Us asian post march 18, 2015 by Balita Media Inc

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Ex-actress Liezl dies at 47 See PAGE 8

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Vol. 4. No. 25 LOS ANGELES

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Wednesday - Tuesday, March 18 - 24, 2015

Pacquiao undergoes random blood test Los Angeles, United States |AFP| Sunday 3/15/2015 – Manny Pacquiao was given a random drug test Saturday, only two days after the US Anti-Doping Agency revealed the Filipino boxing icon and future foe Floyd Mayweather agreed to Olympic-style testing. A report on GMA News in Pacquiao’s homeland detailed that he had given blood and urine samples to a medical technician that made an unannounced visit to Pacquiao’s training area in Los Angeles. Pacquiao agreed to the extra doping protocol as part of the contract signed to fight unbeaten US rival Floyd Mayweather on May 2 in Las Vegas in a long-awaited

bout that figures to shatter boxing revenue records. Both Mayweather and Pacquiao must make themselves available for random blood and urine tests and provide US antidoping officials with travel itineraries. They will also be tested after the fight. Samples will be examined for human growth hormone (HGH), erythropoietin (EPO) and other substances. Drug testing was an issue in 2010 when talks for a Mayweather-Pacquiao showdown failed. Mayweather accused Pacquiao of using performance-enhancing drugs. Pacquiao denied the claim See BLOOD TEST, page 6

A report on GMA News in Manny Pacquiao’s homeland detailed that he had given blood and urine samples to a medical technician that made an unannounced visit to Pacquiao’s training area in Los Angeles. (Photo: BENNY UY)

Court stops Junjun Binay’s suspension MANILA, Mar 16 (Mabuhay) – The appellate court on Monday, March 16, temporarily stopped the preventive suspension issued by the Ombudsman against of Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay. The Court of Appeals Sixth Division issued a 60-day temporary restraining order (TRO) on the implementation of Binay’s susFilipino servicemen accord a low-key arrival honor at the Villamor Air Base on Friday for two Marines who were killed in intensified operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao. The BIFF is believed to be protecting terrorist Basit Usman, who escaped the Mamasapano operation. (MNS photo)

Islamic militant group leader captured in PHL: AFP Manila, Philippines |AFP| Monday 3/16/2015 - 10:55 GMT | 373 words Philippine security forces have arrested the head of a small Islamic militant group who was involved in protecting one of the United States’ “most wanted terrorists”, the military said Monday. Mohammad Ali Tambako was detained along with five accom-

plices as he was riding a motorised tricycle on a main road near a major southern city on Sunday night, military chief General Gregorio Catapang told reporters. His capture is part of an offensive against splinter groups who oppose a pact with the nation’s biggest Muslim rebel group that aims to end a decades-long separatist insurgency. The rebellion See ISLAMIC MILITANT, page 6

Pinoy among 15 new MERS-CoV cases in Saudi in past week MANILA, Mar 16 (Mabuhay) – A Filipino was among 15 new cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERSCoV) recorded in the last week, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health said. In its March 15 update, the Ministry of Health said those who were found infected were aged 17 to 72. “The nationalities of the infected were: 10 Saudis, two Sudanese, one Yemeni, one Filipino and one Egyptian,” it said. Of the new infections, 10 were

in Riyadh, two in Al Ihsa, and one each in Jeddah, Qaseem and Tabuk. On the sources of infection, eight acquired MERS-CoV from the public, five at health care facilities - with two cases involving health care workers - and one from home infection. Another case is still under investigation. On the health care facilities where these cases were registered, eight were MoH hospitals, three were university hospitals, See MERS-COV, page 6

continued to question the legality of the suspension order. He said he would wait for the Court of Appeal’s decision on his motion. The 6-month suspension order stems from complaints over a P11.97-million Makati contract covering the design and architectural services of a car park building. No public bidding, as required See SUSPENSION, page 6

Central Bank issues new rules in transport of currency More than $10,000 must be declared at border

Please be advised that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s current policies on cross border transport of local and foreign currency as contained in Section 4 of the Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange Transactions (FX Manual), as amended, now stand, as follows: Local Currency No person may import or exSee CENTRAL BANK, page 6

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. talks to the media on Friday inside the Makati City Hall Building. Binay said he will stay in the building despite a suspension order from the Ombudsman for his alleged involvement in the overpricing of the Makati City Hall Building II. (MNS photo)

Crisis team eyed to search for Pinoys, other workers abducted in Libya oil field

Trillanes taunts Binay over drama at Makati City Hall

MANILA, Mar 14 (Mabuhay) – A crisis team is being eyed to facilitate the search for nine foreigners – four of them Filipinos— seized from an oil field in Libya last March 6. The Department of Foreign Affairs on Saturday said this was one of the agreements DFA secretary Albert del Rosario reached with envoys from three other countries. Del Rosario was in Tunisia March 12 and 13 to oversee the repatriation of Filipinos from

MANILA, Mar 16 (Mabuhay) – Stop this drama, Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV said of Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, who has been holed up in his office despite the six-month preventive suspension order by the Office of the Ombudsman. “Itong si Mayor Junjun, itong dramang ito kailangang tumigil na,” (This drama should stop) Trillanes said in an interview at the Senate Monday. “Humihingi sila ng simpatya,” (They are seeking sympathy) the

See PINOY WORKERS, page 6

House urged to probe overpricing of airline tickets

The 2015 Binibining Pilipinas titlists pose after being crowned on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. The winners from left, are: 1st runner-up Hannah Ruth Lulu Sison, Miss Tourism Ann Lorraine Colis, Miss Intercontinental Christi Lynn McGarry, Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, Miss International Janicel Lubina and Miss Supranational Rogelie Catacutan. (MNS photo)

pension, the order for which was served by the Department of the Interior and Local Goverment (DILG) just a few hours earlier. Oral arguments on Binay’s case will be heard on March 30 and 31. Despite being suspended Monday morning and his vice mayor being sworn in as acting mayor, Binay said he would continue to discharge his duties because he

MANILA, Mar 14 (Mabuhay) – A lawmaker has called for a congressional inquiry into the alleged overpricing of airline tickets in the country. In House Resolution 1960, Rep. Ronald V. Singson (1st District, Ilocos Sur) said a congressional investigation should be conducted to determine if the airlines spikes in airfare pricing are justifiable. “An explanation must be given as regards to these massively overpriced airline tickets by the airline companies in order to pre-

senator said. He added, “Kailangang maalala ng mga kababayan natin na itong mga itoy nagnakaw ng dadang-daang milyon sa kaban ng Makati tapos nagpapakita sila na para silang mga inonsente.” (People should remember that these people stole hundreds of millions from the coffers of Makati and yet they are feigning innocence.) “Itong mga taong ito, dekadekadang pinagsasamantalahan yung mga mahihirap sa Makati at See TRILLANES, page 6

Ping blasts Palace: No contradiction in BOI findings MANILA, Mar 16 (Mabuhay) – Former Philippine National Police chief Panfilo Lacson is criticizing Malacañang for saying the PNP Board of Inquiry resorted to speculations in its findings on the Mamasapano clash. Lacson said Malacanang’s insistence that the chain of command applies only to the PNP and does not include President Aquino does not hold water. Among the BOI’s conclusions is that Aquino broke the PNP chain of command when he spoke directly to former Special Action Force chief Getulio Napenas Jr. and suspended PNP chief Alan Purisima, instead of PNP OIC Leonardo Espina. “Ang chain of command present ito kahit sa isang business organization. Anong ibig sabihin ng chain of command? It’s the formal line of authority, responsibility in communication. Ito yung relationship ng superior at tsaka ng subordinate so hindi pwedeng sabihin na ang PNP hindi saklaw ng chain of command,” he said. See PING BLAST, page 6

See OVERPRICING, page 6

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AFP: Officials declined BOI interviews as they already gave statements to Senate MANILA, Mar 14 (Mabuhay) – Military officials declined to be interviewed by the Philippine National Police Board of Inquiry investigating the Mamasapano clash because they have already given statements to the Senate during its probe, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Saturday. “Most of the issues were already explained during Senate hearings,” AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Cabunoc said. In its report, released on Friday, the BOI said it failed to interview AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang and Western Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, though Guerrero submitted a sworn statement. Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director and BOI chairman Benjamin Magalong explained that the Armed Forces commanders were interviewed by investigators for SS (sworn statements). However, he qualified that “iba naman ‘yung follow-up interview by the BOI.” BOI member Sr. Supt. Robert Po, meanwhile, confirmed that the AFP commanders were interviewed by CIDG investigators in Cotabato City immediately after

the clash. However, Po added that the questioning “was not exhaustive,” as these were interviews for affidavit purposes. “We tried to interview them later, they refused so we sent further questions,” Po said. The BOI did not receive a reply. However, the BOI was able to interview other AFP officers, including: 6th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez of the government’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade commander Col. Gener del Rosario, 601st Infantry Brigade commander Col. Melquiades Feliciano, and 45th Infantry Battalion commander Col. Romeo Bautista. Cabunoc insisted that the officials who declined to give BOI follow-up interviews already spoke during the Senate and Congress hearings on the incident. “They had already freely given their statements during the Senate and Congressional hearings,” he added.

