2010 Philippine's Presidentiables: Noynoy Aquino

Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Cojuangco Aquino III was born February 8, 1960 and is a Senator for the Philippines. Also a candidate for President of the Philippines in the 2010 Presidentail election, representing the Liberal Party. He is best known for being the only son of former President Corazon Aquino and Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr.

A graduate of Ateneo de Manila University, he was seriously wounded by rebel soldiers in a failed coup attempt during his mother's presidency. In 1998, he was elected to the House of Representatives as Representative of the 2nd district of Tarlac province in the 11th Congress of the Philippines. In 2007, he was elected to the Senate of the 14th Congress of the Philippines.

He is also the brother of TV host and actress Kris Aquino.

Early life and education

Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Cojuangco Aquino III was born on February 8, 1960. He is the third of the of five children of Benigno Aquino, Jr., who was then Vice Governor of Tarlac province, and Corazon Aquino. He has four sisters, Maria Elena ("Ballsy"), Aurora Corazon ("Pinky"), Victoria Eliza ("Viel"), and Kristina Bernadette ("Kris").

Aquino studied in Ateneo de Manila University for his elementary, high school, and college education, graduating in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. After college, he joined his family in Boston in exile.

In 1983, shortly after the murder of his father, Noynoy had a short tenure as a member of the Philippine Business for Social Progress. From 1985 to 1986, he was retail sales supervisor and youth promotions assistant for Nike Philippines and later an assistant for advertising and promotion for Mondragon Philippines. In 1986, he joined Intra-Strata Assurance Corp. as vice-president of the family-owned corporation.

On August 28, 1987, eighteen months into the presidency of Aquino's mother, rebel soldiers led by Gregorio Honasan staged an unsuccessful coup attempt, attempting to siege Malacañang Palace. Aquino was two blocks from the palace when he came under fire. Three of his four security escorts were killed, and the last was wounded protecting him. Aquino himself was hit by five bullets, one of which is still embedded in his neck.

From 1986 to 1993, Aquino was vice president and treasurer for Best Security Agency Corporation, a firm owned by his uncle Antolin Oreta.[3] He went to work for the Central Azucarera de Tarlac in 1993, the sugar refinery owned by the Cojuangco clan. He started out as an executive assistant for administration, before becoming field services manager in 1996.

Political life

Aquino is a leading member of the Liberal Party. He currently holds the position of Vice Chairman of the Liberal Party, having assumed the post on 17 March 2006. He was previously Secretary General of the party (1999-2002), Vice-President of the Luzon Liberal Party (2002-2004), and Secretary General of the party (2004-16 March 2006).

Aquino is associated with a faction of the Liberal Party which opposes the government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, citing alleged human rights violations.

House of Representatives

Aquino was elected to the House of Representatives in 1998, representing the 2nd District of Tarlac. He won re-election in 2001 and 2004, and served until 2007.

Aquino served on numerous committees as a member of Congress: the Public Order and Security, Transportation and Communications, Agriculture, Banks ∧ Financial Intermediaries, Peoples’ Participation, Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, Appropriations, Natural Resources, and Trade and Industry committees (11th Congress), the Civil, Political and Human Rights, Good Government, Public Order and Security, Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Diplomacy committees (12th Congress), and the Banks and Financial Intermediaries, Energy, Export Promotion, Public Order and Safety committees (13th Congress).

Aquino was also Deputy Speaker from November 8, 2004 to February 21, 2006.

One of Aquino's key legislative initiatives was to make requiring the procurement of the petroleum, oil and lubricants requirements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to be done by public bidding.

Senate

Barred by term limits from seeking a fourth term as the Representative for the second district of Tarlac province, Aquino was elected to the Senate in the May 14, 2007 midterm elections under the banner of the Genuine Opposition (GO), a coalition comprising a number of parties, including his own Liberal Party, seeking to curb attempts by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to amend the Constitution. In his political ads, he was endorsed by younger sister, TV host Kris Aquino, and mother, the late former President Corazon Aquino. Although a devout Roman Catholic, he was endorsed by one of the largest Protestant churches in the Philippines, the Jesus is Lord. With more than 14.3 million votes, Aquino's tally was the sixth highest of the 37 candidates for the 12 vacant seats elected from the nation at large. He assumed his new office on June 30, 2007.

During the campaign, Aquino reached out to his former enemy, Senator Gregorio Honasan, supporting his application for bail. "I endorse Honasan's request for bail para parehas ang laban. I was hit by bullets from Honasan's men in the neck and hips but that's past now. The principle of my father was, ' Respect the rights even of your enemies.' Ito ang nagpatingkad ng demokrasya. Genuine reconciliation is democracy in action," Aquino told Job Tabada of Cebu Daily News on 5 March 2007. He was referring to two bloody coup attempts against his mother in 1987 and 1989, in the first of which Aquino was seriously injured.

