cancelling at least 41 domestic flights.

"A total of 1,355 families/6,112 persons were affected in 38 barangays, 12 municipalities, 1 city, 5 provinces in Regions II, III, IV-A, and V," it added.

In Albay alone, pre-emptive evacuation had 21,547 families or 111,930 persons fleeing for safety.
Related stories:

Thousands stranded, two dead as Pedring whips several areas
La Mesa Dam, Makati river overflow seen, alert up in nearby communities
Photos: Pedring's wrath
Nesat pounds the Philippines
Classes, gov't work suspended

Camille Prats’ husband Anthony Linsangan died of nasopharyngeal cancer Friday morning

Camille Prats’ husband Anthony Linsangan died of nasopharyngeal cancer Friday morning, September 23 at St. Luke‘s Medical Center Global City. Anthony battled cancer for a year. He would have been 32 on October 12. Camille was by his side when he passed away.

Nasopharyngeal cancer involves the presence of malignant cancer cells in the nasopharynx, the passageway at the upper part of the pharynx (throat).

The wake will be at Heritage Park, Fort Bonifacio. The family has not yet decided on the interment date.

Camille and Anthony have a three-year-old son named Nathaniel Caesar. They had a church wedding on March 5, 2010, two years after they got married via civil rites in Los Angeles, California.

American Idol season 10 finalist Thia Megia have been chosen by Manny Pacquiao himself to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner”

American Idol season 10 finalist Thia Megia said she is honored and blessed to have been chosen by Manny Pacquiao himself to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States, in his fight with Juan Miguel Marquez this November 12.

“It was really nerve-wrecking because I haven't sang the national anthem in a while. But, you know, I'm thankful he (Pacquiao) liked it enough to have me sing it at his next fight. I'm really honored and blessed for his opportunity,” the 16-year-old singer said in an interview with Yahoo! Philippines OMG! on Tuesday, September 20, before the American Idol Live Tour in Manila at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

According to Thia, she was asked by Manny's team if she could sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” after the Idols' guesting in the GMA-7 Saturday variety show “Manny Many Prizes.”

“I sang to him and it was right after the 'Manny Many Prizes' show. We went backstage and his manager, he asked me, 'you probably don't know the Philippine national anthem yet but do you know 'Star-Spangled Banner?' I said, 'I do.' 'Do you mind singing it to Manny?' And I was like, 'right now?' And Manny was sitting right there and it was such a small room and Pia (Toscano) and Stefano (Langone) were there, they were rooting for me,” Thia shared.

Although she admitted singing the national anthem of America in front of Manny was “nerve-wrecking,” Thia said the whole experience was “wonderful.”

Proud moment

Thia said she's excited to meet young Filipino talent Maria Aragon, who will sing the Philippine national anthem or “Lupang Hinirang” during the match.

“It's awesome. She's such a young artist. Just looking at what she's already done at that age... it's gonna be an honor to meet her as well,” Thia said.

For the young American Idol finalist, the fact that the likes of her and Aragon have somehow penetrated the international music scene is something to be proud of.

“I'm really proud as well because there's so many amazing and talented Filipinos that are making it in the US and pretty much worldwide. It's gonna be a proud moment for me,” Thia said.

Since she has already experienced what it's like to perform for the Filipino audience, will Thia consider pursuing a musical career in the Philippines?

“I would love to explore the opportunity and the possibility of doing that. My love for music will be never-ending so I'm gonna keep working and working and working on it,” Thia replied.

She added, “I would love to explore any opportunity that is worldwide. It would be awesome.”

Other sides of Thia

The young singer also said she's also working on original compositions and exploring the possibility of performing an OPM song.

“I'm definitely working on my music and learning how to be versatile,” Thia said. “I've been in pretty much one genre on the show but what you guys don't know is that I love every genre and I can sing anything.”

During this year's Idol competition, Thia was criticized for being predictable and one-dimensional with her song choices. For her post-Idol projects, she hopes to show she can sing more than just her signature ballads.

“I love reggae, actually. I love soul and jazz. Anything that's pretty cool and funky and has a cool vibe. I love to sing ballads, they really suit my voice good, but a lot of you haven't heard the other music sides of me,” she said when asked what type of music she'd want to explore for her debut album.

