Friday, February 19, 2021
GTV to air classic anime favorites Pokémon, Dragon Ball Z
Heads up, 90s kids!
Your classic anime favorites will once again grace television sets with the launch of GTV.
In a virtual media conference on Friday, the Kapuso Network announced the rebranding of GMA News TV to a more variety-oriented channel.
As GTV aims to target the "young and young at heart" audience demographic, anime titles are among the shows they have in store.
"We've lined up the beloved anime that have been airing before in GMA. GMA was known as anime authority so this will also trickle down to GTV," said Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, President of GMA Films, Inc. and Programming Consultant to the Chairman and CEO.
"We're launching Pokémon and Dragon Ball Z—those loved anime that we used to show years before in GMA, you'll also see them now on GTV," she added.
Gozon-Valdes said GTV is focused on bringing back the classics for now, but they are also on the look out to acquire new anime titles.
Anime fans have long been clamoring for GMA to once again include anime titles on its regular programming.
The millennial generation grew up watching anime in the evening and later in the afternoon, with names often anglicized and the dialogues dubbed in Filipino.
—MGP, GMA News
GMA News TV is now GTV
This February 22, the Kapuso Network is keeping it good with its second free-to-air channel’s fresh new look as GTV – offering “the news you trust and new shows to love.”
GTV stays true to the Network’s commitment to Serbisyong Totoo with a full roster of credible news programs from the award-winning teams of GMA News, GMA Regional TV, and DZBB.
Viewers can still catch the live telecast of Super Radyo DZBB’s hottest reports and commentaries on “Dobol B TV”; as well as Connie Sison and Raffy Tima’s midday newscast “Balitanghali.”
GTV likewise simulcasts GMA’s flagship news program “24 Oras,” anchored by GMA News pillars Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez, and Vicky Morales.
Meanwhile, the channel’s primetime newscast “State of the Nation (SONA),” bannered by Atom Araullo and Maki Pulido, provides depth and context to the headlines.
Local news reports continue to be accessible to more viewers via the “GMA Regional TV Strip” and “GMA Regional TV Weekend News,” which feature the Network’s award-winning local news programs across the country.
Alongside its newscasts, GTV offers fresh programming options for both the young and young-at-heart. This was kickstarted by the high-rating primetime series “The Lost Recipe” headlined by the fresh loveteam of Mikee Quintos and Kelvin Miranda in a fantasy-romance that provides viewers a new taste of Pinoy drama.
Adding magic to everyone's Saturday viewing habit is “My Fantastic Pag-ibig,” a collection of rom-com tales set in present times but infused with fantasy elements and showcases today’s most promising young loveteams.
The all-original comedy game show “Game of the Gens,” hosted by Sef Cadayona and Andre Paras, fuses singing, dancing, and playing games among competitors from different generations.
New Kapuso Chef JR Royol gives a peek into the fascinating process of food preparation in the weekly cooking show “Farm To Table.”
Upcoming GTV offerings include the charming story of “Heartful Café,” starring Asia's Pop Diva Julie Anne San Jose alongside David Licauco; the much-awaited on-screen tandem of real-life couple Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos in the romance-mystery mini-series “Love You Stranger”; and “FLEX,” which will be bannered by Gen Z stars Mavy Legaspi, Lexi Gonzales, Joaquin Domagoso, and Althea Ablan.
On GTV’s Happy Hour strip, Vicky spreads positivity in news magazine show ‘Good News’ while multi-awarded documentarist Kara David takes viewers on an gastronomical adventure featuring Filipino food in “Pinas Sarap.” Helping viewers manage their finances better in the new normal is Susan Enriquez in “Pera Paraan.” Global Endorser Gabbi Garcia, on the other hand, brings the latest trends in “IRL” through the stories and experiences that audiences encounter every day. More travel adventures in the new normal also await viewers in the award-winning travel and adventure program “Biyahe ni Drew” hosted by Drew Arellano.
Well-loved public affairs and lifestyle shows continue throughout the week. Join Kara anew as she reports on various issues facing the country in “Brigada.” Susan answers the questions of every Juan in “iJuander” while Tonipet Gaba explores how dining has evolved in the “new normal” in “Pop Talk.” Dishing out fun, food, and adventure are Solenn Heussaff and Gil Cuerva in “Taste Buddies.”
Further, sports fans are sure to watch out for the coverage and airing of the upcoming NCAA seasons.
With GNTV currently holding the second spot as the most watched channel after GMA, GTV is slated to complement main channel GMA’s strong nationwide reach.
GTV is available via free-to-air, cable, satellite, and on GMA Affordabox and GMA Now as well as other digital receivers.
