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About BMPM (copied from BMPM Multiply Site ) You, dear citizen, have the power to effect change on what you don’t like and replicate the good that you see and do. Your vote in the May 10, 2010 elections and how you promote democracy in the country and protect the whole election process is equally important in how you can effect changes. Boto Mo, I-Patrol Mo: Ako ang Simula is one vehicle for change we offer you. Use this space to send us your ideas on how the 2010 elections should be relevant to address the hard times we face, how to keep people in government honest and accountable and how to search for the leaders of our nation through the 2010 elections. Use this space to air your views on various issues and concerns. Select stories may subsequently be published on abs-cbnNEWS.com or aired on the various ABS-CBN news platforms following validation by our reporters. Here's my BMPM Account:  https://abs-cbnnews.com/users/isl30fvi3w

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced the results of the Professional Electronics Engineer Examination and the Geologist Licensure Examination. The PRC said 25 passed the Professional Electronics Engineer Examination given by the Board of Electronics Engineering in Manila early this August. The members of the Board of Electronics Engineering are Engr. Sylvia Icasiano-Marcelo, Chairman; Engr. Nestor C. Dacanay and Engr. Joel B. Bajador, Members. Meanwhile, 23 out of 38 passed the Geologist Licensure Examination given by the Board of Geology in Manila also this month. The successful examinees who garnered the ten (10) highest places in the August 2009 Geologist Licensure Examination are the following: 1 EMMANUELLE LORETO VILLAFLOR / UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN / 83.50 2 RICARDO III EDQUILA ESCANLAR / UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES- DILIMAN / 83.00 3 JERALI DELA CRUZ RODRIGO / ADAMSON UNIVERSITY / 82.70 4 ZAYMON MENDOZA CALUCIN / UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINE

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced Monday the reults of the Metallurgical Engineer and Mining Engineer Licensure Examinations given this August 2009. The successful examinees who garnered the ten (10) highest places in the August 2009 Metallurgical Engineer Licensure Examination are the following: RANK / NAME / SCHOOL / RATING(%) 1 ANDROMEDA PAREDES FERNANDEZ / UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN / 83.65 2 MARC JUTHROME SIM SIA / MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY-ILIGAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY / 80.30 3 ROEL ATAYDE ELVAMBUENA / UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN / 79.45 4 JAN EVAN ESPINO SAYCO / UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN / 79.25 5 JONAS PAULO EUGENIO REGIDOR / UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN / 79.10 6 BEN MARC JOSEF SAWIT NEGRE / UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN / 79.05 7 EMMANUEL VERANO CAGUIMBAL / UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-DILIMAN / 78.55 8 GUILLEN LOFRANCO SOCO / MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY-ILIGAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY / 78.35 9 NORGELYNE

Banal, Laurente also win via UD MANILA – Brian “the Hawaiian Punch” Viloria fought until the very end to successfully defend his IBF junior flyweight champion against Jesus Iribe on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Filipino-American Viloria triumphed in his hometown via unanimous decision with the judges scoring 118-110, 117-112 and 117-111 in favor of him. According to Mark Vester of BoxingScene.com, Viloria got the upper hand in the earlier rounds. “Iribe did some better work in round four but Viloria was still landing the better and more impressive punches with his quicker hands,” wrote Vester. “Some good flurries by Viloria at the start of the fifth and then he landed a huge right that stunned Iribe who fought back after being clocked,” he added. “Iribe was stunned to the body in the sixth and again he fought back off the ropes.” The two fighters continued to taunt each other as they threw punches, the report said. “A right hand at the st

MANILA - Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR), the country's premiere leisure airline, is offering promotional fares at the 20th Philippine Travel Mart Sale in SM Megamall on September 4. Travelers can purchase "Buy 1, Take 1" Batanes round-trip tickets for only P14,344, all in. They can also avail of a 75% discount on Boracay round-trip tickets for P3,500, all in. Travel and ticket validity period for the promo runs until October 15, 2009. SEAIR is set to increase its flights bound for Caticlan, the nearest entry point to the famous Boracay, to 32 from 27 a day starting October 15. It will also have daily flights to Basco, Batanes from October 12 onwards. Currently, SEAIR is the only airline flying directly to both locations. PAL Express and Cebu Pacific have diverted their Caticlan-bound flights to Kalibo due to changes in airport operating conditions. SEAIR has flown almost 3 million passengers to various local destinations. via

