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.
The President of the Philippines, Pres. Noynoy Aquino (PNoy) has released his statement on the death of the Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden who was killed in a raid by the US forces in Pakistan on Monday.
PNoy said the terrorist leader's death "represents the end of the efforts of one man to stoke the fires of sectarian hatred and to promote terrorism on a scale unprecedented in the history of mass murder."
However, the President emphasized that we should not be complacent after Bin Laden's death, but "must continue to consistently and courageously raise its collective voice against religious hatred, political intolerance, and terrorism of all kinds."
Here's the full text of PNoy's statement of Osama Bin Laden's death courtesy of the website of government's Official Gazette:
Statement
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
On the death of Osama bin Laden
[May 2, 2011]
The death of Osama bin Laden marks a signal defeat for the forces of extremism and terrorism. It represents the end of the efforts of one man to stoke the fires of sectarian hatred and to promote terrorism on a scale unprecedented in the history of mass murder. Let us not forget that this is not just an achievement for the United States. It has brought justice to over a dozen Filipinos who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 in the World Trade Center.
The death of Osama bin Laden should not lull us into complacency. The world must continue to consistently and courageously raise its collective voice against religious hatred, political intolerance, and terrorism of all kinds. We must remain vigilant and united in pursuing peace, pluralism, and collective efforts at security.
One sword has been beaten down; we must continue to be dedicated to the principle of beating the swords of terrorism into the plowshares of progress and peace.
Together with my national security team, we continue to take all relevant precautions and steps to ensure the safety of our people. We, as a democratic and free people, remain committed to fighting terrorism and are in solidarity with the peoples of the United Nations.
Meanwhile, check out the story of Osama bin Laden's death and the statement made by US President Barack Obama 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.)
Friendster says goodbye? | Friendster newest casualty of Facebook?
Friendster old and new logos courtesy of Friendster.com
No, Friendster will not be shutting down yet.
Friendster, the once most popular social networking site in the country, is to undergo a major reformat! Your photos, blogs, testimonials, messages, shoutouts, groups and other data will be greatly affected since they are going to be deleted by May 31st. So back them up now by exporting them using an application provided by Friendster. (Copy and paste this url to know how to export your files: http://friendster.ehclients.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=199)
Friendster will not anymore be a social networking site. After the new platform will be installed, Friendster will become a site that would said to complement Facebook which has appeared to be the number one social networking site, right now. Friendster will now focus on gaming, music, entertainment and online shopping.
On its help page, Friendster has this announcement:
We are introducing a new and improved Friendster in the coming weeks that will be focused on entertainment and fun. There will be new features that will leverage on your online activities and will enable you to connect with friends or engage new friends with similar interests.
For example, if you are playing games or listening to music but none of your friends are, your social experience may be limited. Our improved site is designed to create new profiles that allow you to connect differently with people and do things differently than other networking sites. Basically, the new site will complement your existing online presence in other social networking sites.
Your Friendster account will not be deleted when these new features and changes take place. You may continue to login to Friendster using your existing login details. Your list of friends will be preserved, along with your basic profile information, wallet and games.
Stay tuned for the new Friendster's Beta version!
Your Friendster account will not be deleted. You will still have the same email login and password in the new Friendster. Also, your list of friends will be preserved, along with your basic profile information. However, all the photos, messages, comments, testimonials, shoutouts, blogs, forums and groups that you may have now will no longer be part of your account by May 31, 2011.
We understand that your photos, blogs and other private data are important to you. An application is available in the “Apps” section of the site, until May 31, 2011, to help you download or export them securely to third party sites, such as Flickr or Multiply.
If you do not wish to keep all this history or information, then you do not need to do anything. Whether you use the Exporter or not, your Friendster account will not be deleted. Your list of friends will be preserved, along with your basic profile information. Your wallet and games details will also remain unchanged.
There are 115 million registered Friendster users, however only 40 million have valid email addresses and fewer are active.
Majority of Friendster users come from the Philippines, the United States, Malaysia, Indonesia and Britain.
Jason Ivler and his mom, Marlene Aguilar-Pollard. This photo is said to have been taken inside Jason's cell| Photo courtesy of Jason Ivler's Facebook Fan Page
Marlene Aguilar-Pollard, the mother of murder suspect Jason Ivler, has been fined P20,000 after having an outburst inside the court and later challenging the judge into a fist fight during the March 23 hearing of her son's case.
Judge Bayani Vargas of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court cited Aguilar-pollard in indirect contempt in an order dated April 15, 2011.
