Bar Exam Results 2011: 31.9% Passing Rate in the 2011 Philippine Bar Exams

Despite the catastrophic impeachment trial of Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona, there are still young hopefuls to be lawyers and someday become the Chief Justice of the highest court.

The result of the 2011 Philippine Bar Examinations was announced by the Supreme Court today, February 28, 2012, as reported by several local news sites. There are 1,913 examinees out of 5,990 who passed the 2011 Bar exams or a passing percentage of 31.9%.

Reports say that the 2011 Bar Exam result is the 2nd highest passing rate in this millennium. The highest Bar Exam result was registered in 2001 where 32.89% of the examinees passed. The 2002 Bar Exam result of 19.68%, was the lowest passing percentage.

Supreme Court spokesman Jose Midas Marquez explained that the high passing rate in the exam was due to “the reforms undertaken in the 2011 Bar Exams.” Marquez said that the 2011 Bar Exam results are still being audited manually and the complete list of Bar Exam passers will be released at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28.

Below is the complete composition of Bar examiners of the 2011 Bar Exams.

Justice Roberto Abad – Chairperson and former Dean of the University of Sto. Tomas Law School Court of Appeals Justice and Professor Amy Lazaro-Javier for Political Law Professor Atty. Cesario Alvero Azucena, Jr. for Labor Law Former Justice Usec. Dean Ernesto Pineda for Civil Law Professor Abelardo Domondon for Taxation Court of Appeals Justice and Professor Ramon Paul Hernando for Mercantile Law Sandiganbayan Justice and Professor Maria Cristina Cornejo for Criminal Law Former Professor and Practitioner Virgilio Manguera for Remedial Law MCLE Lecturer and Professor Edwin Carillo for Legal Ethics

A multiple choice type of exam was included for the first time in the 2011 Bar Exams. About 60% of the exams was multiple choice and the remaining 40% was in essay.

Lester Zapanta: Pinoy Dog Whisperer

You've probably Cesar Millan -- the American-Mexican TV host, with super powers to tame your obnoxiously mischievous dogs. He's the famous host of TV show "Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan", which features guests’ problem dogs, introduced through documentary-style footage and an interview with the owners. Millan offers suggestions on how the owners can become their pet's 'pack leader', consistent with the theory that dogs are pack animals. He uses behaviour modification techniques and the philosophy that exercise, discipline and affection are required "in that order" for dogs to be healthy and balanced.

Well, of course, we Filipinos must have our own version. Meet Lester Zapanta, the Pinoy Dog Whisperer.

Lestre Zapanta, a dog behaviorist who offers to rehabilitate these pooches, cites a few examples – a dog scared of the ceiling fan, another who attacks tricycles, or the mutt who can’t stop barking at the trash can. Problematic pet owners may send the videos through his Facebook page called "Petiks Dogbehaviortraining."

Zapanta, who started pack walks in Las Pinas and walks as many as eight dogs at a time, has seen an increasing number of dog owners for all sorts of behavior issues – aggression and biting, hyperactivity, dominance, obsessions, territorial behavior, non-stop barking, to name a few.

Dog owners from as far as La Union and Caloocan troop to his center in Las Pinas, called "PETiks," with their pets. Here, Zapanta sees dogs of all breeds and temperaments -- there’s the leash-pulling Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the territorial Labrador Retriever who nips workers in his owner’s compound, the Chow Chow who kills cats and has bitten his owner’s son, and the aspin who growls during a bath, among a few.

His Facebook page shows videos of some problem dogs he has rehabilitated. He even offers sessions through FaceTime.

Pinoy teacher's kid wins Maryland spelling bee

High school honor roll student Jireh Lee Silva recently topped the preliminary round of the Exodus Spelling Bee competition in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She is the daughter of one of hundreds of Filipino teachers who’ve lost or are about to lose their jobs.

“I joined the Spelling Bee on a whim,” said Jireh (pronounced “Ji-rah”), who heard about it from one of her classmates and at first didn’t give it much thought.

“I thought I might as well take some risks since it was my senior year,” she added. “I’ve never won money for anything so it felt nice to get something that I know I worked hard for.”

Aside from qualifying for the championship in Atlanta, Georgia this April, Jireh won a $1,000 cash prize.

The 14-year-old lass is the daughter of Nerisa Silva, one of the teachers hit by the Labor Department’s 2-year debarment against the Prince George’s County Public School (PGCPS) system.

For more news about Jireh Lee Silva, read ABS-CBN news!

