The Magical Mont-Saint-Michel: an Island once more at high tide

You're not in a fairytale -- Mont Saint-Michel is a medieval abbey and surrounding walled town that is periodically completely cut off from land by water. Fancy a tour before the tides roll in?

watch the video ^_^

this is the realife fairytale.

A magical island

AN UNFORGETTABLE SIGHT

The Mont-Saint-Michel is one of Europe’s most unforgettable sights. Set in the mesmerising bay where Normandy and Brittany merge, the island draws the eye from great distances.

The staggering location has long inspired awe and the imagination. The story of how the mount turned into a great place of Christian pilgrimage is colourful. Aubert, bishop of the nearby hilltop town of Avranches early in the 8th century, claimed that the Archangel Michael himself pressured him into having a church built atop the island just out to sea.

From 966 onwards, the dukes of Normandy, followed by French kings, supported the development of a major Benedictine abbey on the Mont-Saint-Michel. Magnificent monastic buildings were added through medieval times, one vertiginous section being nicknamed The Marvel. The abbey became a renowned centre of learning, attracting some of the greatest minds and manuscript illuminators in Europe. Vast numbers of pilgrims visited, despite warring cross-Channel royals. However, the ramparts at the base of the island were built to keep English forces out. Other fine buildings went up along the steep village street, now converted into museums, hotels, restaurants and boutiques for today’s tourists.

PHAP President: No Downpayment Required in Cases of Emergency!

The Private Hospital Association of The Philippines or PHAP is giving public reminder that in case of emergency, it is strictly prohibited to ask for deposit or down payment in case of emergency. 

Anyone who is proven guilty of defying this policy could be suspended or license could be revoked.

Dr. Rustico Jimenez, President of PHAP said, "save the patient first, forget about the money".

VIDEO: Pagbabawal sa paniningil ng deposito sa pasyente kapag ...

VIDEO: Pagbabawal sa paniningil ng deposito sa pasyente kapag sa panahon ng emergency cases, ipinaalala ng PHAP
Posted by UNTV Life on Tuesday, March 1, 2016

 Law penalizing any doctor or hospital who asks for down payment in emergency situation

He also advised that instead of posting in social media, patient should file formal complain in Philippine Regulatory Commission or Department of Health.

Last week, a post in the social media went viral when a doctor from UST named, Dr. Ana Liezel Sahagun, refused a patient who was in labor and in need of emergency care. According to the husband, it was midnight and they only have Php 6,000 emergency money, the doctor was asking for Php 20,000, but when  the couple pleaded that they be accepted, they were refused admission and the baby eventually died. 

Here is the video of  Dr. Willie Ong's  visit and interview with the couple

Imagine you and me, together, eternally..." (Photo: Eat Bulaga) #ALDUBWedding

Diving operation for Cessna plane off Ilocos Sur resumes Saturday

Published October 22, 2016 9:03am

A Philippine Coast Guard search and rescue team will resume diving operations early Saturday morning to retrieve the Cessna plane that crashed Friday off Ilocos Sur.

GMA News reported on Saturday that the diving operation was stopped after sunset on Friday due to poor illumination and was scheduled to resume early the following day. 

PCG-Candon substation, in coordination with the Santiago town disaster responders, conducted an initial search in the crash area but halted the operation at about 6 p.m. as it was already dark, the report said.

Citing initial information from the first diving mission, the report said divers saw the aircraft and people inside the main fuselage.

An earlier report on the "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho" said two people were initially reported killed in the incident. 

Residents were quoted as saying that the plane was flying low when it hit a zipline cable and crashed into the sea. —LBG, GMA News

Duterte: No cutting of ties with the US, just separate foreign policy

Published October 22, 2016 12:35am

There will be no cutting of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the United States, President Rodrigo Duterte said in Davao City on Saturday after midnight.

In a news conference upon his arrival from a four-day state visit in Beijing, Duterte said his declaration of an economic and military split with the US was about no longer following the superpower's supposed dictates rather than a severance of relationships.

"It's not severance of ties. When you say severance of ties, you cut diplomatic relations. I cannot do that," Duterte said.

Duterte said cutting diplomatic ties with the US would not be according to the interest of Filipinos, citing the millions of Filipinos and Americans "of Filipino ancestry in the US."

"What I mean was a separation of foreign policy... In the past we always follow what the US will give the cue," Duterte said.

"In the past we always follow what the US will give the cue... Hindi ako magsunod," he added.

He added that he would also consult the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police as regards the implications of an independent foreign policy on the country's military agreements with the US.