2010 election plans

In the Liberal Party, Aquino has held various positions such as Secretary General and Vice President for Luzon. He is currently the LP Vice-Chairman.

After the death of President Corazon Aquino, calls for him to run for higher office reached its highest and he has decided after the retreat that he would run as a candidate for the Presidency in the 2010 National Elections.

A group of lawyers and activists formed the NAPM — the Noynoy Aquino for President Movement — and a nationwide campaign led by the son of the late influential businessman, Chino Roces, began to collect a million signatures in order to persuade Aquino to run for President. In the last weekend of August, Senator Aquino and his fellow partymate in the Liberal Party, Senator Mar Roxas and an unnamed presidential aspirant commenced days of talks to decide what to do for next year's elections.

On September 1, 2009, in a press conference at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City, Senator Roxas, a leading candidate for the Liberal Party nomination announced his withdrawal in the presidential race and expressed his support for Aquino's candidacy. Sen. Aquino later stood side by side Sen. Roxas, but did not make a public statement on the said press conference.

On September 9, 2009, 40 days after the death of his mother, Aquino officially announced his bid for the Presidency in a press conference at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City, which also served as the site of his mother's Presidential Inauguration in February 1986.

In light of his presidential bid, his critics claim that he cannot boast of any achievements other than those of his parents and some have raised concerns over his unremarkable performance prior to his rise to prominence after his mother's death. In his defense, Noynoy's sister, Pinky, stated that he was merely shy.

Criticism

While Aquino currently enjoys considerable support, most agree that this can only be attributed to both his parents' successes and not his own. In 11 years in government, critics note that Aquino has not made any significant contributions to legislation. Several commentators have criticized Aquino for showing little to deserve the presidency aside from his parents' reputations. Still, his supporters respond by saying that his lineage is relevant as it should demonstrate that he shares the same values of honesty and good governance as his parents.

On a similar note, Noynoy's detractors have also pointed out that, at almost 50 years old he has neither a wife nor any children. Moreover, Aquino had lived with his mother, the former president, until her death. To them, this is demonstrates how Aquino has never held any real responsibilities of his own throughout his life. However, his supporters argue that such personal matters cannot fairly be concerned in assessing a candidate.

Another issue is Noynoy's stake in his family's 7,500 hectare estate, Hacienda Luisita. His mother, the former president Corazon Aquino, was also criticized on these grounds, especially in failing to push for land redistribution reforms given their alleged conflict of interest. These have culminated in the massacre of 12 picketing farmers and 2 children and the injury of hundreds of other protesters at the hands of the Aquino family's personnel as the group demanded fairer wages, employee benefits and, broadly speaking, a greater commitment to land reform around the country. Aquino has so far rejected calls to let go of his stake in the plantation.

Personal life

Aquino is a shooting and billiards enthusiast[6] He is also an audiophile, and enjoys listening to jazz, bossa nova, and OPM (Original Pilipino Music). One of Noynoy's favorite Filipino artists is singer/composer Noel Cabangon. He is also fan of Cueshe and Willie Revillame.

60 secs with Noy 12 'Lessons from Ninoy & Cory'


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2010 Philippine's Presidentiables: Manny Villar

Manuel "Manny" Bamba Villar, Jr. (born December 13, 1949) is a Filipino businessman and politician. He is the President of the Nacionalista Party and a member of the Senate of the Philippines.

Villar was Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2000—in which capacity he presided over the impeachment of President Joseph Estrada—as well as President of the Senate from 2006 to 2008.He assumed the Senate presidency at the beginning of the Third Regular Session of the 13th Congress, as part of a power-sharing agreement with his predecessor Sen. Franklin Drilon. On November 17, 2008, he resigned his senate presidency due to lack of support in the Senate.

Villar is the wealthiest senator in the Philippines with a net worth of P1.04 billion (US$22 million) as of 2008.


The public life of Manny Villar straddles both the worlds of business and politics. He is one of the few who managed to excel in both.

Working Student

He was born to a simple family in Moriones, Tondo, Manila. His father, Manuel Montalban Villar, Sr., a government employee, hailed from Cabatuan, Iloilo and his mother Curita Bamba, a seafood dealer, came from Pampanga and Bataan. Manny is the second child in a brood of nine. At a very young age, he was already helping his mother sell shrimp and fish in the Divisoria Market. With the burning desire for a better future and a strong determination to improve his family’s living conditions, Manny worked hard in selling shrimps and fish to be able to send himself to school.

