Osama bin Laden's remains buried at sea - AP

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, dead | President Obama issues statement

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:

JOIN THE LIVE CHAT

VISIT WHITEHOUSE.GOV

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.)

Pope John Paul II Beatification Live Stream | Watch Pope John Paul Beatification Online

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's success makes a verger to cartwheel down the Westminster Abbey aisle (Video)

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

Video courtesy of "Telegraphtv" of Youtube.

June 20 Holiday declared | Rizal Day 2011 Holiday moved to June 20

Rizal Day 2011 Holiday | Photo courtesy of Vibal Foundation

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 to June 20, Monday.

Here's the full text of the Proclamation courtesy of the Government's Official Gazette:

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 150^th 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 26^th 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.

iPad 2 arrives in the Philippines | iPad 2 Prices in the Philippines

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 iTunes 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.

Here are the iPad 2 Prices in the Philippines:

iPad 16 GB WiFi = Php 23,990
iPad 32 GB WiFi = Php 28,990
iPad 64 GB WiFi = Php 33,990
iPad 16 GB WiFi 3G = Php 30,990
iPad 32 GB WiFi 3G = Php 35,990
iPad 64 GB WiFi 3G = Php 40,990

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

Prince William and Kate Middleton Wedding Online Live Stream 2

Prince William and Kate Middleton photo courtesy of Google Images

Just in case the other "Royal Wedding" Live Stream Videos won't work, here's another live webcast of the wedding courtesy of livestream.com.

Prince William and Kate Middleton "Royal Wedding" Live Streaming

Watch live streaming video from royalwedding at livestream.com

Here is a full schedule of the Royal Wedding (Courtesy of Yahoo! News):

8.15 a.m. London time (12.15 a.m. PT/3.15 a.m. ET) - According to royal officials, the general congregation will arrive at Westminster Abbey between 8.15 a.m. and 9.45 a.m.

9.50 a.m. London time (1.50 a.m. PT/4.50 a.m. ET) Governors-General and Prime Ministers of Realm Countries, the Diplomatic Corps, and other distinguished guests arrive at the Abbey.

10.10 a.m. London time (2.10 a.m. PT/5.10 a.m. ET) Prince William and Prince Harry leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.15 a.m.

10.20 a.m. London time (2.20 p.m. PT/5.20 p.m. ET) Carole Middleton and Kate's younger brother James leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.27 a.m.

10.35 a.m. London time (2.35 a.m. PT/5.35 a.m. ET) The following members of the royal family leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey: Princess Anne and Vice-Admiral Timothy Laurence; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice; Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.40 a.m.

10.38 a.m. London time (2.38 a.m. PT/5.38 a.m. ET) Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall leave Clarence House for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.42 a.m.

10.40 a.m. London time (2.40 a.m. PT/5.40 a.m. ET) The Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh leave Buckingham Palace for Westminster Abbey. Let's hope the queen doesn't sleep through her alarm.

10.48 a.m. London time (2.48 a.m. PT/5.48 a.m. ET) The bridesmaids and pages leave the Goring Hotel for Westminster Abbey. They arrive at the Abbey at 10.55 a.m.

10:51 a.m. London time (2:51 a.m. PT/5:51 a.m. ET) - Kate and her father Mike Middleton will depart the Goring Hotel via car, a somewhat controversial decision as it is the first time since 1963 that a royal bride has not arrived at the church by horse-drawn carriage. Their car will travel along The Mall, passing by Clarence House, Whitehall, and Parliament Square before arriving at the Abbey.

11 a.m. London time (3 a.m. PT/6 a.m. ET) - The service begins at 11:00 a.m. sharp, so turn off your cell phones and throw some butter on your popcorn. While the Dean ofWestminster will conduct the church service, William and Kate will actually be married by Rowan Douglas Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury. The marriage service will be relayed by audio speakers along the procession route.

12.15 p.m. London time (4.15 a.m. PT/7.15 a.m. ET) - Following the ceremony, Prince William and Princess Catherine, now husband and wife, will return to Buckingham Palace in a procession of horse-drawn coaches (with the newlyweds in the 1902 State Landau carriage), passing by the thousands of well-wishers who will be lining the streets.

