A Repost From Andreo Calonzo GMA News.TV

Noynoy formally invites Corona other justices to inauguration

GMANews.TV - 1 hour 6 minutes ago

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President-elect Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III has already formally invited Chief Justice Renato Corona and other justices of the Supreme Court to attend his inauguration on June 30. Aquino said he has instructed a team to send invitations to all offices of the three branches of government, saying they are “co-equal" and should be extended the proper courtesy. “I would assume all the members of co-equal branches of government would be invited… Invitations will be delegated to the protocol office who I am sure will know whom to invite," he said in an interview on Thursday night. This page requires a higher version browser Aquino, who is set to take his oath of office at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila next Wednesday, however said that he did not issue a personal invitation to Corona. The president-elect said that he is too busy completing his Cabinet to send personal invitations to certain guests. “Kanya-kanyang toka sa trabaho para sa inauguration. Sa akin, pagbuo ng Cabinet, maghanda sa June 30 afternoon. We’re supposed to already give them marching orders. Yan ang primary ko," he said. (We divided the work of preparing for the inauguration. Mine is to form the Cabinet, prepare for June 30 afternoon. We’re supposed to already give them marching orders. That’s my primary task.)

Aquino chose to defy tradition by deciding not to get the incumbent Chief Justice to swear him in. He opted instead to take his oath of office before Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales. The president-elect has repeatedly said in the past he will not recognize Corona’s appointment as chief justice, insisting that it is covered by the constitutional ban on appointments to government posts two months before the President leaves office.

The high court, whose 14 associate justices were appointed by outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, however ruled that the constitutional ban on midnight appointments does not cover the judiciary, and applies only to the executive branch. (See: Supreme Court allows Arroyo to appoint next chief justice) Carpio-Morales was the lone dissenter in this SC ruling, saying that the ban on midnight appointment applies to all three branches of government. Corona’s attendance uncertain Court spokesperson and administrator Jose Midas Marquez however said that Corona and the other justices’ attendance in the inauguration remains uncertain. Marquez said the justices only received their invitations on Friday afternoon. He added that Corona and the rest of the justices might have other appointments on Wednesday, so he could not say whether they would accept the invitation and attend the inauguration. Corona said in an earlier interview that he has not yet considered whether or not to attend Aquino’s inaugural since he has not yet been invited in the first place.—Andreo C. Calonzo/JV, GMANews.TV

Reposted From Andreo Calonzo Of GMA News.TV

A Repost From Sid Ventura Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Sparring Partner: Manny's 'Mystery' Opponent

By Sid Ventura, Special to Yahoo! Southeast Asia Friday June 18, 2010 06:12 pm PHT

Pacquiao-Mayweather is the big bout we've all been waiting for, but both camps have been silent recently. Just who exactly is Manny fighting in November?

Everyone is still assuming a Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather matchup is on later this year, but no one from both camps is saying anything. According to Robert Morales at boxingscene.com, Bob Arum will only confirm that Manny will have a bout in November, but at this point can't say who against. Meanwhile, Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, also refused to comment on anything.

Between Floyd's announcements about a planned hiatus and the lack of even a shred of confirmation from Arum and Schaefer, you can't help but wonder if the megafight will take place at all. Meanwhile, names like Antonio Margarito and Tim Bradley are being floated around as candidates in case the Mayweather talks float through. Pacquiao himself was quoted as saying he wouldn't mind a rematch with two former victims: newly-crowned light middleweight champion Miguel Cotto and former junior welterweight champ Ricky Hatton.

Of these four, I don't see anyone who will be worth watching, but if I were to choose, Margarito would probably be the most intriguing prospect. He has the height (5'11") to make Manny work a bit harder. The problem is his reputation has forever been tarnished by a suspension due to the illegal substances found in his hand wraps right before he fought Shane Mosley in January last year.

Bradley has no name recall so I'm pretty sure Arum will quickly strike this name off the list. I'll bet most of you immediately searched his name on the Web as soon as you read this. As for Cotto, the Pacquiao camp must be salivating at the prospect of beating the Puerto Rican again with his WBA light middleweight title on the line. A win would give Pacquiao a title in an eighth weight class, a record that would undoubtedly stand for a long, long time. But seriously, this may be pushing it. Pacquiao fighting at 154 pounds will be testing the limits of his body. Besides, right now I think fighting Mayweather is more important than capturing an eighth title.

