PLDT Home and Computers Brochure Guide 2014

The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), SMART Communications, Inc. (SMART), Power Mac Center and Microsoft, along with Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HP Philippines, Lenovo, LG, NEC, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba for the PLDT and SMART Brochure Guide 2014, it was launched last December 30, 2013. The brochure guide  desktop and laptop PCs, tablet computers, displays and smartphones

PLDT Home and Computer-Projector-Projector Screen Bundle Brochure Guide 2014

HP Pavilion 14z-n200 TouchSmart Notebook PC

The Components were mineral black, Windows 8.1 64 for operating software, AMD Quad-Core A4-5000 Processor + AMD Radeon™ HD 8330 Graphics, HP 3 year 3 day Onsite Response for HP/Compaq and Pavilion Notebook Hardware Support, 14.0-inch diagonal HD BrightView LED-backlit Display (1366x768), 4GB DDR3 System Memory (1Dimm), 500GB 5400 rpm Hard Drive, Microsoft® Office Professional 2013, Security Software TrialComputrace LoJack for Laptops, Four Years, 4 Cell Lithium Ion Battery, HP HY04 Notebook Battery, HP 65W Slim with USB AC Adapter, SuperMulti 8X DVD +/- R/RW with Double Layer Support, Standard Keyboard (black), Webcam and Microphone (Mineral Black), 802.11b/g/n WLAN[1X1] and Laplink PC Mover

Accessories are: HP 15.6-inch Premier 3 Blue Backpack, HP Z4000 Black Wireless Mouse, HP ENVY 4500 e-All-in-One, Targus Docking Station, HP W2371d 23-inch Diagonal LED Backlit Monitor, HP DVD+R Media - 25 Pack, Netgear RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter, HP 2.1 Compact Speaker System, HP Monster PowerCenter MDP 200 ES 7-Outlets Surge Suppressor, HP Wireless Network Installation Advanced. While Add-ons are Windows Professional 8.1 32/64-BIT DVD, Microsoft Office 2013 Professional 32/64-bit, McAfee AntiVirus Plus 2014 - Subscription Package - 1 PC,  McAfee Internet Security 2014 - Subscription Package - 1 PC,  McAfee Total Protection 2014 - 1 PC,  Intuit Quicken 2014 Home & Business - Complete Product - 1 User,  Total Training for Microsoft Windows 8 - Technology Training Course, by Total Training, Inc. (90 day Subscription),  Total Training for Microsoft Office 2013 (90 day subscription) - Technology Training Course, Corel PaintShop Pro v.X6.0 - Complete Product - 1 User, Cyberlink PhotoDirector v.4.0 Ultra - Complete Product - 1 User and Adobe Premiere Elements v.12.0 - Complete Product - 1 User.

HP Spectre 13t-3000 Ultrabook - Best Value

• Operating system §§§: Windows 8.1 64
• Processor: 4th generation Intel® Core™ i5-4200U Processor + Intel® HD Graphics(For 8 GB Memory)
• Memory: Onboard 8GB DDR3 System Memory
• Hard drive §: 256GB Flash Solid State Drive
• Optical drive: No Internal DVD or CD Drive
• Networking: 802.11 AC WLAN and Bluetooth® [2x2]
• Battery: 4 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• Battery Life †††: Up to 9 hours
• Ports: 2 SuperSpeed USB 3.0; 1 Mini DisplayPort; 1 HDMI; 1 headphone-out/microphone-in combo, 2-in-1 digital media card reader
• Energy Efficiency Compliance: ENERGY STAR® qualified; EPEAT® Gold
• Display: 13.3-inch diagonal Vivid QHD Infinity LED-backlit Display (2560x1440) Touchscreen
• Keyboard & mouse: Backlit Keyboard
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 12.75 x 8.66 x 0.59 in
• Weight: 3.25 lb
• Webcam: Webcam and Microphone
• Audio: Beats Audio
• Warranty: 2-year limited hardware warranty support
• Software included McAfee LiveSafe™ and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom®

HP ENVY 700-210xt

Components are Windows 8.1 64, 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-4770 processor quad-core [3.4GHz, 8MB Shared Cache], HP 3 year 3 day Onsite Response for 2 year warranty Envy Desktop Hardware Support, Intel HD Graphics [DVI-D], 8GB DDR3-1600MHz [2 DIMM ], HP W2371d 23-inch LED Backlit LCD Monitor, 1TB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive, 16GB mSATA SSD Cache, 3TB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Microsoft® Office Professional 2013, Preinstalled McAfee Livesafe 2013 36 months SuperMulti DVD Burner, Blu-ray player & DVD player, HP 2.1 Compact speakers (Callisto), 15-in-1 Multi-slot Media Card Reader, 4 USB Ports (Front/Top), Audio [Front 2USB2.0, Top 2USB3.0], No TV Tuner Card, Integrated Sound, Envy Audio; Beats Audio, HP USB keyboard and optical mouse with volume control, Wireless-N LAN card and Bluetooth®(1x1), 300W Power supply, Adobe Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements 11 and Roxio Secure Burn.

Accessories are HP HD 3310 Webcam, Logitech H600 Headset, HP ENVY 4500 e-All-in-One, HP DVD+R Media - 25 Pack, Leap Motion Controller, HP Monster PowerCenter MDP 200 ES 7-Outlets Surge Suppressor, HP PC Setup and Installation - Advanced and HP Wireless Network Installation - Advanced

Addons are Windows Professional 8.1 32/64-BIT DVD, Adobe Acrobat v.XI Standard - Complete Product - 1 User, Microsoft Office 2013 Professional 32/64-bit, McAfee AntiVirus Plus 2014 - Subscription Package - 1 PC, Intuit Quicken 2014 Home & Business - Complete Product - 1 User, Total Training for Microsoft Windows 8 - Technology Training Course, by Total Training, Inc. (90 day Subscription), Adobe Premiere Elements v.12.0 - Complete Product - 1 User. The price of the computer is $4,049.27

27-inch iMac

Hardware

• 3.5GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz
• 32GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 4X8GB
• 512GB Flash Storage
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M 4GB GDDR5
• Apple Magic Mouse + Magic Trackpad
• Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (English) & User's Guide
• Apple Battery Charger
• Accessory Kit

Software

• Pages, Numbers, Keynote
• iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand
• OS X
• Final Cut Pro X
• Logic Pro X
• Aperture

Services and Support

• AppleCare Protection Plan for iMac - Auto-enroll
• One to One membership — 1 year

Plus:

• Apple USB SuperDrive
• Apple Thunderbolt Cable (2.0 m) - White
• G-Tech 8TB G-RAID Thunderbolt Hard Drive
• AirPort Time Capsule - 3TB
• Apple TV
• HP Photosmart 6520 e-All-in-One Printer
• Microsoft Office for Mac Home and Business 2011

In the Box

• iMac
• Apple Wireless Keyboard
• Apple Magic Mouse
• Power cord

Price: 6,180.82 United States Dollars

Home DSL is a high-speed broadband Internet service that runs on PLDT’s extensive phone network. Using the latest Next Generation Network technology, Home DSL can deliver speeds of up to 10 Mbps and with plans for as low as P990/month bundled with a landline. It is the country’s largest and most widespread wired broadband service, serving the needs of over 700,000 families and enabling the strongest connections at home.
HOW TO APPLY

• Select a Plan. Boost it with Add-Ons if you like.
• Fill out the online application form. Have a scanned copy of one (1) valid ID ready.
• Submit your application form, after which a PLDT agent will get back to you shortly.

PLDT Home DSL HIGH SPEED PLANS

• Upgrade your landline with high-speed plans.
• Best for bandwidth-intensive activities and homes with multiple PCs.
• Ideal for music downloads, photo and video uploads, gaming, and video streaming.
• Monthly service fee does not include PLDT Landline.

PLAN 999: Play online games, stream videos, and chat online up to 3 Mbps: Choose 1 Blockbuster movie from Clickplay
Option 1:

• Plan: Home DSL Plan 999
• Add-On: TVolution (199.00)
• Price: PHP 1,198.00

Option 2:

• Plan: Home DSL Plan 999
• Add-On: Triple Play ULTIMATE 3099 Just Add P,1450 88 Channels: 65 SD, 23 HD w/ landline -   2, 100.00 
• Price: PHP 3,099.00

PLAN 1995: Download music, apps, and other large files quickly Up to 5 Mbps
PLAN 3000: Enjoy multiple and simultaneous fast downloads Up to 8 Mbps
PLAN 4000: Stream HD-quality videos and enjoy the best online content Up to 10 Mbps
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

• Connection: Wired
• Surfing Hours: Unlimited and with no data capping
• Comes with the following:
• FREE PLDT to PLDT NDD calls for 12 months.
• 30 mins ID-DSL Callers, Package to USA, China, Canada, Hongkong or Thailand. Just add Php99.00/month.
• 12 month lock-in period
• Monthly Service Fee (MSF) is billed on top of PLDT Landline's MSF
• FREE WiFi modem and installation

PLDT Home DSL BUNDLED PLANS

• Come with a landline and DSL
• Best for light-bandwidth activities and homes with one to two PCs.
• Ideal for emails, research, chatting and social networking.