“I learned from my mother what it takes to be an entrepreneur,” he revealed. “And it means working really hard to achieve your dreams.” In Divisoria, he marveled at the volume of sales that Chinese merchants were making, thus he vowed early on to become an entrepreneur.

Hard work, persistence, and perseverance became his guiding principles in life. This earned him the title “Mr. Sipag at Tiyaga.”

He continues to inspire Filipinos with his life story and encourages each and every kababayan to improve their quality of life and fulfill their dreams through the very values he believes in -- “sipag at tiyaga.”

Entrepreneur

Manny Villar was a working student at the University of the Philippines, the premier institution of higher learning in the country, where he obtained his undergraduate and master’s degree in business administration and accountancy. By then, he was also putting in long hours as a fish and shrimp trader, where the action starts at the ungodly hours of the morning when the catch lands in the market.

After graduation, he tried his hand as an accountant at the country’s biggest accounting firm, Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV & Co). He resigned shortly though to venture on his own seafood delivery business.

When a restaurant he was delivering stocks to did not pay him, he printed out “meal tickets” which he persuaded the restaurant owners to honor. He then sold these tickets at a discounted price to office workers. It took him one year to liquidate his receivables.

He worked briefly as a financial analyst at the Private Development Corporation of the Philippines. His job was to sell World Bank loans, despite the attractive rates of which there were no takers. Convinced that he could make it on his own again, he quit his job and promptly availed of one of the loans.

So with an initial capital of P10,000 in 1975, Villar purchased two reconditioned trucks and started his sand-and-gravel business in Las Piñas.

Housing Innovator

It is here while delivering construction materials to big developers that Manny Villar came up with the idea of selling house and lot packages when the convention then was for homeowners to buy lots and build on them.

Manny Villar became the housing industry leader, and the biggest homebuilder in Southeast Asia, having built more than 100,000 houses for the poor and middle class Filipino families.

He then initiated mass housing projects to achieve economies of scale. His various innovations practically created the country’s mass housing industry. The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism calls him “the dean of the (Philippine) real estate industry.”

Awards and Distinctions

For his business achievements, he was made cover story in the Far Eastern Economic Review. And his life story was also featured in Asiaweek, Forbes, AsiaMoney and Asian Business Review.

He garnered various awards such as the Ten Outstanding Young Men Award (1986) by the Philippine Jaycees, Agora Award for Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Management (1989), Most Outstanding CPA by the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (1990) and Most Outstanding UP Alumnus (1991).

Through the years, universities and colleges all over the country have conferred upon Villar honorary degrees in various fields in recognition of his exemplary performance in public service, his pioneering initiatives and innovations that revolutionalized the country’s mass housing and real estate industry, and his distinct role in the enactment of economic and social reform laws that are vital in sustaining the country’s economic momentum and improvement of the lives of Filipinos, particularly the cause of small and medium enterprises.

Among these universities and colleges that have bestowed Honoris Causa to Villar are: Adamson University, Doctor of Science; Bataan Polytechnic State College, Doctor of Humanities; Bulacan State University, Doctor of Humanities; Cagayan State University, Doctor of Humanities; Central Luzon State University, Doctor of Humanities; Foundation University (Dumaguete), Doctor of Humanities; Laguna State Polytechnic College, Doctor of Humanities and Entrepreneurship; Pangasinan State University, Doctor of Development Management; Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Doctor of Business Administration; Ramon Magsaysay Technological University, Doctor of Entrepreneurial Management; Romblon State College, Doctor of Humanities; Tarlac State University, Doctor of Public Administration; Wesleyan University-Philippines, Doctor of Humanities; and Western Visayas College of Science and Technology, Doctor of Technology in Entrepreneurial Management.

Political Career

In a stunning political debut in 1992, Villar won with the most overwhelming mandate among congressmen in Metro Manila. He promptly applied his economic and managerial expertise as a key member of the House’s economic team, marshalling in economic reform measures of the Ramos Administration such as the New Foreign Investments Act and the restructuring of the Central Bank of the Philippines. He was the House representative in the government’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington D.C. in 1992.

He also oversaw various infrastructure projects in his districts like the construction of concrete roads and the Alabang-Zapote Flyover. He introduced the “Friendship Route” to ease the traffic problems in southern Manila by persuading subdivision homeowners to open up their roads to the general public.

He succeeded in passing Republic Act 8003 “Declaring Certain Areas in Las Piñas as Tourist Spots.” The law formalized his program of rehabilitating historical and cultural landmarks in Las Piñas starting with the world-famous Bamboo Organ Church. The ongoing project dubbed as “Las Piñas Historical Corridor” covers the stretch of the Old District and may even rival the Intramuros and Vigan restoration projects.

