Comic book 'Archie' dead at 63

April 9, 2014, 11:09 pm

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The beloved all-American comic book character "Archie" is dead at 63. The freckle-faced, red-haired heroically sacrificed himself saving the life of a friend in a July installment of "Life with Archie."

Fans of "Archie" may be dismayed to learn its eponymous hero is doomed. Archie Andrews will leave this world in a bloody blaze of glory in the penultimate issue No. 36 of the "Life with Archie" series, which imagines the lives of Archie and his friends after they leave high school and grow into adulthood.

But fear not, Archie will live on as his teenage self in another comic universe.

The original Archie series has been running since it debuted in 1941 and has spawned spinoff series, including "Betty and Veronica,""Jughead" and the "Life with Archie" series where Archie "will sacrifice himself heroically while saving the life of a friend" this July, according to a statement issued by the company. The last issue of the series will follow, and will revisit the surviving characters of Riverdale as they remember their fallen friend.

"We've been building up to this moment since we launched 'Life With Archie' five years ago, and knew that any book that was telling the story of Archie's life as an adult had to also show his final moment," said Archie Comics Publisher/Co-CEO Jon Goldwater in the statement. "Archie has and always will represent the best in all of us—he's a hero, goodhearted, humble and inherently honorable."

The company has taken numerous steps to reinvigorate its brand in recent years. The "Life with Archie" series explored alternate futures by imagining two different plotlines in a double issue: Archie marries and has a life with girl-next-door Betty in one story and his dark-haired crush Veronica in another.

It introduced a gay character named Kevin Keller and eventually gave him his own comic. The company even launched an "Afterlife with Archie" series, where the pleasant, friendly town of Riverdale suffers a zombie invasion.

The two issues will be sold only in comic book stores and will feature several different covers drawn by different comic book artists.

Because the series imagines Archie's life as an older adult, the ginger-haired hero will continue to live on in comics set during his high school years.

But Archie Comics is pleased with its best-known hero's demise. "It's the biggest story we've ever done, and we're supremely proud of it," Goldwater said.--Source: CNBC

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Lawyer moves to prevent arrest of Deniece, Cedric

April 10, 2014, 10:03 pm

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Already expecting the issuance of the arrest warrants, the laywer of model Deniece Cornejo and businessman Cedric Lee filed a motion for determination of probable cause in the serious illegal detention case against them.

This is in relation to the mauling of actor-host Vhong Navarro last January.

Atty. Howard Calleja filed the motion a day after the Department of Justice dismissed the rape complaint filed by Cornejo against Navarro.

Calleja said his motion includes the suspension of all proceedings, including the issuance of a warrant of arrest against his two clients.

The lawyer said it would be unfair to have the warrant of arrest issued against Lee and Cornejo in the coming weekend, adding that the Holy Week break is fast approaching.

Meanwhile, Calleja said the judge has ten days to review the information given by the DOJ in relation to their case.

Calleja went on to say that he does not know his clients' current whereabouts, but he was quick to add that he is in constant communication with them.--Source: ABS-CBN News

Cebu Pacific to offer $1 fare to US soon

April 10, 2014, 10:39 pm

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Cebu Pacific Air, known for its low budget fares, will soon offer $1 ticket price to US, says its chief executive Lance Gokongwei.

This came after the Philippines' aviation upgrade to Category 1 and the European Union's lifting of the ban on Cebu Pacific Air.

Gokongwei said:

"The entire Philippine aviation industry is very excited, particularly Cebu Pacific with two pieces of good news," 

"I think, given our fleet composition [of] Airbus 330s and Airbus 320s, I think the most likely initial routes ... will be some place which is closer. We don't have any aircraft that can reach the West Coast right now direct," 

"I think subject to all the regulatory approvals from the US and the Philippines, we're potentially looking before the end of the year," 

"We certainly are looking forward to offering a special $1 fare to US or €1 to Europe at some point in the future, the fares, however, are still subject to taxes."

Gokongwei added that Cebu Pacific will first mount flights to American islands in the Pacific such as Guam, Saipan and eventually, Hawaii, before the year ends.

Flying to the European skies, however, will have to wait as Cebu Pacific's fleets are not prepared for long-haul travel.--Source: Philstar

Japanese woman raped inside QC massage spa

April 10, 2014, 11:07 pm

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A male massage attendant was arrested for allegedly raping his client, a Japanese woman, inside a massage spa on Monday night in Quezon City.

Bonifacio Pata, 26, eventually turned himself in to police authorities after the 22-year-old tourist complained of his advances.

