Pinoy Blog Machine (Beta)

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has given their support to the Stroke Association’s Step up for Stroke initiative. The free fundraising event was recently held last 13 May 2008.

The Stroke Association recommends walking 10,000 steps a day to help to reduce body fat, and to lower and prevent high blood pressure and cholesterol - major risk factors for stroke. Here are some ways to increase your daily step count:
· Go on foot for some or all of the way to work or school
· Take your, or someone else’s, dog for a walk
· Walk up and/or down the stairs, rather than taking the lift
· Enjoy a stroll with your partner, friends, or children.

Physiotherapists’ role in stroke prevention mainly revolves around exercise presciption, activity management and smoking cessation. The CSP is also offering the Lazy Exercise Guide for Busy People people who need to exercise but don’t know where to start.

Sharon Cuneta is still against a “Dear Heart” remake by Viva Films. Gabby Concepcion co-starred with her in the original 80s box office hit.

“If Viva will remake it, it will break my heart. Kahit sino pang artista, hindi porke anak ni Robin. It will break my heart, because Dear Heart is… That’s one in a lifetime thing,” says Sharon Cuneta.

After the presscon ng Caregiver ng Star Cinema kagabi, May 14, sa Studio 1 ng ABS-CBN, pumayag si Direk Chito Roño na mag-stay pa ng ilang minutes si Sharon Cuneta para ma-interview ng entertainment press kahit may shooting pa ang Megastar ng ilang eksena nila sa pelikula.

Maraming sinagot na mga katanungan si Sharon tungkol sa Caregiver, ang pagse-celebrate niya ng 30th year sa show business, at pati na ang tungkol sa ex-husband niyang si Gabby Concepcion kahit na may pakiusap na before the presscon na wala na sanang questions about Gabby.

“DEAR HEART” REMAKE. Isa sa itinanong kay Sharon ay tungkol sa napabalitang paggawa ng movie ng eldest daughter ni Robin Padilla na si Queenie sa Viva Films. Ang unang pelikula raw na gagawin ni Queenie ay ang remake ng Dear Heart, na kauna-unahang pelikula ni Sharon opposite Gabby.

“Ngayon ko lang nalaman na si Queenie ang gagawa nun,” nagulat na sabi ni Sharon. “Pero ayoko pa ring ipagawa ‘yon kahit kanino, kahit pa sa isang prinsesa. Si KC [Concepcion, Sharon’s eldest daughter] lang ang may karapatang gumawa nun. Pero she’s 23 na, kaya hindi na rin puwede, and it upsets her. I was only 15 nang gawin ko ‘yon. Kung gagawin ang Dear Heart you have to create a unique kind of magic for this generation.

“Ang ganda-ganda namang bata ni Queenie and, of course, I love Robin. Ang tawagan nga namin niyan, ‘kambal,’ because we’re very similar. Of course, Robin is very smart… I’m not saying I’m smart, pero ‘yong jokes niya, whenever we see each other, it always synch. Hindi lamang talaga nag-synch ‘yong mga balak niya sa buhay sa mga balak ko naman sa buhay ko. Who’s gonna make the remake daw?”

Sinabi sa kanya na ang dating niyang home studio na Viva Films ang mag-remake nito.

“If Viva will remake it, it will break my heart. Kahit sino pang artista, hindi porke anak ni Robin. It will break my heart, because Dear Heart is… That’s one in a lifetime thing,” pagtatapat ni Sharon.

Matatandaang hindi rin sinang-ayunan noon ni Sharon ang planong si Sarah Geronimo ang magbibida sa Dear Heart. Hindi na rin natuloy ang naturang plano.

Kung sina KC at Richard Gutierrez ang gagawa ng remake ng Deart Heart, papayag ba si Sharon?

“As I’ve said, I was only 15 nang gawin ko ‘yon and KC is now 23. Hindi na bagay sa kanya,” saad ng Megastar.

Biro ng ilan, hihintayin na lang ba ng Viva Films ang anak niyang si Frankie para matuloy ang remake ng Dear Heart?

“Hindi rin, wala naman siyang koneksiyon sa tatay nun!” natatawang wika ni Sharon. Si Frankie ay anak ni Sharon sa second husband niyang si Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan samantalang si KC ay anak ng Megastar kay Gabby Concepcion.

POSSIBLE PROJECTS WITH ROBIN & RICHARD. How about a project with Robin?

“My God, we’ve been talking about the project for two years now!” sabi niya. “Nakapag-meeting na kami ng ilang beses, but for some reasons, di pa natutuloy. Parang may laging unang nabubuong script, pero siyempre nagtatrabaho din kami, hindi naman kami puwedeng maghintay forever. Tapos dumating nga ang project na ito, ang Caregiver.”

May susunod na ba siyang project aftre Caregiver?

“Yung susunod na project, pagmi-mitingan pa after we promote this movie. Ewan ko kay Tita Malou [Santos of Star Cinema].”

Totoo bang may gagawin silang movie ng dati niyang boyfriend na si Richard Gomez?

“Hindi ko pa rin alam, but those movies are set to be done,” sagot niya. “But hindi ko pa talaga alam kung ano ang exact na project, kung sinu-sino talaga ang makakasama ko. So unless Star Cinema announces something, it’s hard for me to say.”

