Typhoon Frank sinks MV Princess Of the Stars?

Typhoon Frank just hit Cebu the other day. We were in fact going to cancel our outing this week-end because the winds yesterday seemed pretty bad. It was also raining very hard last Friday. The sun was shining today, although it drizzled a little bit, it wasn't enough to dampen our spirits. That is until I read the news about another typhoon named Fengshen....


The MV Princess of the Stars (passenger ferry) went down at around noon Saturday (0400 GMT) several kilometres off the coast of Sibuyan Island after being battered by huge waves overnight when its engines failed, officials and survivors said.

Four bodies washed ashore on Sibuyan and three survivors were found, but the death toll is likely to rise sharply with the fate of the rest of the passengers and crew unknown, officials and reports said.

The ship, en route from the capital Manila to the central island of Cebu and 16 hours into its 22-hour voyage, issued a distress signal before going down.

A police boat reached the site early on Sunday, and officers found the ferry flipped over with only its bow visible above the water line, Tansingco told local radio.

As of the last report 700 passengers are still missing while 155 have been proclaimed dead as a result of the flash floods and winds from the typhoon.

Via AFP

Ces Drilon and 2 Others Released by Kidnappers

Have you heard the news? Apparently kidnapped television reporter Ces Drilon, cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion and Mindanao State University professor Octavio Dinampo were freed late Tuesday night 11pm, nine days after they were abducted in Sulu province.

All three captives were debriefed in Zamboanga City before they are flown back to Manila.

Ces Drilon had press release almost immediately after that with puffy eyes and mosquito-bitten face was all over the news just crying for justice and stuff like that. Broadcasting all over the news how she was threatened with beheading. That must have been a terrible ordeal though, I sympathize with her. Nobody should have to go through torment like that.

President Arroyo has already declared a man-hunt for the kidnappers, suspected to be Abu Sayyaf and aligned with Al Quaeda.

Well, looks like everyone will have to be a little more careful

Read more about the release here

Banilad-Talamban Fly-over To Be Finished on July 31! Road Widening Starts On Monday - P120M Budget Ready To Buy Lots!

I can hardly believe my eyes, the Banilad Talamban fly-over is almost finished? That intersection for the past few months, as been a bane to Cebuanos' existence. Imagine the traffic starting in Banilad affecting A.S. Fortuna, Talamban areas and of course the other alternate routes like Mabolo.

To be able to read that the fly-over will be finished on July 31 is like waking from a bad dream! Apparently budget is already available, partial payments can be made for the other lot owners, aside from payment for nine critical lots that should be purchased as soon possible for the widening to proceed.

However I may be jumping the gun as there is still dispute as to the lot prices. The owners acceded to the P15,500 per square meter valuation “under protest,” and will ask the court to be the one to decide the value of their properties, which they pegged at P25,000 to P30,000 per square meter.

The Case Of Judy Ann Santos For Meralco Vs. The Administration? Or Vs. The People Of The Philippines?

Judy Ann Santos has become the "queen" of endorsements. She is on almost every advertisement on prime time television from milk to food condiments to clothing and even to shampoo and slimming treatments. She has become an icon in Philippine cinema because not only is she one of the actresses people have followed since her youth, she has stayed away from public intrigue and has managed to maintain a squeaky clean image while achieving what few people have done - to lose weight and actually succeed in her relationships and her career at the same time.

She is now the "Meralco spokesperson" in 2 ads for Meralco where she explains System Loss charge and the increasing price of the electricity bill. Unfortunately unlike her other endorsements, this very contested very controversial ad is causing her to lose her appeal among the masses who patronize her because everybody is pissed at the ever-increasing bills they have to pay.

There has been the long debate asking Meralco to lower their charges. This is true, I do not debate the fact that even in Cebu, I pay a whole lot for electricity. So any lowering of charges anywhere would be much appreciated by consumers all over the Philippines.

Judy Ann Santos was either too ignorant to know what she was getting into or she knew full well what was going on and decided to put herself out there. If it is the case of the latter, then I admire her. Go girl, stand up for what you believe in.

But unfortunately, more than anything I think it is the former that holds true. She has no idea what's really going on with the increased electricity charges and how deeply this has affected many of the common residents that used to look up to her.

There is much propaganda now against Judy Ann Santos and I'm not quite sure if this is as a result of the administration's swaying or truly the voice of the Filipino people who feel betrayed by an actress they thought was on their side.

