Houston was found "underwater and unconscious" in the bathtub of a Beverly Hills

The body of pop star Whitney Houston is heading to New Jersey on a private jet tonight, ABC News has learned.
Houston's body was released by the Los Angeles coroner earlier today after the completion of an autopsy to determine the cause of her death.
Houston was found "underwater and unconscious" in the bathtub of a Beverly Hills, Calif., hotel room Saturday afternoon, according to Beverly Hills police. Prescription drugs were found nearby, and bottles of champagne and beer were in the adjacent room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, as seen in photos of the scene obtained by TMZ.
Amid the circumstances of her death, and Houston's history of drug addiction, many have speculated that the singer died after taking a toxic mix of prescription drugs and alcohol.
"You can look at a body and not know (what) the cause of death is,'' said Ed Winter, Los Angeles County coroner's spokesman. "You might have a suspicion, but the person could have suffered a heart attack or embolism."
Results of toxicology tests are not expected to be complete for six to eight weeks.
Earlier today, Houston's entourage moved out of the Beverly Hilton. Sources tell ABC News that many close to Houston have been questioned about her final hours.
There were no obvious signs of trauma or foul play on Houston's body, according to sources with knowledge of the case. And while detectives from the Beverly Hills Police Crimes Against Persons detail are working the case, the department insists this is not a homicide investigation. However, they have not ruled out the possibility that the case could turn into one.
"We're conducting a death investigation and we need to be very clear about that,'' said Beverly Hills Police Department Public Information Officer Lt. Mark Rosen. "We do not know the cause of death, we don't know the circumstances leading up to her death."
Houston's brother-in-law Billy Watson told ABC News that the singer's death was accidental, and certainly not suicide.
"Oh, no, this is accidental," Watson said. "She wouldn't have left her daughter like that. She wouldn't have done that to her daughter."
Watson, whose sister is married to Houston's brother, Gary, also said the family is flying back to New Jersey from California today and Tuesday.
ABC News' New York affiliate WABC reported that the same Newark, N.J., funeral home that handled arrangements for Houston's father in 2003 is expected to handle the singer's arrangements.
Houston's was first discovered by a member of her personal staff at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday, she was underwater and unconscious, authorities said. Shewas pulled from the tub by members of her staff and hotel security was promptly notified. Fire department officials who arrived found her unresponsive; she was pronounced dead at the hotel at 3:55 p.m.
Winter, the coroner's spokesman, confirmed to ABC News' L.A. affiliate KABC that officials found prescription bottles in Houston's hotel room, but he said they weren't "alarming" or "out of the ordinary."
They were all "pretty normal" prescriptions, Winter said, adding, "I have more prescriptions than what was found in her [Houston's] room."
A source told KABC that one of the prescriptions was amoxicillin, an antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections.
TMZ reported earlier that family sources briefed by coroner officials were told Houston likely died from a combination of the drug Xanax and other prescription medication mixed with alcohol.
PHOTOS: Whitney Houston Through the Years
Meanwhile, Houston's 18-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, has been struggling with her mother's death and was hospitalized for "stress and anxiety," a family source told ABCNews.com. She was released Sunday afternoon as her father, Houston's ex-husband Bobby Brown, boarded a plane to L.A.
TMZ reported that on Friday night, Bobbi Kristina fell asleep in another bathtub at the Beverly Hilton. Friends had to contact hotel security so she could be removed from the tub.
Houston, who struggled with drugs and alcohol and entered rehab for the third time last year, reportedly spent Friday night at the bar of the Beverly Hilton hotel with a group of friends. She was at the bar for a long time, drinking and being very loud, according to TMZ.
Houston gave her last performance on Thursday at Grammy nominee Kelly Price's party at Tru, a Hollywood nightclub.
"We laughed and we joked and we cracked up, and we danced and sang," Price said. "She was never more than two feet from me the entire night. I gave her a hug, and while I was talking to her she said 'Give me the mike.'"
"In retrospect it's a much bigger moment than I could have imagined," she added. "It was a big moment just because it was Whitney. The world got a gift in that they got an opportunity to see her perform one last time."
Photos taken later that night show Houston leaving the club looking disheveled and disoriented. She reportedly had blood dripping down her leg and scratches on her body.
"It was a great event and she left sweaty, and I have heard the word 'disheveled,'" Price said. "That's about right. When you stand for three hours and in that time period you are dancing. You would leave a club looking that way.
Price added that Houston "didn't look like she was under the influence of anything. She drank some champagne and toasted Kelly Price's three Grammy nominations Thursday night. That's what Whitney Houston did."