KC AS DARNA? Naitanong din kay Sharon kung totoong in-offer ng GMA-7 ang role na Darna kay KC para sa pagbabalik nito sa telebisyon via Captain Barbell Meets Darna, kung saan si Richard Gutierrez ulit ang gaganap na Captain Barbell.

“Yes, she’s been offered,” pag-amin ng Megastar. “But I’m not so sure if she is committed. What I know is that she will do the movies first, and I think that’s the best decision.

“Nakakatuwa, but can I tell the truth? I guested noon in Captain Barbell [of Edu Manzano and Herbert Bautista] as Darna, because that was the intro sana to what was the full-length movie of Darna na ako na ang gaganap. So people are waiting. Pero ako na ang nakiusap na huwag nang ituloy.

“Ang hirap kasi noon, hindi katulad ngayon na maganda ‘yong mga harness na ginagamit. Noon, four days lang akong nag-shooting as guest, napakasakit talaga sa katawan ‘yong mga bakal na pinagsasabitan sa akin. Bakal as in bakal talaga, kaya hindi ko na ginawa!” natatawang pagtatapos ni Sharon.

• Sharon Cuneta still against “Dear Heart” remake HOT May 15, 2008 06:56 PM
• TV Ratings: “Dyesebel” charms nationwide audience but ABS-CBN still dominates NUTAM contest May 15, 2008 06:24 PM
• Bianca King takes her villain role in “Dyesebel” seriously May 15, 2008 05:45 PM
• Manila’s acting mayor Isko Moreno still has time for showbiz May 15, 2008 03:05 PM
• Rica Peralejo once got marriage proposal from a stranger in London May 15, 2008 02:50 PM
• FIRST READ ON PEP: Vince del Rosario and Inah Revilla will live in a P10-million condo unit after their wedding HOT May 15, 2008 02:23 PM
• FIRST READ ON PEP: Inah Revilla’s future father-in-law debunks intrigues against his non-showbiz family HOT May 15, 2008 01:49 PM
• Sharon Cuneta cannot get away from questions involving ex-husband Gabby Concepcion HOT May 15, 2008 12:22 PM
• Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby drop libel case against Lolit Solis HOT May 15, 2008 11:24 AM
• Singer Gian Magdangal talks about his newborn baby with Sheree May 15, 2008 11:17 AM
• John Estrada finds working with Sharon Cuneta a “wonderful experience” May 15, 2008 10:39 AM
• Makisig Morales gets an iPod from the Megastar May 15, 2008 10:19 AM

Bobath Philippines invites you to their seminar titled The Use of Tone Influencing Patterns in Therapy Activities for Children with Cerebral Palsy.

When & Where
June 29, 2008
9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Function Hall, 2nd floor, EGI Tower, Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila (near Dela Salle University), Philippines

Seminar Objectives

• Describe the historical development of Tone Influencing Patterns within the Bobath Concept.
• Define facilitation, inhibition, stimulation activities and the rationale for each.
• Discuss basic facilitation, inhibition and stimulation that may be used in therapy activities for children with cerebral palsy.
• Discuss the application of facilitation, inhibition and stimulation in the planning and implementing of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy management of the child with cerebral palsy.

Schedule of Activities

8:30- 9:00 Registration
9:00-11:30 Facilitation, Inhibition and Stimulation (with break from 10:30-10:45)
11:45-12:00 BAG Announcements
12:00- 13:00 Lunch Break
13:15 -15:00 Tone Influencing Patterns in Treatment Activities
15:00- 15:15 Break
15:15- 16:00 Problem Solving (The Chid with Spasticity; The Child with Hypotonia)
16:00- 16:15 Q&A about specific problems

Seminar Fee
Pre-registration (From June 1- June 23, 2008): 1,000 PhP
On-site registration: 1,200 PhP

Registration fee includes 2 snacks and handouts.

For reservations and inquiries, SMS or call BAG-Philippines at (63) 917 733 6409. Alternatively, you may send them an e-mail at bobath_philippines@yahoo.com.

Before I got suspended, I have been late three times, which I got another memo for. Uh, yeah what an irresponsible. Well, I tried hard cleaning up my record by NOT being late after the suspension memo was served. Let's see how that worked out, uhm, it didn't. It was a total FAIL. Just like the MRT. Yeah, the fuckin MRT! I thought working at night would be good because that way I don't get to experience the rush hour, but NO. I just had to be given the 8PM shift, which I thought was late enough to avoid the people who just got out of work and are on their way home, (again) but NO. Question! I thought you lived 5mins near your workplace? Why are you complaining about the rush hour? Well, I had to go to Shangri-la Plaza you see. In order to get there, I have to take the (fucking) MRT. On the way though, it was a rather pleasant ride. I was the only one who got in from the Cubao station, and I was even able to sit down. Time flew and what do you know, I needed to get back to the office. According to my phone it was 7PM already, so I headed to the MRT. There wasn't a lot of people in line and that's always a good thing. Or so i thought. When I got to the platform area, it seemed like a concert! Only, these were people from all walks of life. Not people who like a certain genre of music. The MASSES! The train (full of people!) had just arrived and as soon as the doors opened, everyone just jumped inside. Nevermind the people trying to get out of the train, as long as we get inside. Oh GOD, I said to myself, Satan's minions decided to ride the train the same time I did. HELP ME.

