Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Hottest Cover Girls of December 2008



   

Hottest cover girls from the top Philippine magazines this December 2008. The top 4 magazines this December who made the list were Mariel Rodriguez of FHM, Jewel Mische of UNO, Christine Reyes of Maxim and Angel Locsin of Rogue. The question now "Who will be the best, the most hottest and the mouth-watering cover girl?".


Cover's Preview


Angel Locsin of Rogue Magazine December 2008

Angel Locsin of Rogue Magazine December 2008

Mariel Rodriguez of FHM December 2008

Mariel Rodriguez of FHM December 2008

Jewel Mische of UNO Magazine December 2008

Jewel Mische of UNO Magazine December 2008

Christine Reyes of Maxim Magazine December 2008

Christine Reyes of Maxim Magazine December 2008

Make your choice...





Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Pinoy bags gold in Moscow World Cup



   

Harry Tañamor, a flop in the Athens and Beijing Olympics, redeemed himself on Sunday by nailing the light flyweight gold medal in the Boxing World Cup at the Megasport in Moscow, Russia.

The 31-year-old Tañamor manhandled Cuban favorite Yampier Hernandez, 15-7, in the finals to join the roster of winners in the inaugural edition of the event organized by International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) for the world’s top eight fighters in their respective divisions.

A longtime member of the national team from the Philippine Army, Tañamor counterpunched his way to victory, keeping the surging Cuban at bay with his longer reach and smooth footwork.

The victory was worth $10,000 for the fighter from the southern city of Zamboanga, whose biggest achievement until Sunday was a silver medal during the 2007 AIBA World Championships in Chicago.

Tañamor, however, didn’t get a chance to avenge his Chicago loss to China’s Zou Zhiming. Zou, who won the gold medal in the Beijing Olympics in August, did not compete in Moscow.

“I felt vindicated by Harry’s win. It proved that the decision to send him to the Olympics wasn’t a wrong decision, after all. He wasn’t fortunate to win in the Olympics but his victory in the World Cup is proof that he can compete with the best,” said Manny Lopez, former president of the Amateur Boxers’ Association of the Philippines (ABAP).

Tañamor won only his opening bout in the 2004 Athens Olympics and was roundly criticized for failing to survive his debut in the Beijing Summer Games against the unheralded Mangyo Plange of Ghana.

3 victories

Because of the limited number of entries, the Filipino bet needed just three victories to win the gold in Moscow. He beat Tajikistan’s Murodjon Rasulov, 8-4, in the quarterfinals before downing Polish Lukasz Masczczyk in the semifinals, 12-4.

Hernandez, who won $5,000 as silver medalist, beat Kazakh Birzhan Zhakypov in the semis, 13-3.

Tañamor was accompanied by coach Ronald Chavez, who saw action in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Their trip was supported by Pacific Heights and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Lopez, now vice president of the ABAP and incoming first vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, said, “He [Tañamor] told me that the gold was a gift as I leave the presidency of the ABAP.”

Tough and prestigious

Butch Ramirez, PSC chairman and also president of ABAP Mindanao, hailed Tañamor’s victory.

“I’m not just happy, but proud of his achievement,” he said. “Though this is not the Olympics, the World Cup is a prestigious and tough competition and I would like to congratulate Manny [Lopez].”

“Tañamor makes the country proud,” Ramirez added. “The lesson here is that while we cannot win them all, we must stay united as we go for the gold in the 2012 London Games.”

Cuba with 5 golds

The Philippines and Armenia were the only teams outside of Russia and Cuba that produced a winner in the Moscow competition, which started as a team affair using the Davis Cup format in 2005 and 2006.

Cuba, which finished without a gold medal in the Beijing Olympics, won the overall title with five gold medals, courtesy of bantamweight Yankiel Alarcon Leon, featherweight Idel Torriente, welterweight Sotolongo Iglesias, light-heavyweight Osmai Duarte Acosta and super heavyweight Robert Alfonso.

Russia captured three gold medals through flyweight Misha Aloyan, lightweight Albert Selimov and welterweight Artur Eterbief.

Middleweight Andranik Hakobyan gave Armenia its gold by nipping Venezuelan Alfonso Blanco, 10-9, in the finals.

Pride of Zamboanga

Dubbed by the respected Sports Illustrated in its Olympic preview as a medal favorite, the pride of Zamboanga City was heavily criticized for his lackadaisical showing in the Beijing Games.

Lacking intensity, Tañamor broke the hearts of Filipino sports fans when he bowed to his little known Ghananian opponent in the preliminaries, 6-3.

The loss mirrored what happened during the 2004 Athens Olympics when Tañamor failed to enter the medal round after winning his first bout but losing in the next round.

Tañamor’s Olympic debacle is partly to be blamed for the decision of Lopez to relinquish the Abap presidency last November.

source: sports.inquirer.net


Lopez, son of former Manila mayor Mel Lopez, decided to hand over the presidency to a group identified with sports philanthropist and telecommunications magnate Manuel Pangilinan.





No keyboards in the future?



   

A survey predicts that by 2012 keyboards will become "quaint relics."

Step aside, keyboards, laptops, and 9-to-5 jobs. A survey of more than 1,000 Internet activists, journalists, and technologists released Sunday speculates that by 2012, those quaint relics of 20th century life will fade away.

It's not a formal survey of the sort that, say, political pollsters use. Nor are computer journalists especially known for their prognosticative abilities. Still, the Pew Internet and American Life Project hopes the effort will provide a glimpse of the best current thinking about how online life will evolve in the next decade or so.

Lee Rainie and the other Pew researchers asked their survey respondents to respond to a series of questions about 2020 future scenarios, including whether the mobile phone will be the "primary" Internet connection (most agreed), whether copy protection will flourish (most disagreed), and whether transparency "heightens individual integrity and forgiveness (evenly split).

The rough consensus was that "few lines divide professional time from personal time," and that professionals are happy with the way work and play are "seamlessly integrated in most of these workers' lives."

Another, which also met with broad agreement: "Talk and touch are common technology interfaces. People have adjusted to hearing individuals dictating information in public to their computing devices. In addition 'haptic' technologies based on touch feedback have been fully developed, so, for instance, a small handheld Internet appliance allows you to display and use a full-size virtual keyboard on any flat surface for those moments when you would prefer not to talk aloud to your networked computer."

One respondent was Google chief economist Hal Varian, who said: "The big problem with the cell phone is the (user interface), particularly on the data side. We are waiting for a breakthrough."

It's easier to read the report itself, which you can find here (PDF). This is Pew's third report in the series; further reading can be found in its 2005 first survey (PDF) and 2006 second survey (PDF).

source: tech.yahoo.com





Thursday, December 11, 2008

World's third biggest shopping mall



   

The world's third biggest shopping mall is to open in the Philippines capital, Manila this week, a vote of confidence on the country's economic prospects amid a global slowdown.

The launch on Friday, December 12, 2008 of a 90,000-square-metre (22-acre) annex will make the SM City North Edsa mall the third biggest in the world with a gross floor area of 425,000 square metres (105 acres), SM Prime Holdings Inc. said in a statement.

The company, a holding firm of the country's richest man Henry Sy, also owns the world's fourth, seventh, and 11th biggest malls, it added.

SM Prime President Hans Sy said launching the project amid the global crisis "speaks of how we view the longer-term prospects of the country."

The Asian Development Bank forecast Thursday that Philippine economic growth would slow to 4.5 percent this year and further down to 3.5 percent next year after growth of 7.2 percent in 2007.

