COMELEC registration extension schedule

During my last post, we have learned that the Supreme Court extends registration of voters for 2010 elections.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) sets out dates for the granted extension of registration for first time voters. The said dates are December 21, 22, 23, 28, and 29. This schedule, however, is tentative, according to Comelec law department chief Ferdinand Rafanan.

Right after the announcement, some people rushed in to the different Comelec offices to register. However, the office awaits for the go signal of the head office for the registration process and guidelines.

As of this date, the COMELEC offices should probably be handling registration of first time voters.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: The extension was granted for first time voters. Change of information and transfer for previously registered voters will not be entertained, according to a TV interview.

Please be guided accordingly.

source:
http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=20091217-242496

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Supreme Court extends registration of voters for 2010 elections

The Supreme Court extended the registration of voters to January 9, 2010. The Court granted the petition of Kabataan party-list led by Raymond Palatino to extend the registration period. According to him, illegally limiting the days of the registration period means disenfranchisement or “denying potential voters of their constitutional right to vote.” ( http://www.thepoc.net/breaking-news/politics/3281-sc-extends-voters-registration-.html)

As we all remember, a COMELEC resolution stated that the registration will end on October 31, 2009. The Kabataan party-list, however, submitted a petition for the extension and was successfully granted by the Supreme Court that the registration be extended to January 9, 2010. The decision, penned by Justice Conchita Carpio Morales, made the previous COMELEC resolution null and void.

Basing on Section 8 of RA 8189 , "The personal filing of application of registration of voters shall be conducted daily in the office of the Election Officer during regular office hours. No registration shall, however, be conducted during the period starting one hundred twenty (120) days before a regular election and ninety (90) days before a special election."

The Supreme Court's recent decision also stated that Comelec has no power to fix dates or deadlines for pre-election activities.

For all those who haven't registered yet for the 2010 elections, this is your chance to register and be a part in making a difference by exercising your right of suffrage!

Visit your respective COMELEC offices now and register! BE THE CHANGE!


Sources:
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/12/15/09/supreme-court-extends-voters-registration

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/star/20091215/tph-sc-extends-voters-registration-541dfb4.html

USC JPIA Christmas Variety Show 2009

Classes in USC Main Campus were suspended from 12noon to 7:30 in the evening as the stage was set for the JPIA's (Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants) Christmas Variety Show 2009. BS Accountancy and BS Management Accounting students filled the USC Gymnasium and witnessed various presentations (I guess that's why it's called "VARIETY SHOW") from every division, including the third year, Block B's presentation, dancing to the tune of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" (by Mariah Carey).

Special numbers were given by (a) "The Champions", who mesmerized the crowd with their astounding voices and the hilarious "Dream Girls." The male teachers of the Accountancy Department - Sir Conde, Sir Aranas, Sir Amago, and Sir Amaya - teamed up to serenade the crowd by singing "Beautiful In My Eyes" (by Joshua Kadison) and "Perfect" by Simple Plan. Also, special guests, Tim and Jennifer, from Australia sang a song for everyone.

After hearing a lot of singing from the beautiful voices of JPIA, the energetic Dance Troupe filled the stage and enthralled the audience with their dance moves. Some few steps were taught to the audience, who were very cooperative in dancing along with the Dance Troupe. Even the organizers and some faculty members were not spared from the "dance class".

Paired up with some ensaymada (with raisins! yum!) and juice, the activity was a great way to loosen up from the stressful lectures and exams for the past few days. Participants of the different presentations say that they had their energy drained by the activity and they say that it was all worth it.

I believe the organizers did the best that they could to make this activity a success. I'm pretty sure they look forward to organize the next JPIA events and make the JPIA family happy.

Wondering what's next? Stay tuned! :D

World's Oldest Person dies at 115

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Ever wondered how someone managed to live for 115 years? Gertrude Baines said she took on a diet of crispy bacon, fried chicken and ice cream. Sadly, she passed away last Friday (American time) during her sleep.

