Pedro Calungsod: Filipino 2nd Saint

After San Lorenzo Ruiz, Pedro Calungsod will be the second Filipino saint upon confirmation from the Pope. Pedro Calungsod was a young native of the Visayas region who was killed in the 16th century.

The miracle attributed to Pedro Calungsod happened in 2003. A woman pronounced clinically dead for two hours after heart surgery was brought back to life through Pedro Calungsod’s intercession.

Calungsod will receive the same honor as Saint Lorenzo Ruiz who was a declared saint in 1987.

No date was announced yet by the Vatican for the canonization rites, which are traditionally held in St. Peter’s Square. As per TV reports, he will be then called St. Pedro Calungsod de Cebu.

PBA Doubleheader Friday

PBA All-Filipino Cup's cinderella team Powerade Tigers debut against Rain or Shine Painters in PBA's main game tonight at the Cuneta Astrodome, after the first game match of PBA All-Filipino Cup champions Talk n Text and the Meralco Bolts.

Being the biggest over-achiever of the last conference, the Powerade Tigers, once again to be led by season MVP candidate and AFC Best Player of the Conference Gary David, will be up with the same team they knocked out on the deciding game 7 of the semifinals. Rain or Shine is expected to bounce back from the tough loss to the Powerade crew which also features 'super rookies' in Marcio Lassiter and Jvee Casio.

David hopes to sustain his fiery performance as he looks forward to another strong showing by Powerade in the mid-season tourney with the help of import Dwayne Clinton Jones.

In his PBA debut, Jones will be up against Duke Crews.

A late RoS import replacement, Crews played his first game in the local pro league with hardly a
preparation with the team. Nonetheless, the short but high-leaping player logged impressive numbers of 34 points and 11 rebounds.

SPG and PG: What's the difference?

A new implementation of rating was released by the MTRCB (Movies and Television Review and Classification Board) apart from the existing ones:

• GP (General Patronage)
• PG (Parental Guidance)
• PG-13
• SPG (Striktong Patnubay at Gabay or Strong Parental Guidance)  -- new
• For Adults Only
• X (cannot be shown)

Below is the text of MTRCB chief Grace Poe-Llamanzares' speech about the said new classification:

Good afternoon, media partners, network representatives and MTRCB deputies.We thank you for your presence here this afternoon. It must be acknowledged that without your cooperation, your personal initiatives and corporate commitment for social responsibility, we will not be able to successfully implement our new classification system for television.
From the onset, the goal of this Board is to strike a balance between upholding freedom of expression, and creative freedom for the network stakeholders at the same time safeguard the inherent right of parents to protect their children.

For years, the tug of war was between those who pushed the limits of artistic freedom, against those that were considered conservatives for supposedly upholding good moral standards. The efforts of both camps are not without merit. However, taken for granted in the process were the most defenseless members of our society. Our children.

Many here if not all members of our Board believe that adults can basically decide for themselves, right or wrong and watch whatever they like. The truth is a third of our population or 34 percent are 14 years of age and below, and since television is the most prevalent form of media, the MTRCB needs to be extra cautious when considering policies and regulations.

Self-regulation has been the battle cry of many from the movie and TV industries. I personally am for self-regulation. From the time the MTRCB was created, the foundation for self-regulation was not laid out very clearly. This is something that is not achieved overnight! Lest it becomes burdensome and suffer a backlash from the public. To have a self-regulating body in the industry, the key components are: audience awareness + audience empowerment + industry accountability = our gold standard which is our pot of gold and reward = self-regulation.
The nuclear family is the most important unit of society and if the family is not protected, any initiative for national progress will have little chance of success. The foundation of a child is molded and strengthened at home. If the foundation of a child is weak, nation building cannot be possible.

Network producers are aware that with the SPG classification, we encourage them to know the content of their programs because they will have to specify exactly what in their content warrants an SPG-rating. They cannot just slap an SPG rating without indicating if it is the violence, the sex or language that make it such.

Today, we ask our partners in the television industry to join us in our campaign to explain to the public the meaning and importance of classification.

Let us get the members of the Filipino household to take part in our campaign.  The MTRCB Board is not trying to pull its weight by citing a regulation that will compel networks whether they like it or not to show the ad. What we are trying to foster is mutual cooperation.

This is our chance to show that we are working hand in hand to prove that the television industry is serious in its pursuit of responsible self-regulation.
Our efforts will not be wasted...The average Filipino Child watches 21 hours of television programming per week. The MTRCB cannot be physically monitoring every single household. With the classification advisory, we are able to develop a sense of responsibility among the parents to take an active role in monitoring the viewing habits of their children.