I'm just back from my Vietnam trip and what a perfect news this is... Cebu Pacific Air is offering 500,000 FREE Seats to all its domestic and international destinations for travel from June 9 to December 31, 2008. We all have until May 18 to buy our tickets. So much for the blabber, just go to http://www.cebupacificair.com now to see what I mean.

In connection with the recent post titled Update on Sensory Integration International (SII), here’s an announcement from Western Psychological Services for SII training course participants.  

ANNOUNCEMENT

USC/WPS Offers Assistance to SII Training Course Participants
By Susanne Smith Roley, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA

January 21, 2008

On June 22, 2007 the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles ordered Sensory Integration International (SII) to cease conducting any and all business in the United States pending the outcome of an ongoing civil case. The order to halt is part of litigation, People v. Sensory Integration International, filed against SII on July 31, 2006, by the Attorney General of the State of California. While the legal actions by the State of California have brought to a halt the alleged unscrupulous and unethical activities involving SII, they have also brought to a halt the Sensory Integration training courses they provided.

At the request of many therapists, the University of Southern California (USC) and Western Psychological Services (WPS) have agreed to work with those individuals whose training was interrupted to help them complete their SI certification through the USC/WPS Comprehensive Program in Sensory Integration. However, there are significant differences between the SII program and the USC/WPS program that make it impossible to simply accept a course-for-course transfer. That is not to say the SII courses were deficient in the training they offered, rather it addresses the fact that their certification process required fewer training hours than the USC/WPS program and that difference must be made up before a USC/WPS certification can be earned.

The USC/WPS Comprehensive Program consists of four 5-day courses with 30 contact hours per course. These courses cover SI theory, Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) administration, test interpretation, and intervention. To be eligible for the USC/WPS Certification in Sensory Integration, a total of 120 contact hours of direct instruction must be completed. In addition, a peer review of SIPT administration, clinical observations, and Sensory Processing Measure administration to 3 typical children and 2 children with suspected difficulties are required.

For a limited time, occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech and language pathologists who have completed one or more SIPT certification course through SII are eligible to complete their certification in Sensory Integration through USC/WPS. Depending on the nature and extent of prior training through SII, up to two USC/WPS courses leading to certification may be waived. In addition, a 10% discount on course registration fees will be given to SII transfers. Applications must be made by December 2009 to be eligible for the discount and course waiver. Proof of completion of SII courses such as a certificate of attendance is necessary.

Conditions for the waiver of courses are as follows: The course attended and number of contact hours completed through the SII program will be taken into account. SII training of 30 contact hours or more related to SIPT certification including SIPT administration will result in the elimination of the USC/WPS Course 2 requirement. SII training adding to 60 hours or more related to SIPT certification, including SIPT administration and interpretation, will result in completion of the requirements for USC/WPS Courses 2 and 3. It is required that all SII transfers seeking SI Certification attend USC/WPS Courses 1 and 4, without exception.

Courses are offered regularly in locations across the U.S. as well as countries such as Canada, Austria, Greece, Finland, Columbia, Peru, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, India, and Jordan.

USC and WPS understand the vital role therapists play in the lives of the children and families of the children they treat. We are also aware of the importance for the international community of professionals involved in Sensory Integration to maintain the highest standards of treatment for the children. We are committed to helping support those professionals in their quest for specialized education that meets high professional standards and increases the positive effect of their work.

For more information visit www.wpspublish.com or contact me at susannesr@cox.net.

Integrated Manual Physical Therapy invites you to another round of courses on the Dorn Method. This time, they will be offering courses in both basic and advanced levels. Details are as follows:

LEVEL 1: The Basic Dorn Course
May 31 and June 1, 2008 (Saturday and Sunday)
From 8 AM to 5 PM
Course fee: P6,500 inclusive of certificate, course book, and CD/DVD
Only 40 participants are to be accommodated on a first come first serve basis.
Dorn Method Basic Seminar Course Outline

LEVEL 2: The Advanced Dorn Course
June 7, 2008 (Saturday)
From 8 AM to 5 PM
Course fee: P2,000 inclusive of certificate
Dorn Method Advanced Training Course Outline

Venue for both courses will be in Manila, Philippines. Specific location is yet to be announced.

Lecturer
VALENTIN C. DONES III, MSPT, PTRP, DMS, COMT,IMPT
Certified Dorn Teacher
Certified Dorn Specialist
Masters of Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist
Mulligan Practitioner
Functional Fascial Taper

For further information, feel free to contact: Corazon B. Garcia-Dones at (63) 919-4077701.

Autism Society Philippines (ASP) will be holding the following workshops/seminars for the month of May.

A. TEACCHing at HOME and in SCHOOL

The session will enable participants to understand structured teaching as an effective teaching strategy for children with autism and related Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) and be familiar with the basic applications, at home and in school, of Physical Structure, Schedules, Work Systems, and Task Organization.

Erlinda “Dang” Koe is currently the President of Autism Society Philippines. She “re-engineered” her home to facilitate structured teaching for her son with autism. She is a sought-after conference and seminar speaker, and travels around the country as such. She finished her Masters in Communication at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

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One thing that is certainly not lacking in this sorry land of ours are the political scandals--often, if not all, involve the putative president and her family. From the Hello, Garci scandal to the more recent ones such as the NBN-ZTE deal, Spratlys controversy, and rice crisis, it seems political turmoil in the Philippines has never stopped, and in fact exacerbated, since President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo came to power.

