The Department of Tourism (DOT), in cooperation with giant telecom company Smart, has begun its “Pilipinas, Tara Na!” domestic tourism advocacy program. But it seems like the government agency kicked things off with a controversial print ad. Check it out below:
This DOT "Tara Na! Tourism Ad" compares Phuket, Thailand to El Nido, Palawan | Photo courtesy of Jayvee Fernandez
The following are written on the bottom of the ad: "** This value driven campaign promotes the Philippines to its own people, many of whom opt to travel abroad unaware of their country’s beauty. “Tara na” means let’s go."
Although the "comparison" makes the ad controversial, it has been well received by a number of people who said that it is "catchy" and "effective".
In the coming weeks the DOT is expected produce more print and TV advertisements and billboards which aim to further stimulate growth of the domestic base.
The following universities and colleges have announced suspension of classes on June 25, 2011 (Saturday) due to heavy rains and floods in Metro Manila:
Adamson University
Arellano University
Ateneo de Manila University
Centro Escolar University
City College of Manila
Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
De La Salle University
Far Eastern University
Infotech Pasig
Lyceum of the Philippines
Mapua Institute of Technology - Makati and Intramuros
Miriam College
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasay
Philippine Best Training System Colleges in Rizal
Philippine College of Criminology
Philippine Merchant Marine School
Philippine Normal University
Philippine Women's University
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Republican College, Quezon City
Samson College of Science and Technology
San Beda College-Mendiola and San Beda College-Alabang
St. John Bosco-Pio del Pilar and Ampid, San Mateo
St. Paul College Makati
St. Paul University- Quezon City and St. Paul University-Manila
Update: The following have just been posted on the official Twitter account of DepEd:
"All schools in NCR - Preschool, Elementary and High school no classes tomorrow, June 24, both public and private. -Dir. Elena Ruiz" - posted at 9:22 p.m. on June 23, 2011
"Cavite City: classes in Preschool, Elementary and High School suspended tomorrow, June 24. - Dir. Lorna Dino" - posted at 9:55 p.m.
"Antipolo City: no classes in preschool, elementary and high school tomorrow, June 24." - posted at 10: 25 p.m.
"Isabela and Cagayan under storm signal no. 1 therefore all Pre School classes are automatically suspended tomorrow, June 24." - posted at 10:26 p.m.
"Calamba City: no classes in all levels tomorrow June 24 as declared by LGU." - 10:24 p.m.
"Subic district - classes in all levels suspended tomorrow, June 24." -10:53 p.m.
"Malolos: City Mayor declared suspension of classes in all levels tomorrow, June 24." - 10:54 p.m.
"Bataan and Balanga City: classes in all levels suspended tomorrow, June 24." - 12:07 a.m., June 24, 2011
"Classes in Kinder, Elementary and High School in BATAAN, ZAMBALES & PANGASINAN suspended tom upon the recommendation of PAGASA and NDRRMC." - 12:21 a.m.
"Classes in Angono, Rizal & Rosario and Bacoor in Cavite suspended today, June 24." - 5:48 a.m.
"Bulacan: classes in kinder, elementary and high school suspended today, June 24." - 5:50 a.m.
"Sta. Cruz, Laguna: classes in kinder, elementary and HS suspended today June 24."- 6:05 a.m.
"Dasmarinas City, Cavite: classes in kinder, elementary and HS suspended today June 24." - 6:09 a.m.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced suspension of classes in preschool, elementary and high school on Friday, June 24, 2011 in Metro Manila. There will be no classes in both public and private schools in these levels tomorrow due to heavy rains and flash-floods brought about by Tropical Storm Falcon which has gained strength after merging with a Low Pressure Area.
The announcement was delivered by DepEd National Capital Region Director Elena Ruiz in an interview with dzMM on Thursday.
Colleges and universities are under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and thus, they are not covered in this notice.
Quoting CHED Executive Director Julito Vitriolo, ABS-CBN Breaking News posted on Twitter that suspension of classes in tertiary levels is dependent on the heads of schools. College students are advised to contact their school directly to know whether they have classes or not.
Jose Rizal, the National Hero of the Philippines, was born on June 19th, 1861 in Calamba, Laguna. This year marks the 150th anniversary of his birth.