Free public Wi-Fi across PHL to be implemented in 2015: DOST MANILA, Mar 17 (Mabuhay) – The Department of Science and Technology is about to implement free public Wi-Fi across the entire country, a massive endeavor that the agency said will start in July this year. Places where broadband Wi-Fi hotspots will be installed include plazas, schools, hospital, piers, government offices, and airport terminals. The average speed will be 256 kbps. “Kaugnay nito ng karapatan ng mamamayan sa impormasyon. Lalo na impormasyon na nanggagaling sa gobyerno,” said Edgardo Cabarrios, NTC Director. “Kasi kung may free Wi-Fi, maaccess nila yung mga information na dapat iparating sa kanila.” Cabarrios added that there will be data-capping to prevent users

from abusing the free Wi-Fi. According to IT experts, this project will be able to help people in provinces with education, especially in since they will have access to government databases. It also offers a cheaper alternative to long-distance phone calls. The fact that the Philippines is an archipelago will pose some problems for the implementation of the project. According to IT expert Philip Cheang, before other countries with nationwide free Wi-Fi deployed their projects, their private Internet services were already fast to begin with. Since there will be a need to rent infrastructure from private companies, bidding for partnerships with the private sector will be starting this month. (MNS)

Ex-lawmaker denies endorsing Napoles NGOs MANILA, Mar 17 (Mabuhay) – Former APEC party-list Rep. Edgar Valdez on Tuesday denied before the court that he endorsed non-government organizations linked to alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles. On the first day of his bail hearing at the Sandiganbayan, Valdez said all he ever did was to prepare a list of priority projects for his constituents. “Wala pong endorsement of NGO’s. Ang trabaho ko hanggang dun lang [sa listahan]. Ibibigay yun sa committee of appropriations. Yung committee ibibigay sa Speaker, saka ibibigay sa DBM (Department of Budget and Management),” Valdez told the court. He said it is the job of the implementing agency to identify NGOs. “Trabaho ng implementing agency yan. They are the ones who identify the NGO’s. Wala kaming pakialam dun.” Valdez, who is facing plunder and graft charges for allegedly diverting his pork barrel to bogus NGOs supposedly in exchange for kickbacks, added that the disbursement of their pork barrel allocations is closely monitored.

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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Inauguration of the newly-completed Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sports Complex at the Jurado Hall, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15, 2015). (MNS photo)

PNP defends ‘overkill’ deployment in Makati MANILA, Mar 16 (Mabuhay) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government has already served the Ombudsman’s suspension order on Makati Mayor Junjun Binay. Binay’s suspension stems from the graft and plunder complaint filed against him and father, Vice President Jejomar Binay, over the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building 2. The Binays and their supporters are crying foul over what they say is a railroaded order. “We’re just wondering bakit pag Liberal Party yung may ganitong sitwasyon eh pinapa-

yagan nila at nirerespeto nila yung prosesong legal na pwedeng gamitin nung isususpend na official, and we’re just wondering, parang nagmamadali,” said the mayor’s sister, Senator Nancy Binay. Before the suspension order was served, policemen were sent to the Makati City hall. The city government estimated that at least 2,000 cops were deployed to the city hall. It’s a scene described by Sen. Binay as overkill. “We’re wondering why in Mamasapano 392 lang yung pinadala dito sa Makati 2,000 may

kasama pang SAF personnel,” she said. But the Philippine National Police (PNP) said the public should just look at the end result, which is the successful serving of the order and the prevention of violence. “Sa isyu ng ginamit na pwersa sa Makati, ang importante ay gumamit ang ground commanders ng tamang pwersa para effectively matulungan ang DILG-NCR na maserve iyung suspension order at the same time ma-ensure natin yun seguridad ng lahat,” said PNP spokesperson Generoso Cerbo Jr. (MNS)

Trillanes to Napeñas: Be man enough to accept your mistake MANILA, Mar 16 (Mabuhay) – Instead of pointing blame to others, sacked Special Action Force (SAF) head Director Getulio Napeñas should be man enough to accept his fault on the Mamasapano operation, Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV said on Monday. “For us, this is clear, being a former military officer, when you’re given a mission, and you fail, then you’re accountable for it. You can’t blame anyone,” Trillanes, a former Navy officer, told reporters in an interview at

the Senate. “They are blaming the 6th Infantry Division supposedly for not responding, that’s not true. Because in the Oplan Exodus itself, I asked Gen. Napeñas, where was the 6th ID here? What’s their role? None. So why will you blame a unit which was not in the plan. You have decided to exclude them, then when you failed, you will blame them?” I think at this point, Gen. Napeñas should man up and accept that he made a mistake. He

should ask for forgiveness to relatives of his troops who were killed because his plan was wrong, his judgment call was wrong at that time of the fighting that’s why he lost a lot of his men,” said the senator. Trillanes reiterated that from a military or police operation perspective, a person who was given a mission should be responsible for it. “You cannot blame others if you failed because if you succeeded, you’re the one to be given the medal,” he further said. (MNS)

Napeñas forced to follow Purisima, lawyer says MANILA, Mar 14 (Mabuhay) – Former Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNPSAF) Director Gen. Getulio Napenas did not break the chain of command, his lawyer claimed. Atty. Vitaliano Aguirre said the chain of responsibility in a civilian organization like the PNP is different from that of the military. “Dito rin sa BOI report na ito, dinistinguish ng BOI na ang chain of command, strictly speaking, it only applies to the military. Pero meron ding some sort of chain of command sa civilian organizations like the PNP. Sa chain of command sa civilian organization like the PNP, it was the president who inserted General Purisima to head the operation exodus,” Aguirre said. “Kaya when he told, when Gen. Purisima told Gen. Napeñas, ‘huwag mo munang sabihan ‘yung dalawa,’ referring to Gen. Espina and Sec. Roxas, ‘ako ang bahala kay Gen. Catapang.’ He took it to mean, palagay ko he is justified in saying, or in thinking,

that it was the order of the president,” he added. According to Aguirre, Napeñas had no choice but to follow Purisima’s orders, since he was ‘inserted’ into the plan by President Aquino. “Once the chief executive officer, once na siya ang nagsalita, na ganito ang gagawin natin, I’m going to insert a suspended chief PNP, wala kang magagawa doon...it is the prerogative of the president i-name kung sino man ang gusto niyang gamitin,” he added. Since Napeñas was told that Purisima will coordinate with the military, he did as he was told and did not inform either Espina or Interior Secretary Mar Roxas. “Yung Oplan Exodus presupposes that there will be a reinforcement coming from the military. Matter of fact, sinabi nga daw ni Gen. Purisima that ‘I will flood Mamasapano with soldiers.’ Ibig sabihin talagang poprotektahan ang SAF ng military. Kaya nga siya na ang bahala kay Gen. Catapang eh. Pero anong nangyari, because of this lack of coordination,

hindi napakilos ang military ng dalawang nakakataas sa kanya. Hindi napakilos ni General Purisima, hindi napakilos ng ating Presidente, sapagkat ang dahilan ay natatakot sila na kung magbibigay ng air support at artillery support, ay masisira ang peace negotiation. Iyan ang dahilan kung bakit nagkaroon ng malaking casualty,” Aguirre claimed. The President on Monday lashed out at Napena for pushing through with the January 25 operation despite allegedly deviating from the original plan and disobeying his order to coordinate the mission with the Philippine military. Aquino added that he was “given the wrong information by the people who knew most what was happening,” leading to the deaths of 44 SAF commandos. The PNP Board of Inquiry report on the Mamasapano incident, meanwhile, said Aquino, Purisima and Napenas violated the chain of command when they “kept information” on the antiterror operation in Mamasapano on January 25 “to themselves.” (MNS)

Admin senators urge Malacañang to prevent further slide in Aquino ratings MANILA, Mar 17 (Mabuhay) – Admitting that the Mamasapano incident was the cause of the drop in President Benigno Aquino III’s trust and approval ratings, senators allied with the administration on Tuesday urged Malacañang to move to prevent the ratings from declining further. In an interview with reporters, Senator Francis Escudero warned that the decline will continue unless the administration answers the calls for justice and peace in Mindanao. “Magpapatuloy yan (decline) hanggang hindi lumalabas ang buong katotohanan, hangga’t hindi nakakamit ang katarungan at hangga’t hindi

tayo nakakatiyak na magiging ganap ang kapayapaan sa Mindanao at hindi sa iisang grupo lamang tulad ng MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front),” he said. Asked if the President should finally apologize regarding the Mamasapano incident, Escudero said saying sorry should be an initiative of Aquino and not a result of clamor from the people. “Nasa sa kanya ‘yun. Mas gusto ko kung hihingi siya ng tawad galing sa kanya at hindi galing sa sinuman,” he said. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said reports and statements that made it sound like Aquino was solely responsible for the deaths of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos are to be blamed for

the drop in the President’s ratings. Trillanes said the negative public perception against Aquino as a result of the Mamasapano incident “would remain until Malacañang steers the ship of state into the right direction.” Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said the subsequent events like Aquino’s failure to be present during the arrival honors for the 44 slain policemen also affected the President’s ratings. “But ratings are snapshots in time, so it’s not too late for his ratings to recover. But they must address pressing problems like power situation, traffic, unemployment, and prices, among others,” he said in a separate text message.