Given the continuing political crisis, should the press remain "disinterested" and "disengaged" in its coverage? Should journalists continue to cover issues the way they have always been?

The political context pushes us in the press for a reexamination and reaffirmation of the crucial role of journalism in our society, as well as the professional values we hold dearly. And at the same time, the reexamination and reaffirmation should include an understanding of the political situation we are in, and more importantly, the policies--stated or otherwise--of the current administration.

Melinda Quintos de Jesus, executive director of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), and Luis Teodoro, PJR Reports editor, discuss the media coverage of political crises in the April edition of the PJR Reports. Both their views were presented at an earlier CMFR forum about the issue.

What is Journalism For?
by Melinda Quintos de Jesus
PJR Reports
April 2008

A crisis of leadership

The political crisis in the Philippines is a crisis of leadership, provoked initially by the initial controversy over the president’s interference to manipulate election results in 2004.

The crisis has been heightened by serial charges of corruption with a resulting loss of public trust and confidence in her leadership and her capacity to put public interest as the central value of her government. While these have all failed, the number of impeachment complaints (13) and attempts (three) filed in Congress— a strong indication of the depth of the crisis—are unprecedented in Philippine history.

But as has been pointed out by many critics of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, it is not only the public officials currently in power who are failing. The entire political system, culture, and conduct of the ruling class are all in need of reform. Because weaknesses seem embedded in the system, the public seems at a loss about how best to resolve the crisis.

The public has not been able to unite on a strategy. The continuing challenge to the president has weakened the authority of government and the state, along with its agencies and instrumentalities. The profound polarization has eroded public support for government itself as leaders resort to a tactical approach to insure the president’s political survival.

The press community itself is divided. News reports and commentary reflect the opposing views of the factions among political groups and organizations, as well as those of civil society.

Read more here.

A Two-Way Street
by Luis V. Teodoro
PJR Reports
April 2008

Political crises take many forms. In this country—and for the generations represented here today—these forms have ranged from such critical events as the bombing of a political rally and the subsequent suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the declaration of martial rule, the killing of the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., military-civilian mutinies that have unseated presidents, several coup attempts, and a declaration of a state of emergency which itself became an emergency for many groups and individuals as well as for the Bill of Rights.

Lately the crisis has taken the form of a confrontation between, on the one hand, a president more than a majority of the populace believes was not legitimately elected, and, on the other, a broad spectrum of forces that wants her government to at least account for, or to at most resign over, the vast network of corruption that has metastasized in it. Late last year, however, the country was also treated to a crisis which was erroneously reported as a coup attempt, the main component of which seemed to be a press conference in which the same putative president was asked to resign.

We have thus witnessed one political crisis after another, each of varying intensity, but each one being, by common consent, a turning point in the way the country is being governed. And that’s what a political crisis is—a moment in the life of a country in which issues of power and governance come to the surface to shatter the illusion of stability that every government this country has ever had since 1946 has taken pains to cultivate.

Read more here.

Bea Alonzo will star in the Philippine version of the world famous Colombian telenovela Betty La Fea. Shooting on the series will reportedly start immediately, as ABS-CBN continues to falter in TV ratings due to the high rating GMA programs 'Dyesebel' 'Babangon' and 'Joaquin Bordado', respectively the top 3 rating programs in the Philippines.

TV Patrol: Bea Alonzo talks about 'Betty La Fea'

Director Wenn Deramas confirmed that ABS-CBS management chose Bea to star in the Philippine adaptation of the hit Colombian telenovela, Betty La Fea.

Betty La Fea is a world famous Colombian telenovela that aired from 1999 to 2001. The first version was shown in GMA7 in the Philippines, and re-run on Studio 23. ABS-CBN bought the rights to remake the telenovela from Colombian TV company RCN Caracol.

Betty was remade around the world, including the Emmy-Award winning U.S. comedy Ugly Betty. Other countries to remake the telenovela were Spain, Israel, India, Germany, Turkey, Russia, Netherlands, Greece, Croatia, Czech Republic, Portugal, and more.

Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, the stars of GMA7's Dyesebel, were in a press conference launching recently for the now #1 rated TV program in the Philippines.

Full photo gallery of entire cast at presscon.

Marian makes mild thespic waves as Dyesebel
By Nestor Torre
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—At the end of the first week of “Dyesebel” on GMA-7, title role player, Marian Rivera, finally made her first appearance as the teen mermaid. Throughout the second week that’s just ended, she firmed up her portrayal, as the new teleserye focused on the developing romantic relationship between Dyesebel and her human lover, Fredo (Dingdong Dantes). As the second week progressed, therefore, we were able to size up Marian’s new TV characterization in greater detail:

Despite espousals to the contrary, it turned out that there really wasn’t that much difference between her depictions of Marimar before and Dyesebel now. Both characters are young, playful and loving, so it really wasn’t that much of a stretch for Marian to portray her new role. Full article.