Jose Rizal at 150 | Photo courtesy of CCP
In commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Jose Rizal, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will be holding a series of activities. Check out below the schedule of CCP's activities in celebration of the special event:
Date
Time
Activity
Venue
May 27-June 30
SI JOSE AT SI ANDRES VIDEO DOCUMENTARY BY MALOU JACOB
CCP WEBSITE
June 17-August 21
June 17
9:00am to 5:00pm
3:00pm
PAINTINGS ON RIZAL by J.PASENA
Formal Opening
CCP Main Gallery
June 14-16
June 17
9:30am to 4:00pm
9:30am to 3:00pm
FILM SCREENING: EDDIE ROMERO’S NOLI ME TANGERE with lectures for teachers
CCP Dream Theater
June 14-16
June 17
9:00am to 4:00pm
9:00am to 3:00pm
EXHIBIT OF BOOKS & FREE VIEWING OF VIDEOS on RIZAL
Is June 20, 2011 a holiday in the Philippines? Well, yes. June 20, 2011 was declared a holiday by President Beningno Aquino III after the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) requested that the commemoration of Jose Rizal's 150th birth anniversary on June 19 which falls on a Sunday be moved on June 20 (Monday) to allow more people to participate in various activities related to the event.
Six days to go before Jose Rizal's 150th Birthday | Photo courtesy Rizal 150 to 150 Facebook Fan Page
Through Proclamation No. 154 on April 26, the president declared June 20, 2011 as a special non-working holiday nationwide. Check out the full text of the proclamation below:
MALACAÑAN PALACE
Manila
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
PROCLAMATION NO. 154
DECLARING MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2011, AS SPECIAL (NON-WORKING) DAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY
WHEREAS, Sunday, June 19, 2011, marks the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, our national hero;
WHEREAS, to give all Filipinos the opportunity to commemorate Rizal’s patriotic deeds and sacrifices for the country, rekindle their admiration and respect for him, and to celebrate this milestone with appropriate ceremonies, the National Historical Commission ofthe Philippines (NHCP) requested that Monday, June 20, 2011, be declared as special non-working holiday instead of June 19, 2011, which falls on a Sunday.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Monday, June 20, 2011, as special (non-working) day throughout the country.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.
Done in the City of Manila, this 26th day of April, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eleven.
The New 7 Wonders of Nature finalists have been determined and the Palawan Underground River or the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in the Philippines made it to the list.
PNoy, photographed inside the Palawan Underground River
Philippine government officials including President Nonoy Aquino (PNoy) have appealed to Filipinos to vote for the country's entry in the online contest. They are optimistic that the majestic underground river will get plenty of votes since there are eight million Filipino mobile phone users nationwide.
Filipinos abroad were also called to help in the country's endeavor by the different embassies, consular offices, and labour offices of the Philippine government overseas.
To vote, just text PPUR and send it to 2861 or log on to www.new7wonders.com to cast your votes online.
New7Wonders of Nature was started in 2007. It is a global campaign which aims to create a list of seven natural wonders in the world through an online poll. It was initiated by New7Wonders Foundation, a Swiss government-controlled foundation.
After over 100 million votes cast in 2007, the 440 entries is now shortlisted to 28 official finalists. The final voting has started and will end on November 11, 2011.
Meanwhile, here are excerpts of PNoy's speech at the official launch of the Puerto Princesa Underground River Campaign on June 6, 2011, as posted on the Official Gazette:
The Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, Philippines is composed of a long mountain landscape and a beautiful, breathtaking subterranean river that winds through a cave that has been carved into shape by the giant hand of nature. So it comes as no surprise that the Puerto Princesa Underground River has made it as one of the 28 finalists in the global search for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
The competition is tough, but if there is a site that should be in the top seven, then it should definitely be the Puerto Princesa Underground River. That is, of course, my unbiased opinion.
Aside from its staggering length and shape, within it lie unique discoveries, which were, until recently, unknown even to those who had frequented the site. For the last several months, an Italian group called La Venta has been conducting studies there, and they have made some stunning discoveries—such as the fossils of sea cows or Sirenia dating back to the Miocene period—roughly 20 million years ago. Aside from being rare fossils previously found only in Java, Indonesia, these findings also emphasize further the sheer historic value of our Underground River and of the country we live in.
I urge everyone to take part in this democracy-in-action on behalf of our own environment. By voting online at www.new7wonders.com, or—simpler—by texting PPUR to 2861, we can help the Puerto Princesa Underground River, as well as the Philippines, garner a distinct spot on the international tourist map. I leave the mode of choice to you, but please remember to vote, and vote to the maximum.
While winning a place in the top seven bolsters our sense of national pride, recognition is not the only thing we can gain. We must also remember that the tourists we can potentially attract will redound to thousands of employment opportunities; our success here will ultimately breed success for Filipinos everywhere.
Cebu Pacific, the largest low-cost carrier in the country, has announced another seat sale called "National ZERO Day." That's zero fare or free fare for all domestic and international flights catered by Cebu Pacific on the following dates: September 1 - November 30, 2011. However, one must still pay for the taxes and other fees.