Catch the last show of the American Idol Live Tour in 2011 tonight, September 21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. With Karen Valeza

Mariel rodriguez: Sa totoo lang po, ako I have no problem with the other hosts. But Toni doesn’t like me.

Nakakaloka ang e-mail na aming natanggap at nabasa kaninang alas-4 ng hapon. Patungkol ito sa kumakalat na kontrobersyal text na diumano galing sa TV host at ngayon ay bagong Kapatid Star na si Mariel Rodriguez.

At narito ang nilalaman ng text.. “Sa totoo lang po, ako I have no problem with the other hosts. But Toni doesn’t like me. It’s very obvious that she can’t stand me, sad to say.” Kalokah!! Well, siyempre noong una.. may doubt kame kung totoo talagang galing kay Mariel ang naturang text. Baka naman may nag-imbento na naman like recently yung kay Oprah na kung saan pinaniwalaan ng buong sambayanan.


Ni-research namin ang naturang text at napag-alaman namin na ang text pala talaga ay galing mismo kay Mariel na kung saan ay ipinadala niya mula sa “Funfare” ni Mr. Ricky Lo sa philstar (click here to see the article).


Kalurkey! Pasabog ito ah! Nalaman na kaya ito ng kampo ni Toni? Ano kaya ang reaksyon niya mula dito? Shock pa rin kami. Kasi dun sa HYY episodes nila, mukhang masaya at okay naman ang 2. Ano yun?? On-air lang yun? Then pag commerical na, dedmahan na??? Hmm.. Ilang months na rin ang HYY, at kung sa simula pa lang at di na sila okay, eh di naibalita na yun sana noon pa? Baka recently may hindi magandang nangyare sa pagitan ng 2 hosts. Ano sa tingin niyo?? Kalungkot naman for them.. Ano po reaksyon niyo??

Jamaican Reggae group Inner Circle's hit song “Sweat (A La La La La Long)" is now crocodile Lolong's theme song

BUNAWAN, Agusan del Sur — Jamaican Reggae group Inner Circle's hit song “Sweat (A La La La La Long)" is now crocodile Lolong's theme song as the music is frequently played at the Bunawan Eco-Park and Wildlife Reservation Center.
Probably the biggest crocodile in captivity, Lolong is placed in a special cage at the eco-park in Sitio Masapya, Barangay Consuelo, some 8 kilometers from Bunawan town proper.
Visitors from as far as Davao, Cebu and other provinces whistle, sing along, and sway when Sweat (A La La La La Long) is played. One visitor even said: "Baka mapapasayaw din si Lolong niyan."
Closed circuit television or CCTV were also installed around Lolong's special cage to monitor the 21-foot crocodile's movement, including visitors' activity near the cage.
Sweat (A La La La La Long) was Number 3 hit in the U.K. singles chart and number 16 in the list of top US Billboard hits after the Inner Circle’s upbeat song was released in 1993.
Lolong was captured last September 3, after hunters and residents in Bunawan had stalked it for three weeks. It was named after Ernesto "Lolong" Goloran Cañete, one of the veteran crocodile hunters from the Palawan who led the hunt.
Weeks of stalking the crocodile took a toll on the health of Cañete, who died of heart attack days before Lolong the crocodile was entrapped.
Lolong's special cage, which is just 50 meters away from the natural waterfalls in the area, is further braced with steel to secure the animal as well as the visitors.
Meanwhile, visitors pay P20 entrance fee to get into the Bunawan Eco-Park. The proceeds, according to the gatekeepers, would be used to improve the area.
Apollo Deano, assistant in-charge of the Buanwan Eco-Park, told GMA News online that Coca-Cola Philippines will provide some 45 stalls for more than 100 ambulant vendors at the park.
Meanwhile, the Local government of Bunawan is set to develop the eco-park and convert the six-hectare government property into a prime tourist destination after a surge in the number of local and foreign tourists who come to see Lolong.
Bunawan Mayor Edwin Elorde said local funds used in the development of the eco-park and the expenses in capturing Lolong from the wild in Agusan Marsh already cost Bunawan more than one million pesos.
Elorde admitted allowances, fares, board and lodging and other expenses incurred by crocodile experts from the Palawan Wildlife and Crocodile Reservation Center were shouldered by local government. — Ben Serrano/LBG, GMA News

Shamcey takes 3rd runner up in Miss Universe pageant 2011

Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup was named third runner-up at the 2011 Miss Universe pageant at the Credicard Hall in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Miss Angola, 25-year-old Leila Lopes, was crowned Miss Universe 2011.