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago: Top 10 Mad Moments

Honestly, Philippines politics will be massively boring without Sen. Miriam Santiago. She's smart, definitely educated, awesomely knowledgeable about laws, has sense of humor without knowing it -- and all of these are happening at the same time, when we get to see her in court, Senate and wherever she into.

Currently, Supreme Court Justice Corona is under Impeachment trial and we always, always miss Sen. Santiago if she's not present in court. Spot.ph did a great job on collecting the Top 10 Mad Moments of our dear senator.

Take a look here!

10. Provocative Look



  9. Talakitok



8. Don't Ever Smile

7. Black and White Movement

6. No EPAL Allowed

5. Duwag

 

 4. No Mercy


  3. Only I Can Scream Here


  2. Allergic To Cellphone Rings


  1. OK is Not Okay! 

Have You Heard about ‘iChoose’ Campaign?

To further support the government’s “More Fun in the Philippines” project, Choose Philippines, the country’s first-ever social and travel networking site, will launch the “i Choose” campaign, introducing a new microsite that encourages every Filipino to contribute to the 7,107 reasons why people choose the Philippines.

 At the grand launch on “ASAP 2012” last Sunday (Feb 19), the campaign’s video will be aired for the first time. It features people from across the world who have shared their different reasons why they choose the Philippines over other tourist destinations in the world. Their thoughts are not only limited to the beautiful places but also the other activities that are more fun to do in the Philippines.

This is really cool! Say about getting goosebumps while hearing foreign people "choosing" Philippines!

By logging on and signing up to www.choosephils.com, anyone can access the social travelnet’s microsite http://choosephils.com/ichoose/ where they can participate in the campaign and state the reason why they choose the Philippines. The post can only be a simple sentence yet accompanied by a picturesque image of any of the Philippines’ best—that can be a place, food, service, event and even admirable Pinoy values.

Check out more information about "i-Choose Philippines" at ABS-CBN News!

Mark Muñoz: ‘The Filipino-Wrecking Machine’ is In Manila

Filipino-American and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight star Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Muñoz arrived in Manila last weekend to visit the Philippines for the first time.

UFC middleweight star and top contender Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Muñoz is scheduled to fly out from California to Manila to attend an MMA event in the Philippines this weekend as well as visit his native roots for the first time in his life.

The full-blooded Filipino Munoz has long been trying to visit the Philippines, but with his career taking off and the UFC keeping him on a tight schedule, it took an unfortunate elbow injury that forced him off his title eliminator fight against Chael Sonnen three weeks ago, to finally open up his schedule.

Mark's father hails from Bicol and was a serviceman in the NAVY, while his mom on the other hand is from Sta. Ana in Manila, and is the primary culprit for Munoz's love for Filipino food. His parents ran a Filipino restaurant for years in Vallejo, California while he was growing up.

"The Filipino culture.. these are my roots man. I grew up Filipino. I grew up around Filipinos. I just love my culture man. I'm excited to finally come home to my roots."

Munoz will be staying in the Philippines all the way up to the 21st, then fly back to the US to resume rehabbing his surgically repaired elbow. The timetable for his return is tentatively set around July.

Source: Examiner

Nonito Donaire wins over Wilfredo Vazquez via split decision

It was not that highly-publicized as Manny Pacquiao, but Filipino-American and three-time world boxing champion Nonito Donaire Jr has something to contribute to Pinoy Pride for winning over Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. via split decision, for WBO Super Bantamweight title.

As featured at HBO on Saturday, February 4, 2012 (Sunday, Manila time), Donaire won after 12 rounds of boxing, which was a co-feature with the Chavez-Rubio match at Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, and was also aired at ABS-CBN.

Apparently, the Donaire vs Vazquez bout was won by Donaire after the two judges voted for him (117-110) and one voted 115-112 for Vazquez, who went down in Round 9 via a three-punch combination but was able to stand up at once.

During the entire match, Donaire was seen more aggressive, busier, and more accurate than the Puerto Rican boxer, but the latter became braver in the start of the seventh round.

Donaire, 29, who has now a record of 28-1, 18 KO was on his first fight at 122 pounds, while Vazquez, 27, now has a record of 21-2-1, 18 KO, his second lost after losing last year from Jorge Arce via TKO and losing his WBO Super Bantamweight title.

Manny Pacquiao answers to Floyd Mayweather Jr Twitter challenge to fight him on May 5, 2012

Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao answered back to the Twitter challenge of his most controversial nemesis, Floyd Mayweather Jr. to fight him on May 5, 2012.

According to ABS-CBN News on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, Pacquiao said that it is up to Mayweather Jr. to decide if their much-awaited boxing bout will push through, not him.