The most recent biography I could find about Gertrude Baines is here.

=====================================================
TRIVIAbits:

Kama Chinen, 114, who lives in Japan, now holds the record as the oldest living person. Chinen was born May 10, 1895.(AP) The oldest person who has ever lived is Jeanne-Louise Calment. She was 122 when she died Aug. 4, 1997, in Arles, France. (AP) All these statements were made by Dr. L. Stephen Coles of the Gerontology Research Group. (AP)


(source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32799091/ns/us_news-life/?GT1=43001#storyContinued)

What about September 7, 2009?

A lot of people have been asking each other about September 7, 2009. Well, to clear things up, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared Monday next week a national day of mourning for the Iglesia ni Kristo Executive Minister Eraño "Ka Erdy" Manalo, who will buried on the said day.

For verification, you can visit inquirer.net and it read the article about the announcement of the holiday here.

Have a happy weekend ahead!

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USC Intramurals 2009? I think..

Yeah, it comes once in a while. I took the opportunity to unwind and relax somehow during the Intramurals at USC.

The weeklong activity was filled with smiles, laughter, and cheers for everyone. I haven’t attended much of the activities during the Intramurals (commonly abbreviated as “intrams”) but I can say that it was worth strolling around the campus. As expected, it was quite crowded but it seemed that everyone was enjoying the days with their friends while watching games, eating foods of different kinds, and chatting endlessly.

I would like to particularly point out that I found out that the people (including myself) watching the Pop Jazz Competition were getting tired of listening to Michael Jackson songs used by most of the competitor. It may be unexpected but the Pop Jazz Competition didn’t get a lot of cheers as much as the Cheerdance Competition did last Tuesday after the Opening Ceremonies.

As how I saw it, I believe the Intramurals went smoothly. Although not everyone may have enjoyed the activities as much as others did, I think most of us used the class-free days to unwind and do the things that could hardly be done during school days – stroll with old friends, cheering out loud at the top of their or even do nothing but talk. As for the athletes, I really think each of them had their share of ups and downs as they played throughout the week. In addition, I think the week went smoothly thanks to the strict guards and to the cooperative students, faculty members, athletes, coaches, and visitors.

I hope everyone had their share of free time last week! Till next year guys! :D

Corazon Aquino passes away at 76

Corazon Cojuangco Aquino (commonly known as Cory Aquino), former President of the Philippines, passed away at 3:18 in the morning, August 1, 2009, Saturday (Manila Time) at the Makati Medical Center due to cardio-respiratory arrest.

COURTESY OF GMANews.TV


For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV
Senator Noynoy Aquino, son of Cory Aquino, faced the press and gave the following statement:

"Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m., August 1, 2009, of cardio-respiratory arrest.

She would have wanted to thank each and every one of you for all the prayers and your continued love and support. It was her wish for all of us to pray for one another and for our country.

Hinihiling po ng aming pamilya ang kaunting panahon para makasama namin ang aming mahal na ina (Our family would like to ask some time for ourselves to be with our beloved mother).

Later today, we will be announcing further details of her wake para sa lahat ng ating mga minamahal na kababayan na nais magbigay ng respeto sa aming ina (for our beloved fellow countrymen who wish to pay respect to our mother). Maraming salamat po (Thank you).”

As far as many can remember, she also fought bravely, along side her fellow countrymen, for freedom and against the 20-year dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos. Cory, wife of the assasinated Benigno Aquino Jr., opposed and ran against the dictator during the 1986 Presidential and Vice-Presidential snap elections. Cory lost to Marcos but rumor has it that Marcos cheated to make him win the elections. The people reacted to it, giving rise to the EDSA Revolution (also known as People Power) in 1986. This revolution brought Cory Aquino into office as the seventh and the first woman president of the Republic of the Philippines.

Even after her term ended in 1992, she continued to serve the people through the empowerment of women, participation in social and political causes. She also indulged herself in painting, flowers and women as her subjects.

