Charice, Jinkee Magazine Covers: Power of Photoshop?

            Year 2012 has truly started with a BANG especially for two of the most influential women in the country, Manny Pacquio’s wife Jinkee Pacquio and internationally-acclaimed singer Charice Pempengco.

            The two made news when different reactions flooded online when the January issues of fashion magazines Preview and Mega were revealed. Preview had Charice on its cover, looking stunning and absolutely more beautiful than she has ever been, while Jinkee’s on Mega’s cover, looking dazzling and very sophisticated.

The reactions online vary from admiration to outright disbelief saying that the pictures of the two were heavily edited.

 

           The news was so hot that Jinkee Pacquio and Mega Magazine trended on twitter, as has singing sensation Charice Pempengco.

            Make-up artist Juan Sarte tweeted,” Charice for Preview Behind the Scenes video. Eto ang pruweba. Hindi po yun Photoshop (here’s the proof. It’s not Photoshop).” He provided a link to the behind-the-scenes footage on Youtube.

            While Mega’s creative director Suki Salvador defended Jinkee saying that the magazine’s cover featuring Mrs. Paccquio was “the product of photography, styling, hair and make-up magic.” She also released the behind-the-scenes footage of the photo shoot.

The Chief Justice on Trial

The headlines today are all about the impeachment trial of Supreme Court chief Justice Renato Corona and this is unquestionably the most significant political and legal trial to happen in history now.

This is a historical event, because this is the first time in our country that the person who is supposed to advocate the law of the Philippines is being put on trial for impeachment.

Can it be fair?

 

The country is extremely known for having a slow, unreasonable and unfair justice system. Whether guilty or not, Corona himself must go through due process of the law. It’ll works depends on how things are handled. The Chief Justice still has the opportunity to clear his name to the accusation that he is indeed innocent. And the rest of us will be given an instant view on his personal lifestyle and his wealth.

Impeachment VS Corona – Day 1

Impeachment court denies Corona’s motion for a preliminary hearing
Upon the motion of Majority Floor Leader Vicente Sotto, the Senate tackled the motion for a preliminary hearing filed by Corona’s defense team regarding the verification of the impeachment complaint, which Corona claims was "fatally defective." 

Impeachment VS Corona – Day 2

Denial of request to subpoena Corona and his family and rejection to request of the defense panel to subpoena House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, chief prosecutor Rep. Niel Tupas Jr., former Deputy Speaker Jesus Crispin Remulla, House Secretary General Marilyn Yap, Batangas Rep. Herminaldo Mandanas, and Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco.

Impeachment VS Corona – Day 3

Supreme Court  Clerk of Court refuses to submit SALNs of Corona, Senator-judge Franklin Drilon asked Vidal if she would produce the SALNs in case the SC would deny the “request” of the Senate subpoena. Vidal said she would if the impeachment court required her to, adding that she believes the SC would grant the request and she simply needed time to get the high court’s approval.

Impeachment VS Corona – Day 4

Defense blocks presentation of evidence on Corona property upon cross-examination by defense counsel Serafin Cuevas, Rutaquio admitted that he was not present when the certificates of title and deeds of sale were processed. However, he was quick to add that the documents would not have reached him unless these had passed through the normal registration process of the Registry of Deeds of Taguig.

Impeachment VS Corona – Day 5

Justice delayed is justice denied, Senator-judge Miriam Defensor-Santiago pointed out the “quasi-political and quasi-judicial” nature of the impeachment trial, which dictates the need for a speedy trial that would satisfy the public while adhering to the applicable rules of court. But she said the Rules of Court do not apply totally to the impeachment proceedings.

Impeachment VS Corona – Day 6

Mrs. Corona’s income and properties, Corona’s wife, Cristina, did not file any ITR but had registered as a taxpayer in 2003, when she bought property in La Vista, Quezon City, Henares said. Mrs. Corona registered as a one-time taxpayer after paying capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax for the property.

Let’s not just discuss the intellect needed to actually understand the proceedings and the terms, let along come up with an unbiased and intelligent decision regarding the trial. 