Miss China Luo Zilin was named fourth runner-up, Miss Brazil Priscila Machado was named second runner-up, while Miss Ukraine Olesya Stefanko was named first runner-up.

Lopes will succeed Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete of Mexico.

One of the heavy favorites as the pageant progressed, Shamcey impressed fans with her answer during the Q and A portion. Judge Vivica A. Fox asked Miss Philippines if she would change her religion to marry someone she loves. Shamcey answered no.

“I would not change my religion because, first of all, I love my God who created me and if that person truly loves me, he must also love my God,” she said.

Thoughout the competition, Shamcey was among the top placers in NBC.com's Miss Universe fan voting poll.

Last year, Ma. Venus Raj was named Miss Universe fourth runner-up.


Here's the list of winners:

Miss Universe 2011: Miss Angola, Leila Lopes

1st Runner-up - Miss Ukraine, Olesya Stefanko

2nd Runner-up - Miss Brazil, Priscila Machado

3rd Runner-up - Miss Philippines, Shamcey Supsup

4th Runner-up - Miss China , Zi Lin Luo Luo

Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo plans to get in touch with fiancé Shalani Soledad ’s father for her hand in marriage anytime this weeks

Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo plans to get in touch with fiancé Shalani Soledad’s father, Adolfo Aguirre, to ask for her hand in marriage anytime this week.

Mons Romulo, Rep. Roman’s sister revealed this to Yahoo! Philippines OMG! in a phone interview.

“Roman is very proper. Gusto muna niyang tanungin ang dad ni Shalani and he will make a formal announcement after that,” Mons said.

Shalani, she added, will be a welcome addition to the family.

“We all like her very much. Simple siya. Maganda, inside and out. Mahirap makakita ng babaeng ganyan. She knows politics too. Hindi siya magiging sagabal kay Roman. There are women na makikiagaw sa time,” explains Mons.

Shalani, she thinks, is different. The Valenzuela councilor, Mons goes on, will understand her brother and his devotion to work.

“My brother is very prayerful, and a workaholic like my dad (former Foreign Affairs secretary Alberto Romulo). My prayer is for my brother to find a girl who will understand and love his work, someone who will love his Pasig constituents. The best si Shalani.”

Mons also said that her brother’s last girlfriend before Shalani was two years ago. And Shalani is worth the wait.

Mons added that her 44-year-old brother has it all planned out. She said Congressman Romulo already has a house in Pasig for his future family.

Previous reports revealed that Rep. Roman Romulo had given Shalani a diamond ring. The wedding, reports added, is planned for early 2012.

Taiwanese heartthrob Vic Chou tells stories on his depression

Taiwanese heartthrob Vic Chou shot to fame in 2001, after his role in drama "Meteor Garden". Recently Vic said to the Chinese press, "But many people looked down on me, especially those in showbiz. Who is he? He's just a 'pretty vase'."; according to the Xin MSN website.
He added, "People might not believe me when I say this. When I first entered showbiz, all I wanted was to leave this industry. I kept thinking how I could get out of my contract and say goodbye to all these."
Even when countless drama offers came pouring in, Vic was still determined to keep a distance from showbiz because he had seen the things people do to reach the top. The actor was frequently taken advantage of because he is a person who "is unwilling to fight, and would rather do things quietly".
"I was struggling. With my kind of attitude, I would still be bullied, no matter where I worked; but not wanting to fight is my nature," Vic said.
Vic's emotional burden accumulated over the years, resulting in depression a few years ago.
"I was immune to pain and was unafraid of death, during the worst period when I had depression. Death became optional. In other words, I would die, if I wanted to die today," he let on.
The actor might have talked about his illness lightly now, but his condition was rather severe back then.
"Luckily, I have positive-thinking friends, who were willing to listen to me, towards the end of my therapy, and I would tell them about my condition. You're actually helping yourself, if you're willing to share. The negativity would decrease," Vic said.

Agosto, Ipagdiriwang ang Pambansang wikang Filipino

Itinakdang ipagdiwang tuwing Agosto, ang Buwan ng Wika ay isang taunang pagdiriwang upang bigyang halaga ang ating pambansang wika — ang Filipino.