PLAN 990 up to 512 Kbps
PLAN 1299 up to 2 Mbps

• Plan: PLDT Home Plan 1299
• Add-On: Triple Play ULTIMATE 2899 Just Add P 1, 600 88 Channels: 65 SD, 23 HD   -   1600.00 
• 1 TV - 1 Set-Top Box Add P230   -   230.00 
• Price: PHP 3,129.00

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

• For plan 990 - FREE PLDT to PLDT calls for 2 months
• For plan 1299 - FREE PLDT to PLDT calls for 12 months
• FREE 30 mins ID-DSL Callers, Package to USA, China, Canada, Hongkong or Thailand. Just add Php99.00/month.
• 12 month lock-in period
• Monthly service fee is billed with the landline service fee
• Installation Fee of only Php1,100.00
• WiFi modem for only Php1,200.00 or through monthly installment scheme

Experience ultra-fast browsing of multiple websites. Stream over 200 blockbuster movies on-demand from Clickplay. Watch thousands of episodes of your well-loved TV series from My Pinoy TV. Enjoy up to 87 Cignal Digital TV Channels through your dedicated Fibr connection.

PLAN 3500 up to 8 Mbps

• Choose 3 movies from Clickplay 
• Just add P299 to enjoy Cignal Digital TV Channels

Option 1

• Plan: Fibr Plan 3500
• Add-On: TVolution   -   199.00 
• Price: PHP 3,699.00

Option 2

• Plan: Fibr Plan 3500
• Add-On:
• TVolution   -   199.00 
• Triple Play ULTIMATE 4499 Add P999 88 Channels: 65 SD, 23 HD   -   999.00 
• 1 TV - 1 Set-Top Box Add P230   -   230.00 
• Price: PHP 4,928.00

PLAN 5800 up to 20 Mbps

• Choose 4 movies from Clickplay 
• Bundled with 69 Cignal Digital TV Channels

Option 1:

• Plan: Fibr Plan 5800
• Add-On: TVolution   -   199.00 
• Price: PHP 5,999.00

Option 2:

• Plan: Fibr Plan 5800
• Add-On:
• TVolution   -   199.00 
• Triple Play ULTIMATE 6299 Add P499 88 Channels: 65 SD, 23 HD   -   499.00 
• 1 TV - 1 Set-Top Box Add P230   -   230.00 
• Price: PHP 6,728.00

PLAN 8800 up to 50 Mbps

• Choose 10 movies from Clickplay 
• Bundled with 69 Cignal Digital TV Channels

Option 1:

• Plan: Fibr Plan 8800
• Add-On: TVolution   -   199.00 
• Price: PHP 8,999.00

Option 2:

• Plan: Fibr Plan 8800
• Add-On:
• TVolution   -   199.00 
• Triple Play Premier 8800 FREE 69 Channels: 57 SD, 12 HD   -   0.00 
• 1 TV - 1 Set-Top Box Add P230   -   230.00 
• Price: PHP 9,229.00

Option 3:

• Plan: Fibr Plan 8800
• Add-On:
• TVolution   -   199.00 
• Triple Play ULTIMATE 8999 Add P199 88 Channels: 65 SD, 23 HD   -   199.00 
• 1 TV - 1 Set-Top Box Add P230   -   230.00 
• Price: PHP 9,428.00

PLAN 20000 up to 100 Mbps

• Choose 20 movies from Clickplay 
• Bundled with 87 Cignal Digital TV Channels

Option 1:

• Plan: Fibr Plan 20000
• Add-On: TVolution   -   199.00 
• Price: PHP 20,199.00

Option 2:

• Plan: Fibr Plan 20000
• Add-On:
• TVolution   -   199.00 
• Triple Play HD Ultimate 20000 FREE 88 Channels: 65 SD, 23 HD   -   0.00
• Price: PHP 20,199.00

Option 3

• Plan:
• Fibr Plan 20000
• Add-On:
• TVolution   -   199.00 
• Triple Play HD Ultimate 20000 FREE 88 Channels: 65 SD, 23 HD   -   0.00 
• 1 TV - 1 Set-Top Box Add P230   -   230.00 
• Price: PHP 20,429.00

Option 4

• Plan: Fibr Plan 20000
• Add-On:
• Triple Play HD Ultimate 20000
• FREE 88 Channels: 65 SD, 23 HD   -   0.00 
• 1 TV - 1 Set-Top Box Add P230   -   230.00 
• Price: PHP 20,230.00

The PLDT wired landline is the country’s pioneer and most trusted landline service. Backed by PLDT’s network, with the widest coverage in the country, the PLDT wired landline remains the nation’s reliable service for clear calls and conversations

Features

• Call Waiting: Allows you to receive calls even while talking with another caller
• Call Forwarding: Enables you to divert calls from your phone to another regular phone or cellphone
• 3 Party Conference: Allows you to talk to two parties at the same time in the convenience of one telephone line
• Speed Dialing: Allows you to store frequently called telephone numbers in your phone’s memory and dial only 2 digits when contacting these numbers 
• Caller ID: Lets you know who's calling even before you pick up the phone

Fees & Charges

Residential Plan

• Monthly Service Fee: P 700.00*

Outgoing Call Rates

• Local: Free & Unlimited
• NDD: P 5.10 / minute
• IDD: $ 0.40 / minute
• Cellular: P 14.00 / minute

*GMM rate only. Absolute value may vary monthly depending on foreign currency adjustment.

 Rates are inclusive of 12% VAT and may change without prior notice. 

Application Channels

• Hotline 171
• PLDT Business Offices
• PLDT Bilis Kabit Booths
• PLDT Authorized Dealers and Agents

Option 1

• Plan: PLDT Basic Landline
• Add-On:
• 3-Party Conference   -   50.00 
• Caller ID Service   -   75.00 
• Call Forwarding   -   75.00 
• IDD Call Plan   -   50.00 
• Speed Calling   -   50.00 
• Call Waiting   -   50.00 
• Price: PHP 1,050.00

PLDT Call-All Catalog Guide 2014

Call All & Call All Family
The PLDT Call All Service bundles the Postpaid Main Landline and a Wireless Landline that allows you to make FREE and UNLIMITED landline calls to your Home Zone when calling from anywhere in the country.
Option 1:

• Plan: Call All Family (1+3)
• Add-On:
• Price: PHP 1,350.00

Option 2:

• Plan: Call All Family (1+3)
• Add-On:
• Caller ID Service   -   75.00 
• IDD Call Plan   -   50.00 
• Call Forwarding   -   75.00 
• Call Waiting   -   50.00 
• 3-Party Conference   -   50.00 
• Price: PHP 1,650.00

Initial Charges

• Installation Charge: P1,100
• One-Time Activation Fee (Per SIM): P100

Easy Payment Options

• PLDT Business Offices
• PLDT Bilis Kabit Booths
• PLDT Authorized Dealers

For more information, call 101-328

Strengthen family connections with unli communication through UNLI calls to PLDT, UNLI calls & texts to Sun, plus a free Alcatel Android phone. 1 SIM, 2 numbers, just add 600 to your basic monthly landline service fee. Subscribe now!

Features

• Unlimited landline calls: Make calls to any landline within the same Home Zone*
• International texts: Send and receive text to and from any international mobile number. (Appropriate charges apply)
• Unlimited calls to Sun: Make calls to any Sun Cellular number.
• Extended Portability: Make and receive calls and text from anywhere** in the Country
• Unlimited texts: Send unlimited texts to any Sun Cellular number. Plus, FREE 250 texts to other networks.
• NDD and IDD calls: Make long distance calls to any PLDT landline for only P1/min and P5.10/min for any other landline. Make mobile calls to any mobile number other than Sun for only P6.50/min. Make International calls for as low as $0.10/min.

*Home Zone refers to the area where your main PLDT line is located. (Example: If your PLDT line is located in Metro Manila, your Home Zone is Metro Manila.) 

**Within the GSM network coverage of Sun Cellular. 

Basic Documentary Requirements

Pricing Details

Rates

PLDT-SMART Brochure Guide

The PLDT-SMART-Apple Bundles 2014

27-inch iMac

Hardware

• 3.5GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz
• 32GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 4X8GB
• 512GB Flash Storage
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M 4GB GDDR5
• Apple Magic Mouse + Magic Trackpad
• Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (English) & User's Guide
• Apple Battery Charger
• Accessory Kit

Software

• Pages, Numbers, Keynote
• iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand
• OS X
• Final Cut Pro X
• Logic Pro X
• Aperture

Services and Support

• AppleCare Protection Plan for iMac - Auto-enroll
• One to One membership — 1 year

Plus:

• Apple USB SuperDrive
• Apple Thunderbolt Cable (2.0 m) - White
• G-Tech 8TB G-RAID Thunderbolt Hard Drive
• AirPort Time Capsule - 3TB
• Apple TV
• HP Photosmart 6520 e-All-in-One Printer
• Microsoft Office for Mac Home and Business 2011

In the Box

• iMac
• Apple Wireless Keyboard
• Apple Magic Mouse
• Power cord

Price: 6,180.82 United States Dollars

Home DSL is a high-speed broadband Internet service that runs on PLDT’s extensive phone network. Using the latest Next Generation Network technology, Home DSL can deliver speeds of up to 10 Mbps and with plans for as low as P990/month bundled with a landline. It is the country’s largest and most widespread wired broadband service, serving the needs of over 700,000 families and enabling the strongest connections at home.
HOW TO APPLY

• Select a Plan. Boost it with Add-Ons if you like.
• Fill out the online application form. Have a scanned copy of one (1) valid ID ready.
• Submit your application form, after which a PLDT agent will get back to you shortly.