A Taste of Hollywood

Filipinos are in for exclusive sightings of hot Hollywood stars as the cast of the movie “Bourne Legacy” rolls its cameras on the very streets of Manila.  

A MUCH-AWAITED MOVIE

            “Bourne Legacy” is the much-awaited fourth film in the Jason Bourne movie series directed by Tony Gilroy based on the books by Robert Ludlum and Eric VanLustbader.

The shooting of the movie in the country will last from 40 to 45 days and it will constitute 20-25 minutes of the whole film.

Producers of the movie chose Manila as one of the locations because of the Filipinos natural air of hospitality.

HOT HOLLYWOOD STARS

            Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz, one of the lead stars in the movie arrived in Manila last January 8, 2012 while its lead actor, Jeremy Renner was spotted in the country the day before. The movie’s directors and production crew, however, arrived a week earlier.

            The Bourne Legacy began filming in Manila last January 11, 2012 at San Andres St. in Malate. Lead actress Weisz shot a couple of action scenes during the first day of shooting. Onlookers in the area were said to be very happy of the actress’ gregarious attitude. Some were even allowed to take photos of the gorgeous Hollywood star.

 

It was also reported that Filipino actors will take part in the Hollywood action thriller. One source privy to the movie production said actress Izza Calzado, Jericho Rosales and Sid Lucero will play a role in the fourth installment to the “Bourne” movie franchise.

THE PERFECT LOCATION

            Producers of the movie said that Manila provided them with great visuals what with the interesting places they have uncovered in the country. Patrick Crowley, one of the film’s producers, mentioned that the upcoming movie aims to showcase the real parts of the city.

            The filming of the movie also proves beneficial to the country as it is expected to boost the country’s tourism and generate jobs. The movie will be needing 1,000 extras to appear in a crowd scene.

             According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino, The Bourne Legacy will shoot at various locations around Manila including Intramuros, Navotas Fishport, Marikina Market, San Andres Market, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Ayala Avenue, Nagtahan, Pasay Taft, and Jones Bridge.    

MMDA provided a traffic map showing some locations in Manila that were closed to traffic because of the filming of Bourne Legacy.

            Bourne Legacy will hit theaters on August, 2012.

           

               

           

ALL LUCK THIS 2012: HOW TO HAVE GOOD FORTUNE THIS YEAR

Everyone’s all excited for YEAR 2012 or year of the water dragon. Everyone’s hoping to have a good fortune this year. And like any other human being who wants to be truly blessed this year, some made some extra efforts to attract their most-longed luck. 

LUCK, LUCK, LUCK come to me baby

            Before New Year, it is said that preparing 12 different kinds of circle fruits in your dining table attracts good fortune because it resembles money. Since it’s the year of the dragon, prepare a chicken meal in your table, because rooster is a friend of the dragon. Never forget the most-popular Chinese delicacy in this kind of occasion—tikoy. If a family eats it together they will have a strong family tie and they will have a sweet relationship in the whole year.

            Of course, red will be a very lucky color for everyone, also pink and tangerine. 

            But if you want something really special and something that you could always bring anywhere, you can try charm bracelets and accessories. Each crystal or charm calls for a different kind of luck, these are some examples:

Crystal and stone are normally associated with love in Feng Shui.

The dragon turtle is the Feng Shui lucky charm for wealth.

A jade dragon pendant is good to wear if you want a charm for your family.

No matter what charm you buy and put to yourself, it is still up to you on how you will attract good fortune and that is if you’ll work diligently, be careful, respect others and pay attention to your loved ones.

This will be a good year. Spread the positivity everyone.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Reasons why #It’s More Fun in the Philippines.

           Wherever you are and wherever you go, it’s the Filipinos that will surely make your day remarkable. It's More Fun in the Philippines is the official campaign slogan of Department of Tourism promoting our local tourist hot spot and help out our tourism industry.

           Indeed there are a lot of reasons to be proud. The ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ campaign may have been criticized but with how Filipinos signified and proved their ideas made it unique.

          This campaign intends to emphasize to all that the Philippines has to offer the best, from the sexy white sand beach of Boracay to the very Filipino culture of Bayanihan.

