Zumba Class: Break the Guinness Record

Register and join the upcoming Zumba class to be held at the open parking area(at the back of Radisson Blu Hotel) of SM City Cebu on October 18, 2014 and be part of the Queen City's attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest Zumba class. This event aims to break the record held by India, which involves 6,671 participants in a Zumba class last September 2012. Part of the proceeds will be donated for the rehabilitation of the different schools in Northern Cebu.

All participants need to dance continously for atleast 30 minutes in order to break the World record. Organizers are expecting 20,000 participants for this event. Registration is currently ongoing at the Sports Zone at the upper ground floor of SM City Cebu(near Sunburst, formerly PAL Ticketing Office). Adult participants can pay either P250 with a “break the record singlet” or P150 without a singlet. Students only need to pay P100 each.

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Pacman to fight Rios in Macau

Manny Pacquiao's return to the ring will be against Brandon Rios on Nov. 24, 2013(Nov. 24, US time) at The Venetian in Macau, China. It will be a 12-round welterweight bout for the which will be distributed on HBO pay-per-view in the U.S.

According to Michael Koncz, Manny's adviser, the choice to go with Rios was made because of the style matchup. With Rios being a straight-ahead fighter who loves to brawl thus making it a sensational television bout. "Rios isn't going to get in there and dance around and run around," Koncz said. "He's going to come to fight. He'll move straight forward and try to brawl with Manny, and that's the kind of fight that will be very entertaining for the fans. Anyone who knows these two guys knows there's really no other way for them to fight."

Though he lost 2 of his last fights, Pacquiao remains one of boxing's biggest stars both at the gate and via pay-per-view. He's also overly popular in Asia. He appeals to many of the high-rolling Asian gamblers, who would come out in bigger numbers than they traditionally do for a Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas. Major League Baseball Advanced Media will distribute the online pay-per-view in China, Arum said.

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Pacers-Rockets' Possible Exhibition Game in the Philippines?

Just last year, InterAKTV has reported that the SM Group is in talks to bring an NBA exhibition game to MOA Arena. In accordance, The Mall of Asia Arena has released a series of tweets using their official @MOAArena account. It teased Filipino basketball fans that "BIG THINGS ARE COMING TO MOA ARENA."

"Hans Sy was invited by Commissioner [David] Stern during the All-Star Game, and Hans told the Commissioner that he has an arena that is suitable for hosting one of the NBA games," said Junel Baculi, the athletic director of National University, which is part of the SM Group.

On the other hand, ESPN writer Brian Windhorst also tweeted about this almost a week ago, saying that Li Shuang Fu, an NBA writer for Sina, shared that the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors will meet in preseason tussles in China while the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers lock horns first in Taipei, then in the Philippines.

If everything falls into place, Filipino hoops aficionados will be witnessing two of the NBA's most exciting young talents like James Harden and Paul George while also being part of Jeremy Lin's return tour to Asia.

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PAG-IBIG Launches Reloadable Prepaid Card powered by CITI

The Pag-IBIG Citi Prepaid Card is a reloadable prepaid card and can be used for the disbursement of MPL and Calamity loan proceeds.  Members may sign up to avail of the card for the release of their benefits upon filing their loan applications.

Pag-IBIG multi-purpose loan (MPL) and calamity loan borrowers are in for a faster, more convenient and safer way of receiving and using their loan proceeds. Together with industry leaders Citi Philippines and Visa, the Pag-IBIG Fund launched the new Pag-IBIG Citi Prepaid Card, powered by Visa. Available to all its members worldwide, the prepaid card is a stored value card that gives its owners the ability to pay for purchases in different establishments that accepts Visa cards such as department stores, appliance stores, grocery stores, drugstores, bookstores and others.

Pag-IBIG tapped the banking experience and the financial expertise of Citi Philippines to assist in the distribution of the monetary benefits to its more than 12 million members worldwide. With Berberabe at the press launch were Mylene Caparas, Head of Transaction Services for Citi in the Philippines; and Iain Jamieson, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam.