"A boxing riot in Argentina" Argentinian rushed to the ring and attacked Filipino's teams "'February 10, 2012"

This is one of the most awkward situation in a boxing fight, a boxing riot in Argentina.  Johreil Casimero knocked out Argentinian Luis Lazarte at Mar del Plata, Argentina last feb 10 to capture the vacant IBF Junior Flyweight Championship but before he was declared a riot happened.

Johnreil Casimero whose record is 16-2 with 10 knock outs was a victim of riot when supporters of the losing boxer Luis "Mosquito" Lazarte (49-11-2, 18 KOs) rushed to the ring and attacked Casimero and his team.

Empty bottles as well as chairs were raining on the ring during the riots. Securities and Police Officers rushed to the stage but damages have been made already. Some fans even punched the entourage of Casimero.

Whitney Houston passed away at 48 years old

Too many of us—myself included—are guilty of making insensitive jokes about the demise of Whitney Houston, her frail frame, loss of one of pop's purest voices, and battle with drugs.
But none of us are laughing now.
On Saturday, Houston's publicist confirmed to the Associated Press that the award-winning "I Will Always Love You" singer died. She was 48. The timing of her death, the eve of the Grammys, the biggest music event of the year, makes the horrible news even more tragic. According to CNN, Houston was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. PT at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The Beverly Hilton is the venue for the music industry's most prestigious pre-Grammy party hosted by veteran executive Clive Davis, who discovered Houston.
In an industry flooded with novelty artists, who disappear after scoring one hit, Houston's longevity was unquestioned when she released her debut single, the ballad "You Give Good Love" in February 1985. The song's soothing opening ad-libs displayed her soulful roots while also celebrating her pop sensibilities.

Houston's sound was distinct, and clearly separated her from the funk-laden stylings of the era's other female R&B singers. Plus, she was a model who appeared in "Glamour" and "Cosmopolitan" magazines.
Houston's sound made sense when considering her pedigree. She was the perfect melding of the styles of her mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston; cousin, 1960s pop singer Dionne Warwick; and godmother, queen of soul Aretha Franklin.
Houston's self-titled debut album topped the charts and was certified diamond. Her career was impenetrable throughout the release of several follow up albums, 1987's "Whitney," 1990's "I'm Your Baby Tonight," and 1992's "The Bodyguard" soundtrack.


MESSAGES FROM THE FILIPINO FANS:


 May you rest in peace Whitney Houston. We all filipino's loves  you and  keep us in our hearts and in our memories! Condolences to her family. :(

The first trailer for the espionage thriller "The Bourne Legacy"

The first trailer for the espionage thriller The Bourne Legacy, starring Jeremy Renner, was released online February 8 with the tagline: "There was never just one."

The fourth installment of the Bourne series, which previously starred Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, centers on a new CIA operative, played by Renner, who is welcomed to the Outcome program.

The action-packed footage shows the new hero fighting with fierce precision, in scenes that follow up the previous films' situations.

The cast also includes Rachel Weisz (The Lovely Bones) and Edward Norton (The Illusionist) and reprises roles for Albert Finney, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn and Joan Allen.

Tony Gilroy, who wrote the previous Bourne screenplays, takes on directing this film from an original story, based on Robert Ludlum's novels. He's also directed thrillers Duplicity and Michael Clayton.

The Bourne Legacy releases August 3 in North America, followed by Australia, the UK, Norway, Sweden and Argentina through August, and rolls out in Russia, Germany, France, South Africa and other markets in September.

"It's Showtime" will be ABS-CBN's newest noontime program

It’s no longer “Showtime” but “It’s Showtime.”


ABS-CBN has announced that the former will transform into a noontime show to be called “It’s Showtime,” which will start airing Monday, Feb. 6, in place of the defunct “Happy Yipee Yehey.”


“Showtime” went off-air last Monday, January 30, as its timeslot was occupied by Kapamilya Blockbuster and the new teleserye “Mundo Man ay Magunaw.”


“After two years of being a morning kapamilya favorite, "It's Showtime" will be ABS-CBN's newest noontime program effective Monday, February 6, 2012,” Head of Corporate Communication Bong Osorio said in a press statement.


The new show will still be hosted by “Showtime” mainstays Vhong Navarro, Anne Curtis, Billy Crawford, Karylle, ‘Kuya’ Kim Atienza, Teddy Corpuz, Jugs Jugueta and Vice Ganda. They will be joined by former judges Jhong Hilario, Ryan Bang and Coleen Garcia.


“Together, they will be bringing a new and more exciting show filled with surprises and engaging segments that will make viewers experience more fun in “Showtime,” Osorio said.


Osorio also extended his thanks to ‘madlang people’ or the viewers for their continuous support to “Showtime.”


“ABS-CBN thanks the ‘madlang people,’ here in the Philippines and in The Filipino Channel (TFC) markets worldwide, for being with Showtime and its hosts in their journey of bringing joy and hope every morning the past two years. ABS-CBN invites the viewers to continue their unwavering support for ‘Showtime’ as it moves to noontime, from Monday to Saturday starting February 6,” he added.