Riza Santos feels overwhelmed at what is happening to her career. Download FREE Riza Santos Wallpaper.William Devaughn was the born-again Christian boyfriend of Marian Rivera in the recent cinema hit 'Desperadas.'
Download FREE William Devaughn Wallpaper

"Sobrang kinakabahan ako. You know when I was in the house, everything was different. But now, medyo nasanay na ‘ko at sobrang grateful sa mga opportunities na dumarating sa akin," says Riza Santos. PEP

Finally found the time to blog. Recent weeks proved too busy and tiring for me to write anything here, and I don't see any free time these coming days as well. I found myself muttering "Oh God, please help me" too many times already these past few weeks. And I'm pretty sure once June and July come in, my blogging activity will be reduced even further. Sigh sigh sigh.

Since I really don't have the time in the world to post all the things that come to mind, I will be sparing you my take on a recent discussion in the blogosphere about journalism and blogging. In case you do not know, some bloggers negatively reacted to an abs-cbnnews.com/Newsbreak article quoting Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) deputy director and PJR Reports editor Luis Teodoro on his views about journalism and (or is it versus?) blogging. Some of these views here, here, and here. Manolo Quezon also posted his take here.

Aside from the lack of time, I really don't want to say something because some might accuse me of being biased for Prof. Teodoro or that he told me to post about it. (I work with CMFR and write for PJR Reports for close to seven years now. Aside from the fact that Prof. Teodoro is my boss, he is also my former teacher and dean during college.) Besides, he already said his piece on the issue.

But let me just share Anthony Ian Cruz's insightful post on the issue. A long-time blogger, Tonyo currently works as a reporter for the Manila bureau of Asahi Shimbun, Japan’s second biggest daily newspaper.

Blogging and Journalism
May 6, 2008

A debate rages in the blogosphere about journalism and blogging, with partisans lobbing virtual grenades at Prof. Luis Teodoro.

Dean Jorge Bocobo leads the assault, taking pains showing the entire world the meaning of name-calling. Geez, methinks Philippine commentary (online or offline) would be better off without name-calling. For so what if Teodoro is/was a leftist? Does that disqualify him from expressing himself? Should we only have centrist or right-wing public intellectuals and pundits? Should we just jail or assassinate leftists or suspected leftists? I suppose the left has a place in the blogosphere. I am sure Mr. Bocobo will latch on this side-issue till the Second Coming, but I leave the blogosphere to judge name-calling, whether it is intelligent and whether name-calling is relevant in discussions such as this.

Good thing, Teodoro is a journalist and was part of the anti-Marcos resistance so we could safely assume that he knows how to take blows, be it as petty as name-calling.

Anyway, I just wish to focus on Mr. Bocobo’s main point in his tirade against Teodoro: Mr. Bocobo’s pride was hurt.

I never felt slighted by Teodoro’s remarks. I assumed those statements were made in completely good faith. Why? Because Teodoro seemed to have a clear objective: to ventilate the need for ethical standards that govern most professions and most areas of human activity. Whether journalists or, in the case of the Cebu perfume canister scandal, doctors fall short of their avowed ethical codes, we must gnash our teeth and demand accountability and urge conformity with the said rules.

Read more here.

Discussions on blogging and journalism, name-calling and labels excluded, were particularly interesting. The issue made me remember a recent global study made on the role of the press in an increasingly online world.

Newspapers likely to be free in the future: survey
By Kate Holton
May 6, 2008
Source: Yahoo News

LONDON (Reuters) - Newspapers seeking to compete with the Internet are likely to become free and place greater emphasis on comment and opinion in the future, a survey of the world's editors showed on Tuesday.

The report, conducted by Zogby International for the World Editors Forum and Reuters, revealed that newspaper editors were still optimistic about the future of their publications but believed they would have to adapt further for the digital age.

Some 86 percent of respondents believed newsrooms should become more integrated with digital services as two in three believe the most common form of news consumption will be via electronic media such as online or mobiles within a decade.

"For these editors the future is self-evident and our survey shows that they see the writing on the newsroom wall," said pollster John Zogby.

Read more here. The study is the 2008 edition of the Newsroom Barometer, an annual survey of editors around the world conducted by Zogby International and commissioned by the World Editors Forum and Reuters. For the main findings of the study, click here.

Autism Society Philippines (ASP) is inviting all families with autism, SPED schools, therapy centers and all PWDs supporters to join in celebrating the rights of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) on May 12, 2008. The celebration also coincides with the commemoration at the UN Headquarters in New York City.

The following is the program of activities for the May 12 (Monday) celebration at SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City

6:00 AM – Assembly and Registration at the SMX Parking Area

7:00 AM – Holy Mass at the Shrine of Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life

8:30 AM – Unity March from SMX Parking Area to the SM MOA Music Hall

10:00 AM – Program at the Music Hall

* Special schools and therapy centers need to bring their respective banners.
* All ASP contingents will wear the Angels Walk t-shirt or any green shirt for proper identification.

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Jolina Magdangal will star in 'Italy' with Dennis Trillo, Rufa Mae Quinto, Mark Herras, and Rhiann Ramos and was at the GMA studios for a live chat with her fans.

Full transcript after the jump.