When Local Actors Make A Big Deal Out Of Casual Sex

It is so obvious how absolutely backwards the Filipino perspective on sex and casual sex to be specific. Just recently news came out of a local actor - Baron Frederick Von Geisler, who was one of the housemates in the recent Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition.

Apparently he sexually harassed the daughter of another "playboy" actor, William Martinez, and she is Patrizha Maree Martinez, who forwarded her complaint to DoJ (Department of Justice) saying that the young actor Baron Geisler offered her a one-night stand while in the the Fiamma Bar in Makati City. Baron apologized for this that night and hugged her, touching her breast as he embraced her.

In a counter-affidavit, Baron explains that had the girl - Patrizha Martinez not shown interest in him, he would not have hugged her. Good point! How would Baron Geisler be able to even put his arms around a girl who clearly shows she is uninterested in him?

This is a very trivial affair that could have been settled by themselves instead of this very big and sensational case. I agree with Baron Geisler. It's the 21st century for crying out loud. Casual sex is a part of life. If she can't handle it then say no. I'm not saying that what Baron Geisler did was right. He should have been more sensitive and should at least have respected the girl. He should not have been "bastos" would be the correct local term. But asking for P5 million pesos? Now that's extortion! Come on she's not even that much of a looker!

The flip-side would be that the girl ought to have him respect her. Respect unfortunately you have to earn. This case I think is a lot more complicated than the facts that have been disclosed.

Update On The Ces Drilon Kidnapping - Her Cameraman Angelo Valderama Has Been Released After Payment Of 2 Million Pesos

I saw on the news today that ABS-CBN cameraman Angelo Valderama was released around 7:30 p.m. to Sulu Vice Governor Lady Ann Sahidula, said Undersecretary Amilasan Amilbajar of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Mindanao. It has been said that a P2-million "board and lodging fee" was paid in exchange for his freedom. Now isn't that rather silly? Calling a 2 Million peso figure "board and lodging fee?" That's the biggest joke of all time. I think if we'd like to be truthful - that is part of the ransom. And since they've given that amount for a measly cameraman, imagine what the amount would be for the release of Ces Drilon!

But prominent anchorwoman Ces Drilon and cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion were still in captivity, along with a Mindanao State University professor who had acted as their local guide. That would be quite natural. I bet Ces Drilon would be the last one to be release as she is of course the "ace" in this kidnapping. This wouldn't even make this big of a fuss if not for her big name on prime time television.

The kidnappers, described as members of the Abu Sayyaf group that has been blamed for the worst terrorist attacks in the Philippines, were understood to have demanded up to P20 million ($454,000) in ransom.

via Inquirer.net

Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion, and Angelo Valderama of ABS-CBN Kidnapped For Ransom By Abu Sayyaf

This is the sort of stuff that just happens in the movies. I can't believe it's happening here in the Philippines of all places.

It has been confirmed today that ABS-CBN News journalists Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion, and Angelo Valderama have been kidnapped for ransom. Suspects are the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.

Apparently, Drilon, cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama, and Prof. Octavio Dinampo were seized by armed men in Barangay Labbah, an isolated area, Maimbung Mayor Najib Maldisa said Tuesday.

Unfortunately ABS-CBN News will abide by its policy not to pay ransom because this would embolden kidnap for ransom groups to abduct other journalists, putting more lives at risk. I know the principle is right somehow but imagine being friends and/or family of these journalists. I'd pay anything to get a loved one back.

Who thought becoming a journalist could get so dangerous?

Pops Fernandez Nabastos Sa Cebu?

Now it's very impolite that the headline for Inquirer said "Pops' horrifying experience in Cebu." It was because of one person who didn't like her! Why blame the entire city?

According to the article:

Pops Fernandez had a horrifying experience in Mandaue, Cebu last Friday.

According to an eyewitness, Pipay was all set to perform even if she and her band hadn't been paid-but a commotion erupted.

"Na-shock kami lahat kasi biglang may baklang talak nang talak... He was cursing Pipay and her entourage," recounts my source. "Nagsagutan sila ng handler ni Pipay. Kawawa naman si Pops kasi willing na nga siyang mag-show kahit di pa sila bayad, pero siya pa ang nabastos. Sa sobrang pagka-shock niya, nag-faint si Pipay. 'Di na natuloy 'yung show."