Insp. Edith Castro, head of the Quezon City Police District’s women and children protection desk, said the alleged rape happened at the Ngiyan Spa on Maginhawa Street.

A rape complaint is being readied against Pata, a resident of Veterans Village, Barangay Pasong Tamo.

The victim, who was temporarily staying in the neighborhood, went to the spa for an oil massage at around 9:30 pm.

However, there was no female masseuse available at the time, so the victim had to make do with a dry massage from Pata, a masseur working at the spa.

Castro said the suspect first gave the client a proper massage but suddenly fondled the victim’s breasts with his hands and tongue.

The massage therapist also allegedly inserted his finger into the woman’s vagina and even tried to put his penis in, but the woman fought back.

“The complainant asked him to stop doing it, after which the suspect went out of the spa,” Castro said.
The woman then reported the abuse to police authorities while Pata turned himself later that night.--Source: Inquirer

PCSO denies 6/55 Lotto 'P250M jackpot' draw was rigged

April 11, 2014, 12:18 am

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There is widespread talk that a “ghost winner” hit the P249.8-million jackpot for the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes 6/55 draw last Monday, but PCSO chairperson Margarita Juico was quick to deny the allegations.

Was there really a winner in Monday’s lottery draw?

The Facebook page Filipino’s Patriotism posted an alleged photo of the draw results showing zero winners for the jackpot.

The photo, dated April 8 but supposedly showing the winning numbers for April 7, allegedly revealed that there were zero winners for the jackpot and two for the P169,410 pot money, which was won for getting five out of the six numbers correct.

The Facebook post pointed out that the PCSO announced that 25 individuals won P169,410 each.
Many netizens expressed disbelief or said the “scam” has long been going on. One person commented that he was a lotto teller and he was also dumbfounded at the supposed revelation.

But PCSO chairperson Margarita Juico quickly denied the allegations.

The PCSO earlier said a bettor from Muntinlupa City who placed her bet in Makati City won the P249.8 million 6/55 Grand Lotto jackpot prize.

In her explanation on “Unang Hirit” on Friday, Juico said two service providers — Pacific Online and Philippine Gaming Management Corporation — are serving the over 6,000 PCSO outlets nationwide. The two provide a rundown of the results after the draw.

“Naglalabas sila (service providers) tuwing draw ng papel na magsasabi na, 'Hindi sa mga outlet namin [nanggaling 'yung] nanalo, kaya nakalagay 'No winner',” she said.

“Ibig sabihin, [may mga] outlet na zero 'yung nanalo sa jackpot na 'yon. Du'n naman sa kabilang service provider, isa ang nanalo,” she added.

She also said that the paper in the photo was an “internal document” in the PCSO, and that investigation is ongoing to determine who released it.--Source: GMA/Inquirer

Herbert, girlfriend Tates Gana are still together - report

April 11, 2014, 12:47 am

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Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and long-time girlfriend Tates Gana have not yet ended their 20-year relationship, veteran entertainment editor Ricky Lo reported on Thursday.

Lo, in his column for The Philippine Star on Thursday, quoted a source said to be close to Gana, who claimed that Bautista and Gana "are not living-in but they haven't really broken up."

Bautista and Tates have two children: Athena, 18, and Harvey, 10, who is part of the kiddie gag show "Goin' Bulilit."

The source said the two kids are affected by reports that their father is now dating host-actress Kris Aquino, which they only learned about from news reports.

"As QC first lady, Tates knows every nook and cranny of the city; kabisado niya ang mga problema at concerns ng mga constituent. She worked hard to make Herbert achieve his political ambition starting when he first ran for QC vice mayor," the source told Lo.

The unnamed source said Tates and her two children are currently vacationing in Boracay.

"The children are thinking of going abroad. Tates refuses to make any comment,” the source added.

Last Monday, Aquino confirmed that she and Bautista are dating and that they are a "work in progress."--Source: ABS-CBN News

What to do if bitten by a dog, other animals?

April 11, 2014, 1:13 am

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Being bitten by a cat or dog is never a pleasant experience, the bite carries with it a risk of tetanus and rabies. What should you do if you are bitten?

Action to Take if Bitten

So, what should an individual do should they get bitten, scratched by an animal?

The wound should be washed under clean running water, with soap.

If the animal is owned, the owner should produce an up to date rabies vaccine certificate signed by a veterinary surgeon.

If the animal is not owned or the owner cannot produce the certificate, the injured person should go immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department, one that is authorized to deal with such cases.

The wound will be treated if necessary and the first of 5 injections administered. Further jabs will be given on day 7, 3, 7, 14 and 28.

This course must be completed.