Hundreds of Filipinos employed abroad, part of a huge number that remits the equivalent of 10 percent of the country's gross domestic product to their families back home every year, have lost their jobs, the government said.

SM Prime said tenants have signed up for 70 percent of the leasable space in the six-storey extension to the mall.

SM Prime has recently opened two other malls with a third also set to open on Friday.

source: business.inquirer.net





Saturday, December 06, 2008

Essentials to success for both Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao



   

Oscar 'Golden Boy' De La Hoya and Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao are popular and accomplished enough that even general sports fans are familiar with their styles and track records. Any self-defined fight fan has an opinion on who will win Saturday’s showdown and why.

While fans and members of the media disagree on whether Pacquiao, who is making the leap from lightweight (135 pounds) to the uncharted territory of welterweight (147) to challenge De La Hoya, can even be competitive with the taller, naturally bigger man, most observers agree on the keys to victory for each fighter.

Oscar 'Golden Boy' De La Hoya vs Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao - The Dream Match
FOR DE LA HOYA:

1. Establish distance/jab

Regardless of the size of his opponent, De La Hoya is at his best when he’s on his toes and working his hard jab from the outside, where he gets the most leverage on his left hook and right hand.
He’s never been terribly effective when fighting on the inside. If De La Hoya, who stands half a head taller than Pacquiao, elects to swap punches in close, he will give the frenetic speedster his best opportunity to compete.

Common sense dictates that the more room De La Hoya has to operate the more effective he’ll be against an opponent who tends to lunge in when he attacks.

“Oscar’s fought aggressive fighters his whole life,” said Dundee, who was brought into De La Hoya’s camp as a “second set of eyes” three and half weeks ago. “He knows how to handle them. You let an aggressive fighter move you or back you up, you got trouble, but Oscar knows how to ‘surround’ aggression – just like Ray Leonard did with (Marvin) Hagler – by stickin’ ‘em with the jab and sliding to the right or left.”

2. Control Pacquiao on the inside

But what if Pacquiao manages to get past De La Hoya’s jab? The six-division titlist’s conditioning coach Rob Garcia says De La Hoya will shut Pacquiao down inside by borrowing grappling tactics from two all-time-great former heavyweight champs

De La Hoya usually doesn’t initiate clinches, but Garcia says Beristain had him practice locking the arms of his sparring partners whenever they got too close for comfort.

“Any time Pacquiao gets inside Oscar has to be able to tie him up so he can’t get off,” said Garcia, who been an integral part of De La Hoya’s training team since 2001. “He has to shut down and control Pacquiao by pulling him in and weighing down on him the way (Muhammad) Ali did to his shorter opponents like (Joe) Frazier, or by grabbing him behind his shoulders or elbows and muscling him back on his heels the way (Evander) Holyfield did to (Mike) Tyson in their first fight. Holyfield never allowed the explosive puncher to get going inside and that’s what Oscar has to do with Pacquiao.”

3. Dictate the pace

Apart from his blinding speed, the biggest threat Pacquiao brings to Saturday’s fight is a featherweight’s workrate in a welterweight’s body.

It would be a cardinal mistake for De La Hoya, a boxer who faded in the late rounds even when he was in his prime, to fight fire with fire against Pacquiao, but one of Beristain’s prize pupils, Juan Manuel Marquez, doesn’t think there’s a much of a chance of this happening.

“Pacquiao’s youth, speed and activity could be too much for De La Hoya if he tried to fight Pacquiao’s fight, but I think Oscar’s too smart to do that,” said Marquez, who knows a thing or two about ‘the Pac-Man’ having fought 24 competitive rounds with the Filipino icon. “Oscar has to use his footwork to keep Pacquiao turning and slow him down. His punches have to be about timing, not volume.”

Garcia confirmed Marquez’s hunch.

“There’s no way Oscar’s going to oblige Manny by trying to match his punch output,” he said. “That’s OK when it’s too young guys, but this isn’t like that. This is a veteran vs. a young tiger.”

FOR PACQUIAO:

1. Get in close/slip the jab

Roach has made no secret of the fact that most of his strategies to break down De La Hoya begin with his fighter neutralizing the bigger man’s jab.

Many fans and boxing writers expect Pacquiao to take the fight right to De La Hoya from the opening bell Saturday night, but Roach doesn’t want his fighter to make a forward move until he’s either feinted the bigger man out of position or slipped past the jab.

For the past eight weeks Roach has drilled a dozen counter-punch moves targeting the body and head, and they all begin with Pacquiao blocking, side-stepping or rolling under De La Hoya’s long left jab. During intense mitt work and sparring sessions, Pacquiao was instructed not to advance forward during the early rounds. He could be first with the jab (shooting his straight right to the chest in order not to over extend himself), he could catch and counter with his right hook or he could duck under De La Hoya’s left stick before pounding the body, but he wasn’t allowed to jump in without dealing with the jab.

2. Work the body

“Everybody knows Oscar’s got a pretty good chin,” Roach said. “We’re not going to try to hurt him to the head; we’re going to concentrate on the body because that’s where we think we can really hurt him. He leaves his body open when he punches and the one time he was stopped [against Bernard Hopkins] it was from a body shot, so Manny’s going to attack the body every time he can.”

3. Set the pace

De La Hoya has faded down the stretch of most of his close fights and losses. In high-profile showdowns with Pernell Whitaker, Ike Quartey, Felix Trinidad, Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather Jr., De La Hoya’s punch output dropped dramatically between the eighth and 12th rounds.

Roach is confident that it will happen again Saturday night.

“Manny’s going to make Oscar work harder than he’s used to from the first round on,” Roach said. “We’re not going to do anything stupid in the early rounds, but we’re going to make lead, make him move around the ring more than he likes. As soon as we see him slow down I’m going to have Manny step on the gas. I’ll take a win any way we can get it, but I think there’s a good chance that Manny stops him late.”

The X-Factors

De La Hoya-Pacquiao is a 147-pound catch-weight bout between a 35-year-old veteran who has campaigned at junior middleweight (or higher) since 2001 and a 29-year-old southpaw who only recently moved to the lightweight division, so there are more than a few wild cards to Saturday’s showdown.

Pacquiao’s chin

Two of Pacquiao’s three losses were third-round knockouts that occurred in the flyweight division. Some fans ask how a chin that’s been dented by 112 pounders can hold up under De La Hoya’s left hook, which left durable Ricardo Mayorga in a heap?

It’s a fair question, but to be fair to Pacquiao, it has to be noted that his first KO loss occurred 12½ years ago in his 12th pro fight when he was two months removed from his 18th birthday. Pacquiao’s second KO loss took place in 1999 after he completely drained his growing body in a failed attempt to make the 112-pound limit for a defense of the WBC flyweight title he held.

Since that body shot stoppage, Pacquiao’s chin has held up in title runs through four weight classes.

The weight

More than a few boxing writers consider this fight to be more of a side show than a legitimate contest because of the weight difference between the combatants. However, Pacquiao’s average weight during training camp was around 152 pounds, while De La Hoya claims to have maintained the welterweight limit of 147 pounds for the last month.

De La Hoya was under 147 pounds two weeks ago and says that he even dipped as low as 143 pounds at one point.

Garcia believes that welterweight is De La Hoya’s natural weight.

“Oscar was taxing his body by fighting at 154 pounds and middleweight,” he said. “I know 147 is right for him because we haven’t limited his food or liquid intake during this whole camp. The amount of energy he’s expended in training is what has dictated his weight, and I can tell you that he has more energy at welterweight than at the higher weights.”