Here are some of the reasons why It’s More Fun in the Philippines:

“It’s more fun in the Philippines because it's where the people I love live.” ­– Mary Diane Sabulao, student

“It’s more fun in the Philippines because Philippines shares unique happiness to other race. It has sceneries that can’t be seen in other countries. Filipinos also has distinctive fondness to its visitors in accommodating them. It’s more fun in the Philippines because it will give you an experience you’ll never have in some other places.” – Aliza Marie Libunao, student

“"The Catholic Faith; It's more fun in the Philippines"” – Miguel Paulo Aguilar, student

“The adventures of my daily life, going to school and all.  It’s only in the Philippines where you can ride jeepneys, tricycles, eat street foods and see smiles at every face of the street” – Sushmito Praxides, student.

 

How about you, what could make you say that it's indeed MORE FUN in the PHILIPPINES?

Rich And Remarkable

Filipinos are huge fans of festivals. And for this month of January, being the Sto.Niño Festival month in the Philippines, fans will surely look forward and take part in celebrating the colorful and lively festivities.

          Sto. Niño Festivals are popular and are commemorated throughout the country. It is a time where Filipinos give honor and worship to the Holy Child Jesus. During this period, grand processions occur and many other activities such as parades, street dance competitions and beauty pageants.

          Just recently, Filipinos and foreigners alike witnessed the spectacular celebration of one of the grandest festivals in the country - - SINULOG.

A RICH HISTORY

          Sinulog Festival is held each year on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City. This is to pay homage to the Santo Niño, or the child Jesus, who was once the patron saint of Cebu. Sinulog means “graceful dance” and it is mainly a dance ritual that expresses the Cebuanos’ acceptance of Christianity.

          The celebration of Sinulog is rooted from the time when Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan gave a wooden Sto. Niño to the wife of Rajah Humabon, Cebu’s chieftain, after his arrival in the Philippines. This became the symbol of the conversion of Christianity of the locals. Since then, it has been regarded as a treasured possession and was housed in the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and San Nicholas de Tolentino church.

A GRAND CELEBRATION

        The cultural event showcases vibrant displays of pageantry; participants draped in their bright and attractive costumes, gracefully sashay to the melodious beat of drums, trumpets, and native gongs.

Aside from the festive dancing, there is also the SME trade fair where Sinulog features Cebu export quality products and people especially tourists flock on the treasures of Cebu.

          Sinulog Festival is definitely one of the most remarkable happenings of the month. It showcases the colorful and rich history not only of Cebu but of the whole country as well, no doubt it is frequented by tourists from all over the world.  It is absolutely worthy of visiting.  

SENDONG: Help the Victims of Sendong (It’s Not Yet Over)

SENDONG is without-a-doubt one of the worst calamities that hit our country; ravaging hectares of land, murdering more than a thousand of lives, straying lots of innocent children, and, killing a lot of hopes and dreams.

            This massive flash flood has undeniably shaken the very core of every Filipinos, those who we’re in the affected areas or even all around the nation and the world.

ALL ARE EQUAL

            As the mourn flows as also the help from many government and private organizations. Donations from different sectors of the country flooded; everyone were all equal and ready to reach out and give their most generous help to the affected victims of the typhoon.

            It also gained attention in the international scene, various foreign countries helped-out by donating water, food, shelter and by helping in the retrieval operations.

NOT YET OVER

            

                 At the present, the southern coastal region especially Cagayan de Oro City is still recovering from the devastating misfortune they have been and still needs unstinting assistance to raise again and recover from the disaster.

             Countless groups and organizations have set up hotlines and help desks to gather support/relief goods for victims of TS Sendong.

GIVE HELP

               Donations are seriously needed in the areas struck by Tropical Storm Sendong. Here are credible sources of the ways and where to donate.

1. Red Cross: to help or send RED to 4143 (Smart) and RED to 2899 (Globe).

2. SMART Subscribers:

- Smart subscribers all over the country are meanwhile encouraged to send help to those affected by typhoon Sendong. Smart Money users can instantly transfer funds through their mobile phones to the official Baha Fund account number 5577 5130 6822 1104. Donors may also deposit cash to the same Smart Money account number in any Banco De Oro branch nationwide or through Hapinoy and Cebuana Lhuillier outlets.