I remember a song by Billy Idol that goes like this: "Hot in the City, Hot in the city tonight, tonight!" It's really hot and it's summer!!! This year's family outing was at the Island Cove, Cavite. Everybody, the kids specially had fun, given the fact that their cousins from Qatar arrived for the summer vacation. This years' outing was the first without my mother in law who passed away

Regine Velasquez will serenade viewers in her weekly variety show "Songbird."

"I've always wanted to do a TV show na talagang magagawa ko yung... Kasi ang concert, ilang kanta lang din yung magagawa mo. Ito [Songbird] kasi andaming puwedeng gawin. Yung mga kantang hindi ko nakakanta sa concerts, puwede kong gawin dito, di ba? Kaya excited na excited talaga ako dito," says Regine Velasquez about her new musica show, Songbird.

Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez will be very visible in GMA-7, at least for the next two years after signing up an exclusive contract with the Kapuso network.



Aside from her regular musical-variety show SOP, Regine has already started taping for her second primetime series with the Kapuso network, the Pinoy version of the hit Koreanovela My Name Is Kim Sam Soon—her first was Forever In My Heart. But before Kim Sam Soon, Regine will mesmerize late-night viewers with her amazing vocal prowess through her own musical show aptly titled Songbird.



Songbird is a weekly musical show where Regine will sing some of the most popular songs and compositions of some of the world's best singers and composers. This will start airing on May 15, Thursday, after the Telebabad block of GMA-7.



"I'm very thankful to GMA for trusting me, for giving me the opportunity to do what I love to do most, which is singing. I've always dreamed of having a show like this and I feel very, very blessed na ibinigay po ng GMA sa akin itong napakagandang show na talaga naman pong pinagkakaabalahan ng aming buong staff and crew," Regine began during the press conference of Songbird held last night, May 9, at Melo's restaurant on Bohol Ave., Quezon City.



Regine told the entertainment press about the concept of her solo show.



"Nakakatuwa po siya, kasi thematic po siya," she said. "Every week, there's a different theme, we feature different artists, songwriters, genre; we even do movie themes. So every week is different. We also have different guests for each week depending on what theme ang meron sa week na ‘yon. Ibinabagay rin po namin ang aming guests."



REGINE'S STAGE. Aside from the unique concept of Songbird, Regine is also very proud of her show's stage design.



"Well, napakaganda ng stage! Pinagkaabalahan ang stage, hi-tech ang stage. Pangmayaman!" she said laughing. "Nagulat nga ako, e. Hindi, natuwa nga ako, e, kasi when we were meeting for this show, in-explain nila sa akin na this is what's going to happen, na ito yung magiging hitsura ng stage... Actually nung nag-taping na kami, nung first taping day, naiiyak ako kasi parang, ‘Ah, may budget ang show, pinagkaabalahan. Hindi napunta lahat sa talent fee ko!'" Regine laughed again.



"No, like I said," she continued, "it's been my dream to have a musical show. Maipagmamalaki, kasi nga it's been a long time na rin since walang musical show. Hindi siya variety show talaga, it's a straight musical.



"Tapos yung kine-cater pa namin siyempreng market, medyo late na, so siyempre yung music na maririnig mo, hindi naman yung pumapalahaw-palahaw ako na magigising ka. Hindi naman ganun. So magagandang kanta lang talaga ang madidinig mo... Mga [Barbra] Streisand, we will feature [Barry] Manilow. We're going to feature siyempre mga OPM [Original Pilipino Music] din, mga OPM songs, writers, and composers.



"Ako, sa akin, having a show like this is something to be proud of. Kasi siyempre, bihira na itong naibibigay sa mga singers na katulad ko. And GMA actually picked me to have this kind of special every week. I am very, very proud to be given this opportunity."



So does this mean viewers won't be hearing Regine belting out songs?



"Meron ding konti, meron din," she clarified. "Kasi tinawagan na ako ni Mariah [Carrey], e, umaapila na siya. Sabi niya, ‘Songbird, it can't be,' sabi niyang ganun. Sabi ko, ‘Don't worry, you'll be there.' Sinabi ko, ‘Friend, next season ka pa,'" Regine said in jest.



SONGBIRD'S CHOICE. Each week, Regine will also get the chance to sing a song only a few are familiar with.



"Kasi ‘pag nag-feature ka ng isang artist, like Barbra Streisand, yung mga alam ng tao. Understandable naman kasi yun ang ini-expect ng mga manonood. But I also requested na may isang kanta na hindi masyadong kilala ng mga tao. Ako lang ang may alam!" she joked before adding, "Pero maganda. Something that they would appreciate also. Like yung naririnig n'yo kanina, yung ‘Who Needs To Dream,' that was a Manilow song, that was included in the soundtrack of Copacobana. Not everybody happens to know that song, and I happen to love that song very much."



For each episode, the Asia's Songbird will be singing seven to eight songs. "And then minsan, meron kaming medley na about five minutes, ganyan. Para siyang concert talaga," Regine added.



THE GUEST LIST. Regine also revealed that she has a hand in choosing her guest list.



"Usually, ako nga ang pinapapili nila kung sino ang gusto kong guests, depende sa concept," she said.



One of Regine's guests on the pilot episode of Songbird is Richard Gomez, her leading man in the movie Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka and the drama series Forever In My Heart. A member of the press asked how they were able to convince Richard to sing a duet with Regine.



