Section dedicated to the forthcoming May 2010 Philippine Elections

From now on, a section of Pop-Nook will feature posts about or related to the Philippine Elections set in May 2010. This may be one of the most controversial Elections ever, with very prominent personalities all wanting to win in their respective bids.

There's Manny Villar who is on hot seat since last year due to the alleged C5 Road controversy; Noynoy Aquino who suddenly joined the pack after being "urged" by the people following her mother's passing. Will Cory Magic do it again for him this time? And then there's Erap Estrada who surely has a lot of explaining to do with the High Courts to justify his decision to run again for the Presidency a few years after he was kicked out of office by People Power 2. Lastly there's Gibo Teodoro, the administration bet who still presently lacks the popularity needed to win in the coming Elections.

Speaking of popularity, will Edu Manzano's star appeal really work for Gibo and give him the runaway win? Or will the strong following of Mar Roxas (and Korina Sanchez) prove the Aquino-Roxas ticket unbeatable? On another note, how will the voting public take the bid of Loren Legarda after she was called a "Political Prostitute" by her seatmate senator? We'll all find out in May 2010.

For more features about the forthcoming Elections, just click on the category "May 2010 Philippine Elections" found on the right side of this page.

Now affordable 5-star Meritus Mandarin Hotel in Orchard Road Singapore cuts room rates due to renovation

People who prefer to spend their money touring Singapore rather than paying for a 5-star accommodation may have to think again. Meritus Mandarin Hotel located right in the middle of Orchard Road, the city's shopping and business district, is presently undergoing renovation and is offering their rooms at very affordable rates.

Be among those to book early and experience Singapore in a different way. Meritus Mandarin is definitely one of the hotels in the Lion City where you can truly relax after a tiring day of walking and shopping. Rooms are being booked and sold-out by the minute so be sure to check out www.meritus-hotels.com as soon as you can. The room rates shall apply until the hotel's further notice, possibly after the renovation has been completed.

Cebu Pacific on Singapore's Changi Airport Budget Terminal

Cebu Pacific gives travellers, particularly Filipinos, options to fly on a tight budget. Aside from Hongkong, many choose to fly to Singapore because of the many wonderful things one can do there. Singapore may be a very expensive city, but an option to fly on a more affordable carrier puts it on the list of many tourists.

Cebu Pacific presently uses NAIA's Terminal 3 in Manila. In Singapore, it lands on the Budget Terminal of Changi, it's on the side of the International Airport without the elaborate structures and shops, thus, making fares more affordable. Most tourists surely wouldn't mind the difference, and besides, a free shuttle service operates 24/7 that links the Budget Terminal to Terminal 2, where access to more shops and amenities and the MRT and bus stations are located.

New Regal movie project for GMA-7 star Heart Evangelista: Mano Po 6

The role of Sharon Cuneta’s daughter in Mano Po 6: My Mother was formally presented to Heart Evangelista, who willingly accepted the role which was originally offered to Angel Locsin.

Locsin turned down the offer even though she had an existing contract with Regal Films apparently because her home network’s movie outfit, Star Cinema, had not given her the word to accept the role. This caused a misunderstanding between the actress and Regal Film’s Lily Monteverde. But now that the role has been filled, the filming of the movie instalment is all set start this month, with some scenes scheduled to be filmed in China.

Heart, who looks every inch Chinese, will have to learn some Fookien for her role. (From Yahoo)

List of Christmas Bazaars in Metro Manila for 2009

Christmas is just around the corner and Filipinos surely will be in a rush a few weeks from now to buy gifts for their loved ones. With so many gifts to give and a very, very tight budget, it is just practical to look for the best bargains without compromising quality. To help you maximize your budget, here’s a list of bazaars you can visit one of these days.

1. Greenhills Bangketa Fair, November 14 to January 10, 2010
2. Noel Bazaar and Christmas Shop Expo at the World Trade Center, November 25-30 / December 5-6, 2009
3. Christmas Flea Market at Tiendesitas,

December 10 to January 10, 2010
4. Christmas Bazaar at Glorietta Tent, December 11 to 30, 2009
5. Christmas Bazaar at the Manila Ocean Park, Fridays to Sundays of October, November, December

Among Gov. Ed Panlilio backs out from the 2010 Presidential Race in support of Noynoy

The priest-turned-governor of Pampanga has finally confirmed that he would be backing out from the Presidential Race in 2010 once Noynoy Aquino decides to vie for the highest position in the country come election day. This was done by Panlilio after Mar Roxas also gave way to Noynoy to become the standard bearer of the Liberal Party.