“Marlene Aguilar, for her actuation which was aired in GMA Channel 7 news on March 23, 2011 whereby the presiding judge of this court was challenged to a fist fight coupled with libelous remarks which has the effect of degrading the administration of justice in the trial of her son, Jason Ivler, is hereby adjudged guilty of indirect contempt and ordered to a fine of P20,000," the order reads.
Last March 23, Vargas earned the mother's wrath after the judge rejected the request to have Ivler excused from attending the hearing.
Ivler is the suspect in the murder of Renato Ebarle Jr. who was shot dead on Nov. 18, 2009 in Santolan, Quezon City.
Just last week, Jason Ivler was transferred to the Metro Manila District Jail in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City from the Quezon City Jail after reportedly given special treatment inside the jail.
Meanwhile, here's a "24 Oras" report of the said incident on March 23 courtesy of Youtube/GMA7:
Pope John Paul II Beatification: Filipino choir chosen to sing during the occasion
Karilagan Singers to sing during the beatification of Pope John Paul II
A group of Filipino choir singers has been chosen to sing in the opening ceremony of Pope John Paul II's beatification.
The beatification of the 'Pilgrim Pope' will be celebrated for 3 days. A day before the actual date, Rome-based Karilagan Singers will be singing 2 songs (Filipino compositions, "Aba Ginoong Maria" and "One More Gift") on April 30. The group is one of the two who were selected to sing during the event - the other one is a Polish Choir.
Pope John Paul II is close to the Filipinos while he was serving as Pope. He visited the Philippines twice and beatified 2 Filipinos, Pedro Calungsod and Lorenzo Ruiz who later canonized as saint by the Pope.
RH Bill finds support from Iglesia Ni Cristo and other religious groups
Iglesia ni Cristo supports RH Bill | Photo courtesy of qoutednews
Influential religious sect Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) has expressed its support for the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill.
According to the letter of Eduardo Manalo, INC executive minister to the committee on population and family relations, “Since modern methods of contraception, by preventing married couples from having any unplanned pregnancies, assist in supporting the Christian principle, we support their use as long as these methods are empirically not abortifacient.”
The group is also against the idea of natural family planning, calling it "unnatural, ineffective and immoral."
“These so-called birth control methods depend upon abstinence on the part of the married couple when the woman is fertile but allows marital relations only when she is not.These methods are not only unnatural and ineffective but they are also immoral, since they contradict the commandments that God has given to married couples,” Manolo added.
The letter further stated that “the Bible instructs married couples not to deprive one another of intimate marital relations for long, extended periods of time; further, any abstinence at all for a married couple is supposed to be with mutual consent of husband and wife and not for purpose of preventing pregnancy.”
Iglesia Ni Cristo has around 6 million members.
Meanwhile, here are the list of the other faith-based groups which are supporting the RH Bill as well. These were enumerated by Bishop Rodrigo Tano, chairman of the Interfaith Partnership for the Promotion of Responsible Parenthoood (IPPRP), to GMANews.tv:
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines;
United Church of Christ of the Philippines;
Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches;
United Methodist Church;
Philippines for Jesus Movement;
Iglesia Filipino Independiente;
Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines;
Seventh-Day Adventist;
Salvation Army;
Catholics for Reproductive Health, and
Episcopal Church of the Philippines.
Below are the said letters of Manalo courtesy of redmeinc (blogspot):
Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2 Top 36 Semifinalists bared! List of Pilipinas Got Talent 2 or PGT 2 Semifinalists
Pilipinas Got Talent 2 | Photo Coutesy of ABS-CBN
"Pilipinas Got Talent" Season 2, an ABS-CBN's talent search franchise, is about to get more exciting after the judges selected the 36 semi-finalists during last night's episode of the show.
Has your favorite contestant made it? Find out.
Here is the complete list of the 36 "Pilipinas Got Talent" 2 or the PGT 2 Semi-finalists in alphabetical order:
Ainah Frez Angel Calalas B4 (Baguio Boom Boom Boys) Bourbon Duo Brian Brady Buildex Pagales Collins Gutierrez Dance Selection DJP Trio Fernan Santuyo (Madonna Pianista) Filogram First Beat Effect Freestylers Genevieve Arandia Happy Feet Jacqueline Schubert Jeremie Tampoy John Emmanuel Cubil John Michael Narag Joy’s Diva Kapidamu Band Karinyoso Boys Kenny Padalla Larvae Leoniel Enopia and Elizabeth Dazo Light Gauge Acoustic Madrigal Siblings Marcelito Po Moy Maribeth Callanta Next Generation Band Rafael Pavia Rico the Magician Skeights Suwahib Samplidan Virgilio Del Carmen Zaldy Carlos
Starting next Saturday, the 36 contestants will compete for a slot in the finals at the PAGCOR Grand Theater in Casino Filipino, Parañaque City.
