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index-May-2008-1.html English News Blog for  Philippines News Blog May Archive 

Keep your cool

By Website Introductions at 05/25/08 20:52

We all want to develop our inherent talents to the best of our abilities and what better chance could be there to show the world about our talents than participating in a talent hunt show? But the experience can be really nerve wrecking and you certainly need nerves of steel to withstand the pressure. If you don't believe me, just read what this young Filipino singer has to say about BGT show.

News: Filipino singer

Meralco's fate to be decided on Tuesday

In case you are wondering, the Philippines has the second highest power rates in Asia, following only Japan. Despite this, electricity rates are still set to rise.

This puzzles most consumers, as Philippine electric providers relies only a little, if at all, on oil to supply energy. Due to this, Government Service Insurance System president Winston Garcia sought to change the management in the country's largest electricity distributor, Manila Electric Co. because of alleged mismanagement and abuse of consumers.

More details in Inquirer.Net

News: Business - Winston Garcia gears up for proxy war with Lopezes

'I am not Salvador del Pueblo' -NDF consultant

A National Democratic Front consultant named Malayao denied that he is "Salvador del Pueblo", who is accused by military men for killing Cagayan Gov. Rodolfo "Agui" Aguinaldo.

He even said that the military men who abducted him where actually forcing him to admit that he is "Salvador del Pueblo" so that they would get the P2 million peso (~$50000) on his head.

More details here in GMA News.

News: GMANews.TV - NDF consultant denies he is 'Salvador del Pueblo' - Regions/a>

Tariff cuts will have negligible effects in the short term -DOE

Inflation has been in its highest in its recent years, thanks surge in prices of rice and oil. Certain proposals were made but some, like the removal of the value-added tax (VAT) from oil products, are rejected because they are seen to have more bad effects than good ones.

One measure that will be implemented by the government is to cut the tariff on oil products from 1% to 0%. This, however, will have no immediate effects, admits the Department of Energy, since interventions in the energy sector are long-terms in nature. More details from GMA News.

News: -DOE admits zero tariff won't lower oil prices

Health and wellness study to be conducted

Being a call center agent has its own health hazards, especially if you are a call center agent in the Philippines. This is because when it is day in the West (where most of the customers come from), it is night in the Philippines. Working night shifts can prove to be risky to health.

To help solve this, the Call Center Association of the Philippines conducted a health and wellness study to serve as a benchmark for employees in the BPO industry. Read more details in Inquirer.Net

News: Call center group to conduct health, wellness study - Philippine News for Filipinos

Arroyo calls to ASEAN for regional cooperation against the rice crisis

There is a rice crisis, alright, but contrary to what critics of Philippine President Gloria Arroyo say that it's all the government's fault, the current rice crisis is a global phenomenon.

Thus, efforts do not have to be national-it has to be regional. In Southeast Asia, where rice is the staple food, the efforts have to be made now.

This is what Arroyo is trying to tell the ASEAN nations during the 16th ASEAN Farmers' Summit in Cagayan de Oro City earlier today.

Link: GMANews.TV -Arroyo to Asean: Let us work together vs rice crisis

Alcatel-Lucent partners with Convergys

To further improve customer billing and customer care, service provider Alcatel-Lucent has agreed to subscribe to the Convergys Infinys applications managed by top BPO provider Convergys.

The agreement will be mutually beneficial. Convergys will be helping Alcatel-Lucent by providing it pre-integrated solutions in the form of its software, while Alcatel-Lucent, being a global company, will be able to give Convergys more presence in the global market.

Read more about the news here in Call Center Info.

News: Alcatel-Lucent and Convergys Announce Partnership

Madrigal shows off...again

You might call it power tripping, but it is a Senator's political right to practice what was given to his/her by the Constitution.

In yet another attempt to gather media attention, Senator Jamby Madrigal threatened to block the confirmation of government officials chosen by the Commission on Appointments.

Madrigal, a member of the CA, claimed that it first has to address her claims that the Commission did not follow the rules on allocating members. The Commission denied the allegations.

It can be remembered that Madrigal recently blocked the confirmation of 27 military officers by invoking Section 20 of the CA Rules, giving her the right to block confirmation without giving any reason.

News: Madrigal on warpath anew - Philippine News for Filipinos

Ferry passengers now safe from being stranded

Like what was mentioned last Saturday, a new tropical storm has come to the Philippines, battering parts of the nation.

Because of the incessant rain, many families were forced to evacuate to safer areas and transport carriers were forced to suspend their services. Furthermore, some of the ferries caught by the storm were stranded in the middle of the sea, affecting its around 300 passengers. Fortunately, they are now safe.

News: 'Cosme' batters parts of RP; 300 stranded ferry passengers safe - Regions - Latest Philippine News - BETA

Cosme Hits the Philippines

While many of you in the northern nations are already packing sun blocks and beach bubbles, enjoying the summer sun, but in many tropical nations like the Philippines, the wet season has already begun. Harsh winds and sleet characterize this season.

In fact, right now, a tropical storm is already inside the Philippine area of responsibility. Named by the local weather bureau as Cosme, the tropical storm is expected to make landfall in the Northern part of the country soon.

News: Tropical storm expected to make landfall in northern Philippines _English_Xinhua