PLDT Home DSL HIGH SPEED PLANS

• Upgrade your landline with high-speed plans.
• Best for bandwidth-intensive activities and homes with multiple PCs.
• Ideal for music downloads, photo and video uploads, gaming, and video streaming.
• Monthly service fee does not include PLDT Landline.

PLAN 999: Play online games, stream videos, and chat online up to 3 Mbps: Choose 1 Blockbuster movie from Clickplay
Option 1:

• Plan: Home DSL Plan 999
• Add-On: TVolution (199.00)
• Price: PHP 1,198.00

Option 2:

• Plan: Home DSL Plan 999
• Add-On: Triple Play ULTIMATE 3099 Just Add P,1450 88 Channels: 65 SD, 23 HD w/ landline -   2, 100.00 
• Price: PHP 3,099.00

PLAN 1995: Download music, apps, and other large files quickly Up to 5 Mbps
PLAN 3000: Enjoy multiple and simultaneous fast downloads Up to 8 Mbps
PLAN 4000: Stream HD-quality videos and enjoy the best online content Up to 10 Mbps
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

• Connection: Wired
• Surfing Hours: Unlimited and with no data capping
• Comes with the following:
• FREE PLDT to PLDT NDD calls for 12 months.
• 30 mins ID-DSL Callers, Package to USA, China, Canada, Hongkong or Thailand. Just add Php99.00/month.
• 12 month lock-in period
• Monthly Service Fee (MSF) is billed on top of PLDT Landline's MSF
• FREE WiFi modem and installation

PLDT Home DSL BUNDLED PLANS

• Come with a landline and DSL
• Best for light-bandwidth activities and homes with one to two PCs.
• Ideal for emails, research, chatting and social networking.

PLAN 990 up to 512 Kbps

PLAN 1299 up to 2 Mbps

• Plan: PLDT Home Plan 1299
• Add-On: Triple Play ULTIMATE 2899 Just Add P 1, 600 88 Channels: 65 SD, 23 HD   -   1600.00 
• 1 TV - 1 Set-Top Box Add P230   -   230.00 
• Price: PHP 3,129.00

FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

• For plan 990 - FREE PLDT to PLDT calls for 2 months
• For plan 1299 - FREE PLDT to PLDT calls for 12 months
• FREE 30 mins ID-DSL Callers, Package to USA, China, Canada, Hongkong or Thailand. Just add Php99.00/month.
• 12 month lock-in period
• Monthly service fee is billed with the landline service fee
• Installation Fee of only Php1,100.00
• WiFi modem for only Php1,200.00 or through monthly installment scheme

The PLDT wired landline is the country’s pioneer and most trusted landline service. Backed by PLDT’s network, with the widest coverage in the country, the PLDT wired landline remains the nation’s reliable service for clear calls and conversations

Features

• Call Waiting: Allows you to receive calls even while talking with another caller
• Call Forwarding: Enables you to divert calls from your phone to another regular phone or cellphone
• 3 Party Conference: Allows you to talk to two parties at the same time in the convenience of one telephone line
• Speed Dialing: Allows you to store frequently called telephone numbers in your phone’s memory and dial only 2 digits when contacting these numbers 
• Caller ID: Lets you know who's calling even before you pick up the phone

Fees & Charges

Residential Plan

• Monthly Service Fee: P 700.00*

Outgoing Call Rates

• Local: Free & Unlimited
• NDD: P 5.10 / minute
• IDD: $ 0.40 / minute
• Cellular: P 14.00 / minute

*GMM rate only. Absolute value may vary monthly depending on foreign currency adjustment.

 Rates are inclusive of 12% VAT and may change without prior notice. 

Application Channels

• Hotline 171
• PLDT Business Offices
• PLDT Bilis Kabit Booths
• PLDT Authorized Dealers and Agents

Option:

• Plan: PLDT Basic Landline
• Add-On:
• 3-Party Conference   -   50.00 
• Caller ID Service   -   75.00 
• Call Forwarding   -   75.00 
• IDD Call Plan   -   50.00 
• Speed Calling   -   50.00 
• Call Waiting   -   50.00 
• Price: PHP 1,050.00

SMART prepaid service
IPad Air

• iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular 128GB - Space Gray ($929)

Add-ons

• iPad Air Smart Cover - Black
• iPad Air Smart Case - Black
• AppleCare+ for iPad
• Apple 12W USB Power Adapter
• Lightning to USB Cable (1 m)
• Lightning to USB Camera Adapter
• Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader
• Apple Wireless Keyboard - English
• Lightning to 30-pin Adapter
• Lightning to 30-pin Adapter (0.2 m)
• Lightning to VGA Adapter
• Lightning Digital AV Adapter
• iTunes Gift Card - $100
• HP Photosmart 7520 e-All-in-One Printer
• Apple TV

TV Patrol celebrates 27th year; PNoy delivers "prangka" speech

Masaya at makulay ang naging selebrasyon ng ika-27 anibersaryo ng TV Patrol noong Linggo, ika-2 ng Marso, sa Fiesta Pavilion ng Manila Hotel.

Nagmistulang "grand reunion" din ito dahil maging ang mga dating anchors at reporters ng primetime news program ng ABS-CBN ay nagsidatingan.

Kapansin-pansin na wala si Mel Tiangco, isa sa orihinal na anchors ng nasabing news program at ngayon ay anchor ng 24 Oras, ang katapat na news program sa GMA Network.

Subalit isang Kapamilya ang nagbanggit sa PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) na dumalo raw ang veteran female newscaster sa pagtitipon na naganap bago ang malaking selebrasyon.

GABBY LOPEZ. Sa pamamagitan ng ilang video presentations, binalikang-tanaw ang lahat ng malalaking balita, ang pagpapalit-palit ng administrasyon, maging ang mga sakuna na naranasan ng mga Pilipino.

Ipinakita rin ang hirap ng mga mamahayag, na hindi alintana ang panganib, bagyo, lindol, o pagputok ng bulkan, makapaghatid lamang ng balita.

Bilang pagkilala rito, sa mensahe ni Gabby Lopez, chairman ng ABS-CBN, sinabi nitong: "Ang gawain ng TV Patrol ay gawain ng mga bayani."

Sinabi rin nito na ang programa ay nagsisilbing "salamin ng bayan."

PNOY'S "PRANGKA" SPEECH. Inayunan ito ni Pangulong Noynoy Aquino, ang panauhing pandangal, sa unang bahagi ng kanyang mensahe.

Aniya, "Sa loob ng dalawampu’t limang taon, kinilala ang TV Patrol sa tapang at sigasig ng paghahatid ng impormasyon sa mamamayang Pilipino.

"Sa tuwing may sakuna, naroon kayo upang magbigay ng kaalaman kung paano umiwas sa peligro at disgrasya.

"Sa tuwing may agam-agam ang publiko ukol sa isyu, kayo ang takbuhan para sa tapat na pag-uulat.

"Kaya naman, sa lahat ng bumubuo ng inyong programa, mula noon hanggang ngayon, sa harap man o sa likod ng kamera: talaga namang pong isang mainit na pagbati sa inyong ikadalawampu’t limang anibersaryo."




NOLI DE CASTRO. Ang ikinagulat ng audience ay ang prangkang pasintabi ng Pangulo, sa gitnang bahagi ng kanyang mensahe, matapos niyang banggitin ang ilang datos na nasabi rin sa kanyang pangatlong State of the Nation Address ng July 22.

Ang pahayag ni PNoy: "Huwag po sana ninyong mamasamain, tutal kaharap ko na po kayo ngayon, at one night lang naman sa 365 days ng isang taon ko kayo makakausap. Tingnan po natin ang paghahayag ng inyong institusyon."

Pagkatapos nito ay nagkuwento siya tungkol sa tatlong insidente, kung saan nagbigay ng komento ang isa sa mga anchors ng TV Patrol.

Malumanay ang tono ng Pangulo, subalit may laman ang kanyang pasaring.

Ang una ay tungkol sa ulat ng isang reporter sa "dalawampung porsiyento" na pagtaas ng "passenger arrivals" sa Terminal 3 ng Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Sa pagpapatuloy ng Pangulo: "Sa kabila nito, nakuha pa pong humirit ng isang anchor niyo, at ang sabi po niya, and I quote, 'Nasa NAIA 3 ka kasi; kung nasa NAIA 1 ka, doon malala.'