Booking for the seats on sale started at 6a.m. today June 8, 2011 and will end until "seats last." Cebu Pacific said there are more than 130,000 seats available.
Here are more details of the said seat sale:
* Domestic and International Zero Fare Seat Sale. * Booking Period is from June 8, 2011 or until seats last. * Pick your favourite Domestic seat from as low as P0. * Pick your favourite International seat from as low as P0. * Supersize your baggage! Pre-book and SAVE up to 50%. * Get insured in travel insurance. * Choose from available domestic and international rooms with Hotels. * Quoted fares are one way * Limited availability. * Fare are exclusive of government fees and taxes. * International fares are exclusive of fuel surcharges. For Osaka, Japan surcharges will take effect on April 1, 2011. * Fares are non-refundable. * Flight changes must be made more than 24 hours before scheduled time of departure. * Go Lite Fares are available upon booking for guests traveling without check-in baggage. * Add P 100 to fare upon booking if traveling with check-in baggage. * CAB approved terms and conditions of carriage apply.
Coverage:
All Domestic Flights
Bacolod, Boracay (Caticlan), Busuanga (Coron), Butuan, Calbayog, Cagayan de Oro, Catarman, Cauayan (Isabela), Cebu, Clark, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legaspi, Laoag, Manila, Naga, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, San Jose (Mindoro), Siargao, Surigao, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Tuguegarao, Virac and Zamboanga
All International Flights Bangkok, Beijing, Brunei, Busan, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Incheon, Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Osaka, Singapore, Shanghai and Taipei.
Arisxandra Libantino, the 9 year-old Filipina who wowed the judges of Britain's Got Talent with her audition, has been axed from the show.
The young Pinay diva who belted out "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" by Jennifer Hudson, got the judges' 3 "yes's" during her audition. Her story was even published in major news websites in UK even before the show aired its premier episode.
However, it has now been reported that despite all the buzz surrounding Arisxandra, the producers of the show have decided to cut her from their final 40. Her audition video was not even shown. According to reports, it was because of time constraints in the series.
Arisxandra Libantino is a daughter of two Filipinos working in London, Elma and Aristotle, who both originally from Nueva Ecija in the Philippines.
Check out below a video of Arisxandra Libantino sing Charice's "A Note To God" on Youtube:
Dragon fruit or "pitaya" is relatively unknown to many Filipinos. But this pink fruit has made a 66 year-old lady from Ilocos Norte 100,000 pesos richer after the Malacanang awarded her the sum for being the "Most Outstanding High-Value Commercial Crop Farmer" of 2011.
Edita Aguinaldo-Dacuycuy started planting dragon fruit, a vine-like cactus, in her backyard after seeing positive results in the bowel movement problems of her daughter who eats the fruit to be relieved from constipation. She and her family then thought of going large-scale after consulting government research agencies which resulted to the first organic dragon fruit plantation in Northern Philippines.
In 2009, the family farm, which is now about 10 hectares and expanding, yielded a total net income of P21 million from dragon fruit production.
Check out below some info about dragon fruit below:
Pitaya Fruit, Pitahaya Fruit or commonly known as the Dragon fruit is among the most nutritious and wonderful exotic fruits. It is a favorite to many, particularly people of Asian origin. It features a mouth watering light sweet taste, an intense shape and color, not forgetting its outstanding flowers. In addition to being tasty and refreshing, this beautiful fruit boasts of a lot of water and other vital minerals with varied nutritional ingredients.
Due to its vital nutrients, the Pitaya fruit is suitable for all diets as it supplements fiber which is best for laxative and the liver. Similarly, people who have high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity have attested to the fruit’s goodness. Recent findings show that if an obese person eats a Pitahaya fruit on a regular basis, it naturally reduces the weight considerably, creating a well balanced body without compromising on the individual’s health.
Pitahaya fruits are highly concentrated with Vitamin C, minerals and boasts of high fiber content.
Equally available in affluent in a dragonfruit is phytoalbumins. Basically, these nutrients are vital and known world over for the antioxidants they possess which usually help in the prevention of the formation of free radicals that cause cancer.- dragon-fruit.biz
A 31 year-old Filipino crew member of Celebrity Eclipse cruise ship has been presumed dead after jumping off from the vessel, Press Association reported.
A photo of Celebrity Eclipse cruise ship | Photo source: cruise-international.com
The man was captured on a CCTV camera climbing the railing and jumping off the cruiser at 10:15 p.m. (London Time) on Friday.