"Naku, hindi na naming kailangan i-convince! To tell you frankly, kami pa ang tinawagan!" Regine laughed. "You know Richard, he's such a great friend, sobrang reliable friend. Saka hindi n'yo po naitatanong, si Richard po, akala niya ho talaga kasi, concert artist siya. He loves to sing. As a matter of fact, ‘pag Sunday, di ba, ‘Wala ba akong SOP?' No, he really loves to sing. I'm really happy na kasama siya sa Songbird."



MOST DIFFICULT SONG. It seems that Regine has no trouble singing any kind of song. But if there's one song that she finds it very difficult to sing, it has to be the Philippine National Anthem, "Lupang Hinirang."



"Hindi nga, totoo nga... Hindi naman po dahil sa hindi ako proud sa ating National Anthem. Actually, I'm very proud... It's a beautiful song, but it's one of the hardest songs I have ever sung in my life. I don't know, maybe because it's long and iba-iba yung lyrics niya. Tsaka nakakatakot na magkamali. That's the hardest song ever to sing," she explained.



The last time Regine sang "Lupang Hinirang" in public was during Manny Pacquiao's 2004 boxing match against Thailand's Narongrit Pingrat in Taguig.



FREE CONCERT. Now that the viewers have the chance to see and hear Regine perform on TV free of charge, isn't she worried that this would somehow affect her concert ticket sales?



"Nowadays, actually kahit naman before, I don't really do a lot," she clarified. "Di ba, I usually do one major concert a year and then one series? Yun lang naman talaga ang ginagawa ko. And then the other times, mga raket-raket, pupunta ako ng abroad or I'll do a movie.



"I've always wanted to do a TV show na talagang magagawa ko yung... Kasi ang concert, ilang kanta lang din yung magagawa mo. Ito [Songbird] kasi andaming puwedeng gawin. Yung mga kantang hindi ko nakakanta sa concerts, puwede kong gawin dito, di ba? Like kung Madonna, Madonna lang, yung ganun. Sa concert, hindi ko naman puwedeng gawin na puro ganun lang; or kung Canseco, Canseco lang. Kaya excited na excited talaga ako dito.



"I don't think magsa-suffer yung concerts kasi like I said, I don't do it naman as often. Like for this year, I'm only going to do one. And besides, the show is not naman three hours. Actually, it's only 45 minutes, so medyo bitin pa nga ng konti. So, aabangan nila yung next, parang may itutuloy kinda na thing.



"Sa ngayon, sobrang happy ako kasi I've always wanted to do a show like this. Pero I never really asked naman for it. Because at that time, kasi nga I felt iniisip ko rin na baka mag-suffer yung concerts, that's why I didn't ask for a musical show. I was also thinking, I was already doing SOP...



"Kasi nowadays, wala nang ganito. Kasi nung mga panahon ng Vilma!, Sharon...lahat may ganun, di ba? May Manilyn [Live!]...lahat! Sabi ko, ang ganda, tapos ngayon wala na, naubos na talaga. So sabi ko, baka naman puwedeng ibalik yun," Regine explained.

• Rich Asuncion will pose for FHM as last resort May 11, 2008 01:32 AM
• Dennis Trillo happy with his "I.T.A.L.Y." role, but careful on giving comment about Gabby Concepcion May 11, 2008 01:25 AM
• Riza Santos overwhelmed at what is happening to her career May 10, 2008 07:47 PM
• Jon Avila says dancing in his undies is the farthest he can go as far as being daring is concerned May 10, 2008 07:19 PM
• Prince Stefan holds no ill-feelings on Lovi-Jolo team-up May 10, 2008 05:28 PM
• Rich Asuncion plays best friend in her first soap "Magdusa Ka" May 10, 2008 04:30 PM
• Jake Cuenca gets finale production number in last night's Coverboys concert May 10, 2008 04:12 PM
• Teasing song and dance number heat up last night's "Coverboys Uncovered" concert May 10, 2008 04:04 PM
• Regine Velasquez serenades viewers in weekly musical show "Songbird" May 10, 2008 11:51 AM
• Robin Padilla lines up "Ang Tatay Kong Hoodlum" and "Totoy Bato" among his future projects May 10, 2008 10:34 AM
• Stars share their mothers' best advice May 10, 2008 08:09 AM

I would like to share the following select qoutes I received during the past week... "The most difficult phase of life is not when no one understands you. It is when you don't understand yourself..." "My biggest reward is to see you smile. I know life is sometimes cruel, but that's why I am here, to show that life can be good when somebody cares..." "Sometimes you just have to put a period on

Lindsay Lohan was "terrific" in Ugly Betty, the hit US TV show.

The show's creator Silvio Horta revealed the 21-year-old actress - who has had a well-publicised battle with alcohol and drugs - was a "pleasure" to work with on the set of the show, which follows the life of Mode magazine assistant Betty Suarez.

He said: "Lindsay was terrific - a real pleasure. She came in early and was very pleasant. She plays a queen bee girl who Betty went to high school with.

"Her character Kimberly appears in a flashback dodge ball game when she does the picking - it doesn't turn out well for Betty. They are going to run into each other in the present, when Kimberly's life has taken a turn for the worst."

Horta also confirmed Lindsay will return to the show for five episodes next season.

Lindsay isn't the only celebrity to have starred in the show alongside America Ferrera.