'Willing Willie' , still off-air this week | 'Willing Willie' makeover, underway
The controversial host of Willing Willie, Willie Revillame previously announced that his show will be back in airing episodes on television after a self-imposed 2-week break following the pulling out of ads of its sponsors due to the alleged child abuse on its March 12 episode. However, fans have to wait longer since the break apparently has been extended.
"Willing Willie" Logo and Photo of Shalani Soleda courtesy of TV5
The 2-week hiatus has passed but "Willing Willie" will not air tonight, according to recent reports. There is also no official and definite word yet on when 'Willing Willie' will return on television.
In a recent interview of Willie Revillame's co-host Shalani Soledad though, she said that they will be back soon. She added that their set has undergone a make over as well.
“Sa mga milyong-milyon na naga-abang kung kelan po babalik ang ‘Willing Willie,’ malapit na po. And of course, marami ang ginagawa, marami kaming ini-improve sa show para pag-balik natin mas lalo pang mag-enjoy ang ating mga [manonood],” Soledad announced on "Paparazzi", yesterday.
“Meron na tayong bagong flooring, which we are very proud [of]. This is the first LED flooring sa buong Pilipinas. So abangan niyo po ‘yan,” she added.
Meanwhile, here's a Noypistuff poll started a couple of weeks ago. The number of votes is nearing 5,000. You can still cast yours though since Noypistuff has extended it for another week.
With the recent turn out of events, Willie Revillame has announced that his show "Willing Willie" will be off air for two weeks or until he makes up his mind of continuing the show without the sponsors.
What do you think, guys? Should "Willing Willie" go on air once again? Or is it better for TV5 not to have the show anymore?
Poll: ''Willing Willie", to return or not to return? Cast your votes!
Background
The controversial March 12 episode of "Willing Willie" where a 6-year old boy named JanJan Suan did a macho dancing act as his talent in a segment of the show, has been found to constitute child abuse by some government agencies.
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board is currently investigating on the matter. Meanwhile, the show's sponsors have pulled out their ads on the show.
American Idol bids farewell to Stefano Langone | Who's next?
"American Idol 10" viewers once again voted off another male!
Stefano Langone, American Idol 10 contestant | Photo courtesy of Google Images
Said to have been over-exposed, Stefano Langone, 22, is the second male to be eliminated from the competition since the Final 13 started performing. He is the third male to be voted off and second male to be sent home - Casey Abrams was saved by the judges in one elimination episode. For the first 4 elimination episodes, 5 girls already left the competition.
So who's going home next?
Here's Noypi's prediction of the 'bottom 3' for next week.
Hailey Reinhart, Jacob Lust and Casey Abrams.
Hailey Reinhart and Jacob Lust have been in the 'bottom three' for more than once. Casey Abrams, on the other hand, got the least number of votes once but was saved by the judges.
With this history, I think one of them is finally going home next week. :D
By the way, The "American Idol 10" finale will be on May 24 and 25.
'Biyernes Santo', 'Seven Last Words' covered on TV | ABS-CBN, GMA-7 Holy Week TV Program Schedule
As per tradition, some of the Holy Week activities of Filipino Christians are being covered by the two biggest TV networks in the country, GMA-7 and ABS-CBN. For today, which is Biyernes Santo or Good Friday, the 'Seven Last Words' or 'Siete Palabras' is the most anticipated of them where Catholics and Christians alike get to contemplate on the last words uttered by Jesus during his crucifixion.
At 10:30 a.m., Korina Sanchez' "Rated K: Siete Palabras" episode will be aired on ABS-CBN. The "Seven Last Words" mass will also be telecast at 12noon.
GMA-7 will also air the "Siete Palabras" live at the Sto. Domingo Church at noontime.