"Sa loob-loob ko po, anong kinalaman ng ibinabalita sa NAIA 3 sa NAIA 1? May nagsabi po bang ayos na ayos na ang NAIA 1? Kung mayroon man ho, hindi kami.

"Nakaligtaan niya 'atang mahigit tatlumpung anyos na ang istrukturang ito.

"Napapaisip nga po ako: yung nagkomento nito, hindi ba’t anim na taon ding tumangan sa renda ng gobyerno?

"Sabihin na po nating minana lang din nila ang problema. ‘Di hamak, mas luma naman ang ipinamana nilang problema sa amin.

"Anim na taon ang ipinagkaloob sa kanya para tumulong sa pagsasaayos ng mismong inirereklamo niya.

"Pero ngayon, tayo na nga ang may bitbit na problema, tayo na nga ang tutugon dito, pero, masakit nga ho, may gana pa tayong hiritan ng nagpamana?"

Ang pangalawang insidente raw ay tungkol sa pag-"recover" ng National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) sa isang "banyagang bata na nakidnap."

Ayon sa Pangulo, masaya ang mga magulang at awtoridad sa nangyari, subalit, "Mukhang ang hindi lang masaya, ito nga pong anchor natin, na nagawa pa uling humirit na baka raw na-set-up lang raw ang rescue operation, at binayaran lang talaga ang ransom."

Dugtong ni PNoy: "Kahit anong pilit ng reporter na malinaw ang operasyon, nag-surveillance ang mga taga-NBI, at talagang natiyempuhan nilang walang nakabantay sa bata, pilit pa rin po nang pilit ang anchor."

Ang pangatlong balita ay tungkol sa pagtaas-baba ng pamasahe.

Sa rekoleksiyon ni PNoy, "Ibinalita po ito ng field reporter ninyo. Good news po talaga: ang resonableng mungkahi, napagbigyan; ang pamahalaan, grupo ng tsuper, nagtulungan.

"Panalo ang sambayanan.

"Ang problema, nagawa pa rin itong sundutan ng komentaryo. Matapos i-report, ang pambungad na tanong ng inyong anchor: Ano raw ba ang angal ng mga grupo sa akin po.

"Ang reaksiyon ko, 'Saan naman nanggaling yun?'"

Hindi pinangalanan ng Pangulo kung sino ang kanyang tinutukoy, pero iisang tao lang ang pumasok sa isip ng lahat ng nakinig: si Noli de Castro.

Si Noli ay kasalukuyang anchor ng TV Patrol at dating bise-presidente ng bansa, isang katungkulang hinawakan niya ng anim na taon. Nagsilbi siya sa administrasyon ni Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Sa bahaging ito ng mensahe, nagbigay na rin naman ng clue ang Pangulo sa kung sino ang pinapasaringan niya:

"May naitutulong po ba ang mga walang-basehang spekulasyon, lalo na kung lumalabas ka sa telebisyon at sinusubaybayan ng sambayanan?

"Kung nagbabangkaan lang tayo sa kanto, hindi problema ang mga walang-basehang patutsada.

"Pero kung alam mong opinionmaker ka, alam mo rin dapat na mayroon kang responsibilidad, sana po, sa tuwing sasabihin nating, and I quote, 'Magandang gabi, bayan!,' ay totoong hinahangad nating maging maganda ang gabi ng bayan."

Kilala si Noli de Castro sa kanyang halos gabi-gabing pambating "Magandang gabi, bayan!"

Natahimik ang halos lahat ng tao sa talumpati ng Presidente na inilarawan din niyang "prangka."

REACTIONS. Pagkatapos nitong magsalita, may iba't ibang reaksiyon ang mga bisita ng 27th anniversary ng TV Patrol.

Isa sa mga narinig ng writer na ito ay: "Mukhang wrong timing at wrong venue ang speech."

May nagsabi ring: "May point siya pero sana sa ibang okasyon na lang naging prangka ang Pangulo."

Ngunit may mga bumulong din ng: "It's about time."

Noong tawagin si Noli bilang isa sa main hosts, hindi ito kinakitaan ng anumang reaksiyon sa mga tinuran ng Pangulo.

Ngunit sa huling bahagi ng programa siya nagpahapyaw. Imbes na "simbolo ng ating karinyo brutal na pamamahala para sa TV Patrol," ang una niyang nasabi ay, "simbolo ng ating karinyo brutal na pamahalaan."

CELEBRATING 27 YEARS. Pagkaalis ng Pangulo, nagpatuloy ang programa sa pagbibigay-pugay sa lahat ng naging bahagi ng TV Patrol.

Pinasalamatan ang mga bumuo ng programa—Angelo Castro Jr. (yumao na), na unang prodyuser at direktor ng programa; Federico Garcia, na general manager ng network noon; Rolly V. Cruz (yumao na), na assistant general manager; Frankie Evangelista (yumao na), na nakilala ng buong bayan dahil sa segment niyang "Pulso."

Inalala rin si Ernie Baron, ang yumaong weather man ng programa.

Kinilala pa ang lahat ng mga tagapagbalita, maging ang mga nasa likod ng kamera at "unsung heroes."

Samantala, nagpamalas din ng galing sa pagkanta ang mga anchors at reporters na sina Henry Omaga-Diaz, Tony Velasquez, Marc Logan, at Doris Bigornia, kasama ng mga entertainers na sina Ethel Booba, Kitkat, Cacai Bautista, at Leo Martinez.

Sumayaw naman ng flamenco, isang uri ng sayaw mula sa España, ang Star Patrollers na sina Phoemela Barranda, Marie Lozano, Gretchen Fullido, at Ginger Conejero, kasama ang anchor ng TV Patrol weekend edition na si Pinky Webb.

Marami rin ang naaliw sa song number ni Korina Sanchez.

Habang kinakanta nito ang "Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko" ay ipinakita ang mga larawan ng ilang brodkaster ng ABS-CBN noong sila'y mga bata pa at ngayong mas maedad na.

Tatlo ang version ng larawan ni Luchi Cruz-Valdes— ang una ay may logo ng GMA-7, kung saan siya unang nagtrabaho; pangalawa, sa ABS-CBN, kung saan nagtrabaho rin siya nang matagal; pangatlo, sa TV5, kung saan siya ang kasalukuyang tagapamahala ng News and Public Affairs.

Ang selebrasyon ay lalo pang nagningning dahil sa mga artistang umakyat din sa entablado: Jon Santos, Jed Madela, Vina Morales, Gloc9, Bituin Escalante, Basil Valdez, Dulce, Hajji Alejandro... Pepe Smith, Basti Artadi, Kevin Roy, Freddie Aguilar with Watawat Band, Erik Santos, Jovit Baldivino, Angeline Quinto, Marcelito Pomoy, Yeng Constantino, at Jet Pangan.

Sa audience area naman, namataan si Ai-Ai delas Alas at ang kanyang "babe" na si Jed Salang, ang magkapatid na Epy at Ronnie Quizon, si Baron Geisler na dumating kasabay si Brillante Mendoza at umalis kasama si Pilar Pilapil, ang dating "Star News" ladies na sina Angelique Lazo at Tintin Bersola.

Dumating din ang dating senador na sina Robert Jaworski at Richard Gordon, Senators Frank Drilon and Loren Legarda, ang mga kalihim na sina Mar Roxas, Greg Domingo, at Ricky Carandang, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino, Bangko Sentral Governor Sy Tetangco, Mayor Joseph Estrada, Representative Sonny Angara, Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, at Commissioner Kim Henares, Bench endorsers na sina Kim Chiu, Enchong Dee, Teng Brothers na sina Jeric at Jeron at Joseph Marco.

Natapos ang selebrasyon pasado alas-onse ng gabi, at karamihan sa mga nagsipagdalo ay naringgang nag-uusap tungkol sa kanila-kanilang assignments kinabukasan.

Coco Martin, Kim Chiu return to primetime TV

The touted “Teleserye King” Coco Martin and “Teleserye Princess” Kim Chiu are excited to be working together again, playing each other’s love interest for the first time on ABS-CBN’s upcoming drama series “Ikaw Lamang.”

The two worked together on “Tayong Dalawa” and “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo” but not as a love team.

“It’s been a while since Kim and I worked together and I’m happy to be given the chance to reunite with her in this new teleserye,” Coco said.

For her part, Kim admitted that, “Aside from the excitement, I feel nervous and pressured especially because the cast of ‘Ikaw Lamang’ is really full of brilliant actors and actresses and I have to do my best to be at par with them.”

She added, “I can say that this is the most challenging role ever given to me!”

The two were required to kiss for their first scene together.

It was to break the ice, Coco said, adding, “It was a good thing that we knew each other… so hindi kami nailang sa isa’t-isa.”

“Ikaw Lamang” is set in the ’70s. It tells the story of childhood sweethearts Samuel (Coco) and Isabelle (Kim), whose love will be tested by time and their clashing families.