12.30 p.m. London time (4:30 a.m. PT/7:30 a.m. ET) - Once back at the Palace, the newlyweds will be met by the queen and enjoy a swanky champagne reception.

1.25 p.m. London time (5.25 a.m. PT/8.25 a.m. ET) - The couple and their families will take a moment to appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Chances are William and Kate will share a kiss for the crowds and cameras.

1.30 p.m. London time (5.30 a.m. PT/8.30 a.m. ET) - The royals watch a flypast by the Royal Air Force and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight before returning inside for the queen's reception.

7 p.m. London time (11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET) - Following that epic soiree, the Prince of Wales (William's father, Charles) will host a private dinner and dance, also at Buckingham Palace. This event will be for just the bride and groom's closest friends and family. If ever there was an opportunity for the Queen to bust out the Electric Slide, this will be it.

Sharon Cuneta's new 'Lucky Me Spicy Hot Beef Mami' Commercial

Nyahahahhaa... Just saw this commercial.... A major major laugh trip, indeed! Ibang klase si Mega! PangBest Actress! Meron bang acting awards sa mga TVC awards? Hehe..

Check out Sharon Cuneta's hottest noodle TV commercial! :D (May bayad kaya ako nito? Free advertising to ah! Lol)

May 2, 2011, a holiday in the Philippines? | Labor Day Holiday on May 2?

Many people have been asking whether May 2, 2011 will be set as a holiday in the Philippines.

Labor Day 2011 | Photo courtesy of Google Images

The previous administration had this policy of moving holidays to another date close to a weekend so that workers could "spend more days with their families" and "to strengthen the Philippine economy by promoting domestic travel and tourism". Since Labor Day 2011 falls on a Sunday, many are wondering whether the holiday is going to be moved on Monday, May 2, 2o11.

The answer would be, "No". The so called "holiday economics" had been junked by PNoy through the Proclamation No. 84 which mandates that "all holidays be observed on the day they actually fall instead of being moved to the nearest Monday for longer weekends as was the practice under the Arroyo administration."

On an ABS-CBN report, Malacañang spokesman Edwin Lacierda also said May 1, which falls on a Sunday, is the regular holiday for Labor Day - not May 2.

Sorry then to those who are hoping. But don't worry May 1, 2012 will be a Tuesday. Lol. :D

Friendster closing down?

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.

2011 PMPC Star Awards for Movies Nominees bared!

The list of nominees of the 27th Star Awards for Movies (2011) has been released by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), today. The awarding ceremony is scheduled on June 17, 2011 (the venue is yet to be disclosed).

Find out if your favorite movie, actors and actresses made it to this year's list of nominees.

Here's the 2011 PMPC Star Awards for Movies nominees:

Movie of the Year
Emir (Film Development Council of the Philippines)
Here Comes The Bride (Star Cinema/Quantum Films/OctoArts Films)
Rosario (Cinemabuhay International/Studio5)
Sa 'Yo Lamang (Star Cinema)
Shake, Rattle & Roll 12 "Punerarya" (Regal Entertainment, Inc.)
Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na 'To (Star Cinema)

Digital Movie of the Year
Donor (Spark Films)
Mayohan (Cinemalaya Foundation Inc./Alpha Dog Productions)
Muli (MJM Peoductions)
Senior Year (Digitang Studios/Metric Films)
Sigwa (Beginnings Twenty Plus Production/Sineng Totoo Production/Star Express)
Tarima (Bluegold Productions)
The Red Shoes (Unitel Productions/Unico Entertainment)

Movie Actress of the Year
Bea Alonzo (Sa 'Yo Lamang)
Anne Curtis (In Your Eyes)
Ai-Ai delas Alas (Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na 'To)
Angelica Panganiban (Here Comes The Bride)
Lovi Poe (Mayohan)
Lorna Tolentino (Sa 'Yo Lamang)
Dawn Zulueta (Sigwa)

Movie Actor of the Year
Joh Lloyd Cruz (Miss You Like Crazy)
Christopher de Leon (Sa 'Yo Lamang)
Baron Geisler (Donor)
Coco Martin (Noy)
Yul Servo (Rosario)
Fanny Serrano (Tarima)