Hatton? I can only surmise that Pacquiao was joking when he said he would welcome a rematch with this guy. Who would want to watch that? Rematches are made if the first fight was a) exciting; and b) close to the point of being inconclusive. Pacquiao-Hatton was exciting, but in a mismatch sort of way. And it certainly wasn't close. What's more, if this fight is to be made, Hatton probably needs 10 years to get back into shape. The guy is so overweight that the joke making the rounds about him goes, "There is only one Ricky Hatton? Apparently now there are two."

(Sidebar: I think the rematch that needs to be made is Cotto-Margarito. Their first bout ended with Cotto taking a knee in the 11th round after a savage beating from Margarito. But then came the hand wraps issue with Mosley, and now everybody is wondering if Margarito didn't have anything loaded in his gloves that caused a tough customer like Cotto to quit. A rematch should settle the issue once and for all.)

For Pacquiao, I repeat: if this is going to be his last fight, then it should be against Mayweather and no one else. Forget about going for a title in an eighth weight class. Forget about those other pretenders. Go out with a bang and fight the best available opponent.

If November is when the fight will be held, then Arum has maybe three or four weeks to finalize everything and to resolve whatever issues are preventing him and Schaefer from hammering out a deal. In the meantime, the rest of the boxing world has four words for these two gentlemen: get it done, guys.

A sportswriter since 2001, Sid Ventura was one of the first in the Philippines to write a sports column exclusively on line. He also does television commentary for Philippine college basketball, is a senior writer for a local basketball magazine and has a day job that requires him to watch 1970's TV shows (true story). Before suffering a knee injury while running after his three-year-old daughter (true story, really) he played shooting guard at pick-up games. He could neither shoot nor guard. Got a comment or question? Send them and he may answer or use them in a potential column. E-mail Sparring Partner at sid.ringsidewithmanny@yahoo.com.

Reposted From Sid Ventura Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

A Repost From Gerry Plaza Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Will romance with Shaina affect John Lloyd’s career?

By Gerry Plaza – June 21st, 2010

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Showbiz Eye by Gerry Plaza
Special to Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Amid all the vehement denials and outright dismissals of alleged romances in show biz, here comes someone who comes forth and admits the real score in his love life.

John Lloyd Cruz surprised the regular Sunday viewers of “The Buzz” with his admission that he and Shaina Magdayao are now an item.

“Matagal ko nang hinihintay ito,” he says. “Once and for all, gusto ko sabihin at sagutin na, yes, it’s us.”

According to Lloydie, the main reason he came out was that he wanted the speculations about their relationship and the purported links to other personalities to end.

“I wanted to come out and once and for all say something kasi ang dami nang nag-take advantage sa pagtahimik ko. Hindi na maganda kasi marami nang taong nadadamay and marami na ang taong nasasaktan. Hindi na nakakatuwa… Dapat magsalita na ako. Para sa kanila at di para sa akin. Wala akong maiko-complain sa buhay ko. “

To his detractors, he only has this to say:

“I wish them the same happiness I have right now.”

This is a very much welcome development for these two young stars, who have faced a barrage of intrigues over their now confirmed relationship. Previously, Lloydie had been charged with using Shaina to conceal another alleged romance with Ruffa Gutierrez, his co-star in the defunct “I Love Betty La Fea.” During the interview, he also admitted his relationship with Ruffa was “very special.”

He also reportedly promised Sarah Geronimo, his co-star in the blockbuster romantic comedies “A Very Special Love” and “You Changed My Life,” that he would soon woo her.

“Hindi mo ‘yun sinasabi o pinapangako sa isang babae. ‘O maghintay ka diyan ha, hintayin mo ko, after four or five years…’ Hindi mo naman alam kung anong puwedeng mangyari eh. Hindi ‘yan totoo.”

He also allegedly snagged Shaina from her ex-boyfriend John Prats, who supposedly didn’t know of their trysts while they were still together.

