June 10, 2011- Classes resume in Metro Manila

According to the report from 24 Oras, classes in mEtro Manila will resume tomorrow, June 10, 2011

Forecast:Western section of Central Luzon and Pangasinan will experience rains and gusty winds while the western section of Southern Luzon and Western Visayas will have cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms. The rest of the country will be mostly cloudy with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the Southwest will prevail over the western section of Southern Luzon and Western Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate blowing from the Southwest and Southeast with slight to moderate seas.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Tropical Depression Dodong- PAGASA Weather Update- 5:00 p.m., 09 June 2011

Here is the lates update on Tropical Depression Dodong- PAGASA Weather Update- 5:00 p.m., 09 June 2011.

At 4:00 p.m. today, Tropical Depression "Dodong" was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 150 km West of Dagupan City (16.0°N 118.7°E) with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center. It is forecast to move North Northwest at 19 kph. 

Forecast:Western section of Central Luzon and Pangasinan will experience rains and gusty winds while the western section of Southern Luzon and Western Visayas will have cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms. The rest of the country will be mostly cloudy with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the Southwest will prevail over the western section of Southern Luzon and Western Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate blowing from the Southwest and Southeast with slight to moderate seas.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

June 9, 2011-Philippine Classes Suspended- PAGASA weather update- 5:00 a.m., 09 June 2011

The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced that classes in the preschool, elementary and high school levels are suspended in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Regions 3 and 4 due to heavy rains.

Administrators of colleges and universities may suspend classes at their own discretion. The rains are brought about by a low pressure area or LPA.

Here is the latest weather update from PAGASA as at 2:00 am today, the low pressure area (LPA) was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 90 km West Northwest of Metro Manila or 70 km South Southeast of Iba, Zambales (14.6°N 120.2°E) embedded along the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) affecting the country.

A low-pressure area west of Luzon has intensified into a tropical depression before noon on Thursday and Metro Manila and six other areas were placed under Storm Signal No. 1.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Forecast:

Central and Northern Luzon, and the western section of Southern Luzon will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms becoming widespread rains over Central Luzon which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. The rest of the country will have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the Southwest and Southeast will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate blowing from the southwest and southeast with slight to moderate seas.

source:PAGASA

E3 2011- Ubisoft Press Conference- Video Replay

For those who missed the Ubisoft Press Conference via Live Stream due to some lag. Here you can watch a replay of Ubisoft's Press Conference at E3 2011.

Nintendo Wii U revealed in E3 2011

Last night i was able to watch the Nintendo Press Conference at E3 2011 and Nintendo unveils their next video game console, the Wii U. Check out what gamers can expect from the finally revealed Wii 2/Project Cafe in this trailer from E3 2011 courtesy of IGN. Thw Wii U will be available by 2012.

Internet Access declared as basic Human Rights by United Nations

UN now considers internet access a basic human right that should be accessible and affordable for all. Can the Philippines comply?

The U.N. report  supports the Internet as a communication platform, a boon to all democratic societies, but it also warns how the Internet's unique architecture threatens power brokers in repressed, authoritarian states. 

The UN report outlined how several member states have already recognized Internet access as a right: “The parliament of Estonia passed legislation in 2000 declaring Internet access a basic human right. The constitutional council of France effectively declared Internet access a fundamental right in 2009, and the constitutional court of Costa Rica reached a similar decision in 2010. Going a step further, Finland passed a decree in 2009 stating that every Internet connection needs to have a speed of at least one Megabit per second (broadband level).”

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Philippine Independence Day on June 12-Sunday is June 13, 2011 Holiday?

The 113th Independence Day in the Philippines on June 12 falls on a Sunday, however Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Abigail Valte reiterated that Malacañang will not be moving the Independence Day holiday from June 12 to June 13.

June 12 is an annual celebration Philippine Independence and is one of the listed regular holidays for 2011 under Proclamation No. 84 signed by President Benigno Aquino III.