Borrowers who are interested to apply for the Pag-IBIG Citi Prepaid Card can go to the nearest Pag-IBIG branch office and file their MPL or calamity loan application where they will receive their prepaid card. Once the application has been approved and the loan proceeds credited to their Pag-IBIG Citi Prepaid Card, the member can then shop at over 130,000 Visa accepting merchants nationwide and withdraw cash at any local ATMs. The card powered by Visa ensures easy, secure and convenient payment transactions in tens of millions of establishments worldwide and online. Visa cardholders also have greater peace of mind when traveling, with access to 1.96 million ATMs in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

“Over the years, Visa has developed close relationships with governments around the world to create greater efficiencies through electronic payments. Our partnership with Pag-IBIG and Citi is just one of the many initiatives that showcase our commitment in providing cardholders with safe and convenient ways to make transactions, as well as extend the many benefits of Visa to a wider range of Filipinos,” said Iain Jamieson, Visa Country Manager, Philippines and Guam. “The Pag-IBIG Citi Prepaid card allows us to extend the benefits of Visa to a wider range of Filipinos.”

The MPL program aims to provide financial assistance to members for their varied needs including, minor home improvements, additional capital in small business, tuition or educational expenses or for health and wellness. The loan carries an annual interest of 10.5% per annum.

Source: www.mb.com.ph

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Lower-end iPhone?

According to some people briefed on this matter, Apple is working on a lower-end iPhone. This is a big shift in corporate strategy as its supremacy in smartphones has slipped. While Apple has explored such a device for years, the plan is progressing and a less expensive version of its flagship device could launch later this year, said one of the sources.

The cheaper iPhone would likely resemble the standard iPhone but with a different, less-expensive body. One possibility under consideration is lowering the cost of the device by using a different shell made of polycarbonate plastic; in contrast, the iPhone 5 currently has an aluminum housing. Many other parts could remain the same or may be recycled from older iPhone models. A spokeswoman for the Cupertino, California, company declined to comment. Apple now faces greater pressure to make the iPhone more affordable. An onslaught of lower cost rivals powered by Google Inc.'s Android operating system are rapidly gaining market shares.

As of the third quarter of 2012, Apple held only 14.6% of worldwide smartphone shipments, down from a peak of 23% in the fourth quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012, according to IDC. Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics Co.'s share, rose from 8.8% to 31.3% from the third quarter of 2010 to the third quarter of 2012. The Korean electronics maker on Tuesday said it capped its best year ever with another record quarterly profit, adding that it expects operating profit of $8.1 billion to $8.5 billion for the three months that ended in December.

Apple has been considering a less-expensive iPhone since at least 2009, viewing it as a way to grab market share and introduce people to the brand, said people familiar with the efforts. Before the launch of the iPhone 4 in mid-2010, the company developed designs for cheaper phones that were very similar to the iPhone at the time but had a less expensive back and sides, one of the people said. A less-expensive iPhone risks crimping the company's profit margins, which executives have been loath to sacrifice.

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List of 2013 Philippine Holidays

Malacanang recently released the list of holidays for the year 2013 and the list includes 4 long weekends for the said year. Proclamation 459 was signed by President Aquino declaring the regular, special non-working and special holidays for schools and offices next year. There will be a total of 16 regular and special holidays next year.

Regular Holidays

• New Year's Day - January 1 (Tuesday)
• Maundy Thursday - March 28
• Good Friday - March 29
• Araw ng Kagitingan - April 9 (Tuesday)
• Labor Day - May 1 (Wednesday)
• Independence Day - June 12 (Wednesday)
• National Heroes Day - August 26 (Last Monday of August)
• Bonifacio Day - November 30 (Saturday)
• Christmas Day - December 25 (Wednesday)
• Rizal Day - December 30 (Monday)

Special (Non-working) Days

• Black Saturday - March 30
• Ninoy Aquino Day - August 21 (Wednesday)
• All Saints Day - November 1 (Friday)
• Additional special (non-working) days - November 2 (Saturday)
• - December 24 (Tuesday)
• Last Day of the Year - December 31 (Tuesday)

Special Holiday (All Schools)

• EDSA Revolution Anniversary - February 25 (Monday)

The proclamation stated that the national holidays for the observance of Eid'l Fitr and Eidul Adha will be declared "after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient".

Long Weekends

1. March 28-31, 2013 - Holy Week
2. August 24-26, 2013 - National Heroes Day
3. November 1-3, 2013 - All Saints' Day
4. December 28, 2013 - January 1, 2014 - Rizal Day and New Year

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Miss Universe 2012 Winners

Miss USA, winner of Miss Universe 2012
img src: Miss Universe website

Here are the winners for 2012 Miss Universe held at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas:

1. Winner: Miss USA - Olivia Culpo
   Hometown: Cranston, Rhode Island
   Age: 20
2. 1st runner-up: Miss Philippines - Janine Tugonon
   Hometown: Orion
   Age: 23
3. 2nd runner-up: Miss Venezuela - Irene Sofiá Esser Quintero
   Hometown: Sucre
   Age: 21
4. 3rd runner-up: Miss Australia - Renae Ayris
   Hometown: Perth
   Age: 22
5. 4th runner-up: Miss Brazil - Gabriela Markus
   Hometown: Teutonia
   Age: 24

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Pacquiao-Marquez 4 will be their last Face-off?