Hollywood film “Bourne Legacy” will be shot on location in different places of Metro Manila

Hollywood film “Bourne Legacy,” the fourth installment of the “Bourne” film franchise, will be shot on location in different places of Metro Manila according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino.

In an interview with “Mornings @ ANC” on Tuesday, January 3, Tolentino said “Bourne Legacy” actors Rachel Weisz and Jeremy Renner will come to the country to shoot some scenes, including a car chase along Pasay.

“Part of the script would be some car chase, I think si Rachel Weisz,” Tolentino said.

Locations for the shoot are Marikina City Market, San Andres Market, Navotas Fishport, Ramon Magsaysay Blvd., Ayala Avenue, Nagtahan, Pasay Taft, Intramuros and Jones Bridge. Tolentino hasn’t confirmed yet when the production outfit will start filming in Manila.

It was reported on May 2011 that director Tony Gilroy has chosen Manila as location for the “Bourne Legacy.” Matt Damon starred as Jason Bourne in the first three installments of the film.”

According to IMDB, Renner will play a new character, CIA operative Aaron Cross. The film also stars Edward Norton.

Vice Ganda admits having a misunderstanding with Ai Ai delas Alas

Vice Ganda admits having a misunderstanding with Ai Ai delas Alas, but hopes that they will be able to resolve their issue someday.

Vice admitted that reports of a snubbing incident between him and Ai Ai are true, but explained that he is not rude as what some people are saying.

“Lumabas kasi sa artikulo na binastos ko si Ms. Ai-Ai, hindi ko sya pinansin kaya hinusgahan na bastos raw ako. Totoo pong nangyari yun na hindi kami nagpansinan ni Ms. Ai Ai sa isang event, hindi po talaga kami nagpansinan, hindi ko sya pinansin, hindi nya ko pinansin,” he told host Boy Abunda in an interview on “The Buzz” last Sunday, January 1.

Ai Ai wants peace

Ai Ai, for her part, prefers to keep mum on the issue. She told Yahoo! Philippines OMG! in a text message: “Sorry po, no comment. I hope you understand New Year and peace. As always let’s be magnanimous in our victory.”

Vice’s hopes

Vice expressed hopes that he and Ai Ai can fix the issue at the right time.

“Wala pong pansinan na naganap kase meron po kaming pinagdadaanan, meron po kaming issue. Meron po kaming issue na kailangang mairesulba at naway mairesulba sa takdang panahon,” he said in the interview on “The Buzz”, where Ai Ai was a guest co-host.

Vice noted that those who are judging him don’t know the reason behind the misunderstanding. He added that it’s only he and Ai Ai who know all about it.

“Masakit lang kasi maraming tao ang hindi naman nila alam kung ano nagaganap, hindi nila nauunawaan kung anong nangyayari , hindi nila alam kung anong namamagitan sa amin ni Ms. Ai Ai, pero nagbibigay sila ng husga.”

He pointed out that the snubbing incident doesn’t mean he is rude. “Hindi porke’t isang beses na hindi ko pinansin si Ms. Ai Ai ay bastos na ko. Gusto ko lang pong linawin an meron kaming pinagdadaanan ni Ms. Ai Ai, at yun ang dahilan kung bakit naganap ang sitwasyon na yun,” he explained.

Vice is also asking those who got offended by the situation to forgive him.

“Meron po kaming problema, ina-a-acknowledge ko po yun. At kung merong mga taong na-offend sa sitwasyon nay un, humihingi po ako ng tawad,” he said.

Kristine Hermosa gave birth to Ondrea Bliss, her first-born by husband Oyo Sotto

Kristine Hermosa gave birth to Ondrea Bliss, her first-born by husband Oyo Sotto, last Dec. 26, 11:49 p.m. at St. Luke’s Medical Center at the Bonifacio Global City.


The baby, says Dina Bonnevie, Oyo’s mother, weighed almost six pounds at birth. Kristine had a normal delivery.


“I was with Kristine the whole time she was giving birth,” recalls Dina. “I even wore a scrub suit. Oyo, was taking pictures.”


The proud grandmother describes the baby as “very cute, with a cleft chin and long fingers which she got from Tintin, and Oyo’s thick eyebrows.”


Dina adds that Oyo is not that new to the demands of fatherhood since he and Kristine have an adopted son, Quiel, who is now three years old.


“But since their newborn is a girl, things will be different this time,” adds Dina.

Breaking News: Tyrone Perez found dead in an abandoned car in Valenzuela.