The month of August marks the annual celebration of Buwan ng Wika, which reminds us to pay tribute to Filipino as our national language.
As everybody is encouraged to participate in activities promoting the use of the national language, 
Let us love our own.

Paris Hilton finally came in the Philippines

After months of speculation about whether or not she will visit the Philippines, Paris Hilton has finally set foot in the country at 10:50 p.m. on Sunday, August 14.

Media men failed to get a few words from the hotel heiress, who was dressed in a mustard-colored blouse and blue jeans. A big pair of dark shades prevented everyone from seeing her reaction upon arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport via Emirates Airways Flight EK334.

The Hollywood actress and hotel heiress is reportedly tired from her trip and is said to be billeted in the Manila Hotel. She will stay in the country for five days.

Before she arrived in the Philippines, Paris tweeted about her excitement in coming over.

“Hi, everyone in the Philippines. I’m coming out there and I’m really excited to see you all and also excited doing a very exciting project there.”

Last Aug. 2, Paris tweeted long-time Filipino fan, Isha Dinio, whom she has been following for a year, “Hey @iamishagirl, I'm flying to Manilla, Philippines on August 13th for a few days. Would love to meet up while I'm there. Love you. xo P.”

Paris is up for a courtesy call to President Noynoy Aquino and is expected to meet up with her friends, Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee. There are speculations that she will join Manny in a business venture.

Paris is also expected to visit SM Megamall on Aug. 18 for the opening of the Paris Hilton Megamall Shop. A meet and greet will follow at the Megamall Atrium at 4 pm.

Real estate firm Century Properties revealed in an e-mail that Paris will be its official ambassador and will be part of its creative and design team. As such, she will design the Beach Club amenity of Azure, located at the southern part of Manila.

Paris also runs a beach club, which will have a branch in Manila. Her fashion empire includes the Paris Hilton Handbags and Accessories in Davao.

Jolina Magdangal and Mark Escueta mulling a probable wedding song that will make their altar date

Jolina Magdangal and Mark Escueta haven’t chosen a wedding date yet.
But they’re mulling a probable wedding song that will make their altar date – late this year or early next year, more memorable.

“Mark is working on the song 'Ganito Pala,' which relates our love story and what’s making us happy right now,” says Jolina. “It’s for those who are in love.”

It’s so personal for him. The Rivermaya founding member, managing partner and drummer doesn’t plan to release it commercially. He plans to share it online instead.

But they’re not keeping their music to themselves alone.

For starters, Jolina sought – and got – Viva Records’ okay to tap Mark as producer of her next CD.

The partnership is made in music heaven. It’s a meeting of the mind and the heart.

“It’s a totally different experience,” gushes Jolina. “For the first time, I can say what I want for my songs. I don’t hold back. Mark lets me say what’s on my mind.”

Jolina admits it’s a far cry from those days when she had limited choices, even in her own album. Back then, she half-heartedly approved of the way some of her songs were arranged. Butnow, she feels in full control of her work.

“Ngayon lang ako tumutok sa songs,” Jolina goes on. “Mark explains the arrangement per song. And I ask many questions. I learned a lot, especially about working with computers!”

Now, Jolina feels she is a more well-rounded artist who knows more about other areas of recording.

T-shirt business

Music is not the only thing Jolina and Mark are busy with these days. They’re also into a growing t-shirt business.

“The idea started in the spirit of fun,” relates Jolina. “Mark is fond of small businesses and ako naman, mahilig sa kutingting. So we thought, why not come up with a t-shirt which we can give away in our respective shows?”

Then, the idea grew. Jolina designs for her own t-shirts while Mark makes his for Rivermaya fans. Mark, being the techie executes Jolina’s designs (e.g. her photo on the t-shirt) via computer.

The sweethearts bought a printing machine – “parang malaking plantsa” as Jolina describes it and started their MJ (Mark and Jolina, what else?) shirts only last March.

Today, just four months after, Jolina proudly reports that they have recouped their investment.

“Grabe mag out-of-town gigs ang Rivermaya (where Mark is founding member, managing partner and drummer). Nagdadala si Mark ng shirts doon,” recounts Jolina. She also does her part in marketing the shirts.