Roach reports that Pacquiao, who currently weighs around 144 pounds, did not lose much speed in gaining the added weight during his camp.

“He ate more protein and he gained more power,” Roach said.

Pacquiao’s left-handed stance.

Based on De La Hoya’s less-than-stellar performance against Whitaker and a sparring session he observed between The Golden Boy and left-handed 108-pound champ Ivan Calderon, Roach believes De La Hoya has problems with southpaws.

That could be true, but it should be noted that Pacquiao is a very different type of southpaw from Whitaker and Calderon, both of whom are slick defensive specialists.

Dundee believes that De La Hoya, a converted southpaw with an extra heavy left hand, should pose more problems for a smaller left hander because his left hook will land on Pacquiao’s blind side.

But Dundee is also quick to point out that observers can only guess what will happen until the opening bell.

At Wednesday’s press conference, Dundee told an anecdote about working a fighter’s corner along with Roach and the late, great Eddie Futch.

“Our fighter got licked,” Dundee said, “(The corner) don’t mean a damn thing. These great trainers worked with him and he still lost.”

source: www.thering-online.com

Related Post:
Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao ready for de la Hoya dream match
Oscar De La Hoya vs Manny Pacquiao : Head to head





Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao ready for de la Hoya dream match



   

Confident Pacman ready for Golden Boy 'The Dream Match'

Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao said he was focused and ready for his weekend "Dream Match" with American Oscar 'Golden Boy' de la Hoya.

The Dream Match - Oscar 'Golden Boy' De La Hoya vs Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao
Pacquiao, the World Boxing Council lightweight champion who is acknowledged by many experts as the world's best pound-for-pound fighter, said he was "ready and excited" going into Saturday's fight, billed by promoters as the "dream match" against the much bigger de la Hoya.

"I am prepared for the Saturday fight. This will be a good fight," Pacquiao told local radio from Las Vegas on the eve of the official weigh-in Friday.

"I am focused on the fight. I am ready, I am excited," he said, adding that he was counting on his legion of fans back home to pray for him.

Pacquiao is a superstar in the boxing-crazy Philippines, where practically everything grinds to a halt during live broadcasts of his fights.

The "dream match" is expected to generate a purse of 100 million dollars to be divided between the two fighters, with "Golden Boy" de la Hoya taking in the lion's share at 60 percent.

The non-title bout is to be fought at the 147-pound welterweight limit, the first in this category for Pacquiao, who has won four world titles at four lower weight divisions.

With a 47-3 record, with two drawn and 35 knockouts, Pacquiao is the current WBC lightweight champion after knocking out Mexican David Diaz in June. He is the first Asian to hold belts in four different weight classes.

De la Hoya, who has won world titles in six different weight classes, meanwhile has not fought as a 147-pounder in seven years. He has held belts in six different weight classes and brings to the ring a 39-5 record, with 30 knockouts.

Pacquiao, known for his relentless combinations, is expected to use his speed to attack de la Hoya's body, his coach Freddie Roach has told the Philippine press.

source: news.yahoo.com

Related Post:
Essentials to success for both Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao

Oscar De La Hoya vs Manny Pacquiao: Head to head






Oscar De La Hoya vs Manny Pacquiao : Head to head



   


Oscar 'Golden Boy' De La Hoya vs Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao


Oscar 'Golden Boy' De La Hoya vs Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao : The Dream Match
Oscar 'Golden Boy' De La Hoya

The essentials

Age: 35

Height: 5-10½

Hometown: Los Angeles

Turned pro: 1992

Record: 39-5 (30 knockouts)

Trainer: Nacho Beristain

Fight-by-fight: http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=8253&cat=boxer

The Ring rating: No. 3 junior middleweight

Titles: WBO super featherweight; WBO lightweight; IBF lightweight; WBC light welterweight; WBC welterweight; WBC welterweight (second time); WBC light middleweight; WBA light middleweight.

Biggest victories: Fernando Vargas, Sept. 14, 2002, KO 11; Ike Quartey, Feb. 13, 1999, W 12; Pernell Whitaker, April 12, 1997, W 12; Julio Cesar Chavez, June 7, 1996, TKO 4; Rafael Ruelas, May 6, 1995, KO 2.

Biggest losses: Bernard Hopkins, Sept. 18, 2004, KO 8; Felix Trinidad, Sept. 18, 1999, L 12; Shane Mosley, June 17, 2000, L 12; Shane Mosley, Sept. 13, 2003, L 12; Floyd Mayweather,May 5, 2007, L 12.


Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao

The essentials

Age: 29

Height: 5-6½

Hometown: General Santos City, Philippines

Turned pro: 1995

Record: 47-3-2 (35 knockouts)

Trainer: Freddie Roach

Fight-by-fight: http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=6129&cat=boxer

The Ring rating: No. 1 pound-for-pound; No. 2 lightweight

Titles: WBC flyweight; IBF super bantamweight; WBC super featherweight; WBC lightweight.

Biggest victories: Ledwaba, Jan. 6, 2001, TKO 6; Marco Antonio Barrera, Nov. 15, 2003, TKO 11; Erik Morales, Jan. 21, 2006, TKO 10; Barrera, Oct. 6, 2007, W 12; Juan Manuel Marquez, March 15, 2008 W 12.

Biggest losses: Rustico Torrecamp, Feb. 9, 1996, KO 3; Medgoen Singsurat, Sept. 17, 1999, KO 3; Erik Morales, March 19, 2005, L 12.


HEAD-TO-HEAD

Skills: Pacquiao evolved from a one-dimensional brawler into a very good boxer under the guidance of Freddie Roach. However, De La Hoya, even with his revolving-door approach to trainers over his career, has always been an extremely sound all-around boxer.
Edge: De La Hoya

Power: De La Hoya was once a devastating puncher but his power has diminished as he’s gone up in weight. Of course, he’s going down to 147 for the first time since 2001; he might have extra pop at welterweight. Pacquiao is not a one-punch KO artist but has always been powerful. However, at 147, he won’t be able to hurt De La Hoya.
Edge: De La Hoya

Speed: One thing Pacquiao’s opponents are often surprised by is his remarkable speed. Combine that with his tenacity and improving boxing ability and you get the best fighter in the world. De La Hoya has always been quick-handed; he’s just not as fast as Pacquiao, particularly at 35.
Edge: Pacquiao

Defense: Again, Pacquiao has improved significantly as a boxer. Still, he’s never been particularly difficult to hit. That can be attributed in good part to his aggressive fighting style. De La Hoya has always put a premium on safety, one reason he’s lasted so long in the sport. He knows how to avoid punches.
Edge: De La Hoya

Experience: Both fighters have been at the top of the sport for a generation of fighters, fighting in a combined 40 major world title fights (De La Hoya 29, Pacquiao 11). Nothing phases either one of them. De La Hoya gets a slight edge because he’s been a major player a bit longer.
Edge: De La Hoya

Chin: Neither fighter has been hurt many times. De La Hoya has been stung a few times by punches to his head but was never in serious danger. Only Bernard Hopkins has stopped him, with a body shot. Pacquiao was stopped twice early in his career but has taken some huge shots in his prime without a disastrous result.
Edge: De La Hoya

Conditioning: Freddie Roach, who has been around boxing for several decades, said he’s never seen a fighter train harder than Pacquiao. He could probably fight 20 rounds if he had to. De La Hoya has had periods in his career when he didn’t train as hard as he should have, which might explain his tendency to fade late in fights, but he seems to be extremely serious about this fight.
Edge: Pacquiao