Young actor Tyrone Perez reportedly committed suicide today. He was born on September 14, 1985 as (Jojo Perez) is a model, actor and TV host and an alumnus of Starstruck, a reality-based talent search of GMA 7. He was found in an abandoned car in Valenzuela.

37th Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night 2011 Winners

Here is the complete list of winners during the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night:

Best Picture: “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story” (Scenema Concepts Int’l, Viva Films)

Second Best Picture: Enteng Ng Ina Mo (Star Cinema, M-Zet Films)

Third Best Picture: Shake, Rattle, and Roll 13 (Regal Films)

Best Director: “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”

Best Actor: Dingdong Dantes (“Segunda Mano”)

Best Actress: Maricel Soriano (“Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”)

Best Supporting Actor: John Regala (“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”)

Best Supporting Actress: Eugene Domingo (“My Househusband: Ikaw Na!”)

Best Child Performer: Bugoy Carino (“Shake, Rattle, and Roll 13”)

Best Screenplay: Roi Iglesias and Rey Ventura (“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”)

Best Story: Chris Martinez and Marlon Rivera (“Shake, Rattle, and Roll 13”)

Gatpuno Villegas Cultural Award: “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”

Gender Sensitivity Award: “My Househusband: Ikaw Na!”

Best Cinematography: Carlo Mendoza (“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”)

Best Original Theme Song: “La Paloma” by Ely Buendia (“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”)

Best Musical Score: Jerry Lazaten (“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”)

Best Sound Recording: Mike Idioma (“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”)

Best Editing: Jason Canapay and Ryan Orduna (“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”)

Best Production Design: Fritz Siloria, Mona Soriano, and Ronaldo Cadapan (“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”)

Best Visual Effects: Riot Inc. (“Ang Panday 2”)

Best Make-up: Florencia Penero, Niccolo Medina, and Jayvee Flores (“Enteng Ng Ina Mo”)

Best Float: “Ang Panday 2”

Best Full-Length Independent Film: “Pintakasi”

Best New Wave Actor: JM de Guzman (“Pintakasi”)

Best New Wave Actress: Iza Calzado (“H.I.V.”)

New Wave Gender Sensitivity Award: “H.I.V.” (full-length) and “Speechless from Miriam College (student film)

Best Student Film: “Payaso” from De La Salle-Lipa and MATe from Colegio San Juan de Letran

Special Jury Prize: “Biyahe Ni Barbie” from De La Salle-College of St. Benilde

GMA Network: There is no truth to the rumors that Manny Pangilinan bought GMA Network

GMA Network said there is no truth to the rumors that it has been acquired by Manny Pangilinan and his media conglomerate, MediaQuest Holdings.

In a statement sent to Yahoo! Philippines OMG! and other media outlets, GMA Network said: “There is no truth to the rumor going around in social media sites and the Internet that Mr. Manny Pangilinan has bought GMA Network.”

“In fact, there is no negotiation going on between GMA and Mr. Pangilinan regarding the latter’s acquisition of GMA-7,” it further said.

Earlier this week, rumors surfaced that Pangilinan is trying to acquire the Kapuso network.

Pangilinan, who is known by his initials “MVP,” is the chairman of MediaQuest Holdings, which has controlling equity of TV5.

MediaQuest had tried but failed to acquire a controlling stake in GMA Network nearly 10 years ago.

Mo Twister said he did not upload the newest video of him and Rhian Ramos

Mo Twister said he did not upload the newest video of him and ex-girlfriend Rhian Ramos that surfaced on YouTube earlier this week.

“I know so many theories are out there on how these videos are being uploaded online. I hope I can be as clear as possible that this is not my doing,” he wrote on his Tumblr page posted on Wednesday, December 21.

The video, which has already been removed from YouTube, showed the 34-year-old disc jockey and television host and the 21-year-old actress in an intimate moment.

'Not in my possession'

Mo explained the said video was not in his possession.

“This latest video was not one in my possession. It was not recorded on my laptop,” he said.

Mo further wrote: “These files are amongst some of our more private and intimate moments and right now, it looks like even though I ask beg the person to stop uploading these videos, it will not make a difference. I hope this will all end soon.”

Earlier this month, a video of Mo crying over the alleged abortion of Rhian surfaced online. Mo denied uploading the first video, explaining that he had deleted all his digital data before selling his laptop. He added that “apparently, someone ‘repaired’ the erased files/hard drive and uploaded some personal files of mine.”

Following the controversy, the Kapuso actress asked to take a break from showbiz. Last week, GMA-7 announced that Marian Rivera will take Rhian’s place in the upcoming primetime soap opera “My Beloved.”

Marian Rivera feels grateful to Kris Aquino

Marian Rivera feels grateful to Kris Aquino. This is because the TV host took good care of Dingdong Dantes, Marian’s boyfriend, on the set of the Metro Filmfest entry “Segunda Mano”, where he plays Kris’s leading man.

