Draconids meteor shower peaks on October 8-9, 2011 in the Philippines

Meteor Shower | Photo: NASA

Night sky in the Philippines tomorrow will be more than the usual as a celestial event will be observed at its peak almost immediately after the sun falls down. The so-called Draconids meteor shower which will produce about 40 meteors an hour can be witnessed at 5:41 p.m to 10 p.m tomorrow, October 8, 2011, as well as on the following night.

If the weather will be good, reports say that there would be no need for sophisticated telescopes since the meteors falling from the sky will be visible to the naked eye. However, there are also reports that the nearly full moon may outshine the meteor shower display.

Primarily a periodic shower, the Draconids meteor shower produced spectacular and brief meteor storms twice in the last century, in 1933 and 1946, and lower rates in several other years. It took its name from constellation Draco the Dragon in the northern sky. FULL STORY...

Photo of 'Filipino general' taking a piggyback ride goes viral

A photo of an alleged Philippine general riding on someone's back to avoid getting wet after stepping off from a boat is currently making the rounds on Facebook.

"Filipino general" gets a piggyback ride | Photo courtesy of Jumbo Ferrer

The source of the photo traces back to the Facebook account of Jumbo Ferrer who attached the description below:

"A couple of days ago, an embarrassing scene was played on TV when a Filipino general was carried on someone else' shoulder so he wouldn't get wet when he stepped off a banca. The American officer on the other hand waded in the water and stepped off the banca without any help."

"Send this to all your friends and hopefully this will circulate para mapahiya itong General na ito." Ferrer added.

As of this writing, the photo has been shared almost 27,000 times already based on its Facebook stats.

Update: It appears that the photo has been around since 2009- although it was just yesterday that it started to go viral (again). FULL STORY...

Britney Spears' 'Everyday' gets leaked (Lyrics and Audio)

Britney Spears' unreleased single called "Everyday" has made its way online. It is uncertain yet when the song was recorded but some reports say it's a leftover of the "Femme Fatale" album.

Britney Spears - "Everyday"

According to some, the ballad is a rip-off of Christina Aguilera's 2002 hit "Beautiful" especially the piano chords which might be one of the reasons why it was not released yet. Nevertheless, fans will surely find "Everyday" refreshing. Check out the song's audio stream and its lyrics below:

Britney Spears - "Everyday" Lyrics

Footsteps in the rain, memories wash away.

Beyond the headlight glare, it's kind of dark out there.

And everywhere I've been, It's hard to find a friend.

I've got no alibis for the state I'm in.

Everybody needs, needs a place to go.

God knows I have seen; it's a twisting, winding road.

Everyday, the sun comes up again.

A little hope begins, and it starts with you 'cause you get me through it.

And everyday, [I'm] closer to the shore, I smile a little more

And because of your faith, I get closer now everyday.

(Said everyday, I said everyday, everyday)

It's hard to recognize, across the great divide

Just once you left behind, and what you keep inside

A ripple in the , keep my safe from harm noypistuff

Somehow you still believe; you believe in me.

Where it starts and it ends, only time must know

Wherever you will be, is where I wanna go.

Everyday, the sun comes up again.

A little hope begins, and it starts with you 'cause you get me through it.

And everyday, [I'm] closer to the shore, I smile a little more

And because of your faith, I get closer now everyday.

'Cause you set me free

'Cause you set me free

And, Everyday, the sun comes up again.

A little hope begins, and it starts with you 'cause you get me through it.

And everyday, [I'm] closer to the shore, I smile a little more

And because of your faith, I get closer, now, everyday

FULL STORY...

Beyonce's 'Countdown' music video has arrived

Beyonce has released the music video for her single "Countdown." 

Beyonce showing off her baby bump on "Countdown" video

Check out below the colorful "Countdown" music video which was directed by Adria Petty, the director of Beyonce's "Sweet Dreams" MV in 2009.

Taken from her fourth studio album "4," Beyonce referred "Countdown" as "really experimental."

"I wanted to do something refreshing and different, so I mixed genres and drew inspiration from touring, traveling, watching rock bands, and attending festivals… I was like a mad scientist, putting lots of different songs together. Boyz II Men were the first ones to put Destiny's Child on tour. They showed us how to treat an opening act and I will never forget that. That was 15 years ago! Wow, 15 years! I'm old." Beyonce had told Digital Spy.

Here are some stills from Beyonce's "Countdown" music video:

Video and stills courtesy of MTV and Sony

FULL STORY...

Paulo Coelho eyes on visiting the Philippines

Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian author well-loved by his Noypi fans for his best-selling books "The Alchemist," "By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept," and "Veronika Decides to Die," to name just a few, is thinking of visiting the Philippines soon.

Via his official Twitter account which has more than 2.4 million followers, Paulo Coelho announced that he is eyeing on coming to the Philippines.

"I woke up thinking about the Philippines." the novelist tweeted Thursday. "I must visit the country - and I must visit Thailand, Indonesia, Korea."

Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" is one of the best-selling books in history - more than 65 millions copies of it have been sold all over the world. The novel has also been translated in more than 70 languages, winning the Guinness World Record for most translated book by a living author. In total, Coelho has published 29 books. FULL STORY...

Steve Jobs autobiography book pre-orders rise to 38,700%

Steve Jobs (1955-2011)

Tributes have poured in following the untimely demise of Apple founder and former CEO Steve Jobs including messages from Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Sergey Brin and President Barack Obama. Netizens go non-stop in posting anything Steve Jobs on their accounts in various social media sites. Other people, on the hand, have chosen to remember Steve Jobs by pre-ordering books about him on Amazon.

Just a few hours after Apple's confirmation of Steve Jobs' death, three books about the American innovator have abruptly rise to the top spots in Amazon's ranking of "Biggest Gainers in Books Sales" over the past 24 hours.

One of them is a Steve Jobs autobiography book written by Walter Isaacson which propelled from number 388 spot to number 1, 38,700 percent up in the last 24 hours. The release date of the said book is set on November 21, 2011. (Update: The release date was moved to October 24, 2011 according to Associated Press.)

Taking the second rank is "I, Steve: Steve Jobs in His Own Words" which gained 32,536% increase of pre-orders. Written by George Beahm, the book will be out on November 8, 2011.

Another Steve Jobs book, "The Innovation Secrets of Steve Jobs: Insanely Different Principles for Breakthrough Success" placed fifth on the online store's list. It was written by Carmine Gallo.

Steve Jobs succumbed to pancreatic cancer on October 5, 2011 at the age of 56. FULL STORY...

Google Earth milestone gives birth to new website OneWorldManyStories

Google Earth lets you fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, the ocean and even galaxies in outer space.

Google Earth screengrab

That's how Google describes its amazing software Google Earth which on Wednesday has eclipsed 1 billion downloads since it was released in 2005. The number includes downloads of the mobile apps, plug-in and desktop client.