A staunch environmentalist, he initiated a privately funded tree planting drive in his district. He developed a P10-million tree nursery beside his home. He also quietly led a dedicated tree-planting drive complete with maintenance and watering of tree seedlings planted in the open spaces of the community.

When he realized that many poor students could not go to school because they do not even have fare money, he organized the “Manpower on Wheels” Program, a livelihood training school housed in a van that makes the rounds in depressed areas. The program has since produced more than 5,000 graduates and has been awarded by various government and civic organizations for its innovative scheme.

During his first term, he steered Las Piñas and Muntinlupa to cityhood. He pointed out: “As a developer, I have always envisioned these two communities as the ‘Twin Cities of the South’ of Manila. In fact, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa are the two fastest growing communities in the country today.”

For his constituency work and personal vow, he extended grants of home sites to some 10,000 poor families in Barangay CAA, Las Piñas City. Two major roads were also opened in his district: the Sucat-Pulanglupa Link Road to Parañaque and the Zapote-Molino (Daang Hari) Link Road to Cavite, thus alleviating the traffic congestion in the area.

During his second term, he was able to upgrade the Las Piñas District Hospital with a new building and better facilities. He also launched the “Sagip-Bukas” Drug Prevention Program on all the private and public schools of Las Piñas to educate the youth about the dangers of drug abuse. He also nationalized the Las Piñas High School to upgrade its facilities.

By the end of his second term of office, Villar had already proven beyond doubt his capacity for excellence as a true Filipino entrepreneur and a brilliant public servant who can get things done.

Champion for Entrepreneurs

In 1995, Manny Villar ran for re-election and won an unprecedented 142,000 votes, the highest number of votes for a congressman in the entire country. Winning media acclaim as an outstanding congressman as well as the respect and recognition of his peers, he was elected to chair the Committee on Entrepreneurship.

As one of the leading entrepreneurs in the country, he championed the cause of small and medium-sized enterprises. He authored and passed into law the landmark New Magna Carta for Small and Medium Enterprises (RA 8289). He initiated creative legislation such as the establishment of the Small and Medium Enterprises Stock Exchange and Business One-Stop-Shop centers, the latter he immediately implemented in Las Piñas City with the help of local officials.

Speaker of the House

It was no surprise then to those in the know when he gained the remarkable acclaim of 171 of 220 congressmen as the Speaker of the 11th Congress of the House of Representatives.

In a time when the country is slowly recovering from a host of economic and political crises, the election of the ‘brown taipan’ at the helm of Congress signaled a watershed event in the Philippine political history. The rise of Manny Villar ushered in a new consensus of leadership based on managerial skills and not simply on oratory and rhetoric.

By his first year in office, Villar undertook three pathbreaking reforms. He succeeded in marshalling consensus in the House to reform the ‘pork barrel’ system by limiting congressional discretion projects to the set parameters of the Executive’s development policies. Secondly, he launched a revamp of leadership by appointing at least seven neophyte congressmen to head powerful committees like ecology and banks. Finally, he set a strong and principled stance on environment protection legislation with the passage of the “Clean Air Act,” a measure that for more than ten years and three previous congresses were not able to pass.

On his second year in office, Manny Villar steered the 11th Congress into a record-breaking achievement in legislation and economic reforms. Among the pioneering measures he shepherded into law were the Retail Trade Liberization Act, the New Central Bank Act, the New Securities Code, and the New Banking Act.

Senator of the Republic

In the national elections held last May 14, 2001, despite being a relative newcomer in national politics, Manny Villar posted one of the most impressive showings in the national polls. On his first day in office, he filed 204 bills covering a comprehensive legislative program of action— the first among neophyte senators and the third highest filer among the senators of the 12th Congress of the Philippines.

After being elected by his colleagues, he assumed the position of Senate President Pro-Tempore, the second to the highest post in the higher Chamber of Congress. He is presently the Chairman of the Committee on Finance that is in charge of all deliberations and discussions on the national budget of the country and the Committee on Public Order and Illegal Drugs. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations and Committee on Agriculture. He authored 44 laws during the 12th Congress, among them are: RA 9178 Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Act, RA 9189 Overseas Absentee Voting Act, RA 9208 Anti-Trafficking of Persons Act, RA 9257 An Act Granting Additional Benefits and Privileges to Senior Citizens, and RA 9262 Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act. He has filed Bills aimed at providing business opportunities for the people and improving the Filipinos’ quality of life through basic health care, decent shelters, responsive social services, and high quality education.

Outside the Senate’s halls, Villar actively sponsors the Sipag at Tiyaga Caravan Kaalaman, a livelihood training program that provides skills and inspiration to people that will allow them to venture into their own businesses. The caravan travels all over the country conducting livelihood seminars that are consistently widely attended and appreciated.