Movie Director of the Year
Wenn Deramas (Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na 'To)
Laurice Guillen (Sa 'Yo Lamang)
Alberto Martinez (Rosario)
Chris Martinez (Here Comes The Bride)
Chito Rono (Emir)
Jerrold Tarrog (Shake, Rattle & Roll 12 "Punerarya")

Digital Movie Director of the Year
Adolf Alix (Muli)
Joel Lamangan (Sigwa)
Mark Meily (Donor)
Dan Villegas (Mayohan)
Neal Tan (Tarima)
Jerrold Tarrog (Senior Year)
Raul Jorolan (The Red Shoes)

Movie Supporting Actress of the Year
Gina Alajar (Sigwa)
Rustica Carpio (Tarima)
Eugene Domingo (Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na 'To)
Dulce (Emir)
Zsa Zsa Padilla (Sigwa)
Gloria Romero (Tarima)

Movie Supporting Actor of the Year
Tirso Cruz III (Sigwa)
Enchong Dee (Sa 'Yo Lamang)
Allen Dizon (Sigwa)
Emilio Garcia (Rekrut)
Sid Lucero (Rosario)
Coco Martin (Sa 'Yo Lamang)

Movie Child Performer of the Year
Nash Aguas (Shake, Rattle & Roll 12 "Punerarya")
Elijah Alejo (Shake, Rattle & Roll 12 "Manyika")
Mahdi Yazdian Barjani (Emir)
Abby Bautista (Petrang Kabayo)
Timothy Chan (Here Comes The Bride)
Xyriel Manabat (Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na 'To)
Jillian Ward (Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote)

New Movie Actress of the Year
Carla Abellana (Shake, Rattle & Roll 12 "Punerarya")
Melai Cantiveros (I Do)
Frencheska Farr (Emir)
Sam Pinto (Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote)
Gwen Zamora (Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote)

New Movie Actor of the Year
Sam Concepcion (Cinco "Braso")
Martin del Rosario (Dagim)
Robi Domingo (Cinco "Braso")
Mohammed Ibrahim (Happy Land)
Xian Lim (Two Funerals)
Tom Rodriguez (Here Comes The Bride)
Rocky Salumbides (Tarima)

Movie Original Screenplay of the Year
Aloy Adlawan and Onay Sales (Shake, Rattle & Roll 12 "Punerarya")
Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario (Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na 'To)
Elmer Gatchalian (Rosario)
Jerry Gracio (Emir)
Ricardo Lee, Karen Ramos, Ralph Jacinto Quiblat (Sa 'Yo Lamang)
Chris Martinez (Here Comes the Bride)

Digital Movie Screenplay of the Year
Bonifacio Ilagan Jr. (Sigwa)
James Ladioray (The Red Shoes)
Jerry Gracio (Muli)
Mark Meily (Donor)
Paul Sta. Ana (Mayohan)
Neal Tan (Tarima)
Jerrold Tarog (Senior Year)

Movie Editor of the Year
Marya Ignacio (Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na 'To)
Efren Jarlego (Sa 'Yo Lamang)
Ike Veneracion (Here Comes the Bride)
Jerrold Tarrog (Emir)
John Anthony L. Wong (Rosario)
Tara Illenberger (I'll Be There)

Digital Movie Editor of the Year
Edesel Abesamis, Maui Mauricio, and Mai Dionisio (Happy Land)
Bebs Gothia (Sigwa)
Rocky Kho (Tarima)
Neil Sayno, Mark Pandy, and Mark Meily (Donor)
Jerrold Tarrog (Senior Year)
Jesson Yap (Mayohan)

Movie Production Designer of the Year
Jesse Bueno and Ruben Arthur Nicdao (Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote)
Adelina Leung (Here Comes The Bride)
Joey Luna and Miki Hahn (Rosario)
Edgar Martin Littaua (Sa 'Yo Lamang)
Benjamin Padero (Shake, Rattle & Roll 12 "Punerarya")
Digo Ricio (Emir)

Digital Movie Production Designer of the Year
Adolfo Alix Jr. (Muli)
Bella Herrero (Ang Paglilitis Kay Andres Bonifacio)
Edgar Martin Littaua (Sigwa)
Benjamin Padero (Senior Year)
Aped Santos (Donor)
Adrian Torres (Ishmael)