It is in your interest and that of society to get any wound treated and report any animal behaving suspiciously to the police or Barangay. As in all these things, compliance is much easier than avoidance.


Treatment

Until the end of the 1980s injections were being given in the stomach or at the buttocks. These were very uncomfortable to the extent that people would try to avoid having them but now the injections are given in the upper arm and are completely pain free.

In addition to these, two shots of specific anti-rabies globulin are also administered in the buttocks one time at the start of treatment.

Treatment with an antiserum and vaccine works well if you receive them soon after being bitten. People who should be immunized against rabies include those who work with animals and travelers to remote areas where medical help may not be readily available.

Each courses of anti-rabies comprises 5 intra muscular injections.

The course is only completed if the animal cannot be shown to have any symptoms so if the animal is available – either dead or alive and rabies can be definitely ruled out.--Source: Fethiye Times

Toquero's fight experience to make difference vs Subba on May 2

April 11, 2014, 6:12 am

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Filipino mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Eugene Toquero will rely on his experience and skills to beat, even knock out, undefeated American-born Malaysian Gianni Subba on May 2 in the star-studded ONE Fighting Championship card at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.

             

“My experience and skills will make the difference. There will be a knockout and it will be him going down,” Toquero, whose MMA record is four wins and one loss, said.

                He guarantees that the fans will enjoy his fight with Subba. “The fans will enjoy our fight. Subba may be good but I’m better because of my experience and skills.”

                “I have more fights in my career than Subba. I’m a veteran when it comes to competition. Mas maraming baon ako,” he added.

                Before venturing into MMA in 2009, Toquero, a flyweight like Subba, was a member of the Philippine muay thai national team from 2004 to 2009. In his teen, he was a member of a Cebu kickboxing gym and participated in local competitions.

                Toquero, 33, admitted that the competition in ONE FC is tough that’s why he’s not taking his fight with Subba, 22, lightly.

                “Maraming magagaling sa ONE FC kaya hindi puwede pa-easy easy lang. Laro laro din ako pero nandon pa rin ang game plan (There are lots of good fighters in ONE FC that’s why it’s not advisable to take it easy. I play but I still follow my game plan),” the Cebuano fighter said in an interview.

                Toquero, whose day job is gym instructor and coach to some local celebrities on mixed martial arts, said he has learned some lessons during his first MMA loss to Team Lakay fighter Geje Eustaquio in the ONE FC event last December.

                “Lessons learned? One should not stop from training. One should learn more techniques,” he said.

                Toquero said this time against Subba, he’s training hard and spending more time in the gym and has enhanced his fight techniques. He started training as early as January this year even though he has no opponent yet at that time.

                He admitted, though, that he has not seen any fight tape on Subba and would not watch it even as the fight nears. “I will be underestimating myself if I watch his fight tapes.”

                Toquero may seem like a brash fighter because of his intemperate comments but in reality he’s silent and serious. “I just want to entertain the fans that’s why I seem like arrogant sometimes.”

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Tickets for ONE FC: RISE OF HEROES are on sale now at SM Tickets
(www.smtickets.com). Ticket categories begin with the full Red Carpet and
cageside experience for VIPs at PHP 6,360, followed by Patron PHP 3,180,
Lower Box PHP 1,280, Upper Box PHP 640 and General Admission PHP 220.
Prices include ticketing fee.

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Worn Out! MRT needs immediate upgrading over 'metal fatigue'

April 11, 2014, 6:46 am

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The Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) is in urgent need to upgrade the system and reassess its rails, according to its former maintenance contractor.

Speaking to "Mornings @ ANC" on Friday, Rolf Bieri, rail consultant of Comm Builders and Technology Philippines Corp., said the MRT's rails are already showing signs of "metal fatigue."

He said the mileage on the coaches' motors is already extended beyond its normal capacity.

In effect, this has forced the government to spend more on maintenance work, he said.

"Honestly speaking, line 3 needs a lot of improvement. Right now, the trains [are] running safe on quick stop solutions implemented by the DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications). But there are urgent works that need to be done," he said.

Bieri also warned MRT officials that there should also be additional power sources for the 48 coaches which will be added to the system starting next year.

"The rail and rail support has to be upgraded. I would even suggest to do some examination of the superstructure of the whole system," he said.

"In addition to this, the power has to be doubled or upgraded. Otherwise, these trains, these new coaches will make no sense," he added. -- Source: ANC

Six OFWs in UAE infected with MERS coronavirus, one dies

April 11, 2014, 9:22 pm

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Interior has reported a cluster of six cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in six Filipino paramedics that were working for the Al Ain Rescue and Ambulance Section in the city of Al Ain.