Lloydie claims he and John had ironed out the matter “man to man.”

“Iyon kasi ang nakakatawa saka sa kalagitnaan ng usap-usapan diyan, e, siyempre ang tamang gagawin ay kakausapin mo iyong tao. Nagkausap kami lalake sa lalake. Okay, maayos… Lalake sa lalake, sabi ko sa kanya na, ‘Let us put our egos behind us.’ Kung may naaapektuhan dito, ang babae.”

With his admission, Lloydie seems very serious about his feelings for Shaina and their romance would definitely become the hottest item in show biz in the weeks to come.

Why did it take Lloydie a long time to admit this? Somehow, it’s mainly because their relationship isn’t a studio-backed pairing; Lloydie rarely appeared, if ever, opposite Shaina, much less as a marquee love team.

Will it affect his career as a matinee idol, a three-time box office king? In my book, hardly.

John Lloyd Cruz is definitely one of the few young actors who have maintained a bankable acting career regardless of who he is paired with. What more with his personal life?

Photos courtesy of Star Magic/ABS-CBN

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Gerry Plaza is a longtime entertainment editor and writer who would never ever become a denial prince, much less a box office king. You can e-mail Gerry at gerry-showbizeye@yahoo.com

Reposted From Gerry Plaza Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

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A Repost From GMA News.TV

Arroyo will no longer witness Aquino's oath taking ceremony

GMANews.TV - Friday, June 18

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Outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will no longer witness the oath taking ceremony of President-elect Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III, a Palace official said Friday. “After the traditional limousine ride with President-elect Aquino, President Arroyo will leave Quirino Grandstand to give way for her successor. After all, it is his day," Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Chief Ma. Elena Bautista-Horn said at a press briefing in Malacañang.

Bautista-Horn also disclosed that the Aquino sisters were “hands on" in the preparations for the inauguration.

Ballsy, Pinky, and Kris Aquino attended the meeting of the incoming and outgoing administrations’ transition teams to personally look into the preparations being undertaken at the Quirino Grandstand, she said. “They want the inauguration to be simple. That’s what I have observed from their suggestions," she added. The three sisters offered the space they will occupy during the oath-taking ceremony for VIPs who will attend the celebrations, Bautista-Horn also said.

"I found it very humbling for them to say they won't attend if there's lack of space – it's really a nice gesture on their part," she said.

Aside from government officials, the PMS chief confirmed that foreign dignitaries and heads of states have already expressed their intention to attend the momentous event.

Bautista-Horn said Malacañang has begun coordinating with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) regarding this matter to ensure the dignitaries are accommodated and secured accordingly.

However, she declined to identify the dignitaries. “It's best if Mr. Aquino's camp provides such information instead since it drew up the list of guests invited to his inauguration," she said.

Bautista-Horn said Malacañang already furnished Mr. Aquino's camp a guide on number of people who can be accommodated without crowding in possible venues for the activities on inauguration day.

"We want that group to have an idea about the comfortable numbers," she said.

She noted Malacañang estimates its Centennial Hall can accommodate 750 people comfortably. — LBG, RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV

Reposted From GMA News.TV

A Repost From GMA News.TV

TV reporter trapped in Taal volcano crater, rescued after 5 hours

GMANews.TV - Friday, June 18

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A television reporter reporting on the condition of Taal Volcano suddenly became the center of attention when he was trapped in its crater.

A radio report quoted Lt. Commander Troy Cornelio, chief of the Philippine Coast Guard-Batangas, as identifying the TV reporter as Joshua Garcia of the Global News Network (GNN).

Cornelio said Garcia and his crew sought his office’s permission at about 10 a.m. to trek through communities in the vicinity of the volcano to check up on Barangay Tabla and interview its residents.

The Coast Guard official granted the TV crew's request. The Coast guard chief, however, was unaware that Garcia was planning to go further into the volcano.

Authorities said Garcia later descended into the volcano's crater, but could not climb back up due to the crater's steepness.

Alerted, Coast Guard officials rushed to the crater and carried out a rescue operation.

Five hours later, an exhausted Garcia emerged from the crater with only minor scratches.