The eight-division champion, Manny Pacquiao and four-weight division champ, Juan Manuel Marquez both agreed that this fourth bout will be the last in the chapter of their storied rivalry. Marquez said when asked about the possibility of staging a fifth fight against Pacquiao, "I don't think so. Maybe this would be the last fight with Manny."

Pacquiao also agreed with his opponent's answer and was quoted as saying, "I think this is the last fight with him." On the other hand, when he was asked as to why he chose JuanMa over Timothy Bradley, - who defeated him via a controversial split decision - Pacquiao answered that he opted to fight Marquez because he has gotten tired of the Mexican's claim that he never lost a fight against him in all of their bouts. He also confidently said that Marquez would be surprised in their upcoming fight on December 8. "This time, I'll change my style and be more aggressive.", Pacquiao added.

The Pacquiao-Marquez 4 already sold more than 13,000 tickets during the opening weekend of sales, according to Top Rank, and is expected to sell-out come December 8 meeting at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. So who do you think will win? Would Pacman finally knock Marquez out or will Marquez get a taste of his longed victory?

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"Man of Steel" New Poster Released

image source: justjarred.com

A new poster to Zack Snyder’s upcoming action adventure “Man of Steel" has recently been released. The image shows Superman in hand-cuffs and held by soldiers in both arms.

The film is produced by Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan, Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder. The screenplay was written by David S. Goyer, from a story by Goyer & Nolan, based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster - published by DC Entertainment. Thomas Tull, Lloyd Phillips and Jon Peters are the film’s executive producers.

“Man of Steel” stars Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent, alongside Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni, Harry Lennix, Michael Kelly, Richard Schiff, and Russell Crowe.

“Man of Steel” is slated for release in the Philippines on June 12, 2013 in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D and regular theaters and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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Citibank/TGI Friday's Promo

Enjoy half off deals at your favorite Bistro restaurants as they celebrate 50 stores in 2012. Enjoy your favorite American dishes at half the price for a minimum bill of P2,500 from November 26 to 29, 2012 when you charge your T.G.I.Friday’s bill to your Citibank Credit Card.

Participating Branches:

• Alabang Town Center
• Ayala Cebu
• Abreeza Mall Davao
• Bonifacio High Street
• Robinson's Galleria
• Tomas Morato Rembrandt
• Eastwood
• Glorietta
• Mall of Asia
• Marquee Mall
• Robinson's Ermita
• Trinoma Mall
• Harbor Point Subic

**Terms and conditions apply.

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President Obama wins his Second Term

President Barack Obama has just won his second term as what Fox News projects. The president handily defeated Republican nominee, Gov. Mitt Romney after a historically expensive race. Obama's win in the crucial Ohio State which includes victories in Iowa and Oregon, has put him over the required 270 electoral votes.

Consequently, minutes before Obama was projected the winner, Romney has claimed his first major win of the night with a projected victory in North Carolina. While Obama triumphed earlier with a winning streak in key cities like Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Michigan. Florida and Virginia are still too close to call. On the other hand, the House will still be majority Republican, with Democrats maintaining their majority in the Senate.

The Obama victory would likely mark an end to a year-long campaign that saw historic advertisement spending levels with countless rallies and speeches, and three much-watched debates. This will also be the last time his name will appear in the ballot, or so he claims.

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Nicolas Cage for "The Expendables 3"

It has been confirmed. Academy Award-winning actor, Nicolas Cage, will be joining the elite cast of action veterans for another instalment of "The Expendables 3".

One of "The Expendables" lead cast, Sylvester Stallone announced this breaking news in his Facebook page. Cage will provide his "veneer intellectual" to the hunky "Expendables" squad in the third instalment of the action film franchise. Other A-list actors eyed for the said film are "Indiana Jones" actor, Harrison Ford, Wesley Snipes and Mickey Rourke. "Hopefully we can realize to Harrison Ford, Wesley Snipes and Mickey Rourke. That is the great mission of the producer. We will continue with the same narrative scheme, the agility and the frenzy, which are inherent to the saga. What will definitely be the last? I cannot guarantee. In principle it would be two deliveries, but the affection of the people encouraged us to work on a third.", says Stallone.