Two men wear masks in front of a hospital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

A release from the Abu Dhabi Police today reports that one of the Pinoy health workers succumbed to the novel coronavirus. The ministry said the surviving paramedics have been placed in isolation and that health officials are tracing patients transported to hospitals by the ambulance company to see if there are any other MERS-CoV infections.

The ministry announced that it has taken all necessary preventive health measures by placing the patients under quarantine. “The ministry has also been in touch with community members who have been transferred lately to hospitals to check on their health condition by precaution,” they state.

The number of MERS-CoV in the UAE is now at 27. According to the World Health Organization, globally there has been a total of 212 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 88 deaths. --Source: The Global Dispatch

PHOTOS - 'Better Naked Than' Venezuelan students post nude photos to protest police brutality

April 11, 2014, 10:00 pm

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After a university student was beaten and stripped naked by masked government supporters in Venezuela last week, outraged men and women have taken to social media to show their solidarity. They got naked, but on their own terms.

Using the hashtag #MejorDesnudosQue, translated as "Better Naked Than," many Venezuelans posted nude photos of themselves to express their disgust over the brutal crackdown on the months-long opposition protests in their country.

Beginning in February, Venezuelans took to the streets in frustration at spiraling inflation and high crime rates. Largely peaceful rallies were soon marked by increasing violence, with protesters blaming security forces and vigilantes for the deadly turn of events.

President Nicolás Maduro and opposition politicians agreed on Tuesday to hold talks in an attempt to defuse the crisis, in which at least 39 people have been killed, the Associated Press reported.

According to BBC Mundo, the social media protest was started by Ricardo Cie, an advertising executive in Caracas, after he saw a video of the student being assaulted on Central University of Venezuela (UCV) campus.

After Cie and his friends posted a group image, the hashtags #MejorDesnudosQue and #DesnudosConLaUCV (Naked with the Central University of Venezuela) started trending in Venezuela, the BBC reported.

Many Venezuelans then posted their own images, with slogans expressing frustration at the divisions and abuses in their country. Al Jazeera notes that government supporters tried to push back against the Better Naked Than posts, lampooning them as shameful.--Source: The Huffington Post

'Don't panic over Heartbleed' - security experts say

April 11, 2014, 10:49 pm

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Security experts have urged internet users not to panic and instantly change their passwords in wake of the Heartbleed programming bug, despite suggestions to do so from prominent sites like Tumblr.

Hugh Boyes, cyber security lead at the UK-based Institution of Engineering and Technology said: “Change your passwords — but only after the affected website operators and internet service providers have implemented the patch to fix the bug. Changing your password before the bug is fixed could compromise your new password.”

The popular blogging website Tumblr, which is owned by Yahoo, had previously urged its users to change all their passwords, especially those protecting sensitive data like email and bank accounts, immediately.

Independent security expert Bruce Schneier has also called for calm, but emphasized the seriousness of the web security breach.

“The bug has been patched. After you patch your systems, you have to get a new public or private key pair, update your SSL certificate and then change every password that could potentially be affected. ‘Catastrophic’ is the right word. On the scale of 1 to 10, this is an 11. Half a million sites are vulnerable, including my own.”

Users can test their own vulnerability to the Heartbleed bug by visiting a site created by developer Filippo Valsorda, where you can enter web addresses and find out if the bug has been fixed. Once it is confirmed the site has been patched, it’s safe to change your password.

“Regularly change your passwords. Depending on how sensitive the application/website is, passwords typically ought to be changed monthly or quarterly. Don’t reuse the same passwords on different websites. Try to use a separate password for each website,” said Mr Boyes.

The Heartbleed bug was discovered on Monday by a team of security experts, including one from Google, having gone undetected for more than two years. The bug bypasses the encryption that normally protects data as it is sent between computers and servers, leaving personal and sensitive data vulnerable. It is commonly recognized as the closed padlock that appears in the corner of the web browser to show your connection is secure.--Source: Irish Times

The Walking Dead Season 4 Finale - What's next after the 'Terminus' trap?

April 12, 2014, 9:12 pm

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They’re screwing with the wrong people! But are they The Hunters?

The Walking Dead Season 4 finale, "A" felt like it flew by in five minutes, and left us with a hundred more questions. Where's Beth Greene (Emily Kinney)? Where are Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride), Tyreese (Chad Coleman) and baby Judith? When can we see Hershel (Scott Wilson) flashbacks again, and can we keep him as our Obi Wan Kenobi spirit guide in Season 5?