"Because at the end of the day it is all security," Duterte said. -NB, GMA News

Duterte caps China visit with $24B investments, loans

by Genalyn KabilingOctober 21, 2016

BEIJING, China—The Philippines has secured around $24 billion worth of investments and credit facilities to cap President Rodrigo Duterte’s “highly successful” four-day state visit in China.

The influx of Chinese investments to the Philippines on renewable energy, transportation network, manufacturing, among others, is expected to generate more than two million jobs in the next five years, according to Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

“The latest amount being formed now in terms of investments and credit facilities opened is $24 billion,” Lopez said in a media interview in Beijing, a few hours before the President flies back to the country.

Of the bagful of investments, Lopez said around $15 billion involves private business deals between Filipino and Chinese firms while $9 billion covers credit facilities to be made available for development projects and other businesses.

The investments “cut across different industries—agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, food, manufacturing, telecommunications, infrastructure,” the trade chief added.

The investments came after President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to forge stronger closer diplomatic and economic cooperation despite a lingering maritime conflict.

The two leaders met last Thursday at the Great Hall of the People where they witnessed the signing of 13 cooperation agreements on various fields.

Repairing relations

An agreement was also reached to resume bilateral consultations on the proper resolution of the territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

Lopez described the president’s visit as “highly successful.” “In renewing this friendship and economic relationship, it’s like opening a faucet,” the trade chief said, citing the renewed interest of Chinese investors in the country.

Lopez also welcomed China’s recent decision to lift the travel advisory warning its nationals against traveling to the Philppines, saying it would certainly boost the country’s tourism arrivals.

“From the current 500,000 tourists, we now expect it easily to double or triple in one year or two years. We will need more hotels, more tourism structures, airports, seaports,” he said in Filipino.

Big-ticket investments

Early in the day, at least 17 private business contracts worth $11.3 billion were sealed on the sidelines of the president’s visit here.

Among the big-ticket investments are $3-billion agreement between MVP Global Infrastructure group and Suli Group Limited on the construction of cabling manufacturing facilities, as well as $2.5-billion agreement between China Railway Engineering Corp. (CREC) and MVP Global Infrastructure group.

Another agreement forged was the $1-billion development of the 300 megawatt Pulangui-5 Hydro project between Greenergy Development Corporation and Power China Guizhou Engineering Corporation.

Other business deals signed during the President’s visit are:

• 
  

• An agreement between Zonar Systems and Power China Sino Hydro for a nationwide island provinces link bridges for sustained development worth $800 million
• A memorandum of understanding between Sino Hydro and Zonar Construct on the Pasig River Marikina River Manggahan Floowdway bridges construction project worth $600 million
• A memorandum of understanding between Mega Harbour Port and Development, Inc.and China Harbour Engineering Co. Ltd. (CHEC) on Davao coastline port development project worth $780 million
• A memorandum of cooperation between Global Ferronickel, Inc. and Baiyin International Investment Ltd. to invest about $500 to $700 million to construct a steel plant
• A memorandum of understanding between Mega Harbour Port and Development Inc. and CCCC Dredging Company (CDC) for the Cebu International and Bulk Terminal Project worth $328 million
• An agreement between One White Beach Land Development Corp and Sino Hydro for the Ambal Simuay Sub-river Basin of the Mindanao river basin flood control project worth $325 million
• A letter of investment inked by Zhuhai Granton Bus and Coach Company to invest $300 million to build a manufacturing facility
• Strategic cooperation agreement between the Mannage Resources Trading Corporation and SIIC Shanghai International Trade Hong Kong to infuse $200 million to build and operate a new generation steel manufacturing plant
• A cooperation agreement between SL Agritech Group and Jiangsu Hongqi Seed Co. Ltd. to invest $160 million to produce hybrid rice for 2 million hectares of rice fields
• A memorandum of understanding between R-II Builders, Inc. and China Harbour Engineering Co. Ltd (CHEC) for the Manila Harbor Center Reclamation Project worth $148 million
• A memorandum of understanding between Colombus Capitana and China CAMCE Engineering Co. Ltd. for joint development projects worth $100 million in renewable energy, major infrastructure and real estate
• A memorandum of understanding between the Philippine State Group of Companies and Yangtse Motor Group Ltd. and Minmetals International (HK) Ltd. to develop the Manila EDSA bus transportation program and for other places with an initial investment of $100 million
• A memorandum of understanding between AVLP Asia Pacific Conglomerate, Inc. and the Shanghai Xinwo Agriculture Development Co. Ltd to invest $100 million for a banana plantation project
• A memorandum of understanding between TBEA Xinjing Sunoasis Co. Ltd and Trademaster Resources Corp. and Servequest Inc.jointly pursue development and construction of renewable energy projects in various locations