Movie Cinematographer of the Year
Rodolfo Aves Jr (Here Comes The Bride)
Lee Briones Meily (Sa 'Yo Lamang)
Neil Daza (Emir)
Mackie Galvez (Shake, Rattle & Roll 12 "Punerarya")
Carlo Mendoza (Rosario)
Manuel Teehankee (Miss You Like Crazy)

Digital Movie Cinematographer of the Year
Jay Abello (Donor)
Ike avellana (The Red Shoes)
Albert Banzon (Muli)
Arvin Bustos (Tarima)
Monino S. Duque (Sigwa) ;
Dan Villegas (Mayohan)

Movie Musical Scorer of the Year
Albert Chang (Rosario)
Von de Guzman (Sa 'Yo Lamang)
Jessie Lasaten (Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na 'To)
Jessie Lasaten (Miss You Like Crazy)
Jesse Lucas (I'll Be There)
Josefino Chino Toledo (Emir)

Digital Movie Musical Scorer of the Year
Sherwyn Castillo (Tarima)
Jessie Lasaten (The Red Shoes)
Lucien Letaba (Sigwa)
Mark Meily (Donor)
Jerrold Tarog (Senior Year)
Emerzon Texon (Mayohan)

Movie Sound Engineer of the Year
Albert Michael Idioma (Dalaw)
Albert Michael Idioma (Sa 'Yo Lamang)
Mike Idioma (Emir)
Albert Michael Idioma (Here Comes the Bride)
Warren Santiago (Rosario)
Jerrold Tarog (Shake, Rattle & Roll 12 "Punerarya")

Digital Movie Sound Engineer of the Year
Ditoy Aguila (Ishmael)
Albert Michael Idioma (Donor)
Emmanuel Nolet Clemente (The Red Shoes)
Alfredo "Dodoy" Ongleo (Sigwa)
Jerrold Tarog (Senior Year)
Junel Valencia, Mark Locsin, and Ditoy Aguila (Muli)

Movie Original Theme Song of the Year
"Bakit Ako Naririto?" (Emir) - Composed by Gary Granada, Interpreted by Frencheska Farr
"Kabayozong" (Petrang Kabayo) - Composed by Edwin Marollano, Interpreted by Vice Ganda
"Super Inday" (Super Inday and the Golden Bibe) - Composed by Robert Javier, Interpreted by Jacq Dionisio

Digital Movie Original Theme Song of the Year
"Bawat Hakbang" (The Red Shoes) - Composed by Divine Gil Reyes and Dan Gil, Interpreted by Nikki Gil
"Hiwaga" (Mayohan) - Composed by Paul Yap, Interpreted by Up Dharma Down
"Kahapon" (Senior Year) - Composed and interpreted by Johnny Danao
"Lukso ng Dugo" (Sigwa) - Composed by Bonifacio Ilagan Jr., Interpreted by Ayen Laurel and Dessa Ilagan
"Muli" (Muli) - Composed by Jimmy Antiporda, Dingdong Avanzado and Noel Ferrer, Interpreted by Dingdong Avanzado
"Napapagod Din Ang puso" (Tarima) - Composed by Sherwyn Castillo, Interpreted by MJ Ringo

Labor Day 2011 jobs fairs to be conducted by DOLE nationwide

On Labor Day (May 1, 2011), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will be conducting mega-job fairs in strategic locations nationwide to help those who are unemployed.

Labor Day Job Fair 2011 | Photo courtesy of Google Images

The Labor Day job fairs will be held in SM malls and convention centers like the SM Baliwag in Bulacan, SM San Fernando in Pampanga, the Baguio Convention Center, SM in Naga, SM Bacolod and Iloilo, the Tacloban Convention Center, the Zamboanga WMSU Gym, SM Davao, the Cebu International Convention Center, and SM Cagayan De Oro.

It is going to be "BIG", indeed, since according to DOLE, there will be around 830,000 jobs offered by 14 government agencies and almost 1 million openings for jobs abroad.