At least we know where Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) is — back in the zone. On Episode 16, Rick bit Joe (Jeff Kober) in the neck, killing him, then skewered the Marauder who tried to rape Carl Grimes (Chandler Riggs). All the bandits had their tushes claimed tonight. The experience showcased Rick’s journey from Farmer Rick to Beast Mode Rick, complete with those curls that tend to fall in his eyes when he loses his poop. Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) switched over to the “good” side — "you're my brother"! — just in time to follow one bad situation with another.

Andrew Lincoln's TV series and comic book character 'Rick Grimes'.

So now what?

It’s not like the signs lied — they arrived at Terminus and they are still alive. But we met Gareth (Andrew J. West) and Rick played cop again. He saw someone wearing Maggie Greene’s (Lauren Cohan) poncho, and Glenn Rhee’s (Steven Yeun) prison riot gear, and wearing the watch … and our hearts stopped at home. If you had money on Terminus being a trap, tell whoever thought it was a good place to pay up.

Rick bites the neck of Marauder Joe to save themselves from captivity.

Is it the home of The Hunters? Looks that way. We got more hints to cannibalism in the finale, including Mary back at her BBQ; the idea that the snipers were aiming to maim, not kill them; and even Rick's final line, which was said with an f-bomb in Issue #64 of the comics, in reference to The Hunters.

But at least all the members of the previous group are still alive. For now. Glenn, Maggie, Sasha (Sonequa Martin-Green), Bob Stookey (Larry Gilliard Jr.), Tara (Alanna Masterson), Abraham Ford (Michael Cudlitz), Eugene Porter (Josh McDermitt) and Rosita Espinosa (Christian Serratos) are all stuck in the same train car with Rick, Carl, Michonne (Danai Gurira) and Daryl.

Where is our remaining Team Prison group, the ones with Rick's daughter? And where’s Beth? Does she have any connection to this place, or is she being kept somewhere else? We're supposed to see her "eventually," so apparently that's being held over until Season 5.

Comic book writer Robert Kirkman said we’d have a major cliffhanger and that’s pretty fair. There is no Terminus in the comic books, although a good chunk of the ep followed Issue #57 and the final line was tied to #64. Still, it’s hard to know what’s next. It’s pretty safe to say Season 5 will pick up at Terminus and hopefully there isn’t a several-month time jump, although the fall/spring seasons will be different; they shot the Season 4 finale in November and start shooting Season 5 in April/May. It's going to get sweaty in that train car!

At some point we’ll probably hit the road for Washington, D.C., but first the whole gang has to get back together. Beth? Carol? Ty? Hunters? How are they going to get free? Should we riot over this six month waiting for answers?

One thing's for sure -- every fan is sure to expect a lot from TWD Season 5.--Source: Wet Paint

Mall hours schedule for Holy Week 2014

April 13, 2014, 10:11 pm

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SM, Robinsons and Ayala Malls, to include others, will be closed for two days to commemorate Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

Regular mall operations will resume on Black Saturday.

Below is a list of mall schedules for Holy Week 2014, according to news website ABS-CBN:

ALABANG TOWN CENTER

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Closed
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

AYALA CENTER CEBU

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Closed (but Metro Gaisano store will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

BONIFACIO HIGH STREET

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Closed (but most restaurants and cafes will be open)
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed (but most restaurants and cafes will be open)
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

BURGOS CIRCLE

April 17 (Maundy Thursday):Closed
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

CENTRIO

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Closed
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

EASTWOOD CITY AND EASTWOOD MALL

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Closed
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

GATEWAY MALL

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Closed
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

GLORIETTA

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Closed
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

GREENBELT

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Closed
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

LUCKY CHINATOWN MALL

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Closed
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

MARKET! MARKET!

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Closed
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

MARQUEE MALL

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Closed
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
April 20 (Easter Sunday): 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

NEWPORT MALL

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

POWER PLANT MALL

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Closed
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

ROBINSONS MALLS (except Robinsons Place Luisita, Robinsons Place Malolos, Robinsons Place Palawan, Robinsons Place Santiago, Robinsons Place Pangasinan and Summit Ridge Tagaytay)

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Closed
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

ROBINSONS PLACE LUISITA

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Regular mall hours
April 18 (Good Friday): Regular mall hours
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

ROBINSONS PLACE MALOLOS

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

ROBINSONS PLACE PALAWAN

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Regular mall hours
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

ROBINSONS PLACE PANGASINAN

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Regular mall hours
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

ROBINSONS PLACE SANTIAGO

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Regular mall hours
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

SHANGRI-LA PLAZA

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Closed
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

SM MALLS (except SM Baguio)

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Closed
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

SM BAGUIO

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
April 18 (Good Friday): 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