But since they’re into the business for fun and not for the big bucks (although profit is not a bad idea), Jolina and Mark don’t stress themselves out anymore by coming up with new designs per month like they used to.

It’s enough that they’re enjoying the business together and earning along the way.

“People order online through a fan page,” relates Jolina.

She and Mark are as hands-on as can be.

“We answer all queries ourselves. We give all the details potential clients need and make sure deliveries are made via LBC,” says Jolina.

Since Mark and Jolina have separate businesses as well, the couple knows they should plough back their earnings to MJ Shirts. And they do.

“We can accept bulk orders, even if we’re taking things as they come as of now,” reveals Jolina. “A friend can help us meet orders for more shirts if needed.”

No wonder Jolina’s Daddy Jun and Mommy Paulette are as pleased as can be with their daughter’s engagement.

Responsible Mark

“Mark is a good, responsible guy,” Jun describes his future son-in-law.

The happy father thinks his daughter and Mark are meant for each other. Jun saw this for himself, two years before the couple got engaged.

“Jolina was looking for her favorite food -- hopia and Chocnut – in HongKong, where Globe put a show featuring her, Rivermaya and other artists.Their first show in Taiwan was postponed a year before because of a typhoon. Imagine Jolina’s joy and surprise when Mark came up to her and produced the hopia and Chocnut!”

Who would have thought Mark had Jolina’s favorite food in his bag all along?

“That’s when we started to be close,” Jolina relates. “And that’s what we consider our anniversary (as sweethearts).”

Time away from the metro

Today, Mark and Jolina love cooling their heels in Jun and Paulette’s homey, `50s and `60s-inspired Memory Lane, a gift shop, restaurant and beauty salon along Magallanes Drive, Tagaytay.

Jolina bought some of the antique memorabilia in Memory Lane from her trips abroad. She checks the way the food is presented and suggests ways to present it more artistically.

“My older sister and I take turns posting pictures and comments on the Memory Lane website,” reveals Jolina.

It’s one big happy family – with its newest member – Mark Escueta fitting perfectly into the picture

Hacktivist group Anonymous has threatened to "destroy" the Facebook by November 5

Hacktivist group Anonymous has threatened to "destroy" by November 5 social networking giant Facebook, which it accused of "selling" users' data to "authoritarian" governments.
In a message posted on video-sharing site YouTube, Anonymous said people who want to protect the freedom of information should "join the cause and kill facebook for the sake of your own privacy."
"Facebook has been selling information to government agencies and giving clandestine access to information security firms so that they can spy on people from all around the world. Some of these so-called whitehat infosec firms are working for authoritarian governments, such as those of Egypt and Syria," it said.
It said everything users do "stays" on Facebook, regardless of their privacy settings, adding deleting one's account is "impossible."
The hacktivist group urged the public to "think for a while and prepare for a day that will go down in history. November 5, 2011."
"One day you will look back on this and realise what we have done here is right," it said.
'Strange' move
A blog entry on Village Voice, however, said it was strange that a hacker group that had stolen information "as they please" now claims to want to protect privacy.
Anonymous had teamed with Lulz Security to hack several government and corporate websites earlier this year.
"Doesn't that sound strange, coming from people who routinely steal private information as they please? But this echoes the manifesto of a related group, LulzSec, whose nihilistic perspective on the state of the Internet kind of made sense," it said.
"Will Anonymous be able to successfully lay waste to Mark Zuckerberg's fortress? This is set to be the Internet showdown of the year," it added.
Anonymous' social network hacked
On the other hand, Anonymous' latest threat came in the wake of its upcoming social network AnonPlus being hacked and defaced earlier this week.
The attack on AnonPlus (anonplus.com) was supposedly in retaliation for the group's attack on Syria.
A report on The Hacker News on Tuesday afternoon said the home page of social network AnonPlus (www.anonplus.com) was replaced with a message that read "Terrorist kills."
"In response to your hacking to the website of the Syrian Ministry of Defence, the Syrian people have decided to purify the internet of [y]our pathetic website. Your website has been hacked, and here we leave you these photos showing the scale of terrorism committed by Muslim Brotherhood Organization, whose members have been killing Syrian citizens - civilians and military," read the message on a screenshot of the defaced site, posted on The Hacker News.
It added Anonymous had been "defending this (terrorist) organization" and that the defacement "is our response."
The Hacker News reported the defacement followed Anonymous' claiming responsibility for defacing the website of Syria's Ministry of Defense.
As of Tuesday afternoon, visitors to anonplus.com were redirected to another site, anonplus.bombshellz.net, which appeared to be a mirror site.
While the screenshot did not say who defaced the site, The Hacker News said the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab "credited the AnonPlus defacement to the 'Syrian Electronic Army.'"
It was the second time the group's upcoming social network was defaced.