GTV’s exciting programs also air abroad via the Network’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International.
Watch the news you trust and new shows to love beginning February 22 on GTV. Keeping it good!
For more details, visit GTV’s official social media account @GTVPhilippines on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/776662/gma-news-tv-is-now-gtv/story/
Statement of CEO Stefan Magdalinski on Multiply.com blog platform and social network reopening
Calls to revive the blog platform and social networking portion of Multiply.com would be reopen will have to wait until the next presidential administration.
With a little over a year until the Philippine general elections, the world is bent on focusing the COVID-19 pandemic and Spring Revolution in Myanmar to ensure that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte fulfills his campaign promise to the Filipino people.
Thursday, February 18, 2021
3 Simple Steps to Get to Heaven
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
It’s an old story but it still proves a point. A pastor midway through his sermon asked the question on a warm Sunday morning, “How many of you want to go to heaven when you die?” Everyone raised his hand except one man, obviously asleep. Focusing on the sleeping man, the pastor loudly asked, “How many of you want to go to hell when you die?”
Sensing the change of tone in his voice, the man abruptly awoke, stood to his feet, looked around sheepishly and said, “Pastor, I don’t know what I’m standing for; but it looks like you and me are the only ones for it!”
The fact remains, very few don’t want to go to heaven when they die, but how you get there seems to be a trade secret which is the property of a few who are either afraid to let it out, or too embarrassed to share that truth with family and friends.
Do you know how to get there? If you died and stood at the door of God’s heaven, and Peter opened the door, and said, “Why should I let you in?” What would you say?
Suppose you replied, “Because I’ve been a pretty good person. I’m not perfect, of course, but I’m a whole lot better than most people. Besides, I’ve given quite a lot of money to charity.” What you’ve said may be completely true, but would that open the door?
Not according to what the Bible says. Here’s what it says: “But when the time came for the kindness and love of God our Savior to appear, then he saved us–not because we were good enough to be saved, but because of his kindness and pity–by washing away our sins and giving us the new joy of the indwelling Holy Spirit whom he poured out upon us with wonderful fullness–and all because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did so that he could declare us good in God’s eyes…” (Titus 3:4-6, Living Bible).
The Bible says that entrance to heaven isn’t based on what you do–either good or evil–it is based upon what Jesus Christ did. The Bible describes this as a gift which is given to those who believe. “The gift of God” is how Paul described it in Ephesians 2:8, and then he said it is received “not by works, so that no one can boast.”
In two minutes, however, I can tell you what you need to do to receive this gift which opens heaven’s door. Three simple steps are necessary. Step #1: You must acknowledge your personal need of salvation. The Bible categorically says that all have sinned—everybody, no exceptions (See Romans 3:23, Isaiah 53:6). Do you admit that? Then go on to step #2 which is to believe that God will save you. The Bible puts is like this: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved–you and your household” (Acts 16:31).
The third step means that you go public with your commitment of faith. You run up your flag and commit yourself. Here’s the text: “That if you confess with your mouth, `Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
Your intelligence, your money, your goodness, or your gifts will never open the door of heaven when you die; but what Jesus did unlocks the door. No wonder He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). And what He said hasn’t changed.
Resource reading: Ephesians 2:1-10
https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/3-simple-steps-to-get-to-heaven/
Voter sign up in Palawan suspended ahead of plebiscite
By Ferdinand Patinio
Voter registration in the province of Palawan is suspended to give way to the activities for the plebiscite for its division into three separate provinces, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Thursday.
“The voter registration is suspended from February 11 to March 20. Our voter registration will resume on March 23, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The offices of our Election Officers are open from Tuesday to Saturday including holidays,” Sheila May Guno, Election Officer II in Araceli town, said in a virtual briefing.
Meanwhile, Comelec Region 4-B (Mimaropa) director Gloria Petallo said the initial budget allocation for the referendum is at PHP79 million.
Petallo added that they also asked for an additional PHP50 million for the establishment of additional polling places to comply with the guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).
“Because of the postponement and after the IATF approved the health protocol suggestion by the Comelec, so we have to request for another supplemental budget to cover the additional polling places. Before the pandemic, we can accommodate 400 regular voters in the polling precinct. But now, we can only accommodate 200 to comply with the IATF requirements, observing distancing and health protocols,” she said.
The referendum was originally scheduled for May 2020 but was moved to March this year as quarantine restrictions were implemented amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“So we requested I think around PHP50 million excluding the expenses of the provincial government, we requested them to provide health supplies for the local of Palawan,” Petallo said.
The province has 490,639 registered voters.