Territorial jurisdiction of the island volcano is shared by the towns of Talisay and San Nicolas, both in Batangas province.

The GNN is a Philippines-based news and information channel operated by Global Destiny Cable.—Mark D. Merueñas/JV, GMANews.TV

Reposted From GMA News.TV

A Repost From ABS-CBN News

Ara, Cristine Reyes conned by US promoter?

ABS-CBN - Wednesday, June 16

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Ara, Cristine Reyes conned by US promoter?

Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

MANILA, Philippines - Showbiz sisters Ara Mina and Cristine Reyes are fuming mad after failing to receive payment for a series of concerts in the United States.

On her Twitter page, Cristine said that producers of their US show "Sisters Act" did not pay them despite doing 4 shows in Los Angeles, Nevada and Chicago. She said she and her sister did not continue with another scheduled performance in Las Vegas after the producer failed to pay them.

"Nobody should ever feel embarrassed if they've been victimized by a con artist. Why? Because after all the hard work... we are not paid. I want to cry!" she said in her June 7 tweet.

Reyes named their producer as a certain Ms. Alegria Natividad.

"Yes, we have a contract but hindi yon nasunod kasi masyado kaming mabait kaya nag-perform pa rin kami kahit walang bayad...It's not fair, ms. alegria natividad didn't [give] our money, so in Vegas kapag wala pa rin di na kami magpe-perform," she said.

On her Twitter page, Reyes thanked fellow Filipinos who took them out for a treat and even paid their hotel bills.

"No pay no show.. di pa kami bayad ni Alegria Natividad sa ibang shows namin dito sa States. How nice di ba? No food rin. Kanya-kanya kami. Good thing may mababait na Pinoy nag-treat sa amin, mabuhay kayo!" Reyes said.

But, in a text message sent to Showbiz News Ngayon, Ara cleared the name of the show's producer stressing that it was their promoter, a certain Guia, who failed to pay them.

"Just want to clear also na bayad lahat ng producers sa promoter namin na si Guia. Si Guia ang di nakabayad sa amin," Ara said.

Ara said all of their shows in the US were successful. She is set to fly back in Manila this Friday.

Reposted From ABS-CBN News

A Repost From ABS-CBN News

Ara, Cristine Reyes conned by US promoter?

ABS-CBN - Wednesday, June 16

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Ara, Cristine Reyes conned by US promoter?

Slideshow: Showbiz Photos

MANILA, Philippines - Showbiz sisters Ara Mina and Cristine Reyes are fuming mad after failing to receive payment for a series of concerts in the United States.

On her Twitter page, Cristine said that producers of their US show "Sisters Act" did not pay them despite doing 4 shows in Los Angeles, Nevada and Chicago. She said she and her sister did not continue with another scheduled performance in Las Vegas after the producer failed to pay them.

"Nobody should ever feel embarrassed if they've been victimized by a con artist. Why? Because after all the hard work... we are not paid. I want to cry!" she said in her June 7 tweet.

Reyes named their producer as a certain Ms. Alegria Natividad.

"Yes, we have a contract but hindi yon nasunod kasi masyado kaming mabait kaya nag-perform pa rin kami kahit walang bayad...It's not fair, ms. alegria natividad didn't [give] our money, so in Vegas kapag wala pa rin di na kami magpe-perform," she said.

On her Twitter page, Reyes thanked fellow Filipinos who took them out for a treat and even paid their hotel bills.

"No pay no show.. di pa kami bayad ni Alegria Natividad sa ibang shows namin dito sa States. How nice di ba? No food rin. Kanya-kanya kami. Good thing may mababait na Pinoy nag-treat sa amin, mabuhay kayo!" Reyes said.

But, in a text message sent to Showbiz News Ngayon, Ara cleared the name of the show's producer stressing that it was their promoter, a certain Guia, who failed to pay them.

"Just want to clear also na bayad lahat ng producers sa promoter namin na si Guia. Si Guia ang di nakabayad sa amin," Ara said.

Ara said all of their shows in the US were successful. She is set to fly back in Manila this Friday.

Reposted From ABS-CBN News