In what seems to be efforts to have a common candidate against the Administration standard bearer, many cannot deny the fact the utmost humility and concern both Roxas and Panlilio displayed by coming up with such decision. They have expressed their intention to run for President time and again, but realizing the need to sacrifice to attain their common goal, both are now apparently ready to support Aquino if ever he does file his candidacy before November 30, 2009.

What went wrong with Willie’s remarks on TV when footages of Cory’s remains being brought to the Manila Cathedral were aired alongside Wowowee

It’s simply his arrogance that made the difference. I am sure he meant good in doing such gesture, and that is to pay respect to the former president. However, he should have paid more attention to his choice of words. Considering he was mad over the incident, he should have just kept his mouth shut than displayed his egotism for the whole world to see.

Sometimes, when one has reached the top, and air has filled his head, he may lose his sense of reason. He forgets that the only way to go when he has reached the peak is down.

The children of Tita Cory may have accepted Willie's apology, but surely, lots of Filipinos who consider the late president as their own mother wouldn’t let such harsh remarks pass just like that.

A popular and proven way to earn money from home through online blogging sites like Twitter

People who are unemployed but are gifted with excellent writing skills and computer know-how can still make big money from a vast array of tools available online, one of the most popular: Blogging.

There are lots of sites that offer free services and templates to help you jumpstart a career in blogging, like Blogspot and the very popular microblogging site, Twitter. To guide you through the entire process of earning through writing, blogging or “tweeting”, click on the icons found at the top of the screen to your right.

Twitter Cash Formula

Cash for Writing (Cash4Writing)

Cory Aquino's Prayer for a Happy Death

Almighty God, most merciful Father
You alone know the time
You alone know the hour
You alone know the moment
When I shall breathe my last.

So, remind me each day,
most loving Father
To be the best that I can be.
To be humble, to be kind,
To be patient, to be true.
To embrace what is good,
To reject what is evil,
To adore only You.

When the final moment does come
Let not my loved ones grieve for long.
Let them comfort each other
And let them know
how much happiness
They brought into my life.
Let them pray for me,
As I will continue to pray for them,
Hoping that they will always pray
for each other.

Let them know that they made possible
Whatever good I offered to our world.
And let them realize that our separation
Is just for a short while
As we prepare for our reunion in eternity.

Our Father in heaven,
You alone are my hope.
You alone are my salvation.
Thank you for your unconditional love.
Amen.

Why millions of Filipinos mourn over Cory’s death

The Filipino people recently lost their beloved former President Cory Aquino due to Cardio-respiratory failure. Tita Cory, as she is fondly called, succumbed to complications of Colon Cancer more than a year after one of her daughters, Kris Aquino, announced in public that her mom had the ailment.

At exactly 3:18am of August 1, 2009, Cory finally breathed her last, coinciding with the first Saturday of the month, a day dedicated to the Virgin Mary, to whom she had great devotion to.

Now, why do Filipinos love Cory so much?

We have to remember that when this simple housewife of Ninoy took over the Presidency after Marcos was ousted through People Power, there had been numerous problems associated with her administration, like the coup attempts and blackouts, among others. Then why all this love and affection from the Filipino people?

The answer is simple. Cory was a true person and reflected what all Filipinos are and should be. She was not foolproof. She was unafraid to admit her mistakes and shortcomings, but tried all possible means to make up for each and every single one of them. That is the measure of a true leader. She was never the type who promised and subsequently broke all her promises. She just delivered what she was capable of. The Filipinos will forever be indebted to her. Cory makes me really proud to be a Filipino.

