The Wimbledon 2009 Championship is one of the most awaiting event when it comes to tennis. Wimbledon 2009 started last June 22. 

Defending champion Rafael Nadal has officially confirmed that he won’t be taking part this year.

I really want to watch the Wimbledon 2009 Live Streaming for free. But I looked everywhere, youtube, justin tv, ustream, but I can’t get a Wimbledon 2009 Live Stream.  However, I saw a blog that discussed how to watch Wimbledon 2009 Live Stream Online, you may check his post here.

Watch 2009 Wimbledon Semi-Finals All England Club Live Streaming Tennis / Wimbledon replays here

Jake Tordesillas is sad. His dear friend and mentor Douglas Quijano died this morning of a heart attack. He was the line producer of the film “Bagets”. Sya ang naka-isip ng title ng “Bagets”. May his soul rest in peace. Please pray for him and his family. I love you, Tito Dougs!

According to online news, the well-known talent manager, Douglas Quijano passed away in his home in Lukban town, Quezon province. Manager Ethel Ramos said Douglas Quijano was found lifeless on the floor of his home. However, the cause of death, is not yet clear.

Douglas Quijano is well known as the manager of well known local stars such as Jomari Yllana, John Estrada, and Richard Gomez to name a few.

I met Tito Dougs once or twice since we used to live in the same village.  He was one of the nicest people I met.  This is really sad news, may his soul rest in peace.

Douglas Quijano’s death was a big loss for the movie and television industry. He was only 64.

GM files filed for bankruptcy with a to restructure and to re-emerge as a smaller and less debt-burdened organization in a couple of months. The chapter 11 petition was filed federal court in Manhattan, New York. The case was assigned to U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Gerber. Gerber presided over the bankruptcy of Adelphia Communications Corp.

The bankruptcy filing is part of the President Barack Obama administration’s plan to shrink the automaker to a sustainable size and to make the automaker more efficient.

It was reported that GM announced it would close plants in Pontiac, Michigan and Wilmingtion, Delaware this year – while shutting down production at plants in Spring Hill, Tennessee and Orion, Michigan.

GM revealed Monday that it will permanently close nine more plants and idle three others.

GM Plants Closing

* Pontiac, MI – October 2009
* Wilmington, DE – July 2009
* Livonia, MI – June 2010
* Flint, MI – December 2010
* Ypsilanti Township, MI – December 2010
* Parma, OH – December 2010
* Fredericksburg, VA – December 2010
* Indianapolis, IN (Stamping Plant) – December 2011
* Mansfield, OH (Stamping Plant) – June 2010
* Boston, MA – December 31, 2009
* Jacksonville, FL – December 31, 2009
* Columbus, OH – December 31, 2009

GM Plants being idled

* Spring Hill, Tennessee – November 2009
* Orion, Michigan – September 2009
* Pontiac, Michigan (Stamping Plant) – December 2010

GM will also offer about 40 percent of its dealers 18 months to wind down their operations and will immediately seek permission to honor incentives offered to its remaining dealers.

It is estimated that 300,000 workers at GM dealerships will be affected along with hundreds of thousands of workers at auto parts manufacturers and other auto suppliers. Will your company be affected by the GM bankruptcy?

She has confirmed, “I want nothing more than to stay and sing in the Britain’s Got Talent final”.

“I’ve spent weeks rehearsing – it’s all I’ve been thinking about. I’m not going to throw away my big chance now”.

And now that Britain’s Got Talent Finals is just a few hours away. Everyone is waiting for Susan Boyle’s final performance in the 2009 Britain’s Got Talent final on May 30, 2009.

The following are the 10 acts selected for the final:

* Susan Boyle – the 48-year old singer who is the bookmakers’ favourite to win the final.
* Aidan Davis, 11, dancer
* Dance troupe Diversity
* Father-and-son comedy dance duo Stavros Flatley
* Ten-member dance troupe Flawless
* Grandfather and granddaughter singing act 2 Grand
* 12-year-old Welsh singer Shaheen Jafargholi
* Saxophonist Julian Smith
* Singer Shaun Smith
* Hollie Steel

Do you think Susan Boyle will be the winner of Britain’s Got Talent? What do you think she will do with the cash prize of £100,000 if Susan Boyle won the Britain’s Got Talent?

Anyway, let’s all watch the Susan Boyle final performance video live to find out. The Britain’s Got Talent final taking place on May 30, 2009. The winner given the chance to perform for the Queen at the Royal Variety Show and receive a cash prize of £100,000.