Proclamation No. 84 eliminates the holiday economics policy, that moves holidays within the week to the nearest Monday, used by the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

In the Philippines, Independence Day (Filipino: Araw ng Kalayaan) is an annual national holiday observed on June 12, commemorating the Philippine Declaration of Independence fromSpain on June 12, 1898. It is the National Day of the Philippines.
The declaration of Philippine independence from the colonial rule of Spain concluded the Philippine Revolution. Philippine independence, however, was not recognized either by theUnited States or by Spain. The Spanish government later ceded the Philippine archipelago to the United States in the 1898 Treaty of Paris, and the United States granted independence to the Republic of the Philippines on July 4, 1946 in the Treaty of Manila.[1]
July 4 was observed in the Philippines as Independence Day until 1962. On 12 May 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Presidential proclamation No. 28, which declared Tuesday, June 12, 1962 a special public holiday throughout the Philippines, "... in commemoration of our people's declaration of their inherent and inalienable right to freedom and independence.[2] On August 4, 1964, Republic Act No. 4166 renamed the July 4 holiday as "Philippine Republic Day", proclaimed the twelfth day of June is as the Philippine Independence Day, and enjoined all citizens of the Philippines to observe 12 June with rites befitting Independence Day.[3] June 12 had previously been observed as Flag Day.

source:Wikipedia 

Jessica Soho- Philippines No. 1 Trusted TV Presenter for News/Current Affairs

GMA Network bags the Gold Award for the Most Trusted TV Network for the 2nd consecutive year and Ms. Jessica Soho receives the award as the Philippines No. 1 Trusted TV Presenter for News/Current Affairs.

For the second year in a row, GMA Network, Inc. has been chosen as one of the most trusted brands in Asia in a consumer survey conducted by Reader’s Digest Asia.
GMA News and Public Affairs anchor Jessica Soho was also named as the most trusted news presenter in the Philippines for this year.
GMA Network received the Gold Award in the Television Category in 2010 and again this year.
GMA AVP for Corporate Affairs Teresa Pacis received the award on behalf of the Network during the awarding ceremony held June 2, 2011 at the Resorts World Hotel in Manila.
"GMA is very proud to be recognized by Reader’s Digest Asia and its readers for the second time around. This citation inspires us even more to continue providing balanced programming–top quality entertainment shows and credible news and information programs. More importantly, we will keep on implementing CSR programs that contribute to making the lives of each and every Filipino better," Pacis said.
This is also the second year that the country’s most rewarded journalist Jessica Soho was ranked highly in Reader’s Digest consumer survey.
Last year, she was the third most trusted Filipino after humanitarian Rosa Rosal and international singing superstar Lea Salonga who were ranked number one and number two, respectively.
"I am both proud and humbled to be receiving this recognition from the one magazine that has nurtured my love of reading when I was growing up. I wish more of our young people pick up the habit as well. I also want to share this award with everyone in our News and Public Affairs organization, past and present, who has helped me get to where I am now. It is both a big honor and responsibility for me to be named as the country’s most trusted news presenter," Soho said.
The Gold Trusted Brand Award reflects the Asian consumers’ choice of the most trusted brands in the market. The competing brands were rated based on trustworthiness, credibility, quality, value, understanding of customer needs, ability to innovate and social responsibility.
The Reader’s Digest Asia Trusted Brands Survey was launched in 1999. It is conducted annually and is now on its 13th year. It is carried out in eight countries including China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand . The Trusted Brands survey, which was conducted by research firm Synovate, had 1,000 respondents from the Philippines.

-text source 

2,000 Tonnes of Fish killed on Batangas and Pangasinan Fish Kill- Video

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) the losses from the fish kill that hit parts of Pangasinan and Batangas went up to P190.71 million as of Monday.

Superintendent Arcadio Ronquillo, Batangas police information officer said that climate change, with the water becoming cold and hot, might have caused the fishkill. Local officials allayed fears that the fishkill was caused by poisoning as other varieties of fish are alive.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Chile- Puyehue-Cordón Caulle Volcanic Eruption- Video

The Chilean volcanic eruption on Saturday, June 4, 2011 reached six miles up into the sky and sent a plume of ash toward Argentina.

Bariloche. Image Credit: Fabio.com

Puyehue volcano in Chile erupted on Saturday 4th June 2011 after 51 years of inactivity. On the 3th June a seismic swarm occurred with 1450 earthquakes registered at the volcano, associated with magma movement under the volcano. The earthquakes has a focus of 2-5 km depth on the southeast flank of the volcano.