According to an interview by Arnold Clavio with Mayor Jejomar Binay, present mayor of Makati, Cory Aquino's remains will be at La Salle, Greenhills some time later today for the public to pay respect to the former president.


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SONA 2009: Rumors spread about its focus (Philippines)

For the ninth and last time, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Republic of the Philippines will be giving her State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, July 27, 2009 (Manila time) at the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City, at four o’clock in the afternoon.

According to House Secretary General Marilyn Barua-Yap, the event is expected to have a bigger crowd compared to the audience of last year’s SONA because this event will be the last SONA for her presidency. With this expectation, the Batasang Pambansa will most likely be highly secured during the event. Recent events like bombings and lightning rallies inside the compound have made the House administration to increase the security of the SONA 2009. Security measures include the bomb sniffing dogs that have been patrolling the area over the past few days, the Administration’s attempt on borrowing a thermal scanner for temperature check, and color-coded ID’s which will serve as the entrance pass of the audience in their respective areas.

Last year’s SONA focused on the importance of the strengthening of the agricultural sector and the Value Added Tax (VAT) for the development of the country, for increased assistance to those in need, and for better infrastructures for better public service. This year, a lot of people expect that the President will most likely highlight the achievements of her administration since 2001, the issue on Charter Change, and the political issues around her. It is also said that the President will discuss the direction of the national budget for the year 2009.

You may want to see the live coverage of the State of the Nation Address today, July 27, 2009 at 4pm (Manila Time). Just visit the Sun.Star Coverage on ustream.tv and see the live coverage of the SONA 2009.

You may also want to read the whole SONA details by reading it here or downloading it here.

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PRC June 2009 Philippine Nursing Board Exam Results Released!

The Professional Regulation Commission announced that 32,617 out of 77,901 nursing examinees passed the June 2009 Nursing Board Exam taken last June 6 and 7, 2009! This time, the passing rate is 41.87%, making it 2.64% lower than the 44.51% passing percentage of the February 2009 Nursing Board Exam.

Nursing examinees took the exams in Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Legaspi, Lucena, Cagayan De Oro, Iloilo, Tuguegarao, Zamboanga, Pagadian, Tacloban, and Jolo. (source: prcboardexamresultsph.blogspot.com).

Want to know who passed? See the complete list of Nursing Board Exam passers by visiting nlenursingboardexamresults.blogspot.com.

Just scroll down the page and select the first letter of your surname. A new page will open and all you have to do is to scroll down the list and see your name listed!

To all the June 2009 Nursing Board Exam passers, congratulations!

SUPAK Cha-Cha! Know what House Bill 1109 is about

A seminar on CHACHA (Charter Change) was held last Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 1:30pm – 4:30pm inside the Albert van Gansewinkel Hall of the University of San Carlos – Main Campus. The organizers of the seminar shared an overview of what CHA-CHA is about, discussed the “SUPAK CHA-CHA” movement, and discussed the issue on the House Bill number 1109: “A resolution calling upon the members of the Congress to convene for the purpose of considering proposals to amend or revise the Constitution, upon a vote of three-fourths of all the members of the Congress”.

Here is a little background of what CHA-CHA is about (based on the speakers’ discussion). Charter Change refers to the political and other related processes involved in amending or revising the current 1987 Constitution of the Philippines (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippines_charter_change). There are three modes of which it could be amended: through people’s initiative, constituent assembly, or constitutional convention.

Furthermore, the speakers discussed the problems arising from CHA-CHA in the present times. First, it will lead to the extension of terms of different government officials since the nation will undergo a transitory government. Second, the people fear that CHA-CHA will not go smoothly because it is believed that the GMA Administration lacks credibility and has high distrust rating.

SUPAK CHA-CHA (which stands for “Sugbuanong Adlaw sa Pagpakabana Kontra CHA-CHA ni Gloria”) aims to inform the community of the deceptive issue of CHA-CHA. The advocates of SUPAK in believe that this action taken by the government may cause political, social, and economic chaos not only in Cebu but also in every part of Philippines. Attorney Democrito Barcenas, former IBP Cebu City Chapter president, and Fr. Max Abalos, SVD, a SUPAK CHA-CHA advocate, discussed the possible events that may happen in the near future, and its corresponding effects on the society.