He has also spearheaded the building of schools, sending out medical missions and setting up relief operations whenever or wherever needed. He led the inauguration of the Las Piñas-Muntinlupa-Laguna-Cavite (LPMLC) link road, more popularly known as Daang Hari, as part of his road improvement program aimed at easing traffic in the south of Metro Manila. According to him, an efficient and rationalized road network is one of the fundamental requirements in improving commerce and spurring economic progress.

In February 2004, he was elected as President of the Nacionalista Party—the country’s oldest and grandest political party. He was also named the Most Distinguished UP Alumnus—the highest recognition given by the UP Alumni Association—for his exemplary public service and achievements.

Senator Manny Villar, despite his numerous accomplishments and heroism, has remained simple and unaffected. A true family man, he is a devoted husband to Congresswoman Cynthia A. Villar (Lone District of Las Piñas), and a loving father to sons Paolo and Mark and daughter Camille.


Early life

Manuel Villar Jr. was born on December 13, 1949 in Tondo, a densely populated district of Manila. He was the second of nine children of Manuel Villar Sr., a government employee, and Curita Bamba, a seafood dealer.[2] As a young boy, he helped his mother sell fish and shrimp in Divisoria to help earn money to pay for his education.

Villar finished his elementary education at Holy Child Catholic School in 1962, and finished his high school education at Mapua Institute of Technology in 1966. He attended the University of the Philippines - Diliman and earned his bachelor's degree in business administration in 1970. He returned to the same school to earn his master's degree in business administration in 1973.

Business career

In 1975, with an initial capital of P10,000, Villar purchased two reconditioned trucks and started a business dealing with sand and gravel.

Villar expanded his business interests and pioneered the practice of selling house and lot packages, when the common practice at the time was to merely sell the land and leave the buyers to build the houses. He eventually became a leader in the housing industry, having built and sold more than 100,000 homes.

Political career

House of Representatives

Villar entered politics in 1992, and was elected to the House of Representatives, representing the district of Las Piñas-Muntinlupa (and later the district of Las Piñas City). In 1998, he was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives. As speaker, he presided over the impeachment of President Joseph Estrada by the House of Representatives.

Senate

Villar was elected to the Senate in 2001. At the start of legislative sessions, he was chosen as Senate President Pro Tempore, a position he held until 2003.

Villar won reelection to the Senate in 2007. At the start of legislative sessions he was chosen Senate President, defeating Aquilino Pimentel by a vote of 15–7.[5] However, in November 2008, he resigned the position due to a lack of support in the Senate, and was succeeded by Juan Ponce Enrile.

Presidential campaign

On June 6, 2008, Villar announced that he is 99% joining the Philippine general election, 2010 (one percent, is on the possibility of no election), amid his nomination of the Nacionalista Party (NP), chaired by him. Villar stated that: "We are prepared to have alliance with other political parties." On September 4, 2008, Villar formally declared and confirmed his presidential candidacy.

Personal life

Villar is married to Cynthia A. Villar. They have three children, Paolo, Mark, and Camille.

Source: Wikipedia and Manny Villar official website

It's Official: Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather Boxing Fight on March 13, 2010.

It's finally official, Floyd Mayweather lives up to his nickname and has penned what is sure to be one of the biggest money making fights of all time. Paquiao vs. Mayweather is scheduled to take place March 13, according to ESPN.com, and even though I would not consider myself a boxing fan... I can't wait.

As earlier discussed on Hit The Ropes Radio, this just might be the most important fight in the history of boxing. As it stands right now, boxing is slipping away.The explosion of MMA has delivered where boxing has not. The biggest fights that fans want to see, when they want to see them. That all changes with one fight.

For years boxing relied on its heavyweight division to carry the sport, but boxing has been without a big draw in that division for some time now. The sport put all of its weight behind the much smaller Oscar De La Hoya until he retired. And then again in Mayweather, until he retired. The two superstars got together in 2007 for a blockbuster bout, but despite the record PPV buys, the after effects were little and boxing was unable to ride the wave of success. They hope to not let that mistake happen twice.

The blockbuster bout between Pacquiao and Mayweather has been years in the making. Mayweather has been heavily criticized for ducking fights and picking his opponents to fit his advantage. And when boxing fans heard Mayweather was coming out of retirement... only to step into the ring with an opponent not named Pacquiao there were many who were calling foul.

But if Mayweather had a message to the fans, it would certainly be to relax. That fight was only a tune up bout. Mayweather was getting the ring rust off in order to prepare for his toughest fight to date. Manny Pacquiao poses as a legitimate threat to Floyd Mayweather's undefeated record, and Mayweather looks to silence the critiques.