"Google Earth is probably one of the most downloaded applications of all time in terms of raw numbers," product manager Peter Birch told AFP.

In celebration of this stellar milestone, Google has launched a new Google Earth-centric site, One World Many Stories.

"Visit www.OneWorldManyStories.com to learn about people like Professor David Kennedy of the University of Western Australia, who’s used Google Earth to scan thousands of square kilometers in Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Professor Kennedy has discovered ancient tombs and geoglyphs dating back at least 2,000 years, all without leaving his desk in Perth. Architect Barnaby Gunning, after the April 6, 2009 earthquake near L'Aquila Italy, encouraged his fellow citizens to start rebuilding the city virtually in 3D. Their online urban planning will aid city planners and architects. Retired English teacher Jerome Burg created Google Lit Trips, which uses Google Earth to match places in famous books to their geographical locations, encouraging students to create connections between the stories they read in school and the world they live in." Google writes.

Geography and Google Earth

The last time Google shared statistics on Google Earth was in 2009, when the company said Google Earth had been downloaded 700,000 times.

"The breadth of stories and discoveries over the last six years inspires us to keep making the product better. We look forward to seeing what comes out of the next billion downloads." said Brian McClendon, Keyhole founder and Google Vice President of Engineering.

FULL STORY...

Unemployment rate in the US stuck at 9.1%, Obama urges passage of jobs bill

The unemployment rate in America remains unchanged at 9.1 percent in September.

Since declining from a high of 10.1 percent in October 2009, unemployment in the US has remained persistent. While there was improvement during 2010, unemployment rate is stuck in the past 3 months.

Some economists fear the recovery is so slow that the United States could soon tip back into recession. To "help guard against another downturn here in America," President Barrack Obama urged the US Senate to pass his nearly $450 billion jobs bill this week as senators prepare to vote Tuesday on moving to debate on the measure.

"But if we don't act, the opposite will be true," President Obama in his weekly Internet and radio address. "There will be fewer jobs and weaker growth. So any senator out there who's thinking about voting against this jobs bill needs to explain why they would oppose something that we know would improve our economic situation."

However, Obama's jobs plans which include reduced payroll taxes on workers and employers, extended benefits to long-term unemployed people, and increased taxes on individuals earning over $200,000 a year, face stiff opposition from Republicans.

The US Labor Department had meanwhile reported an increase in job creation. A total of 103,000 jobs were reportedly created in September, providing a rare point of hope even as the unemployment rate remained painfully high.

According to the official figures, the US economy was growing at much stronger clip than expected but not enough to lower the unemployment rate from what it is now.

Reports from ABC, AFP and AP. Photo courtesy of Wakeupamericans-spree (Blogspot) FULL STORY...

Free LRT rides for senior citizens on October 8 announced

In line with the celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week, senior citizens may avail of free LRT rides on Saturday, October 8, 2011, the Department of Social Welfare and Development announced Thursday.

Free rides will be available at the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 (Baclaran to Roosevelt) and Line 2 (Recto to Santolan) for the whole day of October 8. Senior citizens need only present their valid Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) ID to avail of this special offer.

Annually celebrated on October 1-7 in pursuant to Proclamation No. 470 issued by former President Fidel V. Ramos in 1994, Elderly Filipino Week aims to increase public awareness on the different issues concerning the sector. FULL STORY...

Esquire Ball flocked by celebrities (Photos)

A number of local celebrities in their fabulous gowns and outfits were spotted at the Esquire Ball 2011 which was successfully held last night, October 5, 2011. Check out some photos of your favorite stars during the Esquire Ball below:

Anne Curtis, Angel Locsin and Phil Younghusband


Lovi Poe, Miriam Quiambao, Ruffa Guttierez, and Bea Alonzo


Elmo Magalona and Andi Eigenmann


Bubbles Paraiso and Phoemela Barranda


Divine Lee and Maxene Magalona

Bea Alonzo and Zanjoe Marudo

Fabio Ide, Akihiro Sato, and Victor Basa

Last night's event was the launch party of the newest magazine in the country, Esquire Magazine which released its premier issue this month. Congressman and boxing champ Manny Pacquiao is on its cover.

Esquire Ball 2011 photos courtesy of Rajo Laurel, Bubble Paraiso Jonas Antonio Gaffud, Nyko Rodriguez, Maxene Magalona, and to other respectful owners FULL STORY...

'No Other Woman' International Screenings Schedule (US, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar)

Breaking local box office records and now the number 1 local movie in the Philippines this year based on ticket sales, "No Other Woman" is set to invade the rest of the world as it will go on international screenings in the coming days.

"No Other Woman" lead stars Anne Curtis, Derek Ramsay and Cristine Reyes | Photo courtesy of Star Cinema

Here's 'No Other Woman' International Screenings Schedule:

Date: October 7 to 13, 2011 (*Please check the UPDATE at the bottom)
Event: No Other Woman US screenings
Venue: LOS ANGELES - Cerritos Stadium Cinema
SAN FRANCISCO - UA Stonestown Twin
LAS VEGAS - Regal Village Square Stadium
HAWAII - Pearlridge West Theaters
NEW JERSEY - Clearview Allwood Theatre

Date: October 20 to 26, 2011
Event: No Other Woman screening in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Venue: DUBAI – Al Ghurair Center
ABU DHABI – Al Mariah Mall

Date: November 3 to 9, 2011
Event: No Other Woman screening in Qatar
Venue: QATAR – Cine Center Mall

Directed by Ruel S. Bayani, "No Other Woman" was rated “A” by the Cinema Evaluation Board and "PG-13" by the MTRCB. It tells the story of a married furniture supplier (Derek Ramsay) who was tempted to stray by a comely young client (Anne Curtis). His wife (Cristine Reyes), keen to the client's romantic ambitions, is soon fighting for the love of her own husband.

