One Nation in Prayer, January 20, 2014

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President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead a nation in prayer on January 20 for a “more progressive future,” Malacañang announced on January 12.

Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. encouraged the public to join the National Day of Prayer and Solidarity which will carry the theme “One Nation in Prayer.”

Here's a Briefer and Advisory from The Official Gazette is managed and maintained by the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office and PREGINET.

On January 20, 2014, President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the Filipino people as one nation in prayer in remembrance of the lives lost to the tragedies of 2013. 

The event will be both a solemn commemoration of the tragedies of 2013 as well as a time of thanksgiving. Aired from Malacañan Palace, the President and other representatives of different faiths, government leaders, and stakeholders from civil society will lead the Filipino people as one nation in prayer, to draw strength and determination in order to press on with our collective hope for our country as one united people.

Months after the Zamboanga siege, Bohol and Cebu were rocked by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. A little less than a month after, the strongest typhoon in recorded history made landfall in Eastern Visayas, claiming thousands of lives and displacing entire communities. The tragic events of 2013 have been trying times for the Filipino people, testing resolve and determination for a stable, peaceful, and prosperous future.

The past Philippine Constitutions have always acknowledged the presence of a Divine Being. In the preambles of past Constitutions and the present-day 1987 Constitution, the following were implored in order to establish a government promoting general welfare, to conserve and develop the patrimony of the nation: the Sovereign Lawgiver of the Universe (the 1899 Malolos Constitution), Divine Providence (the 1935 to 1973 Constitutions), and Almighty God (the 1987 Constitution).

It is in light of this that the Presidents of the Philippines have, in the past, declared national days of thanksgiving, prayer, and remembrance.

Filipino Artist Held an Exhibit in Brunei

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Painter, abstractionist, muralist, and multi-awarded Filipino artist Pancho Piano showcased last Jan. 16-19 his exhibit titled 'Illuminare' at the Malay Technology Museum in Kota Batu, Brunei Darussalam.

The exhibit, headed by the Philippine Embassy in collaboration with the Brunei Art Forum, was graced by the Brunei Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah.

Other guests included Datin Paduka Hajah Adina binti Othman, Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Haji Muhammad Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Muhammad Yunos, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Nestor Ochoa in his welcome remarks gave a brief background on the artist, as well as descriptions of the paintings in display. The artworks included a set of paintings on typhoon Yolanda which hit the Philippines last November. The paintings also featured famous landmarks in Brunei and other aspects of the country's history and culture that reflect its friendship with the Philippines.

Piano conducted an art clinic with the theme 'The Art of Pancho Piano, 30 years in art making, murals, and stained glass designs.' About 80 participants attended the sessions.

Ochoa also thanked the country for its support for the help it extended during typhoon Yolanda and the massive earthquake in Bohol. 

The exhibit was part of a series of activities celebratin the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Noel Cabangon gives in to fans’ request in “Acoustic Noel”

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One of my fave twits last week is Noel Cabangon's twitter dated January 4! 

Late last year, Noel Cabangon asked his fans on what songs they want the singer-songwriter to record for his new album. This new record, produced by Universal Records, contains Noel’s refreshing take on 12 modern classics.

Unlike his multi-platinum albums “Byahe” and “Tuloy Ang Byahe,” “Acoustic Noel” covers OPM classics from various decades.

The album opens with Noel’s take on Ogie Alcasid’s classic “Nandito Ako,” which is also the carrier single of the album. The singer-songwriter’s vocals soars in his rendition of Rivermaya’s “Himala.”

Noel turns sentimental in ballads like Basil Valdez’s “Araw, Gabi,” Aiza Seguerra’s and “Pagdating Ng Panahon.”

He also breathe new life to band hits like Parokya Ni Edgar’s “Harana,” Rizal Underground’s “Bilanggo,” and Eraserheads’ “Huwag Mo Nang Itanong.”

OPM classics also made it to the list – APO’s “Tuyo Nang Damdamin,” and Asin’s “Itanong Mo Sa Mga Bata.”

Noel’s previously-recorded songs, “Nag-iisa, Wala Ka Na” and “Awit ng Bahaghari,” have been given new versions in the album.