Wear-and-tear: De La Hoya, 35, has never taken a beating but appears to have declined at least somewhat after 30 years of boxing. Pacquiao, 29, has been in many wars but seems to be as fresh as ever.
Edge: Pacquiao

Corner: Both trainers garner tremendous respect. Nacho Beristain has trained a number of champions from Mexico, making him a legend in his country. And Freddie Roach, too, has worked with many big-name champions. Clearly, he’s at the top of his game. Pacquiao gets the edge here because he’s worked long term with Roach; this is De La Hoya’s first fight with Beristain.
Edge: Pacquiao

Outcome: Ask yourself: What was your first reaction when you heard this fight would take place? Answer: Pacquiao is too small. That is the most-significant factor in the fight. Pacquiao will attack and land his share of punches. However, in the end, if De La Hoya fights a smart fight – stay outside, wrap Pacquiao up when he gets inside – he’ll wear the smaller man down.
Prediction: De La Hoya KO 10

source: THE RING BLOG

Related Post:

Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao ready for de la Hoya dream match

Essentials to success for both Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao





Wednesday, November 26, 2008

7 Wonders of Nature: Palawan Underground River or Sulu Tubbataha Reef



   


As the deadline draws closer, the Philippines must choose between the Subterranean River National Park in Puerto Princesa and Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea as its official entry in the online search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

A country must name just one official entry for the New 7 Wonders of Nature in online contest.

Palawan’s underground river remained at the top not only of the list of Philippine nominees but also of the overall global roster of at least 400 contenders as of Nov. 25, according to Organizer New7Wonders Foundation.

With Tubbataha Reef ranked No. 4, the Philippines has the biggest number of nominees in the Top 10. Chocolate Hills in Bohol is at No. 5 and Mayon Volcano in Albay at No. 10.

"This ranking can change at anytime, according to the voting," the N7W Foundation said.

"The top-ranked national nominee on Dec. 31 will represent the Philippines in the next phase of the New7Wonders of Nature campaign."

"Should Puerto Princesa be the natural monument of which the people are the most proud, which should embody the beauty of the country?" the group said. "The people of the Philippines must choose their favorite now."

Giving the Philippines tough competition is neighbor Vietnam, which has three nominees in the Top 10 — Ha Long Bay (2nd), Pho Nha - Ke Bang National Park (6th) and Fansipan Mountain (8th).

Other nominees in the Top 10 are Cox's Bazar Beach in Bangladesh (3rd); the Ganges River (7th) and Sundarbans Forest (9th), which are both shared by India and Bangladesh.

Natural wonders shared by more than one country, like the Ganges and Sundarbans, are exempt from the so-called national qualification requirement and will automatically continue into the next stage of the popularity competition.

The N7W campaign, done mainly through www.new7wonders.com, is aimed at raising awareness and generating more tourism income to help natural treasures to be better preserved for future generations.

New7Wonders Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Switzerland, is the same group that conducted an online search for the New 7 Wonders of the World last year.

From the current nomination round, the search will move on to the national qualification stage next year that would result in a shorter list of qualified nominees. The list will be further pared down to 21 finalists.

The "Official New 7 Wonders of Nature" will be announced in 2011.

source: Philippine Daily Inquirer





Friday, November 21, 2008

Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity was proven right



   

Einstein's e=mc2 formula for Special Theory of Relativity proven right after 103 years.

PARIS (AFP) – It's taken more than a century, but Einstein's celebrated formula e=mc2 has finally been corroborated, thanks to a heroic computational effort by French, German and Hungarian physicists.

A brainpower consortium led by Laurent Lellouch of France's Centre for Theoretical Physics, using some of the world's mightiest supercomputers, have set down the calculations for estimating the mass of protons and neutrons, the particles at the nucleus of atoms.

According to the conventional model of particle physics, protons and neutrons comprise smaller particles known as quarks, which in turn are bound by gluons.

The odd thing is this: the mass of gluons is zero and the mass of quarks is only five percent. Where, therefore, is the missing 95 percent?

The answer, according to the study published in the US journal Science on Thursday, comes from the energy from the movements and interactions of quarks and gluons.

In other words, energy and mass are equivalent, as Einstein proposed in his Special Theory of Relativity in 1905.

The e=mc2 formula shows that mass can be converted into energy, and energy can be converted into mass.

By showing how much energy would be released if a certain amount of mass were to be converted into energy, the equation has been used many times, most famously as the inspirational basis for building atomic weapons.

But resolving e=mc2 at the scale of sub-atomic particles -- in equations called quantum chromodynamics -- has been fiendishly difficult.

"Until now, this has been a hypothesis," France's National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) said proudly in a press release.

"It has now been corroborated for the first time."

For those keen to know more: the computations involve "envisioning space and time as part of a four-dimensional crystal lattice, with discrete points spaced along columns and rows."

source: news.yahoo.com





Wednesday, November 19, 2008

National Geographic discovers new videogames



   

The monthly issue magazine National Geographic famed for its glossy photographs and stories from obscure corners of the world, is venturing into videogames.

The magazine announced on Tuesday that its first game, "Herod's Lost Tomb," would come out this month ahead of the December 2008 issue which features an article on the biblical figure known for his architectural exploits.

The game will be available for free online at nationalgeographic.com/channel and will also be downloadable for PCs, Macs and iPhones, National Geographic said in a statement.

National Geographic said "Herod's Lost Tomb" was the first in a number of "family-friendly" games it would publish this year.

Other titles include "National Geographic: Panda," "National Geographic: Africa" and "Sudoku Traveler: China."

It said it was partnering with Namco Bandai Games America and Sony Computer Entertainment to distribute the National Geographic-banded games on handheld devices and gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3.

by: Agence France-Presse
INQUIRER.net





Pacman game plan



   


Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao
game plan: Wear out De La Hoya

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao will have one significant edge when he fights Oscar De La Hoya and that is concentration, trainer Freddie Roach said.

According to Roach, the 35-year-old De La Hoya has changed since his younger days as one of the most dominant fighters.

“He’s not quite as active, he’s a little more patient, and he tires a little bit quicker,” Roach said on Monday at the Hollywood gym where he trains Pacquiao. “He has had trouble focusing on the game plan. His mind wanders in there.

“He’s weak-minded. I’m not saying nothing bad about him. But some people are very strong-minded, like Manny Pacquiao, and he can hold the game plan throughout.”

Pacquiao, who faces De La Hoya in a “Dream Match” on Dec. 6 in Las Vegas, is also concentrating on his preparation ahead of the bout.

“Spiritual, physical and mental. You have to focus on that,” the 29-year-old Filipino said.

Roach, who has produced 22 world champions, predicted De La Hoya would not last the pace.

“You look at the history of boxing when the older guy fights the younger guy, like when (Muhammad) Ali fought (Larry) Holmes or when Joe Louis got beaten by Rocky Marciano,” Roach told Reuters.

“It’s the younger man’s time. I am 100 percent confident. I don’t think Oscar will be able to keep up and I think we will knock him out in the late rounds.”

Pacquiao, who first fought at 106 pounds, will be fighting at the welterweight limit of 147. He has gained weight, while De La Hoya has been losing. The taller De La Hoya has fought at 160 pounds but is down to 145.

‘Speed will be key’

Pacquiao, who weighs 151 pounds, noted the difference in height, but did not seem concerned about any weight issues for the bout.

“I’m very comfortable at this weight. There are a lot of people saying that Manny Pacquiao is moving up a weight division and, ‘Is he going to be fast or is he going to be slow’?” Pacquiao said.