SUMMIT RIDGE TAGAYTAY

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Regular mall hours
April 18 (Good Friday): Regular mall hours
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

THE DISTRICT

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Main mall closed, with the following establishments open: 7-Eleven, Kenny Rogers, Kung Fu Kitchen, Mann Hann, Pancake House, Pizza Hut, Seafood Island, Starbucks and Yellow Cab
April 18 (Good Friday): Main mall closed, with the following establishments open: 7-Eleven, Kenny Rogers, Kung Fu Kitchen, Seafood Island and Starbucks
April 19 (Black Saturday): 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
April 20 (Easter Sunday): 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

VENICE PIAZZA

April 17 (Maundy Thursday): Closed
April 18 (Good Friday): Closed
April 19 (Black Saturday): Regular mall hours
April 20 (Easter Sunday): Regular mall hours

Why Cedric Lee, Deniece Cornejo, et al can't leave the country

April 13, 2014, 10:34 pm

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) assured the public that Cedric Lee and his co-accused in the “illegal detention” case against TV personality Vhong Navarro will not be able to leave the country, and added they'd be arrested if they insist on leaving.

Photos of businessman Cedric Lee and model Denice Cornejo are posted at an immigration booth.

According to Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, Lee and his companions must have a written certification from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the trial court if they want to go abroad.

Speaking to reporters, De Lima said this is the reason why Ferdinand Guerrero, one of the accused in the serious illegal detention and grave coercion cases, was barred from leaving for Hong Kong around 5 a.m. today.

"They need to get a written permission from the [DOJ] National Prosecution Service (NPS) or the RTC because the case is already in court. The timing [of flight] is bad at this point... why only now that the case is already in court? There is no color of legitimacy," De Lima said.

Should Lee, Cornejo, Bernice Lee, Simeon Raz, Guerrero, Jose Paolo Calma, and Jed Fernandez insist on leaving the country minus the written permission or certification, they will be effected a warrantless arrest on the spot, and will be charged with obstruction of justice.

Lee and company are subject of an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (LBO).

"That is obstructing justice, frustrating the ends of justice... they will undergo inquest [for obstruction of justice]. Yan ang nakikita naming remedy," De Lima said.

The justice chief noted bookings under the name of some of the accused over the weekend; these were later cancelled.

De Lima said there was a similar incident in the past, regarding a separate case, where the accused was also not allowed to depart by immigration officers because of failure to present an NPS or court certification.

The DOJ filed on Monday morning a motion with Taguig RTC Branch 271 for the immediate issuance of a hold departure order (HDO) against Lee, et al.

The criminal informations were filed with the trial court against Lee and company last Thursday. The DOJ expects the issuance of a warrant for their arrest after the hearing(s) on the motion for determination of probable cause filed by the camp of the accused.

The case stems from the mauling and detention of Navarro inside Cornejo's condominium unit last January 22, and the alleged extortion attempt by the group on Navarro.--Source: ABS-CBN News

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Marantan, 12 others in 'Atimonan Rubout' ordered dismissed from police service

April 13, 2014, 11:17 pm

≫ Next: NAIA Terminal 1 computer glitch that stranded thousands of passengers may have been a hack

≪ Previous: Why Cedric Lee, Deniece Cornejo, et al can't leave the country

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Police Superintendent Hansel Marantan and twelve others have been ordered dismissed from service in connection with the alleged Atimonan rubout in January last year.

The black Montero SUVs used by the victims of Police Supt. Marantan (inset) sustained 219 entry bullet holes.

All the respondents were found guilty of serious irregularity in the performance of duty, according to a March 5 decision signed by Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima.

Twelve people, including environmentalist Jun Lontok, were killed in what the respondents claimed was a legitimate operation against criminal elements but was later ruled by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) as a rubout.

Aside from Marantan, who was deputy chief of the Quezon Province regional intelligence division at the time of the incident, the others who were ordered dismissed were:

Supt. Ramon Balauag, chief of the provincial intelligence branch,
Chief Insp. Grant Gollod, chief of police, Atimonan municipal station
Senior Insp. John Paulo Carracedo,
Senior Insp. Timoteo Orig
SPO3 Joselito De Guzman
SPO1 Claro Cataquiz, Jr.
SPO1 Arturo Sarmiento
PO3 Eduardo Oronan
PO2 Nelson Indal
PO2 Al Bhazar Jailani
PO1 Wryan Sardea
PO1 Rodel Talento

The 13 manned the second checkpoint where the supposed rubout occurred.