“Wala ng problema doon. Tanggapin na lang n’ya ang 50% na share n’ya at okay na ‘yung fight,” Pacquiao, who turned 33 last December 17, told the report, with each of them being estimated to make around $50 million to $60 million.

(There are no more problems. Once he accepts the 50% share, then the fight deal is done)

“S’ya na dapat ang mag-oo… Priority ng Top Rank, namin, na matuloy ang laban na ‘yun dahil ‘yun ang hinihintay mga tao.” Pacquiao added, who was recently promoted as Lieutenant Colonel in the Reserve Force of the Philippine Army.

(He is the one to say yes… The priority of Top Rank is that the fight should push through since it has long been waited by the people)

On Tuesday, Floyd Mayweather Jr., who was given a 90-day sentence and a 100-day community service last December 21 for a battery case, challenged Manny Pacquiao via Twitter.

“Manny Pacquiao I’m calling you out let’s fight May 5th and give the world what they want to see.” Mayweather Jr (@FloydMayweather) tweeted.

“My Jail Sentence was pushed back because the date was locked in. Step up Punk.” The 34-year old American boxer tweeted, about two hours later, as he is set to be behind bars starting June 1, 2012.

Meanwhile, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday that a Pacquiao-Mayweather bout on May 5 is unlikely to happen, citing a later date is more possible.

“You don’t throw $40 million away. May 5 is out, that’s impossible. June 9 is perfect.” Arum told the paper, noting the extra time is needed for the construction of an arena much bigger than the 16,000-seat MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Sendong Charity Game – Jose Manalo Meets Gerald Anderson

Sendong Charity Game: Jose Manalo spoofed Gerald Anderson’s TV soap character “Budoy” in front of Gerald.

Last December, Jose Manalo‘s impersonation of “Budoy”–a character of ABS-CBN’s primetime series played by Gerald Anderson–became a trending topic on Twitter.



During the Fastbreak Charity Event for Sendong Victims held at The Arena in San Juan City last Friday, comedian Jose Manalo was able to meet the object of his impersonation–Gerald Anderson.
During the halftime break, Jose and Gerald put on a show to the delight of the crowd.

Watch the video here:




Aside from their entertaining “Budoy” skit, Jose and Gerald also showed their basketball skills when each of them sank a three-pointer during the game.

Other stars who participated in the Sendong Charity Game include Jhong Hilario, Jon Hall, Young JV, Gab Valenciano, Luis Alandy, Marco Alcaraz, Ervic Vijandre and Chris Tiu.

Also present at the event were rock stars Rico Blanco and Champ Lui Pio.

Jose Rizal Awards Given to OFWs in Macau

About 15 OFWs and NGOs in Macau were given Plaque of Appreciation for their support to the Consulate’s cultural programs during the 115th death anniversary of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, December 30 last year.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the recipients of the plaques ranged from individuals to organizations who “volunteered their time, talents, and resources for the success of the Consulate’s thrust to promote awareness of Philippine culture in Macau.”

Among those who received the plaques were:

Kristofferson Guinto Alcachupas
ATIS Angels
Angelito Argana
Couples for Christ
Global Debutante Filipino Engineers and Architects Society of Macau (FEASMAC) headed by Dennis Dela Cruz
Marco Diolata
Clifford Allen Estrala
Edwin Go
Macau Cordillera Association
Macau Friendship Band
The Orient Tribe Dance troupe
Herbert Ramos
Divine Reyroso
Sharon Rivero
Reyani Romano

List courtesy of GMA News

‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ – DOT’s New Campaign Became a Trending Topic on Twitter and Facebook Worldwide

“It’s More Fun in the Philippines” – this is the new slogan launched by the Department of Tourism today, January 6, which became a trending topic on Twitter worldwide.

The new slogan as well as the official website of the campaign–www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com–was launched earlier today by the Department of Tourism (DOT) hoping for the full support of the Filipinos for it to stay true.

The pitch, which was conceived with the help of top advertising agency BBDO Guerrero | Proximity Philippines, gives weight to the people of the Philippines and not just on its captivating tourist spots as its official website says: “It’s the Filipinos that will make your holiday unforgettable.”

“Our strategy is simple: while other countries invite you to observe, Filipinos can promise a more heartfelt and interesting experience.” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said regarding the new campaign.

Jimenez also twitted on the DOT’s (@DOTPhilippines) official Twitter account:

“We need a line that is easily understood. Competitive. More fun in the Philippines is true. Keri natin ito!”