“In training, we focus on speed, because the speed will be the key in this fight,” he added.

Heavier but stronger

Roach thinks weight also will be a factor that will work in Pacquiao’s favor. After the weigh-in for his 134-pound bout against David Diaz in June, Pacquiao was up to 147 pounds when he stepped into the ring.

“I expected him to be sluggish, though he put too much weight on,” Roach said.

“You know what? He didn’t. He was great that night, he was explosive. I think it was the best fight he’s ever fought. He was very disciplined. There’ll be a lot of similarities in this fight.”

Pacquiao stopped Diaz in the ninth round.

Roach said Pacquiao was stronger now that he had gotten heavier, adding De La Hoya “might be at weight now, but I know he’s killing himself making it and I think he’s going to be weak going into the fight.”

De la Hoya’s jabs

Pacquiao says he is preparing for whatever tactics De La Hoya uses.

“My concern is if he jabs and is running, running,” he said. “We have been working on that. And we are prepared if he’s going to come in and fight toe to toe.”

Training at the Big Bear retreat in the California mountains, De La Hoya said he had dropped pounds but not his punching power.

“Training camp is going well. Being up here has once again ignited that fire in my belly that hasn’t been ignited in many years,” De La Hoya said.

“Now that many weeks have passed by, I feel very comfortable with welterweight. I don’t think we’re sacrificing any power. We’re punching harder than ever.”

Stamina is key

De La Hoya said that when he first reached the welterweight limit, “I did feel a little light headed and weak” and noted that stamina “can be a big problem.”

“I don’t know how my body is going to react come fight night,” he said. “Conditioning is my primary concern.”

Pacquiao will enter the ring 47-3 with two draws and 35 knockouts, while De La Hoya is 39-5 with 30 knockouts.

“I will be extremely disappointed if this fight does not end in a knockout,” De La Hoya said. “It would be a total disaster for me ... I feel very strong.”

He added: “We will put boxing back on the worldwide stage. I beat a young lion like Manny Pacquiao to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, it helps me prove I can do this and move on and still be successful.”

Grudge fight

“I’m oozing with motivation, that’s for sure,” De La Hoya said.

That stems from a seven-fight deal worth at last $35 million that Pacquiao signed with De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions in 2006, only to return the bonus money two months later and stay with promoter Bob Arum.

“We signed the deal and he turned his back on me and he’s going to have to pay on Dec. 6,” De La Hoya said. “That moment is what makes it personal. I don’t want him to talk about how he honors honor. He didn’t honor me. I’m not going to honor him.”

source: sports.inquirer.net






Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Microsoft will giving free software for students



   


It's true, the Microsoft will giving its software free for students. Here is the news from the Daily Inquirer.

By offering its software for free to students, Microsoft is hoping to help address the need for more skilled professional developers in the country.

Called DreamSpark, this program gives students access to developer tools, such as Visual Studio and other platform, tools such as Windows Server and Windows Sequel Server database.

DreamSpark was first announced by Microsoft founder and former chairman Bill Gates himself last February. It was initially offered to more than 35 million college students, according to Microsoft.

Locally, Microsoft is working with the Junior Philippine Computer Society (JPCS) and targeting the latter's membership base of around 4,000 students nationwide.

Students will be given invitation codes directing them to a website where they can download the software and get a one-time activation key.

Microsoft is insisting these software tools are not trial versions and are exactly similar to those used by professional developers. Thus, there is no expiry date and students are prohibited from using these tools to design commercial software.

Still, when asked about the possibility of replicating downloaded software, Microsoft local officials admitted they can only rely on the one-time activation key, not necessarily monitor activations.

Also, eligibility to download and use would depend on checking with JPCS database if users are still duly enrolled.

"We wanted it simple as possible (for students). We will be offering more products but for now it will be primarily developer and gaming tools," said Tim Vergel de Dios, academic developer evangelist for Microsoft Philippines.

DreamSpark also offers XNA Game Studio, a developer platform for designing games on the Xbox, Microsoft's gaming console.

source: INQUIRER.Net





Bill Gates donates $1M to poor farmers



   

The foundation set up by Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates is to donate almost $1 million to help poor farmers in developing countries get insurance against natural disasters, the UN said Monday.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will give $998,000 to fund research as part of an initiative organized by the World Food Programme (WFP) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the two UN agencies said in a joint statement.

The UN says more than one billion people live on less than one dollar a day and that three out of four live in rural areas in developing countries.

"Most depend on agricultural activities for their livelihoods yet lack the institutional and financial capacity to withstand the impact of extreme weather events," the statement said.

So-called "weather index-based insurance schemes" are being tested in a number of countries, including Ethopia, Malawi, Nicaragua, Honduras and India.

source: Inquirer.net





Monday, November 17, 2008

PRC Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) September 2008 Results



   

The Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) for September 2008 finally released after months of waiting. With a total of 17,816 elementary teachers out of 58,471 examinees and 18,801 secondary teachers out of 53,195 examinees have successfully passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers given by the Board of Professional Teachers in September this year.

The Board for Professional Teachers is composed of Dr. Brenda B. Corpuz, officer-in-charge; Dr. Josefina T. Cunanan, vice-chairperson, Dr. Flordeliza P. Mayari and Dr. Norma A. Adamos (members)

Registration for the issuance of the Professional Identification Card and Certificate of Registration will be announced later, the PRC said.

View results of successful elementary teachers.

View results of successful secondary teachers.


source: INQUIRER.net





Friday, November 14, 2008

Two Mindanao parks nominated for UN World Heritage List



   


Two Mindanao parks the Mount Apo - Philippines highest peaks and Mount Hamiguitan - habitats of the endemic but endangered Philippine eagle, were nominated for inclusion to the highly prestigious World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

UNESCO World Heritage List - Mount ApoMount Apo

Davao Oriental tourism officer Cynthia Rodriguez said Gov. Corazon Malanyaon has been exerting efforts for Mount Hamiiguitan Range and Wildlife Sanctuary to be included in the list.

Backed up by environment groups and local officials in Davao Oriental province, Governor Malanyaon asked the UNESCO Philippine office to include Mount Hamiguitan in the World Heritage List to boost their environment conservation drive and to put Davao Oriental in the world eco-tourism map.

UNESCO World Heritage List - Mount HamiguitanMount Hamiguitan

As this came, Ambassador Preciosa Soliven, secretary general of the UNESCO Philippines, sent a team of experts to Mount Hamiguitan to evaluate the outstanding universal value of the site.

In an official statement, the UNESCO Philippines concluded that Mount Hamiguitan and Mount Apo – the country’s highest peak, are part of the Sanctuaries of Endemism in Southern Mindanao.

It was gathered that the two prime sites placed the Philippines on seventh rank among the 17 biological rich countries of the world.

The Mount Apo and Mount Hamiguitan are declared protected areas under Republic Act 9237 and Republic Act 9302.

Governor Malanyaon said that the Protected Area Management Board and the Protected Area Wildlife Bureau of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources managed the two sites.

On the other hand, UNESCO Philippines said the nominated areas represent the fast disappearing habitats of globally important species of plants and animals.

Mount Apo is a Pliocene-Quaternary volcanic terrain that provides opportunity for diversity of habitats and plant and animal species, while Mount Hamiguitan is an ultramafic terrain giving rise to ultramafic forest and associated diverse habitats and flora and fauna, the UNESCO said.

Mount Hamiguitan is also one of the habitats of the endemic but endangered Philippine eagle whose remaining population is believed to be only around 500.