“Consistent si Ate Kris na nagti-text sa akin everyday, kahit may pelikula si Dingdong or wala. Mga Bible verses, prayers. Ganun si Ate (Kris) kahit hindi kami madalas magkita,” Marian said at the press conference of “Panday 2” last Wednesday, December 14.

How does Marian feel about the fact that Kris is fond of her?

“Alam ko naman yun. Nakakatuwa si Ate (Kris), hindi ko sya makakalimutan,” Marian replied.

Marian recalled getting a text message from Kris asking her (Marian) to give Dingdong an eye cream.

"Siguro ang hindi ko makakalimutan, nag-text siya sa akin, sabi ni Ate Kris, 'Yan, ano bang ginagamit mong eye cream? Bigyan mo nga si Dong kasi kailangan namin sa eksena na hindi ganun yung mata niya,’” Marian shared.

Kris is also very vocal about her wish for Dingdong to get an acting award for “Segunda Mano.” Marian agrees, since she thinks Dingdong gave his best in the movie, where he plays a different character.

“So, yun lang, masaya ako doon. Nakakatawa at nakakatuwa din na nagte-thank you din ako kay Ate Kris na inaalagaan din niya si Dong sa mga eksena, hindi lang siya,” Marian said.

Not bothered

Marian added that she is not bothered at Kris and Dingdong’s team-up in the movie.

“Kilala ko naman yung dalawa. Trabaho lang yun,” she said.

Given the chance, would Marian grab the chance to work with Kris?

“Siyempre. Masaya din ako if ever makatrabaho ko si Ate. Ako naman ang lilipad sa kabila,” Marian answered.

Marian said nothing is definite yet on whether or not she will work with male stars outside her home network, GMA 7.

"Hindi ko alam, wala pa akong alam,” Marian replied when asked about rumors that she will have non-GMA male artists as co-stars. Marian is rumored to have a project lined up with Kapamilya talent Coco Martin.

“Sabi ko naman din, mahirap din namang magsabi ng 'Oo, may gagawin kami.' Pero wala pang script, hindi pa namin inuupuan, lahat yun eh wala lang talaga. Unless magpa-presscon, may one-on-one kami na io-offer sa amin 'yan, yun, sigurado 'yon. Pero sa ngayon, wala pa," she revealed.

Marian revealed that she’s willing to work with anyone as long as it’s okay with her home network.

Since she is busy promoting her movie “Panday 2” which also stars Bong Revilla and Iza Calzado,

Christmas at home

Marian said she will spend her Christmas with her family in Cavite. She is also thankful for the blessings she received this year and looks forward to a better and more fruitful year.

Is there something she regrets doing this year?

“Wala. Kasi naniniwala ako na sa bawat araw na pinagdadaanan ng isang tao ay may natututunan ka, eh. Kung doon ka mas magiging stronger at magiging mas mabuting tao, bakit hindi,” Marian replied.

“Panday 2” opens on December 25 in theaters nationwide. It stars Bong Revilla, Iza Calzado, Phillip Salvador, Benjie Paras, Rhian Ramos, Eddie Garcia, Kris Bernal, Buboy Villar and Alden Richards and is directed by Mac Alejandre. It is produced by GMA Films and Imus Productions.

US boxing star Floyd Mayweather will plead guilty in a deal to end two pending criminal cases

Undefeated US boxing star Floyd Mayweather will plead guilty to reduced charges on Wednesday in a deal to end two pending criminal cases, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on Tuesday.
Mayweather faced up to 34 years in prison over a domestic violence incident and another charge of battery on a security guard in a dispute involving traffic tickets, but might serve only as little as two days behind bars.
Clark County district attorney David Roger told the newspaper that Mayweather will enter guilty pleas in Las Vegas Justice Court on one count of battery domestic violence and two counts of harassment, all misdemeanors.
Prosecutors retained the right to argue for sentencing under the deal and Mayweather could face $3,000 in fines and a minimum of two days in jail up to a maximum to 18 months behind bars.
Mayweather, 34, was set to have a preliminary hearing on Wednesday on felony charges that included coercion, grand larceny and robbery from a 2010 incident involving ex-girlfriend Josie Harris and their three children.
Mayweather, free on $31,000 bail from that incident, was accused of assaulting her after she told him she was dating another man, police said, and he reacted by striking Harris, threatening his children and taking their cell phones.
The misdemeanor battery charge Mayweather will face stems from striking Harris while the harassment charges come from the threats to his children.
Next week, Mayweather will plead no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge and pay a $1,000 fine for poking a security guard in November of last year over parking violations near his mansion in a gated community.
Mayweather, 42-0 with 26 knockouts, stopped fellow American Victor Ortiz in the fourth round last September to win the World Boxing Council welterweight title. He plans to fight again on May 5 in Las Vegas against an undecided foe.
Boxing fans have longed to see Mayweather test himself against the fighter many fans consider to have replaced him as the world pound-for-pound champion, Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao.