*UPDATE:

	Venue	Date
Hawaii Screening Schedule: 11:35am, 2:15pm, 4:45pm, 7:20pm, 10:00pm	Pearlridge West Theatres 98 - 1005 Moanalua Road Aiea, HI 96701	October 7-13, 2011
Las Vegas Screening Schedule: 1:45pm, 4:45pm, 7:40pm, 10:20pm	Regal Village Square Stadium 9400 W Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89058	October 7-13, 2011
Los Angeles- Cerritos, CA Screening Schedule: 12:00nn, 2:20pm, 4;40pm, 7:30pm, 10:00pm	Cerritos Stadium Cinema 12761 Towne Center Drive Cerritos, CA 90701	October 7-20, 2011
NJ - Clifton	Clearview Allwood Theatre 96 Market Street Clifton, NJ 07012	October 7-20, 2011
NJ - Bergenfield	Clearview Bergenfield Cinemas 58 South Washington Ave. Bergenfield, NJ 07621	October 7-20, 2011
San Francisco	UA Stonestown Twin 501 Buckingham Way San Francisco, CA 94132	October 7-13, 2011
New Jersey - Hoboken	Clearview Hoboken Cinemas 409 14th Street Hoboken, NJ 07030	October 14-27, 2011
Chicago Screening Schedule: Fri, Sat, Sun: 2:00pm, 4:30pm, 7:00pm & 9:15pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu: 4:30pm, 7:00pm & 9:15pm	Pickwick Theatre 5 South Prospect Ave Park Ridge, IL 60068	October 14-20, 2011
San Diego, CA	UA Horton Plaza 475 Horton Plaza San Diego, CA 92101	October 14-20, 2011
Seattle, WA	Parkway Plaza Stadium 12 5910 South 180th Street Tukwila, WA 98188	October 14-20, 2011
Union City, CA	Century 25 32100 Union Landing Union City, CA 94587	October 14-27, 2011

FULL STORY...

Vivo Ouano, Jeric Rizalado, former 'Starstruck' contestants arrested in drug buy-bust operation

Vivo Ouano (Vivo John Ouano ) and Jeric Rizalado (Jericho Rizalado), former contestants of GMA's talent search "Starstruck 3," were both nabbed by authorities in a drug buy-bust operation, GMA News reported Thursday.

Along with Ouano (21) and Rizalado (22), three other suspected illegal drug sellers namely Charles Joseph Lacson (25), Jojo Pangilinan (22), and Joshua Cue (21) were arrested in the said police operation in a subdivision in Antipolo City Wednesday night.

Conducted by the Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (AIDSOTF), the buy-bust operation confiscated several tablets and capsules of Phentermine and Diazepam packed in sachets, a roll of dried Marijuana leaves and a plastic tube with pipe.

The suspects were detained in the AIDSOTF office in Camp Crame and might be facing legal charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. They will be undergoing drug testing.

Meanwhile, in a text message sent to "24 Oras," Vivo Ouano denied participation in the selling of illegal drugs. FULL STORY...

$35 tablet computer Aakash aims to bring computing to the masses, change lives

A $35 tablet computer has been launched in India Wednesday which is hoped to change lives of many people from the rural poor. Called Aakash, the $35 tablet computer is targeting millions of poverty-stricken villagers in India’s countryside.

The $35 tablet computer being shown by students at the launch

At the tablet's launch, Kapil Sibal, India's Human Resources Development Minister, said, "This is not just for us. This is for all of you who are disempowered."

"This is for all those who live on the fringes of society," he added.

Sibal also revealed that the government planned to buy 100,000 of the tablets and that it hopes to distribute 10 million units to students all over India over the next few years.

"The rich have access to the digital world, the poor and ordinary have been excluded. Aakash will end that digital divide," Sibal said.

Five hundred of the device were handed out to students during the launch.

Dubbed as the "cheapest tablet computer in the world", Aakash (a term for "sky" in Hindi), is said to be the latest addition to a series of "world's cheapest" innovations in India that include a $2,040 compact Nano car, a $15 water purifier and $2,000 open-heart surgery.

The $35 tablet computer, which is Android-based, supports web browsing and video conferencing, has a three-hour battery life, 7″ touch screen, 800×480 resolution, WiFi, 256 MB RAM, 2GB flash memory, 32 GB expandable memory slot and two USB ports, but questions remain over how it will perform. FULL STORY...

Scarlett Johansson on leaked photos: 'It feels unjust'

Scarlett Johansson for Vogue in 2009

Scarlett Johansson has broken her silence about her leaked photos that went viral on the web recently and became an inspiration of a daring internet craze.

In her recent interview with CNN, "The Horse Whisperer" star defended her privacy and said she find the leakage unjust and wrong.

"Who doesn't want to protect their own privacy? Just because you're in the spotlight, or just because you're an actor or make films or whatever doesn't mean you're not entitled to your own personal privacy," Johansson told CNN.

"If that is sieged in some way, it feels unjust. It feels wrong."

Prior to the CNN interview, the 26-year-old actress had also been asked about how she deals with the controversy.

"It's an adjustment, but there are certain instances where you give a lot of yourself and then finally you just have to kind of put your foot down and say, ‘No, wait, I'm taking it back,’" she said.

Scarlet Johansson's leaked photos made their way online last month and showed her in a state of undress in a home setting. One of the two photos shows her unclothed rear view clearly visible in a mirror, while the other photo exposes her breast while lying with no clothes on a bed.

She had asked the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, claiming her phones and computers were hacked. FULL STORY...

Justin Bieber to release Chrismas album, tracklist revealed

Justin Bieber is currently working on a Christmas album which is set to be released in November. It is titled "Under the Mistletoe" and it features collaborations with collaboration with Usher and Boyz-II-Men. Justin will also be doing a duet with Mariah Carey in the album.

Justin Bieber's "Under the Mistletoe" album cover

“Justin and I are doing this duet together. It is my song, ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You,’ which I wrote and produced,” Carey says in a video posted on Twitter. “I think a lot of you are already surprised by this, and you’re going to be even more surprised when you hear it. The song sounds great. I’m very excited for everybody to hear it this Christmas, and to be totally festive with our festive collabo.”

Check out the said Mariah Carey video below:


Meanwhile, a while back, the tracklist of Justin Bieber's "Mistletoe" album was revealed. Take a look at the list:

1. “Only Thing I Ever Get for Christmas”
2. “Mistletoe”
3. “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)” feat. Usher
4. “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”
5. “Fa La La” feat. Boyz II Men
6. “Christmas Love”
7. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” Duet with Mariah Carey
8. “Drummer Boy” feat. Busta Rhymes
9. “All I Want Is You”
*10. “Fa La La (acapella)” feat. Boyz II Men
11. “Christmas Eve”
12. “Home This Christmas” feat. The Band Perry
*13. “Silent Night”
*14. “Pray”
*15. “Someday at Christmas”
* Included on deluxe edition only

Justin Bieber's "Under the Mistletoe" album is set to be released on November 1, 2011, while the album’s first single, “Mistletoe,” will be released on October 18. FULL STORY...

Phylicia Rashad appointed as first Denzel Washington Chair in Theatre

Phylicia Rashad  | Flicker Photo

Phylicia Rashad, a Tony Award-winning actress, has been chosen as the first Denzel Washington Chair in Theatre of Fordham University. Rashad will be the first one to hold the rotating position, which Fordham hopes will attract other well-known individuals in the entertainment industry to fill the position each fall.

Together with the Denzel Washington Endowed Scholarship, a scholarship program for undergraduate theater students, the Denzel Washington Chair in Theatre was created after celebrated actor Denzel Washington made a $2.25 million donation to benefit his alma mater's theater arts department.