Earlier, aviator Charles Lindbergh of the World Wildlife Fund described the Philippine eagle as the noblest flyer.

source: goodnewspilipinas.com






New Asian chic books authored by 3 Filipinas



   

International Publisher Marshall Cavendish has coveted, not just one, not only two, but three Filipina writers to launch the Asia version of their runaway success chick lit in the US and UK called “Asia Chic” books.

The first selection of three Asian Chic books are:

Asian Chic - Undercover Tai Tai by Maya CalicaUndercover Tai Tai by Maya Calica

Asian Chic - Amazing Grace by Tara SeringAmazing Grace by Tara Sering

Asian Chic - Mrs-Mismarriage by Noelle Chua
Mrs-Mismarriage by Noelle Chua.


Women in Asia have found a new voice today. A voice that is reflected in a fun, sassy and witty chick lit genre that is written by Asian women, for Asian women set within the Asian socioeconomic milieu.

All three authors (two of whom are Singapore-based) are encouraged by the worldwide success of books such as Bridget Jones Diary, The Devil Wears Prada and Sex And the City.

Their being chosen to launch the initial Asian Chic books is a true testament of the talent of Filipino authors worldwide.

Set within the Asian context, the three original “Asian Chic” works are a collection of Asian chick lit, written by Asian women for Asian women, uniquely portraying the Asian personality and voice as reflected in the books’ characters.

Chick lit’s popularity is largely due to its witty and humorous writing and engaging plots and characters that many of its female readers, mainly within the 20-30 something age group, can identify with. The story line usually evolves around female protagonists who are often single, twenty-to-thirty-somethings, navigating the urban jungle, while faced with a myriad of love, career and family issues.

Read More...

source: goodnewspilipinas.com







Thursday, November 13, 2008

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King - The next epic chapter



   

World of Warcraft launches a new extension "Wrath of the Lich King". World of Warcraft which already has a claimed 11 million players worldwide.

"Wrath of the Lich King" releases in Europe and the United States at midnight in what has been called "the next epic chapter" in the life and times of Azeroth, a medieval fantasy world that smartly links into affairs of the real universe.

While the game world remains similar from day to day, seasonal events such as Halloween, Christmas, Olympics have been added, regional editions modified -- in China flesh was placed on the living dead -- and pop culture celebrities such as Jean-Claude Van Damne or William Shatner used to sell it.

First released in 2004 in North America and 2005 in Europe, the online role-playing game sees competitors line up as members of eight races divided into two opposing good and evil factions, the Alliance or the Horde.
The "Lich King" throws adepts into a new cold and inhospitable environment set four years after the previous extension and ruled over by Lich monarch Arthas Menethill.

In gaming terms, players can increase the powers of their character avatars to a level of 80, compared to 60 when originally launched and 70 on the launch of the first extension "The Burning Crusade" early 2007.

It also throws out a new race of super-heroes, the Deathknights.

Following on the huge sales of "The Burning Crusade", which sold 2.4 million copes on the first day of release, Activision Blizzard, which is owned by French group Vivendi, is organizing a giant launch campaign.

source: INQUIRER.net





Another outsourcing jobs for Pinoys



   


Theirs another good news for Filipino that our computer savvy at the end of this year. Here is the news I found which can help to inform and employ Filipinos that have IT skills.

A London based outsourcing firm Logica is looking at expanding its services in the Philippines and doubling its workers by year-end, a top executive said.

The company began its business process outsourcing business in the country in 2007 and currently employs more than 400 workers in a local office, which provides software support services for SAP customers.

"We are studying the recruitment market here. We are looking at opening new offices and expanding our services further," said Andy Green, Logica's chief executive officer, in a briefing here.

Green said he was in the Philippines on a "fact finding mission" to look at specific information technology skills that will fit Logica's "blended" global delivery model.

"We are building our enterprise content management portfolio with various applications," Green added.

This translates to added support services that can be migrated to the Philippines.

Logica serves the European outsourcing market which, according to Green, is catching up with the United States in terms of demand.

Formerly called LogicaCMG, the company acquired French company Unilog and Sweden-based WM-data, resulting in the name change and integration of different units under the single European brand.

Earlier this year, Green announced a restructuring program aimed at generating 80 million euros in cost-savings by 2010. Part of that plan is to migrate some of the company's operations offshore.

By Lawrence Casiraya
INQUIRER.net






Himala is best Asian film at all time



   


The Filipino classic film was voted as best movie of all time in the Asia-Pacific region. The through the Cable News Network entertainment website were visitors voted Ishmael Bernal’s “Himala,” which starred Nora Aunor as a simple provincial girl turned faith healer, as the best movie of all time in the Asia-Pacific region, outclassing such greats as Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai” and Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”
Justify FullHimala Asia’s best film everHimala was written by Ricky Lee and originally released in 1982 for the Metro Manila Film Festival, was announced the top vote-getter in the popular vote and named the winner of the CNN-APSA Viewers Choice Award for Best Asia-Pacific Film of All Time on Tuesday at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Others in the top 10 that vied for the honor, in which “Himala” was the only Filipino film, included Andrew Lau and Alan Mak’s “Mou Gaan Dou (Infernal Affairs)” from Hong Kong, Chan-wook Park’s “Old Boy” from South Korea, Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film “Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (Spirited Away)” from Japan, Satyajit Ray’s “Pather Panchali” from India, Peter Weir’s “Gallipoli” from Australia, Wong Kar Wai’s “Chung Hing Sam Lam (Chungking Express)” from China, and Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s “Gabbeh” from Iran.

According to the CNN website, critics, industry insiders, Asian film stars, and CNN viewers chose the movies that landed in the shortlist of ten films. The online poll that ran in October determined the winner.

Also hundreds of film industry luminaries from around the world attended the event.

This is another victory for Philippines cinema, as another thing that a Filipino should be proud of.

Mabuhay ang pinoy...

source: INQUIRER.net







Monday, November 10, 2008

Miss Earth 2008 - Miss Philippines Karla Paula Henry



   

Miss Earth 2008 was crowned to Miss Philippines - Karla Paula Henry, Asia'a first ever candidate and Filipina who crowned as the 8th Miss Earth Beauties For A Cause. Once again the Philippines was back on the race for bagging the another title in one of the prestigious beauty pageant on Earth, the Miss Earth 2008 beauty for a cause. It was held at Clark Expo Amphitheater in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines, evening of November 9, 2008.

Miss Philippines Karla Paula Henry Photos:

Miss Earth - Miss Philippines Karla Paula HenryHeadshot

National Costume - Miss Philippines Karla Paula HenryMiss Earth 2008 National Costume Competition

Swimsuit Competition - Miss Philippines Karla Paula HenryMiss Earth 2008 Swimsuit Competition

When I was 13, my father and I left Canada for the Philippines. I saw two different worlds in many respects. There is so much to be done in our environment but once we commit to doing it, the Philippines can be the best island paradise in the world. We can do it!

- Karla Paula Henry


image source: www.yardloo.com & www.missearth.tv





Miss Earth 2008 Winners, Special Awards and Results



   


Miss Earth 2008 Winners, Special Awards and Results on the 8th Miss Earth Beauties For A Cause pageant. Hosted by Philippines and was culminated at Clark Expo Amphitheater in Angeles City, Pampanga, last evening of November 9, 2008.