Apparently after knowing, the crew immediately turned the ship around in an attempt to find their colleague.
However, after an overnight extensive search, the man is still nowhere to be found. He is now believed to be dead since he jumped into the freezing waters of the English Channel - with hypothermia, no one could survive for long.
Western Turkey has been struck by an earthquake measuring 5.8-magnitude on the Richter Scale on May 19, 2011, according to United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Map of the May 19, 2011 Turkey earthquake | Source: USGS
The temblor which has a depth of 9.1 kilometers (km), hit the epicenter, 80 km West Soutwest of Kutahya, at 11:15 p.m., local time (20:15, UTC).
There were no immediate reports of damage from the quake. However, an unverified report says a person died of heart attack after getting into panic when the strong quake struck which was earlier reported as 6.0-magnitude.
The Gawad Urian Awards 2011 awarding ceremony was successfully staged Tuesday night at the Marriott Hotel in Resorts World Manila. It was hosted by Ai-Ai delas Alas, Butch Francisco, and Cesar Montano.
"Ang Damgo ni Eleutera" awarded "Best Picture" in Gawad Urian 2011
The Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (the Filipino Film Critics), the group behind the Urian Awards, awarded the "Best Film" to "Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria" which director Remton Siega Zuasola also received the "Best Director" trophy. The film also bagged the "Best Cinematography" and "Best Music" awards.
Meanwhile, Fe GingGing Hyde and Sid Lucero won top acting honors. Hyde went home with the Best Actress award for "Sheika" while Lucero was named Best Actor for "Muli."
Here is the complete list of winners (italicized and in bold characters) of the 34th Gawad Urian 2011:
BEST FILM
Amigo (Anarchists’ Convention Films) *Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria (Creative Programs, Inc., Panumduman Pictures) Ang Mundo sa Panahon ng Yelo (Cinemalaya Foundation, Sampaybakod Productions) Chassis (Happy Gilmore Productions) Halaw (Cinemalaya Foundation, Los PeliculasLinterna Studio) Limbunan (Cinemalaya Foundation, Bidadali House Productions) Noy (Cinemedia Films, Inc., VIP Access Media Productions, Star Cinema, ABS-CBN Film Productions) Sheika (Cinemalaya Foundation, Skyweaver Production-Hydeout Entertainment, Alchemy of Vision and Light TV and Film Productions) Tsardyer (Creative Programs, Inc., Lasponggols Collective)
BEST DIRECTOR
Adolf B. Alix, Jr. (Chassis) Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez (Tsardyer) Sheron R. Dayoc (Halaw) Mes de Guzman (Ang Mundo sa Panahon ng Bato) Khavn de la Cruz (Maynila sa Mga Pangil ng Dilim) Robin Fardig and Sherad Anthony Sanchez (Balangay) Gutierrez Mangansakan II (Limbunan) Arnel Mardoquio (Sheika) Dondon Santos (Noy) John Sayles (Amigo) *Remton Siega Zuasola (Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria)
BEST SCREENPLAY
Adolfo B. Alix, Jr. (Chassis) Adolfo B. Alix, Jr. and Agnes P. de Guzman (Presa) Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez (Tsardyer) Sheron R. Dayoc (Halaw) Mes De Guzman (Ang Mundo sa Panahon ng Bato) Khavn De la Cruz and Carl Javier (Maynila sa Mga Pangil ng Dilim) Gutierrez Mangansakan II (Limbunan) *Arnel Mardoquio (Sheika) Shugo Praico (Noy) Remton Siega Zuasola (Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria)
BEST ACTOR
John Arcilla (Halaw) Perry Dizon (Sheika) Ronnie Lazaro (Ishmael) *Sid Lucero (Muli) Coco Martin (Noy) Pen Medina (Layang Bilanggo) Sam Milby (Third World Happy) Fanny Serrano (Tarima) Joel Torre (Amigo)
BEST ACTRESS
Rita Avila (Magdamag) Mercedes Cabral (Gayuma) Donna Isadora Gimeno (Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria) Laurice Guillen (Karera) *Fe Ging Ging Hyde (Sheika) Ces Quesada (Magkakapatid) Jodi Sta. Maria (Chassis) Meryll Soriano (Donor)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
*Joem Bascon (Noy) Tirso Cruz III (Sigwa) Martin Delos Santos (Tsardyer) Julio Diaz (Magkakapatid) Garret Dillahunt (Amigo) Cogie Domingo (Muli) Rocky Salumbides (Tarima) Gregg Tecson (Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria) Yul Vasquez (Amigo)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Lucia Jeuzan (Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria) Anita Linda (Presa) Rio Locsin (Amigo) Maria Isabel Lopez (Halaw) Liza Lorena (Presa) Zsa Zsa Padilla (Sigwa) *Rosanna Roces (Presa)