Last July, the AnonPlus site was hacked and defaced, leaving the administrators stewing.
In the July attack, a Turkish hacker, “Akincilar," defaced the site with a tampered logo of Anonymous, with the head of a dog. The “Cyber-Warrior" logo was placed above the tampered Anonymous symbol.
AnonPlus was made public last July, amid reports that its members decided to form the new social network after being kicked out of Google’s Google+. — TJD, GMA News

Star Circle Quest alumni Joseph Bitangcol got involved in a vehicular incident

Star Circle Quest alumni Joseph Bitangcol got involved in a vehicular incident early this morning coming home from a taping in Antipolo. The actor, who was in the passenger seat of his car, was on his way to visit a friend when the vehicle allegedly got hit by a truck.

According to his mother Lydia, who is currently with the actor in a hospital, Joseph is getting treatment for minor injuries, including wounds on the arms and face and a broken tooth. She sent a Facebook message at around 9AM, asking for friends to pray for Joseph’s quick recovery.

Mr. Bean 'Rowan Atkinson' survives supercar crash

Rowan Atkinson crashed his £650,000 supercar car last night, with a source describing his survival a “miracle”.
The 56-year-old British actor is famed across the globe for his roles playing clumsy TV character Mr. Bean and Johnny English in the eponymous spoof spy film franchise.
Rowan is a big fan of fast cars, and last night his McLaren F1 vehicle, believed to be one of only 100 in the world, reportedly hit a tree and a lamppost before catching fire in Cambridgeshire, England.
"We were called to a single vehicle road traffic collision at 7.30 tonight on the A605 at Haddon," the East of England Ambulance Service confirmed yesterday.
A spokesperson added that a man was taken to a Peterborough hospital with "a minor shoulder injury".
Meanwhile, a source told British newspaper The Sun that Rowan has been extremely lucky not to have sustained worse injuries.
"It's a miracle he walked away," claimed the insider.
Rowan had previously damaged the front of the car when it collided with a Rover Metro in Lancashire over ten years ago. He later confessed the incident had been embarrassing.
"The prang was embarrassingly low-speed and therefore not related to my handling of the car, thank God. I was very, very lucky," he blushed.
© Cover Media

Christopher Lao's Statement after complaining about being bullied on various social media platforms

Christopher Lao, the man who drove his car into a flooded street in Quezon City and was interviewed Tuesday by GMA News reporter Jun Veneracion, released on Thursday his “official statement" on Facebook after complaining about being bullied on various social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

In a follow-up report, Lao’s statement was aired on Thursday on GMA News program “24 Oras". — Marlon Anthony Tonson/TJ/VS

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Official Statement from Christopher Lao
4 August 2011

The past few days have been very disheartening for me and my family. As you know I have been a subject of a viral video that showed my helplessness during a trying moment. As it stands right now, I have several hate pages in Facebook and Twitter with hurtful and derogatory messages attacking my person. The reputation that I built the past years has been besmirched. A bad day has now turned into wounded feelings and sleepless nights for me and my family.

I have been silent the past few days as I want this to go away soon but not before saying sorry and thank you to people who matter.

I would like to apologize for my behavior that was seen on nationwide television and now on the internet. It was unfortunate that I was caught on camera immediately after an overwhelmingly stressful mishap.

I would like to again sincerely thank those who braved the flood to help a distraught stranger like me. Their selfless act reminded me of how dependable Filipinos are in times of crisis.

Lastly, I would like to thank my family, friends and all of those who showed empathy, consideration and support throughout these trying times. You have given me strength and courage to rise above and be a better person.

Sincerely yours,

Christopher Lao

WELCOME BACK MS.NORA AUNOR IN THE PHILIPPINES

The problematic Nora Aunor is gone and is bent on correcting the mistakes she has done.