The PNP also ordered the demotion by one rank of others involved in the incident, namely Insp. Ferdinand Aguilar, Insp. Evaristo San Juan (Ret), PO3 Benedict Dimayuga, PO2 Ronnie Serdeña and PO2 Esperdion Corpuz. Two policemen, meanwhile, were ordered suspended for six months, namely PO1 Allen Ayobo and PO1 Bernie de Leon. All of them manned the first and third checkpoints.

Aside from Lontok, killed in the January 6, 2013 incident were Victor Siman, two police officers, and nine others. All were part of a two-vehicle convoy.

The PNP decision stated that two black Montero sport-utility vehicles used by the victims sustained 219 entry bullet holes. Nine of the passengers were found dead inside the vehicle while two others were found dead along the drainage. Two others were rushed to a hospital but were declared dead on arrival.

The decision stated the police officers involved were not in uniform and there was no PNP-marked vehicle when the incident happened.

It also stated that PNP personnel, as well as other persons in civilian attire displaying high-powered firearms and actively participating in the checkpoint, “have in the first place no business to be at the checkpoint, much more participate in its conduct, basically because of their appearance.”

It further said that the absence of a marked PNP vehicle is a violation of the PNP rule on setting up checkpoints.

“It must be emphasized that in the conduct of the checkpoint, one of the indispensable requirements with regard to equipment for obvious reasons is a marked police patrol vehicle. Certainly, the use of the military truck instead of a police mobile vehicle did not cure the defect,” the decision stated.

Aside from the administrative case, police officers involved in the incident are facing multiple murder charges before the Gumaca Regional Trial Court. A soldier and another police officer were also charged with obstruction of justice.

The Mitsubishi Monteros carrying the victims were fired at more than 200 times, according to the NBI in its report. The entrance bullet holes reportedly showed “no indication that any of the passengers of the two vehicles fired shots directed towards the outside.”

The NBI, which investigated the incident, said a turf war between Siman and a certain “Ka Tita” was the most likely motive behind the shooting.

Ka Tita was allegedly closely associated with Marantan, who was described in the report as Ka Tita’s protector.

“Simply put, Vic Siman was also after the head of Supt. Marantan while the latter was also using his authority as a decorated law enforcer to silence the former. From all indications, they were eventually to cross paths with tragic consequences," the NBI said.

“The Atimonan encounter was a well-calculated plan to close the book on Vic Siman under the pretext of Coplan Armado, using government forces and resources. The fault of the other victims was that they were with the wrong company, at the wrong place and at the wrong time,” it added.--Source: GMA News

NAIA Terminal 1 computer glitch that stranded thousands of passengers may have been a hack

April 14, 2014, 8:57 pm

≫ Next: It's Holy Week and they're playing porn videos on the bus!

≪ Previous: Marantan, 12 others in 'Atimonan Rubout' ordered dismissed from police service

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A computer glitch at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Monday caused chaos in their immigration counters and got thousands of passengers stranded for hours, with some almost missing their flights.

Thousands of annoyed passengers line up when the whole computer system at the NAIA Terminal 1 suddenly slowed down due to a computer glitch.

When will be the best time for a hacker to make his presence most felt and noticed?

This was the question raised by some computer experts when the Bureau of Immigration’s computer systems conked out around 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 14 at the NAIA Terminal 1, the time many passengers are said to be leaving Manila ahead of the Holy Week holidays.

According to ABS-CBN News, the whole computer system at the NAIA Terminal 1 slowed down due to the reported computer glitch, resulting in the snail’s pace scanning of passports to the dismay of the thousands of annoyed passengers.

The passengers were forced to line up for almost two hours just to be processed and cleared at the immigration counters.

Many almost missed their flights. Some international flights were also slightly delayed.

As of posting, the immigration computer system remains defective. Technicians are still looking into the problem.

Earlier in March, the BI said in a statement that they will be requiring proof of financial capacity from Filipinos who wish to go out of the country as a deterrence against human trafficking and to stem the flow of undocumented OFWs.

The statement created a lot of stir among the public saying the move violates their constitutional right to travel.

The BI officials immediately withdrew the statement after a few days.

It's Holy Week and they're playing porn videos on the bus!

April 14, 2014, 9:52 pm

≫ Next: PH inmates protest over lack of water, 'unfit for humans' food

≪ Previous: NAIA Terminal 1 computer glitch that stranded thousands of passengers may have been a hack

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The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) officials on Monday reminded bus firms to offer passengers, who are traveling for the Holy Week break, videos rated General Patronage (G) and Parental Guidance (PG) only. 

During a surprise inspection, three buses were caught showing unrated videos, resulting in the confiscation of the items. The names of the buses were not immediately made public pending an investigation on the incident.