According to the speakers, “changing the Constitution is not bad at all. However, it must be done in a timely manner, not this time when the national elections draw near. This may sound too political in nature, but the movement believes that this issue concerns everyone. If the Constitutional Assembly will take effect in these present times, there will be chaos. With this, we will probably lose our democracy.” The seminar became an eye-opener to everyone who knows little of the current issue.

(A rally will be held this Monday, July 27, 2009, at three in the afternoon at the Fuente Osmeña Circle to show the oneness of the Cebuanos in their stand against House Bill 1109. For those who are interested, you may come and join to join and participate in this event and be one with other Filipinos in fighting against CHA-CHA!)

For evil to triumph, it is for good men (and women) to do nothing.
-Sir Edmund Burke

PICPA-Cebu Chapter celebrates Accountancy Week 2009!

The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) - Cebu Chapter is once again celebrating the Accountancy Week along with their theme: “LIVE IT UP… THE SPIRIT OF PICPA”! According to Dr. Antonio P. Tecson, National President of PICPA, FY 2009-2010, “The theme comes appropriately as the Institute is celebrating its 80th year. Through this theme, we will be reminded of what PICPA has done in strengthening the profession as well as the values that PICPA has stood by for us over the years.” (taken from Sun.Star Cebu, July 19, 2009, page B9) This year, the Accountancy Week will be celebrated from July 19 to July 25, 2009.

To set things on fire, they started the week with a series of activities held at the University of San Carlos – Main Campus Gymnasium last Sunday, July 19, 2009. All the members of Cebu Federation – Junior Philippines Institute of Accountants (CF-JPIA) participated in the Grand Opening Activities held there. With the large crowd of convening inside the gymnasium early in the morning, a Holy Mass was held to start the day’s program. After which, they held two Inter-school contests namely: the Dance Palabas Competition and the Best Muse/Escort Competition. Each competitor proved themselves worthy of winning the prize but only one in every competition emerged victorious. CIT won the Dance Palabas against all the other schools. Meanwhile, the escort of USC and the muse of UC were awarded Best Escort and Best Muse, respectively.

Within this week, the organizers prepared a series of fun and informative activities for everyone to see. There will be a lot of activities in store for all members of CF-JPIA to be excited about. Here are some of the activities for the week: the Business Law and Taxation Challenge, held right after the Grand Opening Activities at the USC – Main Campus, and the Interschool Accounting Quiz Bowl, to be held at the Ayala Activity Center this Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at one in the afternoon. On Saturday, July 25, 2009, the CF-JPIA Interschool Competitions (Talents Day) will be held at the Cebu Institute Technology from eight in the morning until five in the afternoon. Speechfest, Extemporaneous Speaking Contest, Tall Tales, and JPIA Idol will comprise that day’s program.

To all the members of CF-JPIA, don’t forget to cheer and support your schoolmates as they compete against other schools! May you enjoy the Accountancy Week 2009!

Inspire: Cebu breaks a World Record!

Cebu – an exciting place to be.

From shopping centres of Ayala and SM, to tourist spots like Magellan’s Cross and the Santo Niño Cathedral, mouth-watering delicacies like lechon and dried mangoes, to the world-class guitars of Mactan, Cebu offers a wide range of choices for people to take pleasure of this exciting place.

Last June 27, 2009, Cebu is once again making a name for itself. With the direction of Edward Hayco, and his wife Eleanor, the Dancesport Team Cebu City (DTCC) conducted a dance class large enough to fill the Cebu City Sports Center oval. For those who have been to Cebu, you might have an idea of how large the area is. But do you want to know how “large” the class is?

Not a thousand, not two thousand, not even five thousand, and your estimate of six thousand would seem belittling. A count of seven thousand would be close enough but I tell you, this dance class had 7,770 participants all dancing at the same time and place! (Whoa!)