Now that's a little shallow don't you think? Pops Fernandez has been in the business for what... 20 years? She should probably be able to handle critics better than that. I'm pretty sure the money or lack of it, had something to do with it.

I'm not saying that what happened to her should be tolerated, but the article insinuated that Cebuanos are no good and that's not good either.

Arnel Pineda - New Filipino Vocalist Of "Journey" Rocks The House In Ellen Degeneres Show

Looks like Charice Pempengco isn't the only Filipino artist making waves abroad. Arnel Pineda, new Filipino vocalist for "Journey" got a standing ovation in a recent guest performance on the Ellen Degeneres show.

Hand-picked by Journey's lead guitarist and founding member Neal Schon (he's also a former member of Santana) after he found clips of Pineda on YouTube in 2007. He told GQ magazine that during his search, he deliberately tried to avoid a Steve Perry clone but after seeing clips of Arnel Pineda online, “The hair stood up on my arms,” Schon says. “I got up off the computer and told my girlfriend, ‘No way—this guy sounds too good. I don’t believe it.’," was what he told GQ.

Here's Arnel Pineda's rendition of "Faithfully"

Renaldo Lapuz's Fifteen Minutes Of Fame In The 7th Season Finale Of American Idol

Renaldo Lapuz had a share of the spotlight last Wednesday when he was joined on stage with judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. Known as this year's William Hung, he got to sing his own song now internationally known - "I am your brother." With Simon Cowell giving him what comes really close to a compliment.

Miley Cyrus' Best Friend Is A Filpina. Anna Maria Perez de Tagle Speaks For Miley Cyrus

One of Miley Cyrus' close friend on her hit show "Hannah Montana" plays her bitter rival Ashley Dewitt. She's a Filipina named Anna Maria Perez de Tagle. Here's what she had to say on the whole mess Miley Cyrus is in right now via E! Online:

“Sometimes I’ll talk to her on the phone and she’ll be like, 'It’s really hard' or 'I’m really tired. I can’t do this,' ” Perez de Tagle said at last night’s Declare Yourself and American Eagle party for a new line of celebrity-designed “Vote” T-shirts at Palihouse in West Hollywood. “But I’ll always say, 'You do want to do this. You love your job.' And she’s like, 'Yeah.' ”

Perez de Tagle said Cyrus’ friends avoid talking to her about the Vanity Fair controversy. “It really hurt her inside,” she said. “She didn’t know that people would look at it like that.”

Even so, Perez de Tagle insists Cyrus is no different than most other teens: “When she’s not busy, we usually go shopping, go bowling—do normal girl stuff.”

Why I Detest Banks - 10 Killed In RCBC Massacre In Cabuyao Laguna

What happened in the robbery of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. branch in Cabuyao, Laguna just a few days ago was just appalling. Imagine killing 10 people by having them kneel and just shooting them on the head!

That is just absolutely gruesome and heartless. It now has the whole Philippines talking about what will happen next now this has begun?

• Will bank security tighten? Most likely.
• Will the police be more vigilant? I don't know about that.
• Will there be more killings? Definitely

Now that we see it can be done and that it has been done and that the police have no clue how to go about it since they are just as shocked as everybody else, then unfortunately there's no reason for it not to continue.

But that is very scary though

Deal or No Deal - Around the World Philippines With Kris Aquino And Howie Mandel

Now this should be something to watch. The Deal or No Deal - Around the World Philippines With Kris Aquino And Howie Mandel apparently had the American's singing praises to the local host - who I personally do not like at all.


Kris Aquino is flamboyant and sensational in a Paris Hilton I'm-rich-and-famous-while-you're-not sort of way. This makes her a pain in the neck for some middle class professionals akin to myself. But of course she is endeared by the masses for being the daughter of former Philippine president Corazon Aquino.

Howie Mandel apparently had to mention that the Philippine airport is named after her father, the slain Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. To this, the TV host-actress added, “Have you seen our money [P500 peso bill]? My dad’s picture is on it.”

Now that's ego! Let someone else pat your back Kris! Give us a break!


Host Howie Mandel and Endemol USA marveled at how the Filipina 26K girls strut carrying their briefcases and the party atmosphere created by the lively and enthusiastic Filipino audience that cheered and danced when briefcases containing low prizes were eliminated.