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BOI report shows Aquino ‘principally liable’ MANILA, Mar 14 (Mabuhay) – How can Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II clear President Benigno Aquino III of the botched Mamasapano operation when the Board of Inquiry report shows he was responsible? That was one of the questions raised by militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) on Saturday, a day after the BOI report was released to the public. “Mar Roxas’ claims that Purisima, not Aquino, should be blamed does not tally with the facts and is inconsistent even with the BOI report,” Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said in a statement. Roxas, a few hours before the report was made public, said it was resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima who should be faulted for the Mamasapano debacle, which resulted in the deaths of 44 policemen, 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters and five civilians. The Secretary pointed out that Purisima, who was at the time suspended on graft charges, did not heed Aquino’s order for him to inform PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina of the mission to arrest Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao. Roxas was also left in the dark and was only informed of the January 25 mission as the PNP Special Action Force was engaging the MILF and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in a gunfight. But Reyes said the BOI report made it clear that Oplan Exodus was approved by Aquino. “It was Aquino who allowed suspended PNP Chief Alan Purisma to participate and run Oplan Exodus despite the latter’s suspension by the Ombudsman. It was Aquino who violated the chain of command of the PNP,” he said. He also blamed Aquino for not giving enough guidance to the SAF on how to deal with the fact that Marwan was located near MILF territory, taking into consideration the ongoing peace process. “It was Aquino who failed to provide strategic guidance insofar as the peace process was concerned, failing to factor in the ceasefire mechanisms in the planning of Exodus,” Reyes explained. Nevertheless, he said the three main actors in the planning of the mission – Aquino, Purisima and relieved SAF commander Getulio Napeñas – all violated the PNP chain of command. “The BOI report confirms what we have known all along,” Reyes said, before reiterating their call to oust Aquino. However, he said the BOI report “stopped short of truly uncovering the extensive role of the US.” While the report acknowledged the presence of United States forces at the SAF command post during the operation and the rescue mission, it said US involvement was only limited to intelligence sharing and medical evacuation. “It failed to follow through on a finding that the submission of Marwan’s tissue samples to waiting FBI agents in General Santos City was against PNP protocol. It failed to follow up on the real source of funding for the operation, which came from the US, and not the P100,000 operational budget previously claimed by Napeñas,” Reyes claimed. (MNS)

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OPINION

Facebook moves to curb spread of terror, hate speech by Rob Lever

Washington, United States |AFP| Monday 3/16/2015 – Facebook said Monday it won’t allow the social network to be used to promote terrorism or hate speech as it unveiled a wide-ranging update of its “community standards.” The new guidelines give more clarity on acceptable posts relating to violence, hate speech nudity and other contentious topics. The new document said Facebook will not allow a presence from groups advocating “terrorist activity, organized criminal activity or promoting hate.” The move comes with Facebook and other social media struggling with defining acceptable content and freedom of expression, and with these networks increasingly linked to radical extremism and violence. Last month, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve urged online giants Apple, Facebook, Google and Twitter to discuss ways to thwart terrorists from using the platforms for recruitment and fundraising. Videos of gruesome executions have been frequently distributed online by the Islamic State group as a propaganda tool. The new guidelines say Facebook will take down “graphic images when they are shared for sadistic pleasure or to celebrate or glorify violence.” On terrorist or criminal organizations, Facebook also said it would not tolerate “supporting or praising leaders of those same organizations, or condoning their violent activities.” Facebook said meanwhile that nudity would be banned in many cases but allowed for images of breastfeeding, art or discussions of medical conditions. “These standards are designed to create an environment where people feel motivated and empowered to treat each other with empathy and respect,” said a blog post from Facebook global policy chief Monika Bickert and deputy general counsel Chris Sonderby. The new guidelines also say Facebook members should use their “authentic name,” a move that appears to head off criticism from people who used stage or performance names instead of their legal name.

In October Facebook said it would ease its “real names” policy that prompted drag queen performers to quit the social network and sparked wider protests in the gay community and beyond. The new Facebook guidelines clearly ban so-called “cyberbulling,” barring any content “that appears to purposefully target private individuals with the intention of degrading or shaming them.” ‘Risk of physical harm’ Facebook said it would remove content, disable accounts and work with law enforcement “when we believe that there is a genuine risk of physical harm or direct threats to public safety.” But it also pointed out “that something that may be disagreeable or disturbing to you may not violate our community standards.” “It’s a challenge to maintain one set of standards that meets the needs of a diverse global community,” the blog post said. “This is particularly challenging for issues such as hate speech. Hate speech has always been banned on Facebook, and in our new community standards, we explain our efforts to keep our community free from this kind of abusive language.” Facebook said earlier this year it was putting warnings on “graphic content,” which would also be banned for users under 18. In 2013, Facebook ended up banning a beheading video after outrage followed a lifting of the ban. Twitter meanwhile has become the latest online platform to ban “revenge porn,” or the posting of sexually explicit images of a person without consent. Twitter faced threats after blocking accounts linked to supporters of the Islamic State, but one study showed at least 46,000 Twitter accounts have been linked to the group. Facebook at the same time released its report on government requests for user data in the second half of 2014, showing a modest uptick to 35,051 from 34,946 in the prior period. “There was an increase in data requests from certain governments such as India, and decline in requests from countries such as the United States and Germany,” the blog post said. The amount of content restricted for violating local law increased by 11 percent 9,707 cases from 8,774.

Low wages, high dollar test Fed’s patience By Paul Handley

Washington, United States |AFP| Monday 3/16/2015 – How patient will Fed chair Janet Yellen be? That’s the question as the Federal Reserve heads into a policy meeting this week that could set the clock ticking for a midyear increase in interest rates. After holding the benchmark federal funds rate at zero for more than six years of crisis and recovery, the Fed has stoked expectations of a hike for months. But it has also stressed that it “can be patient” before taking the big step, leaving analysts and investors in debate, over just how fast or slow it could move. Any decision has deep ramifications for markets. Expectations of a Fed rate increase, while central banks in Europe, China and Japan move in the opposite direction in monetary policy, have spurred a pullout of capital from developing economies and much greater volatility in capital markets. They have also contributed to the dollar’s 20 percent rise against a basket of major currencies in the past year, cutting the competitiveness of US exports. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), the Fed’s policy arm, meets on Tuesday and Wednesday amid broad signs that the US economy can handle a rate increase. Proponents say that growth is strong enough and the unemployment rate at 5.5 percent low enough. More importantly, they argue, not lifting the rate very soon risks dangerously stoking inflation down the road. Strong dollar a challenge But some of Yellen’s own markers for a hike remain distant. Inflation right now is far below target, wage growth is flat, and part-time employment rates and long-term unemployment numbers remain high – all signs that feed doubts about the strength of the jobs market and the overall economy. Hence the questions about how much patience Yellen has, a year into her tenure at the head of the US central bank. The FOMC only introduced the idea that it would stay “patient” in December, two months after it end-

ed its quantitative easing (QE) stimulus program. Yellen at the time indicated the policymakers would signal they are a big step closer to an increase – possibly within two FOMC meetings – when they drop the word from their meeting statement. However, analysts say the unanticipated strength of the dollar, up 7.5 percent against a trade-weighted basket of currencies, and 15 percent against the euro, since the beginning of the year, could combine with some very recent weak data to again give the policymakers pause. Key metrics of inflation – the producer and consumer price indices – are both negative for the past 12 months. Consumer sentiment has fallen, the housing sector is slower than expected, and poor retail sales in February suggest consumers are not yet comfortable to spend the gains from savings on cheaper gasoline. “Sales have now fallen in each of the past three months, which rings alarm bells about the health of the US economy,” said Chris Williamson of Markit. “These worrying retail sales numbers, alongside weak inflation and wage growth trends, mean it’s likely that the Fed will delay any tightening of policy until a clearer picture of the economy emerges later in the year.” If they do drop “patient” from Wednesday’s policy statement, counting two more meetings, that would open the door to the first rate increase in June. Recent comments have shown some Fed officials clearly anxious to take the first step. “I think that by mid-year it will be the time to have a serious discussion about starting to raise rates,” said John Williams, president of the Fed’s San Francisco branch, in early March. “I see a safer course in a gradual increase, and that calls for starting a bit earlier.” Nariman Behravesh, chief economist at IHS Global Insight, says all the signs have been for a rate hike at midyear. “I don’t think it’s going to delay... It sure looks like they are going to hike rates in June. But as long as the dollar’s strength continues, they’ve got this stiff headwind, you could see the Fed, after the first hike, proceed very slowly.”

Women are key in tackling disaster: UN officials By Kyoko Hasegawa

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Sendai, Japan |AFP| Monday 3/16/2015 – Women are far more exposed to disasters than men given their frontline roles in the home and in healthcare, the UN says, arguing that improving gender equality is key to saving lives. Globally, women and children are up to 14 times more likely than men to die in a disaster, according to UN Population Fund account executive Lamar Dawson. “Women are more exposed to disasters,” United Nations Development Programme Administrator Helen Clark told AFP on the sidelines of a once-ina-decade UN conference on disaster risk reduction in Japan. “There is a range of reasons,” said Clark, a former New Zealand Prime Minister. “They may be trapped at home, they may be caring for sick or disabled family members, young children. “In some societies where these disasters hit, the culture may be that the woman doesn’t leave the home. So if she can’t leave the home how can she escape?” Clark was speaking as aid agencies and governments scrambled to get help to Vanuatu, where dozens are feared dead after the Pacific nation was raked by a huge cyclone on Friday.

A state of emergency was put in place over the weekend amid reports entire villages had been “blown away”. The calamity in the Pacific gave greater resonance to the Sendai meeting, which runs until Wednesday, where Clark said policymakers must work on improving the lot of women. “The issues will (be) how we make sure that women are fully engaged, and (the conference should) argue for women’s empowerment and full equality, because why should they suffer?” she said. “It’s a huge issue” and has to “be integrated in the Sendai outcome”. Caring for families Remi Sogunro, who represents the United Nations Population Fund in Liberia, said women bore the brunt not only of natural disasters like that unfolding in Vanuatu, but in human catastrophes like the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. “Women are caregivers at home, and when their... families are sick, they take care of them,” he said. Around 25,000 people are known to have been infected with Ebola since the latest outbreak began in December 2013. Around 10,000 of them have died. In Liberia, one of the worst-hit countries, thousands of people were infected including 300 health workers, said Sogunro.