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Gabriel Bagnas (Chassis) Albert Banzon (Ang Mundo sa Panahon ng Bato) Arnel Barbarona and Dexter Dela Peña (Halaw) Malay Javier (Tsardyer) *Christian Linaban (Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria) Lee Meily (Amigo) McRobert Nacario (Limbunan) Takeyuki Onishi (Dagim) Rain Yamson II (Di Natatapos ang Gabi)
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Tonee Acejo (Gayuma) Bagwani Ampalayo, Jun Cayas, and Maree Contaoi (Sheika) *Rodell Cruz (Amigo) Rene De Guzman (Ang Mundo sa Panahon ng Bato) Paramata Ednawan (Limbunan) Rodrigo Ricio (Emir) Roland Rubenecia (Chassis) Amar Sharif (Halaw) Kaloy Uypuanco (Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria)
BEST EDITING
RenewinAlano (Noy) Danilo G. Añonuevo (Rekrut) *Willie Apa, Jr. and Arthur Ian Garcia (Sheika) Aleks Castañeda (Presa) Chuck Guttierez and Lester Olayer (Halaw)
BEST MUSIC
Mason Daring (Amigo) Marco De Leon, LC De Leon, Ciro De Leon (Tsardyer) Mark Laccay, Stefan Loewenstein, and Ysagani Ybarra (Happyland) Popong Landero (Sheika) Jessie Lasaten (Di Natatapos ang Gabi) Jess Santiago (Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio) *Jerrold Tarog (Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria) Josefino ‘Chino’ Toledo (Emir)
BEST SOUND
Mike Idioma (Sampaguita) Mark Laccay (Dagim) Elroy Montano (Amigo) Jona Paculan, Carlos Tañada and MoksVitasa (Halaw) *Dempster Samarista (Limbunan) Maki Serapio and Paolo Angelo Lindaya (Sheika)
BEST SHORT FILM
*"Wag Kang Titingin" by Pam Miras
BEST DOCUMENTARY
*"Kano: An American and His Harem" by Monster Jimenez
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
*Jose "Pete" Lacaba
GAWAD URIAN ACTORS OF THE DECADE
Coco Martin Gina Pareno Cherry Pie Picache
FILMS OF THE DECADE
"Tuhog" (2000), "Batang Westside" (2001), "Babae Sa Breakwater" (2003), "Magnifico" (2003), "Ebolusyon ng Isang Pamilyang Pilipino" (2004), "Ang Pagdadalaga Ni Maximo Oliveros" (2005), "Kubrador" (2006), "Serbis" (2008), "Kinatay" (2009), "Lola" (2009)
Nestle Philippines, Inc. has announced recall of its instant noodle product Maggi Rich Mami Noodles after traces of salmonella were discovered in two batches of the beef variant of the product.
Nestle Philippines announces recall of Maggi instant noodles nationwide due to Salmonella scare
"The product recall is a precautionary measure being taken to ensure the safety and quality of our products and in the interests of our consumers, which we regard as of paramount importance," Nestle said in a half-page announcement in the May 5, 2011 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
The announcement added that the recall would cover all Maggi Rich Mami Noodles variants, not just the affected batches namely 11020598A2 and 11030598A1.
"The quality and safety of our products are non-negotiable priorities for us, and it is in this regard that we have decided to do a complete voluntary recall of all Maggi Rich Mami Noodles, even outside those of the affected batches, for thorough product evaluation and testing," the announcement reads.
Nestle said that the flavoring ingredient used was the cause of the contamination based on the initial findings of an investigation.
The company also noted that they have not received consumer concerns related to the consumption of the product and added that Maggi Rich Mami Noodles are safe to eat if the cooking instructions are followed.
Consumers who have purchased the products are requested to contact the following Nestle Hotlines: 8980061 (Metro Manila) and 1-800-100-637853 (toll-free for provincial areas).
Noypistuff Salmonella 101
Salmonella is a type of bacteria which has many subtypes. The subtype which commonly cause food poisoning is medically known as non-typhoidial salmonallae, which lives in the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals. It typically causes illnesses in humans when it is transmitted through foods contaminated with animal or human feces.
The following are the symptoms of the Salmonella infection:
Diarrhea
Fever
Stomach cramps
Vomiting (occasionally)
These symptoms typically appear between 12 and 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria and last between 4 and 7 days and resolve on their own without treatment.