“Here in the Philippines, the people party!” exclaimed Mandel during the taping of the special episode held at the ABS-CBN studio last April 24.

via Inquirer.net

The New William Hung -- Filipino Ex Tricycle Driver, Renaldo Lapuz

If you saw the earlier episodes of American Idol, you would have seen him in his cape and feathered hat - Renaldo Lapuz has now been dubbed the next "William Hung." He sang to Simon Cowell during that audition, with the now famous - "You are my best friend."


I think it's pathetic and sort of embarrassing to be known as a goof ball but I guess he's making a lot of money now so no foul. It sure takes a lot to make money these days that's for sure.


He has done a commercial for AT&T as well, now if that isn't famous I don't know what is! Here is Renaldo Lapuz's AT&T commercial with his famous song "You are my best friend" all over again.



Although he was overaged (the age limit for contestants is 28), AI producers allowed Lapuz, in his feathered hat, quilted white suit and silver cape, to sing in front of the three judges. Producers obviously knew there was potential here for an offshoot success in the William Hung fashion anyway.

Prior to auditioning on AI, Lapuz worked as a janitor in a Wal-Mart store in Reno.

Lapuz elicited a back-handed compliment from judge Simon Cowell, who quipped: “I have a horrible feeling [that song] will be a hit record.”

There are various versions of his composition “We’re Brothers Forever” on the Net—techno, hip-hop, ballad, including a “politicians’ remix” that features former Presidents Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada, as well as President Macapagal-Arroyo, in a video montage.

Lapuz’s official website is holding a contest for the best remixed version of the song.

Royal Vista Water Park a.k.a. Imelda Aroma In Catmon Cebu

Imelda Aroma. It's a beautiful quaint little water park in the municipality of Catmon just off to the North of Cebu. The water park looks like it occupies a small area because the one of the pools and half of the rooms are located on top of a mountain. The place isn't exactly the 5 star quality in my opinion, but it's a fun place with 3 different kinds of swimming pools that are apparently sourced from a spring, although it is still heavily chlorinated.

# The first pool is designed for kids. It's only about 2 and half feet deep and has 4 slides in the middle where kids can play. My daughter just swam here for hours and hours.

# The 2nd pool is called the "lazy river." It's a nice stretch of water that is located almost atop a mountain the water goes down through this really long slide that connects it to the 3rd pool. This slide is no less than 10 meters long, and to me that's pretty long. My daughter was pretty excited to go down in it so I went along. It didn't fare well for us though and I have the wounds to prove it.

# The last pool is much bigger and much deeper with the shallow side starting at 3 feet. My daughter had a hard time since she was just learning how to swim.

There are day-use rates at Php 100 for adults - be wary, 12 years old and up is considered an adult in this place, while children from 3-11 years of age cost only about Php 75. Children below 3 are free. It's a nice place to hang out with a group of friends, there are kiosks that you can rent at Php 500 and umbrella tables at Php 250

They also accommodate guests who want to stay overnight. We had a room that cost about Php 2,000 for 2 people. It can fit up to 5 people but you'd have to pay for the additional mattresses. This room also had a free plated breakfast. You can also enjoy videoke at Php 5 per song, if you into that and their canteen/ restaurant is open practically 24 hours.

Imelda Aroma is also called Royal Vista Water Park by the way, if you're searching for it on the internet. This water park isn't for those who want a luxurious vacation. It's more suited to budget travelers who want to save up for an adventure in the province.

via Associated Content

Online Info on Portofino Beach Resort

Because there's hardly any info on Portofino Beach Resort online, decided to add this article I found from Associated Content.

I've been to Portofino a number of times. It's a beach resort in Mactan island. Portofino Beach Resort has one of the cleanest white sand beaches I've seen anywhere in Cebu. Entrance fee is usually Php 100 for anyone who looks 12 years old and older. Kids are usually free. Depends on the time of day or day of the week, sometimes kids above 6 years old are charged half-price for entrance. That just goes to show how flexible the place is.

Anyway, as I said the beach is great. I can't say the same about the swimming pool since they charge you again if you want to take a dip there. It's not exactly that exciting their swimming pool.

The beach on the other hand is another story. It's very seldom that you see Portofino's beach area empty. There are always people who go there for the primary reason that it's very affordable - with an entrance fee of Php 100 per person, and you can bring in as much food as you want with no corkage fee! That is just the clincher for many Filipino patrons. You can just rent a kiosk, a tent or even a set of tables and chairs at very reasonable prices. You get to use them for the whole day. And if you're really cheap you can bring your own mat and set up a picnic in the sand.