The truth to be told, it doesn't matter who wins this fight. The sport itself will be better served if this a long drawn out war with both fighters looking their best. Why? To set up the rematch of course. Boxing needs this fight to give fans something to look forward. They need this fight so they can matter.

Everyone is already gearing up and tuning in for every last details. There are already several locations fighting one another to host what is sure to be the biggest fight in boxing history. The attention is even drawing in casual fans to a sport which desperately needs some attention. Get ready fight fans, Pacquiao vs Mayweather will be one worth the six month wait.

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Miss Earth 2009 Winner Miss BRAZIL LARISSA RAMOS

The 9th edition beauty pageant of Miss Earth held in Boracay at Ecovillage Resort crowned the 22 year old Miss Brazil LARISSA RAMOS as the new Miss Earth 2009.

Miss BRAZIL
LARISSA RAMOS

Age: 20
Profession: Biology Student

Brazil is well-known for its culture that includes carnival party, sports like soccer and amazing nature. It is an attractive and unique country. We are very happy people and I’m proud to embody this characteristic and show it to the world. I’m also proud to say that we have the longest river in the whole world. It is in the heart of Amazon forest. It is composed of natural biodiversities which is admired by people.

UNEARTHED FACT:
I spent a week in a forest surrounded by wild animals. Because of it, I was able to learn self-control and overcome my fear.

MISS EARTH
LARISSA RAMOS (Brazil)

Miss Air
Sandra Seifert (Philippines)

Miss Water
Jessica Barboza (Venezuela)

Miss Fire
Alejandra Echeverria (Spain)

Finalists
Alejandra Castillo Munera (Colombia)
Pascale Nelide (Martinique)
Izabela Wilczek (Poland)
Rujinan Phanseethum (Thailand)

Semi-Finalists
Magalie Thierry (France)
Nonna Diakonidze (Georgia)
Shriya Kishore (India)
Yeju Park (Korea)
Kayleigh O'Reilly (Northern Ireland)
Gabriela Rejala (Paraguay)
Valerie Lim (Singapore)
Chanel Grantham (South Africa)

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Video: Manny Pacquaio and Krista Ranillo Caught together in the Car

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao was caught in a video with a woman in the car after his TV guesting in US wherein he sang Sometimes when we Touch. The woman, covering her face with her hand, beside him in the front seat of Manny's Mercedes bench was rumoured to be Krista Ranillo. Sexy actress Krista Ranillo is the involved woman of Alleged MANNY PACQUIAO Love Affair.

Manny Pacquiao hoping for Miguel Cotto Knock Out to carve a place in boxing history

Miguel Cotto is determined to halt Manny Pacquiao's march towards the history books at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas when he defends his WBO welterweight title against the world's top pound-for-pound fighter on Saturday night.

Fighting fit: Manny Pacquiao is ready to make history against Miguel Cotto in Vegas

Yet Pacquiao is the man with momentum and he could rewrite the history books by becoming the only prize fighter in history to claim seven world titles in seven weight divisions if he defeats Cotto.

Cotto, who has 34 wins (27 KOs) and just one defeat to his name, is beloved by the Puerto Rican nation and as much a symbol of machismo and humility as Pacquiao is in the Philippines.

He faces the man who is regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer on the planet in the wake of the Filipino's eight-round demolition of Oscar de la Hoya 11 months ago and the second-round flattening of Britain's Ricky Hatton in May.

Pacquiao, who has won 49 fights (37 KOs) and lost three, appears unstoppable. What has been startling is Pacquiao's ability to carry his power up the divisions. Both De La Hoya and Hatton were bigger men, yet De La Hoya at welterweight and Hatton at light-welterweight were dismantled by the speed of the tenacious southpaw.

Cotto is a slow starter, and if he cannot find a way to be the aggressor in a fight, he sits back and counter-punches. He also sets clever traps for opponents and although his handspeed and movement are slower than Pacquiao's, he will be dangerous in later rounds.

Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach said: "Manny is moving up a weight class but I am very confident in my guy and we are 100 per cent ready for this fight. I feel that he is going to knock Cotto out."

Cotto is unperturbed. "What they say and what they do does not concern me," he said. "I'm going home with the belt."

Pacquiao said: "This is the most important fight of my career. If I win, it will be history for boxing and for the Philippines."

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Predictions on Manny Pacman Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto Boxing Fight

Boxing experts are mixed on who will win the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto mega-fight saying the outcome will be decided not only by the fighters in the ring but the role both corners play.

Nazim Richardson, trainer for Shane Mosley and Bernard Hopkins, likes the way Pacquiao destroys bigger and stronger opponents and says the Filipino also knows how to impress the judges.

"I think Manny Pacquiao is going to steal the fight," Richardson said. "He is good at letting his size fool people and when they see him darting around the ring looking scrappy, boxing and moving it translates into a round for him.