“I wanted to create the Denzel Washington Endowed Scholarship and Chair in Theatre at Fordham in order to offer the next generation of students positive influences. Phylicia Rashad, as the inaugural holder of the chair, will provide the care, compassion and that extra push to help take students where they’re meant to go,” Washington said in a statement.

Phylicia Rashad is best known to TV audiences for her role as Clair Huxtable on the classic sitcom "The Cosby Show." In 2004, she received a Tony Award for "Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play," for her role in the revival of "A Raisin in the Sun" - the first African-American actress to receive the prestigious award in history. FULL STORY...

Google Earth downloads surpass 1 billion mark

Google Earth lets you fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, the ocean and even galaxies in outer space.

Google Earth reaches one billion downloads

That's how Google describes its amazing software Google Earth which on Wednesday has eclipsed 1 billion downloads since it was released in 2005. The number includes downloads of the mobile apps, plug-in and desktop client.

"Google Earth is probably one of the most downloaded applications of all time in terms of raw numbers," product manager Peter Birch told AFP.

In celebration of this stellar milestone, Google has launched a new Google Earth-centric site, One World Many Stories.

"Visit www.OneWorldManyStories.com to learn about people like Professor David Kennedy of the University of Western Australia, who’s used Google Earth to scan thousands of square kilometers in Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Professor Kennedy has discovered ancient tombs and geoglyphs dating back at least 2,000 years, all without leaving his desk in Perth. Architect Barnaby Gunning, after the April 6, 2009 earthquake near L'Aquila Italy, encouraged his fellow citizens to start rebuilding the city virtually in 3D. Their online urban planning will aid city planners and architects. Retired English teacher Jerome Burg created Google Lit Trips, which uses Google Earth to match places in famous books to their geographical locations, encouraging students to create connections between the stories they read in school and the world they live in." Google writes.

Geography and Google Earth

The last time Google shared statistics on Google Earth was in 2009, when the company said Google Earth had been downloaded 700,000 times.

"The breadth of stories and discoveries over the last six years inspires us to keep making the product better. We look forward to seeing what comes out of the next billion downloads." said Brian McClendon, Keyhole founder and Google Vice President of Engineering. FULL STORY...

Palanca Awards 2011 Winners

The winners of the 61st Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (Palanca Awards 2011), the most prestigious and most enduring literary awards in the country, were honored in glittering ceremonies  at The Peninsula Manila in Makati last month

Palanca Awards 2011

From the 1,160 entries submitted this year, 58 literary works submitted by 55 writers were selected and they are as follows:

PALANCA AWARDS 2011 WINNERS

REGIONAL DIVISIONS

Short Story (Cebuano) Winners

1st–Richel G. Dorotan (Ang Tawo sa Punoan ng Nangka sa Hinablayan), 2nd–Errol A. Merquita (Isla Verde) and 3rd–Macario D. Tiu (Black Pearl).

Short Story (Iluko) Winners

1st–Ariel S. Tabag (Saddam), 2nd–Juan A. Asuncion (Ayuno) and 3rd–Norberto D. Bumanglag Jr. (Ti Agdamdamili).

Short Story (Hiligaynon) Winners

1st–Peter Solis Nery (Donato Bugtot), 2nd–Alice Tan Gonzales (Kahapunanon sa Laguerta ni Alberto) and 3rd–Kizza Grace F. Gardoce (Pabalon).

ENGLISH DIVISION

Full-length Play Winners

1st–Joshua L. Lim So (A Return Home), 2nd–Peter Solis Nery (If The Shoe Fits) and 3rd–Jonathan R. Guillermo (Freshmen).

One-act Play Winner

Floy C. Quintos (Evening at the Opera).

Short Story Winners

1st–Asterio Enrico N. Gutierrez (The Big Man), 2nd–Alexis A.L. Abola (Disappearance) and 3rd–Johannes L. Chua (Prodigal).

Short Story for Children Winners

1st–Georgina Veronica Alfar (Tom Yum), 2nd–Georgianna R. de Vera (Tatay, Through Wind and Waves) and 3rd–Benjamin Pimentel (Gagamba, the Spider from the Islands).

Poetry Winners

1st–Eliza A. Victoria (Maps), 2nd–Lourdes Marie S. La Viña (Stones and Other Poems) and 3rd–Simeon P. Dumdum Jr. (Maguindanao).

Poetry for Children Winners

1st–Cynthia Baculi-Condez (The Universe and Other Poems), 2nd–Peter Solis Nery (The Shape of Happiness) and 3rd–Kris Lanot Lacaba (The Shaggy Brown Chicken and Other Poems for Children (and for chickens of all ages).

Essay Winners 

1st–Jennifer Rebecca L. Ortuoste (The Turn for Home: Memories of Santa Ana Park), 2nd–Jeena Rani Marquez-Manaois (The River of Gold) and 3rd–Rosario Cruz-Lucero (The Stain of Blackberries).

Kabataan Essay Winners

1st–Mariah Cristelle F. Reodica (The Golden Mean), 2nd–Scott Lee Chua (Of Pixels and Power) and 3rd–Leo Francis F. Abot (Gods of the Internet).

FILIPINO DIVISION

Dulang Pampelikula Winners 

1st–Lemuel E.Garcellano (Tru Lab), 2nd–T-Jay K. Medina (Huling Isang Taon) and 3rd–Helen V. Lasquite (Emmanuel).

Dulang Ganap ang Haba Winners

1st–Rodolfo Vera (Paalam Señor Soledad), 2nd–Liza Magtoto (Tamala) and 3rd–Joshua L. Lim So (Panahon ng Sampung Libong Ilong).

Dulang May Isang Yugto Winners

1st–Remi Karen M. Velasco (Ondoy: Ang Buhay sa Bubong), 2nd–Layeta P. Bucoy (El Galeon de Simeon) and 3rd–Bernardo O. Aguay Jr. (Posporo).

Kabataan Sanaysay Winners

1st–Mary Amie Gelina E. Dumatol (Ang Makulit, ang Mapagtanong, at ang Mundo ng Kasagutan), 2nd–Abegail Joy Y. Lee (Nang Maging Mendiola ko ang Internet Dahil kay Mama) and 3rd–Ma. Bettina Clare N. Camacho (Isang Pindot Sa Kamalayan).

Tula Winners

1st–Enrique S. Villasis (Agua), 2nd–Rosmon M. Tuazon (Mga Nakaw na Linya) and 3rd–Christopher B. Nuyles (Ilang Tala Hinggil sa Daangbakal at iba pang tula).

Tulang Pambata Winners

1st–Marcel L. Milliam (Ako Ang Bida), 2nd–Eugene Y. Evasco (Isang Mabalahibong Bugtong) and 3rd–John Enrico C. Torralba (Manghuhuli Ako ng Sinag ng Araw).