Here's ABS-CBN's Good Friday and Black Saturday TV Program Schedule:
April 22, 2011 (Good Friday)
9:00-10:30am Marcelino Pan Y Vino 10:30-11:15am Rated K: Siete Palabras 11:15-12:00pm Dokyu: Krus 12:00-3:00pm Seven Last Word 3:00-4:00pm Veneration of the Cross 4:00-6:00pm Liwanag Sa Dilim 6:00-7:00pm Krusada: Pabahay 7:00-8:30pm Mula Sa Puso Marathon 8:30-10:00pm Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin Marathon 10:00-11:00pm MMK: Sulo 11:00-onwards Charity Man Part 2
April 23, 2011 (Black Saturday)
9:00-10:30am Marcelino Pan Y Vino 10:30-11:15am Rated K: Kapag Langit Ang Pumatol 11:15-12:00pm Patrol ng Pilipino: Birhen Maria sa Mata ng Pilipino 12:00-4:00pm My Princess Marathon 4:00-5:00pm Jesus in the Heart of Mary Part 2 5:00-6:00pm Pope of the People 6:00-6:30pm Matanglawin: Science of Crucifiction 6:30-7:00pm TV Patrol 7:00-8:30pm Mula Sa Puso Marathon 8:30-10:00pm Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin Marathon 10:00-onwards Easter Vigil
Meanwhile, check out GMA-7's TV Program Schedule for the remaining days of the Holy Week:
April 22, Good Friday
8:30am - GMA Astig Authority 10:30am - Moments of Love (starring Dingdong Dantes and Iza Calzado) 12:00nn - Siete Palabras (live at the Sto. Domingo Church) 3;00pm - Till I Met U (starring Robin Padilla and Regine Velasquez) 5:00pm - Tanikala: Ang Lihim ng Ikatlong Aklat: Wasak (starring Icko Gonzalez) 6:00pm - Wish Ko Lang 6:30pm - Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho - Medical Studies 7:00pm - WorkingGirls (2010 remake) 9:00pm - My Bestfriend's Girlfriend (starring Richard Gutierrez and Marian Rivera) 11:00pm - Reporter's Notebook - Kalbaryo ng mga OFWs 11:30PM - Born to Be Wild - Biggest Fish
April 23, Black Saturday
8:30am - GMA Astig Authority 10:30am - Mulawin: The Movie (starring Richard Gutierrez and Angel Locsin) 12:30pm - Sundo (starring Robin Padilla) 2:00pm - Ouija (starring Judy Ann Santos and Jolina Magdangal) 3:30pm - When I Met U (starring Richard Gutierrez and KC Concepcion) 5:00pm - Tanikala: Ang Lihim ng Ikatlong Aklat: Panata (starring Miriam Quiambao) 6:00pm - Wish Ko Lang: Pangarap Tour in Visayas (with Elizabeth Oropesa) 7:00pm - Maestra: An APT Entertainment Drama (starring Agot Isidro and Dennis Trillo) 9:00pm - Ang Panday (starring Bong Revilla) 11:00pm - Born to be Wild Special 11:30pm - I-Witness: Special Childs 12:00mn - Way of the Cross (via satellite from)
An earthquake which registered a Richter Scale reading of magnitude 4.6 jolted Mindanao, Philippines, today (April 21, 2011), according to the US Geological Survey.
At 06:53:08 PM (Philippine Time), the quake struck the epicenter which is 127 km (78 miles) East of Butuan.
The red dot on the graph locates the epicenter of the 10PM Surigao Earthquake on April 21, 2011| Courtesy of Phivolcs
On the bulletin of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), a 3.8 magnitude temblor was reported which hit 130 km SE of Tandag, Surigao del Sur at 6:53 PM.
Update:
Another tremor was felt at 10:20 PM which measures at magnitude 4.0, said Phivolcs. Its epicenter is 123 km SE of Tandag, Surigao del Sur. It has a depth of 33 k.m. and is of tectonic origin.
The Institute does not expect aftershocks nor tsunami from the quake.
There were no immediate reports of damage from the quakes.
A sermon of a Baguio Cathedral priest rather went controversial when he threw a remark on Reproductive Health (RH) Bill supporter, former Akbayan party-list Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel.
A screen capture of Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel's RH Bill Video
"Ang ganda-gandang babae niya...pero ang pangit-pangit ng stand niya, Risa Hontiveros," the priest reportedly said during a mass.
A few moments later, he ordered the church-goers to stop hearing the mass and leave if they support the RH Bill.
"Kung meron nakikimisa dito pero pro-RH bill… Please, go out. It's useless," the priest said.
"What is this mass for if you are pro-RH bill? What is going to Church for if you're pro-RH bill?," he added.
In an interview by ABS-CBN, the ex-representative said she was shocked by the statements of the priest.