Usually, there is no treatment necessary for salmonella other than staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of water or an electrolyte solution (such as Pedialyte for children and infants or Gatorade for adults) is important when you have diarrhea to be sure you do not become dehydrated. Fruit juices and sodas should be avoided because they can possibly make the diarrhea worse. Some people may need antibiotic treatment.
Osama bin Laden scams and malwares spreading on Facebook!
Alleged Osama bin Laden Execution Videos are making the rounds on Facebook saying they show the actual raid made by the US Navy Seals in Abbottabad, Pakistan which killed the terrorist leader Osama bin Laden. Don't fall for them! They are either scams or malwares. And there are no Osama bin Laden execution videos yet except for the animation made by the New York Post.
Take for example below which saysOsama Dead - Censored Video Leaked!
Its other alternate messages are the following:
Osama Bin Laden EXECUTION Video!
This is so crazy they killed Osama Bin Laden, check out the exclusive pictures!)
Osama Bin Laden Killed! WARNING GRAPHIC PICTURES
Watch the Osama Shoot down video
BBC News - Osama Bin Laden Death Video!
Clicking the link will lead you to a page where you will be asked to answer a survey before you could watch the said video. And when you click on "submit" it will then hi-jack your account and spam your Facebook friends as well. There will be a video though but it is not Osama Bin Laden's execution for sure.
If you have not clicked on them, yet. You may post this on your Facebook wall:
PLEASE READ AND REPOST! WARNING: There is a video circulating around Facebook of a BBC video of the killing of Osama Bin Laden, supposedly made by US troops. It is a VIRUS!! Spread the news because it's circulating fast!!
If you already did, clean-up your newsfeeds and profile to remove references to the scam. To do this, just click the "X" in the top right hand corner of the post.
***If you made the mistake of submitting your cell phone number for any of the surveys, then you should contact your carrier immediately to keep any bogus charges from appearing.
***If you downloaded files or games while completing the survey scam, then your computer could very well be infected with a virus. Install and or update your anti-virus software and run a complete system scan.
Meanwhile, an Internet security firm advised Internet users to use best practices when searching for information online, including:
Use a trusted security suite– Make sure you are protecting your computer against unknown threats with a comprehensive security solution.
Put yourself on high alert – Don’t open emails or attachments from people you don’t know, even if it sounds too good to be true. Online criminals commonly use shocking or sensational headlines in emails to lure people into falling for online scams.
Don’t click on that link – Beware of shortened links found through social networking news feeds – they may be redirecting you to fake websites laden with malicious software. Manually enter website addresses into your browser to make sure you’re getting the news from trusted websites. - Newsbytes.ph
Osama bin Laden's body buried at sea per Islamic tradition - AP
Osama bin Laden | Photo courtesy of telegraph.co.uk
In accordance with the Muslim tradition that a burial should be done within 24 hours after one's death, the body of the Al-Qaeda terrorist group leader, Osama bin Laden has been buried at sea after killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan - reports Associated Press (AP).
The report added that the government of Saudi Arabia was unwilling to repatriate the body of bin Laden who was a Saudi national.
A U.S. raid launched early morning on Monday (May 2, 2011) in the town of Abbottabad in Pakistan killed the terrorist leader.
US President Barack Obama announced the death of bin Laden just a few hours ago. Read the details and full transcript HERE.
Osama bin Laden killed by US forces in a raid in Pakistan.
Osama Bin Laden | Photo courtesy of Treehugger.com
Osama Bin Laden, the founder of jihadist group al-Qaeda who was widely recognized for the September 11 attacks of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, has been killed in Pakistan by U.S. forces, reports say.
Within an hour after it was reported that Osama Bin Laden is dead, a group of people who gathered outside the White House was reportedly seen singing the American national anthem and chanted "USA! USA!" and "Hey, hey, goodbye!" referring to the terrorist leader.
Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama will issue a late-night statement regarding Osama Bin Laden's death. The said statement will be broadcast on the live video feed below courtesy of the US government website:
Update: President Barack Obama issues statement on Osama Bin Laden's death (Video and Full Transcript)
President Obama's Statement on the death of Osama bin Laden | Video courtesy of "aleitchvideos" of Youtube
"Good Evening. Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world, the US has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden the leader of Al Qaeda. The terrorist is responsible for the murder of thousands - innocent men, women and children.
It was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history. The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory -- hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky; the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground; black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon; the wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction.
And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world. The empty seat at the dinner table. Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father. Parents who would never know the feeling of their child's embrace. Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts.
On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country. On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family.
We were also united in our resolve to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice. We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda -- an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe. And so we went to war against al Qaeda to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies.
Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we've made great strides in that effort. We've disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense. In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot.