- Text RED to 4143. Valid donation amounts 10, 25, 50, 100.

3. Globe Subscribers

For Red Cross-  Text RED to 2899. Valid donation amounts 5,25,50,100 or 300 (For ex, RED 10)

Through GCASH, text DONATE and send to 2882

4. Iligan Bloggers Society through One For Iligan

Donate $1 for the ILIGAN FLOOD VICTIMS OF TYPHOON SENDON

You can contact the following point persons for your donations and other inquiries. ILIGAN BLOGGERS SOCIETY, Inc.

SITE: http//:iliganbloggers.com

EMAIL: iliganbloggers@gmail.com

FB Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/iliganbloggers

Updates on Iligan City status after Typhoon Sendong:

DXIC: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rmn-dxic-iligan

FB Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/iliganbloggers

Your Donations will be shown at: www.iliganbloggers.com For donations on Paypal, your names and initials here: click form

5. DSWD

For volunteers and donations

in CDO: contact Manny Borres (09066150095) DSWD CDO.

In MetroManila: Contact Jam (7348639) DSWD NCR

6. Xavier University, Tabang Sendong

Account Name: Xavier University

Bank Name: Bank of the Philippine Islands, CDO Divisoria Branch

Account Number: 9331-0133-63

According to XU-CSG President, GemGem Tero, food and clothes donations are more needed.

7. Rural Missionaries of the Philippines:

Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental: Panday Bulig Relief and Rehabilitaion Center Tabang Mindanao Center

12th-22nd streets, Nazareth, 9000 Cagayan de Oro City T/F: +63 (88) 856 6413, pandaybulig@gmail.com , (look for Ms. Beryl Tranco)

Iligan City: Rural Missionaries of the Philippines Northern Mindanao Sub-Region.

Room 01, Kalinaw Lanao Center, 0016 Bougainvilla Puti, Villaverde 9200 Iligan City.

T/F: +63 223 5179, rmpnmr@gmail.com , www.rmp-nmr.org,(look for Ms. Ida Melody Bucog)

Drop off center in Metro Manila: c/o StartArt Project10A Alabama st New Manila Quezon City Mobile: +63926 7112450email: info@startartprject.org or nikkiluna@startartproject.org .

8. Kalinaw Mindanao:

Deposit donations to BDO Cogon Branch Acct Name: Kalinaw Mindanao Movement, Inc.,Acct No. 1910059607.

For international Donations: Route Number: BNORPHMM with same account name and number.

9. RockEd

Donate to Rock Ed’s potable water fund for CDO.

BPI Loyola Heights 3080-0073-44

Rock Ed Philippines.

           

SURPASSING ADVERSITIES

In these times of adversities, Let us show our sincerest concern by helping the victims of Sendong in even in our littlest way. No matter how big or small you give, what matters most is that we share in the same desire to give them the support to rise again and to start a new and better LIFE.

Stars Yet to Shine

     Doomsday it is for some but this year is absolutely a glamorous one for some celebrities oozing with bankable potential and whose performances last year proved incredibly remarkable.

    Who among the throng of celebrities are going to make it big this year? Take a look at this list of male and female stars, bold and feisty enough to have big, if not, gigantic projects this 2012.
 

Not Your Ordinary Boy-Next-Door

    Paulo Avelino started his showbiz career when he joined GMA 7’s “Starstruck”, a reality talent show that seeks for fresh new faces and talented youngsters. He had been a part of several TV shows in GMA but he made the big leap when he transferred to its rival network – ABS-CBN. The act proved to be a stepping stone to further his acting career. Recently, he’s one of the actors in “Ikaw ang Pag-ibig”, a mini drama series which airs on Kapamilya network. He plays a ruggedly kind of bad boy role and he has excellently pulled it off.