Joining Coco and Kim on “Ikaw Lamang” are Jake Cuenca and Julia Montes.

Completing the powerhouse cast are Ronaldo Valdez, Tirso Cruz III, Cherry Pie Picache, Cherie Gil, John Estrada, Daria Ramirez, Meryl Soriano, Spanky Manikan, Lester Llansang, Zaijian Jaranilla, Louise Abuel, Alyanna Angeles and Xyriel Manabat.

Under the direction of Malu Sevilla and Avel Sunpongco, “Ikaw Lamang” is the latest from Dreamscape Entertainment Television, the group that created “Juan Dela Cruz,” “Ina Kapatid Anak,” and the phenomenal drama series “Walang Hanggan.”

“Ikaw Lamang” premieres on March 10 on ABS-CBN Primtime Bida.

• • •

The Child Haus Celebrates 10th Anniversary

The Child Haus, beauty guru Ricky Reyes’ favorite charity organization, marked its 10th anniversary recently.

The Child Haus offers shelter to cancer-stricken children who do not have a place to stay while undergoing medical evaluation and treatment in government hospitals in Metro Manila. It doesn’t only provide lodging but also free meals, transportation and in most cases, medicine.

The concept came to Mother Ricky (as he is fondly called) after he saw the sorry plight of cancer-victims who were seeking treatment at the Philippine General Hospital.

He established The Child Haus under the Ricky Reyes Foundation, Inc. in 2003. The rest, as they say, is history.

Ricky is proud to share that in a span of 10 years, The Child Haus has already helped around 11,000 cancer patients from all over the country. He looks at the milestone as another opportunity to thank those blessed individuals who have helped him in the endeavor.

He cites Hans Sy of the SM Development Corp. for providing The Child Haus its home at 90 Mapang-akit St., Barangay Pinyahan in Quezon City.

Hans help didn’t end there. “He also helps facilitate home programs for the children’s counseling. We don’t want these kids to feel depressed because of their sickness. These programs helped them a lot,” Mother Ricky said.

There are other volunteers who regularly go to The Child Haus. Miriam College teachers come every week to tutor the kids on their academics. Performers, dancers and singers also visit once in a while to cheer up the patients and their families.

The Child Haus has also received contributions from “guardian angels” Korina Sanchez, who adopted the upkeep and maintenance of the institution’s dining area; and Cris Aquino of Travelpros for the prayer room.

There are also volunteers from UERM, UE, Salvation Army, US, Victory Christian Fellowship, and more.

Other personalities who have helped The Child Haus include Divine Lee, Luis Manzano, Karylle, Angel Locsin, Ogie Diaz, Jenine Desiderio, Daniel Padilla, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Nelson Canlas, Henry Omaga-Diaz, Lhar Santiago and Mario Dumaual.

There are also other generous individuals like Atty. Art Almajeda, Annie Papasin, Leah San Pedro, Atty. Pedrito Faytaren, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Urbano Burgos, Leo Riingen, Trygve Olivar, Gen. Ceasar Ordoyo, Aiza Mercado and Celine Clemente.

Most of these donors graced the simple yet very meaningful 10th anniversary celebration of the institution recently, where the children performed and wrote letters of thanks to each of them.

Here’s to the next 10 years of The Child Haus. May Mother Ricky’s tribe increase!

• • •

Tidbits: Happy birthday greetings today, March 7, go to Gerald Anderson, Ms. Carmen Patena, Tom Apacible. Leo Martinez, Rica Peralejo, Nora Robles, Francis Choy, Dr. Johnny Labodahon, Karylle Abigail Adao, Tomas B. Medina, Engr. Jay Paul Galino, Charlotte Quiambao-Pascual, Perpetua C. Plastina, Carmen Bautista, Veronica R. Samio, Victor Oida Solomo of Hong Kong, Lalaine Paguirigan, Jojo Gonzales de Guzman, Andy Miranda, Ella Mae Saison, Manila Bulletin’s Eloisa Bernabe and Tong Payumo, former Subic BayMetropolitan Authority chair…

SWIMMING PHOTOS

robi domingo boystown

Lea Salonga, special guest in Il Divo’s Manila concert

The Il Divo concert in Manila dubbed, “Il Divo – A Musical Affair” to be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater inside Resorts World Manila on March 19, is made more exciting with our very own Broadway star Lea Salonga as special guest.

Of course, the whole world knows Lea for her role as Kim in “Miss Saigon.” She is also noted as the first Asian actress to play the roles of Eponine and Fantine in “Les Miserables.” She portrayed both roles in the musical’s 10th and 25th anniversary in London and Broadway, respectively.

Lea also provided the singing voice of two Disney Princesses, Jasmine in “Aladdin;” and Fa Mulan in “Mulan” and “Mulan II,” and was named as Disney Legend in 2011.

The concert is in support of Il Divo’s sixth studio album “A Musical Affair,” a compilation of songs from such Broadway shows as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Carousel” and “West Side Story,” as rendered by Carlos Marin, David Miller, Urs Bühler and Sébastien Izambard.

Members of the record-breaking classical crossover group are no strangers to musical theater.

Carlos was cast as Marius in “Les Misérables” when the show premiered in Spain in 1993, while David played Rodolfo in Broadway’s “La Bohème” in 2003, which subsequently garnered seven Tony nominations.

“Il Divo – A Musical Affair” is promoted by Ovation Productions.

Tickets are available at Ticket World outlets or online at www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Sponsors are the Manila Bulletin, Resorts World Manila, 2nd Avenue, Jack TV and Jack City.

• • •

Celebrating Life Every Day

Special times are worth celebrating but we should also celebrate life’s little accomplishments, just like what Goya did recently when it held “Celebrate Everyday With Goya,” an uncomplicated yet fun-filled evening graced by Kapamilya star Kim Chiu.

Said Goya general manager Josenilo Chincuanco: “Every day we work tirelessly for our family and loved ones and whenever we accomplish something, it is but fitting to celebrate it in our own way, whether alone or with friends. Celebrating our life’s events helps make us more positive and therefore allows us to be even more motivated to continue and pursue our objectives and dreams.”

It hasn’t been an easy ride for Goya, he stressed, sharing the effort both management and workers exerted to bring Goya back to a level where it can effectively compete with other brands.

“‘Celebrate Everyday With Goya’ is our company’s own way of thanking our supporters and the media for continuing to patronize Goya,” he said.

Kim (who will be appearing with Coco Martin on the teleserye “Ikaw Lamang” very soon) is Goya’s brand ambassador. She made the evening memorable by participating in the games lined-up at the event.

Chincuanco acknowledges how Kim was instrumental in elevating the awareness level for Goya among the younger set, particularly those who may not have known that there is a homegrown chocolate that is as tasty as imported brands but not as expensive.

“Credit goes to Kim for tirelessly helping us promote Goya as part of everyone’s life. Her association with Goya was a big plus factor in increasing awareness about Goya,” Chincuanco said.

• • •

Barbara Miguel Bags Best Actress Nomination In New York

GMA Artist Center salutes multi-awarded child star Barbara Miguel who is nominated as Best Actress at the 2014 Queens World Film Festival (QWFF) in New York City, for her remarkable portrayal of a young mother in Joseph Israel Laban’s “Nuwebe.”

The QWFF honors films and filmmakers who take chances in coming up with challenging stories and thought-provoking films.

Barbara is the only child star nominated in the Best Actress category of the said festival.

Prior, she was named Best Actress at the Harlem International Film Festival in New York.

She’s currently part of GMA’s primetime series “Carmela.”

Barbara earned her wings via Kapuso Network’s top rating programs “Munting Heredera” and “Biritera.”

• • •

Tidbits: Happy birthday greetings today, March 6, go to Gretchen Barretto, Rudy Tee, Mark R. Ablaza, Vicky Amalingan, Roberto Reyes, Meden Espino, Norma Williams, Felicidad Tabios, Robald Castillon, Randy Garcia of PNB PCSO Branch, Jaclyn Isip, Chris Teodoro, Anacleta Rubang-Velasco, Atty. Zerline Go Trinidad-Balleque of Tagum City and Archie Alemania… Happy wedding anniversary to Alex and Ana Cayabyab… A love scene between Roxanne (Jennylyn Mercado) and Joaquin (Mark Herras) finally unfolds this week. Will Roxanne finally succeeds in seducing Joaquin? And what will Rhodora say when she finds out what happened between them? Find out about her reaction in tonight and tomorrow’s episodes on “Rhodora X” after “Carmela” on GMA Telebabad…

Bb. Pilipinas 2014 early favorites

Several candidates in this year’s much-awaited annual Bb. Pilipinas pageant have caught the attention of fans, noting those who could make the country proud in future competitions.

Among early favorites is 24-year-old candidate No. 8, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. The Cagayan de Oro beauty was a former ABS-CBN Star Magic artist.

Another is candidate No. 13, Cebuana Kris Tiffany Janson, a 24-year-old finance analyst at a packaging company in Manila. Tiffany is also a skim boarding enthusiast. She loves traveling and would love to fulfill her departed dad’s wish that she wins a major beauty competition.