There have been no reports yet as to the role of Nicolas Cage in the upcoming movie, but sources are speculating that he will likely be playing some type of eccentric villain. On the other hand, "The Expendables 2" cast member Chuck Norris has turned down his role and will not be seen in the third film franchise.

Are you excited to see Nicolas Cage in "The Expendables 3"?

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Artista Academy Winners

"The Artista Chick of Mandaluyong", Sophie Albert and the "Singing Hunk of Pampanga", Vin Abrenica emerge as winners of TV5's Artista Academy. Albert bested fellow female contenders, Chanel Morales and Shaira Mae while Abrenica triumphed over Mark Neumann and Akihiro Blanco.

The best actor and best actress would each receive P10 million worth of cash and prizes, a condominium unit at Lakefront Parañaque City, a brand new Toyota Innova, and a P5 million peso management contract from TV5.

Forty percent of their final grade was based on accumulated average from the past 3 weeks, another forty percent from their live performance during the awards night and twenty percent from text votes. Their live performances were judged by resident judges Mac Alejandre, Gelli de Belen, Lorna Tolentino and Artista Academy principal, Wilma Galvante.

The awards night was held last night, October 27, 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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Miss International 2012 Winners

Miss International 2012 coronation night has just announced its 52nd winner of the crown. Succeeding last year's winner, Maria Fernanda Cornejo of Ecuador, is Ikumi Yoshimatsu from Japan. Yoshimatsu bested 68 other contestants from different countries to take home the prestigious crown. She was also named Miss Photogenic in the said event.

Completing the top 5 were Vivii Suominen from Finland who won first runner-up, Sri Lanka's Madush Mayadunne, second runner-up, Dominican Republic's Melody Mir Jimenez and Paraguay's Nicole Huber.

The event was held on Sunday, October 21, 2012 in Okinawa, Japan. Yoshimatsu from Japan won the prestigious title.

Miss International 2012 results(awards and winners):

• Miss International 2012: Japan - Ikumi Yoshimatsu
• 1st Runner-up: Finland - Viivi Suominen
• 2nd Runner-up: Sri Lanka - Madusha Mayadunne
• 3rd Runner-up: Dominican Republic - Melody Mir
• 4th Runner-up: Paraguay - Nicole Huber

Top 15 Finalists

• Brazil - Rafaela Butarelli
• Colombia - Melissa Varon
• Haiti - Anedie Azael
• India - Rochelle Maria Rao
• Mexico - Jessica Garcia Formenti
• Namibia - Paulina Malulu
• Philippines - Nicole Schmitz
• United Kingdom - Alize Lily Mounter
• USA - Amanda Renee Delgado
• Venezuela - Blanca Aljibes

Special Awards

• Miss Friendship: Mauritius ? Ameeksha Dilchand
• Miss Photogenic: Japan ? Ikumi Yoshimatsu
• Miss Talent: Russia ? Ekaterina Meglinskaia
• Best National Costume: Honduras ? Nicole Velasquez
• Miss Internet: Myanmar ? Nang Khin Zay Yar
• Miss JOICEF: Haiti - Anedie Azael

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Ceres Buses Launch FREE WI-FI for Passengers

In this modern era, competition among the bus market industry has become so tough that bus operators tend to think of better ways to lure passengers. This has led Ceres Bus Liner to deploy and offer free Wi-Fi services in its air-conditioned bus units in order to provide the riding public an improved "bus-riding experience".

According to Ceres Bus Liner branch manager Anselmo Ambos Jr., "If we can't compete with the price (because it's regulated), we can compete with the service to sustain the patronage of the riding public".

He also said that the company realized that Wi-Fi services have become a requirement for many customers. "This is one way of returning the favor to the public while at the same time setting ourselves different from other bus companies," Ambos said.

Initial Wi-Fi services were deployed to air-conditioned bus units travelling to southern Cebu and 12 of 20 air-conditioned bus units travelling to northern Cebu. Wi-Fi speeds are of up to 3.5 mbps to 41 of 85. Of the 253 Ceres Bus Liner buses, the company's goal is to have all air-conditioned buses Wi-Fi ready by the end of this year. They are also considering the possibility of setting-up Wi-Fi services in non-aircon buses.

Ceres has placed stickers on buses with Wi-Fi connections. Good news is that there would be no additional charges or increases in bus fares for the new feature according to Ambos.

Cebu was one of the priority cities for Wi-Fi deployment, along with Batangas, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro City and Davao because of its growing market.