    This amazing actor has shown a lot of potential when it comes to acting skills and his irresistible boy-next-door look is certainly a huge bonus. What he only needs is a break to prove that what he has is not just a captivatingly manly visage but also the potential to become the next leading man. Paulo is also known for his sexy body. This guy can make any girl drool in awe of his perfectly-carved abs. this year, bigger and grander projects are bound his way and these will only make his boy-next-door look even more irresistible.

Next Biggest Leading Lady  

          Mara Hautea Schnittka, better known by her stage name Julia Montes is definitely someone to watch out for this 2012 . Her undeniable talent was most noticed when she played as Clara in the hit show “Mara Clara”. With her German-Filipino descent, this young gorgeous girl dazzled a lot of people by her big potential as a leading lady. This January, she’ll be paired up with one of the most sought after leading men in the country Coco Martin in “Walang Hanggan”. 

     Yes, some may say that she’s still young and even say “hindi pa hinog” but Julia has proven that she can do and can give justice to any role that showbiz has offered her and absolutely also those that are yet to come.

Sexy and Sultry

          Lovi Poe is unquestionably not just “the-Fernando-Poe’s-daughter”. Lovi has proven that she is one of the most amazing actresses of her generation by winning and achieving acting awards. Lovi is also a singer making her a double threat. She managed to make her own name in the industry without using her relation as the daughter of the late “King of Filipino Films” FPJ.

    Last year, Lovi has played in five movies, making her one of the most in-demand actresses in the country. And for this 2012, we will positively see a lot more of Lovi. She’ll be teamed up with Geoff Eigenmann in the upcoming drama “Legacy”. She is certainly someone who does the best in her craft and she will not fail to give us an awesome performance, as she always does.

Matinee Idol in the Making 

    Juan Miguel de Guzman popularly known by his screen name JM De Guzman has surely a bright future ahead of him. With his very “gwapong-Pinoy-look” he definitely charmed and captured the heart of the Filipino mass. He first had his big break when he played the lead role as Gabriel Maglayon, originally played by the late actor Rico Yan, in ABS-CBN's 2011 remake of “Mula Sa Puso”. JM received a lot of great remarks and acknowledgements from the viewers, proving that he’s one of the most promising young stars these days.

       With the success of “Mula sa Puso”, JM was trusted to have the title role and the lead role of "Angelito" in Angelito: Batang Ama paired with Charee Pineda. And currently, his show “Angelito; Batang Ama” is gaining bunch of wonderful reviews. JM DE Guzman is absolutely one to watch out for.

 The Tween Stars

         GMA Network prides itself for discovering an extraordinary group of young stars popularly known as TWEENS.

        Joshua Dionisio began his career as a commercial model at the age of 8. He was discovered via modeling by ABS-CBN and VIVA Films. His break in acting was the kids’ action series Super Inggo, in which he played Kennedy "Ken" Pamintuan. He then played the love interest of the title character in Maria Flordeluna and was one of the lead characters in Kung Fu Kids. He appeared in Pilyang Kerubin and played the role of Michael on the GMA TV series and as Josh in Reel Love Presents: Tween Hearts.

        Barbara Ambas Forteza, also known as Barbie Forteza played the young Jodi in GMA Network's remake of the Koreanovela Stairway To Heavent and Cyndi Gomez in First Time.Reel Love Presents: Tween Hearts as Bambi Fortes.

          Bea Binene, was a finalist in StarStruck Kids and has played the role of Natalie Dimaculangan in First Time. She’s playing the role of tough girl Belinda Fortes in Tween Hearts with her sister Bambie. She will have her new show entitled "Alice Bungisngis and her Wonder Walis" together with some other teen stars.

           Jake Vargas played the role of young Tristan in GMA Network's remake of the Koreanovela Stairway To Heaven. He is playing the role of musician Jacob Vega in Tween Hearts, and also in Captain Barbell before as Alden/Spin a boy whose super weapon is top along with his leading lady Bea Binene.

       As each Tween discovers something new about them, about their lives, they get the shock when they discover that the affair will be in the form of various activities that will test their strengths, weaknesses, emotions and their way of thinking.
 

      What will happen to these celebrities? You just wait. They are going to be the biggest and the most shining Stars in the show business this 2012.