Also turning heads is 20-year-old Daraga, Albay native, candidate No. 35, Yvette Marie Santiago. Already a certified public accountant, she was Korea’s World Miss University at 17 years old. It’s her first time to be away from her parents who are based in Korea.

There is also the statuesque Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti, candidate No. 22, from Taguig. She is 24 years old. She graduated with a degree in European studies major in international relations from Ateneo de Manila University and is currently a technical assistant to the executive director of Community and Family Services International. She is fluent in Portuguese, English and Filipino.

Aklan native Ladylyn Riva, candidate No. 39, is 26 years old. She is a registered nurse, a freelance makeup artist, and a print and commercial model. Ladylyn is into tennis, badminton, and wakeboarding. She is considered the “dark horse” of this year’s tilt, having already won as Miss Casino Pilipino prior. She also competed at the 2011 Bb. Pilipinas Beauty Pageant making it to the semi-final round.

• • •

JAM Riders’ Fave Radio Station

JAM Liner, one of the leading bus companies serving the Manila-Laguna-Batangas-Quezon route, polled 10,000 of their passengers recently to find out their favorite radio station.

Emerging as the People’s Choice Radio Station was Love Radio (Manila Broadcasting Company). Tying at second place were Yes FM (also Manila Broadcasting Company) and ABS-CBN’s MOR 101.9. In third place was Magic 89.9 (Quest Broadcasting, Inc.) An overwhelming proportion of JAM passengers listen to FM radio versus AM stations.

Love Radio (or 90.7 FM) took 32% of the votes, while Yes FM (or 101.1 FM) and MOR (or 101.9 FM) tied at 24% each. Magic 89.9 FM garnered 13% of the vote. AM-frequency stations accounted for 5% of the replies.

The bus firm carries an estimated 1.3 million passengers a month or some 16 million people a year, originating mostly from its flagship terminals in Cubao, Buendia and Turbina.

It operates a customer-service counter 24/7. Automated ticketing is also available for selected routes.

JAM Liner remains committed to its mission to provide the Filipino riding public an experience that is “JAMpacked sa serbisyo, JAMpacked sa saya.”

• • •

Beauty Queens Spread Cheers In HK

Miss World 2013 Megan Young and Miss World-China Wenxia Yu warmed up the Filipino crowd in the recent Globe Kababayan Jam staged at the Chater Garden in Hong Kong.

Their presence was one of many surprises to everyone present as Globe and its partner CSL awarded HK$5,000 each to four lucky winners to purchase goods for their families back in the Philippines. The telco and its partner shouldered shipping costs to have the “pasalubong” packages delivered minus the fuss.

The Miss World mavens encouraged the OFWs in attendance to avail of free services from Globe to call and text their loved ones back home courtesy of the Globe-CSL Filipino Prepaid SIM, which offers the lowest call rate from Hong Kong to any Globe number in the Philippines at HK$ 0.95/minute.

To know more, log-on to www.globe.com.ph/international.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy birthday greetings, March 5, go to Councilor Darius Razon, former singer Olive Alvarez, Kirby Cristobal, Mrs. Leonor O’Leary, Mike Advincula, Sonny Melicor, Jaril M. Andrade of Parañaque City, Bertrand Russell Sanchez, Aivee Florendo of London, England, Chex Aquino, Rhaya Jean, Jasmin Salazar, Maria Teresa Godinez Riña of Tagum City, Anthony Fermin, Melanie Sison and Maxine Ann R. McAninch…March 6 celebrants: to Gretchen Barretto, Rudy Tee, Mark R. Ablaza, Vicky Amalingan, Roberto Reyes, Meden Espino, Norma Williams, Felicidad Tabios, Robald Castillon, Randy Garcia of PNB PCSO Branch, Jaclyn Isip, Chris Teodoro, Anacleta Rubang-Velasco, Atty. Zerline Go Trinidad-Balleque of Tagum City and Archie Alemania… Happy wedding anniversary to Alex and Ana Cayabyab…

Multiply in 'legal limbo' if it operates without social networking: solon

Multiply will be in "legal limbo" if it continues operating, a lawmaker said Wednesday as he urged colleagues to tackle several bills seeking the license renewal of the world's largest E-commerce and social networking site.

Under the law, "no person shall commence or conduct the business of being a public telecommunications entity without first obtaining a franchise," noted Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman.

"Since the prevailing rule is 'no franchise, no operation', inveigling Multiply to continue operation without social networking is pushing it to a legal limbo fraught with possible lawsuits," he said in a statement.

A franchise is deemed extended as long as there is a pending bill for its renewal, both Senate President Franklin Drilon and House legislative franchise committee vice chairperson Isabela Rep. Tonypet Albano earlier said.

Sen. Grace Poe, who led a hearing on Multiply's compliance with its franchise said a "cure" would be a concurrent resolution from both chambers of Congress urging the Securities and Exchange Commission to extend the website's proposed license until a new one is decided on.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., whose chamber has yet to tackle several bills seeking Multiply's franchise, said the website could operate until December 31, 2019, the end of the term of the 16th Congress.

Hearings into the network's franchise renewal bills "will suck all the energy of the 16th Congress" because lawmakers will want to air their stance, he said.

The House leadership "cannot claim that it is overwhelmed or besieged by pending priority bill" because Congress identified only 4 of such, based on President Benigno Aquino III's last State of the Nation Address, said Lagman.

Of these measures, 2 were passed into law, including the fifth tranche of pay increases for state workers and the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to 2022, he noted.

Lagman also questioned Belmonte's remark that the House might have to wait until May or after the next SONA in July to schedule hearings on Multiply's franchise.

The issue "can be deliberated and approved within the next 6 session days before the Congress adjourns from March 15 to May 4 for the Lenten break," said Lagman.

"Since the House is not preoccupied with major measures, its plenary sessions are currently devoted to privilege speeches and approval of local and private bills and some general bills many of which have little national consequence," he added.

HOUSE 'DOING BEST' 

Lagman, an independent congressman, "has no knowledge of the work load that the majority congress people have in the committee levels and the calendared plenary activities," said Isabela 1st District Rep. Antonio Albano, vice-chair of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.

"We are doing our best to calendar all important bills, including the Multiply franchise bill," said Albano.

"We need to prioritize all our work since we in the majority are already spreading ourselves thinly with the amount of work that we have," he added.

Albano urged supporters of the Multiply franchise bills to be "as enthusiastic" for legislative solutions on Super Typhoon Yolanda and Mindanao floods.

The lawmaker added that the delay in Multiply's license "is due to its own fault for having erred for which their management has already acknowledged recently."

The website, which reaches millions worldwide through its social networking, said it "did not violate the law" in its 10-year service.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/02/26/20/abs-cbn-in-legal-limbo-if-it-operates-with-expired-franchise-solon

Drilon files concurrent reso to allow Multiply to operate pending franchise renewal

Senate President Franklin Drilon filed on Wednesday a concurrent resolution that would allow Multiply to continue to operate.

Drilon filed Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 6 expressing the sense of the upper chamber that Multiply “should be allowed to operate under the terms of its existing franchise pending final determination of the renewal of its franchise by the 16th Congress.”

The said resolution also seeks the issuance by the National Telecommunications Commission of the appropriate provisional authority to the Jakarta, Indonesia-based social media and technology company as bills on its franchise renewal remain pending in Congress.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1233579/drilon-files-concurrent-reso-to-allow-abs-cbn-to-operate-pending-franchise-renewal

House begins ‘proceedings’ on Multiply franchise, asks for position papers

House committee on legislative franchises chair Marcy Teodoro says his panel will schedule a hearing only when all documents have been received

After sitting on the bills renewing the franchise of Multiply, the House committee on legislative franchises will begin “proceedings” on the measures by asking all parties to submit their position papers.

In a text message to Rappler, panel chairperson Marcelino Teodoro said this will be formally announced during the committee on legislative franchises’ meeting on Monday, February 24.

“The committee will ask all sides (pro/anti) to submit their position papers so that we can start reviewing them before we hold our hearing proper for the franchise renewal,” the Marikina congressman said.

This legislative franchises panel's meeting, however, was not included in the list of committee hearings posted in the House website as of posting.

Teodoro said the House committee will schedule the first hearing on the Multiply franchise renewal bills only when they are done reviewing all position papers.

But he did not say how long it would take for the committee to go through all documents nor when the hearing would likely happen. In contrast, the Senate public services committee is set to hold its first hearing on Multiply on Monday.

Despite calls from other lawmakers and media groups for the House to begin deliberating on these bills, the committee on legislative franchises has yet to schedule any hearing.

Teodoro insists Multiply social network won’t close down

In a separate interview with ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda show, Teodoro said the website would not need to close down.

He said his committee is currently in talks with the Securities and Exchange Commission so the latter could give provisional authority to the online company to continue operating.