A World Record was set by the people of Budapest, Hungary made last May 23, 2009 at the Puskás Stadium. Led by Jason Curran, his dance class of 2,289 participants broke an earlier record of 1,830 participants of Galladance in Moscow, Russia made in July 2007. With the massive participation of the Cebuanos, this World Record set earlier this year was broken by three times the size of the class dancing at the Puskás Stadium.

Indeed, this is not only a record-breaking event but also an event that manifests the oneness of the Cebuanos. I believe they managed to accomplish their goal of breaking the current world record because they have shown their oneness in dance steps, oneness in mind, and oneness in motivation. The large dance class of Cebu serves as an inspiration to people that we can achieve our goals if we work together as community.

Mabuhay to everyone who participated in this record-breaking event! You have made Cebuanos and all the Filipinos proud!

P.S. You may want to see the actual video of the "largest" dance class here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8Mx17R7T5U

BE the change! 2010 Philippine Election draws near!

You may have seen it on TV, heard it over the radio, or read it on the newspapers - the news about the upcoming 2010 elections is filling the media. A lot of Filipinos have been waiting for this opportunity to exercise their right to vote for the new officials of the nation who will be governing for the next six years. Much has been seen on TV, heard over the radio, and written over the newspapers. The present administration is bombarded with "issues of corruption and illegitimacy of governance" (rod4phil, 2010 Philippine Election New Hope, http://www.bloggersunite.org/event/2010-philippine-election-new-hope). Filipinos all over the world are anticipating for the elections as they make a move to bring out a new hope for every Filipino to have a better future.

As this event draws near, get to know the people who are most likely to run for different positions, think over their backgrounds and their past accomplishments as a government official. Be a registered voter by registering at the COMELEC offices near you and make your hopes be heard through the tip of your pen.

Pray to our Almighty Father for that He may guide us through all our struggles and give us wisdom in choosing our leaders. Believe that we can get a hold of the future by exercising your right to vote!

We can make a change. We can BE the change!

REFUEL now! Start the year with CFC-YFC Cebu Fresh Party 2009!

The school year 2009-2010 is here!

It's a new academic year for everyone. It's a year full of surprises for us. We get to learn new lessons in school and in life, and people get excited about seeing old and new faces alike.

Despite the excitement and the element of surprise, oftentimes we lose focus and determination. As the days pass, we begin to feel tired with the exams we need to take, the lectures of our professors that seems like to last forever, the tuition fees to pay, and the lengthy notes to copy.

Do you feel tired and stressed? Do you feel like you can't go on with all those stuffs bothering you? Do you feel like a car that's so useless because you're out of gas? Worry no more!

Start the year right with CFC-Youth For Christ Cebu's Fresh Party 2009! REFUEL your heart's engine as teenagers from campuses across Cebu gather at University of Cebu - Main Campus this Sunday, July 26, 2009, one in the afternoon till nine in the evening! This activity is open to all young people in the college level. Invite your friends now and join the Fresh Party 2009!

For more info, visit their Multiply site at freshparty.multiply.com

You can also check out the CFC-YFC Cebu Campus Based REFUEL teaser!

"He makes all things new.." -2 Corinthians 5:17

Make some noise! Make some news!

Hey there!
Welcome to BalitaBits!

BalitaBits is a news blog for events big and small!
I came up with the name NewsBits because it's easily understood as "bits of news" but I decided to add "BalitaBits" as a tag line. "Balita" is a Filipino word for "news" which means (according to dictionaries) "information about recent and important events".

News is not only for extravagant events but also for events worth knowing. Our attention is somehow focused on the bigger picture and we oftentimes forget what's happening within our very own society. Now that's where I got the BalitaBits idea. The world relays big events but we must also look into stories of success, courage, inspiration, and news about events that are inspiring, captivating, enlivening and encouraging.

It's not only for news heard on TV , radio, and print but also for news and happening unspoken but worth knowing.

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