Big B wants Katy Perry’s autograph for granddaughter! (India)

Big B wants Katy Perry’s autograph for granddaughter! (India)

Mumbai, April 5 (IANS) Millions would run after Amitabh Bachchan to get his autograph, but the megastar is trying to get American singer Katy Perry’s signature for his granddaughter Navya Naveli.

Amitabh and Perry were among the star performers at the opening ceremony of the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in Chennai Tuesday night.

“The granddaughter has a fancy for the singer Katy Perry. I hope I have the name correct. Yes just checked, it is right… Navya wants her autograph for she loves her. So efforts are on to make that happen,” the 69-year-old posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.

It was Perry’s maiden performance in the country, and she chose to go desi for her performance. She wore a blingy choli teamed with pink-coloured transparent lowers, and accessorised her look with a maang tika and bindis on her forehead.

Big B, who recited a poem at the ceremony, says he didn’t know about the 27-year-old pop icon earlier.
“I would probably get killed for this, but I had not heard of her till last night. The age difference is playing havoc,” he added.

The actor, who is a fan of evergreen and classic music by British rock band ‘The Beatles’, feels “today’s grandchildren would ’snuff’ at that”.

source: Thaindian

image credit: glamsham.com

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MVP in talks to buy GMA Network (Philippines)

MVP in talks to buy GMA Network (Philippines)

Businessman Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP), owner of third broadcast industry player TV5 and telecoms giant Smart Communications, has confirmed that he is in talks to buy GMA Network.

MVP in an interview with ABS-CBN said preliminary negotiations were held in 2002 and about five years ago. GMA management reportedly declined to comment on the matter, but in December 2011 the network denied there was an offer from Pangilinan.

Image Credit: CoolBuster

If the deal pushes through, GMA will be an addition to MVP’s media business that includes TV5 and Business World. He also has an investment in the popular news website Rappler.com.

MVP chairs Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), Associated Broadcasting Company (TV5), Smart Communications, SPi Global, Stradcom International Holdings Inc., Cignal Digital TV, Pilipino Telephone Corporation (Talk 'N Text), First Pacific Tollways Corporation, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, and Philex Mining Corporation.

He is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Meralco and the Chairman of the San Beda College Board Of Trustees.

MVP reportedly assured GMA employees and talents that they will not lose their jobs once he already owns the network.

Reference used: Wikipedia.org

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Puerto Princesa Underground River confirmed as among New 7 Wonders of Nature (Philippines)

Puerto Princesa Underground River confirmed as among New 7 Wonders of Nature (Philippines)

MANILA, Philippines - The Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) is now officially part of the New7Wonders of Nature.

“I am proud to confirm that PPUR is now one of the New7Wonders of Nature; preparations for the proclamation are underway,” Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn announced yesterday at a press briefing at Heritage Hotel in Pasay City.

Image Credit: http://pinoyambisyoso.com

Hagedorn said he received the good news from New7Wonders founder Bernard Weber, who also informed him that PPUR got a total of 20 million votes based on a global tally.

PPUR joins the list of New7Wonders of Nature, which include the Amazon River in South America, Halong Bay in Vietnam, Iguazu Falls in South America, Jeju Island in South Korea, Komodo National Park in Indonesia, and Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.
PPUR is the longest navigable underground river in the world and is managed by the city government of Puerto Princesa.
It is also the first national park to be cited for its best practices in biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism.

 

Meanwhile, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a statement Malacañang welcomes the confirmation of the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New7Wonders of Nature.

“Throughout the competition, Filipinos from all walks of life have given time, energy and resources to this campaign,” Lacierda said in a statement.

Lacierda added, “This effort has raised awareness not only overseas but nationally as well. Visits to the PPUR have increased tremendously. This is proof of how effective a national effort can be, to build awareness, express pride and achieve results.”

With the inclusion of PPUR on the New7Wonders list, Hagedorn expects an increase in tourists, more job opportunities for the locals, and additional revenue for the province.

“We are expecting that the P2-billion revenue will be double this year,” Hagedorn said. - With Aurea Calica

source: PhilStar

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DepEd Philippines Funds High Schools Offering : SPED (Philippines)

DepEd Philippines Funds High Schools Offering : SPED (Philippines)

 Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday announced that it will release funds to secondary schools that offer special education (SPED).

Image Credit: DepEd

Education secretary Armin Luistro said 153 high schools that serve students with “exceptionalities” will be granted subsidy.

Luistro explained that “exceptionalities” would mean “students who have difficulty learning because either they are visually or hearing-impaired, have autism or Down Syndrome, or other learning disabilities.”

Based on DepEd Order 98, schools serving differently-abled individuals would be receiving subsidies corresponding to the certain number of exceptionalities being catered to, as follows:

Exceptionality | Subsidy 

1 = P50,000 

2 = P100,000

3 = P150,000 

4 = P200,000 

5 or more = P250,000

The education department says 276 recognized SPED centers around the country continue to receive subsidies which enable them to deliver quality educational services to children with special learning needs.

Leave your feedback about this article in the comment box below.

 

 

source: CoolBuster

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Mercedes-Benz to launch SLS AMG Roadster at Auto Expo in January (India)

Mercedes-Benz to launch SLS AMG Roadster at Auto Expo in January (India)

Premium luxury car-maker Mercedes-Benz today said it will launch its SLS AMG Roadster model at the Auto Expo in New Delhi in January.

Image Credit: cartolo.com

"Our showcase at the Auto-Expo this year will be impressive, both in terms of presentation and display vehicles. There will be several show-stoppers, including the launch of the stunning SLS AMG Roadster," Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Peter Honegg said in a statement issued here.

The company will also display the concept A-Class, which is globally acclaimed for its expressive design and technological marvels, it added.

The company's stall at the Auto Expo will see the presence of more than 10 cars, including the SLS GT3 and the DTM car.

Mercedes-Benz, which will launch a driving academy in association with Jaypee Sports International by April, will allow participants at the expo to enroll in the academy.

"There will be a lounge area to offer an exclusive experience, special accessory outlets, besides opportunities to offer networking possibilities for patrons and representatives," Honegg said.

Mercedes-Benz posted a 31 per cent growth in sales to 6,698 cars during January-November, 2011, from 5,110 units in the corresponding period last year.

source: Times of India

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Sendong forced the cancellation of 14 domestic flights yesterday (Manila - Philippines)

Sendong forced the cancellation of 14 domestic flights yesterday (Manila - Philippines)

According to ABS-CBN News, bad weather caused by tropical storm “Sendong” forced the cancellation of 14 domestic flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Saturday.

Image Credit: talakayanatkalusugan.com

                                         The affected flights are the following:

• PR291 Mnl – Dumaguete
• PR292 Dumaguete – Mnl
• 5J781 Mnl – Ozamis
• 5J782 Ozamis – Mnl
• 5J625 Mnl – Dumaguete
• 5J626 Dumaguete – Mnl
• 5J711 Mnl – Catarman
• 5J712 Catarman –Mnl
• 2P029 Mnl – Catarman
• 2P030 Catarman – Mnl
• Z2340 Mnl – Cagayan0330 
• Z2341 Cagayan – Mnl
• Z2230 MNL – Virac
• Z2231 Virac – MNL

Weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Sendong has slightly weakened as it moves towards Palawan.

The storm is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Sunday evening.

 If you have any suggestions/ concerns then please leave your comments at the below comment box.

source: ABS-CBN News

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