[gallery columns="2" orderby="rand"] Here is Forbes Asia magazine’s list of Philippines’ 40 richest people: 1 Henry Sy 2 Lucio Tan 3 Jaime Zobel de Ayala 4 Andrew Tan 5 John Gokongwei 6 Tony Tan Caktiong 7 Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. 8 Enrique Razon Jr. 9 Manuel Villar 10 George Ty 11 Emilio Yap 12 Inigo & Mercedes Zobel 13 Beatrice Campos 14 Vivian Que Azcona 15 Oscar Lopez 16 Andrew Gotianun 17 David Consunji 18 Robert Coyiuto Jr. 19 Alfonso Yuchengco 20 Mariano Tan 21 Menardo Jimenez 22 Gilberto M. Duavit 23 Felipe Gozon 24 Jon Ramon Aboitiz 25 Betty Ang 26 Alfredo Ramos 27 Manuel Zamora Jr. 28 Bienvenido R. Tantoco Sr. 29 Tomas Alcantara 30 Benjamin Romualdez 31 Wilfred Uytengsu Sr. 32 Lourdes Montinola 33 Luis Virata 56 55 34 Eugenio Lopez III 35 Enrique Aboitiz 36 Philip Ang 37 Jesus Tambunting 38 Frederick Dy 39 Rolando & Rosalinda Hortaleza 40 Marian Rosario Fong

Here are the Top 10 daytime and primetime programs from August 25 to 27 based on the overnight survey of Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) among national households: August 25, Tuesday Daytime: Wowowee (ABS-CBN) - 21.7% Kambal Sa Uma (ABS-CBN) - 20.8% Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 20% Precious Hearts Romances Presents Bud Brothers (ABS-CBN) - 18.4% Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat Sa Akin (GMA-7) - 17.3% Daisy Siete: Chacha Muchacha (GMA-7) / Miss No Good (ABS-CBN) - 15.2% Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 14.6% Maria de Jesus: Ang Anghel sa Lansangan (ABS-CBN) - 13.9% Ngayon at Kailanman (GMA-7) - 13.8% Mr. Bean Live! (ABS-CBN) - 12% Primetime: Tayong Dalawa (ABS-CBN) - 39.1% May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN) - 37.7% TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 36% Darna (GMA-7) - 33% Dahil May Isang Ikaw (ABS-CBN) - 30.2% Katorse (ABS-CBN) - 28.2% 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 24.1% Rosalinda (GMA-7) - 22.6% Boys Over Flowers (ABS-CBN) - 22.1% Adik Sa ‘Yo ( GMA-7) - 20.8% August 26

This weekend is extra special! We're celebrating Baguio's 100th Birthday! Happy Centennial to all! What are the best things about Baguio City? Join the discussion below and share what you love most about living in the City of Pines. Let the discussions begin!=)

Roll of Successful Examinees in the PHYSICIAN LICENSURE EXAMINATION held on AUGUST 8, 2009 & FF. DAYS Released on AUGUST 19, 2009 1 Abad, Ana Marie Nambayan 2 Abad, Sue Ellen Tan 3 Abaleta, Rodelle Demegillo 4 Aban, Elaine Joyce Reyes 5 Aban, Mark Philipp Toliongco 6 Abante, Rowena Abante 7 Abarquez, Ma Louella Legaspi 8 Abat, Katrina Marie So 9 Abaya, Romeo Jr Arcega 10 Abbas, Tasleah Mapupuno 11 Abdul, Aileen Kabagani 12 Abeleda, Yuri Berioso 13 Abella, Avegail Abdon 14 Abella-Del Rosario, Lorah Lyn Gonzales 15 Abellana, Fritz Gerald Abellana 16 Abillar, Luchie Delima 17 Abo, Bai Arcela Macaumbang 18 Abool, Hazel Jane Rabe 19 Abragan, Girard Eric Guirnela 20 Abregana, Kathleen Anne Tubalinal 21 Abrencillo, Rodeo Apurado 22 Abucay, Christine Labapis 23 Abueg, Leah Anne San Mateo 24 Acaba, Marian Rose Tabiongan 25 Acdal, Federico Jr Diño 26 Acedo, Rhia Theresa Day 27 Acluba, Ann Nuelli Bautista 28 Acosta, Dennis Danilo Jr Contacto 29 Acosta, Ernellio Macalino 30 Acosta, Ria Blanca

1. COSTA DEL SUD, SARDINIA, ITALYAlthough you have to drive to the beaches, the water is clean, the sand is white and there aren't too many people: Sardinian beaches are far better than many on the Italian mainland. 2.COTTESLOE, AUSTRALIAJust north of Fremantle and west of Perth in Western Australia, Cottesloe has a beautifully safe beach for kids to swim or snorkel at, and the weather always seems to be perfect. 3. DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA Washed by the warm Indian Ocean, Durban's city beaches have plenty of free children's swimming pools and lots of family entertainment such as Sea World and Ushaka Marine World. 4. KARON BEACH, THAILAND Family-friendly Karon, with its Flintstone-themed fun park, is a great base for exploring Phuket's beaches and reserves, including Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Center. 5. KAUAI, HAWAII, USAHome to plenty of beaches where children can snorkel in very shallow waters and an excellent Children's Discovery Museum. 6. AITUTAKI, COOK ISLANDS