On March 13, voters will choose whether or not to divide Palawan into three provinces -- Palawan Oriental, Palawan del Norte, and Palawan del Sur, pursuant to Republic Act 11259.
Outsiders may campaign in split-Palawan poll
EVEN non-residents of Palawan could campaign for or against the looming plebiscite, which could divide the island into three separate provinces, according to the Commission on Elections.
Comelec Commissioner Antonio Kho said there is no geographical restriction on who could campaign for the upcoming plebiscite for the ratification of Republic Act 11259 or An Act Dividing the Province of Palawan Into Three (3) Provinces, Namely: Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur.
“Anyone can campaign. People from any part of the Philippines, as long as you’re a [Filipino] citizen, can campaign and convince people to vote, but they are not allowed to vote,” Kho explained in a recent online briefing.
The poll official, however, noted that appointed government officials and personnel will not be allowed to participate in the plebiscite campaign, as this is prohibited under the Civil Service Law.
Elected officials, he said, are not covered by the said restrictions.
Kho issued the clarification when asked if residents of Puerto Princesa who will not be allowed to participate in the plebiscite, will be allowed to campaign for or against the division of Palawan.
He assured the public that Comelec will be non-partisan in the plebiscite to be held on March 13, 2021.
“We will implement whatever decision of the voters is with respect to the plebiscite, whether they will ratify or reject the partition of the province of Palawan,” Kho said.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/02/18/outsiders-may-campaign-in-split-palawan-poll/
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
What Will Life in Heaven Be Like?
For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 1 Corinthians 15:22-23
Thomas Edison, the inventor of the incandescent globe, or the “light bulb” as we call it today, was never one to waste words. Hard of hearing, he avoided a lot of social conversation; but when he said something, people listened. That was especially true of the night Edison lay dying. Struggling to say something, his wife and doctor leaned down to catch his dying words. With a smile he clearly and distinctly said, “It is very beautiful over there!”
Strange, though, how seldom we think of heaven. No wonder C. S. Lewis wrote, “It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”
Do you think much about heaven–who is going to be there, and what we will do once we’ve arrived? Some of you do. You are the ones who have written with questions–good questions, too–which deserve answers. Like what? Like these…
Question: What will we do? Float around on clouds like they do in the movies? In heaven there will be marvelous times of worship and praise, times of feasting (the marriage supper of the Lamb), and times of rejoicing. Forget the images portrayed by Hollywood. Most of the folks there won’t have to worry about what’s done in heaven anyway. The Bible is the only book in the world that tells us for sure what heaven will be like.
Question: Will my wife still be my wife in heaven? This was the very question that arose in the ministry of Jesus. So important was it that Matthew, Mark and Luke recorded Jesus’ discussion. The discussion was the response to a question which the Pharisees put to Jesus–a trick question–about a woman had been married to seven different men. Jesus rebuked them, telling them they didn’t know the law.
Jesus answered the question of marriage in heaven very clearly saying, “At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven” (Matthew 22:30). No, there will not be marriages in heaven. But relationships will be meaningful.
Question: Do people in heaven know what is happening here on earth? I would answer saying, “Yes!” Here’s why. In one of the parables, Jesus talked about rejoicing over a lost sheep, and then he said, “I tell you that in the same way there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent… In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:7,10). If it is not the angels who rejoice, it must be God’s children, who are now in heaven, in the Lord’s presence.
What I’m about to say I cannot prove, but I believe, based upon many years of study. I believe that God allows His children in heaven to know things that would gladden their hearts, like the birth of a grandchild, or someone who has come to faith in Christ. This is consistent with the nature and character of God, but I don’t believe that they know things which would cause sadness and sorrow.
Question: Are there tears in heaven? Yes and no! Twice the book of Revelation says that God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes (Revelation 7:17, 21:4), and in heaven, there will be no sorrow, but rejoicing. Initially there may be some tears over our failures to tell our friends and family how to get to heaven. It’s too good to keep to ourselves.
A final question: Do you know how to get to heaven? That’s my topic on the next edition of Guidelines.
Resource reading: I Corinthians 15.
https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/what-will-life-in-heaven-be-like/
Comelec assures neutral position on Palawan plebiscite
By Ferdinand Patinio
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) assured that it will implement the decision of the people of Palawan regarding the division of their province through a plebiscite next month.
“We would like to assure everyone that the Comelec will be nonpartisan in this plebiscite. We will implement whatever decision of the voters with respect to the plebiscite, whether they will ratify or reject the partition of the province of Palawan,” Comelec Commissioner Antonio Kho told reporters in a recent interview.
He said the Comelec will have no position with regards to the plebiscite.