Update: (source: http://talent.itv.com/news/story/item_100219.htm)

This is it, then – the day we’ve all been waiting for! Britain’s Got Talent Grand Final day is here and do we have some important information for you.
First off: pack up those barbeques early! Britain’s Got Talent is split into TWO shows this evening so settle down on the sofa and prepare to stay there for a very long time indeed!
The main ITV1 show kicks off at 6.45pm – you have been warned! It features performances by all 10 finalists, who are, in alphabetical order:
2 Grand
Aidan Davis
Diversity
Flawless
Hollie Steele
Julian Smith
Shaheen Jafargholi
Shaun Smith
Stavros Flatley
Susan Boyle
There’s a birrova a break where you can pop over to Stephen and Co. on ITV2 (he’ll also be on again later after the big announcement, and there are sure to be tears!), then return to ITV1 at 9pm to discover who will be crowned overall winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2009.
If last night’s show proved anything, we now know that absolutely ANYTHING can happen! Really, don’t miss a moment.
The Britain’s Got Talent Grand Final. It’s the biggest TV show of the year!

Watch British Got Talent live online stream below.

UPDATE:
Top 3 performance / finalists:
Susan Boyle
Julian Smith
Diversity

British Got Talent 3rd Place:
Julian Smith

British Got Talent 2nd Place:
Susan Boyle

Britain’s Got Talent Winner 2009 is…
Diversity

I was really hoping that Susan Boyle will win this competition. Here’s her performance in Britain’s Got Talent

Susan was brilliant tonight and I salute her for coming back on the stage with a head held high after all the bad press. I Dream A Dreamed will go down in history as the song that made the world fall in love with Susan. For me, she’s the ultimate winner!

Meanwhile, Diversity, a dance troupe from Essex and East London whose members range in age from 12 to 25 and whose semi-final performance exceeded their excellent initial audition.

Diversity danced to a fast-paced medley which included the theme music to Superman. It was an act full of amazing choreography and quick costume changes.

The judges were divided in their opinions. Amanda Holden was rendered almost speechless, but told the guys “you nailed it.” Simon Cowell declared, “all bets are off.” And he admitted that Diversity’s act would be the, “only performance tonight I would give a 10 to.” He added there was, “not a step out of place – it was sheer and utter perfection.” Piers Morgan, however, said that he had preferred other male dance troupe Flawless’ performance.

Diversity receives a cash prize of £100,000 and will will perform for the Queen at the Royal Variety.

Media Advisory

May 2009

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated that on a global scale, the A (H1N1) virus is still on 5th level, with continuous monitoring of all affected countries.

As such, there has been no reported case of A (H1N1) in the Philippines, and is thus declared as an H1N1-free destination. The government is closely screening all inbound travelers in six international airports with thermal scanners to detect body temperatures. Special isolation areas have also been put up in these airports to quarantine travelers exhibiting flu symptoms, especially those coming from places with reported cases of the virus.

A tighter security has also been implemented in entry seaports and other airports servicing chartered flights. The government further required public and private hospitals to be on heightened alert and to monitor and report suspicious cases.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has announced no cancellations on tour packages to the country. Regional tourism units have been instructed to stay vigilant and work in close coordination with concerned government agencies in monitoring H1N1 cases in tourists. The department likewise urges local tourists to travel to domestic destinations in light of the current situation.

Keeping in mind the increased speed and volume of international tourism amid global economic challenges and the pressing influenza concern, the DOT echoes the statement of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The UNWTO has not advised travel restriction, but instead urged a more proactive stance towards responding to the matter.

UNWTO Advisory

World Tourism in Face of the Global Economic Crisis and Influenza Threat

Madrid, Spain, 12 May 2009 — International tourism demand has deteriorated further due to the impact of the global economic recession. International tourist arrivals declined at a rate of 8% between January and February this year, leaving the overall volume at the same level as recorded in 2007. At the same time, influenza A (H1N1) is starting to affect the sector. Its impact is being closely monitored by UNWTO in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). UNWTO follows the WHO’s advice as it is the leading UN agency in matters relating to health. WHO does not recommend travel restrictions at this point.

Preliminary UNWTO figures for the first months of 2009 indicate a continuation of the negative growth already experienced in the second half of 2008. Destinations all around the world have suffered from a decrease in demand in major source markets. With the exception of Africa and both Central and South America, who all posted positive results in the range of 3-5%. So far, Northern, Southern and Mediterranean Europe, North-East Asia, South Asia and the Middle East are amongst the most affected sub-regions.

In this context, UNWTO expects international tourism to decline between 2% and 3% in 2009.

Many countries are already developing stimulus measures within their fiscal and monetary packages to mitigate the effects of the crisis on tourism, realizing that the sector can be a key driver of economic recovery. Some destinations are reducing taxes and improving travel facilitation, recognizing that it is now crucial to remove all obstacles to tourism, especially taxation and over regulation. Others have developed financial systems to support tourism enterprises, maintain/increase employment in the sector and develop infrastructure. UNWTO encourages others to follow suit.

