2014 unemployment rate is PHL’s lowest in a decade: Aquino
MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Philippines had its lowest unemployment rate in the past decade at 6.8 percent last year, President Benigno Aquino III said Monday in his sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA). Aquino said his administration has generated jobs for Filipinos locally, resulting in a decrease of overseas workers from 9.51 […]
Data analyses back Sanofi dengue vaccine: study
(Washington, United States-AFP) – A dengue vaccine candidate by French drugmaker Sanofi protects more than three quarters of participants, an analysis found Monday. The experimental drug allowed 80.8 percent of children aged nine and older to avoid hospitalization, according to three trials analyzed by the New England Journal of Medicine. For younger children, those less […]
Samsung expected to unveil latest iteration of flagship phablet next month
(Relaxnews) – Samsung is expected to unveil its new Galaxy Note 5 phablet at a press conference next month in New York. Though the South Korean tech giant, like other companies, normally uses the consumer electronics show IFA in Berlin as a launchpad for new products, this year Samsung announced plans to hold a separate […]
Gerphil gears up for big project with David Foster
It seems international composer and producer David Foster is indeed keeping his promise to “Asia’s Got Talent” contestant Gerphil Flores. During her stint on “Asia’s Got Talent,” Foster promised Flores, who finished third, “global fame.” “I promise you, I promise you, the world is going to know about you. That’s a promise,” Foster, who mentored […]
Olympics: IOC ‘confident’ of strong new US bid after Boston quits
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-AFP) – The International Olympic Committee said Tuesday it was “confident” the US would find a “strong candidate” to host the 2024 Summer Games, despite Boston pulling out of the contest shortly before a mid-September nomination deadline. “We are confident that the US will make the right choice and that they can still […]
Passenger subdued after arson attempt on Chinese plane: reports
Beijing, China (AFP) – A man who tried to set fire to the cabin of a plane with more than 100 people aboard as it was landing in southern China early Sunday was overpowered by fellow passengers and crew, reports said. Two of the 95 passengers suffered injuries and were taken to hospital and the […]
Toyota falls behind VW in world’s biggest automaker race
(Tokyo, Japan-AFP) – Toyota has fallen behind Volkswagen in the race for the world’s biggest automaker title, figures showed Tuesday, as the German giant outsold its Japanese rival in the first half of the year. Toyota said it sold 5.02 million vehicles worldwide between January and June, falling below earlier figures from Volkswagen of 5.04 […]
Jake Gyllenhaal and Naomi Watts drama to open Toronto International Film Festival
(Relaxnews) – A film starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts and Chris Cooper that tells the story of a man trying to deal with his wife’s untimely death has been chosen to open the 40th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival. Details of the festival were released Tuesday, including the first round of titles to […]
Sri Lanka ties with Google for Internet beamed from balloons
(Colombo, Sri Lanka-AFP) – Sri Lanka teamed up on Tuesday with Google to bring high-speed Internet access to the island using balloons, aiming to become the first country in the region with complete coverage. Foreign minister Mangala Samaraweera said officials signed an agreement with Google in the capital Colombo to launch the helium-filled, high-tech balloons […]
Aquino sends well wishes to Iglesia ni Cristo on its 101st anniversary
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Continued vigor and enduring devotion among its millions of followers are President Benigno S. Aquino III’s fervent wishes for the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on the occasion of its 101st founding anniversary. In his message published on the Official Gazette on Monday, President Aquino said he is one with the Filipino nation […]
Aquino vows additional equipment for AFP
MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday pledged to provide more new equipment for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), as part of his administration’s effort to modernize the military. During his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) before Congress, Aquino recalled how the AFP only had limited capabilities before he […]
Alex Gonzaga relishes singlehood
“I’M IN a serious singleness. I am very serious with myself.” This was actress-comedienne Alex Gonzaga’s answer when she’s asked about the status of her love life. “Maiisip mo lang pero sa mga nangyayari din sa career mo and personal life, pag nage-ejoy ka naman hindi mo maiisip. Yung dadaan lang siya sa utak mo […]
Sleeping with smartphones, and other vices
(Washington-AFP) – Consumers around the world admit it: they sleep with their smartphone, take it in the shower, and would rescue the device from a fire before saving the family cat. Those are among the findings of a seven-country survey of more than 7,000 people about smartphone habits released Tuesday by Motorola, the newly acquired […]
“Ant-man” tops North American box office
(Los Angeles-AFP) – Marvel action flick “Ant-Man” stayed atop the US box office Sunday, edging out retro videogame comedy “Pixels” in estimated weekend North American ticket sales, industry data showed. “Ant-Man,” starring Paul Rudd as superhero Lang Scott, pulled in more than $24.7 million, less than half what it took in its opening last week. […]
Obama puts Kilimanjaro, safari and beach on post-presidency bucket list
(Nairobi-AFP) – US President Barack Obama said Sunday that climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, a safari in the Masai Mara and a beach holiday in Lamu were all on his bucket list for after his presidency. “I know that there are places in this beautiful nation that I haven’t discovered, so I am gonna make sure when […]
Whitney Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina dead at 22
(Los Angeles, United States-AFP) – Bobbi Kristina Brown, the only child of pop legend Whitney Houston and singer Bobby Brown, died Sunday aged 22, six months after she was found unconscious in a bathtub in her home. “She is finally at peace in the arms of God. We want to again thank everyone for their […]
Introducing summer’s hottest hair trend: what you need to know about Colombré
(Relaxnews) – Ombré hair is without a doubt one of the huge hair trends of the past few years, but now it’s time to shake things up a bit. So without further ado allow us to introduce you to the next big thing for summer 2015: colombré. Using the same technique as ombré hairstyles but […]
US House votes to revoke passports of Americans linked to terror groups
Washington, United States (AFP) – The House of Representatives has passed a measure that would allow the US government to revoke or deny passports to Americans linked to “foreign terrorist organizations.” Passed by a voice vote Tuesday after a 15-minute debate, the bill aims to block the movement of “lone wolves” trained in Syria by […]
Pope signs up for World Youth Day using iPad
Vatican City, Holy See (AFP) – Pope Francis on Sunday became the first person registered for next year’s World Youth Day festivities, using an iPad to sign up while addressing thousands of pilgrims and tourists in Saint Peter’s Square. “Thanks to this electronic device, I signed up as a simple pilgrim,” Francis said, declaring […]
PDOT showcases why ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ at Arizona travel agents’ trade show
LOS ANGELES – Abundant islands and beaches. Endless thrills and adventures. Great shopping destinations. Haven for relaxation. Exotic food. Friendly, kind and hospitable people. These are just few of the many reasons why “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” which the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) highlighted at the recent travel agents’ trade show in Arizona. PDOT was one […]