In line with our TVC launch, the MTRCB is proud to feature the family of Zoren Legaspi and Carmina Villarroel to be the symbol of our campaign. Theirs is an inspiring Filipino family. Beautiful, responsible, involved and accomplished. A household led by two busy working parents who are able to raise to wonderful and intelligent children by making sure that they take the time to personally supervise and nurture their children in their vital growing years.

Grand Lotto 6/55 Winners

PCSO Grand Lotto 6/55 draw last night, February 15, made 2 very lucky winners as the country's new instant multi-millionaires. As of this writing, PCSO has yet to release the reports on where the two lucky bettors originated.

After last night's cut-off, PCSO Grand Lotto 6/55 prize reached PHP 300,150,554.40. The two winners will split the pot money to PHP 150,075,277.20. The said prize was so far the highest one yet for this year 2012.

On the same night, another lone winner this time coming from the Megalotto 6/45 draw will receive PHP 22,984,351.20.

Asia United Bank acquires Asia Trust Bank

Asia United Bank, a full Philippine commercial bank, has successfully acquired Asiatrust Development Bank, Inc. on Wednesday, reports said. AUB will be acquiring the banking assets of Asiatrust at the same time assuming the liabilities of the latter following the approval of the terms of the transaction by both lenders’ boards, subject to shareholders’ and regulatory approvals. However, the trust banking business of Asiatrust is not included in the said deal.

Asiatrust was said to have already informed the Philippine Stock Exchange about the agreement on the same day.

The transaction is expected to be completed within the first half of 2012 and would pave the way for the 28 branches of Asiatrust, mostly located in Metro Manila, to be converted into Asia United Bank upon completion. This will hike Asia United Bank's branches to reach one hundred (100).

AUB is a private commercial bank established in 1997 with 72 branches nationwide. As of end-2011, AUB’s total assets stood at approximately Php50 billion, with capital funds of over Php9 billion. AUB’s recent acquisitions also include the Cooperative Bank of Cavite, which is expected to close within the first half of 2012, and the earlier purchase of Rural Bank of Angeles in 2010.

Philippines' Most Expensive Car

Mercedes-McLaren SLR, costing nearly PHP40,000,000 (approx. US$930,000.00), reportedly most expensive, officially sold, car in the Philippines. Check out Mercedes-McLaren SLR's specifications below and some pictures, too.









Mercedes-McLaren SLR
Price P 36,000,000
Vehicle Classification Coupe / GT / Sports
Warranty 2 years / unlimited mileage

Under the Hood
Engine 5.5 SOHC 24V V8
Maximum Output (bhp @ rpm) 617 @ 6500
Maximum Torque (Nm @ rpm) 780 @ 3250-5000
Fuel Type / Recom. Octane Gasoline / 95~
Fuel System / Aspiration EFI / S
Fuel Mileage (km/L) 6.89 (mfg.)
Transmission 5-speed AT

Dimensions and Weights
Length (mm) 4656
Width (mm) 1908
Height (mm) 1261
Wheelbase (mm) 2700
Curb Weight (kg) 1768
Body Type 2-door coupe
Engine / Drive F/R
Seating 2

Suspension and Tires
Front Suspension Independent, Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension Independent, Double Wishbone
Front Brakes Vented and Cross-Drilled Ceramic Composite Disc
Rear Brakes Vented and Cross-Drilled Ceramic Composite Disc
Tires 245/40 R 18 (f), 295/35 R 18 (r)
Wheels Alloy 18 x 9.0 (f), Alloy 18 x 11.5 (r)

Safety Features
Airbags 6
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Yes, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution); Brake Assist
Traction / Stability Control Yes, ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Other Safety Features Front rear proximity sensors; tire pressure monitoring system

Exterior Features
Fog Lamps Front, rear
Other Exterior Features Automatic HID headlamps; rain-sensing wipers; side mirror mounted turn signal repeaters; active rear spoiler

Interior Features
Steering Wheel Adjustment Tilt/telescopic, manual
Steering Wheel Material Leather
Seating Adjustment Electric
Seating Surface Leather
Other Interior Features Aluminum accents

Convenience Features
Power Amenities Steering, door locks, windows and mirrors
Climate Control Auto, dual zone
Audio System Stereo/6-disc with 8 speakers (COMAND APS)
Other Convenience Features COMAND APS (audio, climate, personal settings); ASSYST (on-board computer with mileage, temperature, range, service interval); keyless entry with alarm, central locking and immobilizer

Low-Pressure Area Nears Mindanao

A low-pressure area in the east of Mindanao is now a tropical cyclone. This low-pressure area over the Western Pacific Ocean, South China Sea & the Philippine Sea is not expected through Saturday, February 18, though.

At 2:00 pm today, The low-pressure area (LPA) was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 300 km East of Southern Mindanao (6.0°N, 128.5°E).

Heavy rains will be experienced in the eastern part of the Philippines particularly Bicol region and Eastern Visayas.