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UTREACH US firms urged to bid for major infra projects in PHL WASHINGTON, D.C. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Philippines is taking advantage of the growing interest of American and other foreign investors in the country by urging them to participate in the bidding for a number of major infrastructure projects that are in the pipeline. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tremendous opportunities exist in the Philippines for infrastructure development,â&#x20AC;? said Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. as he noted the successful participation of the Philippines in the recent 8th Global Infrastructure Leadership Forum in New York City. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a great learning and networking opportunity for foreign engineering and construction companies, institutional funders with expertise in infrastructure investments and project consultants, as well as for our own delegation,â&#x20AC;? said Ambassador Cuisia. During the two-day forum that was participated in by 300 attendees from all over the world, the Philippine delegation led by Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson presented various investment opportunities in infrastructure projects in the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Good governance and anti-corruption reforms produced marked improvements in the infrastructure sector, which has strong convergence with agriculture, tourism, flood mitigation and an integrated transport system,â&#x20AC;? Secretary Singson said as he cited the 250 percent growth in the infrastructure budget of the Philippines in 2015 from its 2010 level. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Philippines was received very favorably by the forum attendees who also noted that the extent

of infrastructure building that the Philippines is embarking on is very impressive,â&#x20AC;? said Peter Thieman, of Dentons, LLP, one of the sponsors of the forum. Antonio Ferrera, Director General of Acea Dominicana, a subsidiary of Italy-based environmentalindustrial conglomerate, Acea SpA, expressed admiration for Manila Water Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best practice case for the East Zone Concession. Among the other Philippine projects presented were the Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike; the Batangas-Manila Natural Gas Pipeline; and the Mass Transit System Loop Project. Aside from Secretary Singson, the other members of the government delegation were Transportation and Communications Undersecretary Rene Limcaoco and Public Private Partnership Center Executive Director, Undersecretary Cosette Canilao. The Philippine private sector delegation was composed of Virgilio Rivera, Group Director of Manila Water; Aaron Domingo, Director of Meralco PowerGen Corporation; and Delfin Wenceslao, President of the Philippine Constructors Association and officers Bayani Fernando and Marie Lourdes Fernando of BF Corporation; Levy Espiritu of Datem, Inc.; Oscar Mercado of EEI; and Manuel Louie Ferrer of Megawide. The forum, which was started in 2002, was organized by CG/LA Infrastructure, a Washington-based firm involved in identifying key market opportunities and challenges in the global infrastructure arena.

MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER.

President Benigno S. Aquino lll views the solar rooftop project of SM Supermalls at Northlink Building in SM City North Edsa Complex, Quezon City, during Lunching of Solar Rooftop Project on Monday, November 24, 2014.The solar panels spread across 11,511 square meters of the mallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rooftop have the capacity of 1.5 MW. The energy of the sun captured by the panels is converted to electricity by 60 inverters which can provide 5 percent of daily supply of 179,793 average kilowatt. Also in photo is SM Prime Holdings President Hans Sy.(MNS photo)

Heeding the dangers of power lines New campaign provides helpful safety tips to public By Paul Netter

March 12, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sometimes, a teachable moment can become a life-saving one, too. One such moment occurred recently in Montebello when the driver of a minivan apparently suffered a blown tire and crashed into a power pole, bringing 16,000-volt power lines down across the hood of his vehicle and over the crash scene. With the driver trapped in his van by energized lines and nearby fences electrified, it was a scene fraught with danger. Or, in the words of Montebello Fire Department Capt. Fernando Palaez, the most â&#x20AC;&#x153;horrificâ&#x20AC;? scene of its kind he has witnessed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thinking because of the voltage that was around him and because there was a fire hydrant only a couple of feet from him that he could have taken out, he is very fortunate to be alive,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I mean water and energized â&#x20AC;Ś Everything was there for a deadly disaster.â&#x20AC;? For several crucial reasons, however, a disaster was avoided. Most importantly, the driver stayed in his vehicle. Also, no one tried to approach the van, onlookers kept their distance and no one touched anything that was electrified. The police and fire departments also kept the area safe until Southern California Edison (SCE) crews arrived to de-energize the power lines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think a lot of it was police education, immediately. Then fire getting there immediately,â&#x20AC;? said Palaez, stationed only about seven blocks away. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nobody was approaching the car. They definitely knew the car was hands off. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our training is basically to isolate and deny entry completely, secure the perimeter completely, try to keep [the driver] stable inside and get the pole numbers for Edison as soon as possible.â&#x20AC;? There are lessons in the accident â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which took about an hour to play out on a January night â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for everyone.

And one of the main lessons is to avoid coming in contact with power lines and to always assume that power lines are energized and dangerous. SCE will soon launch a territory-wide campaign to educate its customers about these dangers. The utility is reaffirming its commitment to educate the public about power-line safety by encouraging customers to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stay Aware. Stay Safe.â&#x20AC;? Downed power lines are caused by many things beside accidents, including high or Santa Ana winds, rainstorms and even metallic balloons. People should never approach or touch them or anything in contact with them and call 911 immediately. On average, there are 400 electrocutions annually in the U.S., according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Of those, 9 percent occur when ladders contact power lines and 5 percent happen when people contact them. Jose Mercado helped found the Hispanic Arborist Association and serves as its executive director. He partnered with SCE last year to increase awareness around power lines to ensure the safety of tree and landscape workers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes, only days after a session, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been told about a job that involved trees and power lines where Edison was called,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[Edison] came out and cleared the branches around the power line and we were able to do our job safely. If not for that, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re probably looking at a major injury.â&#x20AC;? Mercado encouraged those who are considering tree trimming to call a professional. People should also stay at least 10 feet away from power lines and never climb into trees near them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whether theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re overhead or downed, safety awareness around power lines is absolutely crucial for our customers,â&#x20AC;? said James Mackenzie, SCE principal manager of Corporate Safety Programs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want our customers to be informed and aware so they can always make the right decisions around power lines.â&#x20AC;?

1st Capas Freedom March April 11 Los Angeles, March 13 , 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Come April 11,, thousands of people from all walks of life will gather in Capas, Tarlac in the Philippines to commemorate the agonizing battle of the heroes of the Bataan Death March dubbed â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Capas Freedom Marchâ&#x20AC;?. Local and foreign military personnel who fought in the war, family members and friends of a veteran, civilians - young and old, rich and poor will march together united as one in remembering the sacrifice of the heroes. The Capas Freedom March is made possible through the partnership of the Department of National Defense, Department of Tourism and Au-

tomobile Association Philippines. The March is envisioned to be the biggest annual gathering of marchers to commemorate a historical event and to promote peace and freedom. Its mission is to honor and remember the heroes of the Bataan Death March by tracing the path they endured, to support a military cause of building the Capas Concentration Camp Replica, and to provide scholarship to deserving children of slain soldiers. For those interested to join and for more information, please visit the website: www.capasfreedommarch.com

Controller Galperin releases DWP utility panel Open data website reveals DWP finances and operations to the public

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Los Angeles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Controller Ron Galperin announced the release of DWP Utility Panel, an open data website which, for the first time, makes the Los Angeles Department of Water and Powerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial data available in one place. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Utility Panel opens up the financial workings and operations of the DWP,â&#x20AC;? said Galperin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve compiled this data and presented it with a simple interface so all Angelenos â&#x20AC;&#x201C; residents and businesses alike â&#x20AC;&#x201C; can easily see how their ratepayer dollars are spent.â&#x20AC;? Visitors to Utility Panel can view more than 400,000 rows of data, which reveal more than $10 billion in departmental payments to more than 6,300 different vendors and suppliers. The website has data from July 1, 2011 to December 31, 2014. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On behalf of all Los Angeles ratepayers, I want to thank Controller Galperin for releasing this data to increase transparency at the Department of Water and Power,â&#x20AC;? said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The DWP is a public utility, and together, Controller Galperin and I are making sure it answers to the people.â&#x20AC;? The data was compiled by the Controllerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office with

the assistance of the DWP. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We dedicated hundreds of hours of staff time to provide this data to the public because we are committed to transparency and openness,â&#x20AC;? said DWP General Manager Marcie Edwards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We appreciate Controller Galperin and Mayor Garcettiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership in open data, and are proud to be one of the first major departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to partner in making this information available.â&#x20AC;? Among some of the noteworthy data on the site, visitors will see that more than $4 billion was paid to just five suppliers to procure water and power from a complex network of systems across the southwestern United States. Another data set shows that, even though there have been several high-profile water main breaks in the last few months, the number of water main breaks is actually at its lowest since at least 2007. In addition, though the Controllerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office released payroll numbers for the DWP in 2013, a completely new set of data shows the 225 individual pay codes that are used to calculate employee earnings. These pay codes typically reflect the compensation structure outlined in the Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that determine the compensation of DWP employees. Those MOUs are also available on Utility Panel.

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LBC reinforces commitment to move lives of Filipinos Manila, Philippines – LBC Express, the leading courier service provider in the Philippines, reinforces its commitment to serve Filipinos by connecting them with their loved ones worldwide. With branches and partners in Australia, Bahrain, Brunei, Canada, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Philippines, Qatar, Saipan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, LBC offers three key services that make life easier for customers: bills payment, money transfer, and cargo delivery. At the forefront of these services are convenience, accessibility, and affordability – concepts which LBC uses to move Filipinos from all over the world closer to each other. “With over 50 years of being in the cargo delivery business, we have been servicing Filipinos with top-of-the-line offers that make sending and receiving love easier and faster,” said Javier C. Mantecon, Chief Marketing Officer of LBC. Reliable delivery anytime, anywhere With LBC Express, your packages don’t just get sent; they are also handed to your loved ones with utmost care and protection

through LBC’s Express Delivery. Choose from a variety of customized packagings and have your items sent on time. For big, heavy, or multiple items, durable boxes are the perfect go-to delivery service. Need to send important documents and items but worried about their security? Worry no more. LBC can deliver your documents such as birth and marriage certificates to destinations anywhere in the Philippines and abroad. LBC can also ship passports, cellphones, gadgets and other similar items. To send goods for business to anywhere in the Philippines, LBC’s air and sea cargo are reliable partners to ensure efficient and reliable delivery. Save more time by choosing from a wide array of money transfer services that lets you send and receive money when you need it the most. Have your money sent right at your doorstep through LBC’s Door-to-Door Delivery through an unmatched network of over 2,500 on-foot couriers. Skip all the extra steps in sending money through the Remit to Account service where you can send money straight to a specific bank account. No middle man needed. For shopaholics, cashless shopping is made possible by LBC’s Send and Swipe Card.