Secretary-General ad interim Taleb Rifai stressed that “One of the major challenges amidst the current crisis is the imperative of not losing sight of the longer-term challenges of poverty alleviation, employment and climate change”.

UNWTO response

Historically, tourism has demonstrated remarkable resilience and has emerged from past crises stronger and healthier. The current economic juncture, however, might be different. This crisis is truly global and its parameters are still in many ways unclear.

Against this background, UNWTO has increased its efforts to provide its Members with the necessary support on a consistent basis in order to endure these challenging times:

Resilience: the Tourism Resilience Committee (TRC) provides a framework for better market analysis, collaboration on responses and medium-term policymaking.
Stimulus: UNWTO urges governments to put tourism at the core of their stimulus packages – jobs and trade are engendered through a strong tourism sector, as well as business and consumer confidence in travel which can play a big part in economic recovery.
Green Economy: tourism must be placed at the forefront of the transformation towards the Green Economy; contributing with carbon-clean operations, jobs in environmental management and energy-efficient constructions.

UNWTO’s Roadmap for Recovery will lead to a unique positioning of the sector with respect to the economic crisis, its role in the stimulus programme, in the recovery, future sustainability and competitiveness of tourism.

Influenza preparedness

Adding to the consumer and business uncertainty and the loss of confidence, the potential Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic has created an increasing degree of confusion around the issue of whether it is safe to travel. UNWTO has been very active in pressing for a clear WHO position and is working closely with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to ensure a balanced decision making process.

Within the UN system, UNWTO has a direct line to express the interests of tourism and travel. At this stage, the extent of the spread, sustainability and the complete health implications of the virus remain uncertain. Given the increased public awareness, engagement and the resulting elevated concern, calls for the urgent need for response must be viewed in context – awareness is key, not abrupt and uninformed reactions.

Until now, WHO has seen no reason to close borders or restrict travel. This stance is supported by similar past experiences, which provide no evidence that doing so would stop the spread of the virus. Furthermore, the economic cost would be enormous. WHO goes further and urges states to resist unilateral action and to consult with them before undertaking any such initiative.

UNWTO strongly supports this position and is prepared to face this kind of situation. The Organization has formed a dedicated Risk and Crisis Management Section (RCM), established influenza contacts in every Member State, launched regional simulation exercises, created the Tourism Emergency Response Network (TERN) with some 20 peak industry organizations and launched sos.travel as a portal for emergency information for the industry and travellers. In addition UNWTO is continuing to issue guidance material.

As part of its response activity, UNWTO has created a web resource with information on the work of its Tourism Resilience Committee, including a first assessment on tourism and economic stimulus with information on the measures implemented by over 50 countries worldwide.

Tourism Resilience Committee.
Tourism and the G20 Summit – A Message from UNWTO.

Congrats to MCA Music, Eastwood Mall, Cornerstone Talents and of course to Mr. Richard Poon.

Here are some photos during Richard Poon’s Grand Album Launch.

Richard Poon performs regularly at the Eastwood City Central Plaza every Tuesdays.

About the album: FOR YOU

Following the bold success of his Platinum Edition Album, the country’s hottest Award-Winning and Platinum-Selling Crooner is back with an offering to give a distinctive sound to timeless hits! Richard Poon immortalizes standards and imprints enduring melodies with a panache that is uniquely his own. A fusion of only the finest tunes were all put together to produce a masterfully crafted album only “For You.”

This double-disc album includes unwavering tracks and crowd-favorites such as “Kumot at Unan”, “You and I” and “Kahit Ika’y Panaginip Lang”. Modern hits like “Complicated” and “For You” are injected with a brilliant arrangement that will surprise listeners and leave them asking for more. Steadfast classics such as “Close to You”, “Blue Moon” and “Portrait of my Love” are etched with Richard’s modern vibe, engraving his remarkable vocal prowess. As a special treat, this album also includes a minus one version of all the tracks. Fresh, young and soothing, this album unearths Richard Poon’s undeniable musical artistry, infused with a synthesis of beautiful instrumental rhythms

Track Listing
01. YOU AND I
02. KUMOT AT UNAN
03. COMPLICATED
04. YOU ARE THE SUNSHINE
05. KAHIT IKA’Y PANAGINIP LANG
06. BLUE MOON
07. (THEY LONG TO BE) CLOSE TO YOU
08. PORTRAIT OF MY LOVE
09. KAHIT DI MO NAPAPANSIN
10. THROUGH THE FIRE
11. AND I LOVE YOU SO
12. FOR YOU

Richard Poon’s For You is available at Odyssey Music and video and other major record bars nationwide. For You is released exclusively under MCA Music.