NEW YORK - Reader's Digest Association Inc, whose namesake magazine has been a staple of dentists' offices for generations, said on Monday it planned to file for Chapter 11bankruptcy for its US businesses as part of a prearranged plan with lenders to cut debt by 75 percent. The media company, known worldwide for its family magazine filled with general-interest and inspirational stories, has been trying to cut costs since it was bought in 2007 by an investor group led by Ripplewood Holdings LLC. The bankruptcy would take the form of a prearranged filing, which comes after a company has already reached deals with lenders to reduce debt. The deal, if approved by a bankruptcy court, would allow Reader's Digest to slash its debt load to $550million, from the current $2.2 billion. The arrangement would also allow the company to reduce its annual interest payments on remaining debt to less than $80 million from about $145 million, said President and Chief Executive Officer Mary Be

Here are the Top 10daytime and primetime programs from August 14 to 17, based on the overnight survey of Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) among national households: August 14, Friday Daytime: Wowowee (ABS-CBN) -25.4% Kambal Sa Uma (ABS-CBN) - 21.7% Precious Hearts Romances Presents Bud Brothers (ABS-CBN) - 19.2% Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) -16.9% Miss No Good (ABS-CBN) - 16.7% Maria de Jesus: Ang Anghel sa Lansangan (ABS-CBN) - 15.6% Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat Sa Akin (GMA-7) -15.3 % Ngayon at Kailanman (GMA-7) - 14.9% Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) - 14.6% Daisy Siete: Kambalilong (GMA-7) -14.2% Primetime: May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN) - 36.2% Tayong Dalawa (ABS-CBN) - 35.1% Darna (GMA-7) - 34.4% Only You (ABS-CBN) -34.1% TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) - 33.8% Boys Over Flowers (ABS-CBN) - 26.6% 24 Oras (GMA-7) -24.4% Rosalinda (GMA-7) -24.1% The Wedding (ABS-CBN) - 21.1% Adik Sa 'Yo (GMA-7) -20.9% August 15, Saturday Daytime: Wowowee (ABS-CBN) -22.8% Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) -19.4% Cinema FPJ: Da King on ABS-CB

Here's the official statement of ABS-CBN: Here is the letter in its entirety: Dear Ms. Gozum: We write in reply to your letter dated 10August 2009, requesting ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation to comment on the complaint of Movie and Television Review & Classification Board (MTRCB) Chairperson Ma. Consoliza P. Laguardia dated 10August 2009, and an undated statement of Jerry Yap, President of the Alyansa ng Filipino Mamamahayag (AFIMA). The said complaint and statement both refer to the 03 August 2009 episode of the television program Wowowee, wherein the funeral cortege of the late President Corazon C. Aquino was exhibited as an inset in portions of the said program. The MTRCB letter alleges that Mr. Revillame "appeared to arrogantly demand the removal of the inset screen showing the funeral cortege." The Honorable MTRCB Chairperson then opined that the said act was "desecrating the dead" and, thus, "seems to be in violation of Article 20, Section 2, of

MIKA BATCHELOR 25 YRS. OLD, CHEF AND RESTAURANT OWNER PALAWAN "I consider myself a Survivor because I am not afraid to meet life head-on and I never back away from a challenge as what does not kill me makes me stronger." Mika Batchelor is a 25-year old chef and restaurateur from Palawan. Although she is representing the beautiful islands of Coron, Mika grew up in Boracay. The beauty of these two beautiful Philippine beaches made her fell in love with the ocean and the outdoors. Among her adventurous hobbies include surfing, sailing and rock-climbing. But she faces challenges everyday as she takes charge of her restaurant by herself. "Being a restaurant owner, I really learned leadership by dealing and socializing with people," Mika said. To prepare herself for Survivor Philippines Palau, Mika ate lots of high-protein food, fruits and vegetables. "We have a hill in Coron with a cross at the top; it's about seven hundred steps. I run there back and forth ever

VLAD NESAS 24 YRS. OLD, PROFESSIONAL MODEL LAS PINAS "I consider myself a real survivor because I have been through a lot of challenges in my life. Growing up, I always felt insecure. Pakiramdam ko ang pangi-pangit ko. This is the reason why I improved my body, my looks, pati na ang dating ko sa mga tao.Tingnan mo naman ngayon, hindi lang ako nag-improve, model pa ako ngayon." Vlad Nesas calls himself an "alpha male", a dominant guy who always gets what he wants. He is confident that this is going to be his ace in winning the title of Pinoy Sole Survivor. Vlad is a graduate of Industrial Design, Major in Fine Arts at the University of Sto. Tomas where he was also a varsity swimmer. He considers Joining Survivor Philippines: Palau as his major test of character. "Kapag nakayanan ko itong Survivor, made na made na talaga ako" Vlad said smugly. "To prepare, talagang pinaganda ko ang katawan ko... sinanay ko ang sarili ko sa hirap. Grabe, six times a week