Powered by Visa, this card lets you swipe to shop or withdraw money from any Bancnet ATM nationwide. “If there is one thing Filipinos are recognized for, it’s their will to help loved ones as soon as they can,” said Mantecon. Responding to urgent financial needs is now within reach. Just visit the nearest LBC branch and avail of its instant branch pick-up service or choose to send money through TXT Remit using only a prepaid phone card. TXT Remit cards are available at 7-11 stores nationwide. For more information on LBC, please visit http://www.lbcexpress. com About LBC Express LBC Express, Inc. was founded in the 1950’s as a brokerage and air cargo agent. Now the largest Express Courier, Cargo, and Money Remittance Service Company in the Philippines, LBC also provides its services in over 18 countries worldwide. For more than 60 years, LBC has been moving lives, business and communities for the global Filipino, providing hassle-free delivery via air, land, and sea – from cash remittances to payment solutions, from simple parcels and packages to container loads for corporate logistics. We like to move it.

Blue Cross says network has been hacked Washington, United States |AFP| Tuesday 3/17/2015 – Premera Blue Cross said Tuesday its computer network had been hacked, potentially exposing data from 11 million people, in the second recent such attack on a major US health insurer. Premera said it learned on January 29 that the company had been the victim of a “sophisticated attack” to get into its computer network. An investigation found that the initial attack occurred on May 5, 2014. The company said hackers may have been able to access members’ names, dates of birth, social securi-

ty numbers, email addresses, bank account data and medical claims information. Including customers and contractors, the total number of people affected could be 11 million, Premera said. The announcement by Premera came six weeks after a similar disclosure from Anthem Blue Cross, which said as many as 80 million customer records may have been compromised. Premera said it was working with the FBI and the private security firm Mandiant “to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the incident and to remove the infection

‘Downton Abbey’ US congressman resigns Washington, United States |AFP| Tuesday 3/17/2015 – A Republican who earned criticism for flamboyantly redesigning his office in “Downton Abbey” style abruptly resigned Tuesday from Congress amid questions about lavishing public funds, Politico reported. Aaron Schock, 33, had been considered a rising star in the Republican Party but suddenly quit after he was confronted by the Washington news outlet about charging tens of thousands of dollars in mileage reimbursements to the federal government and his campaign. Schock has also been under fire for spending thousands of dollars from his office budget for renovating his congressional suite to make it resemble something out of the “Downton Abbey” English period drama, which is hugely popular in the United States. “The constant questions over the last six weeks have proven a great distraction that has made it too difficult for me to serve the people of the 18th District with the high standards that they deserve and which I have set for myself,” Schock said in a statement to Politico.

CSLB catches felons statewide undercover sting operations

SACRAMENTO – More than seven dozen people may face criminal charges after being caught by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) in simultaneous undercover sting operations conducted March 10 and 11, 2015, in seven cities throughout California. “Several of the suspects we targeted turned out to be repeat offenders and individuals with a criminal history and drug violations,” said CSLB Registrar Cindi A. Christenson. “If you knew their backgrounds, you’d never allow them near your home or family.” Among those caught during CSLB’s spring California Blitz were a dozen repeat offenders, one suspect with an active arrest warrant, four suspects on probation, and one former CSLB licensee including those from Gardena and Rancho Mirage (Riverside) Suspects who turned out to have serious criminal backgrounds were targeted because of ads they posted on craigslist. org, local fliers, business cards, and complaints to CSLB and local government agencies.

created by the attack.” “The security of Premera’s members’ personal information remains a top priority. We at Premera take this issue seriously and sincerely regret the concern it may cause,” said Premera chief executive Jeff Roe. “As much as possible, we want to make this event our burden, not that of the affected individuals, by making services available today to help protect people’s information.” Last year, US retailer Home Depot said 53 million email addresses were stolen, months after fellow retailer Target said the personal data of 70 million customers was accessed. Reports last month said China may have been behind the Anthem hack, a claim that was denied by Beijing. The Anthem cyberattack was the latest where US investigators say evidence points to China. FBI Director James Comey said in October that China was at the “top of the list” of countries launching cyberattacks on US firms. Some experts say medical data can be even more lucrative to hackers than credit cards because they can create fake identities for other frauds schemes. Premera, which manages health insurance under the Blue Cross name for customers in the northwestern United States, said it was offering free credit monitoring for two years to persons affected.

Filipino Cultural School to celebrate 50th Golden Anniversary Banquet (Los Angeles, CA February 23, 2015) The Filipino Cultural School (FCS) will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary Banquet on Sunday, April 12, 2015 starting promptly at 5:00 pm to be held at the Sierra Room in the Cerritos Performing Arts Center in Cerritos, CA. The celebration will honor the 50 years of existence of Filipino Cultural School via speeches, dance performances, video presentations and entertainment. It will especially acknowledge those who took part in the FCS program in the past as well as those who are actively involved in the program today. With the growing influence of American culture in our everyday lives, it is easy to forget where we came from and our origins. This growing impact, without a doubt, affects the youth and can easily create a disparity between the American and Filipino cultures. Filipino Cultural School has encompassed and taught the youth the many different aspects of Filipino culture, such as dance, music, history, geography, lifestyle, and language. The school has been running a summer educational program that teaches the youth (specifically ages 5-18) about their Filipino culture. Furthermore, Filipino Cultural School strives to show the different sides of Filipino culture in hopes of preserving the culture for future generations. Founded in 1965 by the Sampaguita Women’s Circle, the Sampaguita Women opened FCS in the past several years other facilities to accommodate increasing enrollment in the South Bay Area, notably within Cerritos and Anaheim. Dolly Anthony, the first Directress of FCS spent most of her vacation time during the 1960s in the Philippines collecting, books, records, and many other materials needed for the school. When asked what was her vision of FCS she said, “I saw Filipino Cultural School as a springboard for the Filipino-American youths’ search of identity. Former students who become teachers became role models for the younger ones. These students continue to meet even after the summer sessions and then organize Filipino Cultural Clubs in their respective schools and communities. I want our generations to help one another...” Due to lack of leadership and possibly the gentrification of organizations such as the Sampaguita Women’s Club to keep the school alive along with other sociological factors, the FCS program was dissolved. However, in early 2013, the spark was re-lit in the hands of college students Czarina De Jesus, Paolo Roca and Rhea Umalin, who collaborated together to get the program running again. “It was challenging at first to set up FCS, from outreaching to deciding on which topics to teach, from getting students and volunteers”, says co-President Paolo Roca, “but it all ended up working out especially with the support of the community, parents, volunteers and the FCS Board. This is a program that a lot of people are passionate about and that’s why it went through and will continue to improve as the years pass.” Having high ambition and passion, the executive board recruited many teachers and volunteers from various educational institutions, such as the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Cerritos Community College, Lakewood High School and Cerritos High School. With young and stellar individuals as volunteers and teachers, the program was set to re-launch for the summer of 2013. Filipino Cultural School will be celebrating the milestone of its 50th Anniversary this year. From the current Internal Vice-President of FCS, George Preno, “It’s a milestone because our board and the leaders before us have been continuing to address a need to engage and educate students about the importance of the Filipino Culture. Fifty years marks 50 year’s worth of passion and effort to ensure that students know where they come from and why that’s important for them.” For Erika Castro, current Volunteer Coordinator, “FCS used to be led by the older generation, but has recently transformed into college and post-grad students educating the youth about the Filipino/Filipino-American identity and culture. This program is standing strong thanks to the passion and dedication of the past and present FCS community, including students, parents, volunteers, and alumni. Anyone who has been involved with FCS at some point in their life has played such a significant role in this program that this milestone truly deserves to be honored and recognized.”

Open house of South Baylo University, L.A. campus You’re invited to the Open House of the South Baylo University of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture on Saturday, March 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It’s for the 2015 Spring Quarter. View the L.A. campus located at 2727 W. 6th St., Los Angeles,

CA 90057. Learn about financial aid for aspiring students, admission process and programs. Meet SBU faculty and students and enjoy refreshments and an acupuncture demonstration. For more information, contact (213) 7380712; or seonk@southbaylo.edu.

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LOS ANGELES

TRILLANES From page 1

ngayon nagdadrama pa nang ganito,” (For decades, these people have taken advantage of the poor in Makati and now they have this kind of drama.) Trillanes initiated the Senate investigation on corruption allegations against the past and incumbent officials of Makati City, specifically members of the Binay family led by Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay.

OVERPRICING From page 1

vent an injustice to our people who wish to get their money’s worth,” Singson said. Citing a current reading of the market prices of airline tickets to local destinations such as Kalibo and Caticlan, en route Boracay Island, the price for tickets on high demand dates, particularly Labor Day Weekend, are greatly overpriced as compared to those of other dates.

PINOY WORKERS From page 1

strife-torn Libya. While there, the DFA said, Del Rosario met with the ambassadors of Austria, Bangladesh, and the Czech Republic, whose nationals were among those abducted March 6. “The officials agreed to coordinate closely and create a crisis team to facilitate the search for their missing nationals,” the DFA said.