GMA-7 Kapuso stars who ranked high in FHM Philippines Sexiest Women for 2009

Here they are:
3. Marian Rivera
5. Katrina Halili
6. Iwa Moto
7. Ehra Madrigal
10. Pauleen Luna
12. Rhian Ramos
13. Diana Zubiri
16. Bianca King
17. Jennylyn Mercado
19. Heart Evangelista
24. EB Babes

ABS-CBN Kapamilya stars who ranked high in FHM Philippines Sexiest Women for 2009

ABS-CBN star on top. Here's the list:
1. Cristine Reyes
4. Angel Locsin
8. Anne Curtis
9. Angelica Panganiban
11. Bangs Garcia
14. Mariel Rodriguez
15. Iya Villania
18. Maja Salvador
21. Alessandra de Rossi
23. Kim Chiu
25. Karylle
26. KC Concepcion
28. Sarah Geronimo
30. Valerie Concepcion

Jennylyn Mercado to star as Jodi in GMA-7’s remake of Stairway to Heaven

Assuming everything remains in place, Jennylyn Mercado is all set to play the role of Jodi in GMA-7’s remake of Stairway to Heaven. She will star opposite Dingdong Dantes who will play Cholo.

Despite everything that has happened to her, including being a single mom to Jazz, Jen has remained to be the network’s most bankable star. She joins the few roster of stars given a chance by their fans to make a successful comeback after being out of showbiz for awhile. It can be remembered that Jen was away from the spotlight during her pregnancy with Patrick Garcia’s son.

Aside from her high-rating afternoon soap, her sold-out birthday concert, her soon-to-be-released Coffee Table Book, and the forthcoming primetime remake of STH, Jennylyn has also been recently included by Dra. Vicky Belo among her elite list of endorsers. She will be Belo’s Hot Momma.

Photo courtesy of GMA-7

(Note from Editor: As of August 25, Rhian Ramos, not Jennylyn, is confirmed to play the role of Jodi.)

How to go to Macau from Hong Kong’s Mong Kok MTR Station through China Ferry Terminal

From the Mong Kok station of the MTR, take train (to central) and get off at Tsim Sha Tsui station. Exit at Exit A1, then turn right at Haiphong road, walk straight until you find Canton road where you also turn right. At the far end you will see the China Hong Kong City Mall where you will find the China Ferry Terminal. Purchase your tickets to Macau via ”First Ferry”. Remember to bring your passport with you.

Once you have passed the immigration counters in Macau, immediately proceed to “Centro”, which is like the city proper. Taxi fares are relatively cheap because Macau is fairly small. Once in Centro, most of the tourist spots are within walking distance. Most of the shops there accept HK$.

After you’ve done your sightseeing, take a taxi back to the ferry terminal bound for Hong Kong. Once back in Tsim Sha Tsui, you may consider looking around first before you take the MTR back to Mong Kok station (via Tsuen Wan line).

Tsim Sha Tsui station is surrounded by various malls where you can find expensive brands such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

How to go to Stanford Hotel from Hong Kong International Airport via Cebu Pacific

Cebu Pacific utilizes Terminal 1 of the Hong Kong International Airport. After alighting from plane, follow signs leading to immigration counters. You will need to ride a transfer train to the counters. After claiming your luggage, exit at Carpark 1. Proceed downstairs and look for the Citybus Ticket Booth across the street. Purchase ticket for A21 bus, priced at HK$ 33 each. To reach Stanford Hotel which is in Soy street, take the A21 bus and alight at Bus Stop # 7 - Bank Centre, Nathan Road. Walk a few steps and look for Bank of China, which is at the corner of Soy street. Turn left at Soy street and pass through Sai Yeng Choi South street and Tung Choi street (Ladies Market). You will find the hotel a few meters away. Stanford hotel is conveniently located 10 minutes away (by walking) from the Mong Kok station of the MTR. The station is along Nathan road corner Argylle street.

You can opt to take a taxi from the airport to the hotel but it will cost you more or less HK$ 300.

To return to the airport, A21 bus stops are also suitably located on the other side of Nathan road (to the airport side) . Find the nearest bus stop and check the time of bus arrivals throughout the day. Earliest is around 5:30 am and the last would be around 12 midnight. Travel time is more or less 1 hour. Or you can opt to take the faster but more expensive taxi.