Maikling Kwento Winner

Michael S. Bernaldez (Metro Gwapo).

Maikling Kwentong Pambata Winners

1st–Segundo Matias (Alamat ng Duhat), 2nd–Joachim Emilio B. Antonio (Sa Tapat ng Tindahan ni Mang Teban) and 3rd–Christian Tordecillas (Si Inda, Ang Manok at ang mga Lamang-Lupa).

Sanaysay Winners

1st–Bernadette V. Neri (Ang Pag-uwi ng Alibughang Anak ng Lupa), 2nd–Rosario Torres-Yu (Nagbibihis na ang Nanay) and 3rd–Nancy Kimuell-Gabriel (Kubeta).

Held annually, the Palanca Awards aims to help writers to create outstanding literary pieces; to be a treasury of the Philippines’ literary gems from our gifted writers; and to assist in its dissemination to the public, especially the students. It was named in honor of Don Carlos Palanca Sr. FULL STORY...

Sam Milby 'Hindi Kita Iiwan' Lyrics and Music Video

Sam Milby has released the music video of his single "Hindi Kita Iiwan." The song is part of Sam's newest chart topping album "Be Mine." The album recently became #1 on Astro Chart's OPM Category and #2 on Astro's Over All Top 16 of the Week.

Check the music video of "Hindi Kita Iiwan" by Sam Milby below as well as its lyrics:

Sam Milby's "Hindi Kita Iiwan" Music Video

Sam Milby - "Hindi Kita Iiwan" Lyrics

Umiiyak ka na naman mahal

Lagi na lang ika'y nasasaktan

Sabi niya

Di ka iiwanan

Ikaw ay nabigo

Kayo'y nagkalayo

Ako'y nahihirapan

Pag ika'y nasasaktan

Kung pwede lang naman

Sa akin ka nalang

Hindi kita iiwan

Hindi pababayan

Sa akin ay hindi ka iiyak na kahit minsan

Hindi kita iiwan

Hindi pababayaan

Hinding hindi ka sasaktan

O' akin ka nalang

Hindi kita iiwan

Lahat ay gagawain

Pag ika'y napasakin

Lahat ng utos mo ay aking susundin

Hindi ko hahayaang

Ika'y masaktan

Mahal sana

Naman sa akin ka nalang

Hindi kita iiwan

Hindi pababayan

Sa akin ay hindi ka iiyak ng kahit minsan

Hindi kita iiwan

Hindi pababayaan

Hinding hindi ka sasaktan

O' akin ka nalang

Hindi kita iiwan

Akin ka na lang

Hindi kita iiwan

Hindi pababayan

Hinding hinda ka sasaktan

O' aking ka na lang

Hindi kita iiwan

Hindi pababayaan

Sa akin ay hinid ka iiyak nag kahit minsan

Hindi kita iiwan

Hindi pababayaan

Hinding hinda ka sasaktan

O' akin ka na lang

Hindi kita iiwan

Hindi kita iiwan

FULL STORY...

Volcanoes' Kenneth Stern nominated in Cosmo USA's 'Bachelor of the Year'

Kenneth Stern | Photo: Cosmo USA

Kenneth Stern of the Philippine Volcanoes (the national rugby union team of the Philippines) has been chosen as one of the finalists of Cosmopolitan USA's "Bachelor of the Year." The 23-year old Fil-Am hunk is representing Connecticut and is competing against 51 other swoon-worthy bachelors from all over the US.

Here's Kenneth Stern's profile on Cosmo's website:

Name: Kenneth Stern
Age: 23
Location: Stamford
Job: Professional rugby player
Email: CTbachelor11@gmail.com
Meet Kenneth: "I'm outgoing, passionate, and lighthearted."
Head-turning girl gear: "A short skirt that shows off her legs, but nothing too trashy."
When you ask a woman out, do you text or call? "If I want a real date, I call."
Awesome first date: "I'll put together a romantic dinner with wine and dessert."
Sweet spot: "Being massaged on my neck and ears feels good."
Top turn-off: "If she only thinks of herself or constantly checks her cell."
Can a hookup turn into a real relationship? "Absolutely. You already know you have chemistry."
Sex on a first date: sexy or skanky? "Skanky"

Show your support by voting for fellow Noypi Kenneth Stern here: https://subscribe.hearstmags.com/subscribe/cosmopolitan/78949 (Just supply any US address to the form and you're good. :D) FULL STORY...

Philippine Fashion Week October 2011 Schedule

The Philippine Fashion Week which will feature the Spring/Summer 2012 collections of several local and international brands will be held this month at the SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia. It will run from October 24-31, 2011.

Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer 2012 Collections Schedule

Check out below Philippine Fashion Week October 2011 Schedule:


October 23, 2011 (Sunday)

6:30 PM - Human, Kashieca and Bench

October 24, 2011 (Monday)

7:30 PM - L'Oreal Paris presents Michael Cinco
8:30 PM - Guess

October 25, 2011 (Tuesday)

7:30 PM - SM Ladies's Fashion (SM Department Store)
9:30 PM - Premiere Collection (Derick Hibaler, Melchor Guinto, Russell Villafuerte, Ulysses King and Veejay Floresca)

October 26, 2011 (Wednesday)

5:30 PM - Design Fushion (Bo Parcon, Dax Bayani, Dimple Lim, Jaki Penalosa, Jot Losa, and Xernan Ortocio) and Visions & Trends (Enrico Carado, Joshua Guibone, Kenneth Chuan, Regine Dulay and Roland Alzate)
7:30 PM - SM Men's Fashion (SM Department Store)
9:30 PM - Arnold Galang, Gerry Katigbak and Jun Jun Cambe

October 27, 2011 (Thursday)

5:30 PM - Triumph
6:30 PM - Freego
7:30 PM - SMDC presents Chris Diaz, Eric delos Santos and Lizanne Cua

October 28, 2011 (Friday)

5:30 PM - Cybershot presents Luxewear Collection (Anthony Ramirez, Aztec Barba, Delby BRagais, Julius Tarog, Melvin lachica, Nolie Vineza, Pablo Cabahug, Popoy Barba, Roel Rosal, Roland Lirio, Ronaldo Arnaldo, santi Obcena, Tina DAniac and Yvonne Quisumbing
6:30 PM - Lee
7:30 PM - Oxygen

October 29, 2011 (Saturday)

2:30 PM - SM Kid's Fashion
4:00 PM - Crossings
5:30 PM - Ipanema presents Anthony Nocom, Catherine Cavilte, DAve Ocampo, Lyle Ibanez and RAoul Ramirez
6:30 PM - Vans
7:30 PM - Penshoppe
9:30 PM - Slim's at 50 (Cesar GAupo, Chito Vijandre, Erika Adona, Ezra Santos, James Reyes, Joe Salazar, Joey Samson, Martin Bautista, Michael Cinco and Riza Bulawan)