Aside from the DOT Secretary, Filipino netizens here and abroad also discussed the new slogan on Twitter which made the hashtag #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines a trending topic on the microblogging site worldwide.

It became a viral meme that even other nationalities joined in on the discussion.

English author Neil Gaiman, for example, posted on his Twitter account:

“#itsmorefuninthephilippines hashtag is a true one. They applaud loudly and hug you a lot.”

So what do you think of the DOT’s new campaign? Pasado kaya kay President Noynoy?
It can be remembered that PNoy junked the previous DOT slogan–“Pilipinas Kay Ganda”–in 2010 after it was alleged that the logo was copied from Poland‘s official travel website.

Will this new slogan suffer the same fate after a discovery that it’s nearly the exact same slogan used in a 1951 Swiss ad for tourism?

David Archuleta joins Philippine Soap Opera – Video

Here’s a clip from the Philippines announcing that American Idol runner up David Archuleta is going to star in a soap opera on TV5! David is going to be a superstar in the Philippines.

American Idol star David Archuleta is arriving in the Philippines on January 13. He’s going to be officially a ‘Kapatid!’

Update: This is 100% CONFIRMED!

‘The Amazing Race Philippines’ Soon on TV5 (Teaser)

Check out the teaser for the highly-anticipated Philippine edition of the Emmy Award-winning reality show “The Amazing Race.”

“The Amazing Race” is an Emmy Award-winning reality game show in which teams consisting of two people, who have some form of a preexisting personal relationship (brothers, sisters, friends, lovers, co-workers, etc.), race around the world in competition with other teams. Teams are progressively eliminated every episode (last pair to reach the pit stops) until three are left; at that point, the team that arrives first in the final leg is awarded the grand prize.

Fans of The Amazing Race franchise can expect the same level of heart-pumping adventure and thrilling challenges with the all new “The Amazing Race Philippines,” one of the gigantic reality shows acquired by TV5 for their 2012 programming.

Rumor has it that Aga Muhlach will serve as host of the local franchise.
Watch the teaser for “The Amazing Race Philippines” here:

Top Grossing Filipino Movies for 2011 – The Final Rankings

The hardcore comedy movie of the year–Praybeyt Benjamin–is also the highest-grossing Pinoy Film of all time with a record of P331.6 million box office gross. The Vice Ganda-starrer is also the first and only Filipino movie to surpass the elusive P300 million mark.
TOP-GROSSING PINOY FILMS FOR 2011

(As of January 1, 2011 due to MMFF’s 1st week report)

1. Praybeyt Benjamin – P331.6M
2. No Other Woman – P276.8-M
3. Enteng ng Ina Mo – P183.21M *
4. Catch Me…I’m In Love – P120.21M
5. In the Name of Love – P117.2M
6. Segunda Mano – P94.63M *
7. Panday 2 – P86.32M *
8. Won’t Last A Day Without You – P78.9M
9. Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak! – P72.31M
10. Bulong – P67.27M
====================================
11. Temptation Island – P60-M
12. Who’s That Girl? – P58.31M
13. Forever and a Day – P44.73M
14. My Valentine Girls – P44.26M
15. My Househusband, Ikaw Na! – P42.58M *
16. Shake, Rattle and Roll 13 – P41.93M *
17. Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi – P37.46M
18. The Road – P34-M
19. Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington – P32.28-M
20. Tween Academy: Class of 2012 – P32.23M
THE REMAINDERS
21. Manila Kingpin: The Untold Story of Asiong Salonga –P31.78M *
22. Aswang – P31.28M
23. Ang Babae sa Septic Tank – P30.26M
24. My Neighbor’s Wife – P27.56M
25. Way Back Home – P25.78M
26. The Adventures of Pureza: Queen of the Riles – P19.84M
27. Tumbok – P10.53M
28. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow– P7.36M *
29. Ikaw ang Pag-ibig – P5.5M
30. Tum: My Pledge of Love – P5.16M
31. Thelma – P1.35M

Prison Dancer – The Interactive Web Musical – Trailer

The dancing inmates of the Philippines have spawned a musical.

Filipinos are so talented!

Watch the video here:

From YouTube:

The teaser trailer for Prison Dancer: The Interactive Web Musical! Full trailers coming soon, and watch this channel for the debut of the 12 episode web series launching in March 2012! Music and Lyrics by Romeo Candido. Written by Romeo Candido and Carmen De Jesus. Produced by Ana Serrano. Starring Mikey Bustos, Jeigh Madjus, Catherine Ricafort, Matt Wells, Ron Josol, Nicco Lorenzo, Norman Alconcel, Pierre Bayuga and Joseph Sevillo.