MERS-COV From page 1

two were private sector hospitals, one was in a national guard hospital, and one was in a Ministry of Interior hospital. The MOH’s Command and Control Center commissioned 2,036 samples from people suspected of having been infected with MERS-CoV. Also, rapid intervention teams of the ministry had conducted 48 site investigation visits during the week, and its preventive medicine surveillance teams visited 15 homes, in which 101 MERS-CoV suspected cases were put under surveillance. (MNS)

SUSPENSION From page 1

by law, was allegedly conducted. In his 25-page petition for certiorari, Binay asked the appellate court to issue a TRO on the implementation of the 6-month preventive suspension order. Named respondents are Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and the DILG, which is tasked to implement the suspension order.

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PING BLAST From page 1

Lacson said there was no contradiction in the BOI’s findings that President Aquino has the prerogative to bypass a higherranked police official and thus, break the chain of command. “It is his prerogative na laktawan chain of command as long as there is reason na laktawan ang immediate commander below you,” he said. He said in the case of Purisima, the former PNP chief was not part of the chain of command because he was already suspended.

CENTRAL BANK From page 1

port nor bring into or take out of the country, or electronically transfer, legal tender Philippine notes and coins, checks, money order and other bills of exchange drawn in pesos against BANKS operating in the Philippines in an amount exceeding PHP 10,000 without authorization by the BSP. Foreign Currency Any person who brings into or takes out of the Philippines foreign currency as well as other foreign currency-denominated bearer monetary instruments, in excess of USD 10,000 or its equivalent, is required to declare the same in writing and to furnish information on the source and purpose of the transport of such currency or monetary instrument (Annex K of the FX Manual).

ISLAMIC MILITANT From page 1

has claimed tens of thousands of lives. Tambako is head of the Justice for Islamic Movement (JIM), which has only about 70 members but has played a key role in recent deadly violence, including the massacre of 44 policemen, according to Catapang. He said Tambako had helped to protect Abdul Basit Usman, a Filipino bomb-maker who has a million-dollar reward on his head from the United States.

BLOOD TEST From page 1

and sued Mayweather, a dispute the two settled out of court. Mayweather at 38 could be the perfect target for Pacquiao, the Filipino ring icon’s trainer Freddie Roach said earlier. As Mayweather and Pacquiao turned out for their only joint press conference in the build-up to their May 2 mega-bout, Roach said the unbeaten Mayweather’s vaunted defensive abilities are waning. “His legs are little bit shot. He’s slowed down quite a bit,” Roach said, adding that he believes Mayweather would have had a better chance of beating Pacquiao five years ago, when attempts to make the fight fell apart.

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California still threatened by infectious diseases SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released the Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) in California Hospitals Annual Report for 2013 and Influenza Vaccination among Health Care Personnel in California Hospitals for the 2013-14 respiratory influenza season. This is the fifth year CDPH has published hospitalspecific infection incidence data and the sixth year CDPH has published HCP influenza vaccination rate data from California hospitals. Hospital reporting compliance has increased to 99% for HAI and 100% for HCP influenza vaccination. Despite significant progress, HAI continue to be a public health risk in healthcare settings. In 2013, 424 acute care hospitals reported 18,780 HAI to CDPH.

With the exception of C. difficile diarrheal infections, which have increased 5% since 2011, the report shows that overall, California hospitals have demonstrated progress in preventing HAI as compared to national and state baselines. This year’s report highlights 61 hospitals that demonstrated significant reductions in HAI from 2012 to 2013. In response to this annual report, CDPH is contacting hospitals with high infection incidence to ensure they are aware of and responding to the need for improvement. CDPH is also providing assistance and support to hospitals for implementation of prevention action plans. CDPH has identified 112 hospitals with high HAI incidence and targeted them for consultations. Hospitals also continue to

make progress in their HCP vaccination coverage. In the 2013-14 influenza season, 85% of California hospitals achieved more than 60 percent vaccination among employees compared to 71% in 201213. For the first time, the HAI data will be available on mobile devices by an enhanced interactive map designed to help the public interpret hospital-specific findings. In addition, hospital HAI profiles have also been added to the interactive map this year resulting in all infection findings from each hospital appearing on a single page. The data will also be available through CDPH’s Open Data Portal. Hospitals should review these data, and implement infection prevention strategies specific to their local needs.

Shiseido debuts new sun protection products with WetForce technology for spring 2015 Shiseido also introduces new skincare and color products for the upcoming season NEW YORK – Shiseido, a Japanese-based brand and one of the oldest cosmetics companies in the world, debuted its Spring 2015 collection today, including new WetForce™ technology in its sun protection products. The collection also features new Shiseido skincare and color products, as well as new shades for existing Shiseido lines. “Shiseido is very excited to continue developing innovative skincare technology after 142 years in the industry, especially with the launch of our newly discov-

ered WetForce technology,” said Tomoko Yamagishi-Dressler, Senior Vice President of Marketing. “The new Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+ and Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50+ with WetForce™ technology revolutionizes sun protection by recruiting water into the protection process. We know that Shiseido sun protection is one of our most popular product lines, especially in the Asian market, and we cannot wait for our customers to experience this next level of sun protection.” New Shiseido products for the upcoming season include: Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+ and Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50+, created

with WetForce™, the world’s first technology that changes the way water and sunscreen interact, boosting UV protection in water and during perspiration. SKINCARE Bio-Performance Glow Revival Serum, which uses the power of advanced technology to target skin’s intricate network of capillaries for even-toned, glowing skin while dramatically reducing discoloration, redness and signs of aging. Ibuki Multi Solution Gel, a high impact gel solution to address skin concerns of millennials, helping skin bounce back by targeting roughness, visible pores, breakouts and blemish marks for clear, smooth, and more beautiful skin.

When to keep kids home from school: Experts speak out (Relaxnews) – While it may seem obvious, the decision can be difficult for it requires juggling the family schedule: Chicago pediatrician Hanna Chow-Johnson, MD lays out guidelines to help parents do what’s best for their child and his classmates. Beginning with obvious cases such as fevers, Sick days are no fun, but there are times when a child many schools doesn’t belong in school, according to US-based peprohibit a child diatrician Dr. Hanna Chow-Johnson. ©Fernando Cortes/ from attending shutterstock.com until he’s been fever-free for 24 hours. Same for stomach problems such as gastroenteritis or the stomach flu that can cause vomiting and diarrhea, says Dr. Chow-Johnson. “Children should not go back to school until both the vomiting and diarrhea are gone for 24 hours,” she says. When it comes to colds, a minor cough is acceptable, but Dr. Chow-Johnson reminds parents to teach their children proper coughing hygiene, which includes coughing into a tissue or their elbow, accompanied by frequent hand washing. Believe it or not, something as simple as a sore throat may be reason enough to keep the child home, for it indicates a virus – rather than strep throat – up to 70 percent of the time, according to Dr. Chow-Johnson. “Children with strep are contagious and should not be in school until they have been on an antibiotic for 24 hours,” she says. “If it is a viral infection, go by comfort level as far as returning to school.” Lice and conjunctivitis are highly contagious and call for keeping the child home. Symptoms of conjunctivitis – also known as pinkeye – include discomfort, redness and swelling around the eyes and a discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together. “Your child is contagious with bacterial or viral conjunctivitis until the redness and discharge are gone,” says Dr. Chow-Johnson. “If the cause is viral eye drops won’t help. The only cure is time. Don’t send your child to school until the redness is gone.” In the case of lice, Dr. Chow-Johnson advises parents to comb through the child’s hair using a fine-toothed, specially made apparatus to remove all lice before allowing the child to return to school.

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INMENT

Liezl Martinez dies at 47

Actress Liezl Martinez, wife of actor Albert Martinez, passed away Saturday morning after a long battle with cancer. She was 47. The news was confirmed by her uncle Cheng Muhlach, father of actor Aga Muhlach. The older Muhlach said Liezl had been confined in the hospital for over a week. Daughter of screen legends Amalia Fuentes and Romeo Vasquez, Liezl started her acting career in 1968 as a child star with the screen name Anna-Lissa, mostly in films produced by and starring her mom. In 1984, she was relaunched as a teen star billed simply as Liezl in the film “Ibulong Mo Sa Puso” directed by the late Mario O’ Hara. It was during this film that she met future husband

Albert Martinez who directed a short film of her 18th birthday celebration that was included as a special attraction during the film’s theatrical run. After that, Liezl had a distinguished stint as one of the hosts of the GMA noontime show “Salo-Salo Together” from 1993 to 1995. Her co-hosts included Randy Santiago, Dennis Padilla, Smokey Manaloto, Giselle Sanchez, Anjanette Abayari and Joy Ortega. In 2010, Liezl appeared in a supporting role in her last known film, “Rosario”, the true story of Rosario Herrera, grandmother of PLDT and TV5 chairman Manny V. Pangilinan. The award-winning film was directed by Liezl’s husband and starred Jennylyn Mercado in the title role. Apart from her occasional film

Paulo finally admits relationship with KC For the first time, Paulo Avelino admitted that he had a relationship with KC Concepcion. The “Briges of Love” actor made the revelation during his a television interview. When asked about his relationship with KC, Avelino initially hesitated to answer the question and became evasive. “KC and I are friends and I’ll always be there for her whenever she needs me,” he said. Cornered, Avelino then responded: “Yes.” However, the actor did not provide further details, especially on reports that he and Concepcion have broken up. In one of his recent interviews, Avelino was quoted as saying he and Concepcion did not break

up because “hindi naman siguro nagbi-break ang magkaibigan.” Avelino also said he and Concepcion have different priorities as of the moment. Meanwhile, Avelino shrugged off rumors linking him to actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith. Last week, a photo of them in what seems to be a dinner date was sent to “The Buzz.” This triggered rumors romantically linking the two of them. Avelino emphasized that she and Curtis-Smith are just friends. “Jasmine and I are friends. We have a film coming out with Isabelle Daza. I just casually have dinner with friends, with co-workers. That’s it,” he said. (MNS)

and TV roles, Liezl remained active in the industry as a member of the Movie and Television Review Classification Board. In one of her last posts in her Twitter and Instagram accounts last February 4, Liezl shared her last known photo (see below) together with her fellow MTRCB board members during a review screening of the controversial Hollywood film, “Fifty Shades of Grey”. Liezl was first diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2007. In 2010, it was announced that the cancer had gone in remission but recurred in 2011 and had metastasized to her left lung. In addition to her chemotherapy, it was reported that Liezl underwent stem cell treatment at The Medical City and by September of that year, it was again

Liezl Martinez

reported that her cancer was in full remission. Two years later, a healthy-looking Liezl talked about how she had survived the Big C.