SUPPORT AND HELP SENDONG VICTIMS IN THE NORTHERN MINDANAO PHILIPPINES

Victims of flash flood and mud slides due to tropical storm ‘Sendong’ in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and some towns in Misamis Oriental in the Philippines are in dire need of your help. According to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), death toll has reached 927 and 563 are still missing according to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) as of Tuesday.


The victims need the following for their immediate relief:


Food items
Clothing
Slippers
Clean drinking water
Mats
Blankets
Medicine
Other useful items
Several groups have organized relief operations and you can send in your donations to any of the following:


RURAL MISSIONARIES OF THE PHILIPPINES:


Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental:
Panday Bulig Relief and Rehabilitaion Center
Tabang Mindanao Center
12th-22nd streets, Nazareth
9000 Cagayan de Oro City
T/F: +63 (88) 856 6413
E: pandaybulig@gmail.com
(look for Ms. Beryl Tranco)


Iligan City:
Rural Missionaries of the Philippines
Northern Mindanao Sub-Region
Room 01, Kalinaw Lanao Center
0016 Bougainvilla Puti, Villaverde
9200 Iligan City
T/F: +63 223 5179
E: rmpnmr@gmail.com
W: www.rmp-nmr.org
(look for Ms. Ida Melody Bucog)


Bukidnon:
Bukidnon Peoples’ Center
1st Floor, Montero Residence
Purok 4, Pantaron St.
Poblacion, Valencia City
Mobile #: 0926-592-1806
(Contact Zaldy Galamiton)


Malaybalay City, Bukidnon Dropping Center:
Medical Mission Sisters
cor Inicial & Murillo Streets
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
Contact Sr. Mary Jane Caspillo, MM
CP 0927-875-7496


Islamic City of Marawi DROPPING CENTER:
#009 3rd Street, MSU Campus, Marawi City
Mobile #: 0908-725-5931
(Contact Ms. Maria Ninotchka Herrera)


Davao City:
INPEACE MINDANAO
Initiatives for Peace in Mindanao
Rm. 101 Kalinaw Center for Interfaith Resources
13 Francisco Avenue, Juna Subdivision, Matina, 8000 Davao City
P H I L I P P I N E S
telefax +63.82.299.4964
email mindainpeace@yahoo.com
website www.kalinaw.com.ph
facebook inpeacemindanao


Dropping Center in Metro Manila:
c/o StartArt Project
10A Alabama st New Manila
Quezon City
Mobile: +63926 7112450
email: info@startartprject.org or nikkiluna@startartproject.org
For cash donations, please send to this account:


Bank Name and Address:
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
Quezon Avenue branch, 9200 Iligan City, Philippines
Account number:
009359-1348-08
Swift Code:
BOPIPHMM
Account Name and Address:
RMP-NMR Inc.
Room 01, Kalinaw Lanao Center for Interfaith Resources
0016 Bougainvilla Puti, Villaverde
Iligan City 9200, Philippines


TULONG KABATAAN:
No. 89 K-7 Street, Kamias, Quezon City
Contact: 09261703655 (Vanessa), 09473168407 (Rainier), and 09324015588 (Athena)


You can also send money via the following:
Bank Account:
Account name: National Union of Students of the Philippines- Head Office, INC.
Branch: Chinabank, Quezon Ave, Quezon City Philippines.
Account No: 107-248551-3


You may also contact:
Kabataan Partylist- Southern Mindanao Region Chapter
700A E. Jacinto St., Davao city
Contact: 221-6589 and 09266453953 (Krista)


BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN (BAYAN):
#1 Maaralin cor Matatag, Quezon City
Contact: 4359151


NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES (NUJP):
4/F FSS Building Annex, 89 Scout Castor, Bgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City


CITIZENS DISASTER RESPONSE CENTER:
72-A Times St., West Triangle, Quezon City| 9299822


TABANG CDO UG ILIGAN (By UP in the Visayas Tacloban College Students):
UPV Tacloban College Multi-Purpose Building, Magsaysay Boulevard, Tacloban City
Contact: 09163927631 or 09351666730

Aquino Sisters have come to the defense of their brother, President Noynoy Aquino.

Kris Aquino and sisters Pinky Aquino-Abellada and Ballsy Aquino-Cruz have come to the defense of their brother, President Noynoy Aquino.

The president was criticized for being insensitive when he attended the Christmas party of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) in Malacañang in the aftermath of typhoon Sendong, which barreled through Mindanao and left more than 700 dead.