"Calling Pacquiao little in his weight class is like calling Mike Tyson a little heavyweight. He knows how to make the round look like the little guy is dominating a big man."

Buddy McGirt, trainer for Antonio Tarver and Arturo Gatti, says Pacquiao has more experience in his corner with trainer Freddie Roach than Cotto's trainer Joe Santiago.

"Pacquiao might have the psychological edge as he totally trusts Freddie and is very comfortable with him," McGirt said. "It is a big stage for someone (Joe) who has never been there before."

Muhammud Ali's former trainer Angelo Dundee predicts Cotto's savage power will take the fight into the later rounds.

"I have seen Cotto train twice now and he's a stone-cold professional fighter," said Dundee, who also trained Sugar Ray Leonard and George Forman. "He was oblivious to the outside world when I saw him and he's very focused.

"You have a perfect blend of style in this fight. If I had a fighter fighting Pacquiao I would implement the things Cotto brings to the table. Certain ingredients that spell Cotto will give Pacquiao trouble.

"Cotto is a pressure fighter and he is going to be on Pacquiao from the get go."

Ronnie Shields, who trained Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, also likes Cotto's chances.

"Pacquiao has a lot of speed but I just feel Cotto is going to walk through him," Shields said.

"There is no way that Pacquiao is going to be albe to wear Cotto down. Cotto is going to get much stronger. Pacquiao cannot take Cotto's punches throughout the 12 rounds."



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Miguel Cotto out for Pound-for-Pound respect against Manny Pacquiao on HBO Pay Per View

The Fight Factory Gym is in a converted warehouse in a small industrial park in Tampa, Fla. The banners covering the walls trumpet the virtues of all things Miguel Cotto.

But the banner that catches the eye immediately upon entering the gym has Manny Pacquiao's face in the crosshairs of a rifle scope. Across the top of the banner are the words: "On Nov. 14 the world will see who is the real king of the ring."

Miguel Cotto, the WBO welterweight champion, has long ago been out of the conversation about Pound-for-Pound. He doesn't even argue that point anymore.

But welterweight? Come on!

After a two-hour workout at the gym last month, a confident Cotto talked about defeating Pacquiao, whose acclaim grew exponentially after he beat Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton - two larger men who were supposed to put the former 130-pound champion in his place.

His confidence is contagious. He left no doubt in my mind that he has everything he needs to beat Pacquiao. The only qualms I have are with his corner where the inexperienced Joe Santiago will have to match wits with Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's longtime trainer and chief strategist.

Thanks to Roach, Pacquiao showed the kind of power and resourcefulness that was necessary to deal with a bigger opponent. But this is the first time that he will fight a welterweight champion in his prime.

"I'm working for everything I think he's going to do, and I'm pretty sure that we're not going to have any problems the night of the fight," Cotto said.

After taking a beating from Antonio Margarito, who is suspected of using loaded gloves in the fight, and losing his title, many felt that Cotto was damaged goods. Even Cotto had his doubts when he made his comeback against Michael Jennings.

In his last fight, Cotto suffered severe cuts about his left eye before going on to win a 12-round decision over Joshua Clottey. Cotto learned something about himself and his new corner of Santiago and cutman Joe Chavez in that bout. He learned that he could deal with almost anything that was thrown at him in the ring.

"A lot of people wondered why I didn't allow the fight to be stopped, but I spent more than nine weeks preparing for the Clottey fight to make a great fight and a great show for the fans all over the world," said Cotto. "There was a lot of pride on the line with myself and my family. No matter what the situation, no matter what the vision in my eye was, I always told the referee, 'I'm good.' "


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Miss World Pageant 2009 in Johannesburg, South Africa

Miss World 2009, the 59th Miss World pageant, will be held on December 12, 2009 at the Gallagher Convention Center, Johannesburg, South Africa and the pageant will begin from London, England, where the contestants are expected to arrive on November 7, 2009.

On November 10, 2009, the contestants will travel to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, when they will travel to Johannesburg, South Africa on November 15, 2009. Ksenia Sukhinova of Russia will crown her successor at the end of this event. About 120 contestants are expected to attend the event.