After watching last night's new episode, I felt like this had to be said

17 Years of being Badass. Thank You, Hugh Jackman, we will miss you!

Audi Asks Photographer To Photograph Their $160,000 Sports Car, He Uses $40 Miniature Toy Car Instead (By Felix Hernandez Rodriguez)

Credit: Felix Hernandez Rodriguez

PNP to press charges vs militants who beat up cop in DAR protest

2013 News

(Updated 4:59 p.m.) The Philippine National Police is determined to press charges against members of cause-oriented groups who stormed the National Anti-Poverty Commission Office in Quezon City on Thursday and beat up at least three police officers in the process.

In a statement released Friday, the PNP said it was gathering “all available video footage and photographs of the violent rampage” to identify who were involved in attacking QCPD personnel who were “diligently doing their duty as enforcers of the law.”

The police statement, quoting PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr.,  condemned the “violent assault” against the police.

The PNP will also file a complaint before the Commission on Human Rights over the incident.

Meanwhile, QCPD Station 2 head Superintendent Pedro Sanchez went to the CHR to inform CHR chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales that the militants ganged up on several police officers last Thursday, radio dzBB's Divine Caraecle reported.

Sanchez himself was injured in the face during the clash. The dzBB report quoted QCPD head Senior Superintendent Richard Albano as saying they are now preparing a formal complaint to file with the CHR.

On Thursday, members of militant groups, led by the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, staged a protest at the compound of the Department of Agriculture, where the NAPC office is also located.

A report aired on GMA News' 24Oras on Thursday noted that tension flared up when DAR officials and the police did not allow the dialogue between the protesters and NAPC head Joel Rocamora.

They protesters wanted to talk with Rocamora over allegations that he is using the coco levy fund for the campaign activities of Akbayan party-list, of which he was served as former president. Rocamora has denied the allegations.

Authorities used a fire extinguisher to deter the protesters, even as the television report said that a police officer brandished an armalite which angered the militants. As a result, the report said at least three police officers were beaten up by some of the protesters. — with Gian C. Geronimo/RSJ, GMA News

Ex-DFA chief on Duterte U.S. policy: 'National tragedy'

The decision to 'cast aside' the US to 'hastily embrace' China is 'both unwise and incomprehensible,' former Philippine foreign secretary Albert del Rosario says

 
EX-DFA CHIEF. Former foreign secretary Albert del Rosario criticizes President Rodrigo Duterte's latest remarks against the US. File photo by LeAnne Jazul/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Former Philippine foreign secretary Albert del Rosario on Friday, October 21, slammed Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's announcement to cut economic and military ties with the US.

"What is unfolding before us must be considered a national tragedy which does not need to happen. It is our earnest hope that this most unfortunate declaration will be corrected," Del Rosario said in a rare written statement emailed to reporters on Friday.

Del Rosario, a former Philippine ambassador to the US, issued this statement after Duterte announced his "separation" from the US in economic and military terms.

While planning to downgrade ties with the US, Duterte is seeking stronger ties with China.

Warning vs 'newfound friend'

During Del Rosario's time as DFA chief, the Philippines sued China before an arbitral tribunal over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) dispute.

Del Rosario said: "The declared shift in foreign policy casting aside a long time reliable ally to hastily embrace an aggressive neighbor that vehemently rejects international law is both unwise and incomprehensible."

"We must be with responsible nations with whom we share our core values of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. To stand otherwise, is not what Filipinos are; it is not what we do; it is not what is right," he added.

Del Rosario earlier warned the Philippines about its "newfound friend" as Duterte embarked on a 4-day state visit to China.

The Philippines' former top diplomat asked: "Where is the wisdom if we are appearing to place all our bets on the integrity and credibility of our northern neighbor – especially one, in particular, that vehemently rejects adhering to the rule of law?" – Rappler.com

Duterte reveals being denied a US visa in the past

Published October 20, 2016 1:37am

BY TRISHA MACAS, GMA News

BEIJING - President Rodrigo Duterte said he was once denied a United States visa when he planned to visit a girlfriend in college.

Speaking to the Filipino community in China’s capital on Wednesday, Duterte complained that Americans can enter the Philippines visa-free when Filipinos have a hard time securing a travel document to visit the US.

“America? Miski ako hindi ako makapunta doon, hindi ako bigyan ng visa ng mga…” he said.