Spice Girls star Victoria Beckham appeared as magazine editor Wilhelmina Slater's bridesmaid in an episode last year while supermodel Naomi Campbell also filmed a cameo recently.

Lindsay's first appearance in the show will be broadcast in the US on May 22.

Charice Pempengco will be on Oprah Monday May 12 at 3pm in the US, and at 11pm on Studio 23 in the Philippines. This is not a show you want to miss!
DREAM COME TRUE: Charice Set to Conquer Oprah on May 12
By Momar G. Visaya Asianjournal.com
Charice Pempengco with Oprah Winfrey. The young diva made a guest appearance on ‘Oprah’ which will air on May 12. Photo courtesy of Harpo Productions, Inc./Copyright-Harpo Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Photo by George Burns.
MAKATI CITY – Mark your calendars.

On May 12, young diva Charice Pempengco’s quest for international stardom gets a much-needed boost as her dream of being a guest at The Oprah Winfrey Show becomes a reality.

After traveling thousands of miles from Manila, Charice joined some of the world’s most talented, amazing kids take the Oprah stage. The Oprah Winfrey Show is the longest-running and highest-rated daytime television talk show in America today.

The young diva blew the audience away with her performance of Whitney Houston’s song I Have Nothing. After her fantastic performance, an emotional Charice told Oprah, “I’m always dreaming that someday I can be a part of your show. I can’t believe I’m here standing with you. This is my dream come true.”

“Nung una po, parang hindi ako makapaniwala. Kasi Oprah yan eh, napapanood ko lang sa TV. Tita Millie (Gurfinkel) called my mom and sabi niya na mag ge-guest ako sa Oprah Winfrey Show. Si mommy, parang walang reaction, parang okay lang. Tapos after nilang mag-usap, sinabi ni mommy sa akin na gusto akong mai-guest sa Oprah so napasigaw ako sa tuwa,”

Charice said as she recalled the day when she found out about the guesting.

Indeed, it was a dream come true, considering that only weeks earlier, she and her mom have been talking about the good breaks she has been getting.

Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM), which is an annual event,  provides opportunities to raise awareness about communication disorders and to promote treatment that can improve the quality of life for those who experience problems with speaking, understanding, or hearing. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has provided resources for the public.

Hearing and Speech Resources
Whether it’s a hearing loss, difficulty with swallowing or balance, a disorder such as stuttering or delayed language, or a voice problem, a person’s ability to learn and interact with others can be affected.

Hearing Resources

• What is an Audiologist?
• How Hearing & Balance Work
• Causes and Effects of Hearing Loss in Both Children and Adults
• Treatment & Rehabilitation
• Hearing Screening
• Web Links Related to Hearing Conservation
• Hearing Loss and the Audiologist

Speech Resources

• What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?
• Swallowing Disorders
• Speech and Language Disorders
• Speech and Language Development
• Get Speech, Language & Swallowing Information by Request

Source: ASHA

A few entries back, I said something about getting a memo for doing something stupet. Well last night, the superior went up to my station and said, "Penny do you have a minute?  I have papers for you to sign." Those words ate me and I thought OH SHIT THIS IS IT. So I took a deep breath, stood up and followed her. In my mind I kept saying OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! When we got to her station, she laid three sets of papers for me to sign, one copy goes to Human Resource, one for me and one for her. She was smiling, I guess that’s a good thing, I thought to myself. When I sat down and read the words on the paper, "To Ms. Monasterial"  followed by more words which I’ve read before when she issued me the memo, I was thinking, hmm… what could be different or added to this memo? She prolly noticed my eyes going back and forth from the starting paragraph down to the mid part and realized that I was stupid not to figure out the verdict was at the bottom. So she pointed it out with a pen, "It’s right here Penny, your punishment and this is where you sign." I replied with an "OH OK" and with an I-knew-that tone.

The following information is directed to Physiotherapists from overseas wanting to gain employment in Australia. It was lifted from the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).

Step 1 - Get your Skills Recognised
This is undertaken by the Australian Physiotherapy Council.

Step 2 - Register with a Physiotherapist Board
Physiotherapy Registration Boards are statutory authorities responsible for the registration of physiotherapists. Primarily the functions of the Physiotherapists Registration Boards in each State are:

• To protect public health and safety.
• Maintenance and promotion of professional standards of physiotherapy practice in each State and Territory
• To register physiotherapists
• To advise the Minister on matters relating to the standards of physiotherapy practice;
• To distribute information pertaining to Physiotherapy Registration Acts and the Regulations to physiotherapists, consumers and other interested persons.

You must register with the appropriate Physiotherapists Registration Board before practising as a physiotherapist in Australia.

Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory - Ms Janette Steele, Registrar; Phone: (08) 8999 4157; Fax: (08) 8999 4196; Email: healthprofessions.ths@nt.gov.au
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Western Australia
Victoria

Step 3 - Join the Australian Physiotherapy Association
Apply for membership here.

Step 4 - Purchase Professional Indemnity Insurance
It is recommended that indemnity insurance be obtained before commencing employment.

Step 5 - Obtain a Working Visa
The Department of Immigration can assist you with your applications for a working visa permit to work in Australia.

Step 6 - Find Employment
For a detailed listing of national vacancies, use the APA Classifeds.

Source: APA