October 30, 2011 (Sunday)

2:30 PM - Ready to Wear Collection (Emi Alexander Englis, Harley Ruedas, Jian Lasala, John Guarnes, Joyce Pilarsky, Louis Claparols, Mike Lavarez, Nixon Marquez, Reian Mata, Ricky Abad, Simon Ariel Vasquez, and Ziggy Savella noypistuff)
4:00 PM - Grand Allure Collection (Albert Andrada, Alma Rae Roa, Frederick Policarpio, Gerswin Cua, Gil Macaibay, June Pugat, Luis delos Santos, Marc Rancy. Norman Noriega, Philipp Tampus, Popo Go and Richie Bondoc)
5:30 PM - Jerome Salaya Ang, Noel Crisostomo, Sassa Jimenez and EzAc (by Raoul Ramirez, Lyle Ibanez and AudieE)
7:30 PM - L'Oreal Paris presents Menswear Collection (Aries Lagat, Chris Jasler, Dodjie Batu, Drei Soriano, Edgar Buyan, Jesson Capuchino, Jinggo Inoncillo, Odelon Simpao, Ronan Opina and Shanon Pamaong)

Note: It was last year's schedule that was posted here prior to this update. Sorry for the error. Above is the actual schedule for this year. FULL STORY...

Andrea Corr postpones Philippine concerts

Andrea Corr is postponing her "Lifelines Tour" concerts in the Philippines which were earlier scheduled on October 16 in Manila and October 18 in Cebu. 

Andrea Corr's Lifelines Concert Tour 2011 in Manila and Cebu Postponed

According to reports, the lead singer of popular Irish band The Corrs is suffering from a severe infection in her ear and has been advised not to travel by her physicians.

Concert producer Dayly Entertainment confirmed the report with the statement below:

"It is with great disappointment we have to postpone the Andrea Corr concerts in Manila and Cebu on the 16th and 18th of October 2011. This is a result of personal medical advice Andrea has received today. We are so extremely sorry and promise to reschedule as soon as possible."

Andrea Corr's concert in Manila will be reset to a later date. There are no official announcements yet regarding the new schedule.

Aside from Manila and Cebu concerts, the singer is also rescheduling her performances in Osaka and Tokyo in Japan, Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney, New Zealand, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur.

While her siblings were on hiatus to raise their families, Andrea Corr released her first solo album, "Ten Fifth High", in 2007. Her second album "Lifelines" came out this year. These upcoming concerts of hers in the country are part of her "Lifelines" album tour. FULL STORY...

Score Free Tickets to the Black Peas Manila Concert 2011

Catch the biggest concert event this year for FREE! By simply watching PBA games on AKTV this October, you can win FREE tickets to the Black Eyed Peas Live in Manila 2011 concert happening on October 25, 2011 at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

Score Free Tickets to the Black Peas Manila Concert 2011

Here are the mechanics:

1. Tune in to AKTV while telecast of a PBA game this season is being aired.
2. Wait for the question flashed during the game.
3. Earn a raffle entry by simply texting PBA and send it to 2346. Each text with correct answer will earn you an entry. You can send as many entries as you can since there are no limits on the number of entries. Text rates are as follows: P2.50 for Smart and Globe subscribers and P2.00 for Sun subscribers.

Fifty lucky texters will win 2 tickets each to the BEP concert.

The promo is open Smart, Globe and Sun subribers within Metro Manila only. It runs from October 2-19, 2011.

Read more details about the BEP concert here: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/08/black-eyed-peas-manila-concert-2011.html
FULL STORY...

'Dolphin Tale,' 'Dream House,' 'What's Your Number' hit theaters this week

Three Hollywood movies are opening in various cinemas in the country this week. They include Anna Farris and Chris Evans' romantic comedy "What's Your Number," family drama "Dolphin Tale" and Jim Sheridan's thriller "Dream House." Check out their trailers and plots below:

"What's Your Number" - A woman unlucky in love, afraid that her relationship history is going to prevent her from ever finding true love, decides to go back through her twenty ex-boyfriends to see if one of them might be the one.

Cast - Anna Faris, Chris Evans, Ari Graynor, Blythe Danner, Ed Begley Jr., Oliver Jackson-Cohen, etc.

Director/ Writers - Mark Mylod/ Gabrielle Allan, Jennifer Crittenden, and Karyn Bosnak


"Dream House" - A successful publisher relocates his family to a quaint little home in New England, only to discover that their new house has a dark, tragic past which might come back to haunt them.

Cast - Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts, Rachel Weisz, Elias Koteas, Marton Csokas, Taylor Geare, etc.

Director/ Writer - Jim Sheridan/ David Loucka


"Dolphin Tale" - A lonely young boy befriends a hurt dolphin caught in a crab trap. The dolphin loses its tail, and the boy ventures to find a prosthetic that will keep his new friend happy and alive.

Cast - Ashley Judd, Harry Connick, Jr., Kris Kristofferson, Morgan Freeman, Jim Fitzpatrick, Nathan Gamble, etc.

Director/ Writers - Charles Martin Smith/ Karen Janszen and Noam Dromi FULL STORY...

'Beauty and the Beast,' 'Finding Nemo' undergo 3D revival, to be re-released in theaters

After the success of the 3D release of "Lion King" in theaters last month, Disney has announced that the 1991 animated classic "Beauty and the Beast" and 2003 Pixar movie "Finding Nemo" will go on 3D revival as well and will be re-released in cinemas in 2012.

"Beauty and the Beast" poster

Reports also say that "The Little Mermaid" and "Monsters Inc." will also be revived in 3D in 2013.

The 3D version of "The Lion King," originally from 1994, roared to the top of the Box office in US and Canada in September. It raked in $79 million after three weeks in movie houses. FULL STORY...

Tom Cruise hangs off the tallest building in the world on "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" IMAX poster

Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt in the fourth installment of the "Mission Impossible" series, the "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol." Check out  below the movie's IMAX poster featuring Tom Cruise:

Tom Cruise hangs off the tallest building in the world in "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" IMAX Poster | Photo courtesy of Yahoo!

Above is just one of the many scenes that were shot using IMAX's large-format cameras. It was taken at the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world which can be found Dubai.

"Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" is set for release in conventional theaters on December 21, 2011. But for select IMAX cinemas, the film will screen earlier - on December 16.

Directed by Brad Bird, "Mission Impossible 4" also stars Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Josh Holloway, Michael Nyqvist, Vladimir Mashkov, Lea Seydoux and Anil Kapoor.

Watch its teaser trailer here: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/09/mission-impossible-ghost-protocol.html FULL STORY...

Beyonce's 'Countdown' music video preview debuts

The music video of one of Beyonce's new singles, "Countdown," will not be available for online viewing until October 6th, the reported date of its official release. But just moments ago, MTV revealed a 30-second preview of the latest Beyonce MV.