He narrated that he was asked what would happen if he decided to marry and stay in the US.

“Sabi ko, ‘Mr. Consul, even if you offer me free visas for a lifetime and even if you offer me 10,000 dollars, I’d still return to my country and be a Filipino,’” Duterte recalled and the crowd broke into cheers.

“The problem is, you go to America? You’ll not be issued a visa,” he stressed his point.

He shared that a local government official was also denied a visa although he was invited to an event by the US government itself.

“The poor man had to travel. He was in poor health. Pagdating dito [US Embassy], he was denied. Pero sila anytime. They enter the Philippines visa-free. Well, there will always be a time for reckoning. Bakit hindi natin tablahin?” Duterte said and gave a faint smile.

Duterte had been releasing tirades against US, after American officials expressed concern over the spate of drug-related deaths since the new administration came in.

US President Barack Obama previously advised Duterte to fight crime the right way, after the former Davao City mayor cursed right before flying to Vientiane, Laos for the ASEAN Summit. A bilateral meeting between the two leaders was canceled after Duterte blurted out expletives. — BAP/KG, GMA News

Russian ambassador says Medvedev impressed by Duterte: Prepare your wish list

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Marcus V

• Russian envoy said country ready to help, cooperate with PH
• He said Russian Prime Minister Medvedev impressed with Duterte during their encounter
• He also said it’s time for Russia and PH to get to know each other better

MANILA, Philippines – Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev expressed eagerness at President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to seek stronger ties with his country; saying Russia would be more than willing to sit down and talk with him on his requests.



“Please formulate your wish list. What kind of assistance do you expect from Russia and we will be ready to sit down with you and discuss what can and should be done,” he told GMA News. “It includes any area, any field of possible cooperation.”

According to Khovaev, Duterte left quite an impression on Russian President Dmitry Medvedev when the two met in Laos during the ASEAN summit last month.



“He was deeply impressed by the personality of his Excellency President Rodrigo Duterte,” he said.

Khovaev added it was time for the Philippines to get to know the real Russia which he said has been unfairly portrayed in Hollywood movies.

“A true Russia is much, much different from what is being portrayed by Hollywood movies. The Philippines and Russia deserve to know each other much, much better. It’s time to discover,” he said, while taking a dig at Western countries whom he said do not respect the international principle of non-interference in another nation’s domestic affairs unlike Russia.

“We don’t interfere with the domestic affairs of a sovereign state. It is a fundamental principle of our foreign policy,” he said.

In his speech before a group of businessmen in China, Duterte indicated his intent to go to Russia and talk to President Vladimir Putin on the possible strengthening of ties between Russia and the Philippines.

“I realign myself in your ideological flow and maybe I will also go to Russia to talk to Putin. There are three of us against the world. China, Philippines, Russia,” he said.

Pulse Asia: Duterte trust rating cut but still highest among top gov’t officials

MB FILE – Vice President Leni Robredo and President Duterte at the Malacañang Palace (Malacañang Photo) | mb.com.ph

by MB Online
October 21, 2016

Nonetheless, Duterte remains the most trusted among the highest officials in the land, with a still sizable lead in the September 25–October 1 survey.

The president’s performance garnered an 86 percent approval rating, with only 3 percent expressing diaspproval and 11 percent undecided. The mentioned figures also reflect his trust rating.

But Duterte’s trust rating was five percentage points lower than the 91 percent he got in the July 2016 survey.

Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo has the second highest approval rating of 66 percent, with only 9 percent disapproving and 24 percent undecided.

Her trust rating, meanwhile, improved to 65 percent from her July rating of 62 percent. 10 percent have small or no trust in her, with 24 percent undecided.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III is in third, with an approval rating of 61 percent, 6 percent disapproving and 31 percent undecided.

His trust rating of 55 percent was five points higher than his July rating. Only 6 percent distrust him, with 37 percent undecided.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno is in fourth place. She earned a 46-percent approval rating, with 11 percent disapproving and 39 percent undecided.

Sereno also earned a trust rating of 44 percent, with 10 percent showing distrust and 42 percent undecided.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is in last place, but saw the biggest boost in his trust rating.

His 41-percent trust rating is 17 points higher than his July rating of 24 percent. 10 percent distrust him, with 45 percent undecided.

The speaker’s approval rating, meanwhile, is at 43 percent, with 9 percent disapproving and 42 percent undecided.

The nationwide survey was conducted to 1,200 adults, with a ±3 percent error margin at a 95 percent confidence level.

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