“Nakaka-shock, nakakalungkot, nakakagalit. Can’t they let people worship in peace? Mahal na araw pa naman ngayon."
“Don't use the pulpit, which belongs to all the lay people, as attack vantage point,” Hontiveros-Baraquel told ABS-CBN.
Recent reports say the priest has apologized to the former legislature but he was firm in stand to send RH bill supporters out of church.
Here's a related video on Youtube, courtesy of "PINASISM6":
Yesterday's Fire incident at Guadalupe caused at least 3,000 families to lose their homes, reports ABS-CBN.
The fire broke out at noontime on Tuesday where it reached general alarm in a matter of 20 minutes. It was caused by an unattended rice cooker and personal computer, according to investigators.
Firefighters from across Metro Manila were called to stop the blaze from eating more houses. They had a hard time controlling the fire though, due to the narrow passageways in the area.
It took the fire marshals 3 hours to control the fire which caused LPG to explode and damaged billboard ads.
There were 2 reported injuries from the blaze but no casualties.
The San Carlos seminary, the Nuestra Señora de Gracia parish church, and nearby gymnasiums and public schools have served temporary shelter for the fire victims.
Courtesy of "mauchinita" of Youtube take a close look on the Guadalupe Fire on April 19, 2011:
Black Saturday Holiday declared | Proclaimation No. 150 Full Text
As reported here on Noypistuff just a few minutes when the Government's Official Gazette announced it, Black Saturday (April 23, 2011) was declared a special non-working holiday throughout the country after the President signed Proclamation No. 150. I found the full text of the Proclamation and I thought of posting it below since it contains the reasons of the declaration of the holiday. :D
Black Saturday Holiday declared | Photo of PNoy taken in a different event (not the Black Saturday Holiday declaration) courtesy of Google Images :D
Malacanan Palace Manila
By the President of the Philippines
Proclamation No. 150
Declaring Saturday, April 23, 2011, as a Special (Non-Working) Day Throughout the Country
WHEREAS, Saturday, April 23, 2011 falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday;
WHEREAS, Black Saturday, falling between Good Friday and Easter Sunday has been traditionally declared a special (non-working) day throughout the country;
WHEREAS, the observance of Holy Week is one of our people's most cherished traditions;
WHEREAS, our people must be given the full and uninterrupted opportunity to ponder on the significance of the Holy Week and to properly observe its traditions with religious fervor, without prejudice to public interest.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declared Saturday, April 23, 2011, as a special (non-working) day throughout the country.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused teh seal of the Republic of the Philippines.
Done in the City of Manila, this 18th day of April, in the year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Eleven.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded today a total of 21 volcanic earthquakes around Taal Volcano - 11 more quakes than that of the previous day's data. Alert Level II is still not lifted due to the increased activities of the Volcano.
Taal Volcano | Photo courtesy viamigo.com
Here's Phivolcs bulletin on Taal Volcano posted on April 18, 2011:
Twenty one (21) volcanic earthquakes were recorded by the seismic network around Taal Volcano (14.0000°N, 120.9833°E) during the past 24 hours. One (1) of these events which occurred at 10:06 A.M. yesterday was felt by residents at Intensity II in Brgy. Calauit. Water temperature at the Main Crater Lake (west-side via Alas-as) slightly increased from 29.8°C to 30.1°C. Gas measurements conducted at Taal Main Crater Lake last January, February and March 2011 yielded carbon dioxide (CO2) emission values of 2,250 tonnes per day (t/d), 1,875 t/d and 4,670 t/d respectively. This large rise in C02 concentration indicates gas release from the magma at depth.Result of the ground deformation survey (precise leveling) conducted around the Volcano Island last 05-11 April 2011 showed that volcano edifice is slightly inflated as compared with the 02-09 February 2011 survey.
Alert Level 2 is hoisted over Taal Volcano with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, as manifested by CO2 being released in the Main Crater Lake and increase in seismic activity. Hence, PHIVOLCS advises the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro (1965 -1977 Eruption Site) are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. Breathing air with high concentration of gases can be lethal to human, animals and even cause damage to vegetation. In addition, it is reminded that entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately relayed to all concerned.
Regine Velasquez' pregnancy confirmed | Photo courtesy of Google Images
On yesterday's episode of "Party Pilipinas", Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez has finally admitted that she is having a baby.
"Alam kong marami na kayong naririnig pero syempre maganda rin na sa amin mismo manggaling kung ano talaga ang nangyayari. Totoo po na Ogie and I are going to have a baby," Regine said via a video message.