P-Noy drew flak when actress Valerie Concepcion tweeted on Sunday, Dec. 18, that she was hired to sing for a gathering in Malacañang, which the President attended.

Her tweet started a hot debate on Facebook and Twitter, with people arguing whether it was right or wrong for the President to attend a social function in the midst of a calamity.

Krissy’s defense

On Monday, Dec. 19, Kris said in her talk show “Kris TV” that her brother was constantly on the phone, monitoring calamity-stricken areas such as Cagayan de Oro even though he did not go there on Saturday, Dec. 17. Pinky and Ballsy were Kris’ guests on Monday’s episode.

"I think hindi niyo po maiaalis sa amin na gusto naming idepensa ang kapatid naming,” she said.

Kris also mentioned that she will go to Cagayan de Oro on Monday, Dec. 19 to represent PNoy and her home network ABS-CBN.

Of those who accused PNoy of not caring, she says, “Give me a break, di ba? Siyempre, Pangulo siya ng buong Pilipinas at siyempre mahal niya ang ating mga kababayan. So, gagawin naman niya ang lahat.”

She also asked the public to go easy on her brother. "Sana huwag mabilis ang batikos because napakaraming ahensiya ang nagtatrabaho na. It's just that a President is not like you or me na we can hop on a plane and go there because there are a lot of national concerns,” she said.

Pinky: 'PNoy didn’t want to disrupt rescue operations'

Pinky said that PNoy didn’t want to disrupt the rescue operations of government agencies as he is set to visit CDO on Tuesday, Dec. 20. Ballsy, on the other hand, explained that his visit also has to go through a process, while the party for the PSG has already been long planned.

"Talagang pinaplano na nga na pumunta sa CDO. Alam mo naman kapag pangulo ka, hindi ura-urada ay gagawin mo yun at saka tinitignan lahat. Pero narinig ko na pinag-uusapan na ng PSG (Presidential Security Group) at ng PMS (Presidential Management Staff) kung ano ang mga dadalhin," Ballsy said.

She also added that the gathering has been a yearly tradition for PSG and doubled as a thanksgiving dinner. PNoy previously thanked the PSG for saving his life during the 1987 coup d’etat attempt where he was shot.

Ballsy: ‘Tradisyon ang PSG party’

"That party was for the PSG, ang mga nag-aalaga sa Pangulo at sa kanyang pamilya. Tradisyon 'yon na talagang every year ay nagsasama-sama. Kasi it's time to thank them for always being there,” Ballsy said.

Those who defended PNoy for attending the party said that the President also acted by delegating tasks to concerned government agencies.

Valerie later deleted her tweet and then said, “I do not see anything wrong with [attending the PSG party] since its (sic) his obligation and responsibility being the head of Malacañang to be present and show his support for his hardworking employees and their respective families. But I believe that it doesn't mean that the president is not thinking of ways to help our kababayan(s) in Mindanao. It doesn't mean that the president is disregarding the plight of our fellow Filipinos. Let's not be too quick to judge.”

Valerie also apologized to people who may have found her original tweet insensitive. “It wasn't my intention to do, either. I can't imagine how difficult life is for the people affected in Mindanao and how difficult it is to be the president of the Philippines at this moment. Once again, I am very sorry for all those people I have offended. May God bless us all," she tweeted.

Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said on ABS-CBN's "TV Patrol" on Monday, December 19, that the President only stayed at the party for few minutes and left immediately.

Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 2012– are not holidays in the Philippines

The two successive Mondays right after Christmas and New Year’s Day – Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 – are not holidays.


These days do not fall under the list of holidays for 2011 in Proclamation 84 issued by President Aquino in December 2010.


The remaining regular holidays for the year are Dec. 25 (Christmas) and Dec. 30 (Rizal Day). Dec. 31 (last day of the year) is a special non-working holiday while Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day) is traditionally a regular holiday.


“The presidential proclamation is the one we’re observing so if that date falls on a particular day, it will fall on that particular day,” said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda.


The administration no longer practices the so-called “holiday economics” implemented by the Arroyo administration in which holidays are moved to the nearest Mondays.


The law also mandates the provision of holiday pay to workers required to render service during regular and special holidays.


Those who report for work on holidays shall receive double their daily income for the first eight hours of work and another 30 percent for work rendered in excess of eight hours.


If the holiday falls on the rest day of the worker but he is required to work, he shall receive 230 percent for the first eight hours of work and another 30 percent for work in excess of eight hours.


Workers who opt not to report for work during regular holidays are also entitled to receive their daily basic pay.


The Department of Labor and Employment also directed all employers to grant the mandated 13th month pay to their employees before Christmas to enable them to buy necessities while prices are still low.