Massive Volcano eruption Chile Puyehue-Cordón Caulle Chili Massive ash clouds. 05-06-2011. Columna de humo producida por complejo volcánico Puyehue-Cordón Caulle June 5 2011

ABS-CBN "Patrol ng Pilipino" Probes Into The Fishkills

Batangas called for help first and then Pangasinan followed. These are the provinces affected by massive fishkills, which were caused by lack of supply of oxygen and congestion in fish cages.
Millions of pesos have been lost due to this problem, and now bigger challenges have surfaced as “double-dead” fish have reached Metro Manila markets.
This Tuesday, June 7, on “Patrol ng Pilipino,” ABS-CBN correspondent Dominic Almelor will dive into the roots of the fishkills and show how the government and thepeople are addressing the problem.
Meanwhile, look into the inspiring story of the people of Culion in Palawan in the report of ABS-CBN correspondent Chiara Zambrano. Previously known as the land of lepers, the place has erased the stigma and has become a haven for tourists.
See the stories behind the news on “Patrol ng Pilipino” this Tuesday, June 7, after “Bandila” on ABS-CBN

-source 

What Time is E3 2011? Microsoft Press Conference?

What Time is E3 2011? Basically E3- Day one will start with Microsoft Press Conference at 9:30 PST (Pacific Standard Time-North America) on June 6, 2011.

Here you can check the exact  timing on your location/region so you will be able to watch live streaming from Gamespot, IGN, and other video game site which will provide streaming of the biggest electronic event of the year. [Click here to watch E3 Live Stream]

On Day 2-June 7 and Day 2- June 8, 2011, you can basically apply the same timing as per location

E3 EXPO 2011- FULL SCHEDULE:

Microsoft E3 2011 Press Conference Microsoft is once again kicking off E3 with their press conference.
6/6
9:30amPT

EA E3 2011 Press Conference
6/6
12:30pmPT

Ubisoft E3 2011 Press Conference
6/6
2:30pmPT

Sony E3 2011 Press Conference
Watch Sony's E3 2011 press conference live to see what they unveil about the NGP, their next handheld gaming system.
6/6
5pmPT

Tonight On The Spot - NGP
6/6
6:45pmPT

Nintendo E3 2011 Press Conference
Nintendo is expected to make a big announcement about their next console during their E3 2011 press conference. Watch it live!
6/7
9amPT

E3 2011 LiveCam Tour 1, Day 1
6/7
12pmPT

E3 2011 LiveCam Tour 2, Day 1
6/7
12pmPT

E3 2011 Live Show, Day 1
6/7
12pmPT

E3 2011 LiveCam Tour 1, Day 2
6/8
10amPT

E3 2011 LiveCam Tour 2, Day 2
6/8
10amPT

E3 2011 Live Show, Day 2
6/8
10amPT

E3 2011 LiveCam Tour 1, Day 3
6/9
10amPT

E3 2011 Live Show, Day 3
6/9
10amPT

E3 2011 LiveCam Tour 2, Day 3
6/9
10amPT

Watch World Economic Forum Live in Vienna Austria

Watch live streaming video from worldeconomicforum at livestream.com

Nadal beats Federer to win his sixth French Open Title

Here you can watch the game highlights as Nadal beats Federer to win his sixth French Open Title.

Nadal beats Federer to win his sixth  French Open Title, 7-5 7-6 5-7 6-1. Nadal whips a forehand down the line. 15-0. Another forehand rifle. 30-0. Federer nets a return. 40-0. Three championship points. Nadal looks like he's welling up and misses with his first serve. He regathers to get the second serve in, a quick rally ensues, and Federer goes long. Nadal falls down, his face buried in the red clay, but he picks himself up pretty quickly and scampers up to the net to embrace his opponent.

Nadal has a few quick words for the courtside reporter: He speaks in Spanish, but apparently he says what a hard and special tournament it is to win, and what's happened to him at Roland Garros is better than anything, it's a dream.

Complete highlights as Rafa defeats Roger 7-5, 7-6, 5-7, 6-1.