JEF GAITAN 22 YRS. OLD, PRINT AND COMMERCIAL MODEL LAGUNA "I'm a real Survivor because I survived on my own in real life. I took the risk to be independent at a very young age. I survived growing up in the city alone. I became a parent to myself and a teenager at the same time." Jef Gaitan may be sweet, friendly and approachable but her charming demeanor and her stunning looks should not be construed as signs of weakness. "Palaban ako at matapang kapag kinakailangan," the petite model said. At 18, she decided to become truly independent and she stopped studying to focus on her modeling career. When faced with tough challenges, Jef has always resorted to prayers. "I really depend and find comfort in God," Jef said. "Whenever problems come my way, I accept them and look for solutions instead of dwelling on them." Find out if indeed her looks can be deceiving as Jeff fight for the title to become the first Pinay Sole Survivor. (via)

TROY PEREZ 27 YRS. OLD, MENTALIST MAGICIAN MANILA "Since my childhood, it's been my obsession to be different from my playmates, classmates and friends through magic and real life adventures. In joining this game, it will further bolster my longing for more adventure. It will open a wider horizon for the fulfillment of my dreams." It is second nature for Troy Perez to entertain people, the very reason why he got into performing as a magician or, as he prefers to be called, a mentalist. After taking up BS Biology in Manila, he landed a job in a bank and his mentalist tricks came in handy as he usually got invited to corporate shows. "I hate to be caught off-guard," Troy said when asked how he would describe himself. To avoid such situations, he had a unique way of preparing his state of mind for Survivor Philippines: Palau. "Bago pa man 'yung show, I practiced remote viewing or visualization," Troy said. "I already imagined the situations I cou

SHAUN RODRIGUEZ GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE ZAMBALES "Naranasan ko nang ma-bankrupt dati dahil sa negosyo as in wala natirang pera sa akin tapos ang dami kong utang. Pero hindi ako nawalan ng pag-asa.. namasukan ako sa isang shipping line. 2 months pa lang ako nagte-training, kinuha na kong waiter sa barko ng isang international cruise, hanggang sa unti-unti, nabayaran ko ang utang ko. Ginawa ko lahat ng best ko at hindi ako sumuko. Survivor Ako!" Shaun Rodriguez knows how it feels to be on top one day and down in the gutters the next after suffering bankruptcy and losing everything he has invested in a mining business years ago. But what's important to him is that he was able to bounce back and now takes pleasure in the simple joys of being a public servant. Shaun works as a Public Relations staff at the City Council's Office in Manila where he is engaged in dental and medical missions and feeding programs among other public service affairs. "I have really become sympat

MAYA SEGOVIA 32 YRS. OLD, MILITARY OFFICER BATANGAS "I'm a survivor in the truest sense. I survived all life's challenges. I can accomplish anything inspite of all the personal problems I'm going through. I'm a mom, a military officer, a military pilot and a business woman. I can do multi-tasking and get the work done well." Captain Maya Segovia, a military officer and a pilot of the Philippine Air Force has always thought of herself as a man trapped in a woman's body. "Kahit na emotional pa rin ako bilang babae, kaya kong makipagsabayan sa mga lalaki," the mother of two said. Maya has been a pilot for seven years and she believes that it is her destiny to be a part of the profession ruled by men. "Flying is really one of the things that make me happy," she added. Always competitive and physically active, Maya has been a mountaineer for 16 years and has also participated in triathlons. She is also a taekwondo black-belter. Despite all h

CRIS BOLADO 39 YRS. OLD, BASKETBALL CLINIC INSTRUCTOR QUEZON "Survivor ako dahil gusto kong maibalik ang mga nawala sa akin before, especially money. It's sad but I know there will be hope na darating for me to build again all my dreams." Cris Bolado retired from professional basketball in 2003 because of injury. Since then, he has kept himself busy coaching in basketball clinics all over the country. Towering at 6 feet and 6 inches, Cris is the biggest among the second batch of Castaways. Basketball has instilled in Cris the value of discipline and the dedication to always give 110 percent to the game. "Kahit sa Survivor Philippines, 110 percent ang dapat na ibigay mo sa laro. Iba siya sa basketball dahil iba-iba ang gagawing challenges at hindi mo talaga malalaman kung ano ang mangyayari pero dapat ibigay mo pa rin lahat," Cris said. Cris aspires to bring back everything he has lost after his professional basketball career. "Gusto kong magsimula ulit at i