The Ceres Bus Liner is operated by Vallacar Transit Inc., which is managed by the Bacolod- based Yanson Group of Bus Companies, the same company that manages Rural Transit of Mindanao and Bachelor Express Inc. for Mindanao and Ceres Tours in Luzon.

Source: Sunstar Cebu

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October 26 is a Holiday

Good news for Pinoys who complained of fewer holidays this year. They now have a reason to celebrate as a long weekend for the last week of October is coming.

Proclamation No. 488 states that, "Eidul Adha is one of the two greatest feasts of Islam,". So the Palace has declared Friday, October 26, 2012, a regular holiday in celebration of the Islamic feast of Eidul Adha or Feast of Sacrifice. The date of the festival is based on the declaration made by Saudi Arabia's highest religious body, adding that Oct. 26 was recommended by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. This announcement raises the number of long weekends this year totaling to four, whilst Proclamation 459 declares 17 holidays.

Under the Labor department's pay rules, employees not working on regular holidays are still entitled to 100 percent of their regular daily rate,  "provided that they were present, or were on leave with pay on the workday immediately preceding the holiday."

Meanwhile, employees who work on a regular holiday that also fall on their rest days will be entitled to 200 percent of the daily rate for the first eight hours and an additional 30 percent for additional hours.

Source: Yahoo News

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Funny Cybercrime Law Meme

This post is taken from a facebook page and I want to share it with you. This ones a funny side of the controversial Cybercrime Law that was recently passed this year.

Things that the Cybercrime Act should cover, too:

1. Vanity shots. Bawal mag-upload ng 3 albums worth of photos na puro fez mo lang! Feel kitang i-report! Nag-headband lang 75 photos agad dapat?
2. After-jerjer cuddling photos. Wag mag-upload ng pics nyo ng jowa mo kung saan obvious na wala kayong saplot! Hindi handa ang sambayanan sa bedsheets niyong madumi. Sumulat kayo kay Xerex at magtanong kung kelan sya magkakaroon ng website.
3. Mga mahilig makipag-away in English na karumal-dumal ang grammar. "I'm can never jealous of a slut like you. Your such a trying hard!"
4. TMI (Too Much Information) Attack - "ang lakas ng regla ko today..", "haizt maghapon akong nagtatae sakit na ng pwet ko.."
5. Emo 24/7 - "guys ang sakit may mahal na siyang iba..", "fb friends gusto ko na mamatay..", "haizz miss ko na siya pero di ko sasabihin kung sino", "guys umiiyak ako ngayon (insert photo)"
6. Jejemon posts - EoWH pFouH kUyAh uzTah pFouH jAn jEjEjE aCoh pFouh aUz aMan wAzuP pFouH NuH pFouH 3p nYoh JAn tAwA muCh jEjEjE = RECLUSION PERPETUA

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The "Bagel Head" Trend

In the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan, comes a new body modification craze they call "bagel head" they refer to as another kind of body art. So what does one do to have this "bagel head". A recipient creates a bagel-shaped knot on their foreheads by injecting about 400 cc of saline solution into the skin, causing it to swell. After reaching its maximum puffiness, the injector uses his thumb to create an indention in the head — kind of like a thumb-print cookie. This modification lasts for about 18-24 hours.

On a good note though, the bagel-shaped injections aren't permanent; the round protusion fades after about sixteen hours as your body absorbs the saline. Kind of weird huh?

So are you willing to try this new fad?

Source: Huffington Post

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Pelicula Pelikula - The 11th Spanish Film Festival

image source: ayala malls facebook page
click image for larger view

One more year, Greenbelt 3 Cinemas holds the official section of PELICULA. Enjoy 18 recently awarded Spanish and Latin American films selection and choose the best one among them.

Details:

• Screening period from October 4 - 14, 2012
• Venue: Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2
• Ticket Price: P65
• Click here for more info.

**Meet the award-winning Spanish Director Alberto Rodgriguez on October 8, 2012.

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Seattles Best Coffee Javakula PROMO

image source: Seattles Best facebook page

Craving for some SBC? Don't waste your time, visit your nearest Seattles Best Coffee and enjoy a BUY 1 TAKE 1 on all Javakulas from 10am to 2pm!

Promo Mechanics:

• Promo Period from September 24-28, 2012 available in all branches nationwide.
• Buy any size/variant of Javakula and get another one (of equal or lesser value) FREE, from 10am to 2pm.
• The free Javakula must be availed at the same time the purchase is made.
• The free Javakula is not convertible to cash or discount.
• This promo is not valid in conjunction with other ongoing promos and discounts.

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