According to Cheng Muhlach, Liezl’s remains can be viewed at Arlington Memorial Chapels in Araneta Avenue, Quezon City. (MNS)

Gabby Concepcion speaks fondly of daughter KC ACTOR Gabby Concepcion said he is yet to meet Paulo Avelino, the rumored boyfriend of his daughter KC Concepcion. Concepcion shared that unlike before, he and KC rarely talk about his daughter’s love life when they have time for get together. “Hindi na namin pinag-uusapan yung love life niya. Noong araw nababanggit pa, pero ngayon hindi na. Siguro dahil na din sa daming nangyayari at pinagusapan namin, ito nanaman tayo. Maski siya hindi niya in-open up. Pero meron naman akong idea,” the actor said. “When I invite my kids out at naglu-lunch kami or dinner, iba yung pinag-uusapan namin. Sila sila lang and wala naman silang kasama. Minsan napag-uusapan pero hindi na in detail. Minsan kasi pag nag-uusap kami about personal life, wala minsan weight yung mga pangyayari kaya napu-

punta sa ibang bagay. Like kung kailan kami pupunta ng beach, anong kakainin namin, about career,” he added. Gabby said what he noticed is that his daughter seems to be happy now. “Masaya siya but lagi namang masayahin ‘yung batang ‘yun, hindi ko lang alam kung how far she’s going to go sa mga relationships niya,” he added. He also said that KC has not introduced Avelino to him and he never had an opportunity to be in the company of the young actor. What’s important, he said, is for his daughter to find someone who will love, take care and appreciate her in front and behind the cameras. “Kahit sinong makasama niya. Basta ang importante sa akin, mahal niya, mahal siya, nagmamahalan sila and they will take care of each other.” Gabby also noticed a big change

in KC. He said the 29-year-old actress has matured overtime, found her inner strength and is much wiser now. “It comes with time talaga, after all she’s older now. She learned a little more and now she can express herself and share her emotions. She’s also a good actress. Individual work niya yun and hindi pwedeng ituro yun ng kahit na sino,” he said. Meanwhile, Gabby was also asked about his ex-wife and KC’s mother, Megastar Sharon Cuneta. The actor said he heard of the news that Sharon went through depression and midlife crisis. He wished her the best, as he believes that his former wife will emerge stronger than ever. “I don’t know what’s going on kasi hindi naman kami nag-uusap. Nabalitaan ko lang. Na-sad ako kasi nanay parin naman siya ng aking anak and lahat tayo dumadaan sa trials.

Will Edu Manzano support ex-wife Vilma in 2016? They used to be married and have remained friends but this doesn’t mean Edu Manzano will support his ex-wife, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos, if she decides to run for higher office next year. “I would like to see kung ano ang magiging plataporma niya. Gusto ko makita kung sino ang makakasama niya. I’m saying ganoon ka-importante sa akin ang boto ko,” Manzano said when asked if he will support Santos in 2016. “I’m not saying that she doesn’t deserve it but latagan mo ako kung ano ang vision mo, plataporma and show me who your friends are,” he added. Like Santos, Manzano also served in local government as vice mayor of Makati. He also ran for vice president in the 2010 presidential elections. “It all depends on electorate. Iba ‘yung national campaign,” he said when asked to assess Santos’ chances next year. “I don’t know what her plans are but whatever they are I wish her luck.” Manzano, who resigned as chairman of the Optical Media Board in 2009, admitted that he also thought of running next year. But the actor, who just returned to ABSCBN last year, stressed that right now he just wants to enjoy his work in showbiz. Manzano is currently part of the upcoming series “Bridges of Love” with Maja Salvador, Jericho Rosales and Paulo Avelino.

Edu Manzano

“Dito kasi (sa showbiz) you have your freedom, kapag nasa telebisyon ka. I mean this is a medium kung saan ako lumaki. Ang tagal ko na sa industriyang ito, ang ganda namang makapag-link up with old friends. So let me enjoy the moment huwag mo muna akong mamadaliin,” he said. (MNS)

Karla Estrada to join ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar’

Karla Estrada

Actress Karla Estrada will be part of ABS-CBN’s upcoming show “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” which will be hosted by Billy Crawford. In her official Instagram account, Estrada posted a blurred photo with the words “Queen Mother” as she thanked God for giving her the TV project. “Bukas umpisa na ng bagong yugto ng buhay ko bilang artista at mang aawit. Nagbunga ang binyag mong pangalan sa akin, Krissy,” she wrote in the caption, referring to the nickname given to her by host-actress Kris Aquino. Estrada is more known now as the mother of teen idol Daniel Padilla. “Para sa bagong palabas na ito, tanging saya at ngiti sa inyong mga labi ang maiaalay ko. Sabayan niyo ako nerbyusin, sumaya, magkamli, bumangon at matagumpay na tapusin ang bagong palabas na ito,” she also said. Before joining “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” Estrada tried out for the Season 2 of “The Voice of the Philippines” but failed. In “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” eight celebrity contestants will impersonate iconic local and international singers. (MNS)

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MOTORING BMW to debut first SUV hybrid at New York autoshow March 16, (Relaxnews) – Like a number of high-end German carmakers, BMW has thus far tested demand for vehicles with greener credentials with special premium models, most notably the ingenious i8 supercar. However, the X5 xDrive40e will be the first model in an existing range to be offered as a hybrid. The X5 is currently BMW’s biggest SUV, or as it prefers to call it, SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle), and once it’s made its debut at the New York Auto Show in April, it will become the company’s first ‘core brand’ hybrid production car to go on sale The car pairs a 2-liter, fourcylinder turbocharged gas engine with an electric motor for a combined power output of 309bhp, a

Dubai tops New York, London for cars per person (Dubai, United Arab Emirates-AFP) – The number of vehicles in Dubai has doubled over the past eight years giving the Gulf emirate more cars per person than New York or London, official figures showed Monday. The bustling city state now has 1.4 million vehicles for a population of 2.4 million, equivalent to 540 for every 1,000 people, according to the Roads and Transport Authority figures. That compares with 305 vehicles per 1,000 people for New York and 213 per 1,000 for London. The number of registered vehicles has risen from just 740,000 in 2006, an average annual increase of 8.2 percent. If that trend continues, the number of vehicles registered could reach 2.2 million by 2020, when the emirate is due to host the five-yearly world trade fair, Expo. Dubai has invested heavily in public transport infrastructure in recent years, opening a metro rail network in 2009 and the first phase of a tram network last year. But car remains king and, despite massive road expansion projects, traffic jams are frequent.

Volkswagen commits to electric and to connected cars

(Relaxnews) – This week the world’s largest carmaker presented its annual financial results and with them, the trends that it sees shaping the future of the motor industry. And according to VW, the future will mean more SUVs and crossovers, greater and greater efficiency and use of propulsion methods other than fossil fuels plus internet connectivity as standard on all its cars by 2020. “As a Group, we already have the largest networked vehicle fleet on the road, worldwide,” said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft. And as a Group, VW counts not just its own cars, but those of Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Seat, Scania Commercial vehicles, and Skoda too; therefore, when Volkswagen talks about the future the industry pays attention. Automated technology rolling out This increased connectivity will also enable the group to usher in greater levels of autonomous driving technology.

0-100km/h time of 6.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 131mph (210km/h). So it won’t get stuck in traffic and, thanks to the immediate torque delivery that comes from an electric motor, it shouldn’t get stuck in a muddy field, either. But those who are going to have their heads turned by a hybrid aren’t usually focused on outright turn of speed; rather they’re concerned with a car’s thirst and its emissions. BMW’s figures say that this big, permanent four-wheel-drive vehicle is capable of returning between 83.1 and 85.6mpg, or 3.4-3.3l/100km and that it emits between 77 and 78g per km of CO2, based on the rolling resistance of the tire set-up.

However, because it is a full plug-in hybrid, with an electriconly range of 19 miles (31km) it’s possible to drive this car, around the city at least, without burning any fossil fuels (in the engine’s combustion chambers, at least). BMW says that when plugged in it should also recharge in less than three hours—so commuting if you have a parking space and access to a charging point could be undertaken potentially on just electric power. The car can be driven in three distinct modes. Full electric (called Max eDrive) offers a 120km/h (75mph) limited top speed and no help from the gas engine. Both engines can also run together (Auto eDrive), this setting uses the electric motor

The BMW X5 xDrive40e: BMW’s first hybrid SUV. ©BMW

to boost gas performance and fill in the gaps in acceleration and responsiveness when the turbochargers are still spinning up and are not yet on boost.

The saving engine up the range.

final setting is a battery mode which uses the gas as a generator, charging battery and extending its

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KITCHENOMICS

FAMILY FEATURES

rom full-course brunches to simple sit-down dinners, Easter celebrations are a time to enjoy family, friends and the delicious tastes of spring. However elaborate the festivities, a rich and creamy dessert is the perfect finale to any Easter gathering. Made from fresh milk and real cream, PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese is the highquality ingredient that makes sweets stand out. These fresh dessert ideas all feature everyone’s favorite indulgence — cheesecake — along with other lively flavors, such as coconut, lemon and blueberry. Desserts this delicious will have your guests hopping up for seconds. For these and other recipe ideas, visit www.creamcheese.com.