1. NANDITO AKO (originally popularized by Ogie Alcasid)

2. PAGDATING NG PANAHON (originally popularized by Aiza Seguerra)

3. HIMALA (originally popularized by Rivermaya)

4. ARAW GABI (originally popularized by Basil Valdez)

5. HARANA (originally popularized by Parokya Ni Edgar)

6. AWIT NG BAHAGHARI

7. MAKITA KANG MULI (originally popularized by Sugarfree)

8. TUYO NA’NG DAMDAMIN (originally popularized by APO Hiking Society)

9. BILANGGO (originally popularized by Rizal Underground)

10. ITANONG MO SA MGA BATA (originally popularized by Asin)

11. HUWAG MO NANG ITANONG (originally popularized by Eraserheads)

12. NAG-IISA, WALA KA NA

FOLLOW NOEL CABANGON:

FACEBOOK: Noel-Cabangon

TWITTER: noelcabangon

INSTAGRAM: noelcabangon

The new SSS contribution schedule effective January 2014

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The new SSS Contribution table, as per approval by President Benigno Aquino III, will take effect this January 2014. The new SSS contribution table has a 0.6% increase in rate from its previous 10.4% of one's salary.

Employers (ER) are expected to shoulder 7.37% of the contribution rate, while the employee (EE) 3.63% of it.

Meanwhile, Self-Employed, Voluntary and OFW members who have already made payments for their contributions for January 2014 onwards are advised to do the following:

-Those with advance payments at the minimum monthly salary credit (MSC) of Php 1,000 (Php 5,000 for OFW members) shall settle an underpayment amounting to Php 6.00 per month (Php 30.00 for OFW members). Failure to pay the lacking amount will result to ineffectivity of the contrbutions.

-Those with the advance payments at an MSC other than the minimummay opt to pay the corresponding increase in contributions to retain postings at the same MSC. Otherwise, such advance payment shall be posted at the applicable lower MSC.

Please be guided accordingly. For more information, visit the Web site at :www.sss.gov.ph

and also View the SSS Circular

It's back and American Idol Season 13 spells an exciting landmark at Star World

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The American Idol is back! This is the real it! Star World premieres American Idol yesterday (January 16, Thursday) night continues to present the new idols hopefuls to be the American Idol 2014! The most successful reality TV show returns for its 13th season for another round of bombastic performances from hundreds of aspiring singers aiming to be American Idol.

American Idol Season 13 hits TV screens yesterday only on Star World! The most successful reality TV show returns for its 13th season for another round of bombastic performances from hundreds of aspiring singers aiming to be American Idol.

We had the viewing party and as we witnessed how the judges, Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban make and break the dreams of initial hopefuls at Star World's American Idol Season 13! As this is the new batch of amazing hidden talent, presents, make and break it through the auditions to the semi-finals.

I really enjoy Jennifer, Harry and Keith as the judges so much more peaceful and joyful to watch. Harry,  is hilarious and so much fun to watch. I think the judges have great chemistry. I love the chemistry between all of them!

Thousands of American Idol hopefuls turned out during the nationwide auditions held in different cities around the US: Salt Lake City, Utah; Detroit, Michigan; Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Austin, Texas; and Omaha, Nebraska. The show left no stone unturned in looking for the brightest singing talents in the US, ensuring a diverse mix of backgrounds and personalities for candidates who make it through the auditions to the semi-finals. Expect to see a showcase of mind-blowing talent and an array of colourful personalities throughout the much-anticipated episodes of the screening process.

American Idol Season 13 spells an exciting landmark for the show with a great mix of judges on the panel who will screen this season’s candidates. Country sensation Keith Urban, who was a first-time judge in Season 12, is returning for his second year on the show, while pop superstar Jennifer Lopez is coming back to the judging panel after leaving it at the end of Season 11 – a first in American Idol history! 

The newcomer judge and multi-awarded singer Harry Connick Jr., joining the team to complete the panel, and Rickey Minor returns to the show as musical director. These four celebrities together comprise a powerhouse of talent and experience in the entertainment industry that will see the show’s contestants through as they sing their way to becoming the next American Idol.

Star World has been the home of American Idol since the very first season aired, and has consistently garnered a strong viewership throughout all 12 completed seasons of the show. Viewers and the most stir-crazy American Idol fans have enjoyed not just Star World’s live broadcasts of the show to keep updated with the latest developments, but also the channel’s locally produced American Idol specials featuring highlights of each season.

As I am, long-time followers of the world’s most successful reality TV series in Asia know that Star World is where it’s at to get your best fix of American Idol.

Catch American Idol Season 13 when it premieres last January 16, 2014 at 6 PM, live via satellite, and relive its great moments during its encores at 8 PM and 11 PM – only on Star World!

(Photos : By Myrns Roman during the American Idol 13 exclusive viewing party held at the Prive Luxury Club, The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.)