The National Wage Productivity Commission said most workers are supposed to receive higher 13th month pay compared to last year because the wage increases granted by the wage boards should be integrated into the computation of the 13th month pay. – With Mayen Jaymalin

Malacanang has declared October 31 a special non-working day

Malacanang has declared October 31 a special non-working day to give Filipinos more travel time during the traditional commemoration of the dead.

In Proclamation 265 signed by Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa, October 31, Monday, is declared a holiday throughout the country.

This is to "give full opportunity to our people to properly observe the day with all its religious fervor which invariably requires them to travel to and from different regions of the country," the proclamation noted.

All Saints Day on November 1, Tuesday, has earlier been declared as Special Non-working Day.

People who work on regular holidays are entitled to 200 percent of their basic wages for the first eight hours.

In excess of eight hours, the employer must give an additional 30 percent of the worker’s wage on an hourly basis.

If an employee is not working on the said days, he or she is still entitled to 100 percent of his or her regular daily rate, “provided he or she was present, or was on leave with pay on the workday immediately preceding the holiday.”

Meanwhile, if an employee works on a holiday that also falls on his or her rest day, he or she is entitled to 200 percent of the daily rate for the first eight hours and an additional 30 percent for additional hours.

Co-founder and longtime CEO Steve Jobs has passed away.

According to a statement just issued by Apple’s Board of Directors, company co-founder and longtime CEO Steve Jobs has passed away.

Apple has also put up the following website in memory. They’re asking for “thoughts, memories, and condolences” to be shared by way of this email address: rememberingsteve@apple.com

It was only a little over a month ago that Jobs stepped down as CEO saying at the time, “I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.”

Jobs remained Chairman of the Board at the company, as well as director and an Apple employee. He recommended that company COO Tim Cook take his place as CEO. Yesterday, Cook gave his first keynote address as CEO, unveiling the new iPhone 4S.

While that device had been the focal point of Apple’s website for the past 24 hours, Apple.com is now simply dedicated to Jobs, using a famous picture of him (above) that will also grace the cover of his upcoming biography by Walter Isaacson due out next month.

Jobs had battled cancer, and in 2004 had an operation related to the disease. In recent years, illness had forced him to step back from his role as CEO of Apple on separate occasions. He also had a liver transplant in 2009 during one of those medical leaves.

But after each battle, he came back and continued his amazing work at Apple. In 2007, he unveiled the iPhone. In 2010, the iPad. His last appearance on stage was at Apple’s 2011 WWDC conference in San Francisco. There, he laid the groundwork for Apple’s latest innovations including iOS 5, OS X Lion, and iCloud.

Jobs was 56 years old. Rest in peace, Steve.

The release from the company below:

Statement by Apple’s Board of Directors

CUPERTINO, Calif. — We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.

Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.

His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.

And the message on Apple’s website:

Kris Aquino explaned why surveys show she has remained a top endorser for the past two years (2009-2011): “I’m not a liar.”

Kris Aquino has an explanation why surveys show she has remained a top endorser for the past two years (2009-2011): “I’m not a liar.”

People may fault her for many things. But not for her transparency.

“What you see and hear is what you get,” Kris told the press at the launch of K Everyday Kitchen and Home Showcase with Kris Aquino at Megamall yesterday.

She further said that the commercials she and Boy Abunda have signed don’t require a morality clause but a good conduct clause instead.

Kris said the two are different from each other.

Good conduct clause

“A good conduct clause is when you know how to behave. Malaking factor na hindi ko laman ng bars.”

Boy himself observed that his good friend’s transparency is a big factor in her ability to get product endorsements, which up to now are still growing in number.

Kris even tweeted about an upcoming commercial that made Boy reprimand her. They have a confidentiality clause to observe, he reminded Kris.

“I didn’t specify what commercial it is anyway,” Kris defended herself.

The avalanche of commercials comes with a price though.

Income tax

Kris admits she had to borrow money from her sisters to pay her huge income tax last April 15.

“Na shock ako! Meron akong time deposit pero hindi ko pwede galawin. So umutang ako talaga. Sayang din kasi ang penalty sa BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) kapag ma-late ka lang ng two days sa pagbayad.”

Now she knows better. Kris heeded her sisters’ advice to set aside one-third of her earnings in a separate bank account. The amount will be used for paying taxes. This way, her sisters explained, Kris will not feel the full impact of the money she pays in taxes every year.

But she refused to reveal just how much tax she is paying.

“Ayaw ni Noy (President Noynoy Aquino, her brother). Huwag ko na raw dagdagan ang problems niya. Anyway, BIR comes up with a list of top taxpayers.”

She is also mum on a condominium unit she reportedly bought for her son, Baby James.

Kris is teaming up with Dingdong Dantes in the horror flick “Segunda Mano,” an entry to the Metro Manila filmfest. It also stars Helen Gamboa as Kris’ mom, Angelica Panganiban and Bangs Garcia.