Check out below the said "Countdown" music video which was directed by Adria Petty, the director of Beyonce's "Sweet Dreams" MV in 2009.

Beyonce's 'Countdown' music video preview courtesy of MTV

Taken from her fourth studio album "4," Beyonce referred "Countdown" as "really experimental."

"I wanted to do something refreshing and different, so I mixed genres and drew inspiration from touring, traveling, watching rock bands, and attending festivals… I was like a mad scientist, putting lots of different songs together. Boyz II Men were the first ones to put Destiny's Child on tour. They showed us how to treat an opening act and I will never forget that. That was 15 years ago! Wow, 15 years! I'm old." Beyonce had told Digital Spy.

Here are some stills of the music video:

Which look is your favorite? FULL STORY...

Alyssa Milano, 5-week old son Milo grace US Weekly

Alyssa Milano and Baby Milo | Photo: US Weekly

A photo of Alyssa Milano with her first son with David Bulgari named Milo Thomas is on the latest issue of the US Weekly Magazine. Milo Thomas is now about 5 weeks old.

In this issue, Alyssa shares about her husband and their little angel.

"Everything is going so well," Alyssa told US Weekly. "David told me, 'It's like you were dropped off from Planet Mom!' I said, 'No, he's such a great baby, he's just making me look good!'"

Alyssa and David tied the knot on August 15, 2009 in New Jersey and Milo is their first baby. Milo was born on August 31st this year.

It is going to be a busy few months for the 38-year-old "Charmed" actress after giving birth since she is part of the cast of the upcoming films "New Year's Eve" and "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked," which are both to be released this year. FULL STORY...

iPhone 5 Launch Live Updates - October 4, 2011

iPhone 5 (iPhone 4S) is being unveiled today, October 4, 2011, at the Apple Event that is taking place at Apple's Cupertino headquarters in California.

Check out below live updates of the said iPhone 5 launch from Josh Villanueva of GMA News:

Tim Cook is on stage. This is his first keynote as Apple CEO. #iPhoneEvent

Tim Cook is talking about the performance of its retail stores & the record numbers that visited the HK Apple Store on opening day.

Tim Cook: 6 million copies of Mac OS X Lion have been downloaded. The MacBook Pro & iMac are best selling notebook & desktop in US.

300 Million iPods have been sold since first iPod was launched in 2001. #iPhoneEvent

Tim Cook: The iPhone 4 is the number 1 smart phone in the world. The iPhone 4 represents more than half of total iPhones ever sold.

Cook moves on to iPad news. Says more about the iPhone later. :) #iPhoneEvent

Tim Cook: Customer satisfaction ratings for the iPad are at 95%. Doesn't say though who conducted the survey.

Scott Forstall takes the stage to talk about iOS5. "More than 500K apps are in the App Store. 140K made specifically for the iPad."

Scott Forstall: Customers have downloaded more than 18 billion apps from the App Store. Developers have been paid more than $3B.

Scott Forstall: A new app launches today. "Cards" which allows you to create and mail cards from your iPhone/iPod touch.

Recap of iOS5 Features: Notifications; iMessage - the new iOS messaging system; deep Twitter integration; Newsstand.

30 minutes into Apple's iPhone event. Nothing spectacular so far. :|

Recap of iOS5 Features (Part2): Improved Camera (crop/rotate/red-eye); You don't need a computer to set up an iOS device.

iOS5 will be available as a FREE update to users on October 12th. 8 days from now.

Next up. Eddie Cue is on stage to talk about iCloud.

iCloud will be iTunes on the cloud. Store apps, music, and other iTunes purchases online. PhotoStream iPhone photos synced to the cloud.

Apple is also working on ability to edit Pages documents on your iPhone and have it update across all devices.

Daily iPhone backups can easily be restored from iCloud.

New "Family and Friends" App is a location based app w/c allows you to locate friends (depending on how they have setup location sharing).

Phil Schiller is back on stage talking about iPods.

iPod nano: Even easier to navigate. Bigger icons, 16 new clock faces (for those who use it as a watch).$129 8GB $149 16GB available today.

Phil Schiller: iPod Touch is not just most popular music player but also now the most popular portable game player in the world.

New iPod touch pricing: 8GB $199 32GB299 64GB $399. New iPod touch will also available in white.

Apple announces the iPhone 4S. It will look exactly like the iPhone 4 but with a faster processor, the A5 chip and dual-core graphics.

iPhone 4S battery life is better despite faster processor. 8 hours of talk time on 3G.

Apple fixes antenna issue found on iPhone 4. New wireless system on iPhone 4S will intelligently switch between two antennas.

iPhone 4S will be a world phone (both CDMA & GSM). Download speeds up to 2x faster. "Competitors call this 4G."

iPhone 4S camera will have an 8 megapixel sensor, backside illuminated sensor gets 73% more light. High-end IR filter. f2.4 lens.

iPhone 4S: 2x faster downloads, world phone (both GSM & CDMA), 8-megapixel camera

iPhone 4S will record 1080p HD video; and have real-time video image stabilization & real-time noise reduction.

Last iPhone 4S feature is about being able to talk to your iPhone. "What we really want to do is just talk to our device."

iPhone 4S Pricing: $199 16GB, $299 32GB, and $399 for 64GB. Available in Black and White. First time we get a 64GB iPhone.

Apple will continue to sell the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 3GS.

The iPhone 4S will be available in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, France, Germany & Japan on October 14th.

Apple's iPhone 4 event is over. No iPhone 5 folks.

Photo courtesy of gdgt FULL STORY...

iPhone 5 Launch | Apple Event Live Updates - October 4, 2011

iPhone 5 (or iPhone 4S) is being launched today, October 4, 2011, in an event being held at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California. This page will contain live updates from the Apple Event which will be gathered from social media sites.

Here's a live commentary of the Apple Event currently streaming on Youtube:

iPhone 5 October 5, 2011 Launch Live Commentary | Live Stream courtesy of "SoldierKnowsBest"

Meanwhile, check out below live updates from ANC Alerts and GMA News via Twitter (Refresh the page to know if more updates have been added.):

GMA News (via Josh Villanueva):

Tim Cook is on stage. This is his first keynote as Apple CEO. #iPhoneEvent

Tim Cook is talking about the performance of its retail stores & the record numbers that visited the HK Apple Store on opening day.

Tim Cook: 6 million copies of Mac OS X Lion have been downloaded. The MacBook Pro & iMac are best selling notebook & desktop in US.

300 Million iPods have been sold since first iPod was launched in 2001. #iPhoneEvent

Tim Cook: The iPhone 4 is the number 1 smart phone in the world. The iPhone 4 represents more than half of total iPhones ever sold.