“Sa ngayon po, habang dinidinig po ang prangkisa ng Multiply sa Kongreso, nakikipag-ugnayan po kami sa SEC upang siguraduhin na ang network ay magpapatuloy ng kanilang pagbo-broadcast. Hinahintay din po namin 'yung opinyon ng DOJ (Department of Justice) tungkol dito,” Alvarez said. (READ: DOJ asked to weigh in if ABS-CBN can continue operating after March 30)

(Right now, while Congress is hearing the bills on franchise of Multiply, we are in talks with SEC to ensure the network would continue its broadcast. We're also waiting for the opinion of DOJ.)

The House committee chair argued this was done before for the franchise of faith-based station Radio Veritas.

But legal experts told Rappler it would be illegal for Multiply to continue operating until December 31, 2019.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/252529-house-begins-proceedings-abs-cbn-franchise-asks-position-papers

Hong Kong court allows controlling stake in Multiply to be sold to foreign investor

CEO and owner Stefan Magdalinski sells shares to Si Rongbin’s Star Platinum, after other parties withdraw objections to deal

Jakarta, Indonesia - The Jakarta Central Commercial Court on Friday allowed the controlling stake in defunct E-commerce and social networking site Multiply to be formally sold to a foreign investor, who claimed he had a rescue plan for the closed website.

Multiply's CEO and owner Stefan Magdalinski, who had filed a petition to wind up the company to recoup his losses, agreed to sell shares under his control to Si Rongbin’s Star Platinum.

But the deal was earlier blocked by Multiply’s other creditors, including listed company China Trends, who feared that their interests would be jeopardized.

On Friday, High Court judge Mr. Justice Jonathan Harris validated the transaction after hearing that the parties would no longer object to the share transfer and that the dues for the shares had been paid by Si.

Neither Magdalinski nor Si appeared in court. Their lawyers declined to give details about the terms of the agreement.

It was also not revealed whether Magdalinski would continue his bid to wind up Multiply, which pulled the plug and ended 9 years of internet service on May 6 and ceased all business operations on May 31, after the share deal.

The liquidation petition against the company was adjourned until December 9.

Plebiscite results favor new Davao province

The coming into being of Southern Mindanao’s fifth province is now more apparent as returns from majority of Davao del Sur’s 14 towns and this city heavily favored the law that sought to create it, the Commission on Elections said Wednesday.

Ma. Febes Barlaan, Davao del Sur election officer, said results from eight towns and this city showed that “No” trailed by 65,801 votes behind “Yes,” which has 105,254 as of early afternoon Wednesday.

Barlaan said votes still waiting to be canvassed by the provincial board of canvassers were mostly from towns known to be in favor of the new province’s creation.

Even if all the returns have yet to be canvassed, Barlaan has confidently declared late Tuesday that “Yes has won.”

Added to region

Once formally declared as a new province, Davao Occidental – composed of the second district towns of Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos, Kiblawan, Malalag, Malita, Santa Maria, Sarangani and Sulop – will join the provinces of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley in forming the Davao region.

More new towns such as B'laan, Don Manuel Medel, Sr., San Jose and Ticulon.

The creation of the new province was initially proposed by former Representative Marc Douglas Cagas IV when his father, Douglas Cagas, was still governor of Davao del Sur.

Under Cagas’ proposal, Davao Occidental was to be formed by all towns in the second district.

As the May elections drew near, however, Cagas withdrew his proposal but the idea of creating a new province was kept alive by second district Rep. Franklin Bautista.

Bautista’s version of the law contained the basic elements of Cagas’ proposal but the composition of the province was reduced to only Sta. Maria, Malita, Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani after officials of the other second district towns of Kiblawan, Malalag and Sulop, which are known to be Cagas turfs, opted out.

Futile opposition

The Bautista version was passed by Congress and signed by President Benigno Aquino III into law.

Former Representative Cagas tried to block the plebiscite at the Supreme Court but the tribunal junked his petition.

The younger Cagas, however, continued to oppose the approval in a plebiscite of Bautista’s version of the law creating the new province. He spent money on tarpaulins listing the negatives of having a new province.

Wilhelm Sukyo, Southern Mindanao director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, said the DILG will help officers in charge run the new provincial government until a set of officials has been elected in 2016. Eldie Aguirre and Orlando Dinoy, Inquirer Mindanao

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/517371/plebiscite-results-favor-new-davao-province

Newcomer Ran Domingo bares in "Binyag"

Sa kanyang unang pelikulang Binyag mula sa Greenlight Entertainment, walang kagatol-gatol na nagpasilip ang bidang baguhang hunk na si Ran Domingo.

Ang mapangahas niyang pagpapakita bilang isang promdi nasana'y magbilad ng katawan sa tabing-dagat niyang paraiso ay bahagi ng karakterniyang ginampanan na bantad sa mga ikatlong kasariang nagnanasa sa kanyangkatawan.

Dito, paulit-ulit maririnig ang OPM (Oh, promise me) ng showbiz characters (producer, director, caster, PR person at iba pang may kinalaman sa pag-build-up sa isang nangangarap mag-artista), lalo na sa isang machong promdi. Sasabihin ng mga ito na: ‘May itsura ka,' ‘Lalo kang nagiging macho sa kayumanggi mong kulay,' ‘Gagawin kitang malaking artista!'

Sa mga makakapanuod nito, iisiping base sa tunay na buhay ngbida ang Binyag, pero ayon kay Ran, may ilang pagkakatulad ito sakaranasan niya sa pagsali-sali niya noon sa mga timpalak pangkalalakihan.

Isang Pampango, si Ran ay beterano ng iba't ibang contests. Civil Engineering student siyasa Central Colleges of the Philippines. Aniya, stepping stone niya ang mga nasabing pageant sa inaasam na modeling career.

First runner-up siya sa Ginoong Filipinas 2006; best informal wear sa Search for Datu Marikudo 2006; at first runner-up sa Kourus 2006. Isa siya sa runway models ng Bench Fever ‘06.

Dito sa Binyag, sinupurtahan si Ran ng mga magagaling at datihang sina Paolo Rivero (ng Daybreak, Toro/ Live Show) bilang gay talent manager, Kenjie Garcia (ng Lihim ni Antonio at Kambyo) bilang pahagip na taga-Siyudad, Simon Ibarra bilang matalinhaga ng mangingisda, Lou Veloso bilang malungkuting matandang bading, at Ynez Veneracion bilang kababatang may pagnanasa kay Ran.

Prinodyus ng Greenlight Entertainment sa pakikipagtulungan ng Sunflower Films International, magkakaroon ng premiere ang Binyag sa UP Film Institute sa October 2. Sneak preview sa New Cinema Theater sa Cebu sa October 6 at ang regular showing nito sa Kamaynilaan ay sa October 8.

Read more at http://www.pep.ph/guide/movies/2594/newcomer-ran-domingo-bares-in-binyag#ZXtTfkRAF2ykwPoI.99

www.pep.ph/guide/movies/2594/newcomer-ran-domingo-bares-in-binyag

Multiply full operations eyed to resume in 2 to 3 months

Full operations of defunct social networking site Multiply may be restored in 2 to 3 months, according to website CEO and owner Stefan Magdalinski said Monday.

"By Christmas 'yun ang objective natin," he told reporters.

Magdalinski said there was a "big possibility" that the website would have more features similar to Facebook Live and hashtag similar to Twitter.

Authorities earlier said it would take 9 months before the Multiply could resume full operations as the international subsidiary Multiply International and the social networking portion with hosted blogs, videos, photos and messaging to reopen.

“We regret to announce that Multiply will be closing on May 6, 2013, and ceasing all business operations by May 31, 2013,” it announced Friday on its website.

After May 6, the rest of the month will be used to ensure that all accounts are settled and merchants get full payment for their transactions, it said.

Multiply said the month-long grace period will provide its users enough time to find and migrate to alternative e-commerce platforms, settle all payments on items bought and delivered, and minimize disruption to businesses of its users.

“Multiply will ensure that you receive all funds you earned on the platform no later than May 31, 2013. We will close the actual marketplace sooner, on May 6, 2013, to ensure that all orders have sufficient time to complete and be delivered to your customers before the end of the month,” it said.

In December 2012, Multiply stopped its social networking service to focus on e-commerce, targeting the 350 million consumers in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Pope Francis discovers charismatic movement a gift to the whole church

 VATICAN CITY (CNS) — During World Youth Day celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, July 23-28, many worshippers in the crowds could be seen swaying from side to side, arms raised in the air, wearing rapt or joyous expressions on their faces.

Such scenes, along with on-stage appearances by celebrities such as Father Marcelo Rossi, a mega-church pastor whose records and movies regularly top the charts in his native Brazil, testified to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal's strong influence on the church in Latin America today.

As the church continues to lose members in the region with the world's largest Catholic population, the charismatic movement stands out as a source of hope, not only for fending off the formidable competition of Pentecostal Protestantism but for raising morale among the faithful as a whole.