Top Philippine Universities 2011

According to The QS World University Rankings, the following are the rankings of universities and colleges in the Philippines in 2010/2011:

Rank (Ph) Rank (Asia) Name of School



1 58 Ateneo de Manila University



2 78 University of the Philippines



3 101 University of Santo Tomas



4 106 De La Salle University



5 201 *Mindanao State University



5 201 Xavier University



5 201 Polytechnic University of the Philippines



5 201 Silliman University



5 201 Father Saturnino Urios College



5 201 Mapua Institute of Technology



5 201 *Ateneo de Davao University



5 201 Saint Louis University



5 201 Central Mindanao University



5 201 University of San Carlos



5 201 University of Southeastern Philippines

*Mindanao State University and Ateneo de Davao appeared twice on the rankings.



**The list was actually taken from the Top 200 Universities list of The QS World University Rankings which scored the school using the following methologies/criteria: ***Institution Inclusion, International reputation, Academic Reputation Index, Employer Reputation, Data Indicators, Standardization, Weightings and Aggregation,QS Classifications, and QS SAFE.



Meanwhile, here is another list from a website which did not say how it arrived with the rankings or where it was taken:

World Rank Name Country Rank

976 University of the Philippines Diliman 1

1686 De la Salle University Manila 2

2282 University of the Philippines Los Baños 3

2339 Ateneo de Manila University 4

3552 Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan 5

3801 University of Santo Tomas 6

4056 University of the Philippines 7

4107 University of the Philippines Manila 8

4112 University of the Philippines Mindanao 9

4726 Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Tech.. 10

4903 Mapua Institute of Technology 11

5744 Ateneo de Zamboanga University 12

5748 Colegio de San Juan de Letran 13

5953 Adventist International Institute of Advanced Stud.. 14

5976 Saint Louis University Baguio City 15

6524 Angeles University Foundation 16

6569 Ateneo de Naga University 17

6626 University of San Carlos 18

6673 Asian Institute of Management 19

6802 University of the Philippines in the Visayas 20

Source: Topstudylinks



***The following methodologies were used in the rankings:



Institution Inclusion



* Domestic Ranking Performance – the QS Intelligence Unit tracks a growing number of domestic rankings in an attempt to ensure prestigious universities are not excluded

* Survey Performance – respondents to the Academic and Employer Reputation Surveys are invited to suggest any institutions they feel may have been omitted

* Geographical Balancing – acknowledging that universities have different priorities and characteristics in different parts of the world, the balance of institutions from given countries and regions is periodically reviewed

* Direct Case Submission – from time to time institutions approach QS directly to request inclusion, QSIU evaluates each case on its merits drawing comparison against institutions already included in the ranking and, subject to certain pre-requisites and performance indicators being met is open to including additional institutions.





International reputation



International reputation is an undeniable component of today's world class universities. How better to evaluate that than to assess the proportion of international students and faculty who are attracted to that institution. Representing 5% each in this evaluation, the international students score and international faculty score are calculated based on those proportions.



Academic Reputation Index



The Academic Reputation Index is the centrepiece of the QS World University Rankings® carrying a weighting of 40%. It is an approach to international university evaluation that QS pioneered in 2004 and is the component that attracts the greatest interest and scrutiny. In concert with the Employer Reputation Index it is the aspect which sets this ranking most clearly apart from any other.



Employer Reputation



The Employer Reputation component is unique amongst current international evaluations in taking into consideration the important component of employability. The majority of undergraduate students leave university in search of employment after their first degree, making the reputation of their university amongst employers a crucial consideration.



Data Indicators

Standardization, Weightings and Aggregation



Designing a ranking on a single index - such as a rich list - is relatively straightforward. Compiling a multi-index ranking is a little more complex.

In combining the indices for the QS World University Rankings™ the following guiding principles have been followed.



* Fair and even application of weighting across the whole range for each indicator

* Intuitive and comparable scores for each of the six indicators

* Great strengths in particular broad subject fields should contribute to the overall position of an institution



QS Classifications



Based very loosely on the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education in the US, but operated on a much simpler basis, these classifications take into account three key aspects of each university to assign their label.