The 2009 Miss World Beauty Contest Events are:

1. Miss World Sports Final will be held on November 17, 2009.

2. Miss World Beach Beauty Final will be held on November 24, 2009 at Durban.

3. Miss World Top Model Final will be held on November 28, 2009.

4. Miss World Talent Final will be held on December 6, 2009.

‘The Miss World 2009 Contestants’

ALBANIA Armina MEVLANI	ANGOLA Nadia SILVA	ARGENTINA Evelyn ALBALAT	ARUBA Nuraisa LISPIER	AUSTRALIA Sophie LAVERS
AUSTRIA Anna HAMMEL	BAHAMAS Joanna BROWN	BARBADOS Leah MARVILLE	BELARUS Yulia SINDZEYEVA	BELGIUM Zeynep SEVER
BELIZE Norma LARA	BOLIVIA Flavia ARZABE	BOSNIA & HERZEG... Andrea SARAC	BOTSWANA Sumaiyah MAROPE	BRAZIL Luciana REIS
BULGARIA Antonia PETROVA	CANADA Lena MA	CHINA PR Sheng YU	COLOMBIA Daniela LALINDE	COSTA RICA Angie LORIA
COTE D'IVOIRE Dacoury GNAGO	CROATIA Ivana VASILJ	CURACAO Chantelle TOMASSEN	CYPRUS Chrystalla TSIALI	CZECH REPUBLIC Aneta VIGNEROVA
DENMARK Nadia PEDERSON	DOMINICAN REP.... Ana CONTRERAS	ECUADOR Gabriela QUIŃONES	EGYPT Samah SHALABY	EL SALVADOR Elena BARDI
ENGLAND Katrina Hodge	ETHIOPIA Lula WELDEGEBRIEL	FINLAND Sanna KANKAANPÄÄ	FRANCE Chloe MORTAUD	GEORGIA Tsira SUKNIDZE
GERMANY Stefanie PEECK	GHANA Mawuse APPEA	GIBRALTAR Kaiane ALDORINO	GREECE Alkisti ANYFANTI	GUADELOUPE Beatrice BLAISE
GUATEMALA Alida REYES	GUYANA Kaierouann RADIX	HONDURAS Blaise MASEY	HONG KONG CHINA Sin Ting LAU	HUNGARY Orsolya SURDÜLT
ICELAND Guðrún RUNARSDOTTIR	INDIA Pooja CHOPRA	INDONESIA Kerenina HALIM	IRELAND Laura PATTERSON	ISRAEL Adi RUDNITZKY
ITALY Alice TATICCHI	JAMAICA Kerrie BAYLIS	JAPAN Eruza SASAKI	KAZAKHSTAN Dina NURALIYEVA	KENYA Fiona KONCHELLAH
KOREA Joori KIM	LATVIA Ieva LASE	LEBANON Martine ANDRAOS	LIBERIA Shu-rina WIAH	LITHUANIA Vaida PETRASKAITE
LUXEMBOURG Diana NILLES	MACEDONIA FYRO Suzana SALKINI	MALAYSIA Thanuja ANANTHAN	MALTA Shanel DEBATTISTA	MARTINIQUE Ingrid ITTRÉ
MAURITIUS Anais VEERAPATREN	MEXICO Perla BELTRAN	MOLDOVA Maria BRAGARU	MONGOLIA Battsetseg BATBAATAR	MONTENEGRO Marijana POKRAJAC
NAMIBIA Happie NTELAMO	NEPAL Zenisha MOKTAN	NETHERLANDS Avelon WEYZIG	NEW ZEALAND Magdalena SCHOEMAN	NIGERIA Glory CHUKU
NORTHERN IRELAND Cherie GARDINER	NORWAY Sara SKJOLDNES	PANAMA Nadege VASQUEZ	PARAGUAY Tamara ZAPATTINI	PERU Claudia SARRIO
PHILIPPINES Marie Ann UMALI	POLAND Anna JAMRÓZ	PORTUGAL Marta CADILHA	PUERTO RICO Jennifer COLON	ROMANIA Loredana SALANTA
RUSSIA Ksenia SHIPILOVA	SCOTLAND Katharine BROWN	SERBIA Jelena MARKOVIC	SIERRA LEONE Mariatu KARGBO	SINGAPORE Pilar ARLANDO
SLOVAKIA Barbora FRANEKOVA	SLOVENIA Tina PETELIN	SOUTH AFRICA Tatum KESHWAR	SPAIN Carmen FERNÁNDEZ	SRI LANKA Gamya WIJAYADASA
SURINAME Zoureena RIJGER	SWAZILAND Nompilo MNCINA	SWEDEN Erica HARRISON	T & T Ashanna ARTHUR	TAHITI Nanihi BAMBRIDGE
TANZANIA Miriam KABULA	THAILAND Pongchanok KANKLAB	TURKEY Ebru SAM	UGANDA Maria NAMIIRO	UKRAINE Ievgeniia TULCHEVSKA
URUGUAY Cinthia REYNA	USA Lisa-Marie KOHRS	VENEZUELA Maria VELIZ	VIETNAM Thi TRAN	WALES Lucy WHITEHOUSE
ZAMBIA Sekwila MUMBA	ZIMBABWE Vanessa SIBANDA

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