Yet Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan. Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world.
And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda, even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat his network.
Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground. I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan. And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice.
Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.
For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda's leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al Qaeda.
Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There's no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must --- and we will -- remain vigilant at home and abroad.
As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not --- and never will be --- at war with Islam. I've made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam. Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.
Over the years, I've repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is what we've done. But it's important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people.
Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations. And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates.
The American people did not choose this fight. It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens. After nearly 10 years of service, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war. These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one, or look into the eyes of a service member who's been gravely wounded.
So Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies. We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda's terror: Justice has been done.
Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who've worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work, nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.
We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.
Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores.
And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today's achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people.
The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it's the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place.
Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.
(I was on the 4th paragraph on transcribing the announcement. I just then thought of searching the rest. Thanks to CNN for the other parts of the transcription.)
Today, May 1, 2011, the Catholic Church will beatify Pope John Paul II, which comes just six years and one month after his death in 2005. The event will be held in Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City.
Click the photo below to start the live stream of the beatification.
Pope John Paul II Beatification Live Stream
From the Vatican Information Service, here is the program schedule for the beatification of Pope John Paul II
1. The Vigil, 30 April, 2011 (Circus Maximus)
The celebration will be divided into two parts. The first part will be dedicated to remembering the words and actions of John Paul II. There shall then be a solemn procession during which the image of Maria Salus Populi Romani will be enthroned; this shall be accompanied by representatives of all the parishes and chaplaincies of the diocese. Privileged accounts will be given by Joaquin Navarro-Valls and Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, both of whom worked closely with the Pope, and by Sr. Marie Simon-Pierre, whose miraculous recovery opened the way for the beatification process. This first part of the celebrations will be concluded with the hymn "Totus tuus," composed for the 50th anniversary of John Paul's priestly ordination.
The second part will focus on the celebration of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, which were introduced by John Paul II. After the hymn "Open the doors to Christ", Cardinal Vallini will give an introduction summarizing the spiritual and pastoral character of John Paul II. The Rosary will then be recited, with a live connection to five Marian sanctuaries around the world. Each of the five Mysteries of the Rosary shall be linked to a prayer intention of importance to John Paul II. In the Sanctuary of Lagniewniki, Krakow, the prayer intention will take the theme of youth; in the Sanctuary of Kawekamo, Bugando, Tanzania, the family; in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lebanon, Harissa, evangelisation; in the Basilica of Sancta Maria de Guadalupe, Mexico City, hope and peace among peoples; and in the Sanctuary of Fatima, the Church.
To conclude the vigil, Benedict XVI shall recite the final oration and impart the apostolic blessing to all participants, in live transmission from the Apostolic Palace.
That night the following churches shall remain open for the oration: Sant' Agnese in Agone, Piazza Navona; San Marco al Campidoglio; Santa Anastasia; Santissimo Nome di Gesù all'Argentina; Santa Maria in Vallicella; San Giovanni dei Fiorentini; San Andrea della Valle; and San Bartolomeo all'Isola.
2.The Mass of Beatification, May 1, 2011, Sunday after Easter or of Divine Mercy (St. Peter's Square, officiated by the Holy Father).
The solemn liturgy of beatification shall be preceded by an hour of preparation during which the faithful shall pray together the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, a devotion introduced by Saint Mary Faustina Kowalska and dear to the Blessed John Paul II. The preparation will conclude with an Invocation to Mercy in the world, with the hymn "Jezu ufam tobie." This will be followed by Mass, with the texts for the Sunday after Easter. At the end of the rite of beatification, the unveiling of the tapestry depicting the newly Blessed shall be accompanied by the Hymn to the Blessed in Latin.
3. Mass of thanksgiving, Monday May 2, 2011 (officiated by Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone, St. Peter's Square)
Mass on Monday 2 May shall be the first celebrated in honour of the newly Blessed John Paul II. The texts shall be those of the Mass of the Blessed John Paul II. Music during the celebrations shall be provided by the Choir of the Diocese of Rome, with the participation of the Choir of Warsaw and the Wadowice Symphony Orchestra, Poland.
Fr. Lombardi explained that in the evening of Friday 29 April the tomb of the Blessed Pope Innocent XI - currently in the Chapel of St. Sebastian in St. Peter's Basilica - shall be transferred to the Altar of Transfiguration, to make way for the body of John Paul II. That morning, the coffin of John Paul II - which shall not be opened - will be transferred before the tomb of St. Peter, in the Vatican grotto. On the morning of 1 May, it will be brought before the Altar of Confession in the Basilica.