* Size – based on the (full time equivalent) size of the degree-seeking student body. Where an FTE number is not provided or available, one will be estimated based on common characteristics of other institutions in the country or region in question

* Subject Range – four categories based on the institution’s provision of programs in the five broad faculty areas used in the university rankings. Due to radically different publication habits and patterns in medicine, an additional category is added based on whether the subject institution has a medical school

* Research Intensity – four levels of research activity evaluated based on the number of documents retrievable from Scopus in the five year period preceding the application of the classification. The thresholds required to reach the different levels are different dependent on the institutions pre-classification on aspects 1 and 2.



QS SAFE



System



This represents an evaluation of the overall strength of the system based on the performance of all the institutions from that country meeting a certain qualifying standard. More precisely, the number of institutions ranked 500 or higher, in the given country, divided by the average position of those institutions.

Access



Widening participation is one of the hottest issues on the higher education agenda today. The first component of delivering against that agenda, for any given country, is having sufficient places at universities of an internationally recognised standard. This indicator is calculated based on the number of places at top 500 universities from the subject country (specifically the total number of FTE students at the universities from that country featuring in the top 500 in the QS World University Rankings™) divided by an indicator of population size (specifically the square root of the population).

Flagship



There is some international debate as to whether a country with limited funds ought to dilute their funds across many institutions in a system or concentrate funds with a view to building at least one "world class university". Whether by direct investment, or by riding the wave of domestic competition, the performance of a country's leading university is a credit to the system from whence it comes. This indicator takes the form of a normalized score based on the global performance of the leading university from the country in question.

Economic



Not all nations, or higher education institutions within nations have access to equal funds. The strength of the country's economy is a major factor but also cultural influences that may affect factors such as industrial funding or alumni donations play a role. This indicator recognizes two key factors, firstly the relative fiscal emphasis that the given government places on higher education and secondly, the impact or effectiveness of that investment - essentially recognising performance relative to investment. The indicator takes an indexed score (5 points for a university in the top 100, 4 points for 101-200, 3 points for 201-300, 2 for 301-400 and 1 for 401-500) and factors it against the GDP per capita for the country in question



Data courtesy of topuniversities.com

Easter Sunday Message of PNoy | Full Text

Here's the Easter Message of PNoy to every Christian Noypis out there! :D

Easter Sunday Message of PNoy | Photo courtesy of pickledpolitics

PRESIDENT BENIGNO S. AQUINO III’s EASTER MESSAGE

April 24, 2011

Kaisa po ako ng sambayanang Pilipino sa pagdiriwang nang pagbangon ng Panginoon mula sa kamatayan, nang tubusin Niya ang sangkatauhan sa kasalanan.

Sa pagwawakas ng Semana Santa, hindi sana magtapos dito ang ating taimtim na pananalig sa Panginoon. Ipagpatuloy natin ang pagtupad sa Kaniyang mga aral at lalo pa nating paigtingin ang ating pagkakawanggawa.

Ito ang unang Pasko ng Pagkabuhay na ipinagdiriwang ng ating bagong administrasyon. Gaano man kadilim ang kabanatang ating dinaanan, ang pagsusulong ng tapat at mabuting pamamahala, kaakibat ang matibay na pagtitiwala at pagkakaisa, ang pundasyon natin upang malampasan ang kalbaryong ating dinatnan.

Patuloy nating alalahanin ang tunay na diwa ng Kaniyang dakilang sakripisyo.
Bawat isa sa atin ay may maiaambag sa pagtuldok sa katiwalian upang maisalba sa hirap at pasakit ang marami nating kababayan. Sa pamamagitan lamang nito, mararamdaman ng bawat Pilipino ang tunay na liwanag ng pagbabago.

Isang mapayapa at mapagpalang pagdiriwang ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay sa ating lahat.

Happy Easter, everyone! :D

'Araw ng Kagitingan', 'Day of Valor' 2011 celebration

"Araw ng Kagitingan", also known as the "Day of Valor, is a regular non-working holiday in the Philippines which is annually celebrated on the 9th of April to commemorate the heroism of Filipinos and American Soldiers when the Japanese occupied the Philippines during the World War II.

Araw ng Kagitingan | Photo courtesy of clickthecity.com

On this day, the World War II veterans usually hold small parades in different localities all over the country.