Though not even half a century old, the movement claims that at least 120 million Catholics in 238 countries have been “baptized in the Holy Spirit,” according to a 2012 document published by International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services. The movement, which started in the United States, reports fast growth in Asia and Africa. But the world's largest concentration of charismatics today is in Latin America, where 16 percent of Catholics identify themselves as participants.

One of the movement's pioneers was Jesuit Father Edward Dougherty, founder of Brazil's Seculo 21 Catholic satellite television channel.

When the Louisiana native moved to Brazil in 1966, he discovered a country where, as in most of Latin America, vocations and Mass attendance rates had languished. He also learned that a recent Catholic movement to promote social justice in the region had led, in some cases, to neglect of otherworldly values.

“I felt very much a strong emphasis on liberation theology, which I say is very horizontal,” Father Dougherty told Catholic News Service in Rio. “There was a need for spirituality.”

Meanwhile, Pentecostal Protestants were enthusiastically spreading their message to great success among the traditionally Catholic population.

Pentecostals “talk about the spiritual needs of the people,” Father Dougherty said. “Often their churches, their temples, are more open than the Catholic churches,” and their pastors more willing to visit people in their homes than Catholic clergy are.

Some Pentecostal churches, especially non-denominational institutions such as Brazil's Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, also preach the “prosperity gospel” of material well-being through faith in Jesus Christ. It was a message with obvious appeal in a country such as Brazil, where, despite recent economic growth, the per-capita gross national product is only $12,100.

The Pentecostal movement has continued to rise, from 6 percent of Brazil's population in 1991 to 13 percent in 2010, according to a recent Pew Research Center study based on Brazilian census data. In the same period, the Catholic share of the country's population fell from 83 percent to 65 percent. A 2006 Pew survey of Pentecostals in Brazil found that 45 percent were converts from Catholicism.

Although the Catholic charismatic renewal has strong ecumenical roots, and its members have often worshipped together with Pentecostals, it also functions as a vehicle for retaining or winning back Catholics tempted by the Protestant alternative.

Like Pentecostalism, charismatic Catholicism emphasizes the Holy Spirit, features faith healing and speaking in tongues and is spread by door-to-door evangelists. But the important roles it gives to Mary and the Eucharist ensure that charismatic devotion has a clear Catholic identity.

The movement also encourages social service, Father Dougherty said, noting that it draws its inspiration from the church's foundational event, the first Pentecost, when Jesus' disciples “went out to the streets” to preach and help the needy as soon as they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Strong Catholic identity has been crucial to the movement's acceptance by the church's hierarchy in Latin America, many of whom had initial reservations about its unfamiliar forms of worship and largely lay leadership.

One early skeptic was Argentine Jesuit Father Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now Pope Francis.

“Back at the end of the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s, I had no time for” charismatics, the pope told reporters on the plane returning from Rio July 28. “Once, speaking about them, I said: 'These people confuse a liturgical celebration with samba lessons!'”

“Now I regret it,” he said. “Now I think that this movement does much good for the church, overall.”

“I don't think that the charismatic renewal movement merely prevents people from passing over to Pentecostal denominations,” Pope Francis said. “No! It is also a service to the church herself! It renews us.”

“The movements are necessary, the movements are a grace of the Spirit,” the pope added, speaking of ecclesial movements in general. “Everyone seeks his own movement, according to his own charism, where the Holy Spirit draws him or her.”

-By Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

Multiply investor in new rescue plan to avoid liquidation as HK$100 million in wages and pensions hang in balance

South China Morning Post, July 3, 2013

Details sketchy and former staff still concerned they won’t be paid

Jakarta, Indonesia - Defunct e-commerce and social networking site Multiply's fate remains unknown as its current investor continued his bid to save the debt-stricken company from liquidation.

Myriad International Holdings unit of Naspers has put Multiply under its control, submitted a new rescue plan for Multiply, the High Court heard on Tuesday.

Si's legal representative told the court that Star Platinum had already reached a preliminary agreement with Multiply's current CEO and owner Stefan Magdalinski, who had filed a petition at the Central Jakarta Commercial Court to wind up the defunct website to recoup his losses.

Star Platinum would need more time to finalize the details with Wong, the court heard.

But Si's lawyer did not reveal in court whether the latest proposal was significantly different from China Culture Media's previous plans to save Multiply.

Apart from Si, businessman Zhao Dong and listed company China Trends also vowed last month to come to Multiply's rescue with their own investment plans. But neither Zhao nor China Trends disclosed on Tuesday whether they were still in discussions with Wong.

Representatives of former Multiply staff, who also took part in the winding-up petition, voiced concerns over whether they would actually be paid.

A total of 3,000 former employees are owed Rp 10 billion comprising unpaid wages and pensions, the court heard.

On June 12, Magdalinski said they had put in place Rp 20 billion for wages owed to former Multiply staff.

The Labour Department said earlier that around 1,500 former Multiply staff had applied for compensation through the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund, a safety net for employees affected by business closures.

On November 16, 2013, it allowed the controlling stake in the website to be formally sold to a foreign or mainland investor who claimed Magdalinski had a rescue plan for the troubled firm.

High Court judge Mr. Justice Jonathan Harris validated the transaction after hearing that the parties would no longer object to the share transfer and that the dues for the shares had been paid by Si.

On June 10, 2014, it has filed for corporate rehabilitation to seek protection from its creditors. The company filed the petition for rehabilitation before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC). At that time, the website's social networking portion had a network of 18 million users. Liquidity problems, however, affected earnings. Sales declined from their peak of P20 billion in 2013 to just about P5 billion in 2017.

It had suffered from a drop in new orders amid a slump in the E-commerce and social networking sector. Multiply also reportedly laid off some 12,000 workers on February 28, 2014.

Multiply revealed that it has $10 billion in outstanding loans -- $800 million from Philippine banks and $100 billion from South Korean lenders.

That the site will be reopened after United States President Barack Obama stepped down in the office on January 20, 2017, and keeping Facebook as the sole social networking site. The process of the reopening will be managed by the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations through the Development Bank of the Philippines. Business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan is one of the possible bidders for the website's reopening in which ABC Development Corporation (a media company under PLDT's MediaQuest Holdings). However, MediaQuest also could not join the website's reopening bid due to ownership rules and regulations that MediaQuest owns ABC Development Corporation.

On January 25, 2016, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III approved the planned reopening of Multiply. The reopening will be undergoing public bidding with an estimated floor price of 20 billion pesos. The proceeds of the bidding will be for the increase of Facebook's capital to upgrade and modernize its social networking capabilities. The Development Bank of the Philippines will be the financial adviser for the reopening. Incoming PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar has already forwarded the reopening plan to President Rodrigo Duterte's executive secretary Salvador Medialdea. Andanar will also coordinate with the GCG before the start of the bidding.

The reopening process of Multiply was commenced in October 2016. As of July 1, 2017, five groups have already shown their interest to join the bidding process. These are Ramon S. Ang of San Miguel Corporation and the groups of former IBC president Eric Canoy and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson, energy tycoon and Udenna Corporation chairman Dennis Uy, William Lima, a businessman from Davao and Univision Communications Inc., an American media company headquartered in Miami.

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/1940695/atv-investor-new-rescue-plan-avoid-liquidation-hk88-million

Investors line up to purchase what remains of Multiply

China Culture Media, Zhao Dong and China Trends are all vying for the stricken website

Three separate investor groups are vying for defunct E-commerce and social networking site Multiply, the High Court heard on Monday.

Apart from Multiply’s current investor and creditor China Culture Media, which is controlled by mainland investor Si Rongbin, it emerged that Zhao Dong, a potential investor whose nationality was not specified in court, had also offered to save the troubled firm.

Zhao is currently in discussions with Multiply’s former boss and largest creditor Wong Ching, who initiated proceedings in the current case to wind up the broadcaster to recoup his losses.

The hearing on the liquidation petition was adjourned until December 3 pending further details provided by the potential white knights, including listed company China Trends.

Wong, who did not attend the hearing on Monday, said through his lawyer that Zhao’s preliminary proposal included plans to advance HK$50 million to pay former Multiply’s staff their owed salaries.

Meanwhile, China Trends, which took part in the petition as one of Multiply’s creditors, said it had plans to inject money into the distressed company in return for the website’s shares.

The technology company, whose previous debt restructuring proposal was rejected by Wong last month, did not state in court why it was still interested in Multiply.

In a regulatory filing dated June 10, China Trends said its plans to save Multiply remains valid as long as the company could avoid going bankrupt and therefore keep its core resources.

On Monday, Deloitte, the provisional liquidator for Multiply, told the court the website carried on with operations for its worldwide market.

While it had assets, including properties and equipment, valued at nearly HK$600 million, Multiply has been only left with about HK$2 million in cash, a lawyer for Deloitte said.

“has little revenue now,” he noted.

High Court judge Mr Justice Jonathan Harris said Multiply’s case had dragged on for some time, but it was “sensible to wait a bit longer” and allow all the interested parties to reach an agreement.

Representatives of former Multiply staff, who also took part in the petition, questioned whether the potential investors would actually pay them their owed wages.

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/1936887/investors-line-purchase-what-remains-atv