Miami Heat takes Games 3 on 2011 NBA Finals against Dallas Mavericks

Miami Heat beats the Dallas Mavericks on Game 3  of 2011 NBA Finals. The Heat now leads the series 2-1 against the Dallas.

"Harapan: Divorce Bill, Ipasa o Ibasura?" Debate on June 12 on ABS-CBN

As the nation commemorates Philippine independence on June 12, ABS-CBN will celebrate freedom of expression by setting the stage for the very first television debate on the controversial Divorce bill.
Anchored by award-winning broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez, the “Harapan:Divorce Bill, Ipasa o Ibasura?” debate aims to educate and inform the public on yet another issue that has significance and relevance to every Filipino.
The proposed law, which was authored by Gabriela Party List Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan, legalizes divorce as a course for individuals who want out of their marriages.
The Philippines, known for its high-regard for the family as an institution, is the only country in the world that bans divorce.
ABS-CBN held a ‘Harapan’ debate on the Reproductive Health bill last May 8 that became a trending topic on Twitter and stirred up discussion among the people. Once again, the network aims to clear up the air by assembling a credible panel of pro and anti - Divorce bill so that viewers can make informed choices on the topic.
Stay tuned for “Harapan: Divorce Bill, Ipasa o Ibasura?” this June 12 on ABS-CBN Sunday’s Best.

 -source

Miss Philippines Earth 2011 winner is Athena Mae Imperial

Miss Philippines Earth 2011 has just concluded and Athena Mae Imperial  won the moat coveted title of Miss Philippines Earth 2011 during the pageant finale held earlier tonight, June 5, in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Athena Imperial represented the Municipality of Casiguran, Aurora. She is 24 years old and stands 5'6".

Check out below aa Q&A of Athena Mae Imperial below courtesy of the Miss Philippines Earth website:

DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS (8-13 Years old)
While the other girls were busy playing with their dolls, jackstones, kitchen-set toys, and jumping ropes, I was with the elders playing scrabble, word factory, fixing puzzles and solving games of logic. My goal then was to be as good as the adults I was playing games with. I even aimed to beat them. Yes, I am goal-oriented since childhood.

WHAT LESSONS DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS?
First and foremost is to put God above all things. When I was a child, I was taught to thank God for another day when I wake up, to thank Him for the food He provides, and to pray before going to sleep. With that foundation from childhood, I bear with me until now that all my actions and successes must be offered for His glory.

Second is to be concerned of my surroundings and environment. I was trained to fix my bed when I wake up, to clean up my books and toys after using them, to separate biodegradable trash from non-biodegradable garbage, to reuse the recyclable materials, and to switch off the lights and appliances when they were not in use. I was taught that living in a place with a clean surrounding facilitates in thinking and doing better. I was also educated that doing small acts in saving our environment can eventually be a huge influence to other people.

Third is to be unselfish. I was taught to share my snacks to my grade school classmate, to consider the thoughts of my group mates for a project, to give my playmates a chance to enjoy whatever toys I had. Even until now that I'm a grown up, I don't deal and give in with anything that is only for my own good; I consider the welfare of other people. Being self-centred will give us nothing; but being selfless and considerate will provide us a precious space in the hearts of those whom we shared our blessings with.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
The moment I got in as a member of the leading investigative documentary program in the country is unforgettable. During college days, I was only staring at the billboards and the building of the network where I dreamt working at. I had been dreaming of becoming one of its journalists who open the minds of the Filipinos about the current phenomena and the reality of life. Being a researcher for the said program opens the door for me to reach that goal. Researching for such a program provides me tough training and good stepping stone towards the profession that I want to achieve.

WHAT IS YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY?
I stand against global warming. In our little ways, we can show our fight against this pressing environmental issue. Among these significant small acts are unplugging appliances and switching off lights when they are not in use, not burning fuel, and avoiding excessive emission of carbon dioxide.