Double Lemon Cheesecake Bars Prep time: 35 minutes Total time: 7 hours, 15 minutes Servings: 16 52 vanilla wafers, finely crushed (about 2 cups) 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 4 eggs, divided 4 packages (8 ounces each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1 3/4 cups sugar, divided 3 tablespoons flour 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1/3 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons), divided 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/2 cup water Heat oven to 325°F. Line 13-by-9-inch pan with parchment paper, with ends of paper extending over sides. Mix wafer crumbs and butter until blended; press onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake 10 minutes.

Separate 1 egg; refrigerate yolk until ready to use. Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, flour, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and vanilla in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add egg white and remaining 3 whole eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each until just blended. Pour over crust. Bake 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool 1 hour. Refrigerate 4 hours. Mix cornstarch and remaining sugar in medium saucepan; gradually stir in water and remaining lemon juice until blended. Bring just to boil on medium heat, stirring constantly; cook and stir until clear and thickened. Lightly beat reserved egg yolk in small bowl with fork until blended; stir in 2 tablespoons of hot cornstarch mixture. Return to remaining cornstarch mixture in saucepan; stir until blended. Cook 1 minute or until thickened, stirring constantly. Cool slightly. Spoon lemon glaze over cheesecake. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Use parchment handles to remove cheesecake from pan before cutting to serve. Note: This lemon glaze can be prepared ahead of time. Cool, then refrigerate up to 8 hours before spooning over individual slices of cheesecake. Garnish with 1/2 cup blueberries, lemon peel and fresh mint leaves.

Easter Mini Cheesecakes

Blueberry Streusel Cheesecake

Prep time: 20 minutes Total time: 3 hours, 20 minutes Servings: 18 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 3 packages (8 ounces each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 eggs 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons BAKER’S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut, toasted 54 speckled malted milk eggs (about 9 ounces) Heat oven to 325°F. Mix graham crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar and butter; press onto bottoms of 18 paper-lined muffin cups. Beat cream cheese, vanilla and remaining sugar with mixer until blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Spoon over crusts. Bake 25–30 minutes or until centers are almost set. Cool completely. Refrigerate 2 hours. Top each cheesecake with 1 tablespoon coconut; shape to resemble bird’s nest. Fill with malted milk eggs. Note: To soften cream cheese, place completely unwrapped package of cream cheese in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on high 10 seconds or just until softened. Add 15 seconds for each additional package of cream cheese.

Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: 6 hours, 45 minutes Servings: 16 1 1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons flour, divided 1 1/3 cups sugar, divided 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 cup cold butter, cut up 4 packages (8 ounces each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup BREAKSTONE’S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream 4 eggs 2 cups fresh blueberries Heat oven to 325°F. Mix 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1/2 cup; press remaining onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Beat cream cheese, remaining flour, remaining sugar and vanilla with mixer until well blended. Add sour cream; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crust. Top with berries and reserved crumb mixture. Bake 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate 4 hours. Note: You can substitute cream cheese with Neufchatel cheese, or fresh blueberries with 1 (16-ounce) package frozen blueberries. Garnish with additional berries or cinnamon just before serving.

Recipes/photos courtesy of PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese

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PRAYERS

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

PRAYER to the BLESSED VIRGIN

NOVENA of CONFIDENCE

Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to reach

(Never known to fail)

O Lord, Jesus Christ, to Your Most Sacred Heart I con¿de this intention. (Here,

my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that

Oh most beautiful Àower of Mt. Carmel, fruit wine splendor of Heaven.Blessed

is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for everything and con¿rm once more that I never

Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea. Help me and show me here you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the

want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A

bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for

PRAYERS

mention your request) Only look upon me, then do what Your Heart decides....I count on You...I trust in You...I throw myself at Your mercy...Lord Jesus! You will not fail me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked for many favors, but I earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Your Sacred Heart.

person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After

us who have recourse to Thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your

When the Eternal Father sees it covered with Your Precious Blood, He will not

the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how dif¿cult it may be. Promise

hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must

refuse it. It will be no longer my prayer but Yours, O Jesus. O Sacred Heart

to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks -JONAH

publish and it will be granted to you.Grateful Thanks.-MATEO

of Jesus, I place my trust in You. Let me never be confounded. Amen. -LO

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PHL denies report IS seized four citizens in Libya Manila, Philippines |AFP| Tuesday 3/17/2015 – The Philippines said Tuesday a media report that the Islamic State group had abducted four Filipino medical workers in the Libyan city of Sirte was wrong. One report cited members of a rival militia saying four nurses from the Philippines were abducted from Ibn Sina hospital on Monday, while another said about 20 medical workers, including Filipinos, were abducted at the same hospital. “The report about four Filipino nurses being abducted in Sirte are false,” foreign department spokesman Charles Jose told reporters. Jose said the Philippine embassy in Lib-

ya has been in touch with one of the four Filipino nurses, who informed the mission they had been safely evacuated from Sirte. “The four Filipinos were not actually kidnapped. They were actually taken from their accommodations to a safer place,” he said. The four were moved elsewhere by a “local friend”, he said, declining to comment on reports that a militia group battling the Islamic State group had escorted several medical workers out of Sirte. Jose, meanwhile, said there was still no news on the whereabouts or condition of seven other Filipinos abducted in Libya this year.

Four Filipino workers were among nine foreigners abducted from the southern Libyan oilfield of Al-Ghani this month, while three Filipino workers were seized in the Al-Mabruk oilfield in early February. “No one has claimed responsibility for the abductions, so we do not really know who to negotiate with. There are many armed groups in Libya but we do not know which one to speak to,” he said. Jose said the Philippines has evacuated more than 4,200 Filipinos from Libya since July last year. However about 4,000 others have remained, lured by high salaries.

Jose said 30 medical workers remained in Sirte. Filipino medical workers make up the backbone of Libya’s hospital staff and are being offered financial incentives to stay, the Philippine government said earlier. Libya has been wracked by conflict for the past four years, with rival governments and powerful militias now battling for control of key cities and the country’s oil riches. About 10 percent of Filipinos work overseas, attracted by higher salaries than they can earn at home. Their remittances are a major pillar supporting the country’s economy.

US explorer beams long-lost Japan battleship wreck to world Manila, Philippines |AFP| Friday 3/13/2015 – words The shattered wreck of a Japanese World War II battleship was shown lying on a Philippine seabed in startling detail Friday, as the first images emerged from the historic discovery by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. American billionaire and explorer Allen announced the find of the Musashi – one of the most sophisticated battleships ever built – in the Sibuyan Sea in the central Philippines eight days ago, after a high-tech mission lasting eight years. It was the latest of many searches for the ship, with its discovery coming some 70 years after it was sunk by US forces in World War II. Giant gun turrets and propellers, a torpedo-damaged hull and a plane wing resting on silt were among the images beamed live by an unmanned mini-submarine from about a kilometre (0.6 miles) below the water’s surface. “We think we’re conveying something to the world which is significant. It also teaches us about the past and what happened,” said

Yannick Olson, captain of Allen’s yacht, from where the mini-sub was being directed. Excited historians have likened the discovery to finding the wreck of the Titanic, the famed British passenger liner that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean after colliding with an iceberg in 1912. The wreck of the Musashi, partially buried and scattered over a large debris field, is also the presumed graveyard of some of the more than 1,000 crew members killed in the battle. However, the video streamed on Allen’s website showed no human remains. “It’s quite clear it didn’t land on the bottom in one piece,” Olson said. “The destruction was total.” Barnacles and light-coloured coral clung to the broken hull, propellers and anchor of the 263-metre (863-foot) ship, as well as on corroded sections of rangefinders for the ship’s guns, their armour plating ripped off. An eel was seen crawling out of the remains of the warship’s aeroplane catapult, with instructions in Japanese script written on it, while two pink fish patrolled outside the hull.

The worn remains of the chrysanthemum seal of the Japanese emperor remained on the ship’s bow. Scott Matthews, a commentator for the livestream, said the Allen expedition took two weeks to explore the debris field, which measured about 0.17

square miles. The Philippine government said last weekend that it would take control of the wreck and coordinate with Allen over its exploration. It said the wreck will most likely not be salvaged, the same as other Japanese World War II shipwrecks

still lying in its waters, but will be preserved as a cultural heritage site. Seattle-born Allen, 62, who founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975, is the world’s 51st richest person with a net worth of $17.5 billion, according to Forbes Magazine.

Princess Anne of the UK pays courtesy call on Aquino MANILA, Mar 17 (Mabuhay) – Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, paid a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday morning. The Princess Royal of the United Kingdom and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II is in Manila for a visit from March 16 to 19, in connection with her charity and various humanitarian works. It is her second visit to the country since her first trip in March 1999. Princess Anne met with President Aquino to discuss the projects of Save the Children in the Philippines, particularly those implemented in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda in Central Visayas. She was accompanied in the meeting by British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Anwar Ahmad; Captain Nick Wright, Private Secretary to The Princess Royal; and Mrs. David BowesLyon, Lady-in-Waiting. President Aquino meanwhile was joined by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Social Welfare Undersecretary Mateo Montaño, and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Zenaida Collinson.

President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Her Royal Highness Princess Anne of Great Britain during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 17,). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

While in the country, The Princess Royal is also scheduled to meet with Vice President Jejomar Binay and attend a round-table discussion with future entrepreneurs and the British Council Education. Her Royal Highness will also attend a sporting reception.