Regine also apologized for not saying a word about her pregnancy immediately.
"Pasensya na po kayo at hindi po namin agad sinabi. Hindi naman sa nililihim namin. But I was always getting sick, kaya minabuti namin na wag na muna magsalita para maayos ko muna yung sarili ko at yung ibang bagay na kailangan naming ayusin," Regine said.
"Pero ngayon po, clear na naman lahat at siguradong sigurado na rin po kami na it's true, we're going to have a baby, and it's a happy birthday gift for me," the singer-actress added.
According to the Goverment's Official Gazette's post on Twitter, the President has just signed Proclamation No. 150, today, declaring the Black Saturday, April 23, 2011 as a holiday - a special non-working day.
The announcement reads, "Saturday, April 23, 2011 has been declared a special (nonworking) day nationwide as per Proclamation No. 150, signed today."
The family of the late young actor AJ Perez has decided to donate the cornea of the actor's eyes to blind singer Fatima Soriano who is also known as the "Miracle Kid".
Fatima Soriano | Photo courtesy of TFC
Fatima Soriano was recently featured on Boy Abunda's "The Bottomline". Her life story has also been shown on "Maala Mo Kaya."
Know more about Fatima Soriano through this biography posted on her website, fatimasoriano.com:
Fatima Soriano
Ma. Fatima Victa Soriano, a little angel was born on June 12, 1993, and was named after our Virgin Mary of Fatima. She resides Tabon 3, Kawit, Cavite but now migrated to Union City, USA with her family. She was born blind and was diagnosed with kidney failure, end-stage and used to have dialysis every four hours, five times a day for ten months.
It was on July, 2003 when she called up in a radio program of Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, in ZNN Veritas, thereby started touching inspiring lives of people. Since then, the public had known her to be "Fatima, the little angel." Her enriching life was featured in "Maalala Mo Kaya!" Likewise, she appeared in number of television shows and TV Masses.
With God's grace, she has had a successful kidney transplant last February 28, 2004. Fatima, through her words, and now through her songs reminds us to be hopeful and to be joyful inspite of sufferings. She also reminds us to go back to our hearts, to go back to the Lord and to the Blessed Mother and find peace, and become instruments of peace.
Last year, Fatima's family decided to migrate to Union City USA, continuing to share inspirations, telling us that with God nothing is impossible if we only trust Him, and reminding us not to lose hope... as she always says... "Habang may buhay may pag-asa."
At present, her family is back here in the Philippines. Fatima Soriano recorded her latest album and was launched at her concert last October 10, 2009 at Meralco Theater, Pasig City. The concert was entitled, "A New Beginning" Fatima Soriano and The Oasis of Love Praise Ministry with speciali guests Christopher De Leon, Giselle Sanchez, Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, Fr. Erick Santos, Bro. Jun "Dr Love" Banaag, OP., Prayboyz and K5, directed by Adrian Panganiban. Her album "Journey to the Heart" is now available in selected record stores nationwide in record selling websites.
Latest reports say Soriano still has to check with her doctors. She said she had received the same offers before but her doctors disapproved the idea based on the past tests done to her.
“Kasi ‘yung problem is ‘yung retina ko and sa past studies, may takot sila na baka ‘pag ginalaw mas lalong lumala 'yung mata ko over all,” Soriano told the Manila Bulletin.
Justin Bieber's Manila Concert next month will be opened by the Asian-American all-male dance crew, Poreotics who were declared champions in the 5th Season of "America's Best Dance Crew", last year - the same talent search that Jabbawockeez won.
Poreotics, front act of Justin Bieber's My World Tour Concert in Manila
Poreotics is composed of 6 members, 3 of whom are Filipinos namely Justin Valles (Jet Li), Lawrence Devera (Law), and Chad Mayate. The other 3 are Vietnamese: Matt Nguyen (Dumbo), Can Nguyen, and Charles Nguyen.
The crew was featured on Justin Bieber and Usher's "Somebody to Love" music video. They are also the "dancing monkeys" on the recently released music video of Bruno Mars' "The Lazy Song".
You can meet the Poreotics in their series of show in the following dates and venues: May 6 at SM Megamall, May 7 at SM North EDSA, and May 8 at SM Mall of Asia.
Justin Bieber's "My World Tour" Manila Concert will be held at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on May 10 at 8 p.m.
Osama bin Laden | Photo courtesy of telegraph.co.uk