“I would like to assure everyone that the Comelec, in holding this plebiscite, will be nonpartisan. We have no position whether we agree or disagree with this plebiscite. We will just implement the decision of the voters,” Kho said.
Kho also said there is no conflict of interest with the provincial government's move to fund the plebiscite, where it is campaigning for "Yes" votes.
“With respect to funding of plebiscite, under the law, it is the LGU of Palawan that will shoulder the cost of the plebiscite. They are providing the Comelec the budget necessary for the plebiscite. So I don't see any conflict of interest in this situation because it is provided for by law,” he said.
The voter will be asked to write “Yes” or “Oo” if they favor the split and “No” or “Hindi” if they are not in favor on the question, “Pumapayag ka ba na hatiin ang probinsya ng Palawan sa tatlong probinsya na papangalanang: Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental at Palawan del Sur alinsunod sa Batas Republika bilang 11259? (Are you in favor of the division of the province of Palawan into three separate provinces: Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental and Palawan del Sur pursuant to Republic Act 11259?)".
The Comelec originally set the plebiscite to ratify the division of the province of Palawan into three provinces on the second week of May 2020 but it was moved to March this year, due to quarantine restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaker Velasco backs placing entire country under MGCQ next month
Speaker Lord Allan Velasco is backing a proposal by the acting NEDA secretary to place the entire country under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) starting March 21, or more than a year since the country was first placed under lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I personally agree with NEDA’s proposal to place the entire country under MGCQ next month. It is about time we safely relax pandemic restrictions to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on the economy," he said in a statement.
"With vaccines on the way, we should start encouraging our countrymen to patronize businesses again while strictly adhering to minimum health and safety protocols."
Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua earlier urged President Duterte to further reopen the Philippine economy to mitigate the increasing hunger and job losses in the country. He said local government units can implement localized lockdowns to control the spread of the coronavirus in their respective areas.
He said the Philippines lost P1.04 trillion, or an average of P2.8 billion every day, in revenues since the start of the lockdown last March 2020.
Chua also proposed to further increase the capacity of public transportation from 50 percent to 75 percent, as well as to complement this with opening of more bike lanes.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez warned the Philippines is placing last in terms of resurgence from the deadly outbreak, citing the country's negative growth rate of its gross domestic product (GDP).
"Medyo kulelat tayo ngayon, nahuhuli tayo pagdating sa recovery. In other words, tayo nagre-recover naman. Nakita natin 'yung GDP [natin] na bumagsak … maliit na lang 'yung negatives. From -16.5 naging -11.5, naging -8.7 o -8.3. So unti-unti na 'yung minus. Pero 'yung minus na 'yun, minus pa rin. E dati, +plus 6 tayo, +6.5. So, bagsak pa din," he told ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo.
(We're near the bottom, we're trailing in terms of recovery. In other words, we're also recovering. We saw our GDP fall … although the negatives are small. From -16.5, to -11.5, to -8.7 or -8.3. So they're decreasing slowly. But they're still minuses. Before the pandemic, we were at +6, +6.5. So, we're still at the bottom.)
"'Pag kinumpara mo sa ibang bansa, tayo pinakahuli, lalo na 'yung mga neighboring countries natin. Eh 'yung neighboring countries natin, maliit din 'yung COVID cases. Pero bakit naggo-grow sila o kaya mas maliit 'yung bagsak ng economy nila? Tayo yung huli."
(If you compare us with other countries, we're last, especially with our neighboring countries. They also have small number of COVID cases. But why are they growing or why did their economies fall slightly. We are last.)
"E dati, pre-pandemic, tayo 'yung second fastest. Tayo 'yung isa sa pinakamabilis. So, anlaki ng nawawala. Anong ibig sabihin po niyan? Less economic activity. Siyempre, 'pag may isang sektor ang nakasara, 'yung kabit-kabit na sektor na nagsu-supply doon, yung nakapaligid doon, sarado rin. 'Yung nagtatrabaho dun sa mga sarado na 'yon, walang trabaho hindi nakabalik," Lopez said.
(Before, pre-pandemic, we were the second-fastest growing economy. We were one of the fastest economies. So, we're losing a lot. What does that mean? Less economic activity. For sure, if a sector shuts down, other sectors surrounding it or supplying it will also close. Those who were working there, they lost their jobs and were not able to return.)
The unemployment rate in the Philippines was at 4.5 percent or 5 percent before COVID-19 struck the country.
When the pandemic hit in March last year, the jobless rate ballooned to 17.7 percent (7.3 million unemployed Filipinos) in April, before it went down at 10 percent (4.6 million) in July, and eventually to 8.7 (3.8 million) in October.