Following the beatification ceremony, the Pope and the concelebrating cardinals will make their way to the Altar of Confession in the Basilica and will pray for a moment before the body of the newly Blessed. From that evening, those who wish to do so may venerate the remains of John Paul II.
Fr. Walter Insero shall present the new project, "Digital Sentinels," recalling the polish Pope's address to the young as "sentinels of the morning" on World Youth Day 2000 in Rome.
Through the already well-known portal "Pope2You," provided by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, it will be possible to send digital postcards with phrases, in several languages, extracted from John Paul II's various addresses to young people. These postcards may be used as invitations to young people to come to Rome to celebrate the beatification of John Paul II. Furthermore, through this portal it will be possible to follow the scheduled celebrations (Vigil, beatification Mass, Mass of thanksgiving).
This initiative, carried out in collaboration with Vatican Radio, the Vatican Television Center and the Office for Social Communications of the Vicariate of Rome, is managed by a group of young volunteers, several seminarians from colleges in Rome who provide translations in various languages, and friends from other continents.
Royal wedding verger cartwheels down Westminster Abbey aisle
Royal Wedding Photo
After the Royal Wedding ceremony ended and the guests had departed, one of the wedding officials performed a cartwheel down the Westminster Abbey aisle - not knowing that television cameras are still rolling, capturing the act.
Check out below the video of the verger expressing his joy over the success of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton:
Noypi's Notes:
Nyahaha... Love it! If I were there I would do it with him, too. The Royal Wedding of the decade was truly successful. Congrats to the newly weds and to everyone who took part in the wedding! :D
Through Proclamation No. 154, President Noynoy Aquino has declared June 20, 2011 a special non-working holiday. This is to allow more Filipinos to commemorate and participate in the activities set on the 150th birth anniversary of the Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal.
Rizal's birthday, June 19 falls on a Sunday this year but the National Historical Commission of the Philippines requested the holiday to be moved on June 20 (Monday).
DECLARING MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2011, AS SPECIAL (NON-WORKING) DAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY
WHEREAS, Sunday, June 19, 2011, marks the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, our national hero;
WHEREAS, to give all Filipinos the opportunity to commemorate Rizal’s patriotic deeds and sacrifices for the country, rekindle their admiration and respect for him, and to celebrate this milestone with appropriate ceremonies, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) requested that Monday, June 20, 2011, be declared as special non-working holiday instead of June 19, 2011, which falls on a Sunday.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Monday, June 20, 2011, as special (non-working) day throughout the country.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.
Done in the City of Manila, this 26th day of April, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eleven.
(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
By the President:
(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA JR.
Executive Secretary
Meanwhile, the descendants of Rizal created a Facebook Fan Page of their grandfather to commemorate his 150th birthday and to reach out to the youth of today. Check info HERE.
Today, April 29, 2011 is the launch in the Philippines of the Apple iPad 2 - which said to be a must-have gadget for 2011. If you have an "Apple Store" account, you probably have received an email saying that you can order the iPad2 online with Free Shipping!
I read Apple's email to me a while ago and tried how to order the iPad 2 online. It's pretty much efficient, eh. You can select which color (either black or white) and type (memory capacity) of iPad 2 you want. You can also also order additional accessories. What's nice is that there is a "free engraving" of words you want to see at the back of your iPad 2. I tried to write my name and address to personalize it and it looked good! Lol. I am not (yet) buying, though. The last part would be adding you card details (Visa or Mastercard) to finally process your order. And I guess, all you need to do afterward is to wait for your iPad to arrive at your doorsteps.
iPad Smart Cover (Polyurethane) = Php 2,290 iPad Smart Cover (Leather) = Php 3,990 Digital AV Adapter = Php 1,890Here
Below are the authorized premium resellers of iPad2 in the Philippines:
Manila:
Digital Hub Robinsons Galleria Digital Hub Robinsons Place Manila Digital Hub Market Market Power Mac Center Greenbelt 3 Power Mac Center Trinoma Power Mac Center Megamall Power Mac Center SM North Edsa Power Mac Center Mall of Asia A Shop Podium A Shop Eastwood Mall iStudio Shangrila Mall iStudio Bonifacio High Street iStudio ADMU Campus Store Switch Alabang Town Center Switch Marquee Mall Switch Ayala TechnoHub
Provinces: PowerHub Chimes Mall Davao iStore Ayala Cebu iStore SM Cebu iStore SM Bacolod iStore SM Dumaguete iStore SM Bacolod
General Electronics Retail Outlets: Accent Micro Festival Mall Accent Micro Alabang Town Center Electroworld Park Square Silicon Valley SM Megamall Silicon Valley SM North Edsa