This is what the Superstar told the press when she met them this afternoon at the Boracay room of Shangri-La EDSA Hotel a few hours after she arrived at the NAIA airport via PR 103.

Dressed in a white jacket with a pearl necklace as accessory, the teary-eyed Nora vowed that she will not commit the mistakes she did before and thereby make TV 5 happy about `gambling’ on her through a mini-series she will headline with the Kapatid network.

“ Hindi na magkaka-aberya hindi na magpakaproblema sa akin,” she said. “Kung ano man ang commitment ko sa umpisa hanggang maatapos gagawin ko.”


Changed Nora

In a one-one-one interview with Yahoo! Philippines OMG!, Nora said she will no longer be late for appointments, something which she knows her co-workers have complained about years back.

“Kung may mga bagay na di ninyo nagustuhan papatunayan ko sa pagtatrabaho ko sa TV5 at sa `El Presidente’ (the movie she is doing with ER Ejercito’s outfit) na nagbago na ko,” Nora added.

The change, however, applies only Nora’s working habits. The Superstar told the press she is basically the same person they have known years back, when before she left for the US and stayed there for eight years.

“Ako pa rin ito. Wala sa isip ko na superstar ako. Walang pagbabago,” she revealed.

She can’t say the same thing for her singing voice though. Nora admitted that she can no longer sing the way she used to. This is because a cosmetic operation in Japan has affected her voice.

“Hindi na ako pwedeng kumanta,” she admits. “Pero pwede akong sumayaw,” Nora joked.


Fans' support

If she seems full of energy and good spirits despite her long-haul flight from Los Angeles, it’s because Nora saw the outpouring of support from fans and the press the minute she stepped down the plane early this morning.

“Aaminin ko, wala akong naramdaman nung nasa States pa lang ako. Hindi ako excited dahil dun sa mga pinagdaanan kong mga probema. Pero nung bumaba ako sa eroplano, hindi ko na ma-contain yung excitement ko dahil sa mga fans.”

No, she qualified. She has no love life.

“Ang mga fans ang nasa puso ko.”

John Rendez, Nora wants to make it clear, is not her boyfriend. “Susunod si John sa pag-uwi,” she says of the US-based musician who has been linked to her. “Wala namang pinakitang masama yung tao. Napakabait na tao ni John. Mali lahat ng itinamin ng ibang tao sa utak ng iba tungkol sa kanya.”

John, Nora explained, never abandoned her in the States when she was at her lowest point. In return, she wants to help him by promoting his talent for making songs. It is this talent, Nora goes on, that people should focus on, not the intrigues about John.


Second choice

Speaking of intrigues, what can Nora say to those who think that she should not have accepted the of Emilio Aguinaldo’s wife in “El President” since she is only the second choice for the role first offered to her rival, Vilma Santos?

“Historical movie naman ito,” Nora replies. “At hindi naman sa kung ano, wala na akong dapat ipatunayan.”

“El Presidente,” earmarked for next year’s Metro Filmfest, is not the only movie waiting for Nora. Her good friend German Moreno announced that Regal Films’s Mother Lily Monteverde is also interested in getting Nora’s services again.

This will make Nora’s schedule packed, indeed. She will stay in the country for only three months then return to the US, where she is an immigrant.

She has 20 days to tape the TV5 mini-series directed by Mario O’Hara and seven to 10 days to shoot “El Presidente.” In-between, she has a “Superstar Grand Fans’ Day on Aug, 7 at Broadway Centrum. The fans’ day, says TV5 head of creative and entertainment production Perci Intalan, is only the first of a series of such events the Kapatid network has lined up for Nora.

The Superstar feels so grateful she vows not to let TV5 down.


“Sila (TV5) lamang sa mga ibang istasyon ang nagtiwala sa akin. Sila lang ang nagsugal sa akin. Kaya ngayon pa lamang, sinasabi ko na exclusive ako sa TV5.”

She implied that her since her loyalty is to TV5, she will only appear and grant interviews with the Kapatid network even if Intalan said the network will not keep Nora to itself.

“Hindi naming ipagkakait ang Superstar sa industriya” Intalan declared.

He won’t divulge the location of Nora’s residence while she’s in the Philippines, however.

“We’d like to give her and her family privacy,” Intalan explains.

After eight long years and a lot of catching up to do with family and friends, this is what Nora needs.