Miss Earth Winners:

Miss Earth 2008 : Miss Philippines -Karla Paula Henry
Miss Air 2008 : Miss Tanzania - Miriam Odemba
Miss Water 2008 : Miss Mexico - Abigail Elizalde
Miss Fire 2008 : Miss Brazil - Tatiane Alves

Special Awards:

Miss Photogenic : Miss Philippines - Karla Paula Henry
Best In Swimsuit: Miss Mexico - Abigail Elizalde
Best in Long Gown: Miss Venezuela - Daniela Torrealba
Best in Talent: Miss Australia - Rachael Smith-Como

Other Awards:

Miss Earth Fontana 2008 : Miss Philippines - Karla Paula Henry
Miss Active White : Miss Guadeloupe - Heidi García

The Semi-Finalist are the following:

Miss Mexico - Abigail Elizalde
Miss Spain - Adriana Reverón
Miss Thailand - Piyaporn Deejing
Miss Poland - Karolina Filipkowska
Miss Brazil - Tatiane Alves
Miss Philippines - Karla Paula Henry
Miss Nigeria - Uko Ezinne
Miss Czech Republic - Hana Svobodová
Miss Columbia - Mariana Rodríguez
Miss Romania - Ruxandra Popa
Miss USA - Jana Murrell
Miss Russia - Anna Mezentseva
Miss Tanzania - Miriam Odemba
Miss Korea - Seo Seol-hee
Miss Venezuela - Daniela Torrealba
Miss Switzerland - Nasanin Nuri





Miss Philippines - Miss Earth 2008



   


Miss Philippines - Karla Paula Henry is Miss Earth 2008, Karla Paula Henry will be the first ever Miss Philippines and first Asian to be crowned as Miss Earth on its 8th Miss Earth beauty for a cause pageant. For Miss Air 2008 crown goes to Miss Tanzania - Miriam Odemba, Miss Water 2008 goes to Miss Mexico -Abigail Elizalde and Miss Brazil - Tatiane Alves for Miss Fire 2008.

Miss Earth 2008
Miss Earth 2008 - Miss Philippines Karla Paula HenryMiss Philippines - Karla Paula Henry

Miss Philippines also gather the specials awards as Miss Photogenic, she also the finalist for best in swimsuit and won as Miss Earth Fontana 2008.

The Filipino people in the Philippines, especially the Cebuanos and of course the Filipinos in all parts of the world will be proud and honor for the success of our very owned Miss Philippines - Karla Paula Henry.

Congratulations and Mabuhay ang Pinoy...





Friday, November 07, 2008

Pinoy students invited to Barack Obama oath-taking



   


Anne Marie Liwanag and Paul Michael Thomas Cruz students from Quezon City got their invites as early as March this year to the oath-taking of the 44th US president.

The two classmate students have received invitations to go to Washington and be in the front seat of history when Barack Obama, the first black and 44th president of the United States, of America, formally lays claim to the White House on January 20, 2009.

They were selected by the organizers of the University Presidential Inaugural Conference (UPIC) for their outstanding achievements during the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) held in June 2007 in Washington and New York, according to Emil Ong, a director at the Reedley International School in Libis, Quezon City.

The two students were Reedley high school seniors when they represented their alma mater in the GYLC. Liwanag, 18, and Cruz, 19, are now college freshmen.

According to its website, UPIC offers delegates “the opportunity to take part in and personally witness the historic event of the presidential inauguration and challenges students to greatly enhance their understanding of a presidential campaign.”

“I dropped the invitation on the table the first time I read it, and had to read it at least five times to make sure it really had my name on it,” Liwanag told the Philippine Daily Inquirer Thursday at her Parañaque City residence.

“Just the thought of being in the same room (with Obama) makes me giddy. I showed the invitation to everyone in school, and everyone got really excited,” she added.

Should she be granted an audience with Obama, Liwanag said, she would pose some tough questions for the new leader of the free world: “What was he doing when he was 18 years old and what can he do for the Philippines?”

Liwanag said she rooted for Obama in the Nov. 4 presidential election, but admitted she earlier favored New York Sen. Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries.

The invitation, however, is a not an all-expenses-paid affair.

Liwanag said she would have to raise around $4,000 (roughly P200,000) to cover UPIC “fees” and airfare for the trip. “I could not hide my excitement, I really want to go, but the problem is, I am still raising the funds to make it to the inaugural,” she added.

The UPIC website said “tuition” charged for its program covers the cost of events and activities, hotel accommodation for four nights, meals, and transportation during the conference, hotel tips and taxes, and group insurance.

Conference participants—also called “inaugural scholars”—are responsible for their own travel to and from the Washington DC area, it added.


Ong said the UPIC invitation was made on behalf of members of the US Congress, particularly the Honorary Congressional Board of Advisors.

“On behalf of the (UPIC), it is my great pleasure to inform you of your selection to come to Washington as an inaugural scholar and take part in this historic occasion,” UPIC Managing Director of Education Donna J. Synder said in a letter to Liwanag.

As inaugural scholars, Liwanag and Cruz will be part of a five-day series of special events and activities commemorating the inauguration of the US president and vice president, the letter said.

The students will join other invited participants at the National Mall in the morning of Jan. 20 and experience firsthand the grandeur of the inaugural parade and presidential motorcade that will take the new US leaders from the Capitol Building to the White House, the letter added.

According to their itinerary, Liwanag and Cruz would also have an opportunity to meet members of the US Congress, White House officials, presidential historians, political experts and other government personalities. The students would cap their activities by attending a black-tie inaugural gala at the White House.

source: Philippine Daily Inquirer





Thursday, November 06, 2008

Jurgenne Primavera Time magazine's hero of the environment 2008



   


Once again another Filipino was chosen as one of Time magazine’s in “Heroes of the Environment 2008.”

image source: Time Magazine

Featured in the October 6 issue of the global publication, Jurgenne Primavera, a retired Iloilo-based scientist is among 30 activists, scientists, celebrities, innovators and financiers all over the world cited for their contribution to environmental protection.

What they have in common is the passion and resourcefulness to confront environmental threats, Time said.

“They cannot solve climate change alone or save endangered species single-handedly. But by their example, by their willingness to dedicate themselves to what too many still dismiss as a hopeless case, these heroes of the environment provide light in the darkness.”

Primavera, 61, was lauded for her “groundbreaking studies” on the life cycle of tiger prawns in the country which “helped galvanize an aquaculture revolution.”

The magazine cited her campaign for sustainable fish-farming in order to protect the mangrove forests that act as a fish nursery and a crucial buffer zone between land and sea which help block floods and tsunamis.

Primavera, who has already received various awards, honors and citations from the academe and scientific community, including an honorary doctorate from the Stockholm University in 2004, said she was happy to be among Time’s choices because this would bring her campaign to a wider audience.

“It’s not I and my peers who will ultimately save the environment. It’s the laymen, the common folk, who will,” she said.

She also hopes that the fame will inspire young people to take up marine biology and focus on mangroves. She stressed the importance of educating children about environmental issues and preservation efforts.

“Start with the children because the values they learn will stay with them for a lifetime, the same way my experiences shaped my beliefs,” she said.

“We need a few well-placed fearless fighters for our environment,” Primavera said.

source: www.inquirer.net





Pinoy won international surf competition



   


Edito “Piso” Alcala local of Siargao surfed his way to a victory during the recently concluded Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational. His win over defending champion Wade Goodall (Aus) is only the second time a Filipino has won the international event in Siargao, the first being back in the late 1990s by Rodolfo “Osot” Alcala.

The international competition held at Cloud 9, is among the most prestigious in Asia and is watched closely by surfers around the world. It attracts high profile professional surfers from Australia, Israel, Japan, Hawaii and France among others.

The Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational creates a limited number (48) of slots for invited international pro surfers plus the top 12 finishers from the Siargao National event and four wild cards. The format allows the competitors to help make decisions on when to run their heats during the seven-day window scheduled for the competition.

This year’s crop of international competitors included returning surfers David Reardon-Smith (USA), Jason Shibata (Hawaii), and Tipi Jabrik (Indonesia) as well as high profile first timers Marlon Gerber (Indonesia), Granger Larsen (Hawaii) and big wave rider Laurie Towner (Australia).

The days leading up to the finals had been less than ideal, with smaller wave swell than is usually encountered in Siargao. But on September 26, Cloud 9 turned itself on overnight to deliver those perfect right-handed barrels that have made it world famous.

In an exciting 35 minute heat, Alcala chased Goodall’s scores wave for wave but continued to lag behind. In the final five minutes, it was announced that he needed a 9.0 score to move into first place. With under two minutes, Alcala paddled into a deep overhead wave, pulled into a hollow barrel and snagged a 9.43 score from the judges.

Goodall tried his best to make up the deficit but couldn’t quite make the grade.

As the final buzzer sounded, hordes of surfers -- both local and foreign -- ran across the dry reef to greet the new champion. Hoisted upon the shoulders of his friends, the 20-year old sudden hero was carried to the base of the judging tower, where Billabong officials awarded him with a whopping US$7,500.

Goodall took home US$4500 for his second place finish.

source: goodnewspilipinas.com






Wednesday, November 05, 2008

World Hunger Survey Philippines Rank 5th



   


In the recent global survey on hunger the Philippines ranks No. 5 in the world when it comes to citizens who have had “little or no food at all” in the past year.

Gallup International, a Zurich-based international group, conducted the interviews between June and September for its World Food Survey.

Gallup International asked over 58,000 people from 55 countries this question: “Have there been times in the last 12 months when you and/or your family have not had enough to eat?”

Four in 10 Filipinos or 40 percent said they “often or sometimes” lacked food in the past year, according to Gallup International-Voice of the People 2008.

Topping the list of hungry nations was Cameroon (55 percent), followed by Pakistan (53 percent), Nigeria (48 percent) and Peru (42 percent).

Following the Philippines, and completing the top ten, were Bolivia and Guatemala (tied at 35 percent), Ghana (32 percent) Mexico and Russia (tied at 23 percent).

Worldwide, around two in ten people or 19 percent said they lacked food “often or sometimes” in the past year. Moreover, 13 percent said there were rare occasions when they had no food to eat.

On the other hand, 66 percent said the problem never affected them.

“It is shocking to see that still so many people don’t have enough to eat even in the most developed regions,” Gallup International secretary general Meril James said in a statement.

Not surprisingly, hunger was prevalent among those with low incomes (25 percent), less educational attainment (29 percent) and no employment (27 percent).

Regionally, Africa remains the most affected by hunger, with almost half the population declaring they did not have enough food to eat “often or sometimes” in the past year, with only three in ten Africans saying they did not lack food in the past year.

source: Philippine Daily Inquirer






44th President of the United States - Barack Obama



   

US Presidential election 2008 made a history after Barack Obama elected president.

Barack Obama - 44th President of the United StatesBarack Obama
44th President of the United States America.

Barack Obama will be the 44th president of the United States. After a tight battle against Republican Sen. John McCain, Obama has become the first African American president in the history of the United States. He wins California, Hawaii, Oregon, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington, giving him 338 electoral votes to McCain's 127.

Obama is set to address his supporters from Chicago's Grant Park.

Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware will be accompanying Obama to the White House as his vice president. Biden made his first unsuccessful bid for president in 1988, and again this year before dropping out. A six-term senator, Biden is the chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee. One of his adult sons from his first marriage is currently serving in Iraq.

On June 4, Obama won the Democratic presidential nomination, beating Sen. Hillary Clinton in a tight primary race. The 47-year-old Democratic senator from Illinois stepped into the national spotlight in 2004, delivering the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention.

By now, Obama's personal history is well-known: He was born in Hawaii, the son of a white mother and Kenyan father. Obama's father returned to Kenya when Obama was two years old, leaving him to be raised by his mother and her family, including his beloved grandmother, "Toot," who died one day before her grandson was elected one of the most powerful leaders in the world.

After graduating from Columbia University, he went to Harvard Law School, becoming the first African American president of the prestigious Harvard Law Review. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004, where he sits on several committees, including Foreign Relations, Homeland Security and Veterans' Affairs.

Obama and his wife, Michelle, have two young daughters, Malia and Sasha.

source: news.yahoo.com


Related post:
44th US President will make history
Pinoy Obama look-a-like version





Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Miss Earth 2008 Swimsuit Winner



   


Miss Mexico Wins Miss Earth 2008 Best in Swimsuit

Miss Mexico, Abigail Elizalde, bested 14 other shortlisted body-beautiful contestants of Miss Earth 2008 by winning the crucial Best in Swimsuit award.


Miss Earth 2008 Swimsuit Winner Miss MexicoMiss Mexico received her trophy during the swimsuit finals Saturday at the Fontana Leisure Resort, Pampanga. The ladies who also stood out the swimsuit competition that night were the delegates from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Greece, Guam, Netherlands, South Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand and Venezuela.

Two special awards were also given that night. Karla Paula Henry, Miss Philippines, won as Miss Earth Fontana 2008 while the delegate from Guadeloupe was named Miss Active White.

Miss Earth 2008 Swimsuit Winner Miss Mexico
courtesy of Boris Torneros of Mabuhay Beauties and Boyetblas.com for the photos.






Miss Earth 2008 Media Presentations



   

Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant, will be held on November 9, 2008 at the Clark Expo Amphitheater in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines. 85 delegates from different country around the globe will compete in the said title. The pageant will be broadcasted live via ABS-CBN in the Philippines and to many countries worldwide via Star World, The Filipino Channel and other partner networks. At the conclusion of the final night of the competition, outgoing titleholder Miss Earth 2007, Jessica Nicole Trisko of Canada will crown her successor.


Miss Earth 2008 contestants media presentations - swimsuit bikiniMiss Earth 2008 contestants display cards during media presentations in Manila olast Oct. 28, 2008. Eighty-five beauties from around the world declared their personal environmental campaigns, with the theme for this year’s competition focused on “green lifestyle.”

Miss Earth 2008 contestants media presentations - swimsuit bikiniCandidates for the Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant display a message while holding tree saplings.

Miss Earth 2008 contestants media presentations - swimsuit bikiniCandidates for the Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant display messages. Eighty-five candidates from around the world are vying for the Miss Earth title, which is the only beauty pageant with a cause to save mother earth.

Miss Earth 2008 contestants media presentations - swimsuit bikiniMiss Earth 2008 contestant Tanvi Vyas, 22, of India, waves during the media presentation.

Miss Earth 2008 contestants media presentations - swimsuit bikiniMartina Totova of Slovakia, a candidate for the Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant.

Miss Earth 2008 contestants media presentationsFrom right, Akemi Fukumura of Japan, Seo Seol-hee of South Korea, Yllka Berisha of Kosovo, Anita Baltruna of Latvia, and Rudina Suti of Albania, candidates for the Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant.


Miss Earth 2008 contestants media presentations - swimsuit bikiniCarolyn Elizabeth Duffy of England, a candidate for the Miss Earth 2008 beauty pageant, holds a placard with a message during a media presentation.

image source: www.winnipegsun.com