Cook moves on to iPad news. Says more about the iPhone later. :) #iPhoneEvent

Tim Cook: Customer satisfaction ratings for the iPad are at 95%. Doesn't say though who conducted the survey.

Scott Forstall takes the stage to talk about iOS5. "More than 500K apps are in the App Store. 140K made specifically for the iPad."

Scott Forstall: Customers have downloaded more than 18 billion apps from the App Store. Developers have been paid more than $3B.

Scott Forstall: A new app launches today. "Cards" which allows you to create and mail cards from your iPhone/iPod touch.

Recap of iOS5 Features: Notifications; iMessage - the new iOS messaging system; deep Twitter integration; Newsstand.

30 minutes into Apple's iPhone event. Nothing spectacular so far. :|

Recap of iOS5 Features (Part2): Improved Camera (crop/rotate/red-eye); You don't need a computer to set up an iOS device.

iOS5 will be available as a FREE update to users on October 12th. 8 days from now.

Next up. Eddie Cue is on stage to talk about iCloud.

iCloud will be iTunes on the cloud. Store apps, music, and other iTunes purchases online. PhotoStream iPhone photos synced to the cloud.

Apple is also working on ability to edit Pages documents on your iPhone and have it update across all devices.

Daily iPhone backups can easily be restored from iCloud.

New "Family and Friends" App is a location based app w/c allows you to locate friends (depending on how they have setup location sharing).

Phil Schiller is back on stage talking about iPods.

iPod nano: Even easier to navigate. Bigger icons, 16 new clock faces (for those who use it as a watch).$129 8GB $149 16GB available today.

Phil Schiller: iPod Touch is not just most popular music player but also now the most popular portable game player in the world.

New iPod touch pricing: 8GB $199 32GB299 64GB $399. New iPod touch will also available in white.

Apple announces the iPhone 4S. It will look exactly like the iPhone 4 but with a faster processor, the A5 chip and dual-core graphics.

iPhone 4S battery life is better despite faster processor. 8 hours of talk time on 3G.

Apple fixes antenna issue found on iPhone 4. New wireless system on iPhone 4S will intelligently switch between two antennas.

iPhone 4S will be a world phone (both CDMA & GSM). Download speeds up to 2x faster. "Competitors call this 4G."

iPhone 4S camera will have an 8 megapixel sensor, backside illuminated sensor gets 73% more light. High-end IR filter. f2.4 lens.

New iPhone 4 camera is faster, meaning less time in between shots. Super fast photos.

iPhone 4S will record 1080p HD video; and have real-time video image stabilization & real-time noise reduction.

Last iPhone 4S feature is about being able to talk to your iPhone. "What we really want to do is just talk to our device."

iPhone 4S Pricing: $199 16GB, $299 32GB, and $399 for 64GB. Available in Black and White. First time we get a 64GB iPhone.

Apple will continue to sell the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 3GS.

The iPhone 4S will be available in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, France, Germany & Japan on October 14th.

Apple's iPhone 4 event is over. No iPhone 5 folks.

ANC Alerts:

New Apple CEO Tim Cook currently delivering keynote at iPhone event

Tim Cook: Over 300 million iPods sold (45 million from July 2010-June 2011)

Tim Cook: 16 billion songs downloaded on iTunes

Tim Cook: iPhone is 5% of worldwide mobile phone market

Tim Cook: iPad #1 tablet in the world. 74% of all tablets sold are iPads

Apple's Scott Forstall: 18 billion downloads from the App Store so far

Forstall discusses iMessage, a messaging service for iOS users that's pushed to all devices

Top iOS5 features: notifications, iMessage, Twitter integration, Newsstand, tabbed browsing, PC Free

iOS5 available on Oct. 12 as a free update for iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad, iPad 2, 3rd- & 4th-gen iPod Touch

New iPod Nano: 16 new clock faces, $149 for 16GB & $129 for 8GB

New iPod Touch: 8GB for $199, 32GB for $299, 64GB for $399. Available Oct. 12, with a white version.

Apple unveils iPhone 4S. Same design as iPhone 4 but processor is twice as fast

More on iPhone 4S: A5 chip, dual-core graphics, up to 7x faster graphics

iPhone 4S battery life: 3G talk time 8hrs, 2G talk time 14hrs, 3G browsing 6hrs, Wi-Fi browsing 9hrs, Video 10hrs, Music 40hrs

iPhone 4S "intelligently switches between two antennas to transmit and receive"

More on iPhone 4S 8-megapixel cam: better color accuracy, 30% more sharpness, 26% better white balance, face detection

iPhone 4S: 1080p HD video recording, video image stabilization, temporal noise reduction

FULL STORY...

Amanda Knox Verdict: Jury Overturn Murder Conviction

Amanda Knox verdict revealed. | Facebook Photo

Amanda Knox has been cleared of murder charges today after a jury of an Italian appeals court overturned her conviction. According to reports, Knox nearly collapsed when the judge announced her acquittal.

The jury, however, upheld Amanda Knox's conviction on the defamation charges after she accused club owner Patrick Lumumba of killing British college student Meredith Kercher in 2007 in Perugia. She implicated Lumumba in the murder after nearly 50 hours of interrogation by police.

The jury has also overturned the murder conviction of Knox's ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito. They will be both freed. Knox will be given time served for the defamation charge.

In December 2009, Knox, 24, and Sollecito, 27, were convicted in the murder of 21-year-old Kercher in 2007 that left the British university exchange student partially nude and bleeding to death from a slashed throat.

Knox and Sollecito have spent the last four years in an Italian jail and was likely to face life sentence depending on appeals court ruling today. FULL STORY...

'No Other Woman' gross now P100M after 5 days

No Other Woman poster

"No Other Woman's" total gross is now estimated to have reached the Php100 Million mark since it opened in theaters 5 days ago, according to reports.

Anne Curtis who just got back from Bangkok, Thailand also tweeted about her movie's box office performance just a while ago.

"I'm back! Hello Manila! what awesome news to come back to! 100M na in 5 days ang No Other Woman. Thank you so much guys! Overwhelming!!" Anne said.

She added, "I'm actually super speechless, so I'll keep it simple and sincerely say thank you to all of you!!!"

It was earlier reported that "No Other Woman" raked in P15 Million during its first day in Philippine cinemas.

Topbilled by Anne Curtis, Derek Ramsay, and Cristine Reyes, "No Other Woman" is directed by Ruel S. Bayani and was rated “A” by the Cinema Evaluation Board and "R-13" by the MTRCB.

It tells the story of a married furniture supplier (Derek Ramsay) who was tempted to stray by a comely young client (Anne Curtis). His wife (Cristine Reyes), keen to the client's romantic ambitions, is soon fighting for the love of her own husband.

Watch the trailer of "No Other Woman" here: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/09/no-other-woman-movie-trailer-starring.html FULL STORY...