The MTRCB official said he would summon the bus operators, drivers and conductors concerned to a preliminary conference.

Based on notices posted by the agency at waiting areas in the Parañaque terminal, violators face a prison sentence ranging from three months to a year, a fine of up to P5,000 or the cancelation of their franchise.

The MTRCB also inspected ferry boats and their facilities at the North Harbor Port in Manila later in the day.

The G rating, based on the board’s classification system, means a general audience, or viewers of all ages, may watch the film or video while the PG rating means viewers below 13 years old must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult.

In his inspection at the Southwest Integrated Provincial Transport System terminal in Parañaque City, Board Chairman Eugenio Villareal said bus drivers and conductors will be penalized for offering lewd shows or pirated videos on board.

In a radio interview, Villareal said bus firms whose units were caught showing videos rated higher than PG face a P20,000 fine on the first offense and franchise cancellation on the the second offense.

Authorities say the Lenten exodus peaks on Holy Wednesday as commuters catch last-minute rides.--Source: Manila Standard Today/Inquirer

PH inmates protest over lack of water, 'unfit for humans' food

April 14, 2014, 10:39 pm

≫ Next: Japan to grant visa waivers for tourists from Philippines

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At least 1,000 prisoners at a city jail in Cagayan de Oro City, Southern Philippines, are undergoing a hunger strike in protest against the system and the new jail warden; and against what they describe as "unfair and unjust treatment."

Sorry -- but if you're not a Napoles or a Delfin Lee, you have to make do with drinking water coming from a dirty hose, and raw food served late three times a day.

Must an ordinary inmate suffer lack of water, eat food unfit for human consumption and deprived of family visits, while some affluent personalities like former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, alleged pork barrel queen Janet Lim-Napoles, Globe Asiatique head Delfin Lee, et al are enjoying sufficient food and water supply, plus regular visits from families and friends?

Two prisoners secretly called up a local radio station Monday morning, April 14, and announced their protest action through hunger strike until the system inside the jail is improved and the jail warden is replaced.

The prisoners, who requested anonymity, complained about lack of water, the kind of food rationed, and the way the new warden, Erwin Ronquillo, render them their supposed "family day."

Aside from fasting starting on Monday, the prisoners said they would also now allow other inmates get out of their prison cells to attend court hearings.

The prisoners claimed that, since the new warden took over about two months ago, water has been scarce. From four faucets and hoses, they are only allowed to use one hose for four to five hours a day.

The rationed food, even if cooked, is said to be unfit for human consumption, given very late and the menu repeated for an entire week.

The prisoners claimed breakfast is served at noon, lunch between 3 to 4 p.m., and dinner at 7 p.m.

They also claimed that the new warden took away their "family day," which was supposed to be held every Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., when members of the family can get inside jail to have time with them.

All the allegations were denied by Warden Ronquillo, who said that out of 1,043 inmates, only 125 did not accept their food ration on Monday and are on hunger strike.

The 125 is said to belong to a group called BM 29.--Source: Solar News

Japan to grant visa waivers for tourists from Philippines

April 14, 2014, 11:17 pm

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Japan might grant visa waivers to tourists from the Southeast Asia which includes the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam when it revises its tourism action plan in June, government sources said Monday.

The initiative, backed by the government and the ruling coalition, is aimed at Southeast Asia, whose vast Muslim population is expected to play a crucial role in achieving Japan’s goal of 20 million visitors a year in the run-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also views tourism as a pillar of its economic growth strategy in the battle against deflation.

Last year, tourism from Thailand and Malaysia surged 61 percent to a combined 630,000 from the previous year after visas were waived in July 2013. That helped Japan break the 10 million mark for the first time.

Roughly 140,000 Indonesians, 110,000 Filipinos and 80,000 Vietnamese visited Japan last year. The three ranked high behind China among the Southeast Asian countries that still need visas to enter Japan.

A visa waiver, however, would change all that, given the growing demand for overseas travel resulting from their strong economic growth, observers say.

Visa overstay violations among short-term visitors from Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam from January to November last year meanwhile remained in relatively low range of between 0.09 percent and 0.34 percent.

By country and region, China, South Korea and Taiwan send the most people to Japan.

To attain the 20 million goal, Japan needs to step up efforts to attract more people from the region, according to the Japan Tourism Agency.

Japan has waived visas for short-term visitors from South Korea, Taiwan and 64 other countries and regions, if their intended purpose is to sightsee or visit relatives.

South Korea, which rivals Japan as one of the main tourist destinations in East Asia, has also eased its visa policy.--Source: The Japan Times