The national government also has its own observance of the holiday. For this year, President Benigno S. Aquino III will be attending as the Guest of Honor and Speaker in the "Araw ng Kagitingan" celebration by the Philippine National Police at Mount Samat Shrine, Pilar, Bataan at around 9:00 in the morning on April 9, 2011.

'Sucker Punch' Movie Trailer (Video)

Its life-size 3D poster caught my attention when I strolled around a mall earlier today. The lady cast looked gorgeous with all those fit outfits and crazy guns. I almost took some cash from my wallet to pay for a ticket and watch the movie right away. But then I remembered I'm on a tight budget. Lol.

A scene from "Sucker Punch" Photo courtesy of Google Images

So I was left watching its trailer on Youtube. I find it cool eh. Hmmmm... I might save some moolah this week to watch it.

I am talking about the movie "Sucker Punch". Check out its trailer below:

"Sucker Punch" Movie Trailer | Video courtesy of Youtube

The dream scene reminds me of "Inception". It looks interesting eh.

The uploader also added the following info about the movie:

Genre: Action | Fantasy
Cast: Jon Hamm, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, Abbie Cornish
Director: Zack Snyder
Writers: Zack Snyder, Steve Shibuya
Studio: Warner Brothers

Plot:
Close your eyes. Open your mind. You will be unprepared.

"Sucker Punch" is an epic action fantasy that takes us into the vivid imagination of a young girl whose dream world provides the ultimate escape from her darker reality. Unrestrained by the boundaries of time and place, she is free to go where her mind takes her, and her incredible adventures blur the lines between what's real and what is imaginary.

She has been locked away against her will, but Babydoll (Emily Browning) has not lost her will to survive. Determined to fight for her freedom, she urges four other young girls—the outspoken Rocket (Jena Malone), the street-smart Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens), the fiercely loyal Amber (Jamie Chung) and the reluctant Sweet Pea (Abbie Cornish)—to band together and try to escape their terrible fate at the hands of their captors, Blue (Oscar Isaac), Madam Gorski (Carla Gugino) and the High Roller (Jon Hamm).

Led by Babydoll, the girls engage in fantastical warfare against everything from samurais to serpents, with a virtual arsenal at their disposal. Together, they must decide what they are willing to sacrifice in order to stay alive. But with the help of a Wise Man (Scott Glenn), their unbelievable journey—if they succeed—will set them free.

For more details about the movie, you can check its IMDB page HERE.

Ayala signage banning 'poor people' from Greenbelt mall, a prank! - Ayala Land Inc.

Ayala Land Inc., has denied posting the fake signage which says 'poor people and other disturbing realities' are prohibited from entering the Greenbelt Mall. Check out the said signage below:

The Alleged Ayala Signage

In a statement posted on their website, Ayala Land Inc. said the signage is a prank and they are investigating on the matter.

"This is regarding the alleged signage that has been posted today, 24 March 2011, at the Greenbelt mall, a photo of which has been circulating online. This signage is not authorized and is not part of Greenbelt’s official mall signage.

The Ayala Malls Management does not tolerate such pranks and is currently investigating the matter. We shall be coordinating with the proper authorities for corresponding actions to be taken.

We would like to reassure everyone that Greenbelt is for the enjoyment of the public and the community it serves." - Ayala Land Inc.

Smart Bro Troubleshooting: 'Limited or No Connection'

Since we are paying less, sometimes services of our chosen ISP get crappy. A couple of times I received this error: :'Limited or no connection'. Wondering how I fix mine if I receive this problem? I usually just unplug the Smart Bro thing, whatever they call that cable thing that we attach on our CPU, from the source of electricity. I then just wait for a few seconds after I close the message 'Cable unplugged' before I plug it back. I then notice that the computer logo on my taskbar is something like searching. It says 'Cable unplugged' again after a few turns but it immediately goes back searching again after like a second. It would say again 'Limited or no connection' for a second but after which it's cool. I can now able to use my internet after that. One time though it only worked the second time I unplugged the cable. Yeah, this is actually the same thing the Customer Service Rep would ask you to do if you would call them for this problem. That's according to my cousin. But yeah, I am not sure if it would work for you as well. Just give it a try I guess. (photo: courtesy of http://www.thedogatetheroastbeef.com/)