Miss Philippines Earth 2011 Title Winners:
Athena Mae Imperial, Municipality of Casiguran, Aurora
Miss Philippines Earth 2011

Jonavi Raisa Quiray, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Miss Philippines Air 2011

Murielle Adrienne Orais, Cebu City
Miss Philippines Water 2011

Michelle Gavagan, Las Pinas City
Miss Philippines Fire 2011

Tarhata Clio Shari Rico, Makati City
Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism 2011

TOP 10 FINALISTS:

Edan Dafilmoto, Cotabato City
Brenna Cassandra Gamboa, Fil East Coast, USA
Catrine Rosary Ocampo, General Santos City
Mary Denisse Toribio, Malolos City, Bulacan
Ma. Alicia Elena Ariosa, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur

SPECIAL AWARDS:

Best in Swimsuit - Jonavi Raisa Quiray, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Best in Long Gown - Brenna Cassandra Gamboa, Fil East Coast, USA
Best in Casual Wear - Murielle Adrienne Orais, Cebu City
Best in Cocktail Wear - Jonavi Raisa Quiray, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Best in Talent - Diane Carmela Querrer, Tanuan City, Batangas
Best in Cultural Costume - Diane Carmela Querrer, Tanuan City, Batangas
Miss Congeniality - Norella Nacis, Sto Tomas, Las Union
Best Amazon Wear - Murielle Adrienne Orais, Cebu City
Miss Photogenic - Murielle Adrienne Orais, Cebu City
People's Choice Award - Athena Mae Imperial, Municipality of Casiguran, Aurora

Photos courtesy  Miss Philippines Earth Facebook Page.

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DepEd launches Oplan Balik Eskwela- DEP-ED Hotlines

As the Department of Education scales up its preparations for the opening of classes on June, the DepEd is again launching the Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) Information and Action Center Task Force (IAC) as part of the OBE Project.

To assist concerned individuals by providing them helpful information, handling complaints and routing mechanism during the OBE implementation, the department has set up the OBE-IAC that will last from May 30 to June 10 at the DepEd Central Office.

“The Oplan Balik Eskwela is a part of our commitment to EFA goals. This project will ensure smooth opening of classes so that the school children are properly enrolled and all school children are in school on June 6, the first day of school year 2011-2012,” DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro said.

Luistro added that the department is seriously looking into filling up the essential learning resource gaps.

“These shortages have been the perennial problem of the basic education system. While interventions are now in place, we cannot stop from there. We will continue to explore different avenues to make ends meet.” Read More..

HOTLINES FOR THE 2011 OPLAN BALIK ESKWELA

2011 OBE Information and Command Center
May 30- June 11, 2011, 7:00 AM- 6:00 PM
DepEd Complex, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City

For information and questions on enrollment and opening of classes, you may access/ call the following:

A. Telephone Numbers:

Main Hotline: 636-1663

633-1942 634-0222
636-4880 635-0552
637-4211 635-6550
638-7529 635-9817
638-7530 637-3743

B. DepEd Text Messaging Service

0919-4560027

C. E- Mail Address:
action@deped.gov.ph

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Erik Spoelstra First Filipino-American Head Coah on NBA- Miami Heat

Erik Spoelstra (born November 1, 1970) is an American professional basketball coach and the current head coach of the National Basketball Association's Miami Heat. He is the firstFilipino-American head coach in the NBA, as well as the first Filipino-American head coach of any North American professional sports team.From 2001 to 2008, he served as assistant coach/director of scouting for the team. He coached the Heat to 90 wins and two playoff appearances in his first two years as coach.

He is the son of Irish-Dutch-American Jon Spoelstra, who was an NBA executive for the Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Buffalo Braves and New Jersey Nets.His mother, Elisa Celino, is from San Pablo, Laguna in the Philippines.

Currently Erick is gearing-up Miami Heat on their maiden NBA title against Dallas Mavericks

Get a closer look at the man at the helm of the red-hot Miami Heat, Head Coach Erik Spoelstra.

China's Li Na wins French Open women's title

Li Na is the first player from China to win a Grand Slam tennis tournament as she beat Francesca Schiovone for the French Open title. The victory Saturday came in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6. (June 4). AP

photo credit: Roland Garros official page

The sixth-seeded Li used powerful groundstrokes to compile a 31-12 edge in winners. She won the last nine points of the match, a run that began when the fifth-seeded Schiavone was flustered by a line call she was sure was wrong.

"China tennis — we're getting bigger and bigger," said Li, who is projected to rise to a career-best No. 4 in Monday's WTA rankings.