Judy Ann and Ryan's wedding in Batangas

Contrary to Dolly Anne Carvajal's statement that the wedding of Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo will take place on May 2, the highly-publicized secret ceremony had in fact taken place last April 28, 2009, in San Juan, Batangas.

The number of guests was reportedly trimmed down to less than a hundred. Megastar Sharon Cuneta was the bride's Matron of Honor, who came along with husband Sen. Kiko Pangilinan. Also present were Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid, close friends of the couple, and Paolo and Suzy Abrera, with whom Ryan had shared the stage with in a popular TV morning show. Judy Ann wore a gown by Paul Cabral.

The wedding rites officiated by Fr. Tito Caluag started early at 7am, which was soon after followed by a breakfast reception. Apparently, the celebration lasted until late in the evening with the couple's dinner reception for all their guests.

Pacquiao's reaction to De la Hoya's retirement

Still regarded as his ultimate boxing idol, Manny Pacquiao expressed his sincerity in wishing Oscar De la Hoya all the best in life soon after he announced his retirement from boxing. He said De la Hoya made the right decision, adding that he will always be grateful for what the boxing legend has done for all the boxers in the world.

Pacquiao will be forever noted in boxing history as the last opponent of De la Hoya, who started in boxing very early at age 5.

Top summer destinations in the Philippines

For tourists who prefer white sand beaches but are hesitant to go to Boracay due to the bulk of people coming in especially during the summer season, Panglao in Bohol will definitely be a worthwhile place to be in. With its pristine white sand beaches and unspoiled environment, travellers will surely find this spot one of the most beautiful places to be in for relaxation and pure fun. There are many hotels to choose from in Panglao, probably the best of them all would be the Amarela Boutique Resort.

http://www.amarelaresort.com/

The famous Chocolate Hills, the Loboc River, and the very tiny Tarsiers are just a few of the many things tourists can explore in Bohol.

On another note, Tagaytay, located in the province of Cavite, has been a favourite tourist spot among locals and foreign visitors for many years now. With its short distance from the busy Metropolis, people who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city travel approximately one hour or more to Tagaytay from Makati using the South Luzon Expressway, to experience the serenity that the place offers.

With the spectacular view of the famous Taal Volcano, which is regarded as the smallest of its kind, travellers may choose from among a wide variety of hotels to stay in that offer picturesque views of the volcano, most noteworthy of which are the famous Taal Vista and Days Hotel. Also not to be missed during a vacation in Tagaytay are the sumptuous foods being served by Leslie’s Restaurant and Antonio’s Grill.

Nokia phone that is comparable to the Apple iPhone

The Nokia 5800 Xpress Music is the closest you can get to an iPhone. For seasoned Nokia users, shifting to another cellular phone brand may pose a great deal of adjustment and difficulty. But sometimes, they could not just resist the features of the much raved about Apple iPhone.

The good news for Nokia users is that they can now get almost the same features of the iPhone with a Nokia cellular phone. The Nokia 5800 boasts of a touch screen interface that allows its users to navigate it with either the use of a stylus or a finger. It being an Xpress Music, the Nokia fanatics will be able to store loads of music and videos for pure fun and relaxation. It is also great for sharing photos and videos through http://share.ovi.com

The unit comes with a lot of freebies, like the case shown in the image above.

Church in May Bukas Pa

ABS-CBN has created yet another milestone in Philippine TV with the hit series “May Bukas Pa” (There’s Still Tomorrow). An adaptation of Marcelino Pan y Vino, its Filipino counterpart named “Santino” has instantly captured the hearts of viewers of all ages.

A noteworthy element of the show would be the old church being used as the monastery of a group of priests who took the role of raising Santino when he was left in their care.

The church is none other than the lahar-buried parish of San Guillermo in Bacolor, Pampanga, which has now started to attract tourists from all parts of the country. With the way it was preserved, it definitely deserves the attention it is getting right now.

Less than a hundred kilometres north of Manila, one has to take the San Fernando Exit of the North Luzon Expressway to see the magnificent beauty of the church. Head towards the town of Bacolor, which is approximately 10 minutes from San Fernando, and be captivated not only by the Parish of San Guillermo, but by the other buried churches and structures as well.