Richard Poon’s site can now also be accessed through http://richardpoon.ph. Photos, videos and schedules can be viewed there.  You can also visit http://www.youtube.com/user/mcamusic for more videos.

Support “KUMOT AT UNAN” on Myx!!! Just key in MYX VOTE KUMOT AT UNAN and send to 2366. Here’s the video of Kumot At Unan

Food was never this yummy and sexy as Tisha Silang poses for the first time on the cover of UNO Magazine’s April issue. The former beauty queen and contender for Amazing Race Asia season 3, Tisha is the epitome of how a woman can be sexy, even in her kitchen clothes.

Other UNO girls in the issue are courtside reporter Miakka Lim and TV host Cesca Litton (this being her second appearance in UNO Magazine).

UNO pays homage to the late Francis Magalona and his undeniable legacy. On the band scene, much celebrated rock band of the 90s (yes, we were in college that time) is in UNO Magazine. Are they back for good? Find out in UNO Magazine’s April Issue.

What: FUN RUN EVENT : Run with K.I.D.S.

Where: UP-Diliman Campus, Quezon City

When: May 31, 2009

Registration fee: Php 300.00

Please start disseminating this fun run activity! Invite and bring your family, friends & relatives to this run for a cause!

Its a 3km, 5km, 10km fun run with your loved ones!

3km – run to share (medical financial grant, trek, out of the streets into the courts,etc)
5km – run to educate (100KIDScholars)
10km – run to feed (R.E.D. Undernutrition)

How to Join:

1. Fill up the registration form.
2. Send your registration form to kidsfoundation_army@yahoo.com or fax at (+632) 714-3946
3. Y0u will receive an email or call from K.I.D.S Foundation confirming on the following business day.

For more information:

Visit K.I.D.S Foundation webste at http://kidsfoundation.org.ph

MAJOR EVENTS:

February 1: Grand Opening (Melvin Jones) | Field Demonstration (Athletic Bowl)

February 1 – March 8: Market Encounter | Landscaping Contest (Burnham Park)

February 14: Fluvial Parade (Burnham Lake)

February 22: Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom (Melvin Jones)**

February 23-25: Legarda Rocks (Legarda Road)**

February 26-28: Abanao Nights (Abanao Street)

February 28: GRAND STREET PARADE (Session Road) | Field Demonstration (Athletic Bowl)

March 1: GRAND FLOAT PARADE

March 2-8: Session Road in Bloom (Session Road)

March 8: Closing Ceremony (Athletic Bowl)

PARTIAL SCHEDULE OF MINOR EVENTS:

February 1 & 8: MUNAY: Music of the Andes (SM City Baguio)

February 6-8: Vintage Car Show (SM)

February 7: Fashionista Season 5 Presentation (SM)

February 9 – March 8: Flower up your Hat Competition (SM)

February 12-14: Valentine Concert-Baguio Centennial Event (Children’s Playground, Burnham Park)

February 13: Camera Walls (Band) Mall Tour (SM)

February 13: Baguio in Bloom | Mosaic Painting (Melvin Jones)

February 14: A Valentine Serenade with Ramil Omosura (SM)

February 14: Valentine Events with Music of the Heart Orchestra (SM)

February 15: Sail On: The Currahee Tour III (Baguio Convention Center)

February 20: Up Dharma Down (Band) Mall Tour (SM)

February 21: Kenyo (Band) Mall Show (SM)

February 21: Mr. & Ms. Panagbenga 2009 Muscle Showdown (Baguio Convention Center)

February 22: Skabeche (Band) Mall Tour (SM)

February 22: Lito Camo and Kalzada (Band) Mall Show (SM)

February 26-28: IPMS and AirSoft Exhibit (Baguio Country Club)

February 27: iFM Pop Fiesta (Athletic Bowl)

February 27: Kapuso Mall Tour (SM)**

February 28 & March 1: 2nd BAC Panagbenga AirSoft Challenge (Different Venues)

February 28: Greenwich Presents Meet and Greet John Lhoyd Cruz (SM)**

March 1: Kapamilya Karavan (SM)**

March 5-6: Pony Boys Day (Melvin Jones)

March 6: K-lite in Bloom: First Baguio Music Fest (SM)

March 7: SM Floriade Street Party featuring Side A**

March 7-8: 2009 Panagbenga Speed Ball Challenge (Athletic Bowl)

March 8: LUAU and Fireworks Display (SM)

**to be confirmed

Source: http://www.scribd.com/doc/10307822/PANAGBENGA-2009-Calendar-of-Events-as-of-11409