They're also quite smart. They've set up this canteen where you can order grilled food which are plated meals at about Php 100 per order - including drinks and rice. That way you can always buy food and/ or drinks at their prices (a tad bid more expensive than if you bought it yourself).

Their rooms are also very nice. There are bungalows facing the beach - it hosts 2 rooms per bungalow. They're great at about Php 3,000 - 4,000 per night. Doesn't matter how many people sleep there as long as they've paid for the entrance, again the resort isn't as strict (or it wasn't when we stayed there). They also have rooms near the swimming pool but those never appealed to me.

All that aside, if you just want to have a good time in the beach at a reasonable budget - Portofino Beach Resort wouldn't be a bad choice.

Wimps Sam Milby and Piolo Pascual Withdraw Libel Suit Vs. Vulgar Columnist Lolit Solis

I think Sam Milby and Piolo Pascual are wimps for backing out of the 12 million peso libel suit they had going against and Pilipino Star Ngayon editor Veronica Samio and Lolit Solis, talent manager and entertainment columnist who called them gay in her October 2007 article.

She has been asked to retract many times in private as well as on national television and she has refused saying that what she said was true and that she saw what she saw. Now she has backed down from her statements and apologized to Sam Milby and Piolo Pascual

Here is her actual apology care of Inquirer.net

“There is no factual basis for my article, which came out on October 15, 2007. I am extremely sorry for dragging the names of Sam and Piolo,” said Solis in a retraction letter she signed early Wednesday evening in the sala of Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Jose Mendoza.

They could have won it you know. They could have won and bankrupt the Philippine Star! It would have been a slap to the rumor mongers! Wimps!

Heart Evangelista And Jericho Rosales Break-up On National Television

It was sad the way Heart Evangelista and ex-boyfriend Jericho Rosales broke up on national television just last week.

Jericho Rosales was interviewed by Boy Abunda on The Buzz while Heart Evangelista was on the GMA counterpart. Forgot the name of their show - sorry. Star Patrol?

Anyway it was just this big mess with both parties shedding tears. Heart claims there was a third party - the hottie co-stars of Jericho's new series, while Jericho claims he has no clue what she's talking about and how they even broke up. Rumors went around that their relationship didn't "click" and that they were bringing each other down. True enough, they weren't a love team - networks shouldn't have pushed their team-up on the public

What a mess really. Everyone breaks up and that should be a natural progression of relationships but to do it on national television is just crass. The television networks are just milking their popularity for all that their worth.

(image from Heartworld)

Yahoo Will Open An Office In The Philippines Come June 2008 - I Hope They Hire Me!

The Philippines must be booming if we're seeing companies with the likes of IBM and Yahoo setting up offices here. Apparently the opening of an office here is being accelerated and should be ready by June 2008

Yahoo! is now working on improving the Internet experience of a growing number of Filipino users here and abroad, he said. The Internet giant is working on deploying caching technology to improve the network traffic coming from local users. Currently, local users accessing content from Yahoo! are routed to the United States or Singapore, and back to the Philippines.

Yahoo! is still on a hiring mode, looking for people to fill technical, marketing and sales positions for the Philippine office. Yahoo! is also looking for some local creative skills to help enhance its Internet services.

Meanwhile, the company has recently signed up big advertising deals, including one with Procter & Gamble and a government agency. Yahoo! has also signed up more local content partners.

"The digital marketing industry is poised for growth in the Philippines. If we spend more effort, we can accelerate our traffic," the executive said.

via Inquirer.net

The Marian Rivera Vs. Angel Locsin Rivalry

The Marian Rivera and Angel Locsin rivalry is just tiring. They're both hot and everyone knows it. The television networks are just giving people a head-ache by putting them up side by side. After "Marimar" the remake of the Spanish telenovela, Marian Rivera is now doing "Dyesebel" the mermaid, which is making such a hype. I don't think it's that good. The story isn't original and its not something I haven't seen before.








GMA 7 is doing its best to compete against "Lobo" that's running on ABS-CBN. I used to watch that show religiously until all those crying scenes just bore me to death. The story is rather unique (although similar to "Blood and Chocolate"), it's not that bad anyway.

But they're both gorgeous so hope they'll just leave them be.